World-leading compaction equipment manufacturer, BOMAG, has appointed a new managing director in the UK to lead the company through its next phase of growth, as it launches new products built specifically for the British market. Market stalwart, Alan Batty, who had led BOMAG GB for 18 years, has retired and Stuart Truckel, a
The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key
Nuclear AMRC Midlands is set to lead dynamic supply chain developments in high value UK manufacturing Work on a transformative £15m nuclear research facility in Infinity Park Derby (IPD) is now underway, which will advance manufacturing capabilities in sustainable energy using pioneering technologies. The 46,728 sq. ft research centre, Nuclear
Global engineering consultancy Buro Happold has announced its acquisition of London-based Abell Nepp, specialists in laboratory planning and design in the science and higher education sectors. Buro Happold has already built a strong working relationship with directors Chris Abell and Bruce Nepp over the past two decades, both prior to
IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides
Ahead of a full tender process, expected to take place this summer, MKDP has appointed Activate – Workman Placemaking to lead the search for a development partner to help transform this centrally-located commercial space, into a vibrant, future-proof destination. Currently covering 3,446m2 of Grade A retail space, the scheme contains
Brits search for local builders on Google 162,238 times a month and now new research has revealed where they are most in-demand. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, analysed search data from across the nation.. Exeter is the biggest hotspot, with 1,702 monthly searches
Work has started on the transformation of a landmark building, Fairfax House, in Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter, into a major new residential development consisting of 168 apartments. Fairfax House, on the corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane, is being developed by Leeds based property company YPP and has
Developed by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) – the Technology Validation Guide outlines accreditations that certify system performance together with robust testing protocols and informative guidelines to support those manufacturing and specifying light steel framing systems. As a proven and well-established offsite manufactured technology, light steel frame is trusted
BUSINESS leaders from across the region’s construction industry are descending on Sunderland this month to build the foundations for a greener future. Reducing emissions through digitalisation is a hot topic for the built environment to enable it to achieve ambitious targets by 2030, in line with Government policies. Digital technologies
World-leading compaction equipment manufacturer, BOMAG, has appointed a new managing director in the UK to lead the company through its next phase of growth, as it launches new products built specifically for the British market. Market stalwart, Alan Batty, who had led BOMAG GB for 18 years, has retired and Stuart Truckel, a former director of Bearmach – the specialist Land Rover parts supplier – has been drafted in. Alan has been instrumental in achieving market leader status for BOMAG GB in the compaction industry, having successfully navigated the pandemic and Brexit periods, and won contracts with HS2 – taking it to £37.5m turnover and a 35-person team. Now, with almost 25 years’ experience under his belt, from working within the aggregates and waste industries at Finning UK, to being responsible for export markets and product development at Bearmach, Stuart is well-placed to navigate BOMAG through its next phase of growth, as the construction markets continue to thrive post-pandemic and post-Brexit. Simultaneously, BOMAG has introduced two new products to the British market, following an extensive research and development phase, including a 1m and 2m milling machine. Experienced headhunter Simon Robinson, co-founder of Red Diamond Executive, was appointed to source Alan’s replacement, following BOMAG’s extensive search for a recruitment partner. Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan Stringham, vice president of sales and marketing at BOMAG, said: “When Alan told us he was retiring, we commenced the recruitment process straight away, to ensure that his incredible knowledge and experience could be passed over seamlessly.” Speaking about their experience with Red Diamond, Jonathan continued: “We were lucky enough to recruit two managing directors at the same time in two different markets. We were able to compare both recruitments and partners. What particularly impressed us was the seriousness, professionalism, and support from Red Diamond. “Simon took the time to understand BOMAG’s challenges, philosophy, and corporate culture. His approach is very structured, and customer focused. He was very active in finding candidates who could best meet our expectations while being able to challenge himself if necessary. Finding a successor for Alan was not easy because he has unparalleled experience in this market. We are excited by Stuart’s complementarity, his enthusiasm, and his dynamism.” Speaking about his new role, Stuart said: “Alan has left a strong legacy, which in turn leaves a very strong business and one that will sustainably embrace the new product introductions and the exciting years ahead with HS2 and other projects. “The way Simon dealt with myself during the process was second to none and what most impressed us was his understanding of the expectations BOMAG had for both the role and the person. All the way through, Simon was communicative, responsive, and concise with his feedback. I’m looking forward to leading the business through its next phase of growth.” BOMAG has a turnover of £750m globally.
