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Kenneth Booth

Admixture manufacturer builds new future on strong foundations

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK has heralded a new chapter following its investment in a standalone company within the Christeyns group this month. Oscrete, one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers, manufactures and supplies a range of high performance super-plasticising admixtures, waterproofing agents and efflorescence controllers for the

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Improving forklift safety with RFID technology

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Every year in the UK, around 1,300 employees are hospitalised due to serious injuries following a forklift incident.¹ In fact, accident figures based on RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) over the last three years show that 43% of incidents involving a forklift truck were impacts with

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Collett Acquire Plant Speed Wind Energy Fleet

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Collett increase wind energy carrying capacity with the acquisition of Plant Speed’s wind turbine fleet. Halifax based Collett & Sons Ltd and Bristol’s Plant Speed have agreed a deal which will see their specialist wind turbine equipment join the Collett fleet.  Taking the decision to remove themselves from the wind

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PRICE CAP REACTION FROM ENERGY EXPERT

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “Now we know the impact of the global energy crisis upon the average consumer, a price cap increase of £693 to £1971 a year. Millions more households will now be thrown into fuel poverty, through no fault of their own

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ACE RESPONDS TO “MISSED OPPORTUNITY” OF LEVELLING UP WHITE PAPER

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) represents the companies, large and small, that design, deliver and manage our built environment. Its members are the delivery partners of choice for government on “levelling up” projects and programmes. Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Guto Davies, Head

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Association for Project Management (APM) calls for employers to invest in project management skills through apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Survey by APM reveals that 77 per cent of project managers working in organisations offering apprenticeship programmes say they benefit project work Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, is calling on employers to invest in the better delivery of projects through project management apprenticeships

Read More »

Construction Skills Fund hubs help 20,000 become site-ready

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is heralding its Construction Skills Fund (CSF) initiative a resounding success after 20,000 people became site-ready after training at its hubs; 6,000 of those from the second phase of the scheme alone. 54% of those who completed training were from groups typically under-represented in

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Admixture manufacturer builds new future on strong foundations

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK has heralded a new chapter following its investment in a standalone company within the Christeyns group this month. Oscrete, one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers, manufactures and supplies a range of high performance super-plasticising admixtures, waterproofing agents and efflorescence controllers for the precast and ready-mix concrete and the ready-to-use mortar industries. It has operated within the international Christeyns group since 1983. In a move designed to supercharge the company’s construction supply, customer service and new product development, Oscrete has announced its new chapter of independence which it says, will facilitate a period of intense investment and a renewed focus on core markets. Director Scott Wilson, who has more than 25 years experience in the construction sector, said: “The pandemic brought considerable challenges in the construction sector, quickly followed by substantial growth and we’ve recognised we need a bespoke business model dedicated entirely to our industry to facilitate growth, NPD within our inhouse development lab and specialist recruitment. “Operating independently will also allow us to develop systems which complement those of our customers, to place even greater focus on our specialist areas of technical support, chemistry, engineering solutions, admixture manufacture and supply.  He added: “This an exciting time for the construction sector with its strong emphasis on sustainable growth and continuous improvement. We’re looking forward to taking the Oscrete values and expertise into a new era of growth, partnerships and of embracing the challenges of this thriving building sector.”

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West Fraser’s Inverness plant takes centre stage in Portillo BBC series

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

The West Fraser (formerly known as Norbord) Inverness plant was in the spotlight this week when it featured in Michael Portillo’s Great Coastal Railway Journey series where the processes of wood panel production were highlighted to the broadcaster and former MP during a guided tour of the plant. The manufacturer, referred to by its previous name Norbord in the documentary series, showcased how the mill created the wood panels from planted woodland, which are then used in construction to create walls, floors, and ceilings. Portillo was given a guided tour by Steve McTaggart, who has worked at the mill for 35 years, and was shown the inner workings of how timber is treated and how the facility produces 16 million boards per year. Located next to the railway, the show also highlighted the West Fraser mill’s plans to build sidings to allow for freight train deliveries to the site.  Stuart Hendry, General Manager at West Fraser’s Inverness mill, said: “We were delighted to invite popular broadcaster Michael Portillo for a guided tour of our Inverness plant and showcase how we continue to provide vital and sustainable wood panelling to key suppliers and operators across Europe.  It was fantastic to see the hard work of our Inverness manufacturing team highlighted and we’re thrilled that the beloved broadcaster and documentary presenter found our industry both fascinating and hugely important for Scottish industry.” For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com 

