A new division of independent housebuilder Dandara has been launched to create new homes in Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Dandara Eastern, based at Braintree in Essex, already has four consented sites in the pipeline, with work expected to begin in the spring at its flagship Towerlands Park development of
Legrand UK & Ireland has upgraded its range of busbars and tap-off boxes, which have been redesigned to improve efficiency and the life cycle of systems available to electrical specifiers. For those facing the challenge of futureproofing buildings, the Zucchini XCP range from Legrand is the latest collection of busbars
Articulated hauler specialist Terex Trucks rebrands as Rokbak and announces its vision for an exciting new future. The Scottish manufacturer unveiled the new brand at a digital launch event on September 1, attended by dealers, customers, media, and Volvo Group colleagues from around the world. Rokbak is the new name
Chubb, a leading provider of security and fire safety solutions is providing an integrated security solution based on facial recognition technology to protect people and property at 22 Bishopsgate, a new landmark commercial building in London. Chubb is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of
More than one in ten of the UK’s lockdown businesses are in the trade industry Over 20,000 new businesses focus on the ‘development of building products’ – a fifth of all lockdown trade companies Per capita, Aberdeen has seen the greatest number of trade start-ups since March 2020 Since the
Training for the construction industry to help combat the climate crisis… In collaboration with McLaughlin & Harvey, GRAHAM, McAleer & Rushe, and Henry Brothers, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has developed Climate Emergency Training to help the construction sector take action to tackle the climate crisis. Keep Scotland Beautiful is
Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, announces a robust roadmap for its Matter-compliant smart home solutions, committing to being among the first group of Matter-compliant devices immediately after the standard is approved. Schneider also plans to bridge its Wiser smart home ecosystem with Matter-connected
Housing 21, a not-for-profit housing association, is proposing to redevelop an existing housing block in Richmond upon Thames, and create a new affordable housing scheme consisting of 28 apartments for older people. The Retirement Living development, together with London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, will address the shortage of housing
Ideas to improve the construction industry have flooded in from all over the world for the 2021 COINS Grand Challenge, a global competition organised by Construction Industry Solutions Ltd (COINS) to encourage innovation and ideas that could improve the built environment or construction industry The shortlist has now been announced,
Construction technology provider Causeway Technologies has appointed Richard Longdon as non-executive chairman. One of Britain’s most respected ‘Silicon Fen’ entrepreneurs, Richard Longdon was the chief executive and subsequently president of AVEVA plc for 17 years before stepping down at the end of 2017. Under his leadership, AVEVA grew into a
A new division of independent housebuilder Dandara has been launched to create new homes in Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Dandara Eastern, based at Braintree in Essex, already has four consented sites in the pipeline, with work expected to begin in the spring at its flagship Towerlands Park development of more than 500 new homes at Bocking in Braintree. Dandara was established in 1988, but for the last two years has achieved a period of unprecedented growth – despite the pandemic – and is expanding to become a national player in the housebuilding market. As part of the company’s strategic plan for continued long-term growth, the new Eastern division will deliver around 500 homes a year in a prime commuter belt housing market. John Stanton will lead the new division following his recent promotion to Regional Director. John joined the business in September 2020 as Operations Director for Dandara Northern Home Counties based in Milton Keynes. Formerly Commercial Director at Bovis Homes, Stanton was tasked with managing Dandara’s team building and rapid growth in that region, while maintaining its reputation for building excellent homes and providing top-quality customer service. With experience working for both Bovis and Linden Homes in the east of England, and earlier experience with Crest Nicholson in Essex, he is ideally placed to bring the same growth and success to Eastern. Managing Director, Trevor Dempsey, said: “Dandara Eastern is getting off to a flying start, with four new sites including the major redevelopment of the former Towerlands equestrian and events complex at Bocking on the outskirts of Braintree, along with two sites at Elsenham in north Essex and another located at Buntingford in Hertfordshire. We have a fantastic land supply pipeline and are extremely confident that John and the new Eastern team will achieve the company’s plan to deliver around 500 new homes in the region each year within five years.” Towerlands Park will be one of Dandara’s largest projects, with 575 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, plus schools, shops and community facilities, built on the site of a former events venue, golf course and equestrian centre. The local area is highly desirable for both commuters and families. Braintree Station is just over two miles