The new partnership with Node will see the firm deliver 63 luxury apartments in Brixton, with premium views across London. Enrok Construction has commenced work with Node to deliver 63 one-and-two-bed luxury apartments in Brixton, London. The construction specialist has worked on the project since March 2022 and is now
Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has further strengthened its portfolio in London and the South East, with the acquisition of two prime urban logistics estates in Park Royal and Watford. This transaction continues the company’s strategic focus on Greater London, following recent acquisitions in
Earn while you learn with LABC’s funded training scheme Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the membership organisation for 3,500 public service building surveyors in England and Wales, has launched a fully funded trainee scheme to attract new recruits into the profession. Following the landmark Building Safety Act 2022, LABC is
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a brand-new Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) and Heat Pump solution which offers an innovative approach of transforming a NIBE “ground-source” heat pump product into a “multi-source” heat pump product. NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative, and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council. The £4million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching
Kayflow continues to demonstrate its commitment to both product development and sustainability by investing in a new injection moulding machine, which is just one element of the company’s ongoing investment programme for 2022. Kayflow’s new Romi – 800T Injection Moulding Machine with Axis Robot will be used for the ongoing
Rockwool’s new launch of NyRock technology delivers improved thermal performance, while maintaining non-combustibility and acoustic capabilities As pressure mounts on the construction industry to deliver more thermally efficient buildings whilst preserving standards of fire and acoustic performance, ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock technology. NyRock is an evolution in stone wool composition
Despite research by the UK Green Building Council (Nov 2021) showing that embodied carbon emissions due to the construction process, maintenance and demolition of buildings, created 40 to 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually – more than aviation and shipping combined, the UK government has failed to regulate the embodied
33.4% of female project managers say unequal levels of pay is the biggest barrier facing women who’d like to get into project-based careers Survey reveals divided opinions, with the most common response from male project professionals that it’s because project management is still considered to be a male dominated profession
More than three quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source materials this year New research reveals the 10 materials that workers have found hardest to source Plasterers, surveyors and joiners are the worst affected trades The materials shortage has plagued the UK trade industry for two years, and now
The new partnership with Node will see the firm deliver 63 luxury apartments in Brixton, with premium views across London. Enrok Construction has commenced work with Node to deliver 63 one-and-two-bed luxury apartments in Brixton, London. The construction specialist has worked on the project since March 2022 and is now able to announce the formal contract. In a short time Enrok has played a pivotal role, completing roof works, installing windows and commencing the cladding and internal fit out, and is now committed to the successful completion of the scheme. In its entirety, the project will see the conversion of a four-story building on Shakespeare Road with work to include the development of a fifth additional floor containing 6 additional luxury apartments. The penthouses will boast premium views across the capital city with a number of iconic buildings in sight, including The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. Speaking on the project, Simon Bennett MCIOB, Enrok’s Operations Manager, commented: “We have been working closely with the team at Node for four months now, and it’s great to be able to shout about what will become our flagship project. “Building outwards is not always feasible in high-density areas, so developing upwards is an effective solution – and something that is becoming increasingly popular across London and other densely populated cities where space is at a premium. “Working in London does come with its own challenges, but our project planning and existing presence in London has enabled us to hit the ground running on the scheme and we are looking forward to delivering it successfully. “We hope that this marks the start of a strong working relationship with Node and very much look forward to the prospect of future collaborations.” Enrok Construction is a privately owned construction company, operating across the UK from its headquarters in Derbyshire. The firm provides developers and clients from the UK and beyond with an all-inclusive construction service. It has built a reputation across the Midlands for consistently designing, building and project managing the delivery of homes and commercial buildings that people aspire to live, work, socialise and visit and which benefit their communities.
Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has further strengthened its portfolio in London and the South East, with the acquisition of two prime urban logistics estates in Park Royal and Watford. This transaction continues the company’s strategic focus on Greater London, following recent acquisitions in Croydon and Erith in July. Comprising more than 360,000 sq. ft. of prime last-mile logistics space, on a total of 17 acres, both estates offer a range of Grade A units and are 100% leased to customers operating in diverse industry sectors including distribution, construction, pharmaceutical and film and television. Located in two densely populated urban markets, Prologis Central Park (Park Royal) and Prologis Imperial Park (Watford) are strong additions to the UK portfolio, with both benefiting from excellent connectivity to London and beyond. Situated at the heart of Park Royal, the capital’s premier industrial and logistics estate, Central Park was built in 2014 to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification. Imperial Park was built in phases from 2000 and is well located less than 5 minutes from Junction 5, M1 in Watford, north west London’s principal commercial district. The purchase of both assets complements Prologis UK’s existing portfolio – expanding holdings at Park Royal and, in the case of Watford, increasing the company’s presence along the southern M1-London corridor. The Watford site in particular adds to a number of successful projects in Hemel Hempstead. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK: “The purchase of these prime urban logistics estates illustrates our confidence in and appetite to grow our last mile offering servicing London and the South East. We look forward to working with new customers across the two parks, all of whom are welcome additions to our business.” The assets were acquired from Schroders Capital who were advised by Gerald Eve.
Earn while you learn with LABC’s funded training scheme Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the membership organisation for 3,500 public service building surveyors in England and Wales, has launched a fully funded trainee scheme to attract new recruits into the profession. Following the landmark Building Safety Act 2022, LABC is boosting building control capacity in light of new responsibilities and support for the Building Safety Regulator. The regulator will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all new higher risk buildings and for the oversight of 12,000 existing occupied tall buildings. The capacity building programme will see more than 150 people recruited into the building control profession with a three year fully funded learning and development plan. LABC is looking for people who can demonstrate leadership skills, solve problems creatively and work under pressure. The programme is nationwide with a clear progression pathway. The funded scheme means learning and development will be fully subsidised, and recruits will be paid while they study and progress. The programme allows trainees to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to competently deal with the full range of building work and other statutory functions undertaken by building control. Trainees’ specific development and learning will be supported while they undertake studies for the Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Building Control followed by funded level 6 (degree level) learning once they are in permanent employment with a local authority. The educational programme provided by LABC is combined with experiential learning gained while being placed with a local authority building control team. Shadowing building control professionals gives recruits first hand opportunity to see how the knowledge they gain is applied practically to make sure buildings are safe. Once a trainee successfully completes each stage of learning and has gained sufficient experience, they can take the relevant validation assessment through the Building Safety Competence Foundation (BSCF). After the three-year programme trainees will be able to apply for roles within local authority building control teams – this could be as an assistant building control surveyor or higher, depending on how well they progress. Details of the scheme can be found here.
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a brand-new Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) and Heat Pump solution which offers an innovative approach of transforming a NIBE “ground-source” heat pump product into a “multi-source” heat pump product. NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative, and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps, removing the requirement of a ground or bore hole collector array. The PV-T collectors produce electrical energy that can be used to operate a ground source heat pump. On a hot day, the circulating brine helps cool the PV-T panel, increasing PV-T generation efficiency. Following successful trials in homes and public sector buildings in the UK, NIBE is pleased to officially launch this new technology which produces two types of energy, thermal energy and electricity, by using a unique solar panel. The PV-T system builds on NIBE’s promise to continuously update its products, and to make it easy to be ‘smart.’ The system was recently successfully installed at the University of West London. The ground-breaking scheme is considered as one of the largest of its kind in the world and was made possible thanks to a £5 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund. The project involved the replacement of old gas boilers with ground source heat pumps alongside 580 solar PV-T panels. The site remained active throughout the build due to the use of prefabricated structures and the innovative PV-T design removing the need for extensive groundworks. Jonny Hancock, Product Manager at NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: “The NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps. The installation of a PV-T array can be utilised as a direct alternative or supplement to a traditional borehole or surface collector, while delivering the same levels of efficiency. It is also an excellent solution for when an air/water solution is not desirable. “PV-T panels are equipped with PV cells at the front that convert sunlight into electricity. The rear consists of a thermal heat exchanger that extracts aerothermal energy from the ambient air. The operation of the heat exchanger is therefore comparable to that of an air/water heat pump, without the requirement of a mechanical fan. A PV-T system therefore works 100% silently. Depending on the heating requirements, they can replace traditional boreholes or ground arrays, minimising disruption and removing the need for extensive ground works which can be impractical on some sites.” The PV-T collector is designed so that even on cloudy days and at night, the heat exchanger provides sufficient energy for the heat pump. In warmer months, the heat extracted by the collector helps cool the PV aperture surface, improving generation efficiency. The system has also been designed to provide additional comfort in the summer through passive cooling – increasing efficiencies and maximising carbon savings. It can also be used in new build properties to provide an efficient solution where noise is a concern and space is at a premium.
