Kenneth Booth

Re-imagining the Harris Project Update

Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub

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Stelling Properties proud to join Climate Positive Workforce Initiative

Stelling Properties are proud to announce they have joined the Climate Positive Workforce initiative operated by Ecologi, one of the UK’s leading carbon offsetting organisations. As a modular construction company Stelling Properties are working hard on developing innovative construction methods helping to reduce the time and energy required to construct

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First New Bobcat R-Series Telehandlers Arrive in the UK

– The telehandlers are used for both construction and farming work – Launched earlier this year, the first of Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandlers have been delivered in the UK. The three T41.140SLP 14 m Stage V telehandlers form part of an order for five T41.140SLPs purchased by Truelove Property and

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BAM Wills JV begins installation of Duradrain at N5 upgrade project

BAM Wills JV has begun installation of Duradrain as part of the new €241 million N5 upgrade project, in County Mayo, Ireland. The product, a sustainable and recyclable combined kerb and drainage system, manufactured bygreen construction innovators Dura Products, will line a significant stretch of the new 20.3km dual carriageway

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Better, Faster, Greener – The launch of Make Modular

Britain’s manufacturers invest more than £500 million to end Britain’s housing crisis – targeting 75,000 sustainable modular homes by end of decade and 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK Six modular homes can be installed each day by a single crane and heating costs are slashed by 20% Upscaling

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CIM announces winners at The Construction Marketing Awards Gala Dinner 2021

Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the 29 winners announced at the Gala Dinner Previous winners include Tobermore, Jewson and Tensar International ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG

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Hörmann UK acquire the Fen-Bay Group

Hörmann UK has announced the acquisition of the South Lincolnshire based Fen-Bay Group, in a move which will see Hörmann strengthen its’ position as the market leader in the supply and servicing of loading bay equipment, industrial doors and perimeter systems. Serving a broad, diversified customer base, both from within

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Re-imagining the Harris Project Update

Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub at Preston and Lancashire’s premier art gallery, museum and library. The council will now enter into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Conlon, which enables further detailed discussions about the project plans before presenting a further council report in April 2022. Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Night time Economy at Preston City Council, said, “The ambitious plans and vision we’ve had for the re-imagining the Harris project are now coming to fruition as we take this huge step forward, with local Preston firm Conlon Construction as the preferred construction partner. We can’t wait to progress this project, which will deliver an incredible revitalised space for residents and visitors to Preston to explore arts, culture and fantastic events in the years to come. Don’t forget, while this work takes place The Harris library and IT services are still open at their ‘home from home’ in the Guild Hall.  Michael Conlon, chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “The Harris is a beacon for the arts and culture in Lancashire, and we’re delighted to be the preferred project partner in bringing this vision to reality. “As a local business, proud of our Preston roots, we have worked previously at the Grade I listed Harris having constructed the Discover Preston Gallery just ahead of the 2012 Guild celebrations. Our appointment to this project is a key milestone as we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year and reflect upon decades of successfully contributing to the built environment of the city and the county.”

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Stelling Properties proud to join Climate Positive Workforce Initiative

Stelling Properties are proud to announce they have joined the Climate Positive Workforce initiative operated by Ecologi, one of the UK’s leading carbon offsetting organisations. As a modular construction company Stelling Properties are working hard on developing innovative construction methods helping to reduce the time and energy required to construct and operate new buildings. We are constantly assessing our materials, waste, equipment, energy, and transportation used in our daily activities. Now we are going one stage further and partnering with Ecologi, this will result in making every staff member climate positive. This includes emissions from their homes, personal travel, holidays, food, hobbies and more. The result will be around 12,900 trees being planted and 972 tonnes of CO2 offset each year by contributing to a variety of climate positive initiatives from re-planting mangroves to community infrastructure and renewable energy programmes all helping to make a positive impact on the planet. “Ecologi play a key role in helping us to offset our carbon emissions while we work towards implementing our carbon reduction strategy”. Said Gary Robson, Technical Lead at Stelling Properties.

