Documentation is one of the staples in virtually all organizations, regardless of what they do. Every day, companies in the manufacturing industry have to deal with processing extensive number of documents, ensuring proper documentation workflows and handle obligations stemming from tax and other legal regulations. This requires the implementation of
The latest research by Birmingham and Newcastle-based property developer, StripeHomes, has revealed that new-build house prices boomed by as much as 20% across parts of England during the first half of this year, but transaction levels have ground to a halt as EWS1 requirements continue to prove problematic. StripeHomes analysed
Leeds-based building consultancy, C80 Solutions, is urging property owners and businesses to begin preparing for the arrival of stricter energy performance laws in the coming years. The government’s Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill was introduced earlier this month and will be debated by MPs this autumn, paving the way
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
Hörmann UK have announced the launch of a new, thermally efficient telescopic dock leveller the HTL2 ISO which provides up to 55% improved thermal insulation when compared to a standard dock leveller in both closed and loading positions. Used in conjunction with their new slimline recess profiled sectional door it
While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges for many industries, it is also true that there has never been a higher demand for construction. New developments, properties, and commercial buildings are being scheduled for creation constantly, meaning that the construction industry needs an influx of skilled workers. The fact is
Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart
Following the introduction of the whole life cycle carbon (WLC) assessment in the new London Plan, UK-based energy and sustainability expert Sustain Quality is urging construction firms to closely consider the growing importance of life cycle assessment (LCA) across the wider construction industry. The new London Plan, the spatial development
Up to 40,000 new homes a year should be custom or self-built according to a government-commissioned review released on August 21st. MP Richard Bacon’s House: How putting customers in charge can change everything offers a route map on how the UK can increase the 13,000 new homes a year built
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are
Documentation is one of the staples in virtually all organizations, regardless of what they do. Every day, companies in the manufacturing industry have to deal with processing extensive number of documents, ensuring proper documentation workflows and handle obligations stemming from tax and other legal regulations. This requires the implementation of modern concepts and IT solutions, which can make document management workflows easier and more efficient in any manufacturing company. Electronic document workflow in a manufacturing company Companies that are conscious and aware of what they want to achieve choose electronic document management workflows. Why? Because at the cornerstone of this concept lies digitalization – conversion of all or some of company documentation into a digital form. Electronic documents are stored, accessed and processed in a digital archive accessible via a document management system – another tool in the document management toolkit. Together, they enable companies to streamline, optimize and automate all tasks concerning company documentation, which brings numerous important benefits. Thanks to the electronic document management workflow and automation of processes related to document management and handling, manufacturing companies can save time and money, while their employees can focus on value-added activities, which support the organizations and their growth. What is more, electronic document management workflows also eliminate the risk of human error, which can lead to significant financial losses and irreparable damage to reputation. All of this is made possible by the fact that the system holds the users’ hands, so to speak, by reminding about due payments. What is more, all files are available to users on the so-called need-to-know basis – only the authorized users can see the documents they need. All this increases the quality, speed and accuracy of business decisions, which all have a positive impact on the company and its growth, which results in achieving a competitive advantage. Managing documents with dedicated IT software Electronic document management workflow would have remained only a concept if it were not for the development of modern technologies, in particular innovative IT solutions. Document management systems (or DMS for short) are key in the area of working with business documentation. These solutions support users in the efficient, secure and effective management of digital documentation and records, facilitating handling related tasks and processes. Modern DMS-class systems are usually advanced and highly-functional platforms. But if you need to find a system which enables companies to tackle even the most demanding and complex business scenarios characteristic for organizations in the manufacturing sector, you should take a closer look at innovative low-code platforms, which use cutting-edge technologies – workflow engine, no-to-low-code application development, Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), OCR, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and many others, including bespoke solutions. Using them in a capacity of a document management system makes it possible to streamline the organization’s document workflow processes. As a result, companies in the manufacturing sector can gain better and more comprehensive control over all processes related to document management.
