SEGRO has started work to deliver a refurbishment scheme on the Slough Trading Estate that will raise the bar in terms of its environmental sustainability. The 20,210 sq ft unit is located on Bestobell Road at the East of the Slough Trading Estate and was built originally in 1988. The
Marking 15 years of taking a unique, pioneering and award-winning approach to developing student accommodation, Alumno has launched new branding and an accompanying video. The move also enables the business to celebrate its exciting and highly successful journey to date and drive forward with renewed vigour into the recovery. The
The latest companies, projects and initiatives showcasing good practice within the highways, transport infrastructure and services industry have been shortlisted for CIHT’s prestigious Annual Awards. Deborah Sims, President, CIHT said: “The transportation sector plays a vital role that impacts on so many parts of everyone’s day-to-day lives. The entries we
Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director of award-winning property developers Kebbell, reveals if problems in the energy markets are driving purchasers to more efficient new homes, answers questions about sustainability in the property market, and how her ground-breaking trip to Svalbard is influencing her view of what the future holds.
Leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group has secured an £80m-plus investment by global medical technology business Smith+Nephew. Subject to planning approval, Smith+Nephew has announced it will build a new research and development and manufacturing facility for its Advanced Wound Management franchise at Wykeland’s Melton West business park in East
McAvoy, which was acquired by certain funds managed by Blantyre Capital in February 2020, has announced a substantial investment to expand its modular fleet with a new ‘SmartSpace’ product range. The investment will more than double the capacity of McAvoy’s semi-permanent modular fleet and create approximately 50 new jobs. CEO,
Unprecedented economic and social changes threaten profitability A new survey commissioned by OGL Group reveals that Covid, Brexit and the continued reliance on manual processes are the greatest factors affecting profitability for architecture, engineering and building sector wholesale businesses in 2022. The research focused on those companies that stock products
Incoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are likely to intensify testing demand in the run up to the December 31 deadline for UKCA certification. The warning, from Element Materials Technology – one of the UK’s leading testing and certification service providers to the construction industry – comes
New state of the art 121,000 sq ft built to suit development will benefit from first class environmental facilities and include warehouse, office, training and workshop accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed
Regeneration of former Coryton oil refinery site will create 5,500 new jobs and expected to dd £350 million per year to the local economy… Thames Enterprise Park Limited, a joint venture between ALMCOR and Greenergy, has been given the green light from Thurrock Council for one of the most significant
SEGRO has started work to deliver a refurbishment scheme on the Slough Trading Estate that will raise the bar in terms of its environmental sustainability. The 20,210 sq ft unit is located on Bestobell Road at the East of the Slough Trading Estate and was built originally in 1988. The refurbishment will transform the unit into a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable industrial and warehouse space, furthering SEGRO’s low carbon growth ambition on the Trading Estate. The refurbishment will be net-zero carbon in operation and is targeting a BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A+ rating. It will include a wide range of sustainability features, including: Smart building sensors to enable energy-efficient operation of the building Photovoltaic panels on the roof which will save 26 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, the equivalent to planting 1,226 trees. Energy efficient LED lighting throughout, which will reduce CO2 by 12 tonnes and save around £11,000 per year A 55m² living wall on the front of the building will trap 7,150 grams of dust, extract 126.5 kg of gas and 71.5 kg of particulate matter from the air, and produce around 93.5 kg of oxygen every year. An internal green wall will also be featured in the reception area Air source heat pump providing heating and comfort cooling Water reducing products throughout e.g., self-closing taps for all wash basins, waterless urinals etc. Use of a natural, photocatalytic paint on all wall surfaces that purifies the air through CO2 absorption and reduces ambient odours Electric vehicle charging points Secure bicycle parking with rich biodiverse growing roofs and wildlife habitat panels. It will incorporate low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting that is nectar-rich for butterflies, bees, moths and other invertebrate wildlife Additional bird and bat boxes, beehives and insect habitats to nest and increase pollination across the plot The redevelopment is part of SEGRO’s growing portfolio of low or zero-carbon developments and aligns with the company’s Responsible SEGRO commitments to champion low-carbon growth and be net-zero carbon by 2030. James Craddock, Managing Director at Thames Valley, SEGRO, said: “The refurbishment of older buildings is an important part of our journey to be net-zero carbon by 2030. This scheme at Bestobell Road is a great example of how these existing buildings, where appropriate, can be transformed into more modern, efficient, greener spaces that enable low-carbon growth now and into the future. “Creating more sustainable spaces for a diverse mix of customers is also critical if we want to ensure that the Slough Trading Estate is the location of choice for both large and small businesses within the Thames Valley.” The refurbishment is due to be complete in September 2022. Slough Trading Estate is the largest privately-owned business park in single ownership in Europe. Over one third of the estate is less than 10 years old. The vacancy rate is just over two per cent, with the remainder being leased to a mix of small and large businesses, across a diverse range of industry sectors. Local amenities including high street banks, restaurants, shops, fitness facilities and healthcare centres are all within easy reach on the estate, creating a vibrant business community for occupants.
