Perimeter security is a vital element of any construction project, but getting the right design, the best products and a quality installation can be a real headache for developers. With so many points of contact typically involved, from designers, engineers, and installers, this often leads to conflicting views, constant design
In a post-Covid world, the need to consider the overall sustainability of the built environment in order to make sure we build and renovate in a low carbon and circular way will require all stakeholders to build better. Historically, actions we take in the name of sustainability have created some
Once the summer months roll around, people all over the UK take to parks and gardens for picnics and barbecues, and to enjoy the great outdoors. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden in your home, late spring or early summer is a great time to freshen up
The dock station is a vital part of all businesses that operate in the manufacturing and distribution industries. However, this area is often overlooked as a smaller detail; the docking station is the gateway between your business and your valued customers. Because opting for quality loading dock equipment and crucial
The government has been warned that it faces a major public backlash if it attempts to use an increase in domestic gas prices as a way of forcing homeowners to buy expensive low carbon heating appliances in own homes. A consultation is due to launch shortly which is believed will
Providing for the demand for industrial-chic office interiors, F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 800 Wearcoat has helped to create a stripped-back warehouse feel with a visually striking floor finish in a unique London workspace. A self-levelling floor compound for upgrading and renovating new and existing internal floors in light
The UK’s hydrogen transition must comply with global gold-standard sustainability benchmarks, say GB gas network companies. The call comes ahead of World Environment Day on Saturday 5 June. The companies responsible for building the UK’s hydrogen economy should do so in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all
Sport England estimates that inactivity causes one in six deaths and costs the NHS approximately £1 billion per year. With UK sport and leisure facilities now reopening their doors, we need to consider who is using these facilities and what barriers they face. GT3 Architects, a leading architecture firm specialising
Yorkshire construction company, Harris CM has started work on a £3.4million contract to build a major new industrial development on part of the former Kellingley Colliery in Knottingley near Wakefield. The scheme will offer 11 high specification units that range from 3,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft and is
Even before the pandemic, every business needed to take a strategic approach to communications, and the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) has always promoted clear and concise communication. With many disputes that arise within the construction industry being due to poor or ambiguous communication, director at Sypro and NEC4 co-author,
Perimeter security is a vital element of any construction project, but getting the right design, the best products and a quality installation can be a real headache for developers. With so many points of contact typically involved, from designers, engineers, and installers, this often leads to conflicting views, constant design changes and, inevitably, higher costs. By working with Berry Systems at the planning stage of a project, contractors can benefit from their years of experience to expertly lead and manage the perimeter security requirements of a development, from design to completion. “Our knowledge of the perimeter security market means we are perfectly placed to provide the best possible solutions,” says Dannyjo Cox, Head of Commercial and Perimeter Security at Berry Systems. “We can ensure the most suitable, cost-effective designs, the correct products and expert installation – all with one point of contact. “Our extensive industry knowledge means we can identify important factors in the design process that can often get missed and lead to delays. We take a number of aspects into account including risk, buildability and cost to create the best possible outcome, eliminating the need to re-work any designs, as all potential issues are addressed early on.” 2020 saw Berry Systems become the latest member of HS Security, a collaboration of seven of the world’s leading physical security firms. As the installation arm of the group, Berry are able to provide a full end-to-end service. Dannyjo adds: “The more people that are involved in the production process, the more hurdles there are to overcome, as things are often missed by designers or suppliers. Our involvement with HS Security means that we can eliminate these hurdles to make the project run smoothly. “We can provide expert design, the best products and meticulous installation – all with one point of contact and a single guarantee – saving on time, hassle and cost.”
