National Regional Property Group and PMC Construction have completed Southampton’s second Build to Rent (BTR) scheme, and have now handed over the landmark building in the heart of the city to residential landlord, Grainger plc. Grainger plc agreed to forward-fund and acquire the Private Rented Sector (PRS) scheme of 132
After a multi-stage application process, Ventive has been selected to partner with the Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to collaboratively develop a new platform construction system that can be deployed at scale, across sectors. Traditional construction methods, although still favoured by many developers, can fall
Leading supplier AEI Cables has further invested in service excellence for existing and new customers by moving into new UK headquarters. The company has moved into the new modern facilities including a distribution warehouse in Washington, Tyne & Wear, to ensure all service needs are met for its customers. Stuart
The National Portrait Gallery is one of London’s most iconic attractions. Housing the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, including paintings and pictures of historically important and famous British people, it is one of the stand-out tourist destinations in the capital and generally attracts in excess of 1.5
After a turbulent year, 2021 is the year of recovery and growth for the construction industry. However, with labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and stricter regulations, challenging the industry to innovate must be a priority in order for the sector to recover and become resilient. This was reflected in the Construction
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re entitled to file a personal injury claim. But, before filing a claim for personal injury, there are various things you should know. One of these is that filing a personal claim is a complicated process. Fortunately, once you choose the best personal
When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the
Despite their crucial fire safety role, huge numbers of fire and smoke dampers remain untested in thousands of buildings across the UK, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The Association fears that less than 1% of buildings have been fully tested in line with legislation, despite growing awareness
Leading plant hire firm invests in latest Cat® excavators Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, has supplied leading plant, access equipment and tractor hire company, ASHBROOK, with seven new Cat 315 GC excavators, marking the first delivery of this machine in the UK. After the delivery on
Construction has begun on a new industrial park in Tottenham which is set to become the greenest development of its kind in London. SEGRO, the leading developer and owner of warehouse and industrial property, will deliver 190,000 sq ft of modern, high quality space at SEGRO Park Tottenham, located in
National Regional Property Group and PMC Construction have completed Southampton’s second Build to Rent (BTR) scheme, and have now handed over the landmark building in the heart of the city to residential landlord, Grainger plc. Grainger plc agreed to forward-fund and acquire the Private Rented Sector (PRS) scheme of 132 one and two bedroom apartments in Southampton’s city centre in 2018, in a deal worth £27 million. The development, known as Gatehouse Apartments, has now been handed over to Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, who will own and manage the 14-storey building which boasts a range of resident amenity spaces including roof terraces, a gym, communal lounge area, and co-working space, as well as 462 sq ms of commercial space at ground floor level. Grainger Chief Executive Helen Gordon said: “The launch of our Gatehouse Apartments scheme in the centre of Southampton is an important milestone for Grainger. We identified the city for investment owing to its excellent potential and Gatehouse Apartments is one of Southampton’s first build to rent developments. “We believe the high-quality finish and professionally managed service, delivered by the inhouse Grainger team, will attract a range of residents from across the city and beyond. “With Southampton being confirmed as one of the new Freeports and its bid for City of Culture 2025 under consideration, we see Southampton as a key destination for those looking to rent as a lifestyle choice. We look forward to welcoming our first residents in the next few weeks.” This is the second BTR scheme that National Regional Property Group and PMC Construction have completed in Southampton, the first being the £60m transformation of the city’s run-down fruit and veg market into apartments and retail space. Known as Bow Square, this now thriving community comprises 280 one and two-bed apartments for private rent. Shaun Adams, Chief Executive Officer at National Regional Property Group, based in Portsmouth commented: “We’ve been instrumental in bringing build to rent schemes to Southampton and continuing to invest in the ongoing regeneration of parts of the city.” Matt McGee from Cosham-based contractors, PMC Construction, who led the construction of the building, comments: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with National Regional Property Group and Grainger plc. As well as providing high-quality housing for the people of Southampton, we were able to provide significant employment for our specialist local supply chain and opportunities for young people to gain experience and qualifications working in construction.” Southampton has recently been tipped by CBRE as one of the top 20 future rental hotspots, due to a variety of factors, such as its strong transport links, excellent employment opportunities and relatively young population. For further details please visit www.gatehouseapartments.co.uk
