Work is set to start on a £11.5 million affordable housing development in Sheffield in the new year. The 93 homes, which are being built off Ferrars Road in Tinsley, will be available for affordable rent via Together Housing Group and have been brought forward by Caddick Group. The development, which will comprise 19 two-bedroom houses, 70 three-bedroom houses and four
Healix Risk Oracle report for 2021 identifies six key risks beyond the pandemic International risk management and assistance expert, Healix International, has identified six key areas of risk – besides the continued impact of COVID-19 – for global organisations in its 2021 Risk Oracle report. Natural Disasters – The
One of the world’s oldest surviving pieces of monumental railway architecture to be preserved and enhanced in new HS2 Curzon Street Station. Leader of Birmingham City Council: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of this amazing old building and the new Curzon Street Station will be one of
British Gas has confirmed the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) for the construction of gas networks serving new build housing schemes and regeneration projects. The two businesses have been working together for more than 20 years, with EAU laying on average around 80,000 metres of
Soprema UK, the specialist in waterproofing and building envelope solutions, is to begin manufacturing its Pavadry woodfibre insulation in the UK, with an improved product specification. A high performance, internal wall insulation that controls dispersion of water from the walls into the building to prevent condensation and the risk of
Around 5.4 million Self Assessment customers have less than a month to complete their tax return, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today, ahead of the deadline on 31 January. HMRC expects 12.1 million tax returns to be filed this year. Around 55% have already filed their returns, with more
The building trade is one of the key trades within our society. Without builders, there would be no homes, schools, offices, or other public buildings. To be able to make the most of your time working within the industry, you want to make sure that you are spending your time
A UNIQUE ‘cohesive use’ scheme featuring a 223-room hotel, extensive food and beverage space and a day spa which developers hope will bring international interest to Nottingham has been submitted for planning today (4 January). Proposals for the ground-breaking, multi-million scheme also include a 100m-long atrium, co-working space, apartments, green
LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General), on behalf of its Managed Property Fund, and development partner Wrenbridge, announce that they have secured planning permission to transform a 107,000 sq ft industrial development at Gateway Cambridge in Bar Hill. This latest planning permission is in line with the fund’s strategy to
Leeds Based Sigmat Look Forward To A Landmark Year For LGSF As Demand For Sustainable MMC Solutions Continues To Grow With one of the most extraordinary years the industry has ever faced almost behind us and yet more uncertainties to come, one sector has emerged triumphant from the challenges presented
Work is set to start on a £11.5 million affordable housing development in Sheffield in the new year. The 93 homes, which are being built off Ferrars Road in Tinsley, will be available for affordable rent via Together Housing Group and have been brought forward by Caddick Group. The development, which will comprise 19 two-bedroom houses, 70 three-bedroom houses and four four-bedroom houses, is possible thanks to funding from Homes England. Together Housing was announced as one of the government housing agency’s strategic partners in January 2019, receiving £53 million to help deliver 1,152 additional affordable home starts by March 2022. According to Zoopla, the average price for property in Sheffield stood at £211,334 in November 2020. This is a rise of 5.17% compared to 12 months ago. Kevin Ruth, Deputy Chief Executive for Together Housing said: “Rising house prices are forcing many young individuals, couples and families out of the area they grew up in and away from their support networks. “The provision of affordable houses for rent in the city will enable those priced out of the housing market, including key workers and low-income families, to put roots down in the city.” Johnny Caddick of Caddick Group said: “We’ve been involved in this project from the outset, and working with Together Housing to realise such an important scheme, which is set to help so many individuals and families to find their new homes at affordable prices, has been a very positive experience. “Working closely with Together Housing from the start, demonstrates the breadth of what we offer as a Group as well as the collaboration and understanding required to make these types of projects successful.” The scheme, which will also include landscaped open space with ponds and public art, is set to be completed by early 2023, with the first homes being ready to welcome new residents in early 2022.