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Improving forklift safety with RFID technology

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Every year in the UK, around 1,300 employees are hospitalised due to serious injuries following a forklift incident.¹ In fact, accident figures based on RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) over the last three years show that 43% of incidents involving a forklift truck were impacts with a third person.2 Of these, around 65% were pedestrians, 20% co-workers and 15% delivery drivers watching or assisting with loading or unloading their vehicle. Whether using a forklift in a warehouse, at a distribution centre, an airport or seaport, the dangers to others are clear. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) stipulates that there must be adequate segregation of forklift trucks and pedestrians within the workplace. But how do you ensure these areas aren’t breached inadvertently? Emily Hardy, a vehicle safety expert and marketing manager at Brigade Electronics UK, says: “Approximately 70% of incidents on sites happen during initial machine start-up and low speed movement because of poor visibility. Warehouses, distribution centres, seaports and airports can all be extremely challenging environments with numerous hazards to navigate. The presence of ground staff and pedestrians makes these areas particularly difficult in terms of ensuring safety is maintained at all times.” Smart technology is helping to address the problem of restricted visibility and blind spots in handling areas. These include the very latest RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, such as Brigade’s ZoneSafe proximity warning system. Designed for use in areas such as warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing sites, waste sites, airports and distribution centres, ZoneSafe uses vehicle-mounted antennas that communicate with detection tags, which can be worn by workers, set up in restricted areas or placed on objects or property. When a tag enters a detection zone, the vehicle operator will automatically receive a visual and audible alert via the in-cab control unit, which will enable them to take the necessary action. Tags worn by workers on foot will also vibrate to warn of an approaching vehicle. Due to the RFID technology, which does not require line-of-sight, tags will be detected regardless of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather conditions or poor visibility. Each tag can be uniquely identified and linked to individual people. Emily continued: “This technology is ideal for vehicles, like forklift trucks, that frequently operate within close proximity of workers and other machines. It provides fast, reliable and accurate data exchange without any limitation on the number of tags or antennas in operation, making it perfect for large areas like warehouses and distribution centres.” According to RIDDOR, as the number of forklift truck injuries is on the rise, more will need to be done to address the issue of enhancing safety in areas where forklifts are in use. Emily added: “Driver training is obviously key to ensuring safety standards are adhered to. However, vehicle safety technology can add an additional layer of security and peace of mind for operators who are keen to ensure that their workplaces remain hazard free.”

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Collett Acquire Plant Speed Wind Energy Fleet

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Collett increase wind energy carrying capacity with the acquisition of Plant Speed’s wind turbine fleet. Halifax based Collett & Sons Ltd and Bristol’s Plant Speed have agreed a deal which will see their specialist wind turbine equipment join the Collett fleet.  Taking the decision to remove themselves from the wind energy industry and focus more on their haulage operations, Plant Speed’s entire fleet of super wing carriers, extendable trailers and lift adapters have been acquired by Collett. With multiple wind energy projects scheduled throughout 2022, Collett took the opportunity to expand their wind turbine fleet, adding Nooteboom super wing carriers, quadruple extendable blade trailers and lift adapters, alongside several specialist adapters including gyrostat tables, loading beds and tower hooks. As a well-established operator in the wind energy industry, the addition of this new equipment increases Collett’s carrying capacity and adds to their already diverse fleet, providing a definitive range of specialist equipment with which to undertake wind farm development projects. “This strategic decision for Plant Speed is one which sees our company focus shift from wind turbine delivery projects.” Adds Paul Lomas, Plant Speed, Managing Director.  “Having worked closely with Collett in the past, the decision to amalgamate our fleet in to theirs was an easy one to make, and whilst we may not be operating in the wind turbine industry going forwards, this is a move which will allow Plant Speed to focus on other specialist haulage operations.” Speaking about the expansion of the Collett fleet, Managing Director, David Collett adds, “with several projects scheduled, and currently underway, this move sees Collett strengthen our market position.  Having worked in the renewable energy industry for many years, the acquisition of this new trailer equipment is a decisive move for Collett, and one which significantly increases our wind turbine carrying capabilities.”

