Caddick Construction have started work on a key brownfield residential scheme to deliver 112 homes on the site of the former Stonebridge Mills in Farnley, Leeds, on behalf of developers Rushbond Plc and Advent Developments. The £25m project called Stonebridge Beck and located on Stonebridge Lane includes 82 contemporary style,
Leading the green recovery electricity network companies are to invest over £300 million in network capacity for electric transport, clean heat and wider infrastructure development. Following a successful call for evidence, in which local authorities, developers and other parties stated the case for extra network capacity to receive investment, Britain’s energy networks
The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts
Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as
9 out of 10 construction businesses predict a skills crisis by 2030, with 81 percent saying they will introduce robots in the next 10 years, while safety and the environment both catalysts for accelerating investment in robotics A new global survey1 commissioned by ABB of 1900 large and small construction
Insight Workplace Health achieves coveted SEQOHS accreditation Insight Workplace Health, a provider of occupational health services to the construction sector across the UK, is celebrating achieving SEQOHS accreditation. SEQOHS, or Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service, is a set of standards and a process of accreditation that aims to help
The upheaval in education due to the pandemic in the past year has only highlighted how damaging the closure of schools has been and the legacy of lost learning. Further unnecessary interruption to education should be avoided, not least when it comes to fire. With hundreds of schools in the
Construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Chisholm & Winch, has completed the latest phase of a major development programme at Royal Mail’s Mount Pleasant site in London. Once the home of one of the world’s largest sorting offices, Mount Pleasant remains a critical part of Royal Mail’s operational infrastructure in London.
Employees play a very important role when it comes to the success of a business. Good employees can help your business build a good reputation, have loyal customers, and earn more money. Similarly, bad employees could lead to the downfall of a business. While there are many factors to consider
Today, UK Connect has been officially granted ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ by leading wireless networking equipment brand Cradlepoint, becoming the UK’s sole construction connectivity provider to achieve this status. This means UK Connect is the only company currently permitted to install Cradlepoint systems used for the establishment of 5G networks on UK residential and
Caddick Construction have started work on a key brownfield residential scheme to deliver 112 homes on the site of the former Stonebridge Mills in Farnley, Leeds, on behalf of developers Rushbond Plc and Advent Developments. The £25m project called Stonebridge Beck and located on Stonebridge Lane includes 82 contemporary style, new build, homes as well as the regeneration of the grade II listed and long derelict former mill buildings and cottages creating a further 30 homes. This high-profile site and former industrial buildings are located close to the Farnley Ring Road and are well known for their historic chimney and water tower which will be retained as a sentinel for the redevelopment. This extensive 10 -acre site includes the former mill pond as well as a new specially commissioned piece of public art to be situated at the entrance to the development which will act as a visual icon for the building’s industrial heritage. The Caddick construction contract provides a comprehensive regeneration of the site and buildings as well as all hard and soft landscaping, highway access and estate infrastructure. All homes are set beside an extensive new natural parkland idyll alongside the Farnley Beck providing an extensive area of public open space for the residents and community to enjoy which will become a key focus for the area. Stonebridge Mills played a key role in the development of Farnley and neighbouring Wortley, dating back to the early 1800s when the water-powered woollen mill was a focal point of the local community. Despite being in some form of industrial use for around 150 years, the site has been derelict for many years. Jonathan Maud commented on behalf of joint developers Rushbond and Advent Developments: “Rushbond and our partners Advent have worked hard to design a really thoughtful and sympathetic regeneration of this long derelict and much-loved Leeds landmark. We know from our extensive consultations that the community are excited to see this project commence and we are committed to delivering a really high-quality scheme.” Adrian Dobson, Managing Director from Caddick Construction said: “We are delighted to have started work on Stonebridge Mills and are helping to bring this site and historic buildings back to life as well as providing much-needed housing for the Farnley area. The site’s regeneration will also enable the green corridor along the Farnley Beck to be extended and run through the development which will be a huge bonus for the local community. Marketing of the homes has now commenced and the developers have already received strong interest from home buyers seeking to relocate to this unique and attractive regeneration project. Benefitting from the historic surroundings and extensive new beck side park the homes will offer very strong appeal to home buyers. A collection of conversion and new build homes will be available ranging from 2-5 bedrooms all offering high quality accommodation with private gardens and parking. A particular and unusual feature of the conversion homes will be the spacious mill houses with fabulous high ceilings and huge windows providing superb natural light and views over the Stonebridge Beck and parkland. The contemporary style new build family houses will provide high quality homes set within a semi-rural idyll yet situated less than 3 miles from Leeds City Centre. LSL New homes are marketing the scheme and further information can be sought by calling 07837 116 469. Principal designer and engineer on the scheme are W A Fairhurst & Partners with surveying services provided by BWF. The scheme is due to complete in Summer 2023.