After a multi-stage application process, Ventive has been selected to partner with the Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to collaboratively develop a new platform construction system that can be deployed at scale, across sectors. Traditional construction methods, although still favoured by many developers, can fall short in delivery, especially in relation to energy conservation, carbon reduction and building performance (for which read cost, environment, and comfort). With numerous trades and suppliers involved, the margin for error increases throughout a build programme and post-occupancy evaluation often reveals performance levels well below the design target. Ventive has been designing and manufacturing passive ventilation solutions for over 10 years and is improving the performance of buildings, through the application of science, innovation and modern methods of construction (MMC). Internal environments are known to affect the health and wellbeing of occupants and heavily impact the energy demand of the building itself. The internal environment for both domestic and commercial properties is under increasing scrutiny, with emphasis on ventilation to reduce the risk of viral infection. Now more than ever, we need to provide healthy spaces to live, learn and work and conserve our precious resources, including energy. Rob Morrison, Managing Director of Ventive said: “Our perennial focus on cost as an industry has historically meant the emphasis is placed on cost-effective delivery, over the solutions that improve the long-term performance of the building for the people that matter most – the end-users. Embedding the right solutions, at the design stage is critical if we are to ensure our buildings are fit for purpose now and in the future.” To enable this, Ventive has developed a range of modular, displacement ventilation systems that operate by harnessing natural forces (air buoyancy and wind speed) and recover energy either at zero cost or a fraction of the cost of mechanical solutions. Perfectly aligned to Offsite Construction and MMC, these solutions keep energy demand low, system performance high and the air quality excellent. Ventive’s most recent testing has also shown that displacement ventilation (a strategy for safely removing exhaust air and replacing it with fresh air, without recirculation or mixing) is proven to be an effective way to mitigate virus transmission. Rob Morrison added: “As building physics specialists and a disruptive manufacturer of building services technology, Ventive is well placed to advise and assist on this project – bringing to bear our expertise in environment management, system optimisation and construction integration. We share the ambitions of the Platform Design Programme and are fully committed to developing deployment-ready, manufactured-off-site buildings that address all of the economic, societal, environmental and wellbeing needs of the end-users.” For more information, visit www.ventive.co.uk Rob Morrison, MD Ventive Ltd: rob@ventive.co.uk
Leading supplier AEI Cables has further invested in service excellence for existing and new customers by moving into new UK headquarters. The company has moved into the new modern facilities including a distribution warehouse in Washington, Tyne & Wear, to ensure all service needs are met for its customers. Stuart Dover, general manager for AEI Cables, said: “The investment means we can move products quickly across our networks in the UK for our customers wherever they are. “With the increasing demand for specialist products, we can provide stock and the technical support and expertise they require from one location.” All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
The National Portrait Gallery is one of London’s most iconic attractions. Housing the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, including paintings and pictures of historically important and famous British people, it is one of the stand-out tourist destinations in the capital and generally attracts in excess of 1.5 million visitors per year. A major programme of refurbishment is currently underway at the gallery which has led to its closure from 2020 to 2023. The project, entitled “Inspiring People”, is a comprehensive redisplay of the collection from the Tudors to present day and involves a complete refurbishment of the building, the creation of new public spaces, a more welcoming visitor entrance and public forecourt, and a new state-of-the-art Learning Centre. The East Wing will return to being gallery space, with its own new street entrance. Panthera Group has been appointed by the London office of Gilbert Ash, the main contractor, to provide full site services for the duration of the renovation project. The first phase of this is to install an on-ground hoarding solution round the exterior of the building. The client chose EnviroHoard™, a sustainable, closed loop hoarding system manufactured from post production uPVC that is both recycled and recyclable. This solution was chosen in place of timber hoarding following a campaign by Panthera Group to minimise the felling of mature trees for single use construction projects. As well as being the perfect choice environmentally, it is also a great choice commercially – the system is quick to install; enabling swifter securing of the boundary and can be easily relocated if required. The panels do not warp or delaminate and need no maintenance whilst in-situ. A 60m stretch of EnviroHoard™ has been fixed to 1200kg concrete blocks and laid on protective mats to protect the pavement outside the building. Two sets of mesh vehicle gates and a set of pedestrian gates were also installed to ensure safe access and egress for contractors, suppliers and workers. The second phase of works included a 255m² internal fit out which had a set of strict criteria due to the sensitive nature of the works being carried out inside the national portrait gallery. The client requested that all works be carried out with minimal to no fixings to the existing structure. Panthera Group Site Services team therefore installed a perimeter wall that was flush with the existing wall to act as a frame allowing the build to proceed without fixing to the existing walls or floor. The temporary fit out includes two meeting rooms, two offices, a changing room, a canteen with integrated office and two tea stations, plus all doors and double-glazed opening windows. All temporary power and lighting was supplied and installed by Panthera Group for the internal fit out in the gallery and the company also provided welfare accommodation for the construction teams completing the renovations. When the National Portrait Gallery returns to life in 2023 it will be a historic building fit for a modern future.