Marking 15 years of taking a unique, pioneering and award-winning approach to developing student accommodation, Alumno has launched new branding and an accompanying video. The move also enables the business to celebrate its exciting and highly successful journey to date and drive forward with renewed vigour into the recovery. The new simple, classic logo design by Graphic Thought Facility puts the Alumno name centre stage within a circle of soft blue. “It projects a well-crafted, purposeful and human image, reflective of a company with soul,” according to Graphic Thought Facility Creative Director Andy Stevens. This perfectly aligns with Alumno’s continuing mission to change the perception of student accommodation by creating unique buildings that reflect the heritage of the local area and make a valuable contribution to the communities within which they are built, while working hard for occupants. “We believe we always manage to get these elements working together in harmony – and that’s what helps make us unique,” explains Alumno managing director David Campbell in the accompanying video, which distils the developer’s design-led philosophy of delivering exceptional functionality and key community benefits, incorporating work by local artists and supporting local causes. It succinctly tells the Alumno story, using striking imagery of its developments and the local art incorporated into them. “Their schemes are unique and bespoke to the local area, with the arts elements always site specific,” said art curator Matthew Jarratt, who works closely with Alumno to commission the artistic elements of each building. “They also work with exceptional designers for their interior spaces and great landscape architects for their public spaces, so there’s a lot of attention to detail, and it’s this commitment to design which makes them stand out.” Commenting on how the pandemic affected Alumno and what the future holds, Campbell said: “It was tough, but like everyone we have managed to keep going, delivering several buildings and some of our best. So, it’s shown we are resilient and have strong foundations. It’s also driven us to try harder and build better, even more ambitious developments that reflect the ongoing changes in how we all live and study. “We currently have five projects on site across the country. Our mission going forward is to create diverse buildings that continue to offer more to residents and communities, and we will keep raising the bar. We also want to ensure we continue to provide affordable accommodation offering a good blend of rents for all budgets.” Alumno is also starting to explore opportunities for life after university as the bridge before homeownership. “Affordable, single person accommodation is a major theme and issue impacting on all towns and cities throughout the UK,” said Campbell.