Leading the green recovery electricity network companies are to invest over £300 million in network capacity for electric transport, clean heat and wider infrastructure development. Following a successful call for evidence, in which local authorities, developers and other parties stated the case for extra network capacity to receive investment, Britain’s energy networks will now accelerate funding over the next 12-24 months. David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “With just a few months left until COP26 we are delighted to have been able to bring forward such a crucial enabler of the Prime Minister’s green recovery ambitions. Delivering a green recovery for seas, skies and streets, over £300m of electricity distribution network investment will enable wide-ranging projects which help tackle some of our biggest Net Zero challenges, like electric vehicle range anxiety and the decarbonisation of heavier transport. “This new funding shows the social, economic and environmental benefits that can be brought forward by industry working closely with a flexible regulator.” Projects selected include those in the areas of electric flight, shipping, heating and road transportation. These projects will not only play a critical role in driving a green recovery but will provide a foundation for the emerging technologies needed for a Net Zero future. Details of some of the projects can be found below. Key case study map Further case studies from across Britain Network operator Location Details Western Power Distribution South West – Truro In Truro Western Power Distribution are replacing two 132/33kV transformers, bringing on 30MW extra capacity for demand and for generation. Reflecting a £2m investment there are a multitude of uses for this new capacity. The area has abundant existing and proposed solar resources as well as a proposed garden village where a number of low carbon technologies are being considered. Crucially, Cornwall is also an area with many homes which do not have access to the gas network. With improved capacity in the county, more homes in Cornwall will have the option of switching to electric solutions. Western Power Distribution Wales Every year the Brecon Beacons are visited by over four million people; that’s four million people who, before long, will need to charge their electric vehicles. As part of the Green Recovery programme, Western Power Distribution are making multiple 11kV network investments through new cabling and substations, representing a £1million investment in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells. Whilst not solely intended for electric vehicle charge points, there has been a strong interest in establishing charge points in this area, catering to the rural tourist areas between Brecon Beacons National Park and Shropshire Hills AONB Western Power Distribution West Midlands – Gloucester Services M4 At the Gloucester services on the M4, Western Power Distribution are to build a 11kV network extension via two new cables from Tuffley 33/11kV substation towards Gloucester Services. In short, this allows for an increase of 8MW in demand and 6W in generation. Representing a £1.6m investment this facilitates connection of charging points for electric vehicles along this major, arterial road, as well as other growth in this area on the outskirts of Gloucester. Crucially, the cables will be laid rated at 33kV for efficiencies in future as growth increases – effectively futureproofing the project for the further growth anticipated in the area. Western Power Distribution East Midlands – East Croft Nottingham Nottingham City Council aim to transform the area into the first carbon neutral city by 2028. With that in mind, Nottingham is a known growth area with significant plans for low carbon technology growth in the coming years whilst also handling existing network constraints. To enable this, Western Power Distribution are investing £3.5m in a new 33/11kV substation in the city centre. This investment will provide 24MW of extra capacity for demand and 18MW extra capacity for generation. Electricity North West Windermere Cumbria County Council’s Carbon Management Strategy aims for the county to become “carbon neutral” by 2037. Decarbonisation of transport plans include; tourist activity, which will ensure electric vehicle charging facilities at major tourist carparks, and the replacement of the existing aging diesel Windermere ferry with a new environmentally friendly electric ferry. To accommodate these new low carbon connections in the Windermere lakeside area, Electricity North West plan to invest approximately £700k to install 4km of 11kV cable to enhance the network capacity there before 2022. A further investment of up to £1m is planned to strengthen the upstream 33kV network to ensure the security of this new capacity. Electricity North West St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, Carlisle Building on Carlisle’s designation by the World Health Organisation as a World Healthy City, St Cuthbert’s will be a place that encourages and facilitates a healthy lifestyle. Walking and cycling, supportive neighbourhoods, planned educational facilities and a strong sense of community spirit will all improve health and wellbeing. An objective for St Cuthbert’s is to promote sustainable energy use and the development of renewable energy resources, where feasible. It will also set out to promote energy efficient buildings whilst maintaining thermal comfort levels. Renewable and low carbon heat supplies being considered for the sites include: Solar thermal Air source heat pumps Water source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps Energy from sewers Deep geothermal Energy from waste Industrial waste heat Electricity North West propose to utilise the replacement of the overhead lines that currently traverses the area with cables as an opportunity to uprate the circuits in the area and meet the developments needs for an additional 8.5MW of electrical capacity. The new electrical network will be designed with the requirements to support both electrical consumption and generation in mind, enabling the decarbonisation vision of the Garden Village. As well as installing a higher capacity replacement circuit, Electricity North West plan to install ducts to futureproof the development, enabling future cables to be easily installed, providing the potential for even more capacity. This includes provisions for the connection of electric vehicle charging capacity at Southwaite Service Station on the M6 motorway.