In a post-Covid world, the need to consider the overall sustainability of the built environment in order to make sure we build and renovate in a low carbon and circular way will require all stakeholders to build better. Historically, actions we take in the name of sustainability have created some challenges from a fire perspective. Not that sustainability was wrong, but we need to think of the impact of these actions, particularly the impact on fire. There have been instances in the past decade where the construction sector has been so concerned with sustainability, safety and resilience has been sometimes overlooked. A recent fire that destroyed a motorcycle museum in Austria that was lauded for its green credentials made me think of this again. When I looked at the Austrian fire, I kept running into images of a similar structure here in England, the Carbon Neutral Laboratory in Nottingham. It too was largely complete and built with excellent sustainability credentials, but then destroyed by fire. The timber construction, so prized for its sustainability credits, meant the building was vulnerable to such a fire, especially as the building did not have active fire protection. This new fire in Austria struck a chord with me as articles talked of rebuilding a similar structure. The laboratory in Nottingham was rebuilt in line with regulations but using the same design principle and materials as before and according to contractor Morgan Sindall, is “indistinguishable” from the previous building. There was no increase in fire resilience and no active fire protection. Imagine my dismay on reading about this building and its fine green credentials. The very same building went on to win the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’ at the annual Building Awards. Organised by Building Magazine, the awards recognise the best of the industry with the rebuilt laboratory praised for its sustainability credentials and carbon savings. Let me line this out: the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year is a project that burnt completely to the ground and then needed to be rebuilt; a building fire that could be seen for miles; a building fire that required over 60 firefighters to tackle and use thousands of litres of water to quell; a building that required what was left of the structure to be removed and would need to be disposed of by specialist contractors; a building that required materials to be procured again, shipped to site again and erected by scores of contractors…again. This is the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’? A simple search on the internet revealed that this is not the only sustainability award that this large university laboratory has been shortlisted for. The fire and its impacts are all but a footnote in the story. It raises the question of how sustainable such a project can be when one considers the impact of fire; how the issue of fire could be addressed and whether fire should be more of a factor in that measure of sustainability. So how can this be? It is simple. None of the metrics that define prized sustainability awards consider fire or its impact. A building that burns to the ground and needs to be rebuilt does not incur any penalty in these schemes. Fire is simply an issue that is not covered in those scoring schemes or it would seem in the judging panels for sustainability ratings and prizes. Only last year, Premier Inn was granted planning permission to replace a hotel that was largely destroyed by fire in the summer of 2019, despite the efforts of 60 firefighters. The event disrupted local roads, businesses and stretched resources. There were no sprinklers in the building and the damage was so extensive the local fire and rescue service were unable to conclude on the cause. There are no sprinklers noted in the planned building to aid with resilience to fire. They are not a feature of the regulatory guidance. However, the planning details for the new hotel note that it will have a BREEAM ‘Very good’ rating by achieving more than a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions over and above the standards set in prior Building Regulations. The aspects of fire safety are noted as being covered separately by Building Regulations – the same Building Regulations which are currently under review. Isn’t it time that we also reviewed how we define sustainability and considered fire as part of this? For more information about the Business Sprinkler Alliance visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org
Once the summer months roll around, people all over the UK take to parks and gardens for picnics and barbecues, and to enjoy the great outdoors. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden in your home, late spring or early summer is a great time to freshen up the space with some new garden furniture, freshly planted flowers and perhaps a new coat of paint along a fence or shed. If you don’t have a garden or outdoor space, there may be some indoor garden tips and tricks you can implement to bring a bit of greenery indoors and enjoy the brightness of the season. Otherwise, read on for some ideas on how to make the best use of your outdoor space. Flowers & Furniture for a Summer Garden The best way to introduce colour in a summer garden is, naturally, through plants and flowers. Rose, lavender, foxglove and hydrangeas are all bright options that will add plenty of vibrancy to a summer garden. Garden furniture sets are a great way to create a little haven – setting up a seating area with chairs and a garden table can create a relaxing space, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or reading the paper on the weekends. Rattan garden furniture, in particular, is a great investment as it is durable, easy to maintain, and comfortable to sit on. It is also very weather-resistant, which is ideal given the changeable and at times inclement British climate. Garden Decor & Maintenance If you have garden furniture or ornaments such as statues, flower pots or decor items that need repairing, a DIY fix can be far more cost-effective than replacing them. Many garden items that are damaged can be repaired quickly and easily with a specialist epoxy glue, which is generally very straightforward to use. Such glues can also be used on standard household items. Other tips for getting your garden in shape for summer include the following: Plant bulbs during the spring months so they are blossoming in time for summer Mowing the lawn regularly will keep it looking extra green and fresh Invest in a BBQ for summer dining al fresco A water feature such as a fountain or pond is a striking feature in any garden Wooden decking or a patio space is a great way to section off a seating area Invest in a fire pit for a next-level garden-seating zone Repainting a fence or garden shed can truly elevate the look of your outdoor space A trellis is a great way to add texture and dimension to an area of flowers or plants Garden Decor on a Budget There are lots of ideas, big and small, and ways to spruce up your garden for summer that don’t cost a fortune. Once the lawn is mowed and any flowers or shrubbery are freshly pruned, the space will look open and inviting. Accessories such as cushions, flowerpots and outdoor candles are generally inexpensive and can be used to add character and colour in a seating area. Garden lighting such as outdoor bulbs, fairy lights and lamps can also be picked up quite cheaply and are a great way to create a warm, cosy atmosphere on a summer evening. It can be quite a bit of work to get a garden ready for summer and maintain it throughout the season. It is well worth it, however. A garden can act like an additional room in your home and is, for many, a relaxing place to spend some leisure time. Get the most out of your garden this summer by prepping it well, planting some beautiful blossoms and equipping it with comfortable garden seating.