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First New Bobcat R-Series Telehandlers Arrive in the UK

– The telehandlers are used for both construction and farming work – Launched earlier this year, the first of Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandlers have been delivered in the UK. The three T41.140SLP 14 m Stage V telehandlers form part of an order for five T41.140SLPs purchased by Truelove Property and Construction Ltd, based in Lincoln in England.  With standard tyres fitted, the T41.140SLP offers a maximum lift capacity of 4.1 tonne, a maximum lift height of 13.65 m and a maximum forward reach of 9.8 m. Established in 1968, Truelove Property and Construction is a family-run business based in the heart of Lincolnshire with over 50 years’ experience and the completion of nearly 1000 new homes to its name. Truelove also has a subsidiary farming business called Happy Days Farming Company. The Perfect Choice for Housing Development Projects The new T41.140SLP telehandlers were supplied by AMS Bobcat Ltd, the local Authorised Bobcat Dealer based in Scunthorpe. Barrie Truelove, Owner and Director of Truelove Property and Construction Ltd, comments on the move to Bobcat telehandlers: “We were not satisfied with the performance of our previous brand of telehandlers. We chose to replace them with the Bobcat telehandlers for a number of reasons including their suitability for our applications, the price, the lead time and the quality and locality of service offered by AMS Bobcat. It has been a very successful transition as all of our operators are very happy with the new Bobcat telehandlers.” The new telehandlers are in use on current Truelove property developments at Kirton Lindsey and Nettleham in Lincolnshire, where the company is building prestigious, individual two-storey family homes designed and built for modern open plan living with bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Truelove builds all its houses to the LABC standard, one of the three main providers of structural or ‘new home’ warranties in the UK and the company abides by the Consumer Code for Home Builders 2020. Presiding over some of the new Bobcat telehandlers on his project is Site Manager, Henry Truelove, Barrie’s son. Henry recently completed his first Ironman challenge in Mallorca in Spain, where he performed well, narrowly missing the podium in his class. He also dedicated his race to raising well over £2000 towards the treatment costs for the mother of a good friend. She was seriously injured during a horse riding accident and was put into an induced coma for several weeks and is only now learning to walk and talk again. ​ From Construction to More Success in Farming One of the T41.140SLP units is also being used on Worlaby Farm near Brigg, where it is being employed to lift and handle steel components being used to build a new 10,000 tonne grain store at the farm. Worlaby Farm forms part of Happy Days Farming Company. Truelove bought its first farm in January 1994 at Farndon near Newark in Nottinghamshire and then went on to buy Worlaby Farm and another in Kingerby at Market Rasen. The company has continued to grow with the acquisition of three further farms since then, with one at Snitterby in 1996 and two at Nettleham in 2006 and 2016. Typically, the Bobcat T41.140SLP telehandler is used in construction applications, but this model can also find other uses in agriculture as demonstrated at Happy Days Farming, where the telehandlers are used for applications such as loading and stacking hay bales.       Happy Days Farming mainly concentrates on arable farming with over 5000 acres under management, but the company has also moved recently into pig production. Happy Days Farming employs all of their own labour and runs the farms themselves – the company is continually looking to expand and seek new opportunities in the farming market. ​ As mentioned above, three of the new T41.140SLP telehandlers are the first of the new R-Series models to be sold in the UK. As well as the T40.140SLP, the new generation R-Series telehandler range provides a choice of 11 more models with Stage V engines. The new R-Series telehandlers cover lifting heights from 6 to 18 m with maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonne. The new R-Series range of telehandlers from Bobcat comprises the models below: Compact telehandlers – TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 Middle range telehandlers – TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL High lift telehandlers – T35.130S, T35.130SLP, T35.140S, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP Precise Control and Placement at Height The new R-Series telehandlers offer agility on demand, with a newly configured transmission system providing enhanced smoothness to carry out the trickiest jobs at height with surgical precision. These operations are also facilitated by the combination of the Boom Positioning System, the new updated, ultra-accurate joystick, the inching function and the improved visibility from the cab. An enhanced inching pedal design is easier to use and reduces fatigue. A higher engine brake provides a shorter stop distance and increases safety on construction sites. Turtle/rabbit speeds are standard on all models and operated from the joystick. There is a new DYNAMIC mode for applications requiring rapid transmission response and the new optional hand throttle with FLEX DRIVE function allows for the control of travel speed independent from engine rpm. Approaching 30 Years as a Bobcat Dealer: Nearly 4000 Machines Sold Established in 1992, Scunthorpe-based AMS Bobcat is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in Europe and is approaching 30 years of partnership with Bobcat in the UK. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold nearly 4000 new Bobcat units into a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition. As well as Bobcat telehandlers, AMS Bobcat is also responsible for sales and service of Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators, compact wheel loaders, light compaction and attachments throughout Lincolnshire and South and East Yorkshire.  For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com

