Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and
Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, has taken over as Chair of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Surface Coatings Interest Group. The group now has over 300 members, with a very active committee organising events and outreach to help bring together the industrial and academic communities with an
Buying business equipment is something the majority of business owners will need to do at some point – unless this business is one that can run with nothing but an internet connection, although that is rare. Since you are thinking about buying business equipment now (or you wouldn’t be reading
National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has been granted planning permission from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council for the delivery of 125 brand new homes in Exhall. The £26m development, Exhall Gardens, will transform the previously vacant site on School Lane and provide much needed housing to the area. Comprising a mixed
Initiative Set To Maximise Value and Kick Start Development Of Unused Land Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has been appointed as the sole Land Broker on a new land brokerage and advisory framework designed to maximise the value and support
THE TRANSFORMATION of Bury St Edmunds’ former post office has now begun as part of a council’s investment in the future of its high street. The £8.4 million redevelopment project at 17-18 Cornhill will completely demolish the rear of the building to make way for 12 flats and two commercial units, while the Victorian frontage will be retained. Property, construction and infrastructure
Southwark Councill has acquired the former Toys R Us site at 760 Old Kent Road as part of its plans to secure the Bakerloo Line extension and increase housing supply in the borough. The 2.59-acre site was sold by CBRE, on behalf of the Joint Fixed Charge Receivers. It is currently
Landscaping was always prevalent during the 70s and 80s when people had fewer work hours and could afford to take the time out to decorate the space around their homes. In the early 2000s, most of this work was abandoned or given to professionals. Many people even started DIY landscaping
If you are the current owner of a commercial or residential property built back sometime in the seventies or sixties, there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials are present in the structure. If this is the case, it would be paramount you take an asbestos survey. But why would you
National Apprentice Week runs between the 8th-14th February and this year the team at Lee Marley Brickwork Ltdare celebrating their amazing apprentices and how well they’ve adapted to the changes in training that Covid-19 has created. Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone
Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and a wild card entry. Projects shortlisted include the £15 million DRAMA project (Digital Reconfigurable Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace). DRAMA is a supply chain programme to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing in the UK aerospace sector, giving supply chain companies access to facilities and know-how that can support the development or their own products, processes and facilities. The programme has supported 22 supply chain companies so far and has expanded the footprint of the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing by building a new open access facility with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure developed with project partners. DRAMA was shortlisted in both the Aerospace and Defence and Manufacturing Technology categories of the Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Also shortlisted in the Manufacturing Technology category, the Concrete Reinforcement of the Future project, undertaken as part of the Construction Innovation Hub, identified opportunities to innovate standard rebar by laser cutting each piece, substantially reducing injury, labour time and costs. This collaborative project, in conjunction with MetLase, shows how even the most traditional process has potential for innovation. Based on current rebar use in the UK, this innovative project has identified potential savings of £1.35bn in labour time and 54,000,000 hours. Also shortlisted is the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing’s PowderCleanse project which demonstrates the benefits of a newly developed sieving and recycling process for metal powder used in additive manufacturing production, particularly with safety critical, high value components. The PowderCleanse process was created in collaboration with Carpenter Technology Corporation, Farleygreene, Malvern Panalytical and Aegleteq and can be integrated into the AM production process. The shortlisted Platform Construction System, also part of the Construction Innovation Hub, is developing a standardised kit of parts that can be deployed in multiple building types and sectors, offering significant benefits in quality, cost, delivery time and whole-life value. Shortlisted in the Wild Card category, the Platform Construction System blurs the boundaries between the once distinct manufacturing and construction sectors and is working collaboratively with more than 40 industry partners to develop solutions which can deployed at scale in the construction sector. Winning projects will be announced in Collaborate to Innovate Week which runs from February 1 to February 5. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.
Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, has taken over as Chair of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Surface Coatings Interest Group. The group now has over 300 members, with a very active committee organising events and outreach to help bring together the industrial and academic communities with an interest in surface coatings. The first meeting in 2021 was held remotely earlier in January, and has led to two events planned for the Spring – Raising the Standard of Standards for the Coatings Community in March, and a ChemCareers webinar in April on Careers in Coatings. On his new role, Tom Bowtell commented, “I am pleased to have taken over the role of Chair at the RSC Surface Coatings Interest Group. Inspiring the future generation of chemists and highlighting the benefits of working in the coatings industry are imperative to the sustainability of our industry, which will be one of the drivers during my period in the Chair. I’m looking forward to helping develop and expand many of the excellent initiatives the group has worked on in the last couple of years under the guidance of outgoing chair Jonathan Bourne, secretary Andrew Milton Thomson and treasurer Jeff Kelsey.” The new team includes Laura Merritt, who has taken over as secretary and Ian Hay from PRA as treasurer, with Stuart Clark from Cambridge University continuing to chair the technical committee.
Buying business equipment is something the majority of business owners will need to do at some point – unless this business is one that can run with nothing but an internet connection, although that is rare. Since you are thinking about buying business equipment now (or you wouldn’t be reading this post), we have a few things you can do to ensure that you get it right. You’ll end up with the equipment you need and you won’t burn through your budget – read on to find out what to do. Consider Whether You Should Rent (or Borrow) The Equipment Instead Before you buy any piece of equipment outright, consider whether you should rent or borrow the equipment first. Doing this will give you a better idea of how much you’re truly going to use and need the equipment, and whether you could do without it. Renting for a short period could be cheaper than buying outright if you discover that you don’t actually need this piece of equipment fulltime. If you’re lucky enough to know somebody who could lend you the equipment, you’ll save a fortune to begin with. 2. Set Your Budget For Equipment Knowing your business equipment budget will help you to ensure your cash flow does not suffer and that you’re not going to run into financial trouble shortly after purchasing your equipment. A budget is essential in business, and knowing what percentage of that budget you’re going to spend on certain things is key. It’ll stop you from overspending and you can come up with a plan to buy what you need to buy. Make sure you come up with your budget carefully and even go over your numbers with a pro if you can. 3. Identify What Needs To Be Outsourced Identifying what needs to be outsourced will have many benefits. You won’t end up hiring too many people and have too many permanent mouths to feed, and you can cut back on equipment costs. 4. Ensure You Have Accurate Measurements Assuming you have a business premises, you need to know your measurements before purchasing equipment to ensure everything fits. Carefully measure each area where equipment will be placed and note the ideal dimensions you’ll need. You can use space planning tools to get a better idea of what this will look like and stop you from making expensive mistakes. Don’t cut corners when it comes to finding these numbers or you might regret it. 5. Decide Whether You Need New Or Used Equipment If you have a limited budget, you’re likely going to benefit from buying used equipment rather than new equipment. This will not only end up better for your budget, but better for the planet. You don’t always need to buy new equipment, and refurbished equipment can be just as good. 6. Prepare To Spend More On Your Essential Items If an item is truly essential, then you should be willing to fork out for it. Don’t scrimp on items that you know you will use a lot, such as an air cooled chiller for your food and beverage business. If you know something is a must, then buy it without guilt. There’s a big difference between equipment you’re going to use to grow your business each day, and equipment that makes very little difference. Spending a fortune on computer chairs, for example, is not a good idea, but a half decent computer could be a worthwhile purchase! 7. Consider The Tax Implications of Buying Equipment You are able to claim ‘Annual Investment Allowances’ on capital expenditure on new items of plant or machinery. A capital allowance is a sum of money that can be taken aware from the amount of tax that a business needs to pay. If you purchase an asset through hire purchase, you can claim back the VAT, and there are further capital allowances available. Make sure you research the tax implications of certain purchases in depth. 8. What About Your Growth Plans & Usage? How well is this machinery going to fit in with your growth plans? Do you have enough work to make sure that the machinery will be used regularly? External economic factors might impact on the demand for your services, so make sure you think about this aspect of things, too. However, outside of that, it is very important that you ensure the purchase will improve the performance of the company and generate increased output to cover the additional financial output the purchase will cause. 