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council. The £4million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching spaces comprising eight standard classrooms and a demonstration science lab. It will also provide flexible options for dining and social spaces and extra staff workrooms. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “Having built the main Glossopdale School, which has proved so popular, Henry Brothers is delighted to have now delivered an extension to create additional space for a further 200 students. “We have partnered with Derbyshire County Council on several school projects over recent years, helping to enhance facilities, and it’s great to see the completion of this latest scheme. “Working alongside employers agent Concertus, DLA Architecture, civil and structural engineer Curtins and Couch Perry Wilkes for M & E services, Henry Brothers has helped to deliver a superb scheme, which will allow additional pupils to attend this popular school.” The addition, which was funded by the Council, is set into the hillside and also includes a new multi-use outdoor games area for play and PE. Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “It’s great to see the handover of the new phase of the planned Glossopdale expansion, and we’re really pleased that it’s been delivered ahead of the original strategy to help us meet local demand. “We’re committed to ensuring young people in Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and access to a high-quality education is at the heart of that. I’m really pleased that the school will be welcoming pupils back into this new space from September.” Jess Etienne, Key Account Manager at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “Considering the economic climate during the construction period, we are pleased to have been able to play our part in delivering these high-quality educational facilities and we are so thrilled with the outcome. The close and positive working relationship between Concertus, Derbyshire County Council, and Henry Brothers has played an instrumental part in the success of this project, and we are excited to see the students continue their journey in their new setting.” Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. Henry Brothers is on a carbon reduction journey and is committed to cutting its carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030, and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk
Kayflow continues to demonstrate its commitment to both product development and sustainability by investing in a new injection moulding machine, which is just one element of the company’s ongoing investment programme for 2022. Kayflow’s new Romi – 800T Injection Moulding Machine with Axis Robot will be used for the ongoing production of Kayflow’s underground soil and waste range of mouldings. The machine’s extensive collection of innovative features will aid production as well as helping to reduce the company’s energy consumption. The machine’s ‘Stop and Go’ system is driven by a Servopump for high precision, repeatability, and energy efficiency, whilst the modernised power system will result in a 60 percent reduction in energy usage. Its reduced cycle times will also help to improve machine utilisation and capacity, both of which support a more sustainable operation. In addition to contributing to Kayflow’s energy efficiency objectives, the Romi – 800T also enables consistent production and a superior finish aiding the company’s commitment to providing only the highest quality products on the market. Alan Tunnicliffe, Technical Director at Kayflow, explains: “The Romi – 800T is one of ten new machines we plan to purchase in 2022, following on from our investment in three machines last year. Overall, 70 percent of our machinery has been modernised over the past two years, which has enabled us to maintain our high-quality standards and increase productivity, whilst reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint. “Quality will always be at the heart of everything we do, but we are constantly aware of the impact our processes have on the environment. This is why we strive to employ systems and procedures that work to mitigate any negative environmental effects and increase our sustainability. “We’re confident that the investments we have made – and continue to make – will have a positive impact on our business processes, both in terms of product quality and energy consumption, for many years to come.” Further information about Kayflow and its product range can be found at www.kayflow.co.uk or by calling 01827 317 269.