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BAM Wills JV begins installation of Duradrain at N5 upgrade project

BAM Wills JV has begun installation of Duradrain as part of the new €241 million N5 upgrade project, in County Mayo, Ireland. The product, a sustainable and recyclable combined kerb and drainage system, manufactured bygreen construction innovators Dura Products, will line a significant stretch of the new 20.3km dual carriageway between Turlough and Westport. It forms part of the biggest single infrastructural investment ever undertaken in the county. Duradrain was chosen primarily as a low carbon kerb and drainage solution, recording a carbon footprint of just 1.71kg of carbon dioxide per kg in its recent Life Cycle Assessments. In addition to its low carbon footprint, its lightweight nature increases productivity, while also reducing risk of injury during installation, making it a safer, simpler and greener alternative to concrete kerb and drainage systems. Dura Products, who supplied over 4km of Duradrain in October, and will supply another 10.5km between now and the New Year, uses a blend of recycled polymers to manufacture its products, ensuring it continues to divert waste from landfill and reduce demand for virgin plastic. The company has installed more than 400,000 units of its flagship product Durakerb in the UK since 2003, reflecting a burgeoning demand for sustainable construction solutions. BAM Wills JV, who signed the contract for the N5 upgrade project in October 2019, are equally committed to sustainable practice. Its parent company BAM Ireland recently partnered with the Irish Green Building Council to decarbonise Ireland’s building stock, promote circularity in the construction industry and enhance biodiversity, whilst also planting 150,000 trees to mark its 150th anniversary in 2019. Commenting on the installation, Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products said: “We’re delighted that BAM Wills JV selected Duradrain as its chosen kerbside and drainage solution for this project, and that we can help them continue leading the way for sustainable construction in Ireland. Knowing what this project will bring to the region in terms of accessibility, employment and road safety, it fills us with great pride to be involved.”

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Class performance for Waterloo at the newly refurbished Warwick Arts Centre

Coventry’s redeveloped Warwick Arts Centre has opened its doors as one of the region’s key venues for the city’s tenure as the 2021 UK City of Culture, with low noise level air distribution products supplied by Waterloo. Located on the University of Warwick campus, Warwick Arts Centre has been transformed into an environmentally sustainable multi-artform venue offering three state-of-the-art cinema screens, new gallery, spacious foyer, café and bar, alongside the existing large theatre, and other performance spaces. And coinciding with the long-awaited season when audiences were able to get back inside to enjoy the arts after months of lockdown, the October opening took on a special significance. With a proven track record of providing bespoke air distribution systems for spaces used for performance and exhibitions, this exciting project was the perfect challenge for Waterloo’s expert sales and technical teams. The Warwick 20:20 Project, which began in 2019, has transformed the original 1974 building into a vibrant showcase for the very best in contemporary art, events and entertainment that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Following the phase one refurbishment of the existing theatres, entrance area and restaurant, phase two began in autumn 2019 with the creation of a brand new building to house the new cinemas, large accessible ground floor gallery, new café and a welcoming, spacious foyer. When specifying air terminal devices for performance spaces, optimum air quality is not the only consideration. For moments when the audience should be able to hear a pin drop, low noise generation is crucial. Mechanical & electrical services subcontractor Dodd Group, working in association with engineering consultants Hoare Lea and supported by the Waterloo team, selected Waterloo’s Thermally Actuated Swirl Diffusers (SDACH) for the three auditoria to ensure the lowest possible noise levels. By using a temperature controlled actuator, this diffuser achieves very good control levels in both heating and cooling modes to provide ideal comfort at all times of year. In contrast, the exhibition galleries presented a different requirement. To ensure that the regularly changing exhibits would not be disturbed by air flow, Waterloo’s adjustable Hi-Flo Jet Diffusers (RWH) were chosen because of their ability to provide long throws and 360˚ rotation.  Dodd Group’s mechanical engineer James McGugan said: “It was crucial that the air terminal devices chosen for Warwick Arts Centre delivered more than just optimum indoor air quality. Keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum for a performance venue was also top of our list when choosing who to work with on this project. Waterloo was able to provide exactly what was needed to achieve the required standards and the responsiveness of the team ensured on-time delivery.” The requirement for low noise levels also applied to the exterior of the building. Waterloo’s Large Format Fixed Blade External Louvres (WG-EF) were selected due to their 75mm pitch which ensures low noise and pressure drop characteristics whilst offering the necessary protection against water ingress. A polyester powder coating provides long term protection against the elements and a fully galvanized bird screen prevents unwanted inhabitants from nesting in the ventilation system. Air Valves were used in the toilets and for the areas immediately outside the toilets Waterloo specified the adaptable Louvre Faced Diffuser (DF41) which is ideal for integration with a variety of ceiling types whilst maintaining consistency in appearance. The DF41 is available with five frame styles and 14 different air pattern control core designs for vertical and horizontal diffusion.