Healix Risk Oracle report for 2021 identifies six key risks beyond the pandemic International risk management and assistance expert, Healix International, has identified six key areas of risk – besides the continued impact of COVID-19 – for global organisations in its 2021 Risk Oracle report. Natural Disasters – The increasing frequency of extreme weather events with natural disasters becoming more pronounced both in terms of frequency and severity. Building resilience to natural disasters is a significant exercise. Faceless Threats – In a context of increased isolationism, and more time spent online, individuals will become increasingly disconnected from normative community activity with a comparative increase in crime and incidents of violence perpetrated by ‘faceless’ lone actors. Supply Chain Disruption – The highly complex logistical webs that make up the global economy have predominantly been designed with cost and efficiency in mind. Unless resilience starts to be factored into these considerations, disruption to supply chains will remain a significant operational risk factor. Cyber Attacks – No longer just an inconvenience, they are potentially calamitous. More worrisome, attacks targeting government infrastructure are on the rise, and any cyber breaches in this space could have unprecedented implications. Decay of the ‘social contract’ – Mounting frustrations over inequality, cynicism of perceived corrupt political elites, and distrust of wider civil society including the media and big business amid the pandemic of ‘Fake News’ are likely to lead to increased public agitation and worsening levels of political cohesion. Erosion of domestic political cohesion fuelled by social media – Complex political issues find themselves being misrepresented in the form of a ‘post’, ‘share’, or ‘tweet’. This dynamic will become more prevalent in 2021 and result in even more social and political divisiveness, with rising levels of political risk in locations where the ‘culture war’ is most pronounced. As Chris Job MBE, Director, Risk Management Services, Healix International explains, it is vital for organisations with an international footprint to ensure that the myriad of risks beyond the coronavirus remain a focus. “2021 is likely to be as busy a year for challenging global events, some predictable and some unprecedented. Overlay this expectation with a new and as yet undefined normal and a global drive for economic growth, the need for robust organisational resilience plans is clear. The key now is to ensure consistent and reliable monitoring is combined with access to the most appropriate resources to ensure employee wellbeing remains the priority. “With our deep-rooted, in-house medical and security expertise underpinned by modern technology, Healix offers a single-source comprehensive, compelling and powerful risk solution for 2021 and beyond.” The 2021 Healix International Risk Oracle Report, along with a global Security Risk Map, can be downloaded from https://info.healix.com/download-risk-forecasts-2021
One of the world’s oldest surviving pieces of monumental railway architecture to be preserved and enhanced in new HS2 Curzon Street Station. Leader of Birmingham City Council: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of this amazing old building and the new Curzon Street Station will be one of the real show pieces of the entire HS2 network.” HS2 has received the go-ahead from Birmingham City Council to begin the transformative refurbishment of the Old Curzon Street Station, marking the next phase of work around the new high speed terminus in central Birmingham. The agreement with the Council who own the building, enables a long-term lease by HS2, with work due to start on the major revamp early next year by HS2’s enabling works contractor LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons). The Grade I listed building has been integrated into HS2’s plans for the new Curzon Street Station, which provide an enhanced setting to reflect the history of the old station as well as the Grade II listed Woodman pub. The public space surrounding the station will feature the historic track alignments of the former goods yard that used to lie to its east, and the gardens and new eastern concourse façade have also been designed to complement the architecture of the building. HS2 enabling works contractors LMJV are now ready to start a 12 month programme of work in early 2021, overseen by a conservation specialist. The building was designed by the notable architect Philip Hardwick and opened in 1838, and is now one of the world’s oldest surviving pieces of monumental railway architecture. It was intended to be the boardroom and general offices of the London and Birmingham Railway but was extended to incorporate a hotel by 1841, then turned into a goods station for freight traffic between 1854 and 1860 and subsequently closed on 31 Dec 1965. Having suffered extensive damage during the Birmingham Blitz, and surviving two applications for its demolition in the 1970s, it is now listed on the ‘Heritage at Risk Register’ maintained by Historic England. The refurbishment will see this status change for the first time in over a decade, with future plans to use it as an HS2 visitors centre, with flexible facilities for office space, exhibition purposes and catering. Nicola Henderson-Reid, HS2’s Curzon Street Station Senior Project Manager said: “We’re extremely pleased to get the go-ahead to start work on restoring this fabulous old building, and we’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for their help in developing these designs. “HS2’s Curzon Street Station will be the first brand new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th century, and will play a vital role in our regional economy while preserving this important piece of Birmingham’s history.” Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward said: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of this amazing old building and the new Curzon Street Station will be one of the real show pieces of the entire HS2 network. “High speed rail is a game-changer for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, bringing jobs, homes and opportunities to our city region and for the HS2 Generation – the young people currently growing up across the city – this project will shape their lives and careers.” The refurbishment will be undertaken by infrastructure specialists KN Circet, who have offices in Solihull in the Midlands. The work will include a new steel structural frame to strengthen the building, a new lift giving access to all 4 levels, new glass balustrade for the historic staircase, internal fit-out, roof repairs and structural repairs to the external masonry. KN Circet, trading as KN Network Services Ltd, has carried out heritage restoration projects across the UK railway network predominantly in London and the South East. The company has won and been nominated for railway heritage awards for façade works at Lambeth North, South Kensington and Great Portland Street London Underground stations, and have also carried out façade works at Victoria Station and Waterloo Station for Network Rail. HS2’s Historic Environment Manager, Jon Millward said: “The Old Curzon Street Station has a fascinating history, and as a Grade 1 listed building it’s deemed to be of exceptional interest and is therefore classified as one of the most important buildings in England. It was the first railway terminus serving the centre of Birmingham and built during a period of great significance and growth for the city. “Earlier this year, we unearthed what is thought to be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse situated adjacent to the Old Curzon Street station, and built to a design by the 19th century engineer Robert Stephenson. It’s fantastic that we can preserve the heritage of such an important building as part of the legacy of HS2.” Planning applications for the new Curzon Street Station were approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee in April 2020, with the Council’s report concluding the station design “is truly world class”. Eventually, there will be nine trains per hour running in each direction from the station. The Curzon Street Masterplan outlines proposals for 141 hectares of regeneration, along with £724 million in investment into the surrounding area. It envisages the creation of 36,000 new jobs, 4,000 new homes and 600,000 square metres of commercial development.
British Gas has confirmed the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) for the construction of gas networks serving new build housing schemes and regeneration projects. The two businesses have been working together for more than 20 years, with EAU laying on average around 80,000 metres of gas infrastructure mains and connecting approximately 4,500 new service connections and meters each year. EAU covers the largest single geographic area among the three utility construction service providers partnering with British Gas and has also completed more than 100 dual fuel (gas/ electricity) schemes for its customers. Commented Kevin Keaney, Area Engineering Lead at British Gas: “This new contract supports the service excellence commitments made by British Gas to its customers while at the same time enabling the business to look to previously untapped markets, helping us to grow our energy portfolio through site works. “EAU has a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for our customers, so this new contract provides us with a continuation of the excellent working relationship established with the company, which is important in ensuring that British Gas remains one of the biggest site works providers in the UK.” EAU has established a comprehensive communication and project delivery process for the utility construction and metering services being delivered on behalf of British Gas, with dedicated teams taking responsibility for all the required off-site planning. This includes organising highways notices, connections management, materials, labour, as-built records, meter installation data and managing projects through each stage to completion. Design services have also been provided for dual fuel projects. Said Steven Lynch, EAU Group Commercial Director: “We are delighted to be continuing the positive working relationship that has evolved with British Gas over many years and look forward to supporting the company through this new contract, which will run through to 2025.”
