A £60 million regeneration programme has transformed Campbeltown town centre into a more vibrant, attractive place to live, work and visit. As part of the programme, Argyll and Bute Council has completed a £10 million heritage led programme of works. Regeneration projects include: £60,000 of shopfront improvement grants awarded to
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply low voltage power and fire performance cables to the prestigious Sky City project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The supply of the cables for power, control and fire performance for the commercial and retail sector of
Over half (53%) of UK construction workers say their workplace does not offer mental health training According to the latest study into UK adults’ mental health during the pandemic by Mentalhealth.org1, 13% of UK adults experienced suicidal thoughts in February 2021, rising from 8% in April 2020 at the start
If you want a new concrete parking lot or driveway in your home, then you may consider looking for a reliable concrete contractor in your area. It’s always best to look for a local contractor since they’re more knowledgeable about your area’s soil type, plant and tree populations, as well
Although many gamblers have turned to online games in 2021, many countries are declaring it safe to travel again. Gamblers worldwide are jumping off their couches to enjoy some of the world’s most luxurious casinos. Norwegian players have very few places where they can enjoy sportsbetting or their favourite casino
A new academy for training engineers and leaders of today and tomorrow has been delivered using cutting-edge modular building methods. Integra Buildings, one of the UK’s leading modular construction specialists, has completed the development for Severn Trent Water, which serves eight million people across the Midlands. Staff from both companies
Travis Perkins plc, which is the UK’s largest supplier of building materials and owner of the Travis Perkins builders’ merchants, Toolstation and many specialist trade businesses, is celebrating Pride across the Group. More specifically, colleagues will be using Pride in June to educate themselves on what it means to become
ALMOST a millennium’s worth of heritage and some of Nottingham’s most treasured artefacts have been protected during the £30 million redevelopment of the city’s castle – thanks to technological innovation by local firm Ramtech, which designs and develops industry-leading wireless solutions. After three years of closure for extensive refurbishment and
One of the UK’s leading construction experts has called for drastic change in production methods to drive forward the fast-emerging offsite housebuilding industry. Develop Consulting, the lead transformation consultant, which has over two decades of experience within the field, has warned that current methods, which see modular homes being pre-built
Design and construction of a 332,626 sq ft production/warehouse facility to be built adjacent to existing facility at their HQ in Barnsley with the design mirroring the existing building. GMI Construction, a leading main contractor to a growing portfolio of public and private clients throughout the UK has announced that
A £60 million regeneration programme has transformed Campbeltown town centre into a more vibrant, attractive place to live, work and visit. As part of the programme, Argyll and Bute Council has completed a £10 million heritage led programme of works. Regeneration projects include: £60,000 of shopfront improvement grants awarded to 42 businesses 60 local contractors employed, 10 new businesses opened and 51 new jobs created £3.2 million building repair grants awarded to 182 individuals £2 million repair and conservation of Campbeltown’s Town Hall to bring it back under community ownership £3 million restoration of the Campbeltown Picture House 40 training courses and community events delivered and attended by over 2,000 people A new Discover Campbeltown app An evaluation report was commissioned to look at the impact and benefits to the town following completion of projects. Key findings: 83% of respondents said that several or most of the places they visit in the town are noticeably improved 98% said they would recommend local businesses to family, friends and visitors 90.21% said regeneration projects have improved Campbeltown 90% of businesses noted that CARS and Shopfront investment have transformed their business 70% of businesses said they would not have been able to complete projects without funding 14 of the 16 building contractors who responded felt regeneration works has led to follow-on work Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead, Business, Regeneration and Commercial Development: “By improving the infrastructure and fabric of the town centre, Campbeltown has totally transformed. We are already seeing the benefits to the local economy including more job opportunities and new businesses opening. This has been a collaborative approach, working with partners, residents and businesses throughout the project. The success of Campbeltown, now provides a working model for our other towns as we continue to invest in Argyll and Bute’s future.” Following extensive investment, Campbeltown won Scotland’s most improved place at the 2021 SURF awards. A film promoting the regeneration of Campbeltown is available to watch on the council website Funding of regeneration projects was provided by Argyll and Bute Council, Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and Argyll and the Islands LEADER, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply low voltage power and fire performance cables to the prestigious Sky City project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The supply of the cables for power, control and fire performance for the commercial and retail sector of the site starts in September and will continue until early next year. AEI Cables will work in partnership with its long term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited for the project located at Chek Lap Kok No.3. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “The need for cables which offer the highest levels of fire performance for an international airport of this kind cannot be underestimated with large numbers of people moving about. We are proud to be chosen to supply the cables for such an iconic world-class project.” A major integrated commercial development, Sky City forms a core part of the strategy to expand and transform HKIA into a major aviation hub. The complex will feature retail units, entertainment facilities, dining space, hotels and office towers across approximately 25 hectares of land at the north of the airport island. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB covering design, manufacture and supply. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Over half (53%) of UK construction workers say their workplace does not offer mental health training According to the latest study into UK adults’ mental health during the pandemic by Mentalhealth.org1, 13% of UK adults experienced suicidal thoughts in February 2021, rising from 8% in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic. When it comes to the construction industry, action is being taken to tackle the issues around mental health. Industry bodies, charities and publications have launched campaigns such as Construction News’ annual Mind Matters survey, and Mates in Mind, the charity set up by the Health in Construction Leadership Group. Whilst the industry is still primarily male dominated, with just 298,000 female workers compared to 1,939,000 male workers2, studies show that 75% of suicides in the UK are committed by men and male construction workers are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than the average man in the UK3. When it comes to the impact the global pandemic has had on employees’ mental health in the construction industry, a new study4 by the online training provider, High Speed Training, reveals almost two thirds (60%) of construction workers surveyed said they’ve suffered with their mental health over the past year. In addition, 64% of construction workers said they remain concerned about their own or their colleagues’ mental health, even once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Looking deeper into the reasons why construction workers have struggled with their mental health during the pandemic, a recent study5 among project managers in the construction sector by the Association for Project Management reveals the main reasons respondents say their project has negatively impacted them. These are: ‘My work-life balance is suffering due to this project’ (cited by 40% of respondents working in construction) ‘This project is impacting my home life and personal relationships’ (cited by 40%) ‘There are unrealistic expectations placed on me by project stakeholders’ (cited by 39%) There is insufficient opportunity for me to voice concerns to my superiors (cited by 37%) Debbie Dore, chief executive of APM, said: “These continue to be challenging times, and many people in the project profession have been impacted for reasons beyond their control. It’s essential that project professionals continue to be properly supported so they can deliver positive change for the people, businesses and communities they serve.” High Speed Training’s data also shows that the industry has a long way to go when it comes to standardising mental health awareness training and support for employees. Worryingly, two fifths (40%) of those surveyed said they don’t feel there is anyone in the workplace who they can discuss their mental health with in confidence. And, almost a fifth (17%) said they don’t think their workplace provides sufficient mental health support for employees. A further 47% say none of their fellow employees hold mental health training qualifications as far as they’re aware. Despite this, almost half (45%) of those who aren’t currently offered mental health training said they would partake in it should it be offered to them. Katie Martinelli, construction industry expert at High Speed Training commented: “It’s extremely worrying that this new data shows how many employees in the construction industry have really struggled with their mental health during the pandemic, and think it will continue to be an issue once restrictions are completely lifted. “It’s vital that businesses and industry bodies provide and cover the cost of training around mental health awareness, so there are dedicated team members for employees to turn to. “The first step is providing employees with someone to talk to, who can then provide support and guidance, and escalate issues when required. We have mental health awareness training courses suited to employees and managers. Both courses are open to any industry, including construction, and include information on the responsibilities and duties of all employers with regards to mental health. We also look at the unique difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic has created and provide specific strategies for these.” Katie at High Speed Training provides her top tips for employers and employees around how to talk to colleagues about mental health: Ensure you are directing people to the correct support “Having the conversation is the first step, but remember to do your research before you signpost someone to potential next steps. Use websites like Mind to learn more.” Encourage someone who is struggling to visit their GP “It’s important to point out that this could be a big help to someone who is struggling. If they are reluctant to visit a GP, try offering to accompany them – if they would be comfortable with that. However, don’t take control over the situation – ultimately, it’s their choice.” Ensure the situation is comfortable “Think about other points of contact if talking face-to-face isn’t working – some people feel more comfortable talking about mental health over the phone, through text, or through email. You could also choose a situation where you are side-by-side to take the pressure off – for example, talk while you are cooking, driving, or walking.” Don’t rush anyone to speak up “Allow them to open up at their own pace. These conversations shouldn’t be rushed, so don’t start it if you don’t have time. It might take several discussions before you get to the root of the issue – that’s OK!” Look out for your own wellbeing “Remember to look after yourself too – you can’t help others if you are not well yourself. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and setting boundaries if necessary.” For more information about High Speed Training’s Mental Health Awareness courses and tips around how to talk about mental health in the workplace, visit: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/how-to-talk-about-mental-health/