The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key considerations throughout, all on a project specced to the highest standards of design and finish of the hospitality industry. The unique concept of a double-sided, jointly owned stand posed double the amount of challenges for Em-B who were appointed following a successful project on Headingley’s East Stand 15 years ago. Two clients, two architects, two designers with completely different needs to deal with, plus the demands of different door suppliers to coordinate. Em-B was tasked with coordinating all these different elements, acting as technical consultant for door hardware and access control throughout, checking compliance across the piece and bringing the project together. The Emerald Headingly Stadium is home to both the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, both of whom had very differing needs and requirements for the project in terms of security, accessibility, and aesthetics. Em-B worked on both sides of the stand including boxes, changing rooms, hospitality areas and concourses: a complex brief. The owners, Caddick Group, brought in Em-B as the result of previous successful projects, bringing them in at a very early stage of the process to consult on security and access control. The project had been planned by architects DLA for six years. The spec, especially for the hospitality areas, was exceptionally high. The client wanted the directors’ suite to have the finish of a high-end boutique hotel rather than a sports stadium, combined with high levels of security for corporate and players’ entrances. “Em-B worked closely with us to manage all of the hardware requirements for the complex Headingley stand project. We have worked with Em-B in the past and knew we could rely on them to deliver the outcomes we wanted.” said Chris Wilson, of client Caddick Construction. The project was a complex one with different requirements from the cricket and rugby clubs – from high security access control to high-end hospitality areas across both sides of the stand. Em-B coordinated two architects, two designers, steel door and shutter manufacturers to deliver an end product that looks great, works seamlessly and is totally compliant with all the regs.” Em-B is a thriving, well-established architectural ironmongery practice and supplier of door solutions based in Leeds established in 1998. The firm regularly win awards for its architectural ironmongery schemes on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, working for household name architects and clients. Em-B’s success is built on working as a true partner within the construction process from drawing board to installed product and beyond.
Nuclear AMRC Midlands is set to lead dynamic supply chain developments in high value UK manufacturing Work on a transformative £15m nuclear research facility in Infinity Park Derby (IPD) is now underway, which will advance manufacturing capabilities in sustainable energy using pioneering technologies. The 46,728 sq. ft research centre, Nuclear AMRC Midlands, scheduled for completion by early 2023, next to Rolls-Royce and within 20 minutes’ drive of global manufacturers Toyota, Alstom and JCB, is preparing to support companies of all sizes to join carbon neutral supply chains ahead of the global race to achieve net zero by 2050. With energy prices now at record levels, Nuclear AMRC Midlands will help to guide the manufacturing industry towards critical energy transitions to facilitate growth in a carbon neutral economy. Development of the new Nuclear AMRC facility follows a successful pilot programme at Infinity Park’s Connect iHub, joined by the University of Derby, now home to fifteen engineers and support staff. The new research site will support 35 collaborative research and development projects, including high value sectors such as aerospace, automotive and rail within the first five years. Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “Co-locating the Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering with the Nuclear AMRC will enable us to share resources and expertise and open up new opportunities for our academics to support whole business sectors to become greener, more efficient, more competitive and ultimately help drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.” The Government-backed IPD collaboration, with the University of Derby, Derby City Council, Wilson Bowden, Peveril Securities, Harpur Crewe Estate and Rolls-Royce, with over £9m from D2N2, will accelerate technological innovations uniting skills, markets, and demand with clean energy. Andrew Storer, CEO, Nuclear AMRC said: “As the first High Value Manufacturing Catapult facility in the East Midlands, we will continue to work closely with local industry, academic and government partners to deliver sustainable growth for decades to come. The coming years will see increasing investment into clean energy and low-carbon technologies, and the region is well placed to capitalise on the opportunity thanks to its wealth of experience, innovation and engineering expertise. We have already helped dozens of Midlands-based manufacturers to develop their capabilities for the nuclear sector and want to work with even more to support their ambitions across other growing low-carbon sectors.” Mark Bielby, of March Developments, development managers for IPD LLP said: “Nuclear AMRC is a beacon of excellence and its involvement at Infinity Park Derby is projected to add £71m to the local economy over five years. The shift to carbon neutral technologies is now an obvious priority for industry and with the help of our construction partner Stepnell we will deliver a sustainably designed building, which will lead by example.”