Soprema UK, the specialist in waterproofing and building envelope solutions, is to begin manufacturing its Pavadry woodfibre insulation in the UK, with an improved product specification. A high performance, internal wall insulation that controls dispersion of water from the walls into the building to prevent condensation and the risk of mould, Pavadry is the solution of choice for solid wall buildings, and is particularly popular as a retrofit solution for heritage properties. The revised product will be manufactured with an OSB-facing, rather than the MDF previously used, making it easier and faster to install. Roland Jackson, commercial director at Soprema UK explains: “Pavadry enables the thermal performance of solid wall and heritage properties to be improved without changing their external appearance or unbalancing their building physics. The improved product will continue to deliver those benefits but the OSB facing will allow screw fixings to be attached directly to the board, rather than requiring a counter sink to accommodate a screw head. Over the course of an installation, this will save considerable time and aid consistency.” The move of production from Switzerland to Manchester enables changes to the manufacturing process and ensures reliable lead times and supply for UK specifiers and contractors, at a time when demand for renewable and sustainable solutions is high. Roland continues: “With the Green Deal now extended for another year until March 2022, homeowners and landlords have a great opportunity to improve the comfort of their property and reduce its carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the £1 billion Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) remains open for grant applications to fund energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation measures in publicly-owned property assets until the end of January 2021. The £4 billion levelling-up fund also includes investment in housing and local arts and culture, with bidding for projects beginning in 2021. “With so many incentives available to invest in carbon reduction improvements, there is high demand for Pavadry because it is made from natural, renewable materials, is completely recyclable and has such a positive effect on thermal performance and building comfort. Bringing production to the UK and making the product easier to install are the right choices at the right time.”
Around 5.4 million Self Assessment customers have less than a month to complete their tax return, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today, ahead of the deadline on 31 January. HMRC expects 12.1 million tax returns to be filed this year. Around 55% have already filed their returns, with more than 6.2 million choosing to submit online (93% of all returns filed). Almost 18,000 customers chose to start the New Year by filing their tax returns on 1 January, with 1,943 completing their returns between 15:00 and 15:59. Those who are yet to file a return are being urged to act now, as it may be a more time-consuming process than anticipated. Karl Khan, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Customer Services, said: “In what was a very difficult year for many, we are grateful to the 55% of our customers who have already submitted their returns. “HMRC is ready to offer support to those who are yet to file their returns or are worried about paying their tax bill, but they must act now so we can help before the deadline.” Once customers have completed their tax return, and know how much tax is owed, they can set up their own payment plan to help spread the cost of their tax liabilities, up to the value of £30,000. They can use the self-serve Time to Pay facility to set up monthly direct debits and this can all be done online. Interest will be applied to any outstanding balance from 1 February 2021. To find out if they’re eligible, customers can visit GOV.UK to find out more about the service. Customers can also check on GOV.UK whether they need to declare, or possibly pay tax on any ‘casual’ income they receive. The new interactive guidance is quick and easy to use and explains what individuals need to do if they receive non-PAYE income from: selling things, for example at car boot sales or auctions, or online doing casual jobs such as gardening, food delivery or babysitting charging other people for using your equipment or tools renting out property or part of their home, including for holidays (for example, through an agency or online). Be aware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams. Customers should always type in the full online address www.gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for their Self Assessment tax return online securely and free of charge. They also need to be alert if someone calls, emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, saying that they can claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax – it might be a scam. Check GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact.
The building trade is one of the key trades within our society. Without builders, there would be no homes, schools, offices, or other public buildings. To be able to make the most of your time working within the industry, you want to make sure that you are spending your time wisely and not wasting hours on menial tasks. As a manager, it is up to you to delegate tasks, both on-site and within the office. You may have several processes in place already to ensure that work is completed promptly to set deadlines, however, there is normally room for improvement. When you consider the areas that can be sped up, without compromising on quality, you may be able to make the most of both your, and others’, working hours. Digital Asset Management Having a number of images and other valuable digital assets can become complicated for bigger businesses. Especially when you have multiple people working on one project. When it comes to communications and marketing DAM is an extremely effective way of organising and updating files. Using a Digital Asset Management system – see bynder.com – can help you to keep control over your images and other important files without needing to store them on one specific computer or digital device – the right people can access the right content when necessary. This can allow you to search for your imagery, as well as share it with others who may be working on your marketing or communications projects. If you need this work completed, but are spending your day on-site, this system means that those who work in the office (or remotely) can access and edit these content without your presence needed. Increasing Morale Keeping your team happy within their roles is an important factor in any business, and as building work is often down to teammates operating together collaboratively, this makes team morale even more vital. Individuals who feel content within their role, and appreciated for the work they do, are more likely to be more productive, whilst encouraging those around them. In addition to this, a happy workforce is less likely to experience high levels of staff turnover, meaning the business may also be able to save money on recruitment fees. If people know that you are part of a company who values its staff, from the highest paid CEO to the lowest paid intern, this can help your business to flourish, simply because people may be more likely to choose a company that holds set values akin to their own. Charity Marketing Engaging with local charities can really help with your public image, and the relations you have with clients and promoters. Choosing charities associated with your work, such as those that build and provide homes for the poor either in your country, or even in the third world, alongside spending time actively engaging with this work can really help to show your company in a positive light, and as one that genuinely cares about others. Boosting success rates for the business that you work for is not always about increasing profits. Sometimes, it can be just as important to support those that work with you and to also improve upon your current public relations. This can, of course, sometimes also have a positive effect on your clientele and, therefore, profits as well.