The latest research by Birmingham and Newcastle-based property developer, StripeHomes, has revealed that new-build house prices boomed by as much as 20% across parts of England during the first half of this year, but transaction levels have ground to a halt as EWS1 requirements continue to prove problematic. StripeHomes analysed the Land Registry sold price records for new-build homes sold during the first six months of this year (latest available data). The regions driving the new-build house price boom The research shows that on average across England, new-build homes sold for £314,000 between January and June – 5.6% higher than the same period last year. The West Midlands has enjoyed the largest rate of growth, with new-build homes selling for 20% more, hitting an average of £299,998. The North East also saw a considerable increase in the price paid for new-build properties during the first six months of the year, with the average price climbing by 17.1%. The South West (14.1%) is the only other region to see a double-digit increase, while the South East and East of England (6.2%) also saw a jump. However, Yorkshire and the Humber saw the average price paid for new-build homes plummet by -18.6% during the first half of this year when compared to the first six months of 2020. The North West also saw a decline of -6%, with the East Midlands seeing prices fall by -1%. Transaction volumes However, while new-build house prices are climbing, transaction levels remained muted. During the first half of this year, just 2,605 new-build transactions were completed, -92% less than the first six months of 2020 when 32,453 new-build homes were sold. The North East has seen new-build transactions fall by -95.4%, closely followed by the North West (-94.6%) and the East of England (-93.8%). London is the only region to see a decline in transactions lower than 90%. That said, the number of new-build homes sold in the capital during the first half of 2021 was still some -87% lower than 2020. Managing Director of StripeHomes, James Forrester, commented: “Much like the wider market, the new-build sector has enjoyed a strong uplift in property values and it’s great to see both the West Midlands and North East driving this growth as the best performing regions in England. However, transaction levels have all but ground to a half and this is predominantly due to the requirement of an EWS1 inspection. This requirement has seen many sales drag on four months on end, with inspectors unable to facilitate such a huge level of inspections and banks refusing to provide mortgages until they do. Despite the government’s attempts to address the issue by removing the EWS1 requirement on buildings below 18 metres, we now find ourselves in an industry stalemate. The banks refuse to adhere to these changes until ‘official advice’ is amended. But the RICS, in true archaic fashion, refuses to do so until they’ve ‘undergone a consultative process’ to ascertain if this would be in public interest. Ironically, while they drag their heels, thousands of new-build homebuyers remain in limbo and it doesn’t look as though a solution is on the horizon anytime soon.” Location Average NB House Price (Jan to Jun 2020) Average NB House Price (Jan to Jun 2021) Change (%) Change (£) ENGLAND £298,191 £314,883 5.6% £16,691 WEST MIDLANDS £250,000 £299,998 20.0% £49,998 NORTH EAST £204,950 £239,950 17.1% £35,000 SOUTH WEST £295,995 £337,748 14.1% £41,753 SOUTH EAST £365,748 £400,000 9.4% £34,253 EAST OF ENGLAND £325,000 £345,000 6.2% £20,000 LONDON £547,500 £572,800 4.6% £25,300 EAST MIDLANDS £254,950 £252,498 -1.0% -£2,453 NORTH WEST £224,580 £211,000 -6.0% -£13,580 YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER £215,000 £174,950 -18.6% -£40,050 Data sourced from the Land Registry Price Paid Records – Jan to Jun 2020 vs Jan to Jun 2021 (latest available data), excluding properties listed as ‘other’. Location NB transactions 2020 NB transactions 2021 Change (%) Change (n) ENGLAND 32,453 2,605 -92.0% -29,848 LONDON 4,823 619 -87.2% -4,204 SOUTH WEST 2,849 262 -90.8% -2,587 SOUTH EAST 5,362 491 -90.8% -4,871 YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER 2,671 219 -91.8% -2,452 WEST MIDLANDS 3,232 234 -92.8% -2,998 EAST MIDLANDS 3,007 194 -93.5% -2,813 EAST OF ENGLAND 3,962 247 -93.8% -3,715 NORTH WEST 4,869 261 -94.6% -4,608 NORTH EAST 1,678 78 -95.4% -1,600 Data sourced from the Land Registry Price Paid Records – Jan to Jun 2020 vs Jan to Jun 2021 (latest available data), excluding properties listed as ‘other’.