Rockwool’s new launch of NyRock technology delivers improved thermal performance, while maintaining non-combustibility and acoustic capabilities As pressure mounts on the construction industry to deliver more thermally efficient buildings whilst preserving standards of fire and acoustic performance, ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock technology. NyRock is an evolution in stone wool composition that delivers the lowest lambda stone wool insulation available in the UK. NyRock has a more efficient fibre structure to deliver low thermal conductivity Created using a new patented production process, this next generation stone wool insulation has a more efficient fibre structure that can deliver thermal conductivity as low as 0.032 W/mK. This means that U-values can be met with comparatively thinner constructions, which in the case of external wall applications, creates the potential for additional interior floor space over a given building footprint. Alongside its improved thermal efficiency, NyRock technology still delivers all the additional benefits of stone wool insulation including durability, the ability to be recycled indefinitely, and acoustic and fire performance. Comprising naturally non-combustible volcanic rock, ROCKWOOL solutions powered by NyRock technology achieve Euroclass A1 (the highest possible rating) and can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C. A solution to the rapidly evolving needs of the built environment Paul Barrett, head of product management at ROCKWOOL UK, commented: “Our new products featuring NyRock technology will be significant for the construction industry, giving specifiers and building owners a true solution to the rapidly evolving needs of the built environment and its biggest challenges. “To limit the impact of climate change and support the delivery of net zero carbon in the UK by 2050, it’s the responsibility of manufacturers like ourselves to go further, re-inventing and improving on existing solutions. NyRock technology does just that. “While stone wool insulation is already known for its proven benefits such as longevity, ease of install, circularity, and non-combustibility that is crucial for protecting people and properties, our patented technology builds on these advantages further. “Whether specifiers need a solution to the lower U-values of England’s new Approved Document L that also maximises floor space, or a non-combustible option for a high-rise property with enhanced thermal and acoustic performance, NyRock technology’s industry-leading lambda value for stone wool and ability to reduce the thickness of a construction element support those requirements.” NyRock technology will be rolled out across a range of ROCKWOOL insulation solutions during 2022. To register for updates on the launch of products featuring NyRock technology, visit rockwool.com/uk/nyrock or click here.
Despite research by the UK Green Building Council (Nov 2021) showing that embodied carbon emissions due to the construction process, maintenance and demolition of buildings, created 40 to 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually – more than aviation and shipping combined, the UK government has failed to regulate the embodied carbon cost of construction whilst focusing solely on operational emissions. As a result, experts in the field of decarbonisation have worked together to develop a proposal for amendments to the Building Regulations that could be used to mandate the reporting and limiting of carbon emissions. Head of Sustainability at Whitecode, Ellen Huelin, takes a look at the proposed Part Z amendment to the Building Regulations and the concept of embodied carbon regulation. She argues that without such regulation the UK could easily fail to meet its ambitious carbon emissions targets. There has been a great deal of focus trained on the energy efficiency of properties being built and operational emissions, but not enough attention has been paid to the sustainable aspect of the construction process. I agree with the authors of the proposed amendments to The Building Regulations 2010 that there is the need for legislation to be introduced that would ensure that embodied carbon is assessed on all projects as part of a comprehensive whole-life carbon assessment. The House of Commons’ Environmental Audit Committee agree. In its report in May 2022 entitled Building to net Zero: costing carbon in construction, it states that the single most significant policy the government could introduce is a mandatory requirement to undertake a whole-life carbon assessment for buildings and that this requirement should be set within building regulations and the planning system. It says the government should then develop progressively ratcheting carbon targets for buildings, with a clear timeline for introducing this in place by the end of 2022. This is the biggest indication yet that the government is beginning to listen to our industry which has been actively supporting the concept behind a new Part Z and recognising that, as a result of a lack of policy, no real progress has been made in reducing embodied carbon emissions within the built environment. Our sustainability team at Whitecode has a great deal of experience carrying out whole life-cycle carbon (WLC) emission assessments, that consider operational as well as embodied carbon emissions together over a project’s expected life cycle, because the London Plan (policy SI 2) sets out a requirement for development proposals to calculate and reduce WLC emissions as part of a