If you want a new concrete parking lot or driveway in your home, then you may consider looking for a reliable concrete contractor in your area. It’s always best to look for a local contractor since they’re more knowledgeable about your area’s soil type, plant and tree populations, as well as climate. However, just like hiring other professionals, choosing the right concrete contractor who has significant experience can be an overwhelming process. With a variety of options to choose from, it may be difficult to look for the perfect one for your concrete needs. To help you with your search, here are some tips on how to find a top-rated local concrete contractor: 1. Conduct Research Thoroughly One of the primary ways to help you find the appropriate local contractor for your concrete project is to do thorough research. In today’s modern world, there are various ways to get a nice list of options. These can include: Internet search: With a few Internet searches, you may find an abundant list of potential concrete contractors. For instance, you may use some major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and many more. Family and friends: Ask your family and friends living in the same local area as you. They may have worked with some of the best concrete contractors in your area so they can recommend someone they know and trust. If you’re dealing with damaged concrete in Colorado Springs or wherever you may be located and want it repaired as soon as possible, then the fastest way to find a professional concrete contractor is by researching your options. For instance, you can visit website of concrete companies so you can get information and compare to select the best local contractor among them. 2. Compare Estimates You can also find a top-rated local concrete contractor by requesting detailed estimates from your prospects and comparing them to make a hiring decision. When you check estimates, you’ll have an idea of who you’re dealing with and determine whether they’re a great choice in terms of the following: Pricing: It’s one of the essential things to check in the estimate. Be sure to look not only at the overall price but also the breakdown itself. This means you should examine the costs of the base material, coloring, sealer, reinforcement, concrete thickness, and even the down payment. By checking these things, you’ll know whether the total price commensurate with the detailed breakdown. Specifications: In the contract document, the contractor should also specifically mention the details of the materials to be used, along with a timeline and local suppliers they work with. Moreover, check if the contractor specified how they’re going to tackle the project. If you want to get estimates from contractors who offer stamped concrete to beautify your home, you may want to click here for more information. 3. Check Experience Another way to find an exceptional concrete contractor in your area is to look at professional experience and insurance. This means choosing a professional who has been in the business of making concrete for at least five years as their experience will ensure a good level of reliability and stability. Typically, experienced concrete contractors know exactly what to do by taking an active part in your project and providing insights that can help your concrete project progress smoothly. You can review their portfolio and see samples of their work, especially when it comes to local concrete projects. 4. Request For Contact References Before you choose a local concrete contractor who can help enhance the durability of your outdoor areas and pavements, it’s important to ask them for a list of references. Once you have the list, make sure to contact those references living in your area. This will help you get to know more about your prospects and their work performance. For example, you can ask questions about the type of concrete project they had, the contractor’s level of communication and involvement, the length of the project, and the opinions of the references. After getting all the information, be sure to use them to make a sound decision. 5. Make Sure They Have Insurance It’s also vital to check your prospective contractor’s insurance. Sometimes, things can possibly go wrong while the work is going on. It can be cumbersome to worry and take care of accidents, injuries, or damages that might happen during the project, especially with the expenses that come with these. That’s why you need to make sure the professional you hire carries sufficient insurance coverage. Construction insurance protection can include equipment and tools, crime coverage, protection for their work vehicles. While the insurance is more likely to protect the interest and safety of the contractor and their workers, it’s an indication that your prospective contractor is professionally responsible for their business, which also lessens the burden and worries on your end. 6. Measure The Ease Of Communication Another vital way of finding an exceptional local concrete contractor is to measure their ease of communication. This means considering a professional who has friendly and professional behavior. They should be willing to answer your questions and get back to you on time. If the contractor doesn’t call you back or doesn’t want to answer your questions professionally, consider it as a sign to walk away and look for someone else. Moreover, check whether your potential concrete contractor has a physical office in your area so you can easily go to their office in case online communications aren’t accessible when you need them. The Bottom Line If you’re looking to have a successfully finished concrete project, it’s important to choose the right contractor in your local area. Whether you need some repairs or to build a concrete for your parking area or driveway, you should have a top-rated local concrete contractor who knows how to give the feel and look you want for your concrete surfaces.