The dock station is a vital part of all businesses that operate in the manufacturing and distribution industries. However, this area is often overlooked as a smaller detail; the docking station is the gateway between your business and your valued customers. Because opting for quality loading dock equipment and crucial maintenance can enhance productions, you should consider kitting out your docking station with this essential equipment while also prioritizing ongoing maintenance of the equipment is just as vital. Loading Dock Bumpers Quality loading dock bumpers from Miner Corp are vital components of any dock station. It can be pretty tricky to maneuver a large trailer or truck, even for expert drivers, and this challenge can potentially increase the risks of damage to the loading dock. Installing dock bumpers is a practical way to reduce the chances of damages while also ensuring processes are smoother and less challenging for your drivers. These innovative essentials act as a safety cushion between the truck or trailer and your building. There is quite a wide variety on the market, so be sure to opt for dock bumpers that are best for the type of trucks or trailers at your facility. Dock Seals Dock seals are vital for creating a waterproof seal between the delivery vehicles and the loading dock. Installing dock seals will reduce the costs of energy consumption for your business simply by making it possible to maintain the internal climate of the dock station. When it comes to lean manufacturing, reducing energy consumption is just as crucial as reducing waste, so dock seals can enhance your lean manufacturing status and ensure you can save on expenses as a direct result. Aluminum Loading Dock Boards Aluminum loading dock boards are another piece of essential yet simple equipment required for loading docks. These dock boards will expedite the process of loading-in and loading-out by streamlining the process. However, aluminum loading dock boards are primarily suitable for facilities that deal mostly with lighter loads of less than 15,000 pounds. The boards serve as a bridge between delivery trucks and the dock station. Aluminum is the cheaper material solution for dock boards, although they may need replacing more often than higher quality materials. Regardless, they will get the job done if kept in ideal condition and only used for lighter weight loads. Steel Loading Dock Boards Suppose your facility deals primarily with heavier loads. In that case, steel dock boards will be a more viable solution as these serve the same purpose as aluminum dock boards, although they are significantly more robust and more durable. Steel docking boards can handle loads of up to 60,000 pounds. Even if your facility is handling lighter loads, steel loading dock boards may be the better solution. You won’t have to replace them often; therefore, you can save substantially by investing in the more durable material regardless of how light your delivery loads are. Loading Dock Levelers Loading dock levelers are essential to bridge the gap between the dock station and the delivery trucks or trailers. The decision to install dock levelers will streamline business processes in this area of business and ensure no damage is done to your facility during the delivery process. With that said, you have the choice of hydraulic dock levelers and mechanical dock levelers. You will have to evaluate costs and determine your needs when choosing the best dock levelers for your dock station. Maintaining Loading Dock Equipment Maintaining your dock equipment is just as important as opting for quality equipment installation. Therefore, once you have all the essentials, you should ensure regular maintenance is prioritized. Proper cleaning of the loading dock is part of maintenance, and when cleaning, you should ensure all items are secure before pressure washing the station. Imposing a no eating and drinking policy will also avoid the unnecessary mess that can jam equipment. In addition to this, you should opt for routine pressure washing to keep your equipment in ideal condition while ensuring you are devoted to a maintenance routine with reliable maintenance services is just as crucial. Equipment cleaning and maintenance should be prioritized just as you do loading dock safety. Equipment failure can lead to unplanned downtime, which will have mammoth impacts on profits, processes, and ultimately, your reputation in the industry. So when finding all the necessary equipment for your dock station, you should also ensure you have a proper maintenance and cleaning plan with the right services.
