From Contractors, Project Managers, Clients and Consultants, Ctori are able to provide their expertise and training to a range of companies and sectors seeking to develop their knowledge of the NEC contract or to be introduced to the contract entirely. “The tailormade course was clear, concise and targeted. The questions
PETERBOROUGH ARENA, EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND FEBRUARY 26-27 The 7 Figure Construction Business Builder live two-day event held at the Peterborough Arena, was attended by more than 130 construction businesses from all over the UK. Hosted by CEO of Trade Mastermind and winner of BBC’s The Apprentice Joseph Valente, the event was a huge
The New 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit is to be built at The Cofton Centre, a 35-acre, self-contained secure, managed estate which forms an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by expert logistics/industrial
Polar NE installs Kawneer product portfolio at Cornwall’s first children’s mental health unit Sowenna CAMHS is Cornwall’s first Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services unit. The £5 million purpose-built project demanded products that could provide a high level of thermal performance, whilst also enhancing the building’s levels of natural light
A VILLAGE on the outskirts of Lancaster is set to significantly benefit from a new housing development currently under construction. Homebuilder Russell Armer Homes has started building work on 65 two to four bedroom homes, as well as one bedroom apartments, at its Bowland Fold development in the village of
Aquarian Cladding Systems, a specialist supplier of external brick and terracotta cladding systems, has strengthened its team with two key appointments. Ryan Callaghan joins as Technical Sales Manager in the South East of England, having started his career with an independent distributor in 2012, selling insulation and fire protection. He
Arup will lead an expert design team to help deliver the new £31 million pedestrian and cycle crossing on the River Wear in Sunderland. The global engineering and consulting firm will work closely with contractor VolkerStevin and has assembled an experienced team including specialist bridge architects Knight Architects and local
Latest research survey calls for architect feedback to improve educational offering A new survey has been launched by NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) to find out how architects and specifiers are using RIBA-approved CPDs (Continuing
Latest phase adds to 1,450 homes already created at flagship development Approval now means work could begin by Autumn 22 St. Modwen, a leading developer of new communities and high-quality homes, has reached the latest milestone at its flagship Longbridge development after Birmingham City Council granted planning permission for a
The effectiveness of education provided to students is directly proportional to the quality of the learning environment where the teaching is delivered. Optimal acoustics, thermal performance, air quality, natural lighting, security and aesthetics work harmoniously together to positively impact how students and teachers stay comfortable and focused, and perform academically.
From Contractors, Project Managers, Clients and Consultants, Ctori are able to provide their expertise and training to a range of companies and sectors seeking to develop their knowledge of the NEC contract or to be introduced to the contract entirely. “The tailormade course was clear, concise and targeted. The questions from the Morgan Sindall delivery teams, who have varying levels of NEC experience, were well answered and the use of practical examples brought the subject matter to life.” says Paul Dwyer, Commercial Manager at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, about the recent training course delivered to the Morgan Sindall Infrastructure team for their works on Welsh Water’s Asset Management Plans (AMPs) Framework. The introductory course to the NEC3 ECC Contract is by far the most popular course, which is offered to clients who are either new to the NEC contract or have had limited experience using it. Both Introductory Courses to the NEC3 and NEC4 Contracts provide delegates with a total of 7 CPD points each per full-day’s training session. These course cover basic principles such as contract strategy for procurement, time, payments, early warnings and compensation events. Peter Ctori, Commercial Director at CCCL Peter Ctori, Commercial Director at CCCL says “We have been delivering our reputable NEC Training Courses for over 25 years, which has allowed us to closely assist workforces and managers in some of the most incredible projects across the UK.” The training courses are usually delivered face-to-face to a group of 6 to 14 delegates during a full day’s training, with 2 coffee breaks and a lunch break in-between. It can also be delivered online and/or broken down into half-day training sessions. All the courses are tailored in detail to fit the project requirements of the client and provide applicable knowledge to all attending delegates. To browse our CPD and NEC training courses, or to learn about our consultancy services, please visit us at www.ctori.com or contact us at ctori@ctori.com for any enquiries.