The latest companies, projects and initiatives showcasing good practice within the highways, transport infrastructure and services industry have been shortlisted for CIHT’s prestigious Annual Awards. Deborah Sims, President, CIHT said: “The transportation sector plays a vital role that impacts on so many parts of everyone’s day-to-day lives. The entries we have received this year demonstrate the wide range of activity, innovation and problem solving that we as professionals deliver. “I would like to commend all of those who have been shortlisted for CIHT’s Awards and would congratulate all those organisations and their supporters who have put so much into the high-calibre entries this year”. This year there are 14 awards categories and the winning entries will be presented in person again as we return to the renowned CIHT Awards ceremony, taking place on the 7 September 2022 at the London Marriot Hotel The shortlisted entries for the CIHT Awards 2022 are: CIHT & Ringway Climate Action Award – Proudly supported by Ringway Aggregate Industries – SuperLow-Carbon asphalt Kier Highways – Driving for a Sustainable World Lancashire County Council / Atkins – Lancashire Local Highways Decarbonisation Strategy Skanska – M42 Junction 6 Improvement Scheme Transport for the North – Transport Decarbonisation Strategy CIHT Collaboration Award Amey – SIMULATE Live Lab Programme BAM Nuttall – Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme LPTIP Devon County Council – Dartmoor Line Railway Reopening Graham Construction – M25 J25 Integrated team Ringway – Network Resilience – Ringway and Worcestershire County Council Transport Scotland – Delivering a Transport Plan for COP26 CIHT Creating Better Places Award Amey – Liverpool City Centre Connectivity: The Strand Phase 1 Project Centre Ltd – Camberley High Street Sustrans – The Ripple Greenway WSP – Shrewsbury Town Centre WSP – The Green Spine CIHT EDI Initiative of the Year Award Arup – A66 Northern Trans-Pennine – Inclusion Action Plan Atkins Limited – #Differentmakesadifference Independent Research – Laura Brooks, Molly Hoggard, Marie Godward – Gender Equality Toolkit in Transport Kier – Expect Respect Manchester City Council – The Highways Access Group CIHT Employer of the Year Award J McCann and Co Limited – ‘J McCann Family – Our People Matter’ Momentum Transport Consultancy – Momentum Transport Consultancy Balfour Beatty – Balfour Beatty Highways Kier – ‘Where everyone can bring their whole self to work’ CIHT Healthy Transport Award Amey – Liverpool City Centre Connectivity: The Strand Phase 1 BAM Nuttall – Stourton Park and Ride Go Jauntly – Go Jauntly Green Routes Sustrans – Chrisp Street Community Cycles Transport for London – TfL School Streets WSP – Histon Road Highway Improvement Scheme CIHT Infrastructure Award Aggregate Industries & Kier – Designing exceptional pavement solutions for National Highways’ road asset infrastructure Amey Consulting – Kincardine Bridge – An engineering triumph 85 years on Amey – Liverpool City Centre Connectivity: The Strand Phase 1 Amey Consulting – M60 Junction 1 to 2, Kings Reach to Abney Hall Morgan Sindall Infrastructure – Delivering a lasting legacy on the M1 J23 & A512 improvements scheme National Highways – A52 Clifton Bridge Repair Scheme Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited – A69 Bridge End Junction, Hexham CIHT International Infrastructure Award CEG INTERNATIONAL NTSG Italia srl / Fibre Security bv – Preserving Pipelines of Society ORIS – Sourcing Intelligence for Road Optimization Victorian State Government – Werribee Level Crossing Removal Project CIHT Research Initiative of the Year Amey – Understanding Gipave, a Graphene-Enhanced Asphalt Atkins Ltd – Evaluating SRN Performance using Near-Real Time Floating Vehicle Data (FVD) Scottish Borders Council – 20mph default trial So-Mo – Message Not Received WSP – A study on women’s personal safety on public transport in London CIHT Road Safety Award Cranfield University – Pre-Driver Theatre and Workshop Education Research FORS – FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Main Roads Western Australia – The development of innovative Information Technology (IT) solutions to assist educate, support and empower road safety engineering practitioners in State and Local Government road agencies throughout Western Australia. Scottish Borders Council – 20mph Default in Scottish Borders Transport for London – Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) on London’s bus fleet CIHT Team of the Year Award Agilysis Limited – Team Lemur Amey – A collaborative approach to delivering innovation in Kent Kier Highways – Nordis Signs: Giving people with disabilities, and long term health conditions opportunities to achieve beyond expectation with careers to be proud of. National Highways – A52 Clifton Bridge repair Scheme Smart Motorways Alliance – Stopped Vehicle Detection CIHT & Atkins Technology and Innovation Award – Proudly supported by Atkins Amey – Feedback Loop Playbook – Asset Data Delivery