Although many gamblers have turned to online games in 2021, many countries are declaring it safe to travel again. Gamblers worldwide are jumping off their couches to enjoy some of the world’s most luxurious casinos. Norwegian players have very few places where they can enjoy sportsbetting or their favourite casino games. There’s only a handful in the country and only 12 allowed according to recent law changes. So, where can you go to find the luxury casino experience you’re looking for? We asked our resident casino expert, Benjamin Reppersen, and came up with a list of six of the most prestigious casinos in the world. Casino De Monte-Carlo The Casino de Monte-Carlo is located in Monaco and is almost inseparable from the image of the suave James Bond in his Aston Martin. Everything from the intricate architecture to hand-made tables and kingly service will make you feel like royalty as soon as you walk in. The casino offers halls of slot games and tables of every kind. And when you’re all done playing, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the lounge bar or sate your appetite at the highly acclaimed restaurant. Bellagio The Bellagio Luxury Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is one of the infamous MGM resorts that offers a wealth of luxury and entertainment. Visit the Club Privé to experience a private and calm atmosphere and enjoy one of the “Lucky 8” spirits. The expansive slots floor offers almost every type of slot you could imagine, along with delicious food and live entertainment from some of the most well-known names in the business. After a thrilling session in the casino, you can enjoy a range of other amenities such as the spa, pools, shops, gym, or restaurant before heading to your room in the hotel. You can even bring your canine pal to share your visit to the lavish Bellagio Resort. Baden-Baden Casino The Casino Baden-Baden is one of the most famous casinos in Germany. The stunning French architecture and almost 200 years of continued extravagant service prove this casino’s high acclaim among international gamblers. You can’t even walk in without at least a suit jacket, and you can rent one in case your visit is spontaneous. The casino offers a range of table games with professional dealers and a slots floor that will dazzle you. There’s also The Grill restaurant and Club Bernstein when you’ve had your session on the gambling floors and want to wind down. Marina Bay Sands The Marina Bay Sands Casino in Singapore has four levels of gaming space with over 2300 slot machines and more than 20 table games. The Ruby, Piazza, and High Limit areas have more than 200 games for you to enjoy in a more private and grand atmosphere on the upper, exclusive floors of the casino. Along with the grand casino, players can enjoy the array of restaurants, events, pool, spa, and so much more. The Marina Bay Sands is more than just a casino resort; it’s an experience. Sun City Casino Resort Travel away from the bustle of the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, and you’ll find a palace of luxury and thrills. Book a stay in the Palace of the Lost City, Cascades, Cabanas, or Soho hotels, all with gorgeous views and plush rooms. Have fun with the family at Waterworld, Kwena, or Valley of Waves. You can even enjoy a game of golf or a safari tour. Each hotel offers a casino floor with exciting games and that lavish, Las Vegas feel. Have fun in the African sun, watch live shows by your favourite artists, and find out if Lady Luck is on your side at this luxurious Resort. Conclusion Players worldwide are searching for ways to take advantage of safer environments after being stuck at home for extended periods of time. We’ve come to the rescue with this list of some of the most luxurious casinos in the world. These casinos offer more than just gambling; they offer extravagance and comfort in many forms. It’s time to get out and treat yourself to some luxury. You deserve it.
