A shopfloor assistant at one of the UK’s leading builders merchants has completed his apprenticeship – a few months before turning 70. Terence Archer, who works for Selco Builders Warehouse in its Crayford branch, achieved a distinction in his Level Two Retailer working with training provider Realise. The achievement is
Growth of 36% between 2021 and 2024 A new Juniper Research study has predicted that end user spend via carrier billing will increase to $73.8 billion in 2024, from $54.4 billion in 2021, with growth driven by 5G-based mobile gaming and video subscriptions. To leverage this growth, the report advises
Goodman completes 500,000 sq ft Crossways Commercial Park, Dartford M25-adjacent location places 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time, with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion* One of Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and the first to feature full rooftop solar PV Properties available for immediate occupation To meet
Leading international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has been awarded the contract for the First Stage of the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) project for the Design and Construction of HMP Highland, designed by the design, engineering and project delivery company, BakerHicks. This marks a milestone in the SPS’ plans to deliver
A Suffolk construction boss has described apprentices as the answer to the industry’s skills shortage to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022. Simon Girling is the director of SEH French, an Ipswich-based firm operating across East Anglia, where apprentices make up 10% of the workforce. Mr Girling, whose apprentices include carpenters
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s
A shopfloor assistant at one of the UK’s leading builders merchants has completed his apprenticeship – a few months before turning 70. Terence Archer, who works for Selco Builders Warehouse in its Crayford branch, achieved a distinction in his Level Two Retailer working with training provider Realise. The achievement is all the more remarkable as Terence, who turns 70 in April, left school with no qualifications at 15 and has now made the grade in English and Maths as part of his recent studies. Terence, who completed a carpentry apprenticeship 50 years ago and speaking as part of National Apprenticeship Week, said: “It just goes to show you are never too old to complete an apprenticeship. “I’m really proud of myself because I pushed out of my boundaries to achieve this. “I’ve only been in retail for two-and-a-half years and wanted to learn as much as possible to be as good at the job as I can. “The opportunity to complete an apprenticeship came up from Selco and I jumped at the chance. “Part of the qualification was to achieve functional skills in English and Maths which I didn’t achieve at school. “I also had to learn a lot of new IT skills from pretty much scratch and that was difficult. “There were many times when I wanted to give up but my trainers at Realise were brilliant at helping me through the tough periods and keeping me going. I’m very glad I got to the end and achieved a distinction.” Terence – who was a carpenter and then became a general builder – completed his apprenticeship as part of Selco’s Rising Stars programme which is designed to help colleagues upskill and progress their careers. As part of his Bronze Rising Stars qualification, Terence completed 16 modules including business management and brand reputation, customer and communication, product and services, stock and merchandising and team and performance. He added: “I started at Selco because, after I retired from building, I got bored sitting around at home and wanted to keep busy. “I never dreamt at that stage I would do an apprenticeship but I’m so glad I have and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. “I would encourage anybody thinking of doing an apprenticeship – whatever their age or occupation – to go ahead with it. It’s extremely rewarding and, for people far younger than me, can be crucial in them enhancing their careers. “If I was a few years younger, I would certainly do another one but I think that’s me done for now.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 72 branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect services.
Growth of 36% between 2021 and 2024 A new Juniper Research study has predicted that end user spend via carrier billing will increase to $73.8 billion in 2024, from $54.4 billion in 2021, with growth driven by 5G-based mobile gaming and video subscriptions. To leverage this growth, the report advises operators to forge new partnerships with content providers to build frameworks enabling the distribution of new content paid for by carrier billing. The new report, Carrier Billing: Opportunities, Challenges & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, also expects carrier billing spend on content bundling to enable operators to further recoup investments into 5G by charging a premium to facilitate high-quality video and games streaming over 5G networks. To maximise this opportunity, it urges operators to offer payment services in markets underserved by existing digital payment methods to maximise carrier billing spend. For more insights, download the free whitepaper: Carrier Billing ~ Leveraging the 5G Opportunity Indian Subcontinent Identified as Key Opportunity Operators must expand the geographical reach of carrier billing; leveraging the trust fostered between them and their subscribers, and becoming increasingly valuable partners to content providers. It identified the Indian Subcontinent as a key target region for carrier billing stakeholders over the next two years, with smartphone penetration in the region expected to reach 50% by 2024. New Opportunities in the Transit Sector The research also found carrier billing spend on digital ticket purchases will grow by 250%, from $141 billion in 2021 to $275 billion in 2024. It predicts that the rise of new transportation modes, such as MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) will drive carrier billing spend for transit services by offering an improved user experience across a single app that leverages carrier billing to process the payment. Additionally, RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging will provide an interface between MaaS users and transit service providers; offering real-time travel updates. Research author Susannah Hampton says: “Operators should focus on demonstrating their relevance to transit; driving the further growth of carrier billing via an improved range of technology partnerships.”