Model Archaeological Research Services Ltd – Blank Area Testing – managing hidden risks from archaeology Kier Highways -Natural Capital & Biodiversity Design Tool University College London – PEARL CIHT & Kier Transport Planning Award – Proudly sponsored by Kier Stantec – Gravity and the Stantec Scenario Planning Tool The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus – The Development of a Travel Demand Model for Trinidad (copy) Wood Group – York real-time traffic modelling scheme The winners of these categories will be announced at the CIHT Awards Ceremony 2022 – taking place on the 7 September 2022 at the London Marriot Hotel. To find out more about this event, including how to book, please see here More details on these shortlisted entries will shortly be available on the CIHT website. For any further information on the CIHT Awards, please contact e: technical@ciht.org.uk
Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director of award-winning property developers Kebbell, reveals if problems in the energy markets are driving purchasers to more efficient new homes, answers questions about sustainability in the property market, and how her ground-breaking trip to Svalbard is influencing her view of what the future holds. Sustainability How is sustainability influencing the new build property market? “There is growing interest in urban sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) in the building industry, more so since COP26 but there is still a lot of greenwashing. We need to be much more sustainable and catch up with other industries such as certain players in the food, travel and retail industries, who are putting sustainability at the top of their priority list if we are going to play our part in becoming net-zero by 2050. “The good news is sustainability is increasingly important to house buyers, particularly first-time buyers who are progressively driven by the sustainability and environmental credentials of their purchases. I don’t think it will be too long before house buyers will be choosing eco-friendly sustainable homes because it’s a dealbreaker for them. Housebuilders are foreseeing this and progressively futureproofing new homes including the addition of air source heat pumps, electric car chargers, underfloor heating, solar panels, super energy-efficient utilities, and excellent insulation which will all begin to come as standard, in addition to innovative water-saving and recycling systems. There may also be changes in the future to mortgages connected with energy efficiency.” Are house buyers willing to pay more to ensure a property has eco-friendly features? “I think at the moment house buyers are reluctant to pay more. One competitor of ours spent 10% more on added eco-friendly features in an endeavor to create a much more energy efficient house and wanted to pass that cost on, but then found it harder to sell as buyers just weren’t ready for the extra cost. But it may well not stay that way. The narrative needs to change. Currently, when a purchaser comes to buy a new home they may focus on the fact that because it is more energy-efficient they will have lower bills. The narrative would need to change to purchasers choosing homes that are more sustainable and use less energy overall and therefore they will have lower bills. The cost saving aspect needs to become an outcome rather than a driver. That’s why I think the sustainability carrot will be more beneficial than a sustainability stick. The benefits of sustainability are endless.” So are you seeing an increased demand in for instance solar panels? “Definitely. At one of our new developments, Alderbrook in Petersfield, part of the planning permission requirements was ensuring the inclusion of solar panels on the social housing; we have decided to go over and above where the planners want us to be and are providing solar panels to all the private homes too. Interestingly as our summers are getting hotter, some new home buyers have asked us for the ability to fit their own air conditioners which use a considerable amount of energy. It is a difficult balance.” You are taking a very personal interest in sustainability in the industry, why is that? “I have just completed an online Leading Sustainable Corporations course at Oxford University’s Said Business School. I was motivated to do this after seeing first hand the detrimental impact of climate change and global warming on the Vatnajokull glacier, the biggest glacier in Iceland, during a training exercise for my forthcoming scientific expedition to ski the Last Degree to the North Pole as part of an all female scientific expedition collecting samples of the sea ice for research into black carbon, microplastics and other studies. The North Pole is an extremely difficult and treacherous place to reach. There is only a 3-4 week window in the year when the conditions are such that it is possible to set up a temporary base camp on the ice and ski from 89 degrees north to 90 degrees north. Due to the pandemic