The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts like ActronAir to get more insights. 1. Deciduous Trees Deciduous trees are a common tree type, and these types of trees can shed leaves in the fall. When this happens, you’re likely to have an excessive amount of leaves blowing around your yard or driveway, which can clog up the air filter on your HVAC system. If there is more than one deciduous tree in the location, it would be best to place your HVAC system on a roof or higher level. This can prevent cotton wool or pollen from accumulating on the coils. And so before you install your air conditioner, check out for deciduous trees around the compound that may affect the airflow. 2. Shaded Location The HVAC system needs to be in a shaded area. It will keep the equipment cool and running efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills by reducing how often it has to turn on. The only time this isn’t true is if the location gets too hot or cold outside, rendering that particular spot unacceptable for placement. If you put it in a shady area when it’s too cold, there’s a risk that your HVAC system will be working extra hard and use more energy than necessary, which is costly for you as well as for the environment. 3. Keep It Off Your Dog You’ll want to put a barrier preventing your dog from reaching the HVAC system because it could get in trouble. Some dogs have a habit of chewing on cord and so they can easily be electrocuted or cut their tongue and end up bleeding out as well. Dogs also lick themselves which means there’s always an increased risk for contamination. Plus any fur that’s on the ground will be blown into your ducts and spread around. They can also urinate on the HVAC system, which will cause damage, contamination, and rust. Putting up a barrier like a fence or a hedge will work out just fine when it comes to blocking off your dog. You also need to close any possible loophole that they may squeeze through. 4. Outdoor Activities When determining the right location for your HVAC system, it is important to consider outdoor activities that will be taking place in or around your home. If you’re always in your backyard or patio, then you’ll want to keep the system away from there. If not, then choose a spot that will be most convenient for your family members or guests. You also need to consider how far away it is from the power source and water supply. 5. Blending With Your Landscape You will want to make sure your AC blends into the landscape for a seamless look. This is especially important if you are installing it on an outside wall of your home or near a window. The best way to blend with the surroundings is by painting, brickwork, landscaping, and other exterior treatments. 6. Snowdrifts Don’t put your HVAC system where snowdrifts accumulate. If you live in a region that gets heavy snowfalls, ensure you leave a space between your HVAC and the house for snow removal equipment. That way, if your equipment gets buried in snow, it won’t affect the HVAC and shut it down. 7. Side Or Backyard Placing your HVAC system in the back or side yard is a good option for smaller homes with little space inside. In these situations, it’s best that the unit not face south because this would cause the power usage to spike during summer months and run up energy bills more quickly. 8. Water Runoff Most people install their heating and cooling systems on the roof, but this isn’t always a good idea. If you have a sloped or uncertain roof, it’s possible that water will get into your unit when there is heavy rain. This can damage your HVAC system over time because of rust buildup and other problems associated with excess moisture. To Sum Up… Location is an important factor when it comes to the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. These tips will help you to determine the best location.
Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as essential as adding furniture and matching decors. If you are not sure how secure your home is, then it is time you start paying more attention to details. Read more to know some of the common safety hazards at home and how to avoid them. Avoiding Electrical Fire According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US fire department visits around 300,000 homes every year to put out fires. However, by following simple precautionary measures, you can quickly improve fire safety at your home. Check if you have a working safety switch that will turn off the main power when an electrical appliance fails. Look for frayed appliance cords, light switches, and power cords. Always keep an eye on the power points, which are located close to a water source. Avoiding Slippage and Falls According to statistics, more than one-third of the emergency visits to the hospitals are because of accidental falls and slips. From falling down the staircase to slipping in the shower, sometimes falls can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. To avoid accidental falls, you must stabilize the stairs by testing the steadiness of the handrails, fix them to the floor properly and check whether there is sufficient lighting in the area. Monitoring CO Levels High exposure to carbon monoxide can cause impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. It is impossible to detect CO by smell, making it one of the most challenging threats to see. However, there are ways to avoid carbon monoxide-related injuries at home. You can install a CO detector at your house, which will alert you if the carbon monoxide level reaches a dangerous high. Other than the detector, ensure that you keep up with regular home maintenance by having an expert service the water heater, HVAC system, and other devices every year. Choking and Strangling Hazards Creating a safe environment at home is very important, especially if you have newborn babies or kids with you. In the US, choking is said to be the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths. Small toys are responsible for the most common safety hazards at homes. To avoid this, you must regularly inspect the toys for any broken or loose parts. It is also essential to have a baby monitor to listen in to any signs of choking. Next to choking, strangling by cords from curtains or blinds is the next common safety hazard for kids. Make sure not to place the kid’s crib or bed under or near a window with hanging cords. Secure the electrical cables and trim the hanging lines in the curtains to avoid accidental strangling. If your house is missing out on even one of the safety measures in this list, it is time you immediately check it out and take the required steps. You will never know when anything can go wrong. So, practice constant vigilance and, more importantly, practice all the safety measures.
9 out of 10 construction businesses predict a skills crisis by 2030, with 81 percent saying they will introduce robots in the next 10 years, while safety and the environment both catalysts for accelerating investment in robotics A new global survey1 commissioned by ABB of 1900 large and small construction businesses has revealed that 91 percent of companies are facing a growing skills crisis over the next 10 years, with 44 percent saying they struggle to recruit for construction jobs. Improving health and safety on building sites was a priority for 42 percent and the same percentage said the environment is a key driver for industry change. 81 percent of construction businesses said they will introduce or increase the use of robotics and automation in the next decade, while today only a handful of businesses benefit from robotics. In the survey, only 55 percent of construction companies say they use robots, compared with 84 percent in Automotive and 79 percent in Manufacturing. To help address these findings, ABB Robotics will be driving the uptake of automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, which include the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and a significant reduction in the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites and robot 3D printing of houses and customized structures. As well as making the industry safer and more cost effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. Industry forecasts for the total value of the global construction industry predict it will rise by 85 percent to $15.5 trillion worldwide by 20302, while ABB Robotics’ internal analysis of the market potential for robotic automation over the next 10 years is for high double digit growth rate in key sectors of construction including pre-fabrication and 3D printing. “With so few construction businesses using automation today, there’s huge potential for us to transform the industry through robotics. Unlike building cars or assembling electronics, many techniques used in construction haven’t changed for generations, so we are developing new solutions to address key industry challenges,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “This new customer segment will broaden our portfolio as part of a wider strategy to accelerate expansion in high-growth segments including electronics, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics and food and beverage, to meet the growing demand for automation across multiple industries.” ABB’s robotic solutions for construction are already being used in various pilot projects to help improve flexibility, productivity and quality, including the automated fabrication of timber roof supports with Autovol in Canada, the robotic installation of elevators with Schindler Lifts and the robotic automation of Intelligent City’s production of prefabricated modular homes, which has increased production efficiency by 15 percent and speed by 38 percent, while reducing waste by 30 percent. Skanska’s robot welding application has improved quality, employee productivity and safety by automating the fabrication of steel reinforcement baskets on-site. This solution has also reduced the cost and environmental impact of transporting bulky finished reinforcement baskets to building sites. ABB is also working with several leading universities to co-develop new automated construction technologies including ETH Zurich, a leading research university in Switzerland. At ETH, ABB is supporting research in the field of robotics fabrication in architecture and construction and has helped establish the world’s first laboratory for collaborative robotic digital fabrication in architecture, hosted at the ETH’s Institute of Technology in Architecture. This week, the latest large scale ABB robotics 3D printing technology for the construction industry is being showcased by the Austrian architectural bureau MAEID at the 17th International Architecture – La Biennale di Venezia, to inspire architects about the possibilities of automation and 3D printing, driving innovation and enabling new ways of building. For more information, visit the ABB website. An ‘Automation and the Construction Industry’ panel discussion will be available to view on the website from 26 May 2021. 