Goodman completes 500,000 sq ft Crossways Commercial Park, Dartford M25-adjacent location places 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time, with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion* One of Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and the first to feature full rooftop solar PV Properties available for immediate occupation To meet rising demand for sustainable logistics space with easy access to consumer markets, Goodman has launched a 500,000 sq ft site in M25 e-commerce hotspot, Dartford. This is the first of its UK portfolio to feature full rooftops of solar PV as it accelerates its commitment to low carbon technologies. Available for immediate occupation and comprising three high-specification units of 240,884 sq ft, 138,062 sq ft and 101,659 sq ft, Crossways Commercial Park offers state-of-the-art facilities for customers across retail, e-commerce and logistics. With direct access to Junction 1a of the M25, the site’s fast connections to London and the national motorway network place 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion*. Kent’s excellent freight links to the Channel Tunnel, Port of Dover and London Thamesport also make the facilities ideal for businesses serving UK, European and international markets. Crossways Commercial Park is among Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and is the first to feature a full rooftop array of solar photovoltaics (PV) across each building. The 2.2MW system will generate a combined annual power output of almost two million kWh – equivalent to removing 435 tons of carbon from the atmosphere or planting 20,727 trees. Designed to support customers decarbonise their operations, Crossways Commercial Park features solar thermal hot water, solar heating for office areas and other sustainable features including electric vehicle (EV) charging points, infrastructure for EV fleets, rainwater harvesting and smart metering, to help monitor and reduce energy consumption. Delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and achieving an A+ energy rating, each building also features a carbon neutral cladding system, designed to meet ‘chill-store’ and ambient product storage requirements. George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, said: “Crossways Commercial Park is a prime example of Goodman’s global focus on delivering sustainable properties that utilise the latest innovations in design, construction and energy generation. “Not only is it our most sustainable property in the UK, but it sets a standard for future properties we will be developing. Its strategic location is also set to drive supply chain efficiencies for our customers, placing them closer to consumers which in turn drives down transport emissions.” The launch of Crossways Commercial Park also follows Goodman UK achieving a 5 Star Rating in the Development benchmark by GRESB, a leading sustainability assessment for the real estate sector. Glennie added: “Through developments such as Crossways Commercial Park, we are realising our ambition to deliver properties that can meet our customers’ needs now and into the future.” Crossways Commercial Park adds to Dartford’s reputation as a thriving distribution and supply chain destination, with more than 4,000 people employed in logistics and e-commerce**. Part of an established business park spanning 300-acres, the development offers customers excellent on-site amenities in an attractive, landscaped setting. Employees will also benefit from a range of dedicated public transport options, helping to support recruitment and staff retention. Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, said, “We welcome this outstanding new facility in Dartford. Goodman is not only meeting the demand for high quality, well connected space in Kent, but is also responding to the very strong desire from international companies to have sustainable, environmentally-conscious and future-facing facilities in the UK. “This investment once again demonstrates why Kent is perfectly placed for logistics and distribution companies wishing to expand operations and maximise their potential.” For further information and to enquire about Crossways 102, 138 and 241, please visit: https://uk.goodman.com/properties-for-lease/crossways-commercial-park.