The government has been warned that it faces a major public backlash if it attempts to use an increase in domestic gas prices as a way of forcing homeowners to buy expensive low carbon heating appliances in own homes. A consultation is due to launch shortly which is believed will propose an increase to gas prices to encourage consumers to ditch their gas boiler in favour of an electric alternative, such as a heat pump. However, a new survey of homeowners has found that the public is adamantly opposed to this approach, with predictions of a public backlash made by some senior politicians, highly likely. It has found that four in ten voters (40%) would be ‘less likely to vote’ for a Government that announced an increase in the price of gas as a way of encouraging people to switch from boiler to heat pumps. In an added twist, nearly eight in ten (76%) would support reducing VAT on domestic gas, something that was promised by senior Ministers during the Brexit campaign, as European Union rules on VAT no longer apply. Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance who commissioned the online research of 2,000 homeowners, says a move to increase levies on the price of gas would be a kick in the teeth of hard-pressed consumers who are still smarting over the breach of trust around VAT not being cut. “During the referendum campaign people were promised that, if we came out of Europe, we would be able to set our own levels of VAT on domestic fuel and that this would allow the government to reduce VAT and effectively cut fuel bills. They have been let down. But to make matters worse, Whitehall officials are now planning to force the price of gas up, to encourage consumers to rip out their gas boiler in favour of a £10,000 heat pump. Some politicians get it. Others need to start taking back control from Whitehall officials who are planning to make politicians look ridiculous. Far from cutting gas bills, they are set to increase. It will be a gross breach of trust and a very reckless political move for any political party to make.” Gas is currently the most popular fuel for heating, hot water and cooking in UK homes with more 21 million households on the mains gas network. “I would remind the government that gas users are also voters. 21 million households on the gas grid, the majority of which are multi-occupancy, equates to a huge number of voters who are the recipients of heat and hot water from a boiler. The reaction from the public when the energy companies put up their prices should act as a warning to Ministers,” says Mr Foster. The research also reveals that whilst the public support efforts to combat climate change, nearly three quarters would prioritise fuel poverty over action on climate change. “I believe the public supports efforts to deal with the climate crisis but not at the expense of plunging more people into fuel poverty. If the government does force up the price of gas, it is vital that the fuel poor are supported. And if a carbon levy is placed on gas, let’s ring-fence the proceeds to make sure they are used to incentivise the investment in the hydrogen economy the government is keen to talk about.” Mr Foster concludes: “Yes, we have to deal with the climate emergency, but the public wants a thought-through strategy not a knee-jerk tweaking of gas prices that will impact the poorest in society and do nothing to encourage the uptake of low carbon heating technologies.”
Providing for the demand for industrial-chic office interiors, F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 800 Wearcoat has helped to create a stripped-back warehouse feel with a visually striking floor finish in a unique London workspace. A self-levelling floor compound for upgrading and renovating new and existing internal floors in light to heavy-duty applications, Stopgap 800 Wearcoat is designed to deliver a standalone wearing surface in industrial settings where floorcoverings are not required to be installed. It is also popular for domestic and commercial projects because of its eye-catching, natural appearance, and it has been used by contractors from M.D.A. Contracts Ltd. to create a hard-wearing floor in the reception, coffee bar and flexible work area at Expressway, a community of business suites underneath Silvertown Way flyover, adjacent to the Royal Docks. M.D.A. Contracts Ltd. Managing Director, Glenn Alexander, explains the choice: “The client’s brief was an easy-to-maintain, modern, concrete look that would stand the test of time. They’d originally requested a pumped screed, but due to height restrictions, we suggested Stopgap 800 Wearcoat instead as it’s trowel applied and it’s the only product out there that gives a polished concrete look.” Upon arrival, old carpet tiles and adhesive residues had already been removed, revealing a sound, and smooth concrete substrate. Dust and debris were then cleared, before a moisture test was carried out, the results of which showed relative humidity levels were below 75%. This allowed the contractors to proceed without the requirement of a waterproof surface membrane to prevent potential floor failure. The concrete subfloor was then primed with two dilute coats of F. Ball’s Stopgap P131 general purpose primer, which is designed to prevent the unacceptably rapid drying of subsequently applied Stopgap levelling compounds and promote their adhesion to the substrate. Following this, the application of Stopgap 800 Wearcoat commenced in the 130m2 space. Owing to the removal of internal walls to create a larger reception, the product had to be applied at varying depths between 5-8mm. A spiked roller was used to eliminate entrapped air and smooth out flow lines to give a more uniform surface appearance. After the levelling compound had cured, contractors returned to seal the floor for its protection and to enable easy cleaning and maintenance. Glenn Alexander added: “The client was over the moon with the final result. They had envisaged a standard, monotone floor, so they were surprised to see the character and depth of the colour and patterns — they fell in love with it. “We use only F. Ball products for several reasons, including the fact that they are guaranteed if there are any issues, and the support you get from their team – you’ve got a trusted manufacturer you know you can rely on.”