1 ABB Construction Industry Survey May 2021. Conducted by 3Gem Global Market Research & Insights, the ABB construction industry survey of 1900 CEO or Managing Director decision-makers in large and small businesses including residential and commercial construction, component suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, architects and designs and consultants in the USA, Canada, China, UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, France & Italy. Conducted April 22, 2021 – May 12, 2021, 3Gem Research & Insights utilize industry-standard panel management systems and adhere to stringent quality control procedures; delivering double opt-in, GDPR-compliant consumer and B2B panels. 2 The Global Construction 2030 report (link)
Insight Workplace Health achieves coveted SEQOHS accreditation Insight Workplace Health, a provider of occupational health services to the construction sector across the UK, is celebrating achieving SEQOHS accreditation. SEQOHS, or Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service, is a set of standards and a process of accreditation that aims to help to raise the overall standard of care provided by occupational health services. Insight’s feedback from the assessment described it as having a team who are “clearly well motivated, enthusiastic and supportive of each other and the wider business”. It went on to say: “The assessors were impressed with the commitment and positive attitude of the occupational health team. The team are customer focused and work hard to obtain regular feedback from managers and staff.” Founded in 2009 by twins Liz Terry and Ellie Taylor, Insight has grown in the last 11 years from just two staff (Liz and Ellie) to over 30 employees. It now has bases in Llandarcy, Swansea; Newport, Gwent; and Ruthin, Denbighshire and serves clients across the whole of the UK with its mobile fleet. Key milestones have included its move into larger offices in Llandarcy in 2016 and the launch of its secure occupational health portal in 2015. In 2016 the company opened its purpose-built clinic in Imperial Park, Newport and in 2020 Insight Workplace Health was named as one Wales’ top 50 fastest growing companies on the Fast Growth 50 list. In the past year the company has taken on major contracts with the Welsh Government and Welsh Water and opened its new office in North Wales to facilitate the delivery of these. The company continues to expand in North Wales, most recently winning a contract to provide occupational health services for Conwy Council. Insight Workplace Health co-founder Liz Terry said: “We’re delighted to have achieved this accreditation. Everybody within the company was very involved in the process. Having SEQOHS accreditation assures our customers that we’ve got good clinical governance, our nurses and doctors are engaged in continuous professional development and our clinical standards are as high as they can be. It gives important, independent and impartial recognition that we have demonstrated our competence. “This accreditation opens new avenues for us, because it means we can work with customers who only choose SEQOHS-accredited providers. It will also help us when we are hiring physicians, enabling us to attract the very best people to our team.”
The upheaval in education due to the pandemic in the past year has only highlighted how damaging the closure of schools has been and the legacy of lost learning. Further unnecessary interruption to education should be avoided, not least when it comes to fire. With hundreds of schools in the UK having a fire each year It needs further action. During the past year we have seen major fires in schools across the UK all without sprinklers that could have minimised those incidents. As we enter the NFCC Sprinkler Week, fewer than one-in-six new schools have been built with a sprinkler system installed. It is time we changed that. School fires have a devastating impact on both a school and a community. Three school fires in Derbyshire last year are a painful reminder of the damage, disruption and the costs incurred when they are not fitted with sprinklers. On the morning of Saturday 3rd October, six fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were called to attend a major blaze at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Darley Abbey, Derby. The fire quickly engulfed the building, which was largely destroyed and reported as a ‘total loss’. Just 48 hours later, in the early hours of Monday 5th October, there was a second severe fire only four miles away, this time at Ravensdale Infant School in Mickleover which required 12 fire engines from the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst the Fire and Rescue service brought the fire under control there was extensive damage to the building. Neither building had sprinklers fitted. The children from the St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy were originally sent to work from home for three weeks before being displaced into two separate local schools. They have now been reunited in temporary accommodation within a refurbished office block over three floors. There is no firm date for the replacement school. The children from the Ravensdale school are being moved to temporary locations and may move again during the £8 million rebuild of their