and latterly the Russian-Ukraine war no one has made this journey since 2018. It is possible that changes in the conditions of the ice on the polar cap caused by global warming means that no one will be able to make this journey by foot ever again. In 1969 the first person skied to the North Pole and the last people skied there in 2018. That would mean that I have seen the first and last person ski to the North Pole in my lifetime. It is terrifying. “As we were unable to travel to the North Pole in 2022 we instead went to Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole to collect samples of the sea ice. These are being analysed at the National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton for the presence of microplastics lead and mercury. Samples are also being sent to NASA for critical research into the presence of black carbon and the impact of LAPs (light absorbing particles) on the rate of glacial melting. Seeing their destruction as a result of global warming and climate change was shocking but you only have to look at daffodils in January to see global warming in action or the soaring temperatures in Spain in March. I came away committed to use my position of influence within the housebuilding sector of the construction industry to effect change for the better. “The issue with tackling global warming is the problems are so huge that companies don’t always know where to start or what to do so we avoid making a voluntary start. Instead, we need to ask how we can behave in ways that mitigate or avoid making a detrimental impact on the environment and nature, so we can safeguard the planet for future generations, as well as try and reverse the damage. Improving our understanding of our own impact will give us the ability to make more informed decisions. For
Leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group has secured an £80m-plus investment by global medical technology business Smith+Nephew. Subject to planning approval, Smith+Nephew has announced it will build a new research and development and manufacturing facility for its Advanced Wound Management franchise at Wykeland’s Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. The location is just eight miles from Smith+Nephew’s current site in Hull, where the business has been located for more than 100 years. The new facility is expected to open in 2024. The investment will create a world-class R&D, manufacturing and flexible office environment, which is expected to support more than £8bn of sales in its first 10 years of operation. Melton West business park has been selected for the investment because of its proximity to the existing Hull facility. It also offers a site with the size and established infrastructure to accommodate the new facility and is allocated under the East Riding of Yorkshire Local Plan for developments of this kind. Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Hull-based Wykeland, owner and developer of Melton West, said: “We are delighted the strategic, long-term investments we have made in the infrastructure at Melton West business park have enabled Smith+Nephew to stay within the region and make such a huge investment in a state-of-the-art new facility. “Smith+Nephew is one of the region’s leading employers, with a proud local history and heritage. This investment will open an exciting new chapter in that story.” Simon Fraser, President of Advanced Wound Management for Smith+Nephew, said: “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to building our leadership in Advanced Wound Management. “Smith+Nephew was founded in Hull in 1856 and we are proud to make this major investment in the region for future generations.” The 200-acre Melton West business park is one of Yorkshire and the Humber’s premier locations for investment and job creation. It enjoys a prime location west of Hull, off the A63 and connecting to the national motorway network within minutes via the M62. The Smith+Nephew facility will be the latest major development at the growing site, which features more than one millionsq ft of completed warehouse, distribution, manufacturing and office space. In December last year Wykeland secured planning permission from East Riding of Yorkshire Council for a £170m retail logistics fulfilment centre at Melton West. This centre will have a footprint of 558,000 sq ft and create 1,300-1,500 permanent jobs, additional seasonal and indirect employment, and further jobs during the construction phase. Last year Amazon opened a 125,000 sq ft last mile delivery centre on an adjacent site at Melton West and a new command and control facility for Humberside Police has recently been handed over and is due to be operational later this year. Other leading businesses at Melton West include Heron Foods, which has its national Distribution Centre and Store Support Centre on site; generator manufacturer Allam Marine; shower maker Kohler Mira; and Needlers, the UK’s leading supplier of safety and hygiene products to the food manufacturing industry.