Leading international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has been awarded the contract for the First Stage of the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) project for the Design and Construction of HMP Highland, designed by the design, engineering and project delivery company, BakerHicks. This marks a milestone in the SPS’ plans to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose replacement for HMP Inverness. The first new prison in the Scottish Highlands for more than a century, HMP Highland will serve the Highlands, Islands and Moray areas, holding up to 200 offenders in purposely designed accommodation units. The SPS mission is to transform the lives of people in their care so they can fulfil their potential and become responsible citizens. The new prison represents a step-change in prison design and service delivery for the Highlands and has been developed taking full consideration of Highland Council’s Sustainable Design Guide. It is also designed to be community facing; to be physically part of the community and help offenders reintegrate back into the local communities from which they came. The strategic aims of the prison include delivery of a range of innovative practices in order to stimulate, promote and sustain cultural change within a custodial environment that is more humane, civilised and positively supports offender rehabilitation, reducing recidivism. The prison will build upon the existing community links of HMP Inverness and enable improved service delivery, whilst also improving the experience of visitors to the prison. Architecturally, the entrance building takes the form of a central roundhouse with an integrated family centre as a focal point for visitors; historically roundhouses were used by communities not only as homes but as places of work and for communities to come together in. The main building reflects the flow of the River Ness and the colours of the Highland scenery. The long winding wave building form through the site means that, from street level, the building can never be viewed in its entirety and is not visibly institutional or custodial in the architectural concept or design of the public facing elements. Internally the focus has been on delivering good design in communal and service delivery areas for staff, visitors and prisoners which are modern, but also secure, safe and ordered. Sustainability is also a major focus of the design, with energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions on site integral to the design in line with Scottish Government guidance on securing green recovery on the path to transitioning to net zero emissions by 2045. BakerHicks have been involved in the project from the early stages following their award of the contract for the concept design through the SPS framework in 2016. They have provided multi-disciplinary services on the project throughout the design stages, including architectural, civil & structural, mechanical & electrical, and principal designer services. Laura James, Head of Scotland at BakerHicks, says the company’s considerable experience and expertise in the custodial sector helped shape the design process: “We are proud of our continued work with SPS, helping them to achieve their objectives in delivering new and best-in-class prison facilities across the country. “Our design team have been working on this project since its inception, and it is genuinely ground-breaking in terms of custodial design. This new style of prison creates an environment that helps aid rehabilitation, as well as being more inviting for visitors and family members. It is a far cry from the oppressive prison buildings of the past and I am excited to have the opportunity to have seen the building develop from its original concept right through to construction and completion.” Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director, Balfour Beatty, also provided the following comment: “We are delighted to be engaged by SPS to work up the detailed design and delivery of the new HMP Highland. We will draw on our extensive expertise in Modern Methods of Construction and Decarbonisation to deliver this ground-breaking new facility.” Teresa Medhurst, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, said: “The investment that we have received from the Scottish Government means that we can continue to develop a prison estate which is fit for purpose for the 21st century. The award of the pre-construction services contract to Balfour Beatty represents a significant step forward in delivering HMP Highland.”
A Suffolk construction boss has described apprentices as the answer to the industry’s skills shortage to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022. Simon Girling is the director of SEH French, an Ipswich-based firm operating across East Anglia, where apprentices make up 10% of the workforce. Mr Girling, whose apprentices include carpenters and quantity surveyors, said: “The construction industry, like many others, has got a major skills shortage. It’s something that has been ongoing and is probably only going to get worse. We’re certainly seeing the effects of it now more than ever when trying to recruit people.” The skills shortage in the industry has been well-documented over the years and that will likely remain unchanged, as it’s forecast 217,000 new workers will be needed by 2025 to meet demands according to the Construction Skills Network. Shortages are largely due to an ageing workforce which doesn’t have enough young people to replace them as they reach retirement. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed between October and December 2021, there were 42,000 job vacancies in construction. SEH French thinks investing time and money in bringing new people into the industry, such as apprentices, will help alleviate the strain present in construction while providing young people with more opportunities. Simon continued: “Bringing in new people into any industry is beneficial, young people bring fresh ideas. They [apprentices] live, develop and grow with us as people and in their trade or profession. “Apprentices help support our senior staff which in turn helps us operate and have better capabilities for meeting our client’s requirements and our own workloads. “Their on-the-job training teaches them how to work to our high standards and how to work as a team. It’s really important to be able to train them to how we want them to work and grow into a professional person.” National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual event aimed at celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships make to businesses and communities. With this year’s theme being ‘build the future’, Mr Girling thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for construction companies to recognise benefits of apprenticeships. He continued: “It’s important for us to contribute to bringing new people into the industry. I think companies have an obligation to do that and to help alleviate some of them problems with skills shortages.” SEH French remains keen to create opportunities for more young people across the region, and people are advised to check their careers page for future vacancies. For more information, please visit www.sehfrench.co.uk.