WLC assessment. London has an ambitious target to become zero-carbon by 2050, but even the London Plan has no specific embodied carbon targets, only ones around reducing carbon in operation. Outside of London it seems that only the most forward-thinking developers or those where sustainability is their Unique Selling Point (USP) are carrying out voluntary whole-life carbon assessments. Policy change will be the quickest route to transform the industry so that we can match countries including the Netherlands, France and Sweden who already regulate embodied carbon emissions. It is frustrating that we are lagging behind others when we have an industry that is calling for it! Any new policy needs to be progressive otherwise the industry will not achieve substantive change. The government’s Future Homes and Buildings Standard will ensure that all future homes will be net zero ready from 2025, if new regulations around embodied carbon emissions don’t come into play soon, this will be a standard that will be difficult to meet. We also need regulation and quickly, around the use of sustainable construction materials to ensure that as an industry we are working towards net-zero. To do this I believe the government needs to incentivise their use and their development. We need to consider the circular economy. We know that we shouldn’t be putting things into landfill and that we should be looking to recycle where possible, but we don’t want to just be able to recycle; we need to be able to re-use construction materials again and again. We need to look at how functional and adaptable they are and ensure they are designed for assembly so they can be remodelled and repurposed. We can no longer just stick materials together if we want to work towards a whole life-cycle approach. Industry standardisation will support moves to regulate embodied carbon. Notes on the proposed Part Z say that a cross-industry team is developing a free-to-use Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) that will be launched this year, the idea being that it minimises the cost and complexity of the process of measuring embodied carbon. The BECD will also include a product database. The standardisation and bringing together of information is vital to allow new regulations to be easily implemented. The government needs to adopt this approach by standardising methodology, creating reporting frameworks and setting minimum targets for the construction sector. Industry support for regulation is clear, with major developers and industry bodies stepping forward to support the concept of Part Z. I am also seeing a change of mindset coming from within the sector around environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). Recently I have been asked by a number of clients for advice around ESG and one client has asked me to join their sustainability steering group to help them with the mechanisms of placing sustainability intrinsically within their business. These are positive developments that demonstrate a real appetite by companies to accelerate their reduction in carbon emissions. The government needs to recognise that the construction industry is ready and willing for change. The time is now. There has been a great deal of focus trained on the energy efficiency of properties being built and operational emissions, but not enough attention has been paid to the sustainable aspect of the construction process. I agree with the authors of the proposed amendments to The Building Regulations 2010 that there is the need for legislation to be introduced that would ensure that embodied carbon is assessed on all projects
33.4% of female project managers say unequal levels of pay is the biggest barrier facing women who’d like to get into project-based careers Survey reveals divided opinions, with the most common response from male project professionals that it’s because project management is still considered to be a male dominated profession Too few women taking STEM subjects at school, college or university is considered to be biggest barrier for women entering the project profession according to project professionals in the transport and logistics (35% of respondents) and construction (40%) sectors. A new survey by Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has revealed the differences between what male and female project professionals consider to be the biggest barrier preventing more women entering the project profession. The survey of 1,000 project professionals (from junior to director level), undertaken with research company Censuswide, shows that of the 308 female respondents, a third (33.4%) say that unequal pay is the main barrier, followed by gender stereotyping (32.5%) and not enough women having taken STEM subjects while studying at school, college or university (29%). However, among the male respondents to the survey, the most common reason as to why more women aren’t joining the project profession is that it’s still being perceived as male dominated (cited by 31.5% of male respondents). The findings shine new light on workplace diversity, gender equality and women’s career journeys; topics that APM will be exploring its upcoming Women in Project Management conference. APM’s survey also highlights the different opinions of project professionals within different industry sectors. For example, among those working in engineering, 43% said gender stereotyping is the biggest barrier for women entering their profession, as well as professionals working in telecoms, where 40% say it’s the biggest barrier. Unequal