After a turbulent year, 2021 is the year of recovery and growth for the construction industry. However, with labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and stricter regulations, challenging the industry to innovate must be a priority in order for the sector to recover and become resilient. This was reflected in the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Strategy 2021, with increasing productivity and performance being key challenges to overcome. To do this, it is key for technology to be at the heart of this transformation by accelerating the adoption of new and innovative technologies and processes to create high performing systems that work together, adding value to society. The adoption of new technology and smarter processes can deliver tangible benefits for construction firms, but there remains a fundamental stumbling block for those organisations looking to capitalise on new innovation – which is finding the best connectivity to do the job. This could be a frequent lack of high speed, portable and reliable Internet connectivity, particularly for sites located in green and brownfield locations, or having access to emergency comms should there be a delay in a fixed-line installation or accidental breakage to a line. It is therefore imperative that the industry addresses these key issues as a matter of urgency so that firms can gain access to the connectivity they need at new sites from day one. Drew Morris, Sales Director, Comms365, explains. Foundations for change With rapid advances in technology and the advent of cloud-based services and applications, the way we work and collaborate has drastically changed. Technology innovation has led industries to continually strive to be more efficient, productive and cost effective. Yet, when it comes to the world of construction, investment in IT has remained low in comparison to other industries. The market has been hampered by technical challenges relating to projects that can be large, complex and geographically dispersed. Combined with varying proficiency and maturity levels of smaller subcontractors, advancing at scale has been difficult and has subsequently led to the slow progress of the digitisation of the construction industry. Despite these challenges, the available technology in construction has advanced rapidly and we are now starting to see examples of how advances in digital technology can deliver efficiency and productivity opportunities at the start of all projects – truly revolutionising the construction sites of the past. Drones, robotics, 3D printing and augmented reality are no longer works of fiction but can be adopted by forward thinking firms looking to capitalise on the benefits that embracing innovation can bring to the construction site. The catalyst of connectivity Connectivity is a necessity for businesses in virtually every industry and construction is no exception. Crucially, this is still one fundamental hurdle that the industry must overcome if it is to create a solid foundation for all new digital innovation. Technology that is crucial for the industry to innovate and keep up with demand, cannot function without high speed, portable and reliable internet connections, but gaining access to connectivity can be a challenge for new sites, particularly those that are located in a Green or Brownfield location where there is typically no existing infrastructure. But as internet communications are no longer restricted to fixed-line only delivery, companies can now invest in a blended communications model of wired and wireless internet access that truly satisfies business needs – irrespective of location. Advanced bonded service solutions enable organisations to gain additional resilience and contingency from combining different internet access connections together into a single ‘virtual pipe’, with precise performance management. With combined bandwidth and enhanced reliable internet performance integrated into a portable solution, this service is highly suitable for rapid deployment emergency situations where internet services are required urgently and communications infrastructure is either missing or may take several weeks to be installed, meaning sites can be up and running in a matter of hours, not weeks. In addition, this approach builds in future-proofing by providing consistent bandwidth for improved performance and backup resilience to a primary connection for business continuity. Conclusion The construction industry cannot continue to utilise outdated processes and management methods but instead must embrace digital advances and adopt smarter processes and technology to stay competitive. New technology will continue to disrupt the industry and change how we work, but there is no way that the construction sites of the future will ever become a reality unless the industry can conquer the basics of connectivity. So, how can construction firms ensure that a strong and stable connection is established quickly at a new site to ensure lack of connectivity does not negatively impact on projects? By working with experienced and trusted providers who can supply the connectivity solutions that sites require. The industry will then be able to continually benefit from the opportunities that the latest advances in innovation present, and meet the priorities laid out in the CLC strategy, bettering the future of construction. The potential rewards to firms that capitalise on digitisation will be instantaneous.