away, with services to Liverpool Street in around an hour, while shoppers can enjoy both the traditional high street stores and the designer outlet at Braintree Village with its wide range of famous names. The development will have its own nursery school, and a primary school is also planned. All homes will have gardens and garages or off-road parking, plus a high specification and finish throughout. Meanwhile, at Elsenham in north Essex, near Bishops Stortford, Dandara Eastern will have two new smaller developments available next year – Millers View and The Bower, both of which will feature a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes and are within a 15-minute walk from the station with services to Liverpool Street in less than an hour. Schools and local shops at the centre of this pretty village are also a short stroll away. For more information visitwww.dandara.com
Legrand UK & Ireland has upgraded its range of busbars and tap-off boxes, which have been redesigned to improve efficiency and the life cycle of systems available to electrical specifiers. For those facing the challenge of futureproofing buildings, the Zucchini XCP range from Legrand is the latest collection of busbars and tap-off boxes for efficient power distribution for multi-occupancy residential, commercial and industrial applications. Designed to lower energy consumption and losses, the new XCP-HP (High Performance) busbar delivers significant energy cost savings and helps to reduce the environmental impact of the building in which it is installed. According to Legrand, specifiers face increasing pressure to deliver electrical systems which keep up with changing power requirements and efficiency credentials. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand’s Power Distribution business unit, explains the importance of specifying suitable solutions: “We are more reliant than ever on equipment in buildings and yet professionals in the sector are required to deliver on more stringent efficiency measures. The new XCP range provides an update to match the fast-changing power requirements that all buildings across the country are experiencing. With more use of electrical equipment, there is a need for all manner of power distribution solutions which can keep up with the changing demands across its lifespan.” To support the futureproofing of buildings from a safety perspective, the range can be quickly installed and visually inspected for correct connections due to the shear off bolt connections. This can reduce the risk of bad connections which cause over heating problems. The XCP range is also available with a two-times rated neutral phase conductor option, helping to mitigate the addition of electronic devices into a building. This option helps specifiers ensure the system keeps up with the ever-changing electrical demand and does not overheat due to electrical imbalances. Given every project has different requirements, the entire range comes with a comprehensive, market-leading selection of plastic and metal tap-off boxes, rated 25- 250A and 63-630A respectively. To further suit different levels of specification, the range is complemented with the XCP-S (Standard) busbar, to give projects a more cost-effective specification. Paul says: “With safety and long-term efficiency key for consultants, the XCP range gives peace of mind that a building’s power distribution is futureproofed and remains cost-effective for the duration of the building’s life cycle. Suited to all manner of projects and the varying power outputs they require across sites, we aim to give specifiers everything they require from one high power range.” For more information on Legrand’s range of Zucchini XCP busbars, visit: https://www.legrand.co.uk/products/power-distribution/zucchini/busbar-systems/
Articulated hauler specialist Terex Trucks rebrands as Rokbak and announces its vision for an exciting new future. The Scottish manufacturer unveiled the new brand at a digital launch event on September 1, attended by dealers, customers, media, and Volvo Group colleagues from around the world. Rokbak is the new name for Terex Trucks, with the new brand representing the continuation of its strong hauling heritage with a future-focused vision. Throughout the last four decades, the company has never wavered in its promise to customers to deliver powerful and reliable articulated haulers – and that legacy remains front and centre within the new brand. At the same time, the Rokbak name represents an exciting new future and reflects the significant advances the organization has made in recent years as well as its new strategic priorities. “Our company has an incredible history and a proud heritage,” said Paul Douglas, Managing Director. “Seven years ago, we became a member of the Volvo Group, which allowed us to make major improvements in every part of our business. Millions of pounds have been invested in improving our products, modernising our facilities, expanding our network, and developing our people. It has been a process of continual evolution. That’s why we feel it’s right to recognize this evolution with a new brand name to launch an exciting new chapter in our history. And we’ll keep investing to further improve our machines for our customers.” Articulated haulers that don’t buckle under pressure The significant investments and improvements in the company’s articulated haulers in recent times have ensured they remain among the most robust and reliable machines around. Now, with their foundation in the predecessor models from Terex Trucks, the 28-tonne payload RA30 and 