THE Confederation of British Industry has this week stated that the adoption of the principles for better contracting set out in the government’s Construction Playbook is too slow. This is a view echoed by Gerard Toplass, group CEO of The 55 Group, which is the parent company for national framework
A month-long campaign run by the Health and Safety Executive to raise awareness of lung diseases caused by workplace dust is being backed by insulation specialist Actis, whose products are famously irritant-free. The campaign, which runs throughout October, is aimed at protecting workers from the long -term effects of dust
A UK specialist in custom built homes has joined forces with a leading manufacturer of timber frame properties for a unique development in the Lake District. Hugr Homes, which is based in the North-West of England, with its private equity partner FNS, is behind Wellbank, a 50-plot development on land
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is calling on the government to provide the English planning system with funding of £500m over four years, which will facilitate its efforts to tackle the climate crisis and level up the country. Next month the government will set out its investment priorities in
The City of Edinburgh Council is reminding all city landlords and homeowners that every home in the Scotland must comply with new fire safety legislation which will come into force early next year. By February 2022, all Scottish homes will need to be fitted with interlinked smoke and heat alarms
PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant
Study Inn Group, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Liversage to head up the development arm of the group’s business. Simon brings over thirty years’ residential and student sector experience in hands-on delivery of development projects specialising in overall
Construction is one of the world’s most important industries. Even just one day off-track can have a domino effect on a project. When deadlines aren’t met, business is delayed, shareholders demand answers and the work environment can become stressful and chaotic. Whether it’s poor coordination or lack of resources, there
Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice,
THE Confederation of British Industry has this week stated that the adoption of the principles for better contracting set out in the government’s Construction Playbook is too slow. This is a view echoed by Gerard Toplass, group CEO of The 55 Group, which is the parent company for national framework provider Pagabo, leading risk, management and compliance software company Sypro, and social value specialist Loop. He said: “We absolutely agree that the principles of the Construction Playbook setting out better contracting are not being adopted at a quick enough pace. We’d also say the same of all of the principles covering the procurement and project lifecycle. The Playbook should – and quite frankly must – be at the heart of everything we do. “At The 55 Group, we embrace the Construction Playbook and everything it stands for. Whether it is at the initial procurement stage, managing contracts and project processes, managing ongoing estate risks, or examining the social value benefits of schemes or activities, our businesses are right at the forefront. This is all wrapped up in a digital-first approach, both in our own operations and in driving technology adoption across the whole industry for processes and training alike. “We’re on a mission to help the industry gain a better understanding of the Playbook’s principles and the best way to implement those into all activity. This includes work Pagabo is currently doing with the Open University to create a series of podcasts that focus on the key elements of the Playbook. “This series aims to provide the public sector and any other clients with the building blocks to implement the Playbook’s core aims and will be launched later this year. “Most importantly, as built environment specialists we must support our clients, the public sector, and each other in understanding the key policies and how to implement them. This means that we need to not just talk about them but find ways of educating and driving the all-important change needed across the sector. “We need to work towards talent density within procurement, properly set up frameworks that have good coverage of suppliers, lots and geographies, and the use of digital technology – all wrapped up in compliant practice with social value at its heart.” For more information, please visit https://www.the55group.co.uk/
A month-long campaign run by the Health and Safety Executive to raise awareness of lung diseases caused by workplace dust is being backed by insulation specialist Actis, whose products are famously irritant-free. The campaign, which runs throughout October, is aimed at protecting workers from the long -term effects of dust inhalation and highlighting different ways of working. The campaign’s hard-hitting slogan is aimed at hammering the message home to employers. “Dust, it can kill. Not today, but years down the line.” The HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Sarah Jardine, says building workers are around a hundred times more likely to die from a disease caused or exacerbated by their workplace than through a construction accident. “We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust by working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right protective equipment,” she said. Using power tools, sweeping and working with products such as gypsum and wood are among activities which can be extremely harmful, without protection, say HSE experts. Insulation specialist Actis says one change which could help is to switch from using traditional, solid insulation products which create dust when cut to those which generate no irritants or dust whatsoever. Users of Actis’ flexible honeycomb insulation Hybris and insulating vapour control and breather membranes H Control Hybrid, Boost R Hybrid and Boost R Hybrid Roof say their cleanliness and complete absence of dust is precisely one of the reasons they use them. A man whose coach house renovation was the subject of a George Clarke TV programme chose Actis in part because of its cleanliness. Adrian Neaves explained: “I chose Actis rather than any other form of insulation for a number of reasons. One is the U-value, which is excellent. And I wanted it to be quick, clean, and easy to install. I didn’t need to wear a mask as there was no dust, and it was easy to cut and fit.” And Northamptonshire builder Chris Brooks, who has been using Actis for the past 17 years says: “I love using Actis Hybrid. It’s so easy to use, incredibly clean and there’s no dust. I always love it when an architect specifies Actis. And in fact, if they specified PIR board instead I’d encourage them to look at the benefits of Actis. It’s so much nicer to use when you’re installing it.” The fact that there’s no need for specialist PPE or masks and it only requires a saw or a hand operated cutter to trim it are some of the reasons builders return to Actis again and again. The HSE campaign focuses on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease and looks at the measures businesses can take to protect their workers’ lungs from certain materials.