Global engineering consultancy Buro Happold has announced its acquisition of London-based Abell Nepp, specialists in laboratory planning and design in the science and higher education sectors. Buro Happold has already built a strong working relationship with directors Chris Abell and Bruce Nepp over the past two decades, both prior to and following the founding of Abell Nepp in 2009. The two firms have collaborated on various projects including Imperial College London’s Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub and the London Institute of Medical Sciences for the Medical Research Council. Building on this foundation, the two firms have taken the natural next step to combine practices. Abell Nepp boasts a wide-ranging knowledge of the science, research and technology sector. It has worked on a range of campus, building, and laboratory planning projects covering biomedical, biopharma, engineering and forensic science. The integration of Abell Nepp will strengthen client-consultant teams, ensuring Buro Happold can provide a seamless offer to clients that includes design alongside integrated engineering services for its growing sectors. Buro Happold and Abell Nepp will combine abilities to deliver world class, innovative spaces that provide the optimal environment for scientists, clinical specialists and technology engineers to solve current and future real-world challenges. Chris Abell, director of Abell Nepp, says: “We’ve built a close relationship with Buro Happold over the past 20 years, so it was a logical move to unite our two likeminded practices. By combining our engineering and deep sector expertise we can leverage the wider capability set of the firm to offer a new level of integration and creativity to our client base.” “As a specialist consultancy embedded within Buro Happold, we will continue to provide science-focused services to clients and architects as well as other engineers while expanding resources to improve the integration of laboratory design and technical services. We are enthusiastic about the new collaboration and the resulting creativity and synergy from our combined expertise,” adds Bruce Nepp, director of Abell Nepp. “We’re thrilled a company as highly regarded in the sector as Abell Nepp has joined the growing Buro Happold portfolio,” says James Bruce, chief executive officer at Buro Happold. “There is increasing interest for engineering-led design teams in the Healthcare, Science and Technology sector, so having the ability to offer consulting services for laboratory planning and design is an exciting next step. “Expanding our collective consultancy capabilities for existing and new clients both nationally and internationally forms a major part of Buro Happold’s vision for sustainable growth over the coming years.” CEO James Bruce unveiled ambitious plans in early 2021 to see the business double from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across the globe. Since then, Buro Happold has acquired three other firms including leading acoustics and AV consultancy Vanguardia Limited and its subsidiary Crowd Dynamics International, alongside US sustainability consulting firm Paladino and Company and higher education consultancy firm brightspot strategy. The acquisition of Abell Nepp follows the appointment of John Swift last month as the Global Sector Lead for Healthcare, Science and Technology.
IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides quick access for architects, engineers and specifiers. With a fresher, modern look and feel, the new website is designed to provide a user-friendly experience with intuitive navigation. It features new functionalities including comprehensive technical data such as CAD drawings, BIM objects, installation guides, Declarations of Performance and much more – allowing visitors fast and easy access to the product, system or specifier tool they need. “We are delighted to launch our brand-new website. The new site structure makes it easy to find and download materials and information in seconds,” commented Andy Neal, Managing Director at IG Masonry Support. “With a substantially upgraded search function and simplified internal navigation, product specifications will be more accessible than ever before, ensuring the customer finds the product, system or solution that best fits their project requirements.” Furthermore, the simplified structure ensures users can swiftly locate technical information, case studies, as well as user-friendly downloadable online literature. Future enhancements for the website include an interactive timeline on the company’s sustainability journey, project map, an online education initiative and more. Part of the renowned Keystone Group, the largest steel lintel manufacturer in the UK and Ireland, IG Masonry Support manufactures the most practical and advanced range of stainless steel masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems for the construction industry. For more information, visit the new website at igmasonrysupport.com
Ahead of a full tender process, expected to take place this summer, MKDP has appointed Activate – Workman Placemaking to lead the search for a development partner to help transform this centrally-located commercial space, into a vibrant, future-proof destination. Currently covering 3,446m2 of Grade A retail space, the scheme contains a strong core of 100 existing outdoor commercial units. Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has announced its intention to seek an investment, development, and operational partner to facilitate the development of Milton Keynes Open Market, a centrally located, prime commercial space. MKDP has appointed Activate, Workman’s in-house placemaking team, to assess initial interest in this scheme. As the landowner, MKDP is seeking a partner to help transform Milton Keynes Open Market into a destination retail, leisure, and food and beverage scheme which will be future-proofed against market changes by providing a dynamic, modern, customer experience to local residents, and visitors, whilst retaining the market’s core values and appeal. MKDP is keen to work with partners with broad experience in the retail destination sector, and remain open to new ideas, and innovative concepts for the space. Tracey Aldworth, MKDP’s Managing Director said: “MKDP is seeking comments, and enquiries, from partners keen to enter into a long-term agreement and is open to partnering with a singular institution, or a consortium. We are also seeking the views of potential partners to determine the best-suited contractual vehicle for the development of this site.” Esther Worboys, Placemaking Manager for Activate, said: “Milton Keynes Market is an essential element of Milton Keynes’ civic fabric, and retail offer. The market is centrally located on Midsummer Boulevard and immediately adjacent to the centre:mk shopping centre which attracts 23.4mn visitors per year. We are keen to find a partner who will work with MKDP on both operating the market as it is in the short-term, but also developing it in the medium to long-term into a destination for local residents and visitors.” For more information, visit www.mkdp.org.uk or email activate@workman.co.uk Responses must be received by May 6th, 2022.