The UK’s hydrogen transition must comply with global gold-standard sustainability benchmarks, say GB gas network companies. The call comes ahead of World Environment Day on Saturday 5 June. The companies responsible for building the UK’s hydrogen economy should do so in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all five of Britain’s gas network companies have said today, as they published a new joint commitment to them. The call comes as industry awaits the publication of the UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy, which will set out how the country will build the foundations for a hydrogen economy to reach the country’s 2050 Net Zero target. Many experts see hydrogen as an adaptable alternative to fossil fuels. When hydrogen is burned it produces no greenhouse gases. Hydrogen blended with natural gas also has the potential to be delivered and used in the same way as natural gas, reducing carbon emissions. If a 20% hydrogen blend were rolled out across the country it could save around 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 2.5 million cars off the road. Published as part of Energy Networks Association’s Gas Goes Green programme, ‘A Joint Commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals’ sets out how the companies are fulfilling their shared commitments to delivering the SDGs, as they manage 284,000km of gas pipelines that supply energy to 85% of homes across Great Britain. The report includes 2021 commitments from the companies to: Reduce fuel poverty amongst their customers, by supporting them in accessing affordable energy (SDG 7 – Affordable & Clean Energy) Continue to work towards ensuring their organisations better reflect the communities they serve (SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth). Reduce waste and support sustainable consumption across their businesses and supply chains, working towards a truly ‘less but better’ circular economy (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production). Work towards the UK’s goal of Net Zero by 2050, including through the Gas Goes Green programme and gas network innovation projects (SDG 13 – Climate Action). Transition to low carbon vehicles fleets and help drive the decarbonisation of freight and heavy transport (SDG 13 – Climate Action). “For the companies who will deliver the UK’s hydrogen economy, the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide the ethical backbone for how they go about that.“Converting our safe and reliable gas network to green gases like hydrogen and biomethane will not only reduce our carbon emissions, it will also help build a more sustainable and responsible energy system, both for the people we serve and the people we employ. Today’s report sets out the steps the UKs gas networks will take to do that.” Commenting, Energy Networks Association’s Gas Goes Green champion, Chris Train says:
Sport England estimates that inactivity causes one in six deaths and costs the NHS approximately £1 billion per year. With UK sport and leisure facilities now reopening their doors, we need to consider who is using these facilities and what barriers they face. GT3 Architects, a leading architecture firm specialising in sports and leisure, has undertaken a research piece as part of its Inclusive Design series to dig deeper into the issues people face when visiting leisure centres. “As people architects, we believe that a fundamental part of our role is understanding, anticipating, and designing for the needs of our users” says Paul Reed, associate director and head of sports and leisure at GT3. “This means not only ensuring existing, active users are engaged, but also creating exciting, beautiful, and well-balanced facilities to support underrepresented groups and demographics who don’t currently feel catered for at sports and leisure facilities. At present, leisure centres only cater to 16% of the population so these issues need to be addressed if we are to get more people active. “Our Inclusive Design series forms part of a wider research and development push led by a team of architects, interior designers and engagement specialists. For our first project, we looked specifically at caregivers of young children – this was defined as any adult who had experience taking a young child to a leisure centre. “We discovered that 85% of caregivers surveyed find it incredibly difficult to deal with the challenges of a leisure centre – such as where to put a child while you get changed or how to get into the pool safely if your child cannot stand by themselves – particularly when alone. “59% of people surveyed said they are usually the only adult responsible for their child or children during a visit and the word ‘stressful’ was used frequently, with caregivers feeling that the experience is more difficult than they would like. “Encouragingly, 58% of people surveyed would like to visit a leisure centre more often. We believe that if facilities were designed with caregivers in mind, they would use the facilities more, increasing both their own and their children’s exposure to water and/or fitness activities.” According to the 2018/19 Active Lives Children and Young People Survey by Sport England, it was estimated that only 46% of the nation’s children are meeting the recommended level of activity. This has dropped even further with Covid-19 restrictions to just 19% of children being active for 60 mins per day. Paul continued: “It is critical to identify the barriers faced by users and ensure that any design meets the physical, mental, and social needs of caregivers. “By