A new academy for training engineers and leaders of today and tomorrow has been delivered using cutting-edge modular building methods. Integra Buildings, one of the UK’s leading modular construction specialists, has completed the development for Severn Trent Water, which serves eight million people across the Midlands. Staff from both companies came together for a celebratory event to mark the launch of the Severn Trent Academy, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month. It provides a purpose-built centre of excellence for technical training on a new flagship campus in Coventry, as part of Severn Trent’s wider £10m investment in skills and training. The versatile facilities provide a variety of traditional and experimental training environments, from hands-on areas designed to replicate Severn Trent’s working environments, to use of the latest technologies in virtual reality and “network simulation” computer modelling. The energy-efficient building, which will meet Severn Trent’s present and future training needs, also houses an extensive suite of stylish rooms and breakout areas for hosting conferences and educational events. It will offer a wide range of development opportunities for Severn Trent’s 7,000 staff, including apprentices, as well as members of the wider community, who will have a chance to gain valuable employability skills and training. The facilities will also benefit 500 young people to be employed by Severn Trent over the next year under the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which creates six-month paid work placements for 16-24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment. East Yorkshire-based Integra completed the development in just 12 months from the design stage to handing over the keys, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. The building is a prime example of how modern modular techniques are transforming the construction sector by delivering major projects faster and more efficiently than traditional methods, without compromising on quality. The Prime Minister took a tour of the new building and described Severn Trent’s training programme as “world class”. He added: “This brilliant academy will support thousands of people in the West Midlands to gain the skills they need to secure long-term jobs and to take a step towards brighter futures.” Integra Managing Director Gary Parker said: “We’re delighted that the Prime Minister has praised the new academy, which looks superb inside and out. Working closely with Severn Trent, our team has delivered a first-class training environment with cutting-edge facilities. “It’s a great example of how our innovative approach to bespoke modular building allows us to meet even the most challenging design briefs while delivering faster and more cost-effective results for the client. “To do that while dealing with the challenges of Covid, especially during the uncertainty of the first lockdown, represents an outstanding achievement by our team, partners and suppliers.” Severn Trent Construction Project Manager Zoe McPhilbin said: “It was great to work with Integra in helping us create our new academy that will be so valuable in providing skills and opportunities for our people and communities. “The design aspirations for our academy have been met in full, which clearly demonstrates how Integra shared the same values and ambitions as ourselves on delivering such an amazing space in which to learn.” East Yorkshire-based Integra designed and manufactured the building, which has a floorspace of 22,600 sq ft (2,100 sq m), at its site near Hull. The facility is made up of 45 modular units, which were transported by articulated lorry to Coventry, before being assembled on Severn Trent’s site on the outskirts of the city. Integra has developed a nationwide reputation for excellence in the design, construction and fit-out of modular buildings for a wide range of uses, including education, sport, leisure, healthcare and commercial operations.