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes and no longer living on the streets. Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26 January for the former ITEC site in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon. The new development will act as follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness. Residents will live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy. The scheme, which will have office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Program (RSAP) from the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities). The six modular units, known as SoloHaus, have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of their commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years. They will provide safe, comfortable, sustainable homes for single people experiencing periods of homelessness. The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by the housing association, Peabody South East, in partnership with Basildon Council. Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.” Chairman of the Housing and Estate Renewal Committee Councillor Andrew Schrader said: “The scheme aims to provide our residents affected by homelessness with a home. Receiving support, vocational training and the skills required to be able to move on and sustain their own tenancy, they will get the opportunity to turn their lives around.” For more details on SoloHaus, please visit www.solohaus.co.uk.
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite prefabricated component products. Since its inception, its product designs and manufacturing processes have progressed, becoming more advanced and innovative. This has led the company to review its branding to bring it more in line with its current philosophy, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, explains: “Stormking’s branding has always been synonymous with quality and service. From the commencement of the company in 1985, its brand design and style has reflected its market leading status within the GRP market and the house building construction sector. Although the brand has developed over time, after nearly a decade of the same brand, it was time for an update. “We felt a new approach was needed to reflect the advancements the company has made over the past 40 years, both in terms of product development and manufacturing practices. We wanted the new branding to be an evolution rather than a revolution, so although we have moved to a cleaner, more contemporary visual identity, we have retained the red, white, and blue colours to ensure continuity, as we transition between the outgoing brand to the new updated version. “We also wanted to emphasise the many benefits prefabricated products and offsite manufacturing can offer the construction industry. More companies are looking to prefabricated products to revolutionise the way they build new homes. The ease of installation of these products, which are delivered to site either complete or in a limited number of pieces, is saving construction companies both time and money – especially when compared to traditional building materials and methods. Andrew concludes: “Our new branding reflects Stormking’s commitment to being at the forefront of the GRP supply sector, with the continued development of innovative products and manufacturing processes that support the future of the house building sector.” Further information about Stormking and its range of products can be found at www.stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick clay brick slips and Glass Mosaic finishes, and visualize the perfect solution for their individual project. “This is a significant step forward that delivers a number of benefits for our customers,” explains Sto’s Sales Development Manager, Joe Mellor. “The Cladding Creator provides visitors with a virtually endless array of design possibilities covering these façade finishes. They can refine their ideas by changing different parameters such as sizes, textures, bond patterns, colour combinations, joint mortar and glass mosaic options, before arriving at a final visual solution that gives them a very clear and accurate indication of how the various hues and textures will appear on their own building.” The resulting file can then be downloaded and used with any modelling software to create images for various purposes, such as client presentations or inclusion into drawings. “This greatly simplifies the process of choosing between the many different options available, saving valuable time for architects and specifiers,” adds Joe. “Once they have arrived at a design they wish to follow, they can then order a sample direct from the website, making the whole specification process even more efficient.” The Sto Cladding Creator focusses the spotlight on the BBA-certified StoCleyer B resin brick slips, which offer great design freedom, with the option to be manufactured in almost any colour combination or texture. Made from over 90% mineral component, they allow the creation of brick façades at a fraction of the weight, cost and installation work associated with traditional brick, as well as creating considerable energy savings in the manufacturing and transport processes. All the façade finishes chosen via the new Sto Cladding Configurator are compatible with the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, and StoVentec rainscreen system.