38-tonne payload RA40 from Rokbak are the most productive and efficient articulated haulers the company has ever made. As part of the new brand launch, the machines now come in Rokbak colours and livery. While maintaining the experienced design, craft and precision that are synonymous with the company’s haulers, the RA30 and RA40 deliver better fuel economy, lower emissions, improved safety, and greater durability. With a tough design that’s built to last, the haulers power through hard work with ease, boosting customers’ productivity no matter how tough the conditions. “We’re very excited to reveal our new brand, and of course our haulers are the shop window,” continued Paul Douglas. “Rokbak stands for power, performance and reliability. We already have a very healthy order book for the new brand, and we want to further expand our reputation, dealer network and market share. We’re still the same skilled, experienced, and passionate team, committed to making rock-solid haulers every day. But we also have a clear vision for where we want to go and who we want to be.” Rokbak has your back As part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak has experienced steady evolution over the past seven years. While this has taken place across the board, it is particularly prominent in four key areas: product design, sustainability, safety, and people. In product design, the company has introduced Stage V engines for better fuel efficiency and operation for customers. Other improvements include a new transmission on the 28-tonne (30.9-ton) machine, the introduction of the Haul Track telematics, and a stronger focus on operator wellbeing and safety. In terms of sustainability, the company’s manufacturing plant has shifted to 100% renewable energy as well as operating within Science-Based Targets and ISO standards, plus targeting CO2 emission reductions. The focus on safety has been emphasised in all areas, but particularly on its employees. Changes in processes at the factory have seen a stronger concentration on maintaining employee safety while simultaneously delivering high standards and low downtime. For the company’s people at the heart of Rokbak, there is a continual focus on professional development, keeping the team at the forefront of skill and expertise. Similarly, Dealer Operating Standards and training ensures the expanded dealer network continues to deliver the highest levels of service. “We are proud and excited to have the modernized Rokbak brand continue as a fundamental part of our organization,” said Melker Jernberg, President Volvo CE and Executive Vice President Volvo Group. “We believe in a sustainable future, innovation and the power of our people and we see that all encapsulated in Rokbak. At the same time, the company has its own personality, heritage and loyal customer base and it will be exciting to see the brand evolve further as it sets out on this new stage of its journey.”
Chubb, a leading provider of security and fire safety solutions is providing an integrated security solution based on facial recognition technology to protect people and property at 22 Bishopsgate, a new landmark commercial building in London. Chubb is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. 22 Bishopsgate is one of the tallest buildings in London. The 62-storey tower provides a total of 1.275 million square feet of premium workspace for 12,000 people, setting new standards for integration of systems on a major scale. As workers return to the office, the health and safety of indoor environments has never been more important. Chubb offers advanced solutions to help deliver safer, healthier and smarter indoor environments. 22 Bishopsgate, one of London’s tallest buildings Chubb installed an access control system using integrated facial recognition in the building’s foyer to allow authorised users access at an anticipated rate of 25 people per minute through each turnstile. Identification card and smart phone access is also available within this technology. The solution was determined using a face recognition engine developed by Chubb in-house developers. Chubb also worked closely with a leading manufacturer of revolving doors and security barriers to incorporate the cameras into the turnstiles so as not to spoil the aesthetic of the touchless access points. The facial recognition technology is also integrated with the destination management system within the 57 elevators. Among the elevators will be Europe’s fastest double-deck elevators, running at eight metres per second. In addition to access control, Chubb has installed the latest IP-based CCTV and intruder alarm systems in all communal areas of the building and integrated these into the Building Management System (BMS). “Chubb works with the latest technologies to find the best way to protect people, places and assets; providing confidence in the health and safety measures that are in place. As an early adopter of innovation, we see facial recognition as delivering the optimum solution to managing the secure and efficient passage of large numbers of employees and visitors through 22 Bishopsgate. In key landmark developments we look at combining the highest levels of security with a premium customer experience,” said David Dunnagan, Director, Chubb Systems. 22 Bishopsgate will be the first tower of its kind to house a fresh food market, innovation hub, gym, well-being retreat and space, curated ‘art walk’, business club, cycle hub, destination restaurant as well as London’s highest free public viewing gallery, creating an inspiring, healthy and energising workplace.