Leeds-based building consultancy, C80 Solutions, is urging property owners and businesses to begin preparing for the arrival of stricter energy performance laws in the coming years. The government’s Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill was introduced earlier this month and will be debated by MPs this autumn, paving the way for legislation which will require all private rented sector homes to be Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2028. The government has also outlined targets which will have major implications for owner occupiers, mortgage lenders and commercial lettings. With thousands of properties likely to need significant energy performance upgrades, C80 Solutions believes that many landlords and building owners would benefit from an early assessment of their expected requirements to ensure they manage the necessary investments and meet the new standards in time. Harry Hinchliffe, Energy Consultant and BREEAM Assessor at C80 Solutions, said: “The bill is a key driver in the commitments set out in the government’s Energy White Paper and subsequent policy statements. It will have a widespread impact on the UK’s property sector, affecting a large percentage of people and businesses with a property investment. Its objectives include non-domestic commercial lettings to achieve EPC band B by 2030 and homes to be EPC band C by 2035 where practicable, cost effective and affordable. It will also affect financial services as mortgage lenders will be required to ensure an EPC band C average for their portfolios by 2030.” Dan Chadwick, Energy & Sustainability Consultant at C80 Solutions, said: “Recent studies have suggested that around 2.9m homes will need to improve to meet the proposed changes, with an estimated average cost of £9,872 per home and a total cost of £29 billion across the sector. Although the legislation needs to follow the usual process of parliamentary scrutiny, the bill is seen as an essential step in achieving carbon net zero – there is a clear direction of travel towards a much higher standard of energy efficiency and it’s unlikely to meet much resistance from MPs, especially in the context of the latest alarming reports about the climate emergency. An increase in minimum EPC from E to C is a substantial rise. With that in mind, many individuals and organisations would be wise to start the process of examining their properties and estates. For some, early planning could be vital in phasing the work and the costs required to achieve 100% compliance.” C80 Solutions provides expertise encompassing all aspects of Building Regulations and environmental performance, including energy, air tightness, sound testing, environmental noise and thermal modelling. Its services support construction across both the commercial and domestic sectors.
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 visit www.dandara.com
Hörmann UK have announced the launch of a new, thermally efficient telescopic dock leveller the HTL2 ISO which provides up to 55% improved thermal insulation when compared to a standard dock leveller in both closed and loading positions. Used in conjunction with their new slimline recess profiled sectional door it offers operators of temperature-controlled facilities the most energy efficient dock leveller and door combination on the market. Pre-assembled with a 50mm insulation panel fitted below the platform, the HTL2 ISO also offers a unique, patent pending insulated panel under the moving lip. The lip features a 390mm overlap length which ensures easy bridging of the gap between the leveller and lorry, offering flexible loading options whilst maintaining ambient temperatures. All grooves, gap seals and vertical edges are optimally sealed to ensure that no heat transference is possible at these points. The HTL2 ISO is available in standard sizes up to 3000mm in length and has a standard rated load of 60 kN. The Hörmann new slimline recess profiled sectional door is equipped with a suspended bottom section making it suitable for loading bays with door operation in front of the dock leveller. When in the closed position the bottom seal of the door rests on the insulated panel of the dock leveller, ensuring consistent thermal insulation. Optimum sealing is achieved with the door being raised and lowered via a guide channel and a central sealing unit. Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK comments, “The introduction of the HTL2 ISO dock leveller, along with the new slimline recess profiled sectional door means we now can offer developers and operators a market beating combination of Hörmann quality and reliability, together with excellent thermal insulation properties. Once again, Hörmann have responded to changing operational needs and developed products that are unique to the market, we can proudly say ‘only from Hörmann’.” To view information of Hörmann loading technology visit Loading Technology from Hörmann UK (hormann.co.uk) or call 01530 516868 to be added to our mailing list.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges for many industries, it is also true that there has never been a higher demand for construction. New developments, properties, and commercial buildings are being scheduled for creation constantly, meaning that the construction industry needs an influx of skilled workers. The fact is that many roles in construction are in huge demand. Some of this is down to a lack of qualified professionals, while for others it may simply be that the workforce generally is unaware of the need for more staff taking on these roles. Here we take a look at six construction careers that are in high demand. 1. Plumbers All buildings need plumbing systems and getting this work carried out effectively is a hugely important aspect of a successful construction. The average wage for a plumber in the UK is over £35,000 – well above the national average. And those who get a reputation for skilled work during construction projects can command far more. Of course it is important to note that you will need the right qualifications and experience. Indeed, many plumbers tend to prefer work in residential properties so this role might not be perfect for you, even if you are a fully qualified plumber. 