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the potential to create some 300 new jobs for the region. The forward funding commitment will see the delivery of three units at the prime logistics hub located at the major J26 intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and M606 Bradford link. Reserved matters consent has recently been granted by Kirklees Council for a 64,500 sq ft unit and a 43,500 sq ft unit. A further planning application is under consideration for up to 105,000 sq ft, which forms the final phase of development. GMI Construction has been appointed as contractor and work is scheduled to commence on site in early 2022 with delivery of the two consented units expected in late Summer 2022. Works on the final phase will commence once planning has been considered by Kirklees Council. Interchange 26, an Opus North & Network Space Capital owned company, acquired the former water treatment works site on an unconditional basis in 2019 to facilitate the development of prime industrial accommodation and address the severe regional shortages. A comprehensive remediation and earthworks package has now been completed. This latest deal follows on from Interchange 26’s 10.4 acre land sale in 2020 to British Airways Pension Trustees Limited and Tungsten Properties. Work is underway on Super B, a new big box warehouse, which is set for completion in Q3 2022. Interchange 26 forms part of Opus North’s wider development strategy to enhance its £250m development programme with a focus on the logistics sector. Ryan Unsworth, Development Director of Opus North, said; “This forward funding agreement will enable us to bring three much needed mid-box units to the severely constrained regional pipeline, fulfilling our vision for this strategic site. This development will go some way to addressing the supply and demand imbalance in South Bradford and North Kirklees, while facilitating new jobs for the wider region.” 4th Industrial is a commercial real estate company that invests in multi let and light industrial property and was founded by experienced industrial property specialist Derek Heathwood. As of January 2022, the 4th Industrial portfolio totals 2.15m SFT across 12 estates located in key industrial submarkets across the UK. Interchange 26 LLP was represented by Dove Haigh Phillips and Knight Frank in the transaction while 4th Industrial represented themselves.
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s no wonder West Fraser’s (formerly known as Norbord) SterlingOSB Zero range is one of the most popular in the construction industry. West Fraser’s OSB portfolio comprises of SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the precision-engineered OSB3 board; BBA-approved and designed for humid conditions, the board contains zero added formaldehyde (ZAF) and is unique in the market by being the only ZAF OSB manufactured in the UK. Produced in Scotland from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC or PEFC. Among its multiple uses, SterlingOSB Zero is ideal for timber frame construction. The boards are designed to speed up the build process and are available in a wide range, thicknesses and sheet sizes. For structural use in dry or humid load bearing situations, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is the board of choice. When undertaking dry lining, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix quickly provides secure anchorage areas. Flooring and roofing applications are served by SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 and SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove. Panels are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications with no sanding required, even for GRP finishes. In building sites all over the UK (and other rainy, snowy or generally mucky climates), the art of getting buildings wind and watertight quickly is an important one that the builder needs to get right! Choosing a quick, easy to install, reliable and versatile roofing system is, therefore, vital. High quality roof decking or pitched roof sarking is an essential component and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is now the preferred option for many today. And winning the game with outstanding attributes is West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 or SterlingOSB Zero T&G. Ideal for structural use in load bearing dry or humid conditions, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 offers great value and durability. Stronger than most softwood ply, thanks to its makeup of multiple layers of real wood strands pressed together, it is designed to withstand the toughest of conditions. Working with the boards is trouble free as they are uniform in quality with no knots, voids or delamination issues. Helping to cut waste, a range of panel sizes and thicknesses is available to suit all needs. The boards are square edged so butt together easily and cleanly. Panels are cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment and are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. Nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications and no sanding is required, even for GRP finishes. With all the advantages of the Sterling OSB Zero range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G is specifically designed for flat roofing and is BBA approved and fully compliant to BS 6229:2003. The panels are consistent and machined to exact tolerances. Reliable fixings are easily achieved across the board using 3mm diameter ring-shank nails or 50mm long screws at 100mm centers across the supporting joists. The inherent strength of SterlingOSB Zero makes it the natural choice for site hoardings and for boarding up windows and doors of vacant properties. Hoardings formed using SterlingOSB Zero may be finished with most popular surface treatments, allowing marketing messages and designs to be displayed to create a smart site perimeter. Along with its many practical attributes, the Sterling OSB Zero range has strong environmental credentials. All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. Sterling OSB Zero is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, ensuring an even ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/