More than one in ten of the UK’s lockdown businesses are in the trade industry Over 20,000 new businesses focus on the ‘development of building products’ – a fifth of all lockdown trade companies Per capita, Aberdeen has seen the greatest number of trade start-ups since March 2020 Since the first Coronavirus lockdown was announced on 23rd March 2020, over 112,000 trade businesses have been set up in the UK, new research has revealed. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, analysed over one million rows of Companies House data1 and found that more than one in ten (11%) of all businesses set up during the pandemic (1,019,970) are in the trade industry. Of the 112,047 new companies in the sector, almost a fifth (19%) focus on the ‘development of building products’, with 20,753 start-ups – more than any other trade category. Similar projects also take up the next three spots, with ‘construction of domestic buildings’ and ‘commercial buildings’ both making the top five. Companies specialising in ‘electrical installation’ are not far behind, with 8,194 new businesses, while ‘plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation’ firms also feature highly. The ten most common categories for trade businesses established since the first lockdown are: 1) Development of building projects – 20,753 2) Construction of domestic buildings – 16,278 3) Other specialised construction activities – 9,395 4) Construction of commercial buildings – 8,763 5) Electrical installation – 8,194 6) Other building completion and finishing – 8,151 7) Plumbing, hear and air-conditioning installation – 7,299 8) Other construction installation – 6,146 9) Landscape service activities – 3,685 10) Painting – 3,090 Other popular trades, such as roofing (2,612), joinery (2,226) and plastering (1,589) have also seen many new enterprises. These lockdown companies are spread out across the UK, but, while London inevitably has the most new trade businesses (24,977) due to its size – almost eight times as many as the next city, Birmingham (3,175) – Aberdeen has the most per capita. With 163 new companies and a population of just under 230,0002, there is one lockdown trade start-up per 1,403 people in the Scottish port city. On this metric3, Southend-on-Sea takes second place and top spot for England, followed by Bath. The top five UK hotspots for lockdown trade businesses are: 1) Aberdeen – 163 (one per 1,403 people) 2) Southend-on-Sea – 132 (one per 1,402) 3) Bath – 94 (one per 1,102) 4) Edinburgh – 488 (one per 1,076) 5) Belfast – 273 (one per 1,056) Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The pandemic has brought many challenges to businesses, but it’s great to see that it has also created some opportunities, with lots of tradespeople starting new companies. “Setting up a business can be tricky at the best of times, so these individuals deserve tremendous credit for making it work during lockdown. “If you’re thinking of following their lead and starting your own trade company, we’ve partnered with Rick Smith, Managing Director at an insolvency and business rescue specialist, to provide expert advice on how to do so.” For expert tips on how to set up a trade business, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/expert-tips-for-setting-up-a-new-business
Training for the construction industry to help combat the climate crisis… In collaboration with McLaughlin & Harvey, GRAHAM, McAleer & Rushe, and Henry Brothers, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has developed Climate Emergency Training to help the construction sector take action to tackle the climate crisis. Keep Scotland Beautiful is now rolling the training out to employees from each of the four organisations to enable them to reduce carbon emissions at both a business and individual level. The training looks at how the construction sector will be impacted by climate change, the practical actions needed to reduce emissions and future-proof each organisation, the science of climate change, and the significant changes we will all need to adapt to as Scotland moves to a low carbon future. John Logan, Group Environmental Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “We are pleased to further our commitment to sustainability and combat climate change with our collaboration with Keep Scotland Beautiful. The development of the training shows that collaboration rather than competition is key to driving change on this critical issue. McLaughlin & Harvey is committed to adapting to support a UK low carbon economy, and will achieve Net Zero by 2030 while reducing annual emissions. The Climate Emergency Training has provided our staff with the practical tools to make the significant changes needed in our efforts.” Lianne Taylor, Head of Environment at GRAHAM, said: “At GRAHAM, we recognise the important role that all of our employees will play in decarbonisation and the transition to a low carbon economy. This is why we have prioritised the roll out of Carbon Literacy Training as a vital tool in helping us to collectively tackle the climate crisis head on. “GRAHAM was delighted to collaborate with Keep Scotland Beautiful and other contractors in taking a leading role in the development of Climate Emergency Training for the construction sector. So far, we’ve delivered the training to our board and senior management, and we’ve planned that by the end of next year, our entire workforce will be carbon literate – a clear sign of our commitment to climate action and the delivery of lasting impact.” Charlene