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PRICE CAP REACTION FROM ENERGY EXPERT

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “Now we know the impact of the global energy crisis upon the average consumer, a price cap increase of £693 to £1971 a year. Millions more households will now be thrown into fuel poverty, through no fault of their own and that unenviable choice, between heating and eating will become the reality for more in our communities. “It would be churlish to ignore the Government’s response, any help is better than none. But using council tax to rebate bill increases seems a very blunt instrument, which fails to take into account actual household incomes but does reflect 1991 house values. I fear the distribution of this rebate will not be fair and many winners will not be the low paid. “The proposed loan to energy companies to keep bills £200 lower now, but to be paid back later, is a stunt designed to appear to help. It is a heat now, pay later scheme that simply delays the pain not reduce it. “But the fundamental root cause of the problem has not been addressed in today’s announcement. How does the UK shift away from global fossil fuel prices? We now need a firm commitment from the Government to wean us off natural gas and onto hydrogen, which we can produce ourselves, and convert our world-class gas network to run on hydrogen. That way, Putin will not hold us hostage, with his fingers turning the gas taps off, jacking up prices and forcing UK households to choose between heating and eating.”

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Tackling the biggest issues head on: Futurebuild announces solutions-focussed keynote programme

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Sustainable built environment event Futurebuild has launched the keynote stage programmes for its 2022 event. From March 1 to 3 2022, the seminar programme, which takes place throughout the show across two stages, will give visitors practical advice on how to act on climate change. The Futurebuild 2022 exhibition will be curated into six sections: buildings, energy, critical infrastructure, interiors, offsite and resourceful materials. Leading innovators and disruptors in each area will provide game-changing solutions that will address the challenges currently facing the built environment. Futurebuild’s Keynote Stage programme will also focus on these same issues, providing visitors with advice and guidance. The leading partners and associations will curate the sessions and educate visitors about how they can propel the industry to net-zero.   “The daily sessions on each of the stages will share the latest thinking and research, to educate, inform and inspire visitors to make a positive change,” explained Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild. “By inviting pioneers in sustainability to share their success stories, visitors have the opportunity to understand how they can implement changes at scale to ensure a sustainable built environment.” If industry is to meet net zero commitments and limit global warming, it must start delivering net zero buildings now. The Buildings programme, sponsored by Procore features sessions from leading industry partners such as RIBA and Passivhaus. These sessions will explore topics that will accelerate the delivery of zero carbon buildings, looking at challenges when building new homes, successful Passivhaus projects, new policies and building a roadmap for construction’s digital transformation. Critical Infrastructure, sponsored by ACO, underpins everything that makes our cities work for us — energy, water supply, transport, green infrastructure, support for biodiversity, education and, most importantly, adapting cities to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The Critical Infrastructure programme, in partnership with industry leaders, such as Landscape Institute, Urban Design Group and the Trees and Design Action Group, focuses on these elements and how all must operate effectively together. Visitors can attend sessions on topics such as responding to the climate emergency, putting the high street at the heart of the community and the importance of street design. The Energy programme, sponsored by Kensa Heat Pumps, unites all professionals engaged in designing, specifying, supplying and installing products and services in the energy sector. The programme features sessions from leading industry partners, such as MCS, who will review the Government’s heating of domestic buildings strategy and a session from BEIS that explores hydrogen as an option for domestic heating. The final session in the Energy programme, curated by the Innovation Gateway, explores how the HEATzero action group is leading the UK’s net zero heat transition. The Interiors programme will focus on health and well-being in building design, materials, build and use and includes sessions curated by CIBSE and 540 WORLD. The sessions will present the latest research and case studies that demonstrate the benefits of supporting health and wellbeing inside buildings. Topics include creating a circular economy in the lighting industry, the first UK Cradle to Cradle certified materials and sustainable sourcing for interior design. The Offsite programme will explore the use of offsite technology to construct a better, more sustainable environment. A session curated by MPBA will explore volumetric manufactured building and how a confused construction chain could slow progression. AIMCH will share the key outcomes of its three-year innovation project to tackle key challenges facing the housing sector and how it could transform how we build homes. Materials are key to sustainability — by switching to greener materials in construction and interiors, lifetime emissions for buildings can be reduced by 44 per cent by 2050. The Resourceful Materials programme, sponsored by Covestro, explores material efficiency. Topics include net zero and natural materials, optimising the use of concrete and 540 WORLD provides an insight into waste-free innovations created for a healthy regenerative future. Net zero pioneer Futurebuild brings together the brightest minds, the disruptive thinkers and most exciting innovators to inspire transformational change in the industry. As well as its seminar stages, visitors can attend the conference programme and see the latest innovations from over 300 exhibitors. To find the full keynote speaker programme, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk/keynote-stages-day-one/. Register for Futurebuild 2022 here.