9. What Are The Running Costs of The Equipment? Considering the running costs of equipment is just as important as anything else. There are many aspects to consider, and of course, this will depend on the type of equipment you are buying. Aspects include fuel costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, manpower, and anything else you can think of. Will the benefits of the piece of equipment justify the amount it is going to cost you to buy it and run it? 10. Can You Outline What The Transition Period Looks Like? Buying equipment should increase your productivity, lower your costs, and increase your profitability. Initially, however, you should expect a slowdown while people get used to the equipment and how it fits in with their everyday work life. You should also have a budget for the training required, so take this into consideration. Many businesses expect an instant increase in productivity, but this is often not the case. If you can plan for what this might look like and what needs to happen in advance, then you won’t come up against any nasty surprises. Buying business equipment can make or break your business, so use the advice above to make sure you get it right the first time around. Don’t rush into it and make sure you compare and consider your options carefully before you part with your cash. Do you have any advice that helped you to purchase the best possible business equipment? Leave it in
National housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has been granted planning permission from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council for the delivery of 125 brand new homes in Exhall. The £26m development, Exhall Gardens, will transform the previously vacant site on School Lane and provide much needed housing to the area. Comprising a mixed tenure of two-, three- and four- bedroom houses and maisonette apartments, 25% will be made affordable and available for Shared Ownership and Affordable Rent in partnership with Flint Housing. Homebuyers will also benefit from great transport links, green open spaces along with enhanced planting to preserve ecology on site. Charlotte Goode, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: ‘’We’re delighted our planning application has been approved by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, to deliver 125 stylish and spacious brand-new homes to Exhall. “The much-needed homes will be designed for both first time buyers and those looking to up-size, and we’re driven to make a big impact to the local area and aim to create a new community with great travel links, recreational paths, along with retaining the green spaces and existing pond at the development. ‘’The acquisition is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our presence in the town and is another positive step for our ambitious growth plans in the West Midlands.’’ Eugene Schreider, CEO of Flint Housing, said: “Building more high-quality affordable housing is an imperative to help those who are unable to rent or buy in their local communities and to create positive broader social outcomes. We are therefore delighted to partner with Keepmoat on this scheme to bring 32 much-needed new build affordable homes to Exhall.’’ Construction is due to commence in May, with the first homes being available to purchase from Spring 2021. The development will take around two years to complete.
Initiative Set To Maximise Value and Kick Start Development Of Unused Land Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has been appointed as the sole Land Broker on a new land brokerage and advisory framework designed to maximise the value and support development of surplus land across the country. The Landsolve 2.0 Framework has been launched by EN:Procure, the specialist procurement arm of social housing consortium Efficiency North Holdings, to provide high-quality Land Brokerage and Advisory services to assist in generating capital and maximising the value of land for the benefit of the public and charitable sector and/or supporting the development of surplus land assets with the aim of delivering social infrastructure or other public policy objectives on a UK wide basis. Keyland has secured the coveted Land Brokerage position on the framework and was appointed alongside Land Advisors; Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited, Aspinall Verdi Limited, BNP Paribas Real Estate Advisory & Property Management UK Limited, Edward Architectural Services Limited and GenR8 Developments LLP. Keyland proved to be a natural fit for the framework, clearly able to demonstrate the required socially responsible approach to land brokerage, having recently launched its own blueprint for sustainable development. Keyland is the first company in the UK to use a valuation tool to calculate direct, indirect and enabled value delivered from its developments. The tool is based on the ‘Six Capitals’ model and covers natural, social, human, intellectual, manufactured and financial value. Utilising this pioneering tool – created by leading sustainability consultants 3ADAPT, with support from Yorkshire Water and other world leading institutions – Keyland can measure its ‘Total Value’ as a company, addressing its ambitions to deliver exceptional places and enable sustainable living. This aligns well with Landsolve’s aspirations to shape and deliver exceptional places that provide a measurable long-term impact in a range of ways beyond the maximisation of the financial metrics of a scheme. The framework has an initial duration of four years with the option to extend for a further four years. Peter Garrett, Managing Director at Keyland Developments, said; “We are delighted to be appointed on this unique framework and look forward to utilising our extensive land brokerage expertise to add value to developments across the country. The framework’s approach to development is well matched with our Six Capitals method and the many synergies we have identified will prove advantageous as we progress our shared goal of creating exceptional places.” Lee Parkinson, Chief Executive, Efficiency North Holdings Limited, commented, “The Landsolve 2.0 framework is the first of a number of innovative procurement solutions in development that will expand the service offer and operating footprint of the company and we are excited by its potential. We very much look forward to working closely with the appointed Framework Members and implementing the framework across our Membership to deliver value adding developments.”