PETERBOROUGH ARENA, EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND FEBRUARY 26-27 The 7 Figure Construction Business Builder live two-day event held at the Peterborough Arena, was attended by more than 130 construction businesses from all over the UK. Hosted by CEO of Trade Mastermind and winner of BBC’s The Apprentice Joseph Valente, the event was a huge success. There were a few regulars returning, but it was fantastic to see many new businesses attending for the first time – and vowing to return for more in the future. Guest speakers included TV’s Undercover Big Boss and philanthropist Alfie Best. Together with the founder of the popular trade website Checkatrade Kevin Byrne. Both had the audience grasped as they talked about their early lives, how they ventured into business for the first time and what motivates them to be successful in business. Both received an incredible standing ovation by all who attended. Joseph Valente inspired everyone when he took to the stage and presented for the whole of Saturday and fully explaining how construction businesses, such as plumbing & heating, electrical, landscaping and building trades, can move to the next level. James King who runs his landscaping business in West Sussex said: “Wow! What a great weekend! I arrived home and went immediately into the office with white boards and post-it notes and started to make plans. I can’t wait to start implementing everything I’ve learned over the weekend into my business. Thank you so much Joseph Valente and the whole Trade Mastermind team!” CEO of Trade Mastermind Joseph Valente added: “Trade Mastermind has done countless training and business building events, but this was our maiden arena event, which has proved to be a huge success. Businesses from all over the UK arrived and judging by the messages I’ve received, everyone had an absolutely amazing experience, as well as learning a massive amount of knowledge to implement into their own businesses. “It was amazing to see our guest speakers Alfie Best and Kevin Byrne receiving such an incredible welcome from everyone. Their life stories so far were absolutely inspirational. “The Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground, proved to be the perfect location for us and located close to the A1. The parking facilities, staff and food provided throughout the weekend was outstanding. We will certainly be holding more events here in the future.” For further info on any future Trade Mastermind events please visit: www.trademastermind.co.uk or email: paul.fenech@trademastermind.co.uk
The New 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit is to be built at The Cofton Centre, a 35-acre, self-contained secure, managed estate which forms an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by expert logistics/industrial developer St. Modwen Logistics to construct a new 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit at a site in Longbridge, Birmingham. The development being marketed as’ Longbridge 155’ will feature a best-in-class specification to include an array of sustainable design enhancements, energy saving technologies and Net Zero Carbon in operation features. It will showcase St. Modwen’s Swan Standard specification – a set of industry-leading sustainable development guidelines with a focus on responsible building practices that allows its customers to reduce running costs and carbon in operation emissions. The development will aim to deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating together with targeting an EPC A+ rating, demonstrating significant investment and innovation in sustainability above current regulation and practice. It is expected to achieve an overall carbon reduction of 53% compared with energy requirements set out in the UK Building Regulations (Part L). The office space – comprising 12,626 sq ft – will be operationally Net Zero Carbon, achieved by limiting the operational energy demands and embodied carbon emissions. This includes the use of an energy efficient hybrid air source heat pump, smart metering and further sustainable enhancements such as AAA rated white goods which reduce electrical use; low energy lifts; and recycled carpets. The warehouse space will include several environmental credentials including triple-skinned GRP roof lights which reduce glare and overheating; built-up cladding which provides excellent air tightness and is fully recyclable; 20% electric vehicle charging; and PV solar panels, all of which underpin the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ rating. Construction of the facility started in February and the building expected to be available from Q3 2022. Talking about the project GMI Managing Director Andy Bruce Said: “This project is another big win for our Midlands team and Birmingham Office which we are rapidly expanding. We are delighted to once again be working for repeat customer St. Modwen Logistics on this prestigious scheme and part of the team working