Millen, Environment & Sustainability Manager at McAleer & Rushe, said: “McAleer & Rushe are delighted to collaborate with Keep Scotland Beautiful and our fellow peers in leading the development of Climate Emergency Training for the Construction sector. Implementing this bespoke carbon literacy training is fundamental in increasing awareness and understanding of this critical issue as we move towards a low carbon economy. This training gives us the support we need to embed the necessary changes throughout our organisation.” Charlene Clinton, Henry Brothers Quality and Environment Manager, said: “This Carbon Literacy Training is an important aspect of educating our employees to understand how they can assist the company’s Journey to Net Zero Strategy and how they can make an impact both at work and at home. Within our strategy Henry Brothers have set ambitious targets for the next 9 years, including a commitment to a 50% reduction of emissions by 2030 and an investment in a long term off-setting scheme, setting out an action plan which will be monitored on an annual basis.” Catherine Gee, Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted to have developed our Climate Emergency Training for the construction industry. The climate crisis and Scotland’s journey to net zero is going to require everyone, and importantly businesses and organisations, to adapt and change their way of working and we are extremely pleased that these businesses within the construction sector are taking steps to play their part. We hope that others within the sector will follow in their footsteps and learn how to adapt their ways of working to reduce their emissions and provide a better future for our country and our planet.” In May 2019, the Scottish Government declared a climate emergency and has pledged to drastically reduce emissions from Scotland in the next 10 years. This will mean new legislation and technology that will bring significant changes to the way that we do life and business in Scotland. Keep Scotland Beautiful is the only Carbon Literacy Training Organisation in Scotland, and as part of the training, each participant will receive a certificate of Carbon Literacy from the Carbon Literacy Project and the opportunity to apply for Carbon Literate Organisation status. The training is available for all businesses within the construction sector and interested organisations should contact Keep Scotland Beautiful to find out more, or visit: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/climate-emergency-training
Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, announces a robust roadmap for its Matter-compliant smart home solutions, committing to being among the first group of Matter-compliant devices immediately after the standard is approved. Schneider also plans to bridge its Wiser smart home ecosystem with Matter-connected systems by the same time. As a board member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and an active contributor to the Matter protocol development, Schneider believes that interoperability is the key for homes and buildings of the future. Matter builds upon market-proven technologies and best practices, and is the industry-unifying standard that aims to simplify connected experiences and provide greater interoperability in smart homes and buildings. By integrating technologies such as renewable energy generation and EV charging that are rapidly being adopted, Matter compliance can help in supporting the Schneider Electric sentiment around the sustainable future for our homes, and help pave a pathway to self-sufficient, net zero homes, while reducing e-waste and improving circularity. The Schneider Electric Matter implementation roadmap includes: Innovating to create Matter-compliant smart home products. Schneider Electric will become one of the first few companies in the world to offer native Matter solutions. Bridging to connect existing and new systems. The Wiser smart home ecosystem ensures Matter compliance while retaining native Zigbee connectivity. Existing and new Wiser devices based on Zigbee will join the Matter ecosystem using the ‘bridge’ functionality of upgraded Wiser Hubs*, ensuring a sustainable approach where the installed base of devices do not become obsolete with the arrival of the new standard. Advocating for more Matter-compliant interoperability with others. Making interoperability and usage of products easier for consumers starts with industry wide collaboration to include Matter as a connectivity standard in the Wiser App. Jai Thampi, SVP for Strategy and Innovation in the Home and Distribution Division, Schneider Electric said: “By ensuring smart home technology supports Matter – anticipated to be a widely accepted connectivity language – we will achieve much more than device compatibility and effortless comfort for the homeowner. Interoperability among connected products will be at the heart of making our homes, offices, and entire cities more sustainable, more energy efficient, and more resilient in the face of the global threat of climate change. I firmly believe that Matter is an important project for the future of smart home, and we are committed to making it successful in the long run, while innovating at scale. Open, global standards such as Matter are essential for improving consumer experience, while ensuring a smart and sustainable connected future.” About Schneider Electric Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software, and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.