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re entitled to file a personal injury claim. But, before filing a claim for personal injury, there are various things you should know. One of these is that filing a personal claim is a complicated process. Fortunately, once you choose the best personal injury lawyer from a reputable Denver PI Firm to handle your claim, the entire process will run smoothly. However, it’s still essential to keep the following things in mind before you decide to file a claim: 1. Know if Your Insurance Policy Covers the Accident If you think your injuries or the accident are caused by someone’s negligence, you might want to determine if that person has insurance coverage that would cover the injury claim you’ll take. For instance, if you’ve suffered from injuries due to a workplace accident, know if the company has insurance coverage for this or if your employer has a workers’ compensation policy. It’s crucial to do this since it can determine whether or not you’d be able to get a fair settlement. 2. Filing Personal Injury Claims Have Time Limits When filing a personal injury claim, you need to consider the time limits or statute of limitations to obtain a more desirable outcome for your case. Typically, the majority of personal injury claims are subject to strict time limits, which require court proceedings to be commenced within three years of the incident’s date. Other claims are also subject to shorter time limits. Therefore, it’s necessary to take legal advice immediately and never delay the process if you want to file a claim. Remember, by keeping the statute of limitations in mind, you’ll be encouraged to file your claim promptly. If you know you have a limited amount of time to initiate your case, you’re more likely to do so sooner rather than later. This can help ensure the evidence isn’t lost or destroyed and that the witnesses’ memories are still fresh. 3. Medical Evidence is Crucial to Support Your Claim Depending on the injuries you’ve sustained, you must seek medical advice from a doctor or any hospital. Medical evidence is needed to support your personal injury claim. If you can’t get your medical report because you’re still recovering, let your lawyer obtain it for you. 4. Insurance Companies are Involved in Personal Injury Cases Most personal injury cases often involve insurance companies, including claims that involve medical malpractice, vehicle accidents, or other accidents that happen in private homes or businesses. Insurance companies are vested in protecting your insurance company’s financial interests. The settlement offer that insurance providers make might not always be fair since they limit their company’s financial exposure. 5. Take Note of Your Expenses and Losses You should provide evidence of the financial losses claimed. If possible, keep some receipts for the expenses you’ve incurred. Keep a record of the costs incurred due to the accident. These may include loss of earnings, damaged items, medical fees, and travel expenses. 6. Gather the Statements of Your Witnesses If you can, speak to your witnesses and gather some vital information about your accident. Jot down their personal contact details, such as email address, phone number, and name. They may have other information you didn’t catch before. For instance, the other driver might be driving fast or hit your car at a red light. 7. Take Videos or Photos of the Accident If you or someone can take photos or videos of the accident, don’t forget to do it. Such can be a good piece of evidence that may disappear immediately when the emergency team and police arrive and start to clean the accident scene. 8. Decide Whether or Not to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Regardless of the complexity level of your case, it’s best to discuss it with a lawyer specializing in personal injury. Take note that talking with a lawyer isn’t the same as hiring one. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation where they’ll discuss your case’s merits and outline all the available legal options for you. In many lawyer-client agreements in a personal injury case, the lawyer works on a contingency basis, which means the client won’t pay anything unless there’s a settlement or judgment in favor of the client. If your case wins or you’ve received compensation successfully, your lawyer will take an agreed-upon percentage of the judgment or settlement as a fee for the services. Depending on the complexity of your case or the amount of money at stake, it’s always worth it to have a lawyer to fight for you. However, it’s essential to note that there are specific signs you may need to seek legal assistance. These include: If you experience any of these situations, it would be advisable to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. This could enhance your understanding of your case and potentially improve your chances of securing a more favorable outcome. 9. Never Sign Anything Before Consulting a Lawyer Insurance adjusters might convince you that you won’t need a lawyer to settle your claim but bear in mind that insurance companies don’t care about your best interest. Most of them want you to deal with them directly in the hopes that you’ll settle for less than your case’s worth. With this in mind, it’s essential not to sign anything before speaking to personal injury lawyers because doing so can prevent you from recovering your compensation. Conclusion Filing a personal injury claim is never easy. By understanding the whole process and considering the above mentioned things, you’ll be more equipped with knowledge that may come in handy once you decide to file a claim for personal injury. If you’re still confused with the process, take legal advice and never hesitate to let your lawyer handle everything for you.