Travis Perkins plc, which is the UK’s largest supplier of building materials and owner of the Travis Perkins builders’ merchants, Toolstation and many specialist trade businesses, is celebrating Pride across the Group. More specifically, colleagues will be using Pride in June to educate themselves on what it means to become good allies to lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning (LGBTQ+) people and colleagues. This celebration is integral to the Group’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy – You Be You, It Makes Us Us – to help build a more diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, feeling that they belong and are comfortable to be themselves. As part of this, the company aims to ensure that everyone knows what it means to be an LGBTQ+ ally, and why it is an important part of creating an environment where LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers can feel safe and comfortable about who they are in and out of the workplace. During Pride, colleagues will be invited to embrace the celebrations through active participation in a raft of activities, ranging from allyship education training to reverse mentoring and local leadership team discussions. Those who feel comfortable will also be encouraged to add their pronouns to their email signatures, wear rainbow laces as part of their uniform in branches and stores nationwide, and dress brightly on Fridays throughout the month to show their support. “Being an ally is about showing support for, and solidarity with, our colleagues from the LGBTQ+ community, and celebrating the diversity of our fantastic business. It requires a curiosity about our colleagues, a desire to educate ourselves, and sometimes, the willingness to step in and stand up to others. An ally shouldn’t be prepared to leave unacceptable behaviour unchallenged. Fostering a work environment where our colleagues can be themselves without fear of discrimination and to feel included and supported is essential to enabling them to be happy and productive. “We’ll be a better place to work and better able to understand and serve our customers’ needs if our business genuinely reflects the diversity of our society and our customer base. Visibly celebrating and respecting difference is a key part of allyship. It helps us to attract the best people to work with us irrespective of social or ethnic background, gender, sexuality, disability or any other individual characteristics and makes us a stronger, better business,” explained General Counsel & Company Secretary for Travis Perkins plc and a sponsor for the Group’s LGBTQ+ network, Robin Miller. Acording to Stonewall, more than a third are known to hide that they are LGBTQ+ at work for fear of discrimination. Colleagues at Travis Perkins Group hope that through being brilliant allies, they can support LGBTQ+ colleagues and ensure they feel safe and comfortable about who they are, and eliminate any unfair treatment of them.
ALMOST a millennium’s worth of heritage and some of Nottingham’s most treasured artefacts have been protected during the £30 million redevelopment of the city’s castle – thanks to technological innovation by local firm Ramtech, which designs and develops industry-leading wireless solutions. After three years of closure for extensive refurbishment and conservation works, Nottingham Castle is set to reopen to the public on 21 June. Ramtech, which is based in Castle Marina, Nottingham, worked in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle Trust to provide a tailored fire detection and alert system during the three-year-long renovation programme. Lead contractor G F Tomlinson specified Ramtech’s EN54-compliant, state-of-the-art WES3 technology and REACT system, which provided 24/7 fire and emergency monitoring to the construction site – minimising the risk to lives, mitigating site damage and protecting irreplaceable assets. Andy Hicks, managing director at Ramtech, said: “Being involved in such an important project for Nottingham and using our expertise and innovative solutions to keep lives safe and protect the city’s treasures has been a privilege. We were founded in Nottingham, we’re based in Castle Marina and we are currently celebrating our 30th anniversary, so it feels like a birthday gift to be able to showcase how far we have come by working on a major landmark in our home city.” The extreme likelihood of fire damage occurring on job sites is widely recognised. Latest figures from the Home Office show that between April 2018 and March 2019, fire and rescue services attended 365 fires on construction sites in England – increasing from 333 in 2014/15. Andy added: “Ensuring the heritage of Nottingham Castle was preserved, as well protecting the lives of construction workers, was key. However, safeguarding 953 years of history from the risk of fire during a significant refurbishment was a challenging undertaking, especially as the castle site is particularly complex. “The sensitive, historic nature of the site meant that if a fire broke out, it could be difficult to identify the source and where workers were, so our solution – which gives real-time insights, enabling sites to react to potential disasters quickly – was ideal in mitigating risk. In the event of a call point or detector being triggered, WES combined with REACT provided on and off site communications to alert the local fire brigade immediately; this was active day and night, whether the site was occupied or not. “Heritage buildings such as Nottingham Castle are irreplaceable, like the lives of those working on site. We are dedicated and passionate about providing the best solution to protect them and our technology is designed to accomplish this. The added benefit of our solutions is preventing delays on site – fires will stop projects being delivered on time and result in added costs.” WES3 is a wireless fire, evacuation and emergency alarm system that has been engineered to deliver the highest standards of legislative compliance, while meeting the unique fire safety challenges of construction sites. It links with REACT – Ramtech’s next generation of cloud-based wireless fire safety systems – enabling site management teams to have complete control of communications. This creates a fully-integrated emergency response system that protects a construction site 24/7. G F Tomlinson identified Ramtech’s solution because it is compliant with the relevant sections of EN54 and wireless with no need for external power. The system also had no impact on the fabric of the castle but could deliver exact location information should a fire have broken out. In addition, the units can span any distance by utilising their innovative “flooded mesh” radio network. The redevelopment and conservation works followed a major £30 million investment from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Nottingham City Council, D2N2 and Arts Council England, plus fundraising by the Nottingham Castle Trust. Sara Blair-Manning, Chief Executive Officer at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “The Ducal Palace and its grounds posed a complex site that had to be considered not only in relation to personnel safety, but ultimately the protection of over one thousand years of history. The completion of the renovation safely and on time has allowed us to open as soon as Covid restrictions have allowed and to finally unveil unique treasures that will secure Nottingham as a global tourism destination.” Nottingham Castle, which sits 130ft above the city on Castle Rock, was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. The major royal fortress was largely demolished in 1651 and Henry Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Newcastle, built the present Ducal Mansion on the site in 1660. However, parts of the structure were burned down by rioters in 1831. The mansion remained a derelict shell until it was restored in 1875 and reopened in three years later to house an art gallery and museum. For more information on Ramtech and its wireless solutions, visit www.ramtechglobal.com.