on the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. With this instruction our Midlands division has now secured in excess of £130 million of work in just over two years working on some of the region’s most high-profile projects for many well-known brands. We are committed to building back stronger and this key project win further underlines our intentions for growth and opportunity. Also commenting Richard Carter, St. Modwen Logistics Senior Director of Construction said ‘As a valued supply chain partner, we are delighted to have appointed GMI to build Longbridge 155, and look forward to the successful completion of this and future projects’ The building has been designed to feature net zero carbon in operation as part of its commitments to drive its ambition to achieve net zero carbon developments with further reductions in embodied and operational carbon by delivering BREEAM excellent buildings with EPC ratings of A and better. The development features a high-quality office specification, designed with the customer in mind, focusing on health and wellbeing, sustainability, and net carbon reduction”. Working alongside GMI are UMC Architects, engineers Rodgers Leask, KAM Project Consultants and RPPML. The development is situated at The Cofton Centre, a self-contained secure, managed estate which is an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. The site is able to accommodate a wide range of industrial and distribution uses. Situated only 1.5 miles from St. Modwen’s new £70 million Longbridge town centre and the highly successful Technology Park, Longbridge 155 offers occupiers an ideal opportunity to become part of an established commercial centre. For further information about the project visit: https://stmodwenlogistics.co.uk/property/longbridge-155/
Polar NE installs Kawneer product portfolio at Cornwall’s first children’s mental health unit Sowenna CAMHS is Cornwall’s first Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services unit. The £5 million purpose-built project demanded products that could provide a high level of thermal performance, whilst also enhancing the building’s levels of natural light and help achieve a BREEAM Excellent building status. Along with ensuring excellent levels of daylight and access to external spaces and ventilation, the project’s challenges were increased by requiring multiple product solutions that could be harmonised and achieve the same levels of performance and aesthetics. The project requirements enabled Kawneer to utilise multiple products from their portfolio, which perfectly suited the specifications and helped the project achieve the required levels of thermal performance and successfully achieve its BREEAM Excellent status. The project included three types of Kawneer aluminium windows specifically designed and engineered for the mental health sector – Wansbeck Secure windows, Wear Secure windows and Humber Secure windows all feature on the project in multiple areas. The Humber Secure windows were developed in partnership with Humber NHS Foundation Trust as a low to medium secure window with an external sliding sash operated by a reduced ligature rotating handle. The Wansbeck Secure windows are designed for low-secure facilities and feature an internal sliding sash and the Wear Secure windows are an adaptation of the Wansbeck but with a secure mesh to guard the restricted open area. Alongside the bespoke window designs, Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain wall system helped to create a dynamic and active façade that promotes high-levels of natural light to illuminate the main entrance, whilst AA®541 top-hung casement windows have been used in the café area and offices spaces, and AA®3720 folding/sliding doors feature in the courtyard areas. The new Sowenna CAMHS project was designed by international design practice Ryder Architecture and constructed by main contractor Tilbury Douglas on the site of the former Bodmin Community Hospital. The facility provides inpatient mental health and psychiatric intensive care for children and young people aged between 13 and 18 years. Victor Muniz, architectural director at Ryder, said the team responded to the design brief from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust with a smart and functional design. He commented: “We have used Polar windows in several projects already and their products meet all current standards in terms of anti-ligature specification, robustness, good design and competitive costing.” He added: “We were looking for lots of natural light inside the building so the glazed elements played a very important role on this project. We were also aiming for BREEAM Excellent which was finally achieved. “The secure windows and curtain walling have a similar aesthetic to the standard components and help to ensure the safety and security of the external envelope for service users, staff and visitors. Our understanding is the trust is quite happy with the building.”