including a few simple additions – such as safe parking and access to the facility, a waiting area in reception, clear wayfinding, buggy stores near the changing rooms, and considered family changing rooms – it can have a massive impact on how caregivers use the space and ultimately create an improved experience. “Design is more than just shaping the physical environment. It involves addressing standards, practices, and behaviours as well as changing the way users are engaged. By considering space, layout, technology, and visual aspects, we can create a more family friendly and safer design that will ensure modern leisure centres are used and loved. “As an industry we need to fully understand how our designs can be used to provide more welcoming and inclusive facilities for all, improving both the physical and mental health of our communities in the process. As architects, we can play a part in encouraging activity, especially now that leisure centres are reopening, and we need to see this opportunity as a much-needed contribution to public health.” Judith Atkinson, project architect at GT3, led on the survey. She added: “This is the first report in our Inclusive Design series, so we really wanted to dig into the issues and barriers people face when attending a leisure centre. As a parent of a toddler myself, I felt it really important to highlight the difficulties caregivers often face when using facilities – it can be difficult taking a young child out of the home environment, particularly when facilities don’t meet your – or your child’s – basic needs. “Even small things – such as making sure windows are in children’s sight line and they can hold a handrail when going into the water – make a big difference. I firmly believe that by understanding these caregivers’ experiences – such as knowing that 50% consider a waiting area within the reception important or that 96% would prefer a family-friendly cubicle – we can make leisure centres more inclusive. “Our caregivers research was such a success; we’re currently doing a similar piece of research into autism and dementia. Our hope is that we will be able to provide proven design solutions for our clients, which in turn will ensure their end-users feel supported. The result will be a far more inclusive, welcoming space for the whole community, and will hopefully encourage far more people to use exercise to support a healthy lifestyle. A win-win for everyone.” GT3 Architects is currently working on its next research pieces: designing for autism and dementia in Leisure Centres. As an award-winning architecture practice, with studios in Nottingham and Newcastle, the people focused firm champions an inclusive, sustainable, and engaging way of doing business that positions people at the heart of every project. For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects
Yorkshire construction company, Harris CM has started work on a £3.4million contract to build a major new industrial development on part of the former Kellingley Colliery in Knottingley near Wakefield. The scheme will offer 11 high specification units that range from 3,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft and is being developed by CRT Property Investments Ltd, which is wholly owned subsidiary of The Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Work will complete by the end of the year. The development, which is supported by a £1.8m grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will offer extensive car parking with electric vehicle charging points along with high quality landscaping. The project team features the Yorkshire offices of architects, The Harris Partnership, construction consultants Rex Procter & Partners, HJ Consulting Engineers and building services and environmental engineering firm, Hydrock MRB. Jason Adlam, CEO at Harris CM, said: “This site is steeped in history and was the UK’s last deep coal mine to close in 2015. In its heyday, it employed thousands of local people and now through its regeneration, it can play an important role in the local economy once again. “This is our first project with CRT Property Investments, and it is a great opportunity to contribute to the continued regeneration of the ‘Five Towns’, on a site that is only 20 minutes away from our head office near Pontefract, which makes it a fantastic scheme to be involved with.” Shaun O’Brien, Property Investment and Development Director, from CRT Property Investments, said: “These units will appeal to a wide range of SMEs and help address the shortage of available property in the local area. Once complete, the development will offer a high-quality working environment where businesses can thrive, as well as playing a crucial role in the local economy by creating jobs and opportunities for people in and around Knottingley. “This site is a prime example of how we can create opportunities within the coalfields, and everyone involved with the development is pleased to see work starting on site.” The wider 151-acre Kellingley Colliery site is currently being transformed by Harworth Group into a large-scale development, known as Konect, that will offer 1.45m sq ft of manufacturing and distribution space. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is the only organisation dedicated to supporting the 5.7m people living in former mining communities throughout the UK. With three priorities for action: employment, skills, health and wellbeing, the organisation redirects funds and support through a programme of activities to ensure that it has a positive impact where it is needed the most.