2. Electricians Like plumbers, electricians are generally in high demand, so perhaps it is not a surprise that more are needed for construction projects too. Once again, becoming an electrician takes a great deal of training as well as working experience – understandably, there are also a large number of potential career paths for electricians. So many systems across a building rely on electricity that this is an absolutely enormous job and one that it is necessary to get exactly right. Due to this responsibility, electricians on construction sites demand high salaries. 3. HGV drivers It is worth remembering that not all construction careers mean that you have to work at a construction site. A great deal of key work relating to construction projects actually happens well away from the sites, while others like HGV drivers only spend a short amount of time there. Effective and efficient logistics are essential, and there have been falling numbers of skilled and qualified drivers. Recent years have seen a renewed focus on training HGV drivers taking into account the changing needs of the industry and the opportunities surrounding working with the construction sector. It is hoped that this will start to bring in those with the required skills and moving good to and from sites efficiently and effectively is a huge hurden on sites. 4. Construction managers Another great example of those who may not spend all of their time at a construction site, but play an absolutely vital role is that of construction project managers. Great project managers are needed for a huge range of responsibilities in the smooth running of a project, and experienced, skilled managers are in high demand. The skills required of construction managers are actually transferable from a range of other industries, which could indicate the demand could potentially be filled by those looking for a change of scenery. The work typically involves everything from the hiring of workers and securing of permits to resolving site issues and tracking productivity. 5. Carpenters Carpenters are essential workers on construction projects. Responsible for creating the frame work for much of the building they take a role in the construction of the most crucial elements of building infrastructure: floors, ceilings, windows, doors and more. Carpenters on construction sites need to have the ability to work closely with other members of the team when bringing the project together. Experienced and skilled carpenters earn well too with a possible salary of around £40,000 at the top end of the profession. 6. Civil engineers Sometimes overlooked for their importance in a construction project, civil engineers are tasked with some of the most laborious and challenging jobs on the site. Civil engineers are qualified professionals who take on the projects relating to civil works around the site – this might involve alterations to roads, bridges and anything else used by the general public. Final thoughts A number of roles across the construction sector need more professionals to fill vacancies. With changes to the employment market due to the pandemic it may be the case that many workers who didn’t realise that they could be a part of the industry could find their dream job.
Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart at 17-storeys high, is the final phase of developer MRP’s Bedford Square development, constructed by Design & Build Construction Partner McAleer & Rushe, which includes the Invest NI Headquarters. A £85m 210,000 sq. ft Grade A listed office project, The Ewart is set to accommodate 2,500 people when fully occupied. Construction began in January 2019 with 300 jobs created throughout the construction phase of The Ewart building. MRP are long term investors in the City and have completed a number of other large developments including the nearby Maldron Hotel and Queen’s University’s’ student accommodation Elms BT1 and Elms BT2, all constructed by McAleer & Rushe. While the original sandstone warehouse dates back to 1870, a two-storey link extension will connect to a new modern office tower creating highly efficient and flexible floorspace. The panoramic glazing offers spectacular views across the City and there is also an extensive landscaped plaza area to enrich the environment adjacent the double height reception entrance. The building will have a BREEAM Excellent rating and a Wired Score Platinum Certification making it one of the most environmentally friendly and digitally connected offices in the City. Set in the heart of the central business district, The Ewart is only a short walk from City Hall, main transport hubs, shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. The finished offices will be part occupied by Deloitte NI with a further 124,000 sq ft for tenants seeking high quality workspace in the prime office core of the City. Stephen Surphlis, Managing Director at MRP said: “Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the team and our project partners have worked to deliver a landmark development creating one of the most sophisticated and desirable office spaces in the City. The contemporary building will offer a flexible, dynamic and sustainable working environment and with many businesses currently reviewing their return-to-work strategies, we have begun to see an increase in the number of tenant enquiries over the last few months. “As Belfast continues to recover from the pandemic, we are confident that this very significant and important commercial project in the heart of the city will further support its regeneration, delivering a modern working environment for Northern Ireland’s workforce of the future.” Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said, “The Ewart is a vital part of Belfast’s historic Linen Quarter and we are proud to be restoring and conserving the building respectively and sustainably to bring it back to its former glory and once completed, the new build section to the rear will be the tallest commercial office project in Belfast city centre. We are thrilled to be a part of this significant development for the city and to have remained on programme following the difficulties of the past 18 months is a huge testament to the monumental efforts of all the teams, consultants and supply chain involved.” Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl spoke about the city centre development and said: “The city centre of Belfast is one of the most important places in Northern Ireland. A city centre which is attractive, safe, with high levels of employment and investment can provide the basis for a prosperous and successful city and surrounding region. The Bedford Square Development Project will contribute to the success of Belfast as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The dynamic, sophisticated and modern office building will inject a new lease of life into the city centre, aid recovery and in turn create jobs and prompt further investment and long-term economic growth. Our city centre vision- The Belfast Agenda outlines that we work every day to make Belfast the city of choice for investment opportunities and I am delighted that this project will deliver a world-class working environment for future generations.” Robert Ditty, Executive Director at CBRE NI, letting agent on the scheme said: “Belfast Offices has built a strong reputation for being a market leader in a number of sectors to include cybersecurity, fintech, professional Services and creative industries. The City also continues to benefit from having one of the lowest operational and occupational cost bases when benchmarked against other regional cities. The Ewart will offer some of the best quality office space in Belfast City Centre and this factor coupled with all the environmental, health and wellbeing credentials sought by new office occupiers makes the building a compelling proposition for tenants”
Following the introduction of the whole life cycle carbon (WLC) assessment in the new London Plan, UK-based energy and sustainability expert Sustain Quality is urging construction firms to closely consider the growing importance of life cycle assessment (LCA) across the wider construction industry. The new London Plan, the spatial development strategy for the capital, was rolled out across Greater London and the 32 London boroughs on 2nd March 2021. One of the most notable aspects within the strategy was the introduction of WLC assessments as a requirement for meeting building regulations. This has sparked a renewed focus on LCA in construction. LCA is considered to be a best practice approach for assessing energy requirements and the environmental impact of a new structure across all stages of the building’s life. It aims to help architects and developers to better optimise design and construction for improved efficiency and sustainability. LCA typically takes into account aspects including the potential for global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, and eutrophication, as well as tropospheric ozone formation, and depletion of non-renewable sources. The new London Plan has been launched to directly aid the Government’s mission to achieve its net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050. According to the Climate Change Committee, in order to have a chance of meeting this goal, UK emissions must fall 63% by 2035 from 2019 figures. Thiago Vieira Haberli MIEMA CEnv, Sustain Quality Managing Director said, “Not only do all developments pose carbon emissions and energy and sustainability challenges, but they do so across every stage of the life cycle, from product and construction stages to use and demolition. LCA considers the risks at every stage of a building’s life, and our mission at Sustain Quality is to develop strategic solutions to these challenges that help to transform the existing construction industry into a more sustainable, more responsible sector. It is becoming increasingly clear that construction must be a firm focal point as the UK edges closer towards its sustainability goal. According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment is currently responsible for 40% of the country’s total carbon footprint, with building energy usage contributing around 50% to that figure. While the majority comes from existing structures, it is estimated that new construction has added 48 MTCO2e. The experts at Sustain Quality believe that sustainability must be incorporated into the initial stages of the design processes, especially as early stakeholders such as designers and investors have the potential to play such a significant role in shaping the construction and usage of a building. It’s a cycle. This is a running theme throughout the LCA story, with decisions made at the resource stage affecting end of life impact, and decisions made at the construction stage helping to optimise energy efficiency during the usage stage. Construction is very much a never ending cycle of interconnected elements which all need to be considered holistically to drive change. Sustainability consultancy is anticipated to become a strategic necessity in the new normal as London firms strive to meet the update regulations, and as regional and international organisations take measures to prepare for the expected expansion of LCA requirements across further cities in the future. To find out more about Sustain Quality, visit www.sustainquality.co.uk or www.sustainquality.pt