A VILLAGE on the outskirts of Lancaster is set to significantly benefit from a new housing development currently under construction. Homebuilder Russell Armer Homes has started building work on 65 two to four bedroom homes, as well as one bedroom apartments, at its Bowland Fold development in the village of Halton, near Lancaster. As part of the development, 13 affordable homes will be created for people with links to the local area and a significant sum of money will be granted to Lancaster City Council and ring fenced for the local community through the Government’s New Homes Bonus Scheme. In addition, 1.67 hectares of public open green space – which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the overall development area – will be created and will include a children’s play area. And there will be significant tree planting and a biodiversity scheme implemented. Improvements will be made to the existing watercourse running through the site to provide one central, biodiverse ‘blue-green’ corridor to help manage and hold back surface water from existing homes. Nicky Gordon, the Managing Director of Russell Armer Homes, said: “As with every development, we closely consider what benefits we can provide to the local community and we are very passionate about improving the lives of local people. “We listened to what residents would like as part of the Bowland Fold development, and we’re proud to be providing so many key amenities and facilities to boost the local area. “The development comes at an exciting time for Russell Armer Homes and its sister company Genesis Homes as we start construction on more than 300 homes over three sites, and we’re looking forward to creating a great community in the county of Lancashire with this latest development.” The Bowland Fold development, located just off High Road, offers a broad mix of high quality homes which will suit a wide range of residential requirements but predominantly families through the provision of three and four bedroom houses. A total of two one-bed flats and 12 two bedroom homes will also be constructed to cater for all needs. The proposed play area is aimed at children under the age of 12 and constitutes part of the development’s green space. In addition to the Bowland Fold development at Halton, Russell Armer Homes is currently building 157 homes as part of its Meadow Rigg development at Burneside Road, in Kendal, Cumbria.
Aquarian Cladding Systems, a specialist supplier of external brick and terracotta cladding systems, has strengthened its team with two key appointments. Ryan Callaghan joins as Technical Sales Manager in the South East of England, having started his career with an independent distributor in 2012, selling insulation and fire protection. He then joined Kingspan’s insulation division, before more recently becoming a key member of their light gauge steel framing sales team. “I was very aware of Aquarian as they had a strategic relationship with Kingspan and the opportunity to join them really appealed to me. I could see the opportunity to grow and develop whilst having a bigger impact in a business,” said Ryan, who will be tasked with building and managing relationships with key sub-contractors and main contractors. “I see a huge market opportunity for Aquarian, particularly because of the industry drive towards non-combustible construction. We have two fantastic non-combustible brick cladding solutions, with plans to add to our existing portfolio, so I can only see positives for me and the company as we combine our experience of supplying materials for use on buildings over 18m.” Laurence Bailey joins as Architectural Specification Manager for London, having worked in construction for 18 years. His previous roles have included working in technical departments for brick and brick cladding manufacturers, as well as a CAD technician for a structural engineer. Laurence, who will engage with architects from the earliest stage possible to ensure Aquarian’s products are specified, said: “Whilst with my previous company, we would regularly compete with Aquarian and I could tell they knew their stuff, with good people and good products. “With a really comprehensive range of fully tested and certified products to suit all sorts of needs and all sorts of budgets, I’m really looking forward to working with architects to make them aware of Aquarian products and of course help them to specific our products.” With a product portfolio that includes brick slip cladding systems such as the A1-rated MechSlip and NaturAL-X, the Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System and A1-rated Terreal Terracotta Rainscreen System, Aquarian Cladding Systems have worked with architects, contractors, developers, and cladding contractors on many award-winning buildings across a wide range of sectors. Jazz Rigden, Aquarian Cladding Systems’ Sales Director said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome both Laurence and Ryan to the Aquarian team. Both have a huge amount of experience in the industry and have already hit the ground running. “Laurence will provide specification support to ensure our products are appropriately specified and Ryan will ensure the end user receives our full support to ensure materials are ordered accurately. “This additional investment in our team is further evidence of our ambitious plans to grow and develop the business across the country.” For more information or to discuss your project requirements please visit www.aquariancladding.co.uk/
Arup will lead an expert design team to help deliver the new £31 million pedestrian and cycle crossing on the River Wear in Sunderland. The global engineering and consulting firm will work closely with contractor VolkerStevin and has assembled an experienced team including specialist bridge architects Knight Architects and local landscape architects Colour. The team will bring its technical expertise and local knowledge to deliver a bridge in line with the overall vision for the project, as outlined by Sunderland City Council. VolkerStevin was named as the partner to deliver the bridge in September 2021. This project is a central part of Sunderland’s new Riverside Park and will provide connectivity between Sheepfolds and the city centre as part of the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, led by the council and backed with £100 million by Legal & General. Arup will use digital 3D models to develop the design and consider its integration with surrounding areas, as well as ensuring sustainability is at the heart of the development. This will include minimising the bridge’s carbon impact, reducing any impacts on the biodiversity of the river environment both during construction and throughout the lifetime of the bridge. The bridge, expected to open in 2024, will incorporate the completion of the Keel Line connection between Keel Square and the Stadium of Light to encourage walking and cycling in and around Riverside Sunderland by carefully considering people’s experience of the bridge. The new footbridge will use a simple aesthetic to enhance the riverside development, complementing other crossings. It will include creative lighting, illuminating the green spaces which flank the riverside below. Rachel Hurdman, Project Manager at Arup, said:”This is an important project for the local area and an exemplar of sustainable, people-focussed design. Our design and engineering experts will be leading the design process with cutting-edge design and engineering to provide a new strategic link for the people of Sunderland.”