When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the CIPP lining process, he can expect the resulting pipeline to be loaded with several benefits instead of when he uses the traditional pipe repair process and the related replacement techniques. Working of CIPP The first step of the CIPP installation is cleaning out the pipe. If one tries to attempt the installation without cleaning the pipe, it will result in a failed pipe restoration. The resin will be able to coat it evenly and cure it only if the line is clean. If corrosion, grease, or rust is found, cleaners can remove it using abrasive cleaning methods. After ensuring that the pipe is clean, the technicians will proceed to insert a video camera inside the pipe to search for sources of damage. This information is crucial since it will tell them where they need to make the repairs. A fundamental advantage of CIPP liners is that you have both options: to repair not such big areas of damage or repair the whole pipe length in one go. After the technicians have determined the area which needs repairs, they start inserting a tube coated with layers of repair material into the pipe. Subsequently, they prepare a balloon or bladder and put it inside the line. This ensures that the tube is held in place against the pipe. The bladder has coated the damaged pipe with the required repair material and will keep it until it cures. With most materials, one can expect the pipe to cure in around two to three hours. The technician removes the balloon and deflates it once the material is completely dried. They might insert the video camera once again to check whether the process was successful and sealed the damage. There should be a solid and durable pipe instead of the old one, which was not in good condition. When we compare trenching and CIPP lining, we find that the latter provides several benefits compared to the former. There might be some situations where CIPP liners might not be the solution for specific problems; one can look towards trenchless solutions for such cases. Consult some of the experts in trenchless pipe solutions to perform a diagnosis of your water system before you decide which method of repair or replacement you would like to go for. Identification of sewage problems When we compare sewage issues with other ones, we discover that they are relatively easier to identify. You should not ignore the first signs of a leaking sewage system. The more you ignore them, the worse the damage can become. Naturally, you might not know when there are problems. However, you can learn what things to take care of and when to seek professional help. Funny sounds In the scenario that you hear the sound of water gushing but can’t seem to find the source, it might be that there is a leak in either your sewer pipes or building. Squishy floor When you step on your floor, and it makes a squishy sound or feels spongy, it might have happened due to a sewage leak. When an issue arises with the link to the sewer main, the water seeps close to the connection, which results in the floor getting filled with moisture. Bad odor Although it is known that sewage does not have a pleasant smell, but some foul odors in your house might arise from mold and mildew that flourish with the help of sewage leaks. These odors might be detectable outdoors too. Rodent woes Rodents are attracted to the odor of leaking sewer lines. It might be too late before you notice the issue, and they have arrived in large numbers drawn by the smell. If you cannot pinpoint any other reason for the rodent problem, it is definitely a sewer leakage. Cracks present in the foundation When sewer lines drip, they cause pooling in the soil present around your home. This leads to the shifting of the house and the development of cracks in the foundation. It might also result in damage in driveways, concrete patios, and sidewalks. Why choose CIPP trenchless pipeliners? Even though traditional trench methods might seem a cheaper option, this is not the case. When the actual costs are computed, CIPP lining appears to be a better option economically. CIPP pipelines can work for several types and sizes of pipes. You need not think about the size or placement of the original line. CIPP pipeliners are a much safer option for you and the workers. There is less risk of exposure to several dangerous natural elements. Plagiarism Report:
Despite their crucial fire safety role, huge numbers of fire and smoke dampers remain untested in thousands of buildings across the UK, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The Association fears that less than 1% of buildings have been fully tested in line with legislation, despite growing awareness of the importance of carrying out comprehensive fire safety risk assessments in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy. Many building owners are unaware that they have a legal responsibility to ensure the fire and smoke dampers in their buildings are tested at least once a year – and sometimes more regularly depending on indoor conditions. Even where testing is being carried out, it is often impossible to access at least 25% of the dampers in a building and, in the worst