Up to 40,000 new homes a year should be custom or self-built according to a government-commissioned review released on August 21st. MP Richard Bacon’s House: How putting customers in charge can change everything offers a route map on how the UK can increase the 13,000 new homes a year built this way to three times this figure. Prime minister Boris Johnson, who commissioned the analysis, said: “Self-build and custom housebuilding can play a crucial role in increasing choice for consumers and ensuring people can live in the homes that they want, and that are designed to meet their needs.” House recommends setting up a new custom and self-build housing delivery unit to support the creation of serviced plots on small and large sites and delivery at scale. It’s proposing making the planning process easier for custom and self-build developers by maximising opportunities for permissioned land across all tenures. The Federation of Master Builders chief executive Brian Berry said access to viable small plots was one of the biggest constraints his members faced. “I welcome the review’s focus on the supply of land and hope the government will recognise the support that local authorities need to help more SMEs to build.” The review recommends promoting custom and self-build pilot schemes with a show park to raise awareness and develop understanding among potential customers. National Custom and Self Build Association, NaCSBA, chief executive Andrew Baddeley-Chappell said: “We must also open the eyes of the public to the possibilities that are out there. Both these aspects require the leadership of the government to address the failures in our current market.” Mr Bacon has said that embarking on a custom or self-build house should be no more difficult than ordering a new car. “In practice, most customers have very little say. Indeed, for the very item on which customers spend the largest proportion of their incomes – their homes – they hold the least consumer power,” he said. “There is a solution. It involves creating the conditions in which customers are treated as if they matter the most, rather than – for the most part – scarcely mattering at all. And this is what happens when people themselves commission the houses they would like to see.” The review recommends “re-igniting” the community housing fund to provide homes at affordable local income levels. The government hopes its £150m funded equity loan scheme allowing people who want to design and build their own homes to borrow with lower deposits will be a game-changer. The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government and Homes England will be looking at the review over the next few months to see how the recommendations can be put into practice. Self-commissioned housing is more common overseas often accounting for a third of the total housing supply and in Germany, more than half of all new houses are delivered this way. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said property finance lenders were keen to offering construction loans to SMEs operating in this sector.
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are still a key focus. Mental health in particular is absent from risk assessments and H&S forms. Chris Monk, managing director of The Input Group, considers how the industry can continue to work towards the highest standards of health and safety, in all senses. “From the pyramids to Boris Johnson’s commitment to ‘build, build, build’, construction has always been seen as a marker of progress, socially and economically. However, despite its obvious importance, working in construction runs the highest risk of any industry in the UK. A study by GoCompare Life found that construction accounts for 17% of workplace fatalities and separate research indicated that construction workers have some of the worst mental health in the country. “From a physical safety perfective, working with heavy machinery, potentially dangerous materials, and often at great heights will obviously come with risks – which is why we need stringent safety measures and a zero-tolerance approach to accidents and injuries. As an industry, we cannot accept anything less than watertight health and safety policies, with staff and public wellbeing woven through every decision. “While Network Rail’s LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) target sits at 0.0139 per 100,000 hours worked, we strongly believe in always striving for zero injuries, a zero LTIFR, and a zero AFR (Accident Frequency Rate). At The Input Group, we’ve developed our own CONCEPTZERO policy, which underpins everything we do and ensures we do all we can to avoid injuries and accidents. We’re passionate about paving the way for CONCEPTZERO to be the industry standard. “In turn, the reduction of physical health risks will help to alleviate the stress of working in a dangerous environment. This will inevitably improve employee wellbeing as mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand to increase all round job satisfaction. “Health and safety goes beyond risk assessments, high-vis jackets, and hard hats, but instead should be intrinsic to every project and process. Quality control must apply to everyone involved, from contractors to cleaners, and be integrated into the supply chain. From clear working areas and tidy walkways to meticulous signage and well-planned working sites, it’s crucial to reflect health and safety in everything you do to ensure zero accidents and injuries. “Through dedicated health and safety executives and the employment of management software like ProCore, a stricter approach to health and safety can and should be employed industry-wide to improve the wellbeing of everyone involved in a construction project. “Physical health and safety is, of course, only one side of the coin and mental health should always be a top priority for construction firms. The Chartered Institute of Building found that 70% of construction workers surveyed in 2019 had experienced feelings of depression and 87% had experienced anxiety. “The ideal situation would be to see dedicated mental health first aiders and comprehensive support systems as common practice in all companies. Nonetheless, positive steps towards improving mental health across the sector are already being made. “The Stop. Make a Change campaign combines a celebration of World Mental Health Day and the European Week for Safety and Health to focus on the health and wellbeing of construction professionals to build a healthier, safer industry. This year’s campaign focuses particularly on respiratory health, people / plant interface and workplace stress, as well as cancer, as key areas of concern for construction workers. “These kinds of initiatives are the type of proactive action we’re thrilled to see in the construction sector and no matter which area of the industry, we’re excited to see health and safety become an intrinsic focus.” To find out more about The Input Group, please visit www.inputgroup.co.uk or contact marketing@inputgroup.co.uk.