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Better, Faster, Greener – The launch of Make Modular

Britain’s manufacturers invest more than £500 million to end Britain’s housing crisis – targeting 75,000 sustainable modular homes by end of decade and 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK Six modular homes can be installed each day by a single crane and heating costs are slashed by 20% Upscaling modular housing would provide capacity for 75,000 additional new homes by the end of 2029 Up to six houses installed each day by a single crane and a factory produces each house in just two hours Modular homes cost 20% less cost to heat, and use 30% less energy as a whole due to cutting-edge design With a 25% reduction in the workforce between 2016-2025 construction labour will be the new haulage industry unless action is taken now Upscaling modular housing can create 50,000 flexible future economy jobs where they are needed across the UK With up to 96% less embodied carbon modular housing is vastly more sustainable than traditional homes 33% of UK construction businesses are currently based in the South East of England. Modular housing can use the nation’s buoyant housing markets to drive employment in other parts of the country supporting the levelling up agenda Modular homes achieve net zero through the use of solar panels, air source heat pumps, superior building materials and production which delivers almost zero defects for energy efficiency Today Make UK launches a new trade body Make Modular, bringing together Britain’s leading modular housing manufacturers with a plan to solve the country’s housing crisis by delivering 75,000 affordable high-quality homes before the end of the decade. The UK housing market is at a tipping point where it could transform into the most advanced housing manufacturing market in the world in under a decade delivering in excess of 75,000 new homes via modular housing. Make Modular members’ factories can produce a new home every 2 hours. These homes are near defect free with 97% less embodied carbon than traditional builds. Make Modular members have already invested more than £500 million in new factories, cutting edge processes, and state of the art technology. The UK construction sector will have lost at least 25% of its workforce by between 2016-25. There is a major risk that by the next election construction has become the new haulage with economic competitiveness undermined by an ageing workforce leaving the industry. More than 2,000 new jobs have been created by Make Modular members in the last 3 years. By moving people off-site and into clean, safe, modern working conditions volumetric can rebuild the construction workforce bringing up to 50,000 new younger people into the workforce. Uniquely in the construction sector, modular housing provides the opportunity to construct offsite and in regions where labour is available. Homes are then transported to the areas where demand for new homes is the highest. Current factories driving the start of the modular revolution are already located in the Midlands and the North of the country, providing highly skilled and sought after careers using the latest digital and automated technologies with innovative design bringing about the highest environmental credentials. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said: “Imaginative and speedy solutions are required to tackle Britain’s housing crisis and modular housing could certainly play a significant part in helping local authorities deliver the challenging home building targets set for them by Government. But to make real significant progress, modular housing needs to have equal access to land for construction with many sites still favouring traditional modes of construction. “Modular also needs to have the weight of Government procurement behind it using a joined-up approach including education, defence and housing to build much needed scale the UK’s modular industry.” Modular housing manufacturers are also keen to accelerate the development of building regulations to match a new, more ambitious new normal when it comes to quality and energy across construction as a whole, driving forward the world’s biggest challenge of climate change. Dave Sheridan, Chair of Make UK Modular said: ‘Modular housing has grown rapidly in the last few years. The establishment of our own trade body is the crucial next step in this process. As a natural partner to Government to solve the housing crisis, deliver the levelling up agenda, and combat climate change Make Modular will accelerate and advance the MMC agenda through one strong voice rather than a series of disparate ones.’