A UK specialist in custom built homes has joined forces with a leading manufacturer of timber frame properties for a unique development in the Lake District. Hugr Homes, which is based in the North-West of England, with its private equity partner FNS, is behind Wellbank, a 50-plot development on land on the edge of the village of Bootle, in West Cumbria, with views of the Western fells. As part of its aims to create a development of eco-friendly and sustainable homes, it has partnered with Fleming Homes, which is based in the Scottish Borders and has more than 35 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke, timber frame homes. Joe Higginson, founder and managing director of Hugr Homes, said: “We were keen to work with a timber frame company to help the process for the buyers of plots at Wellbank and it was clear that Fleming Homes had the right product and the experience in this sector. “The Fleming Homes team will provide guidance and expertise to plot buyers to help in the design and specification of their homes in this beautiful part of the Lake District National Park, which is just 10 minutes from the Cumbrian coast.” Custom build is ideal for people who want to create their own home with minimal risk because it enables them to have control of the design and specification to suit them and their budget, while benefiting from the expertise of a developer. Hugr Homes offers a range of plots with planning permission and ensures buyers can create homes that are thermally efficient and sustainable. The timber frame super structures are quick to erect – the average four-bed family home can be erected to wind and watertight in two to three weeks – which results in considerable efficiencies when it comes to managing build schedules. Modern methods of construction and offsite manufacture also ensure homes are produced within a factory environment to exacting standards. At Wellbank, both companies have designed a range of homes to suit the site and because their approach is flexible, buyers have multiple options to achieve their ideal home. “Custom building your own home can seem a little more daunting than it really is, but we help to make the process as smooth as possible,” said Joe. “If you buy a new home in the UK, your choice is limited to the designs the national house builders decide you should have, but with custom build, the buyer is in charge of room layouts, specifications and the green and smart elements to boost the eco credentials. “It’s far more economical than many people believe and they may be surprised to find a custom-build option is well within their budget. It’s an option that is well-established across Europe and we want to see the UK catch up.” Wellbank, which is about one mile away from Bootle railway station and less than half an hour from Broughton in Furness, will be one of the largest custom build schemes in the UK, with 18 plots available in phase one. As well as accommodating bungalows and detached houses on spacious plots, the site will also have cycleways and pathways and particular attention is being paid to the open space and circulation routes, with wide pathways linking separate parts of the site. Hugr Homes is already in discussions with interested buyers from as far away as London, while two plots of the first phase are already reserved. Sarah Mathieson, managing director of Fleming Homes, said: “We both align on the idea of helping more people live in higher quality homes. What Fleming Homes is keen to do is open-up the possibility of self and custom-building as a real option to more people to achieve more low-carbon, energy efficient, quality homes. “It’s about giving more choice for homeowners to live their lives in homes that meet their aspirations for living and in homes that are ultimately fit for the future.”