THE TRANSFORMATION of Bury St Edmunds’ former post office has now begun as part of a council’s investment in the future of its high street. The £8.4 million redevelopment project at 17-18 Cornhill will completely demolish the rear of the building to make way for 12 flats and two commercial units, while the Victorian frontage will be retained. Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle was appointed by West Suffolk Council to provide quantity surveying, project management, and structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering and architectural advisory services for the scheme. The project was procured through SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects. Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the regeneration of this site and can truly appreciate the importance of the historic front of this building and its preservation for the local community. “The frontage is iconic in Bury St Edmunds as it has been home to the town’s post office for more than 100 years, so we’re glad we can help to bring it back to economic use. “Not only will we be working to preserve the post office’s historic front, but we will also be helping to improve the masterplanning of the town centre by joining together two of its most popular shopping destinations.” The build will better links between the historic town centre – around Cornhill and Buttermarket – and the contemporary arc shopping centre by widening the adjoining walkway by more than 50% to encourage an increase in footfall between the two sites and improving visitor experience. Victoria continued: “The new, mixed-use development will bring many benefits to the town centre, including residential and commercial units that will act as a catalyst for community regeneration. It will also help to rejuvenate the local economy and aesthetically improve the overall environment of the shopping district in Bury St Edmunds, so we’re glad this is something Perfect Circle can be a part of, providing a lasting legacy for the area.” West Suffolk Council secured £2.75 million in government investment, which provides cost certainty for the redevelopment. Managing a strict budget has been a key part of Perfect Circle’s role. Paul Darlow, regional lead for the East of England at Perfect Circle, said: “One of the main challenges we have experienced with this project so far was creating a design that met the client’s brief, was visually cohesive with the rest of the town centre, and kept within the budget of the scheme. “However, we have worked closely with the client’s architectural consultants to create a design that not only meets these requirements, but also perpetuates a new legacy that will stay with Bury St Edmunds for years to come.” Councillor John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “It is a challenging time for our residents, businesses and indeed the council, but we are continuing to invest in the long-term future of West Suffolk and Bury St Edmunds town centre as a place of economic, social and cultural activity. “Furthermore, we are delivering on what people asked for when they helped to shape the vision for the town centre in the masterplan in 2017. “Once completed this will deliver so much, including a better and wider walkway between the arc and the historic town centre, as well as a new commercial frontage onto St Andrews St South and improved access to the historic Cornhill front.” The building, which has remained vacant since the post office relocated in November 2016, will also benefit from a new commercial frontage on St Andrews Street South to help improve the town centre. Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “The long-term impact of Covid-19 on the high street is a key consideration for local authorities as they look to evolve their masterplans for town centres and help the nation to build back better. “This project is a great example of a historic site being redesigned to better support the community, not only through high-quality living but also by stimulating commercial activity through improved town planning. “West Suffolk Council, supported by Perfect Circle, should be commended for their bold vision, which will have a significant positive impact on the local economy while maintaining the historic features of the high street in Bury St Edmunds.” For more information on Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.