schools which is expected to be completed late in 2022. These two devastating fires come in the wake of a blaze in the same area four months earlier at Harrington Junior School in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. Thankfully, no children were on site and teachers and staff who were working in the building were able to evacuate safely. Despite the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service, they were unable to save the building. Not only did the fire severely affect the children’s education when they returned to temporary classroom accommodation after lockdown, the school will have to be rebuilt. The temporary classroom accommodation was noted to cost £500,000 and is expected to be in place for two years during the rebuild. The cost of the rebuild was further reported to be £5.5 million and will require central funding. Currently, sprinklers are currently only mandatory in new school buildings in Scotland and centrally funded schools in Wales, but not in England and Northern Ireland. Yet observations on the incidence of fire relative to the population of school buildings, indicate that the rate of fires in England is the same as in Scotland and Wales. According to a 2019 study by Zurich Municipal1, education insurer for half of the schools and universities in the UK, two-thirds of schools have ‘poor’ fire protection and are not properly prepared for a potential damaging fire. It also found that schools in England are ‘twice as likely’ to suffer fires than other school buildings. The insurer has stated that a change to government legislation to make sprinklers mandatory will not only protect children in school, but will also contain a fire to the room it starts when it begins out of school hours. The government is still considering the response to its call for evidence on Building Bulletin 100 (BB100) which closed in May 2019. The BSA has always highlighted that BB100 sets the right expectations around the protection of schools and the continuity of education. It sets an expectation that the school should be fully functional within 24 hours of a fire, apart from the room where the fire occurred. The BSA wants the government to explicitly maintain these objectives and enhance the “sprinkler expectation” in the revised BB100 so that fewer schools are damaged and destroyed by fire. Better still, the government should make property protection a consideration for the fire safety Building Regulations to effectively protect all buildings of significant social and/or economic value from fire. Ensuring the safety of a building’s occupants is considered the minimum under current regulations, but it is clearly not the optimal outcome. A sprinkler system would serve to protect both the occupants and the building, allowing students to return to normality far more rapidly and with considerably less disruption to teachers’ already hectic schedules during this pandemic. Fires in schools must be avoided. How many more fires need to occur before sprinkler installation becomes a prerequisite of school design and safety? 1Schools twice as likely as other buildings to be hit by a blaze
Construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Chisholm & Winch, has completed the latest phase of a major development programme at Royal Mail’s Mount Pleasant site in London. Once the home of one of the world’s largest sorting offices, Mount Pleasant remains a critical part of Royal Mail’s operational infrastructure in London. Chisholm & Winch has delivered multiple consecutive phases for construction management company, Blue Sky Building, with a combined value of £9 million. The company’s involvement began in 2018 with upgrades to the main office areas and the latest package includes construction and fit-out of a new gatehouse, new docking bay extensions and the installation of roller shutters. Chisholm & Winch’s scope of works has included fit-out of the office areas, including installation of a new gym, refurbishment of the Collection Hub, upgrades to the parking areas and a three-phase programme to update the site’s North East Dock, which required four of the six docks to remain operational at any given time. Works to the North Road area of the site were carried out over two phases and included the site’s new feature green wall. The project has leveraged Chisholm & Winch’s wide-ranging construction and fit out capabilities, including demolition, steelwork, drylining, blockwork, redecoration, joinery, mechanical and electrical services and firestopping. Julian Daniel, managing director of Blue Sky Building comments: “We have been impressed with the skill and professionalism of the Chisholm & Winch team throughout this project as they have moved from phase to phase across the three-year programme, especially given the varying requirements and the challenges of Covid-19. The quality they have produced, their excellent communication and their positive approach to collaborating and coordinating with others on site have been a big part of the success of this project.” The Mount Pleasant site has remained fully-operational throughout the project and Chisholm & Winch has worked collaboratively with the scheme’s other delivery partners to ensure the sequencing of works enabled efficient progress while allowing business as usual activities for the client and supporting high standards of health and safety for building users and site teams. The project remained live throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, drawing on this collaborative approach from across the delivery partners to enable safety and method statements to be reviewed and safe working practices to be put in place. Darren Godfrey, Chisholm & Winch’s project manager at Mount Pleasant adds: “The operational importance of all phases meant that handover dates remained business critical for the client, so it was essential that we maintained good progress on site. Operational refurbishment is one of our specialisms at Chisholm & Winch so we were able to use that expertise to consider how we could work round social distancing requirements without jeopardising the schedule. We’re delighted to have completed all works, despite the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic.”