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is calling on the government to provide the English planning system with funding of £500m over four years, which will facilitate its efforts to tackle the climate crisis and level up the country. Next month the government will set out its investment priorities in the Comprehensive Spending Review, which will determine how public funds are used to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic. In the Spending Review, the RTPI would like to see greater funds directed to the English planning system, total expenditure on which has fallen by 29% since 2009-10, meaning local authorities are spending just £5.50 per resident annually on planning policy. An extra £500m for the planning system over four years can help rebuild our communities as we look to recover from the pandemic. This is because planning influences all aspects of life including access to economic opportunity, housing, public health, access to green space and transport. These are the same factors that will determine the success of the government’s levelling up agenda and ministers should therefore consider how planning can inform its flagship policy. This Spending Review is also crucial as it comes in the immediate run up to the COP26 conference in Glasgow. The eyes of the world will be on the UK and in particular what the outcome of COP26 is. However, as the host country the UK must lead by example and the government’s commitments in the Spending Review can set the tone for the event. A survey we carried out earlier this year found that just 17% of RTPI members in the UK felt the country’s planning system or policy framework was well-equipped enough to deal with the climate crisis. Funding Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) adequately can help the country’s response to the climate crisis. Issues such green infrastructure, low-emissions transport and flood defenses are core issues for the planning profession. A relatively small investment of £67m over four years would deliver the equivalent of one planner to work exclusively on climate proofing policy and development management in each local authority. This £67m pot is one of nine funds proposed by the RTPI which would feed into the overall £500m Planning Delivery Fund that we are asking for. Other pots are listed below: Plan Making Fund £170 million Design Fund £81 million Monitoring Fund £67 million Digital Transformation £46 million Placemaking Fund £100 million Jointworking Fund £15 million Public Engagement £50 million Climate Action £67 million Capacity Building £17 million Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The forthcoming Spending Review will be one of the most important in years. A combination of factors such as the climate crisis, Covid-19 recovery and the government’s levelling up plans mean that every penny must count. “We are asking the government to provide £500m over four years as we see the planning system as a key lever in addressing all of these issues. “With a well-funded planning system the government can realise its ambitions to create a more level society whether it be through more housing, better and greener transport or vibrant communities. The planning system can also be the first line of defense in the country’s tackling of the climate crisis. “With this funding the government can acknowledge the planning system has the potential to help fulfill some of the most pressing issues of the day.”
The City of Edinburgh Council is reminding all city landlords and homeowners that every home in the Scotland must comply with new fire safety legislation which will come into force early next year. By February 2022, all Scottish homes will need to be fitted with interlinked smoke and heat alarms which talk to each other – so when one goes off, they all go off. As Edinburgh’s biggest social landlord, the Council is currently working with its contractors to fit new interlinked smoke and heat alarms, so that every one of its 20,000 Council-owned homes meets the new legislation and is made even more fire safe. When this work’s done in each property, the electrical contractors will also undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if one has not been carried out recently. Older residents in particular are being asked to be aware of the new fire safety legislation. The Council’s Older People’s Champion, Councillor Catherine Fullerton, is calling on everyone who manages properties for older tenants in Edinburgh to make sure all new standards are met so everyone has the best chance of getting to safety in the event of a fire. Cllr Fullerton said… It’s absolutely vital that landlords and property management companies, particularly those that have a responsibility for older people within our communities, understand the new fire safety rules coming into force and act on them as quickly as possible. All properties, without exception, must be fitted with the new interlinking alarms, heat alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors too. I’d also urge older people or people with older relatives who own their own homes to check out the Scottish Government’s dedicated ‘Fire safety for homeowners’ webpages for more details and, if necessary, to help them to get their homes fitted with the right kind of alarms. There is also clear guidance for private and social tenants as well as new build homes. I’d encourage everyone to be sure they are using a Trusted Tradesperson to change their fire alarms to meet the new law – please don’t run the risk of having faulty or non-compliant ones fitted A ‘Trusted Trader’ in Edinburgh can be found by using this website: www.trustedtrader.scot/Edinburgh/ If an older person is receiving Universal Credit, Edinburgh Care and Repair Service has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to provide this service for free. If not, there will be a reasonable charge. You can telephone for further advice on 0131 337 111 or email reception@cre.scot.
PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5 acres of currently vacant land transformed into two three-storey office blocks. When completed, the development will provide c. 3,500 sq. m. of grade A office space, and include 112 private car parking spaces, including seven disabled and 12 EV charging points, 80 cycle storage spaces and 15 motorcycle parking spots. The proposals also include new tree and hedge planting to increase biodiversity on site and a new footpath link to Worcester Parkway to enable convenient access to the train station. Businesses located on-site will benefit from excellent rail connectivity due to the development’s prime location next to the new train station, with direct routes into central London, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff. Just a mile away from Junction 7 of the M5, it will also provide easy access to the UK’s extensive road network and fast transport connections into the airports of Birmingham and Bristol. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for this commercial scheme which will provide much-needed grade A office space in South Worcestershire. As a part of the local Development Plan, which is expected to deliver 5,000 homes and 50 hectares of employment land by 2041, it will provide much needed additional space for new and existing SMEs to grow and establish their presence in the West Midlands. It will also deliver flexible remote working opportunities for larger businesses who seek to create a suitable base for remote workers, living in the area. “We would like to thank IMA Architects for designing a scheme that fits well into the local landscape, and Wychavon District Council for their support throughout the planning process.” The application for this scheme was delivered in conjunction with planning and development consultants Avon Planning Services Ltd. For further information on Godwin Developments visit www.godwindevelopments.co.uk
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios. Under current standards, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables greater than 20mm in diameter undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris and water jet testing on a single test sample. For ‘ENHANCED fire resistant’ cables under 20mm, no direct impact test takes place, and the water test is just a spray test, whilst different stages of each test are carried out on different samples of cable. Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this is putting lives at risk. It comes at a time when London’s Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has called for urgent change in the building industry as the number of blocks of flats in London with fire safety failings is now more than 1,000. Whilst a majority of the issues are due to cladding, the remainder have other fire safety defects, and in all of these buildings, LFB has suspended its ‘stay put strategy’. Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety. He commented: “ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supportedin the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, they keep them safe whilst providing extended time for rescue services to evacuate occupants and ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. “The tests which construction products are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used in fire alarms, emergency lighting, extraction systems, monitoring systems or even backup generators may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain a ticking time bomb.” Mr Williams says Mineral Insulated Copper Cable (MICC) is the only fire performance cable that, in historical testing, has survived over 1000˚C, whilst being subjected to direct hammer blows and a full water pressure test using a fire hose. Samples tested have been measured at just 5.7mm in diameter and maintained circuit integrity for over 3 hours. He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a higher classification for such products. The Government’s review of current systems for testing construction products was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of buildings. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”
Study Inn Group, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Liversage to head up the development arm of the group’s business. Simon brings over thirty years’ residential and student sector experience in hands-on delivery of development projects specialising in overall commercial management, procurement, contractual arrangements, and handover to operating teams. Commenting on the appointment, Kieran Leahy, director at Study Inn, said: “We created the Study Inn platform to deliver secure asset backed investments with strong and resilient income streams. This Senior Management Board have been specifically selected to cover our in-house activities of: Research, Acquisitions, Finance, Design, Development, and Operations, and substantially increase our capacity to deliver the Group’s objectives. We couldn’t be happier with Simon’s appointment to complete the team”. Simon added: “I am delighted to have joined such a forward-thinking company with an exceptional track record, a successful business strategy, and clear potential for growth. The Management Board are empowered to deliver and will continue the group’s objective of creating and maturing ‘best in class portfolios’ in prime UK locations.