McAvoy, which was acquired by certain funds managed by Blantyre Capital in February 2020, has announced a substantial investment to expand its modular fleet with a new ‘SmartSpace’ product range. The investment will more than double the capacity of McAvoy’s semi-permanent modular fleet and create approximately 50 new jobs. CEO, Ron Clarke said the decision had been made in response to strong market demand, particularly within the health, education and commercial sectors in the UK. He added McAvoy had already secured orders for the new modular SmartSpace range with upcoming projects across the UK and Ireland. He said: “The investment will be made over a period of two years and will include ongoing Research and Development, Manufacturing, and the implementation of additional infrastructure in terms of people, factory equipment and technology. We envisage the creation of this additional capacity will help drive the planned growth of our business in the UK over the next 2-3 years where we see significant opportunities to increase market share. Our market research, coupled with enquiry levels, has indicated for some time the demand for high quality semi-permanent accommodation across health, education and commercial but also within the pharma, manufacturing, and technology sectors so this decision is all about helping our customers meet those needs. Designed and built to enhanced energy and fire protection standards, this new product provides our customers sustainable and adaptable space solutions. “Thanks to the support of our investor, Blantyre Capital, SmartSpace will be one of the newest modular fleets in the UK and Ireland, so this investment will be a significant component of our overall sustainable growth plans.” Ron Clarke said there would be additional ongoing investment across the business over the next three years, particularly in relation to ESG, Digital Technology, Recruitment and People Development. Glen Busby, Director of Modular Rental and Sales at McAvoy, said the first of the new modular units would be deployed as part of a major health project in England. He said: “This investment has the potential to be a real gamechanger for McAvoy within the Modular Rental and Sales sector. Our ambition is to significantly increase our market share and to be known as a UK and Irish market leader in the supply of high-quality permanent and semi-permanent accommodation for rental or sale. We believe our SmartSpace proposition to be amongst the very best available and with almost 50 years’ experience we have a track record and understanding of the modular offsite industry that is second to none.” McAvoy recently reported positive financial results for the six months to 30th April 2021, with a 30% year-on-year increase in revenue. The business will deliver revenues ahead of budget for 2022, with significant progress made in securing forecast revenues for 2023. McAvoy is currently delivering a series of new Department for Education projects, including one of the UK’s first low carbon school buildings as well as a new innovation centre at Porton Science Park.
Unprecedented economic and social changes threaten profitability A new survey commissioned by OGL Group reveals that Covid, Brexit and the continued reliance on manual processes are the greatest factors affecting profitability for architecture, engineering and building sector wholesale businesses in 2022. The research focused on those companies that stock products that support these sectors, from handheld laser distance meters, architect scales, power tools, ladders to trolleys, and provide equipment including welding machines, workwear and safety equipment, to providers and commercial businesses. The market size of the architectural industry is £6.5 billion in revenue in 2022, with the UK construction sector contributing more than £110 billion per annum and nearly 7% of GDP. The engineering and building sector is one of the UK’s broadest with 5.5 million people working in those industries, accounting for 18% of all UK employment. With the rapid increase in the need for housing, there is continued demand for architecture, engineering and building services, made more prominent by the return to work after 2020’s extended lockdown period. Both the Covid pandemic and Brexit have hit supply chains hard. Exacerbated by stock management pressures, architectural, engineering and business wholesale firms are citing top technology priorities for the next 12 – 24 months as business performance reporting 50%, linking ERP with eCommerce 33%, website creation/update 33% and order management software 33%. Insecurity around Brexit is affecting profitability at 58%, but this is now being overshadowed by Covid as the top factor at 67%. The pandemic has led to supply chain shortages with some architecture, engineering and building sector businesses stockpiling products and parts to ensure delivery to clients. Manual processes are still plaguing businesses, leaving them behind the curve with regards to digital transformation, since 75% cited them as a problem that can lead to potential loss of revenue, and inability to correctly assess performance and sales. Entering another potentially uncertain economic period with continuing supply-chain issues, the Ukraine-Russia war, cost of living and fuel price rises, wholesalers’ efforts to increase profitability are critical. Technology is at the heart of this. 92% of respondents agreed that automating business processes helps their companies stay competitive, up from 70% of engineering companies pre-pandemic. A key finding of the research was the wide spread of technologies used and the disparate nature of systems that are not necessarily “talking to each other” to provide a full view of operations. Wholesale businesses use a range of software systems to function: more than 95% of respondents use one or more software systems to run their business. Finbarr Creeney confirmed that his firm, Express Cutting & Welding Services, replaced accounting software, manual processes, inventory/stock control, and sales order/enquiry management with an integrated ERP system. 