Employees play a very important role when it comes to the success of a business. Good employees can help your business build a good reputation, have loyal customers, and earn more money. Similarly, bad employees could lead to the downfall of a business. While there are many factors to consider when hiring an employee – qualifications, education, etc. – one of the most important factors is whether or not they are trustworthy. If there isn’t trust between an employer and employee, or amongst employees, the business will likely fail. However, if you’re just starting a business, you might not always know which signs to look out for when it comes to telling if an employee is trustworthy or not. Background checks People can change, there’s no denying that. Just because someone has a criminal record doesn’t mean you should automatically not hire them. But it’s still a good idea to know what an employee’s criminal history is, and whether they have any criminal convictions. You can then make an informed decision on whether you trust them to enter your company based on what you know. If you do end up hiring them, you can offer them the support they need to stay on the right track. DBS checks will help you a lot. If you’re asking, “What are DBS checks?”, you’re not alone. To sum it up, it’s a compilation of a person’s criminal convictions. Psychometric testing Psychometric tests are incredibly popular in industries where confidentiality and integrity are of the utmost importance – such as where people work in law enforcement, or with large sums of money. Psychometric tests are tests that test the psychology of possible employees. At the end of the test, you will receive a report detailing things like integrity, level of manipulation, and a whole host of other information, depending on the test itself. This will give you a better idea of how likely an employee is to betray your trust. Reference checks When people go for interviews, they are often on their best behavior. This means that you may not always get an accurate representation of what it would be like to have them work for you. The best way to gain a deeper understanding of this is to do a reference check. Call up their past employers and ask them a few questions. Trust us, this will teach you more about the prospective employee than any interview. Follow your instinct This may sound slightly out there, but if your instinct is telling you that something is wrong, it’s probably right. What we consider instinct is often our brains picking up on a bunch of small details in a very short time. This is why we often can’t pinpoint exactly why something feels wrong, we just know that it’s wrong. We’re not saying you should only follow your instincts and ignore everything else, but it can be a helpful guide if you’re at a crossroads. Still not convinced? You can learn more about why you should trust your gut here.
Today, UK Connect has been officially granted ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ by leading wireless networking equipment brand Cradlepoint, becoming the UK’s sole construction connectivity provider to achieve this status. This means UK Connect is the only company currently permitted to install Cradlepoint systems used for the establishment of 5G networks on UK residential and commercial construction sites. Adding to a number of similar official accreditations, it establishes the brand as Cradlepoint’s most-trusted UK installation and connectivity partner for construction projects. This recognition positions UK Connect as a key player in the rollout of 5G technology for the sector’s operations, which will enable clearer and faster on-site communication and higher quality work. Further, through UK Connect’s sole dedication to the UK construction industry, it will also be able to help foster a greater understanding of the technology’s potential amongst contractors and developers. Particularly, it will demonstrate how 5G can directly deliver greater digital adoption, leading to increased ROI from a safer, smarter and more efficient construction journey, benefiting all involved. The ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ is a Cradlepoint standard identifying and recognising partner organisations that possess the capability and proficiency to sell and install Cradlepoint’s 5G solutions. To achieve this prestigious and highly desired accreditation, UK Connect had to meet a host of stringent criteria, including an already established position as a Cradlepoint Premier Partner and a watertight reputation as an Active Wireless WAN Practice. UK Connect also needed to pass a number of tests to receive the specialisation certificate. This ranged from completing an in-depth programme of sales and technical courses to demonstrating proficiency in working with Cradlepoint’s 5G systems and the ability to sell them strategically, according to an outline business plan. Passing this tough, in-depth examination of capabilities affirms UK Connect’s unparalleled expertise in establishing 5G networks, nuanced to the specific needs of the construction industry. Outlining the decision to award the 5G specialisation to UK Connect, Darryl Brick, VP Partner Sales, EMEA from Cradlepoint said: “Cradlepoint’s 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialised partners have invested in the 5G transformation and offer our customers services tailored for the new 5G wireless WAN. “UK Connect is a highly skilled Cradlepoint partner and their expertise will guide our customers through the Pathway to 5G and help evolve their networks successfully. The team of dedicated sales and technical professionals at UK Connect, as well as their expertise in several key vertical markets, will help us guide customers on the journey beyond the wires.“ PJ Farr, UK Connect’s Managing Director added: “A big congratulation to the whole of the company in coming together to achieve this result. Receiving this specialisation certification is a game-changer. “It represents a major milestone in the company’s history, positioning us at the forefront of the UK’s 5G rollout and bringing its power and potential to the country’s vibrant community of housebuilders and developers. We look forward to working even closer with Cradlepoint, further demonstrating our unrivalled expertise in construction connectivity provision.”