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Placefirst Reaches Construction Milestone at Manchester Residential Scheme

Placefirst’s £8m Manchester residential scheme of 53 high quality apartments in Longsight has topped out. Placefirst is a leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider with over 1,300 homes, and a further 1,000 in the pipeline and under construction. Work on the development began in March 2021. The topping out represents an exciting construction milestone, with the former job centre’s rooftop extension now complete and the building reaching its highest point. The rooftop extension has given a new lease of life to this building and will accommodate eight homes with stunning views across to the Manchester City Centre skyline. Ground floor residents will have the luxury of private entrances and dual aspects with windows at the front and rear. The overall scheme comprises a mix of high-specification apartments, ranging from studios to 3 beds, and is on track for completion in Spring 2022. Alongside the topping out, the internal fit out is also well underway and the build programme is making great progress. Interiors will include high quality, modern kitchens and bathrooms and residents can expect top spec finishes throughout and bright communal areas. All apartments will also be available with a furniture package, and show homes will be launching in the coming weeks. Longsight has fantastic links to the centre of Manchester, making it an ideal location for commuters, and in turn shall add further value to the local community with increased footfall for amenities and leisure facilities. Placefirst worked with Project 3 Architects to repurpose and transform the former job centre, paying close attention to sustainability and modern design. The regeneration specialists also partnered with an arboriculturist and Manchester City Council to plant new trees and install new public realm, also adding a perimeter hedge and protect high value trees in the southwest corner of the site. Energy efficiency of the apartments will be maximised by incorporating renewable sources such as solar panels, improving Psi values to limit heat loss and electric panel heaters that have a high level of control for residents. All apartments will be available for long-term let through Placefirst as part the professional landlord’s commitment to offering a viable alternative to outright home ownership. Residents will also benefit from a dedicated resident services manager as part of the developer’s dedication to high quality service and community engagement within their schemes. David Mawson, chief executive at Placefirst commented: “We are excited to have reached this construction milestone where despite the challenges of the past year, the hard work undertaken by our team and partners has seen a former derelict building brought back into use, to transform it into a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood and providing 53 new homes. “This development in the up-and-coming area of Longsight is another great demonstration of our commitment to placemaking and shall provide high-quality apartment living for local residents with excellent links to Manchester City Centre and surrounding areas. “To see the building topping out is a great step in bringing this building back to life, and we look forward to its completion next year and residents moving in.” Craig Smith, architect director for Project 3 Architects, added: “It has been fantastic to work in partnership with Placefirst on this project for the adaptive re-use of a former office building, and witness the completion of the roof structure. The rooftop extension, which has been designed to complement the existing surroundings, helps bring the building to life and will create desirable and attractive much-needed homes for local residents, whilst also offering stunning views of the city skyline.”

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Market leader Daikin invests to respond to growth acceleration in European heat pump category (+20% CAGR)