Housing 21, a not-for-profit housing association, is proposing to redevelop an existing housing block in Richmond upon Thames, and create a new affordable housing scheme consisting of 28 apartments for older people. The Retirement Living development, together with London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, will address the shortage of housing for older people. Survey and design work has commenced and full plans are being presented to members of the local community, giving an opportunity to learn more about the scheme, ask questions and make comments. The public consultation event will run virtually, and feedback should be submitted by Friday 10 September. The website can be accessed at: http://www.spbroadway.com/howsonterrace All properties in the scheme – designed by architects, Hunters– will be affordable, either for social rent or shared ownership. There will not be any market housing built on the site. The scheme will be specifically designed for older people, promoting independent living in a community setting, with a communal lounge and scheme manager on site during the week. Geoff Reynolds, Property Development Manager at Housing 21, said: “We are excited to submit plans for this high-quality Retirement Living scheme in Richmond, which will be Housing 21’s first within the area. Retirement Living offers older people choice and control over their living arrangements as residents will benefit from having their own front door while having access to communal facilities, such as a lounge, offering a safe and secure place to call home. “The site at Howson Terrace is an ideal location for this development and is well-placed to serve the people of Richmond. We look forward to working with the council and local community to create a development that meets their expectations.” In addition to the 28 apartments, the development will provide a range of communal spaces including a communal lounge and green spaces. Responding to climate change the scheme will be built to an enhanced specification in order to be energy-efficient and have a low carbon impact. The design will feature landscaped areas around the building. Care will be taken to protect the natural environments and a sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) will also be implemented. To access the virtual consultation, click here: https://www.howsonterrace.com/
Ideas to improve the construction industry have flooded in from all over the world for the 2021 COINS Grand Challenge, a global competition organised by Construction Industry Solutions Ltd (COINS) to encourage innovation and ideas that could improve the built environment or construction industry The shortlist has now been announced, with 12 finalists hailing from Sri Lanka, India, Russia, UK, Canada, Indonesia and Zimbabwe – read more at www.coins-global.com Ideas range from innovative insulation materials made from fungi, to bacteria based concrete and automated structural design solutions for timber buildings. The challenge has two entry categories, professional (Open Competition) and student (Undergraduate Competition). Open Competition finalists are: Natalia Mykhaylova (CEO – WeavAir) with a data-driven IoT & predictive software system for improving wellness, safety and energy efficiency during construction & across the building lifecycle Mario Selvaraj (Co-Founder / Head of Product – DAISY) with DAISY, an innovative automated tool for the structural design of timber buildings Valentina Dipietro (Founder – Mykor Ltd) with Mykor, an insulation material grown from forest waste and fungi Kaz Hayat (Managing Director – Trent Energy Limited) with Loadtag, a SMART device that will monitor live loads on formwork during concrete pouring to help prevent overloading and potentially catastrophic failure Igor Stavrulov (CEO & Founder – AMATEC LLC) with a technology for producing building materials from high-density gypsum. Alan Gillett (Director – DrillBuddy UK Ltd) with XtraHand, a universal hands-free vacuum attachment which removes dangerous airborne dust particles when drilling holes. Student Competition finalists are Abhishek Kumar Patra (Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra) with an idea for a bacteria-based concrete utilising limestone-producing bacterial spores Mufaro Gomera (University of the Witwatersrand) with an idea for a platform powered by artificial intelligence that eliminates costly supply chain inefficiencies in