Brits search for local builders on Google 162,238 times a month and now new research has revealed where they are most in-demand. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, analysed search data from across the nation.. Exeter is the biggest hotspot, with 1,702 monthly searches for local builders, on average. 1. Exeter – 1,702 monthly searches (14 per 1,000 people) 2. Bath – 1,277 (13) 3. Bedford – 1,053 (11) 4. Preston – 1,078 (11) 5. York – 1,740 (11) The most in-demand trades across the UK are: The people of Bath are most likely to seek the services of a tradesperson, with 103 monthly Google searches per 1,000 residents – the highest rate in the UK. The Somerset city is followed by Preston (102) and Bedford (88). However, this varies by trade, with Exeter being the most lucrative city for many workers. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “Tradespeople are incredibly valued members of communities all over the UK, but it’s interesting to see exactly where their skills are most sought-after at the moment. “For people looking to enter a trade or set up their own business, data like this could be really useful when choosing a location to establish yourself, as it’s a helpful indicator of potential demand for your services.” To see the top five locations where each trade is most in-demand, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/the-uk-cities-where-each-trade-is-most-in-demand
Work has started on the transformation of a landmark building, Fairfax House, in Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter, into a major new residential development consisting of 168 apartments. Fairfax House, on the corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane, is being developed by Leeds based property company YPP and has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects. The main seven-storey office building, which was built in the 1960s, is being transformed into 154 studio and one-bedroom apartments, which already had permitted development approval. In addition, Brewster Bye secured planning permission earlier in the year for a two-storey rooftop extension that will comprise of 14, one, two and three bedroom apartments, and will replace an existing rooftop plant structure. Amenity space for residents will also be incorporated into the scheme. Colbre Projects Ltd has been appointed as principal contractor and work is due to complete in August 2023. The development will then be managed by YPP Lettings and become part of the Live Oasis brand which offers high quality rental apartments across numerous purpose-built developments throughout Leeds and beyond. A spokesperson from YPP said: “Securing planning permission and then immediately starting work on the transformation of this iconic Leeds building, is a fantastic position to be in. “The scheme benefits from having both Leeds Arena and the city’s main shopping and leisure areas on its doorstep. It’s also in a part of the city that is currently benefitting from a huge amount of new development, as well as numerous new and completed tall building projects, which all enhances the vibrancy of the area and will make it a fantastic place to live.” Andrew Chapman, associate director at Brewster Bye Architects, said: “Fairfax House is a very distinctive Leeds building in a prominent city centre location, but it was no longer fit for purpose and looked dated in this fast-evolving part of the city. “As part of the development’s design, we’ve made major improvements to enhance the building’s appearance which will include partial glazing and recladding, and a smart new welcoming feature entrance will be created. This will be complemented by a generous outdoor and indoor amenity space for residents to enjoy across the ground and upper ground floors, that will offer landscaped seating areas and various other communal spaces. “Once complete, there’s no doubt it will be a sought-after place to live in one of the city’s most exciting areas.” This is YPP’s latest development in the city’s Arena and Northern Quarters. The company is also behind Havana Residence, Q1, Belgrave & Warwick and Commerce House, which is currently under construction.