67% of respondents saw benefits from integrating disparate systems. 58% listing the main reason to use a single system as removing duplication of work across different departments, followed by 58% citing reduced administration time. 50% stated a single system helped achieve growth plans and future proofed their business, while 33% cited enhanced customer service and efficiencies by improved accuracy of information. Single systems are beneficial for online stores, where stock checks and reporting ensure that customers have a good understanding of delivery timescales and product availability. Survey respondents confirmed that eCommerce has grown exponentially, with 83% stating that being able to sell products online easily is really important to them. As the pandemic accelerated digital transformation, cloud computing continues to be a driver for change, with 83% of industry respondents agreeing that hosting applications and data in the cloud have improved efficiencies and productivity (or would improve them if cloud were implemented). Despite the benefits of cloud, concerns about security remain, though have reduced marginally from 55% in 2019 to 50% in 2022. This reflects the growing acceptance of moving core applications and data to the cloud. Critically ERP systems are a key technology with 92% agreeing that ERP systems give greater visibility and control of stock. ERP refers to a suite of integrated software that businesses use to manage day-to-day business activities, such as sales order management, stock control, warehouse management, CRM and more. One survey respondent comments on implementing a single ERP system: “Since installing an ERP system, the integration has led to far better customer service and efficiency. We can now store customer details and contacts centrally; raise orders based on sales and re-stock to min, max or optimum. This has transformed our stock and also improves customer service by cutting down lead times. Something that became apparent during the pandemic was that during times of reduced staff levels, we were still able to cope in an efficient manner because of the automation built into our ERP system.” The main barriers to deploying an integrated software solution were cost, with 58% citing it as a factor, followed by 50% with data security and 33% finding a solution that’s right for their business via a reputable provider. Cost is often associated with the misconception that ERP systems are only for larger businesses, and the lack of information about affordable subscription-based models. Charlie Grant, Head of Operational Product Development, OGL Software commented: “The business model for architecture, engineering and building firms has evolved quickly, with our 2022 survey identifying several changes, including the pandemic and stock availability, that impact profitability; the drop in concerns about security of cloud computing, and the growing realisation that ERP systems are not solely for large enterprises. Digital transformation has no doubt saved many businesses that have pivoted to online sales and it’s heartening to reveal that 92% agreed that ERP systems provide greater visibility and control of stock, especially as part of a multichannel sales strategy.” NB: survey conducted in March 2022 and any comparison is to the same questions in September 2019. Respondents were given a number of options for each question.
Incoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are likely to intensify testing demand in the run up to the December 31 deadline for UKCA certification. The warning, from Element Materials Technology – one of the UK’s leading testing and certification service providers to the construction industry – comes in advance of scheduled changes to Part L, which take effect from 15 June. As part of a shift towards lowering domestic CO2 production through the Future Building Standard, all new doors and windows entering the market from that date must meet new mandated U-values. However, any existing products currently on the market which meet the new mandated U-values must still achieve UKCA marking in order to be sold in the UK from 1 January 2023. The requirement is likely to affect hundreds of products manufactured outside of the UK, even if they have achieved CE marking in the country of manufacture. UKCA marking can only be issued by an approved body listed on the UK government’s database. As there are only a small number of approved bodies, manufacturers who have not yet started or completed the process could find themselves under pressure to secure laboratory space with just six months left until the UKCA marking requirements come into force. Chris Bryan, Senior Test Engineer at Element Materials Technology – Wednesbury, comments: “On the surface, the changes to minimum U-values set out in the updates to Part L are straightforward. Indeed, a sizeable majority of products currently in circulation are already compliant. “The real issue is that any product that has been CE-marked in another country – even if it meets the U-value requirements set out in the changes to Part L – will need to be re-tested in the UK to achieve UKCA marking to continue being sold here from the start of next year.” Chris continues: “The realisation is really starting to take effect amongst the international fabrication community. We have already seen a surge in demand in recent weeks and only expect that to increase as we get closer to the UKCA deadline. I would strongly urge any fabricators who either manufacture overseas or are looking to meet the new requirements to book UKCA testing now to ensure a smooth transition.” To find out more about UKCA testing, please visit: https://www.element.com/product-qualification-testing-services/ukca-mark-guidance.