Southwark Councill has acquired the former Toys R Us site at 760 Old Kent Road as part of its plans to secure the Bakerloo Line extension and increase housing supply in the borough. The 2.59-acre site was sold by CBRE, on behalf of the Joint Fixed Charge Receivers. It is currently occupied by Lidl on a lease expiring in 2028. It will become one of two new underground stations on the Old Kent Road, with Southwark Council planning to build at least 500 homes over the station. This is the latest purchase by Southwark as part of its plans to provide 11,000 new council homes by 2043. In 2019 it acquired the former Currys PC World site at 589 Old Kent Road for c550 homes, 593-613 Old Kent Road for 110 homes and 711-717 Old Kent Road for 200 homes and commercial space. Earlier this month Southwark Council’s updated Old Kent Road Area Action plan was launched for consultation, with further regeneration and provision of housing, commercial, community, cultural and green spaces all part of the proposed changes. Montagu Evans has advised Southwark Council on most of the site acquisitions needed to fulfil its housing commitments, including this deal. All acquisitions were of properties with existing investment income but with medium to long term opportunities to redevelop. Sam Blake, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “This is an important strategic site for Southwark, accommodating a new tube station and increasing housing supply to help meet its ambitious targets. Better transport infrastructure will be a huge advantage to the area and this this investment should make the process much smoother as well as providing the Council with a good income stream while longer-term plans are being worked up.” Jonathan Allen, Residential Development at CBRE, said: “The disposal of 760 Old Kent Road to Southwark Council followed a competitive open marketing campaign, symbolising strong current market appetite for assets which benefit from short term income, underpinned by improving infrastructure and significant residential latent redevelopment value. This important site is a key part of the Old Kent Road masterplan having been identified as a location for a new underground station for the proposed Bakerloo line extension. This purchase follows the news that TfL remain committed to delivering the extension, and that their immediate priority is safeguarding the route from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham; emphasising the importance of the project in transforming the lives of those living and working on Old Kent Road.”
Landscaping was always prevalent during the 70s and 80s when people had fewer work hours and could afford to take the time out to decorate the space around their homes. In the early 2000s, most of this work was abandoned or given to professionals. Many people even started DIY landscaping projects with a level of enthusiasm, mostly propagated by the latest trends and innovative ideas available around them. According to experts like Sand4U, landscaping supplies have seen an increasing demand in the market since last year. If you are one of those looking to start their landscaping project but aren’t sure how to get the right materials, we’ve got you covered. Let’s look at some standard landscaping supplies and how you can make the right purchase. Soil If your plants don’t have good soil to rest, they will wither and die no matter how much care you give them. This is why it is essential to have the best quality soil you can find. Look for soil variants that have an even texture instead of clumps and stones. You can also smell the earth to check for any un-decomposed organic material or toxins. Rocks Rocks have a varied use in landscaping. They are mostly used for adding a more natural aesthetic to your garden. You can also use them to define certain limits and boundaries to your garden. For a completely natural look, go for rocks that are covered in moss and lichen. Smooth stones are appropriate for garden walls and fountains. Gravel Gravel can be used for making a pavement in your garden that blends with the natural surroundings. Gravel used for this purpose must have different particle sizes to provide a stable base when compacted. If you are using gravel for aesthetic reasons, you can go for coloured pebbles and make sure that the pebbles you buy are roughly the same size. Sand There are different types of sand when it comes to landscaping. If you are using sand for a child’s pit, then make sure that it is clean and free of sharp stones or pebbles. Bricklayers sand contains clay that helps it bind together more efficiently. If you like using sand as a base for paving, then coarse washed sand is the way to go. Mulches There are two types of mulches. Inorganic mulches contain pebbles and gravel, while organic mulches are made from plant materials and animal manure. If you are staying in a warm region, then sugar cane mulch is also an excellent option. Make sure you go for decomposed mulches to avoid nitrogen drawdown. This is a common problem with improperly composted organic mulches. Timber One of the main components of creating a boundary to your garden is a fence, and to make a strong fence, you need high-quality timber. Pine tends to be more resistant to termites, but this is only if the pine is well treated. The experts like Sand4U repeatedly stress that untreated pine is not very durable. Hardwood is another option for durability, but you must check for the drying period and the original material.