“Ambitious investments in production capacity and R&D will allow Daikin Europe to expand market and product leadership,” says Patrick Crombez of Daikin Europe. Market leader Daikin Europe sees an inflection point in the European hydronic heat pump market, with growth rates anticipated to increase from 10% CAGR to 20% CAGR. This will lead to annual heat pump installations of 4 million heat pumps by 2030, up from 1 million in 2021. Daikin Europe is responding by investing in production and innovation capacity, warehousing and logistics and increased training for installers and service technicians across the EMEA region. Patrick Crombez, General Manager Heating and Renewables at Daikin comments, “Switching our heating systems to heat pumps represents a historical transformation to low-carbon heating, with benefits for climate change but also healthier living environments. We are proud to lead this transformation in Europe.” Daikin Europe’s business unit ‘Heating & Renewables’ is growing fast and – as the European market leader in this category – is outperforming the European heat pump category growth. “For us 2021 has been a turning point for heat pumps”, says Patrick Crombez. “Consumers and policy makers have never been more eager to decarbonize heating systems.“ Over the past decade, the European market for heat pumps has grown at a strong pace, with an annual growth rate of 10% (CAGR) from 2011 to 2020, resulting in the expected installation of 1 million heat pumps in 2021. In the coming years, Daikin – in line with other industry experts – anticipates a sharp acceleration in heat pump adoption. By 2030, it expects 4 million heat pumps will be installed each year, representing an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. At that point, 1 out of 3 heating systems installed will be a heat pump, up from 1 out of 10 in 2020. While this represents steep growth compared to recent years, Daikin Europe considers this the minimum to ensure a move to a decarbonized residential heating market in Europe. Patrick Crombez: ”From all available data, it is clear that heat pump adoption is hitting an inflection point this year and the already robust growth of the category will only accelerate.” A key driver for heat pump growth has been the introduction of legislation governing new builds in many European countries, ranging from general regulations in France such as RT2012 (which sets a new minimum standard for thermal insulation of dwellings), to a ban on combustion boilers in the Netherlands. Additionally, incentives in France, Germany and Italy have successfully increased the appeal of heat pumps in the replacement- and renovation market. At the same time, heat pump technology has evolved to make heat pumps an attractive option: the arrival of ‘high temperature’ heat pumps means existing fossil fuel boilers can be replaced without the need to update or modify existing radiators. Daikin Europe invests in production capacity, innovation In the coming years market leader Daikin intends to more than triple its European heating production and expects their heating business to become one of the key pillars of Daikin’s revenue by 2025. Today, 5 of 14 Daikin’s EMEA factories are dedicated to heat pump production. All Daikin heat pumps sold in Europe are developed and produced in Europe, with main Daikin factories in Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. A recently announced investment plan for the next 5 years includes a sizable investment in the heat pump category. Patrick Crombez, Daikin Europe notes, ”Without offering a detailed breakdown of our investments, a substantial part of Daikin EMEA’s planned 840 million EUR investment over the next 5 years will be allocated to heat pumps. This will allow us to expand our European market leadership in heat pumps.” Part of the investment aims to expand production capacity to keep up with demand. Another area of investment is the planned construction of a cutting-edge development complex ‘European Development Center (EDC)’ in Ghent, Belgium, allowing Daikin to strengthen its leadership in innovation and to allow a faster and wider development of heat pumps. The EDC complex represents an investment of €140M, will offer 380 jobs locally and will also function as the Daikin global centre for heating product development. Daikin Europe expands European warehousing, training and deliveries to support transition to decarbonized heating In 2021, production of Daikin Europe heat pumps will amount to 1.5 million units (covering residential, commercial and industrial hydronic heat pumps produced within the EU).  It currently handles some 71,000 deliveries per day from its 30 warehouses all over Europe, and it is ready to scale this to meet demand.  Patrick Crombez comments, “In the next few years, we will increase our number of warehouses to allow us to reduce delivery distance to our customers. Our integrated stock and warehouse management approach allows us to move stock faster, offer better service and lower logistics costs.”  Finally, Daikin Europe offers support and training to installers in 54 training centers across Europe. Training ranges from starter courses on installation of heat pumps and direct expansion technology, to advanced troubleshooting courses and service controls on new products.  Patrick Crombez says, “Despite the difficult conditions due to COVID-19, we are proud to report that the number of trainees – both online and in real life – doubled in 2020. Our investments strengthen our existing production and distribution network and allow us to look forward to the next decade with confidence and excitement.”  Supporting “a historical transition” The investments and growth plans of Daikin Europe Heating and Renewables fit into its vision of decarbonizing residential heating throughout Europe. As fossil fuel-based residential heating is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this transformation will allow Europe to achieve its ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030. Patrick Crombez states, “The coming years will be pivotal in decarbonizing the heating of residential and commercial buildings. It’s a truly historical transition that will contribute to a stable climate, safer and healthier homes, and more affordable energy bills. We are proud and we could not be more excited to take the

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CIM announces winners at The Construction Marketing Awards Gala Dinner 2021

Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the 29 winners announced at the Gala Dinner Previous winners include Tobermore, Jewson and Tensar International ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the winners at the recent Construction Marketing Awards Gala Dinner. Endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG) and the Construction Products Association (CPA), the Construction Marketing Awards are the most sought-after accolade in the industry’s marketing calendar. The winners were crowned by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including James Ellis, chair of CIMCIG and head of marketing at Certsure, Ross Sturley, principal of Chart Lane and CIMCIG committee member, Steven Plimmer, head of marketing (commercial) at RIBA and Mike Leonard, chief executive at Building Alliance. The awards were held at Hilton London Bankside and hosted by multi award winning South African comedian, Loyiso Gola. This year’s awards featured 29 categories, including Best Use of Content Marketing, Best Distributor Marketing Campaign and Marketing Team of the Year. ADEY Innovation scooped the prestigious Marketing Team of the Year and Best Product Launch awards for its unrivalled performance in delivering marketing excellence for clients, whilst Genuit with SLG Marketing were awarded the Strategic Planning and Management award and Fabrick triumphed in the Agency of the Year category. Claire Miller, marketing director of ADEY Innovation said: “We are extremely proud of everything the ADEY marketing team have accomplished together. To have won Marketing Team of the Year as well as Best Product Launchat this years’ CMAs is a true accolade to the team’s hard work and creative minds. Our customer-centric approach really helps to deliver truly meaningful marketing to all our audiences.” James Ellis, chair of CIMCIG, said of the night: “The construction sector is renowned for its innovation and creativity and when it comes to marketing, the awards confirm that the industry recognises and celebrates the insight, creativity and impact of marketers in construction. “The competition this year was so strong that to be considered as a finalist for one of the awards available meant showcasing astounding talent, innovation and an ability to make a genuine difference and deliver tangible results. Many congratulations to all the finalists and winners, it was a fantastic night to celebrate and honour marketing excellence across the built environment.” Maggie Jones, director of qualifications and partnerships at the CIM added: “We’ve been very impressed by the breadth of talent entering this year’s Construction Marketing Awards. Despite the economic and social uncertainty we have faced over the past 20 months, it is great we have been able to recognise and celebrate the insight, creativity, and impact construction marketers are having within the industry. Many congratulations to all the winners and finalists, they reflect the very best in construction marketing talent and originality across the industry.” Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards celebrate creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing across the construction industry, and the awards shine a spotlight on excellence at a business and individual level. To see the winners list, please visit – http://www.cmawards.co.uk/2021-finalists/ For more information about CIM – the world’s leading professional marketing body, becoming a member, volunteering, or upcoming marketing events in construction, visit: https://sigs.cim.co.uk/construction-industry-group/

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Hörmann UK acquire the Fen-Bay Group

Hörmann UK has announced the acquisition of the South Lincolnshire based Fen-Bay Group, in a move which will see Hörmann strengthen its’ position as the market leader in the supply and servicing of loading bay equipment, industrial doors and perimeter systems. Serving a broad, diversified customer base, both from within the retail end-user sector as well as the construction market, Fen-Bay is well known in the market for being a leading manufacturer and installer of loading bay equipment, industrial doors, and security barriers – priding itself on maintaining strong, and long-lasting relationships with its customers. The acquisition also includes TransDek who became part of the Fen-Bay Group in 2020. Based in Doncaster TransDek are a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of modular loading bays and lifting systems. Employing 150 staff, part of its turnkey offering includes the provision of 24/7, nationwide service support employing over 100 fulltime engineers. Commenting on the acquisition, Wolfgang Gorner, Managing Director of Hörmann UK said, “We are delighted to welcome the Fen-Bay Group to the Hörmann family. We see this as a natural fit and a key part of our drive to increase our footprint in the Industrial and Service sectors. The Fen-Bay Group with its excellent brand, reputation and nationwide coverage will complement our existing operations, but will allow us to compete even more so in these areas. We are also excited to build on the success already achieved by TransDek throughout Europe and we are committed to ongoing investment in the Fen-Bay Group operations. We see great potential moving forward.” Carl Sedlan, Managing Director of the Fen-Bay Group added, “We already have extensive experience of Hörmann and its’ strong family values, which resonated strongly with our Management Team. Everyone is genuinely excited by the opportunities moving forward and becoming part of such a well-known and respected Group.”

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