New state of the art 121,000 sq ft built to suit development will benefit from first class environmental facilities and include warehouse, office, training and workshop accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed by world renowned German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment STIHL to construct their new GB headquarters and distribution facility at a site in Surrey just off the A331. The new state of the art 121,000 sq ft development designed by Hale Architects will include 97,000 sq ft of warehouse space that will utilise state-of-the-art picking and storage systems to maximise productivity, efficiency and the use of space. An adjoining 25,000 sq ft HQ will boast dedicated retailer training facilities, an on-site restaurant, flexible collaborative workspaces and a technical workshop. The development will also incorporate new car parking, service yard, landscaping and the construction of a new access from the adjoining A331. The new HQ also benefits from first-class environmental credentials including two-thirds of the total roof area (17,000 sq ft) covered with photovoltaic solar panels to provide power to the new facility. In addition, there will be provision for 26 EV charging points in anticipation of the continued move towards the use of electric vehicles. The project is expected to take 42 weeks to build with the new facility expected to be complete by May 2023. Speaking about the contract award Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director London and South said: “STIHL are world leaders when it comes to chainsaws and garden power tools, setting the standard for over 90 years so Glencar are both honoured and proud to have been appointed to design and build their new headquarters and distribution facility. This state of the art project goes to serve as a further example of our design and build credentials and proven ability to construct buildings tailored to our customer exacting specifications. We look forward to working with STIHL GB and the extended project team and delivering on time and to budget. Also commenting Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: “STIHL has enjoyed a sustained period of growth in recent years, and as a consequence, we have outgrown our existing warehouse and office facilities. Our new purpose-built headquarters represents a significant capital investment and is a commitment to the future for our local workforce. This cutting-edge facility will allow us to plan for many years of future growth, which will continue to benefit the local economy. We are delighted that we were able to secure a suitable site in Camberley and we’re looking forward to working with Glencar and seeing construction progress”
Regeneration of former Coryton oil refinery site will create 5,500 new jobs and expected to dd £350 million per year to the local economy… Thames Enterprise Park Limited, a joint venture between ALMCOR and Greenergy, has been given the green light from Thurrock Council for one of the most significant brownfield regeneration projects in the South East of England. Thames Enterprise Park will revive the former Coryton oil refinery site, initially delivering 3.7 million sq ft of advanced logistics, advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy technology uses. It will create up to 5,500 new jobs. The development is expected to add more than £350 million per year to the local economy ultimately growing to more than £3.5 billion. It will transform 412 acres of brownfield land into a new commercial district with the first plots expected to be ready for development during 2023. The development will have sustainability at its core and will comprise state-of-the-art construction to the highest standards of energy efficiency. It will help occupiers to deliver on ESG requirements and feature next generation energy technologies that contribute to the decarbonisation agenda. Rupert Wood, Head of Strategic Land at ALMCOR, speaking on behalf of Thames Enterprise Park, said: “This is an important milestone for the project.” “Thames Enterprise Park is a once-in-a-generation regeneration project and we are very pleased to secure the support of Thurrock Council’s planning committee. The project will create 5,500 jobs and will play a transformational role for Thurrock and for Thames Freeport, bringing this former employment site back into use with up to 3.7m sq. ft of modern, sustainable business space. It will also create one of the most significant employment-led regeneration projects in the South-East of England.” Thames Enterprise Park will play a pivotal part in the long-term success of Thames Freeport, the UK’s leading Freeport, with the site offering significant additionality for the Thames Freeport to achieve its full potential. The plans will put Thames Enterprise Park at the heart of the decarbonisation agenda and help occupiers looking for solutions in the face of the energy transition and the climate change challenge. Thames Enterprise Park is one of ALMCOR’s major brownfield regeneration projects. It is part of ALMCOR’s portfolio of large-scale, complex redevelopment sites where ALMCOR’s capability and expertise is making the difference in bringing strategic sites forward.