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ACE RESPONDS TO “MISSED OPPORTUNITY” OF LEVELLING UP WHITE PAPER

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) represents the companies, large and small, that design, deliver and manage our built environment. Its members are the delivery partners of choice for government on “levelling up” projects and programmes. Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Guto Davies, Head of Policy at ACE said:“While the ‘12 national missions’ are welcome to drive activity and ensure spending remains both targeted and on track, they are nothing without properly structured long-term financing for local government to realise these political ambitions. Our concern is that the current approach remains too compartmentalised to be truly effective. “We do, however, welcome the longer-term view on levelling up. The truth is there is no panacea and only sustained investment over the longer-term will address systemic and chronic issues.” “ACE is looking forward to continuing its role as a practical partner on levelling up, and will engage with the Government on the forthcoming Levelling up and regeneration bill which was previewed in the White Paper.” Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Peter Hogg chair of ACE’s places group, and UK cities director at Arcadis, said: “Our own proposals shared last November outlined a practical five-step process to deliver levelling up. While the White Paper has gone some way to enabling this, we still feel it is a missed opportunity for a rounded financial framework which allows all local communities to truly flourish. “The headline announcement around the 20 cities earmarked for investment, as well as the range of funds mentioned in the paper, demonstrate the core issue. While welcome for the areas lucky enough to have ‘won’, replacing competition and ring-fenced funds with consolidated longer-term funding for local government would enable a joined-up approach – crucial if we are to meet the significant challenges of building more prosperous, healthy and productive communities, while delivering a Net Zero built environment. “Additionally, smaller towns and rural areas often lack the in-house planning, placemaking and design expertise to pull together compelling strategies, build business cases, and put forward viable regeneration projects. As such, the current approach unfortunately still runs the risk of creating winners and losers, when we should be spreading opportunity more equally.” For more information, please contact James Ketchell, Head of Communications at ACE at jketchell@acenet.co.uk or 07904 276 249. Read ACE’s Five Principles for Levelling Up Success.

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Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee: Decarbonising heat in homes

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

The Heat Pump Federation and its members are delighted to see the publication of the Select Committee report, not least because it very much mirrors our own thinking on what needs to be done to decarbonise home heating. Bean Beanland, the HPF’s Director of Growth & External Affairs said: “Whether on consumer awareness, skills & training, investment, future funding (affordability), the need for urgency, or the need for massive cooperation between both central and local government and industry, we agree, almost without exception, with the Select Committee’s findings and recommendations.” “Their report makes clear that rapid development of a Heat Decarbonisation Sector Deal must be a priority. This needs to include policy direction for the thirty years through to Net Zero 2050 and a domestic heat technology roadmap that has been developed in full collaboration with industry and crucially consumer groups.  Consumers need to be positively involved in the Net Zero journey.” Future interventions need to be decades long to deliver the stable policy environment that will allow investment in capacity, training and skills to thrive. The recent Heat Pump Demonstrator programme found that “heat pumps can be successfully installed in homes from every style and era”, but this awareness needs to be coupled with ongoing investment in home energy efficiency to drive down operating costs of all heat technologies. The call for the Future Homes Standard to be brought forward is very welcome. Avoiding the unnecessary cost of upgrading new build homes will be of massive benefit to consumers. In-home thermal storage and consideration of heat networks are both critical elements in this segment. Operational costs have to be addressed through the rebalancing of taxation on electricity and fossil fuels that reflects the relative carbon and other emissions, but at every stage, consumer affordability has to be central to policy development so that the transition can be fast, but fair. Bean Beanland added: “The Government aspirations and the CCC targets for heat pump deployment are challenges that grow day by day, but if this Select Committee report can provide the springboard that launches an immediate redoubling of government effort against all of the recommendations, then the Federation and its members stand ready to share the burden.”