One of the UK’s leading construction experts has called for drastic change in production methods to drive forward the fast-emerging offsite housebuilding industry. Develop Consulting, the lead transformation consultant, which has over two decades of experience within the field, has warned that current methods, which see modular homes being pre-built in factories using construction methods before being fully assembled on site, needed to be “drastically updated” to achieve success. Steve Clark, Manufacturing and Construction Director for Develop Consulting, added that for Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs) to truly accelerate the delivery of homes built within the UK, more method change from within was needed within the trade. He stressed the change from using manufacturing methods rather than those used for construction would not only speed up the build process, but also make it easier, better and cheaper than ever before for new factory-built homes. Speaking after the recent announcement by chancellor Rishi Sunak that a taskforce was being formed and there would be a £10m injection into the economy to drive the adoption of offsite housebuilding, Mr Clark warned that more needed to be done than just ‘pumping money’ into an industry which needed change at its very core. Mr Clark said: “There have been millions of pounds spent on the MMC sector over the past five years, with various bodies put together in changing systems and cataloguing parts. But very little has been invested in actually changing behaviours from within. “The main issue is where the housing is being built offsite, it is done so within a construction culture rather than with a manufacturing process at its core. The manufacturing process within a factory has more planning, organisation and preparation than in any other sector, which gives a far more consistent and streamlined output than anything construction can currently offer. We almost need to create a car assembly line model within a factory setting, but for houses. “Quite literally we need to build strong foundations for the process of the build to create a stable market, stronger product and this will then lead to an improved output. But the main issue is they aren’t changing the manufacturing facilities into production facilities, they are doing construction under a tin roof, and this needs to change, and soon,” he added. Mr Clark said Develop Consulting was already working with a number of modular home builders based within the UK to create this change, and urged more to look at transforming this process. “I honestly believe with this process in place, a company could go from producing one module a day to three, and this would go quite a way to help solving the housing crisis we currently have,” he added. For more information on the change in process, and for a background on MMCs, click on this link or visit www.develop-consulting.co.uk
Design and construction of a 332,626 sq ft production/warehouse facility to be built adjacent to existing facility at their HQ in Barnsley with the design mirroring the existing building. GMI Construction, a leading main contractor to a growing portfolio of public and private clients throughout the UK has announced that it has been awarded a major new contract by The Symphony Group – the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture to develop a new 332,626 sq. ft. production warehouse facility at their HQ in Barnsley. The facility which has been designed by Architect Garnett Netherwood and will feature enhanced FM1 floor slabs will be constructed adjacent to the existing Symphony production plant with a harmonious design that mirrors the existing building. The new facility will provide Symphony with much increased storage and production capacity, along with the enabling of key equipment to enable Symphony to fulfil its plans for growth. The build is expected to take 38 weeks with the expectation that the facility will become fully operational later the same year. Speaking about the appointment Lee Powell, GMI Divisional Managing Director said: “We are very pleased to have been instructed by Symphony Group to construct this important new production plant and warehouse to enable their next phase of expansion. GMI is well known for its work and credentials in the production and warehouse sector and we look forward to working with Symphony and the full project team to deliver this building on time/budget”.