procurement, logistics, and back-office activities Chalana Gunathilaka (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology) with his concept for an automatic inflatable safety jacket Arvianto Nugroho (Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology) with a system to manage energy consumption during construction and operation of a building. Roshan Naik (Goa University) with a concept for a reactor system which will convert plastic into energy Rohan Ghosalkar and Deepti Shetty (V.E.S. Institute of Technology, Chembur; National Institute of Design, Kurukshetra, India) with Averto, an IoT-based solution for minimising and mitigating the danger of life-threatening injuries caused by incidents involving falls or collapsing scaffoldings Robert Brown, CEO of COINS,who has played a major role in the COINS Grand Challenge, comments: “Every year the number and quality of entries for the Grand Challenge gets stronger and stronger. It’s great to see the level of interest in new and emerging technology in the construction industry continue to grow. We are very proud to see the challenge go from strength to strength and hope that all the finalists go on to pursue a career in construction whether they win the competition or not.” The judging panel includes: Mark Beard / Chairman & Chief Executive – E W Beard (Holdings) Ltd Susan Jackson / Joint Managing Director – Campion Homes Limited Stuart Binstock / President and CEO – Construction Financial Management Association Kevin Lasitz / Senior Partner Development Manager, Microsoft The COINS Grand Challenge winners will be announced on 30 September. For more details visit www.coins-grandchallenge.com
Construction technology provider Causeway Technologies has appointed Richard Longdon as non-executive chairman. One of Britain’s most respected ‘Silicon Fen’ entrepreneurs, Richard Longdon was the chief executive and subsequently president of AVEVA plc for 17 years before stepping down at the end of 2017. Under his leadership, AVEVA grew into a FTSE 250 technology company with a market capitalisation of £1.4bn at the time of his retirement from the board of AVEVA. Richard’s prior positions include chairman at Ideagen plc and senior independent non-executive board positions at Alfa Financial plc and Fidessa plc before it was taken private in 2018. He has also worked successfully with private equity-backed businesses, serving as a non-executive chairman at Process Systems Enterprise Ltd and non-executive director at Prometheus Inc. Richard’s appointment at Causeway follows the recent announcement of a £120m investment in Causeway by Five Arrows Principal Investments, the European corporate private equity arm of Rothschild & Co, to fund strategic acquisitions and accelerate the company’s organic growth strategy to provide a seamless digital connection across the entire construction supply chain. Phil Brown, chief executive of Causeway, said: “Richard’s addition to our board brings complimentary expertise in software business management and financial performance. This appointment is also indicative of the level of excitement about our market opportunity, and the strength of our ambitions as a business. Our core purpose at Causeway is to enable the digitisation of the construction industry to best-in-class standards, and Richard’s arrival will help us scale our capability so that we can enable our customers to best leverage technology to be distinctly impactful in their respective markets.” Richard Longdon added: “This is a very important time for Causeway. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Phil and his team as well as Five Arrows — together we will accelerate the extension of Causeway’s cloud platform across multiple sub-segments of the construction supply chain. It is clear that the construction industry urgently needs and wants good technology solutions. With its recent acquisitions and the investment from Five Arrows, I see Causeway as exceptionally well placed to play a leading role in this market, especially given Causeway’s fantastic product set and deep customer relationships.” Causeway Technologies was established in 1999. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire in the United Kingdom, it serves over 2,500 customers and has over 350 employees. Causeway provides enterprise and cloud software solutions to the construction and infrastructure maintenance industries and spans the full value and supply chain. www.causeway.com