Construction is one of the world’s most important industries. Even just one day off-track can have a domino effect on a project. When deadlines aren’t met, business is delayed, shareholders demand answers and the work environment can become stressful and chaotic. Whether it’s poor coordination or lack of resources, there are plenty of things that negatively impact construction site productivity. To help your business succeed and improve its operations, here are five strategies to explore. Take Advantage of Technology If there’s any field that can be transformed by technological innovation, it’s construction. There are many reasons that construction teams need the latest technology. Project management software can help keep a team on track, offering a clear and easy to edit timetable with daily tasks. Tracking progress through the software allows you to identify any complications and swiftly resolve any potential setbacks. Improve Site Safety Workplace injuries are harmful to both people and job outcomes. From a business standpoint, an on-site injury can result in hours or even days of missed work. In an effort to demonstrate your commitment to a safe workplace, you can invest in one platform that delivers real-time updates on your budget and time use. Greater visibility means less accidents and unexpected occurrences. This keeps everyone feeling secure, including your customers. Mandating safety training for all workers should also be at the top of your to-do list. If someone does not have OSHA certification, then they shouldn’t be allowed on a worksite. Hire Experienced Professionals Cheap labor tends to yield poorer results. If a job is done fast but poorly, you ultimately lose trust and credibility. Fixing preventable mistakes and backtracking constantly only costs your clients and business more money. Focus on building a reliable team of trained, skilled workers. While there’s nothing wrong with offering on-the-job training, you should have experienced professionals leading your teams. They are able to implement new technologies and equipment into your processes faster, which saves money while onboarding less-experienced workers. Turn Long Contracts into Short Goals It’s easy to lose track of time on a long-term project, but this can lead to a drop in output and efficiency. Make sure that you always have your team up-to-date on your current goals. This means breaking projects down into smaller objectives. Routine progress meetings give workers a sense of camaraderie and support. An open culture also ensures that you can address any immediate concerns without impeding long-term progress. When you are working on bigger projects, it’s vital that everyone feels like they’re on the same page. Members of a team don’t have to perform the same roles. They need to feel like they have the right resources to do their jobs efficiently. Divide Tasks to Appropriate Contractors Having a single supervisor or manager for a massive team will lead to burnout and oversights. Just because someone has the most experience does not necessarily mean they’re equipped for a certain task. Instead, you should look at each workers’ individual strengths. Decide who is the best fit for certain jobs and assign accordingly. When you delegate work based on ability rather than experience, you are able to get more done and boost job satisfaction in the process.
Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice, and discipline to master this craft. However, there are tips and tricks that seasoned workers apply to have excellent welds. If you’re still learning the basics of welding, take note of these secrets to have a successful welding project. 1. Incorporate Aluminum In Construction Projects One way to have a durable and outstanding welding project is by using aluminum. Although this metal is generally more expensive compared to steel, aluminum offers more benefits. It’s resistant to corrosion and easier to cut because it’s typically soft. Despite its softness, it’s very durable and lighter compared to other welding base materials. Because of it, an aluminum-based welding project requires limited energy during production and use. Hence, it’s believed to be a sustainable way to reduce emissions. If you’d use aluminum, you may use it alone or combine it with other steel materials. Either way, its strength depends on the overall quality of the project. In other words, the better the materials and welding process are, the more durable the results will be. 2. Ensure That Your Electrode Has The Precise Length You may need to select your electrode or stick’s appropriate length. In doing so, choose the type which is appropriate to your arm’s length when you weld. Or you could adjust your distance to have your desired angle. If the electrode is too long, you might melt the rod. If it’s too short, you might not weld properly, and the joined part might detach anytime soon. 3. Start And Finish Everything Cleanly Use a wire brush to remove grease, rust, and dust in the parts you’ll weld. Ensure that there’s no residue left in the metals before you try to attach them. When the dirt is infused with impurities, the welds are likely to have dust and rust, weakening the spots. If you want dirt-free welds, slow down the process to guarantee proper melting and joining. Lastly, it would be best to clean your workplace by removing burn marks and other impurities that result from your work. 4. Take A Practice Run Before The Actual Weld If you want to find your most comfortable position in welding, take a practice run. It’ll help you in determining your best angle as well as the distance to your work. Professional welders do this to start the momentum in their work. Usually, they do this by welding two pieces of metal. 5. Follow The Basics Of Welding In welding, you’d need to stick with the fundamentals to have clean and good outputs. For that purpose, here are some points that you may consider: Wrapping Up A successful welding project needs more than fundamental skills. Apart from the skills, welders need reliable tools and equipment. Yet, mastering the skills might make welding a lot easier. In addition, they shorten the time of labor and make the workpiece more efficient. Suppose you’re planning to weld your first ever workpiece. In that case, you may get back to the secrets and insights mentioned above. They may provide necessary insights for your craft and develop your welding skills. With the right skills, you’ve completed half of the requirements for a clean and successful welding project.