If you are the current owner of a commercial or residential property built back sometime in the seventies or sixties, there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials are present in the structure. If this is the case, it would be paramount you take an asbestos survey. But why would you need one? And what exactly is asbestos? We will answer these questions and learn more about the material in today’s post. Asbestos? What Is That? If you do not know about asbestos, this is a swell place for you to start. It is a naturally occurring compound you can find in many surface areas. It is an ideal construction material used by companies more than forty years ago due to it being heat-resistant, durable, and a perfect electrical insulator. Some companies even use it to manufacture all sorts of products – from vases, vehicle parts to kitchen utensils and ware. Asbestos is now illegal to use in most parts of the world. It is highly toxic and hazardous to health. And those who expose themselves to it are at risk of having lung conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and so much more. Exposure happens when an individual disturbs or damages a location where asbestos is present. The fibers it contains will latch off the surface, get into the air, and enter a person’s lungs. Where Can You Locate The Material? You can find it in both commercial and residential settings. The material is fire-resistant. And as such, it can be present in areas where temperature changes are frequent. You can find it in the following. Piping systems Roof shingles Popcorn ceilings Old furnaces and stoves Asbestos fabrics Fire door centers Interiors of walls Water tanks Fuse boards Door frames Old windows Gutters Floorings Lifting shafts Insulation Asbestos can also be present in electronics, communication lines, fences, and even the soil. You might want to get a quote on how to test for asbestos. What Is An Asbestos Survey? An asbestos survey is a form of examination or analysis to unearth if a commercial or residential structure contains asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or ACM. There are many types of asbestos surveys. The types of asbestos surveys include: Asbestos management and abatement survey This type of survey is for the occupation and usage of buildings, such as condominiums, apartments, and so forth. This survey functions to identify and locate asbestos that may require management and abatement in the future. Asbestos Refurbishment and demolition analysis Asbestos Refurbishment and demolition analysis are for construction purposes. It aims to discover ACM in construction sites where repairs, demolitions, and refurbishments take place. Soil sampling One trick for asbestos sampling is done through soil sampling. This survey is done before any form of construction happens. Inspections and re-inspections Experts perform this method after construction is complete, and the building has been in use for quite some time. They will perform a preliminary inspection in hot spots where asbestos can occur and will do so once again after a set period. Why Is There A Need For One? An asbestos survey is crucial. It can determine if a building contains asbestos or traces of it. A survey should come first before any renovations or repairs must be done. Workers can continue and work without any survey taking place. But they might disturb or damage areas and surfaces that contain the toxic material, thus releasing the fibers into the air, risking them with exposure. And if the compound is present, further action can come in. Additional processes such as clearing and abatement can make a structure safer for its occupants. Complexes and buildings have various functions. It is necessary to know what happens in such structures to know what kind of survey is needed. And the survey is paramount for the many types of construction work out there. Such action will let you know about the following. The type of asbestos present. The quantity and condition of the compound. Location of asbestos. Any additional actions or processes Is The Survey Expensive? Many factors affect how much you will spend for an asbestos survey, but you should first know what kind your structure requires. You will receive all sorts of answers, but there is no such thing as an exact amount to pay. You can go ahead and contact a local asbestos contracting company, and they will mandate you to give out the following information: The location of the structure The property’s type How old the building is The estimated size of the building Type of survey Available plans Other requirements The endeavor will polish your research skills. As you will search for a company that is accredited, licensed, and insured. And you will get what you pay for, too. If a company charges cheaply for their services, you might want to reconsider and double-check their background. It is better to be safe than sorry later. Lack of preparation, appropriate materials, and equipment can lead to disaster. And it will take a toll on your financial capabilities. The Last Note Managing a property and making it safe for the occupants is not a walk in the park. You have to do a lot of things to guarantee everyone’s safety. An asbestos survey is one such way that you can do so. It will save you from additional expenses due to asbestos-related incidents in the future. Check around your area for companies that will fit your requirements and get the job done efficiently.