levels of pay are considered as the biggest barrier to women entering project management as a career within the financial services sector (38%) and in technology (40%). And too few women taking STEM subjects at school, college or university is considered to be biggest barrier for women entering the project profession for those in the transport and logistics (35% of respondents in this sector) and construction (40%) sectors. Professor Adam Boddison, Chief Executive of APM, says: “Our latest findings highlight that there are still challenges to overcome in seeing more women entering the project profession. As the chartered body for the project profession, we would call on men in the profession – especially those with responsibility for hiring new people into the workplace – to take close heed of these findings and to be mindful of how their own perceptions of issues around equality may differ from the actual experiences of women. “APM is committed to raising awareness and supporting our members and the wider project profession in understanding the issues affecting women in the profession and in considering what more can be done to improve equality and inclusivity in the workplace. We look forward to welcoming attendees to our upcoming Women in Project Management conference in September where people of all genders will be able to share insights, hear new ideas and acquire knowledge on these issues and many others.” APM’s most recent Salary and Market Trends Survey highlights the salary figures[2] for men and women working in the project profession, and it reveals a gender pay gap of 24%. Although there was some positive change outlined in the report, with women making up a growing proportion of those earning between £50,000 and £69,999 – up from 20% from the previous year to 24% – the Salary and Market Trends Survey found that women are still over-represented in roles where lower salaries are the norm: they account for four out of five project administrators (79%), while representing 57% of part-time workers. By contrast only 22% of consultants, who enjoy higher average salaries, are women. APM’s new survey also asked the profession what they considered to be main barrier for both men and women being recruited into the profession, with lack of awareness of project management as a career choice (30%) coming out on top, followed by a lack of skilled individuals (28%), and budget restrictions (28%). Turning from barriers to opportunities for the profession, pivoting to new energy sources (32.5% of respondents), tackling climate change and working towards Net Zero (32%), and AI, automation and big data (32%) were considered to be the biggest opportunities for the profession over the next five years – for both male and female professionals.
More than three quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source materials this year New research reveals the 10 materials that workers have found hardest to source Plasterers, surveyors and joiners are the worst affected trades The materials shortage has plagued the UK trade industry for two years, and now new research has revealed the stark impact this has had on workers in the sector. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, found that more than three-quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source the materials they’ve needed in the last year. As a result, almost half (46%) have had to delay or turn down work, and nearly a fifth (19%) have been forced to let customers down after committing to jobs. When asked which specific materials they’ve found difficult to find, the most common replies were paint (21%), timber (19%) and steel (17%). The 10 materials that UK tradespeople have found hardest to source in the last year are: # Material % 1 Paint 21% 2 Timber 19% 3 Steel 17% 4 Blocks 14% 5 Bricks 13% 6 Coatings 13% 7 Semi-conductors 13% 8 Plasterboard 12% 9 Cement 12% 10 Microchips 12% Unfortunately, more than one in five (22%) respondents said that they can’t see the shortage easing anytime soon, and that they believe problems will continue into 2023. Inflation is the main factor they blame (20%), with record levels driving up prices across the board and affecting the supply chain. The impact of Coronavirus (17%), rising energy costs (15%) and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (15%) are also perceived to be responsible. While the shortage has been felt across the industry, some trades have struggled to source materials more than others. The study found that plasterers (92%), surveyors (88%) and joiners (87%) have been hit the hardest. Roofers, however, are the most likely workers to have had to turn down work (60%) as a result of the issue. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The materials shortage continues to be one of the industry’s main challenges, with workers across all trades finding it hard to source what they need to meet the demand for their services. “The impact is felt in many ways – financially, as many have had to refuse work as a result, but also personally, as our recent Mental Health in the Trades report found that the shortage is one of the main causes of stress for tradespeople in 2022. “In recent weeks, there have been signs of the situation easing slightly, so hopefully things will continue to improve as the year goes on.” To see which materials each individual trade has found difficult to source this year, and how prices have increased over time, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/how-is-the-materials-shortage-affecting-uk-tradespeople