Latest research survey calls for architect feedback to improve educational offering A new survey has been launched by NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) to find out how architects and specifiers are using RIBA-approved CPDs (Continuing Professional Development). The RIBA CPD Providers Network survey will help monitor satisfaction levels as a springboard for improvement, delivering a deep dive into the most popular topics covered and ways to increase programme effectiveness in the digital era. Each year, RIBA Chartered Members are required to achieve 35 hours’ worth of CPD, as part of their continual development. Through CPD delivered by experts from manufacturers and advisory bodies, accredited by the RIBA CPD Providers Network, architects are able to stay up to date on industry changes to deliver the highest quality services to clients. Through the survey, NBS and RIBA aim to pinpoint how CPD is evolving and how new formats can quickly disseminate pertinent information about major changes in the industry whilst meeting the needs of a faster-paced, more technologically savvy workforce. NBS is now calling on architects and specifiers to offer their opinions to inform this year’s report and help identify some of the barriers to success, to ultimately improve the future success of RIBA-approved CPDs. David Bain, Research Manager at NBS, said: “It’s been five years since our last RIBA CPD Research Report and the industry has changed significantly in that time. In a sector that’s undergone such a dramatic transformation, particularly with the swift turn to digital adoption, we want to find out what’s important to specifiers and architects so we can enhance their learning potential in the years to come and propel new recruits to close the skills gap. “Specifically, we’ll be drilling down into the preferred ways of doing CPD and whether or not that has changed since the pandemic. We’ll also look at what format and content are most beneficial to them and the importance of RIBA accreditation when it comes to reviewed and approved content.” Once the results have been collated, the findings will be produced into a 2022 report due out in May this year. Those that choose to take part will then receive an early copy of the report, ahead of general release. Joni Tyler, RIBA Head of CPD, said: “RIBA-approved Providers Network CPDs have set the blueprint when it comes to quality – providing a distinct advantage over non-approved CPD materials. “We’ve seen a huge shift to digital CPDs over the past 18 months and with so much development in the industry we want to ensure that architects are getting exactly what they need. “This will also be a hugely useful exercise for companies looking to present or host CPDs, gaining a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate with their architect and specifier audiences – what drives them and what makes them tick. Architects and other specifiers interested in taking part in the survey can do so by clicking here. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and respondents will receive a copy of the report automatically once published. For every completed response, NBS will donate £1 to the UK construction industry charity CRASH.