Developed by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) – the Technology Validation Guide outlines accreditations that certify system performance together with robust testing protocols and informative guidelines to support those manufacturing and specifying light steel framing systems. As a proven and well-established offsite manufactured technology, light steel frame is trusted and widely used throughout the UK across all construction sectors however, this document covers residential and commercial bedspace only. LSFA members have demonstrated that light steel frame systems are innovative, extremely durable and a highly efficient alternative to traditional construction methods – backed by rigorous testing and high levels of certification. Open-Source Freely available to download from the LSFA’s website, the Technology Validation Guide covers light steel frame infill and oversail together with panelised and volumetric modular systems. The accreditation pathway is determined by the type of system, the construction sector, and design parameters of the structure. Validation is provided by a variety of organisations who carry out assessments of the build system and supporting data. Testing is required for the structural elements along with building physics data for fire, thermal, acoustic, and structural perfomance, for example. The types of testing along with the organisations who can carry out this work are highlighted in the document along with the relevant test standards. The Validation Guide provides a concise high-level overview which signposts construction professionals to valuable and trusted sources where further information is available. Efficiently Engineered for Safety, Sustainability and Performance The versatility of steel offers architects the freedom to achieve their most ambitious visions and specifiers value its predictability, quality and safety assurances. As the construction industry looks to raise the safety bar since the banning of combustible materials in external walls above 18 metres, the light steel frame sector is witnessing unprecedented demand. The amount of combustible material in a light steel framed building is much lower, therefore the fire risk during construction and when in use is vastly reduced. Steel is non-combustible and does not add to the fire load of a building – reducing the fuel for the fire, limiting risk of damage and injury. Sustainability is a key driving force in the specification of light steel framing systems. Steel can be recycled or reused endlessly without detriment to its properties. This unique characteristic gives steel a high value at all stages of its lifecycle. The recovery infrastructure for steel recycling is highly developed with current recovery rates from demolition sites in the UK at 99% for structural steelwork and 96% for all steel construction products – figures that far exceed those for any other construction material. Offering the best strength-to-weight ratio improves efficiencies – you get a lot of structure for relatively little weight which reduces embodied carbon. This is where steel cannot be beaten. Lighter structures not only reduce material consumption but also concrete in the ground. This means that foundation loads and sizes are reduced by over 70% relative to concrete and block-work construction. Steel is a robust, rigid and dimensionally stable material that does not suffer from movement created by moisture related issues. The inherent benefits of steel construction are why this innovative material is dominant in shaping our city skylines. Driving Collaboration and Growth in the Light Steel Framing Sector The light steel frame industry is more agile, advanced and digitally savvy than its competitors in other offsite material sectors. Established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the sector, the LSFA is raising awareness of the cost, performance and productivity benefits and supporting the specification of light steel framing systems. Rigorous quality processes give full traceability at all stages in the supply chain, from steelmaking through to fabrication and installation on site. All structural steel used by LSFA members is CE Marked, providing assurance that the material is compliant with the Construction Products Regulation. For more information on the LSFA and to download the Light Steel Frame Technology Validation Guide, go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk
BUSINESS leaders from across the region’s construction industry are descending on Sunderland this month to build the foundations for a greener future. Reducing emissions through digitalisation is a hot topic for the built environment to enable it to achieve ambitious targets by 2030, in line with Government policies. Digital technologies are regarded by many as providing significant opportunities for construction to reduce waste, curb errors and slash the environmental impact of build across the entire value chain. Taking place on the morning of Wednesday, April 27, the “Digital Construction – Accelerating to Net Zero” event will be hosted by the International Centre for Connected Construction (IC3) and Sunderland City Council, with up to 100 businesses expected to attend the in-person event at the newly-opened state-of-the-art City Hall, at Riverside Sunderland. The event forms part of a series of advanced, green and smart events culminating in Expo Sunderland 2024, which will welcome tens of thousands of local and national visitors to the most important regeneration and net zero future living event of its kind in the UK. Sunderland will become a shining example of what greener, smarter and integrated living and working can be, showcasing the city’s innovative and transformational regeneration projects, as well as unveiling the development of thousands of carbon-neutral smart homes in summer 2024. The networking conference will include keynote speeches from Tom Harrison, chair, and Dr Kay Rogage, senior lecturer, Digital Living, from the International Centre for Connected Construction (IC3); Billy D’Arcy, CEO of the 5G telecommunications experts, BAI Communications; Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council; and Scott Bibby, managing director of CORE HAUS. Also joining the event will be Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, who said: “The Digital Construction conference will bring the region’s construction businesses to City Hall and together, help to develop the Net Zero strategy to ensure the region remains at the forefront of innovation within the global construction industry.” The event will help local and regional construction companies to understand and embrace digital technologies by showcasing some of the innovative strategies and methods that are currently being adopted worldwide, helping them to better prepare for stringent new environmental build legislation and helping them stay ahead of the Net Zero curve and in line with current consumer demands. The event is free to attend for relevant industry professionals, strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with breakfast and lunch included. To find out more and to request a ticket, visit: https://bit.ly/35xbGWU