cases, as many as 90% cannot be reached or even located. Failing to check that these devices are in good working order and, therefore, able to reduce the risk of fire and smoke spreading through a building, can lead to hefty fines and possible prison sentences under current fire regulations. “Many building owners don’t even know they have dampers; even less that they are a critical element of their building’s fire safety system,” said BESA’s technical consultant Peter Rogers. “However, since Grenfell there has been much greater focus on all aspects of fire safety. “This has obvious implications for damper testing regimes, best practice and the competence of the firms employed to locate, test, and maintain these safety critical devices,” Rogers told a BESA webinar this week. Guidance He explained that the Association had updated its technical guidance for Fire and Smoke Damper Maintenance (VH001) and that this can now be downloaded from its website as part of BESA’s contribution to improving the overall safety of buildings. The webinar heard that there are an estimated 30 million fire and smoke dampers already installed in UK buildings and, if each one was checked and repaired when necessary as required by law, the damper testing market would be worth at least £500 million annually. Despite the clear legal obligations, the BESA webinar heard that many buildings including hospitals (which typically contain thousands of dampers) had arbitrarily decided to reduce testing to once every five years to save money. “That’s like deciding to only put your seatbelt on once in every five car journeys,” said George Friend, chair of BESA’s Ventilation Hygiene group. “How do you know on which journey you are going to crash?” Part of the testing regime involves flagging up which dampers cannot be found or accessed and providing suggestions for remedial works – including installing access panels and/or builders’ hatches – to ensure all dampers can be checked and repaired if necessary. “It is also crucial that we move away from the tick list culture that still dominates testing regimes,” said Richard Norman, managing director of Indepth Services. “To be compliant with legislation, testing should involve comprehensive photographic records showing the condition of the damper before, during, and after testing. “The availability of VH001 has improved the situation and if all building owners or managers only used contractors who complied with this guidance, it would eradicate a big part of the problem,” added Norman. VH001 outlines all aspects of a compliant test regime in line with industry best practice and standards. It builds on the industry’s installation and commissioning code of practice DW/145, the sheet metal ductwork specification DW/144, and the ventilation hygiene standard TR/19. The BESA testing guidance was produced in response to urgent calls for a methodology to help the building services industry comply with the British Standard (BS9999) for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings along with the healthcare sector’s technical documents HTM 03-01 for heating and ventilation and HTM 05-02 for fire safety in healthcare premises. Competence BESA’s guidance explains how dampers should be located – in line with the responsibilities of the system designer and as part of a building’s fire strategy – and accessed for testing along with the levels of competence required to carry out this work. It states that an inventory of all dampers should be created and that every manually resettable damper is individually released to ensure the spring-loaded shutter remains operational. The BESA document also sets out a comprehensive plan for providing reports to clients and any findings that need action including damaged and missing dampers. It also highlights key elements needed to put a planned maintenance regime in place linked to the Association’s digital planned maintenance tool SFG20. “It is no longer acceptable – or compliant – to put in your report that a damper could not be tested,” said Friend. “There are a lot of people out there carrying out visual inspections that add no value for clients and certainly don’t make people safer.” Some firms have also been carrying out full building surveys to establish the number of dampers installed without actually carrying out any testing, the webinar heard. “Not only does this do nothing to improve fire safety, it is a criminal waste of a client’s time and money. If you are carrying out a survey, why not test at the same time?” said Norman, adding that one positive outcome from the Covid crisis was that many clients had been saving themselves time and money by getting indoor air quality and damper testing done at the same time.www.theBESA.com/knowledge