Even before the pandemic, every business needed to take a strategic approach to communications, and the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) has always promoted clear and concise communication. With many disputes that arise within the construction industry being due to poor or ambiguous communication, director at Sypro and NEC4 co-author, Dr Stuart Kings, examines why the cloud-based leap is central to better contract communication. Despite construction projects being valued in the millions, many project managers and construction teams still rely on managing contracts in the old-fashioned way – i.e. complicated spreadsheets, lots of paper, unrecorded phone calls, and large email chains. With poor contract management being a major source of disputes between a client and contractor, the value of clear communication is evident. The move from NEC3 to NEC4 was labelled as an ‘evolution, not a revolution’, meaning that it built on and improved what we already had in place. The NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC3) required all communication to be in a form that could be read, copied and recorded, and notified matters communicated separately. This means those using a paper-based system find themselves inundated with intensive admin – plus will have faced the associated problems of managing physical paperwork caused by a sudden move to homeworking during the pandemic. This approach to communication is a key difference in Version 4, which states that ‘If the Scope specifies the use of a communication system, a communication has effect when it is communicated through that system specified in the Scope’[i]. In contract speak, this means that communication only has effect when it takes place within the specified system – no other communications would have effect. This essentially advocates a cloud-based operation, with no need for paper-based registers or huge logs of communications – and this is the direction the industry needs to go towards and is why systems like Sypro’s Contract ManagerTM not only exist, but also thrive. The last thing any business has needed during the past year is to deal with a dispute that was ultimately avoidable. The whole premise of systems like Contract Manager is to run projects more efficiently, with everything you need in one place, thereby allowing teams to move to working remotely quickly and simply, with no loss of information or the all-important project communications. Due to the long-term nature of construction projects, we must also keep in mind that every file, piece of data, and communication will need to be accessible for years to come. This is another benefit to cloud-based systems, as this information will be stored in a compliant manner and will accommodate for any future circumstances like office moves or staff changes. This, in itself, can help prevent any issues from escalating into full disputes, allowing information to be gathered clearly and quickly to evidence the situation. Throughout the pandemic – with staff on furlough and unable to meet physically – information could easily be forgotten, lost, or miscommunicated, and so the benefits of cloud-based systems have become even more apparent. The industry was certainly working towards better use of technology for our everyday processes, but the pandemic has accelerated this further and systems like Contract ManagerTM don’t simply streamline communications but cover all facets of the contract from the Early Warning Register, management of Defects, and payments. It’s easy to see where cloud-based management systems benefit project managers when we examine the number of communications that go through Sypro’s Contact Manager, which is used on some of the biggest construction projects across the country. For example, in the first quarter of 2021, more than 15,000 communications of various types took place via the tool across live projects. This is more than 15,000 opportunities for miscommunication, which would be at much higher risk of happening if these communications were not streamlined through a central system. A final obvious benefit to a cloud-based system is just that – it is cloud-based. This means that information is stored digitally, and we are able to save physical storage space in our offices and reduce the amount of paper we use within our businesses. Many companies are working to reduce their carbon footprint and work in a digital first manner – and cloud-based systems will help any construction company (or client) to reduce physical paperwork. Our overall move towards digitisation in the industry will be crucial in the coming years. It will improve transparency, information exchange, payment performance, and contract management across the sector for all parties – and will ultimately help us collectively deliver on several of the key principles outlined in The Construction Playbook, which makes it clear that government strives to see this transformational change in the sector. For more information, please visit https://www.sypro.co.uk/