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Association for Project Management (APM) calls for employers to invest in project management skills through apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Survey by APM reveals that 77 per cent of project managers working in organisations offering apprenticeship programmes say they benefit project work Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, is calling on employers to invest in the better delivery of projects through project management apprenticeships schemes for their staff and new apprentices. The call comes ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 7-13 February 2022. This follows a recent APM survey of over 1000 project professionals (with research company Censuswide), which reveals that of the respondents who say their company runs project management apprenticeships, the majority (77 per cent) consider apprenticeships to be beneficial to project work within their business1. In the construction sector*, of the respondents who said their company runs apprenticeship programmes for project professionals, 55 per cent said they help the whole team develop themselves, 50 per cent say they bring new ideas into the organisation and 45 per cent who say that apprenticeships are a good way to recruit and retain talent. Commenting ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Jackie Martin, director of education and lifelong learning at APM, says: “Now more than ever, businesses and communities depend on talented project professionals, as projects and project‑based working are here to stay. We would urge employers to invest in developing skills through apprenticeships for the value they can bring and for the long-term benefits to project delivery. “As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to promoting and encouraging better skills development and training. The growth of the “projectification” of work means more project professionals will be needed to help organisations succeed. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to help plug the gap since they blend a professional qualification with supported learning and development while in a full‑time role.” For further details about project management apprenticeships, APM has a dedicated page on its website apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/apprenticeships/national-apprenticeship-week APM also offers free Student membership to students and apprentices aged over 16. Student members can benefit from a range of online resources, networking opportunities and events. Visit apm.org.uk/membership for further details. 40 per cent of survey respondents working in the construction sector stated that their company runs project management apprenticeships ​

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Construction Skills Fund hubs help 20,000 become site-ready

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is heralding its Construction Skills Fund (CSF) initiative a resounding success after 20,000 people became site-ready after training at its hubs; 6,000 of those from the second phase of the scheme alone. 54% of those who completed training were from groups typically under-represented in construction.  The project, delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, also saw just under half (2,934) of those trained in the latest phase find *sustainable employment in the industry.   The second phase ran between March 2020 and September 2021, where training took place at 14 CSF hubs across England. They were based within construction sites, so that entrants could become employment and site-ready as quickly as possible.  CITB’s Strategy and Policy Director, Steve Radley said: “The numbers reflect a fantastic achievement. We also exceeded our target in encouraging people who had not previously considered construction to make a career change. We were looking at 15% coming in from outside the industry to learn site skills instead this was 46%. The figures are boosted by many people being made redundant throughout the various lockdowns and looking for a new job.  “Despite what the pandemic threw at the hubs, they’ve managed to get more skilled people into the construction industry when it needed them most.”  Thanks to the CSF, Natalie Visser, 33, went from being a dissatisfied care worker, who struggled to get out of bed in the morning, to becoming a machine operator thriving in the great outdoors.  Reflecting on her career change, mum-of-three Natalie, from Petersfield, near Portsmouth, says: “The CSF course changed everything. I used to lie in bed not wanting to get up. That’s all gone now. I come in to work happy and go home happy. It has been life changing. I’ve found my feet in my new career and I’m so grateful to my housing association (Abri) and CSF for this.”  As DFE’s project finishes, CITB has established its own network of 13 Onsite Experience hubs in England and Wales, with more hubs planned in Scotland later this year.  Building on the knowledge gained from the demand for the CSF hubs, the Onsite Experience hubs offer hands-on site experience and employment-related certifications needed by local employers.  13 hubs have been approved for £9.5m of CITB funding to give over 6,800 people the opportunity to become employment and site-ready and enable at least 3,300 of these to secure sustained employment within the next three years. This will contribute towards CITB’s target of equipping 16,000 people with hands-on site experience, enabling at least 4,800 to secure sustained employment in construction by 2025.   Rohan Cheriyan, CITB Commissioner for this programme added: “Our Onsite Experience hubs are providing a one-stop recruitment solution for construction employers. By linking together employers, training providers, local authorities, LEPs, community agencies and other partners, hubs enable the development of employment and site-ready people from local communities.  “These well-suited candidates are then linked to employers’ vacancies, and because they have gained  initial site experience and have the necessary introductory training and health & safety credentials, they are ready to hit the ground running and are proving a real success with the employers who recruit them.”  Between 2021 and 2025 CITB aims to increase Great Britain’s construction talent pool through these Onsite Experience hubs, creating a skills pipeline to meet the needs of construction employers and enabling career opportunities for people from local communities.  CITB encourages anyone considering a construction career to find out more about the Onsite Experience hubs across England and Wales. Scotland will join the scheme during 2022. 

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