Leading plant hire firm invests in latest Cat® excavators Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, has supplied leading plant, access equipment and tractor hire company, ASHBROOK, with seven new Cat 315 GC excavators, marking the first delivery of this machine in the UK. After the delivery on April 26, 2021, customer demand meant they were put straight to work, offering longer maintenance intervals than previous models, fuel-saving features and a compact radius design. ASHBROOK has had a strong relationship with Finning for many years — James Ashbrook, Managing Director and Neil Baxter, Sales Manager at Finning struck up an excellent working relationship back in 2006, when the two companies started doing business. In 2019, Finning delivered its 1,000th new machine to ASHBROOK, a number that has since risen to over 1,200. The latest arrivals are seven Cat 315 GC excavators, one of the only excavators on the market to offer a full-size cab on a compact radius machine, and ten 313 GC hydraulic excavators. The machines were put to work on customer sites quickly after delivery and Ashbrook plans to add more to its fleet by the end of June. ”It’s always been central to our business ethos that our machines remain at the forefront of industry technology and these new machines allow us to do just that,” commented James Ashbrook “Adding the Cat 315 GC and Cat 313 GC to the ASHBROOK fleet, enables us to further expand our fleet and keep up with our regular fleet renewals. We’re excited to see the real time, on-site benefits that these excavators will bring our customers.” The Cat 315 GC is equipped with an EU Stage V engine to meet the European Commission’s latest emission standards, with the added benefit of improved fuel economy and reduced operating costs. Additionally, all daily maintenance checks are accessible from ground level to allow for easier walkarounds and quicker servicing. The 315 GC boasts smaller cab pillars, larger windows and a wider skylight hatch to give users 60 per cent greater visibility, allowing operators to work confidently and safely in space-restricted areas. The GC range of construction equipment and work tools is a game changer for small to medium sized customers looking for best-in-class machines that are simple, durable, reliable, fuel competitive and economical. Built on the legacy of high-quality, proven products, the new range has the ability to adapt to various applications and boasts the ruggedness to keep performance at peak levels. “I have been in the construction industry for 29 years, working with different brands along the way,” added Paul Pitney, General Manager at Ashbrook. “Throughout my career I have received consistent feedback on how fantastic Cat machines are — they are always an easy sell, because of their reliability and additional on-board features. The most important thing for us as a company when choosing a supplier is the combination of a quality product and excellent servicing and support, which Finning offers in abundance.” All the machines supplied to ASHBROOK come with a full warranty and Complete Customer Value Agreement (CVA), which means that Cat certified engineers will carry out all scheduled servicing using genuine Cat parts. ASHBROOK, a family-run business that operates nationwide, has worked in its respective industry sectors for over 20 years. Its customer base covers the majority of the construction sector, from paving to quarries. As a result of its equipment quality and service, Ashbrook has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading plant hire companies, with a diverse machine portfolio that fulfils its customers’ requirements. As well as the seven 315 GCs, ASHBROOK is also adding ten 313 GC hydraulic excavators to its fleet in May. To find out more about the new GC range, contact Finning on +44 0800 028 7778 or visit www.finning.com.
Construction has begun on a new industrial park in Tottenham which is set to become the greenest development of its kind in London. SEGRO, the leading developer and owner of warehouse and industrial property, will deliver 190,000 sq ft of modern, high quality space at SEGRO Park Tottenham, located in London’s Zone 3. The scheme secured planning consent from Haringey Council and the Greater London Authority in January and SEGRO has moved swiftly to begin work on site, which is expected to complete in February 2022. The new industrial park will deliver a well-connected and modern urban logistics hub which sets a new benchmark for sustainable industrial development and workplace wellbeing. The buildings are designed to be carbon neutral with A+ Energy Performance and BREEAM Excellent ratings. Features will include photovoltaic cells, green walls and external amenity areas. It is anticipated that the eight new speculative units will provide over 250 jobs and SEGRO is working with the London Borough of Haringey to deliver a skills and training programme to help members of the local community secure employment. The programme will include apprentices working on the construction of the park and the delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) events for local school and college students. Alan Holland, SEGRO’s Managing Director, Greater London, said: “The start of construction is a key milestone for what we believe is a game-changing industrial development at SEGRO Park Tottenham. In addition to raising the bar for environmental standards, we’re looking forward to making a positive impact on the local employment market and economy through job creation and skills and training opportunities for young people in the community.”