National Apprentice Week runs between the 8th-14th February and this year the team at Lee Marley Brickwork Ltdare celebrating their amazing apprentices and how well they’ve adapted to the changes in training that Covid-19 has created. Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. The company recently employed Apprentice Training Manager Christian Hatherall-Good who is currently looking after 35 apprentices, (9 scaffold and 26 brickwork). Students are working on sites such as Oval Village Vauxhall with Berkeley Homes and Chelsea Barracks for Multiplex. Christian comments: “I believe that training on the job through an apprenticeship is the best way to learn. You can earn a wage while learning. I believe that real life learning is important, but cannot be all of the learning, as apprentices need to have the opportunity in a college or training centre to practice new skills, gain knowledge and have the opportunity to make mistakes, without it being detrimental to the build of the project and time constraints.” LMB Managing Director Lee Marley commented “As a former apprentice bricklayer I appreciate the opportunities that a quality apprenticeship can offer. It is also essential for the construction industry to encourage young talent into the sector and focus on evolving skills in order to improve productivity.” LMB has a firm belief in the need to develop the next generation of bricklayers, scaffolders, stone masons and steel fixers. Modern methods of construction are continually evolving, and the company want to ensure that the workforce of the future is equipped with the skills to adapt to this. The company has formed partnerships with Brooklands College, for brickwork, and the CITB, for scaffolding. This allows them to incorporate their own syllabus into the apprentice’s curriculum meaning that they are fully prepared to meet the changing needs of the construction industry. The company continue to have a close relationship with a number of other colleges which allows them to offer greater geographic and trade specific coverage in their recruitment programme. How a construction company has filled training gaps in the absence of colleges During the first Covid lockdown, it became clear that LMB apprentices would not receive the same theory and practical training they would have done at college and on site. This lockdown, with colleges being closed, the company have responded to the situation and developed a revised training plan, so their apprentices do not miss out on either the theory or practical side of their training. Before Covid restrictions set in, an apprenticeship at the company allowed apprentices to work on site four days a week and attend College one full day. In response to the current situation, the apprentices continue to have remote learning from the College tutor and from the Training Manager on their usual college day. Christian continues to visit the apprentices on site in controlled and social distanced conditions in order to carry out teaching and provide guidance to the apprentices while they work. The apprentices are usually placed in pairs on projects. Many of the company’s current apprentices are from Brooklands College. Christian has been working closely with the College and between both parties a plan for training the apprentices has been developed. This includes Google classroom groups with a wide a range of resources available such as ‘how to’ videos, Workbooks, PowerPoints, scenario assignments, worksheets and revision quizzes. On the apprentices’ usual college day, they attend at least two, one-and-a-half-hour theory sessions on Google MEET’s group video call with their tutor. Christian has also organised a one-to-one review session for each apprentice on |Google MEET’s with their tutor and on-site assessor. The aim being to check on the student’s wellbeing, work progress, targets and to provide advice on any work they needed help with. Naomi Hamilton, 19, has just completed her bricklaying apprentice NVQ2 and will be beginning her NVQ Level 3 shortly, after that she’d look to getting her gold CSCS card and one day would like to be a supervisor. Naomi won the first ever inaugural Female Trainee brickwork competition sponsored by Forterra in 2019. She has the following advice for others looking to get into the construction industry: “Don’t give up, keep at it, your hard work will be rewarded. Ask questions, you’ll find solutions which you can apply to your work. Keep building your skillset – challenge yourself. If you’re a female don’t be afraid, believe in yourself and prove people wrong, you can do this in a male orientated industry.” The next step for LMB will be to open their own training centre that would be at the forefront of brickwork and scaffolding training in the UK. Watch this space! For more information about Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd, please visit: www.leemarley.com. The company currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next generation of tradesmen into the construction. To find out more about apprenticeship and careers opportunities at LMB please email jobs@leemarley.com