Latest phase adds to 1,450 homes already created at flagship development Approval now means work could begin by Autumn 22 St. Modwen, a leading developer of new communities and high-quality homes, has reached the latest milestone at its flagship Longbridge development after Birmingham City Council granted planning permission for a new neighbourhood of 350 new homes. This latest phase builds on the 1,450 homes and 3,000 full-time jobs already delivered by St. Modwen, which has already boosted the local community and economy. St. Modwen has worked in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority which has contributed £6 million of grant funding to support the redevelopment of the West Longbridge area. Work is already underway on the infrastructure throughout the 75-acre site and represents a significant part of the overall £1 billion regeneration project that is being undertaken. The new homes will be built by St. Modwen Homes and construction is expected to begin by Autumn 2022. The planning success builds on the momentum from late 2021 when planning permission was granted to build a new state of the art veterinary hospital which will create up to 150 skilled new jobs at West Longbridge Business Park. It represents a major milestone in the development of the park as it becomes a leading centre for science and technology, medicine, advanced manufacturing and R&D. The importance of Longbridge was highlighted by former Minister for Housing, Chris Pincher, when he visited the site in November of last year. The UK Government has made the regeneration of brownfield sites such as Longbridge a top priority as part of a national target to build a million new homes. On completion of the regeneration works, St. Modwen will have created over 3,000 new homes, 2 million sq ft of commercial floorspace and up to 10,000 jobs at Longbridge. Rob Flavell, Senior Director for St. Modwen, said: “Housing has always been an integral part of our plans here at Longbridge. More businesses are coming to Longbridge and employees require good quality, local housing. I’m delighted that the next phase of this regeneration can progress and the whole team here at St. Modwen are looking forward to more significant developments at Longbridge throughout 2022.” West Longbridge will also feature 27 acres of attractive, green space connected to the nearby Austin Park, including a mile of the River Rea which will open to the public for the first time, increasing biodiversity and promoting health and wellbeing throughout the area. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Securing planning permission for this latest development of housing represents yet another important step for the regeneration of Longbridge. For those of us familiar with the troubled history of this site it really is brilliant to see the rejuvenation of Longbridge coming along, and I am delighted the WMCA has been able to play its part in making that happen. “This scheme is the latest in a long line that we have helped fund, bringing derelict brownfield land back into use to create much-needed new homes and new jobs for local people. Not only that, but our brownfield-first approach to redevelopment across the West Midlands also helps protect our precious and irreplaceable greenbelt land.” For more information about the ongoing regeneration of Longbridge town centre, visit: https://www.longbridgebirmingham.co.uk
The effectiveness of education provided to students is directly proportional to the quality of the learning environment where the teaching is delivered. Optimal acoustics, thermal performance, air quality, natural lighting, security and aesthetics work harmoniously together to positively impact how students and teachers stay comfortable and focused, and perform academically. Kawneer continuously invests in façade systems that create excellent learning environments, allowing specifiers to choose from a wide variety of market leading products designed and built to the highest possible standards. From a suite of products specifically designed for the Education sector, highlights include the AA®190 TB, a severe duty welded commercial entrance door that offers robust performance, the AA®720 SL window, offering great thermal characteristics and slim sightlines, and our market leading AA®100 curtain wall system, which provides a best-in-class performance. Facing the challenges together With a vast amount of experience in this sector, helping to create buildings that deliver aesthetic, cost and performance requirements, Kawneer understands the challenges faced by architects, fabricators and maintenance teams. That’s why it specialises in aluminium façade solutions that provide excellent performance, best value, unmatched durability, reduced maintenance and a low carbon footprint. Kawneer manufactures high performance aluminium curtain wall systems at its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Runcorn, Cheshire. These products allow specifiers to meet both the technical performance and cost brief of any project, creating excellent learning environments that provide great aesthetics and optimise natural light and ventilation. Leading by example As all aluminium façade products are manufactured in the UK, Kawneer can also guarantee supply and competitive lead times, while ensuring that its systems remain competitive. Fully tested in accordance with the BSI standards, Kawneer products are responsibly sourced with BES 6001 accreditation, supported by Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations for all main systems and low carbon aluminium billet solutions. Teachers strive to ensure the experience and knowledge they pass on to a new generation lasts a lifetime. Kawneer wants the buildings it has helped to create to withstand the test of time and ensure they provide comfortable learning environments for all future generations. Discover more at: Kawneer-education.com