A UNIQUE ‘cohesive use’ scheme featuring a 223-room hotel, extensive food and beverage space and a day spa which developers hope will bring international interest to Nottingham has been submitted for planning today (4 January). Proposals for the ground-breaking, multi-million scheme also include a 100m-long atrium, co-working space, apartments, green public realm and leisure facilities. The latest phase of The Island Quarter development is believed to be the UK’s first cohesive-use development, incorporating multiple uses within the same flowing space. The ambitious plans submitted to Nottingham City Council feature a stunning bar and busy forum for people to meet. It has been hailed as a ‘UK first’ which leads the way in terms of sustainability, innovation and engagement with nature and green space in a post-Covid world. The proposal – which will create more than 550 jobs when completed – is believed to be the UK’s first cohesive-use development, incorporating multiple uses within the same flowing space, similar to Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. Richard Watson, of developer Conygar, said: “The Island Quarter is the biggest city centre regeneration schemes in the UK, and we believe it is vital for the development to bring something outstanding to Nottingham, for which the city and the Midlands can be proud of. “We are fortunate to have a site in Nottingham with its great heritage and an international reputation – with developments such as this and, among other schemes, the renovation of Nottingham Castle, we want to ensure it retains its rightful place as the Queen of the Midlands and a core UK city. “It is an ambitious project – unmatched across the UK. The scheme will raise the profile of Nottingham, so we are working closely with our team of architects and designers to create a lasting legacy and community for Nottingham.” The first glimpse of the proposals highlights such features as large archways, wide open spaces within the hotel areas and an atrium to create a light and airy atmosphere for residents and visitors. Several aspects of the design have been created to meet changing needs anticipated in the aftermath of the pandemic, such as flexible spaces, relaxing community areas and green public realm. David Jones, director at Axis Planning, which has coordinated all planning-related inputs on the scheme since its inception, said: “This latest phase of the Island Quarter is groundbreaking in a number of ways. The innovative blending of hotel, office and residential space and the distinctive combination of high quality internal and external environments will, I’m sure, generate significant footfall in this soon to be revitalised part of the city”. “The ground floor provides an extensive, mixed-use food and beverage-led experience incorporating restaurant, bar, forum and atrium space in a way that hasn’t been done before in the UK. “The mix of linked buildings together with integral and adjacent open spaces provides a fluidity within the development which will be essential in a post-Covid world. We’re convinced this will create a truly unique experience for people to visit and to stay, live, work and play. “The scheme will complement future plans for the city, such as the highly anticipated redevelopment of the Broadmarsh. Together, these developments will lead the way for the ambitious Southside regeneration.” The Island Quarter masterplan, which received outline planning approval in April 2019, has been designed with a full lifecycle of uses, ranging from student housing, office space and community living. The development will introduce a network of public realm and access routes for pedestrians and cyclists, with green spaces at the heart of the plans. Operating in tandem with Canal Turn, the opening phase of the scheme, the architecture of this phase mirrors the heritage buildings opposite, as well as taking inspiration from the nearby Victorian railway buildings. James Dilley, director at architect Jestico+Whiles, said: “This design truly blends with Canal Turn and its surroundings. It is about place making, focused on a spirit of community, conviviality and collaboration. The design we have brought forward really reflects the synergy of uses that the wider scheme will create, and we hope will create a ripple effect across the entire site and across Nottingham itself. “This building is inspired by the rich and layered context of The Island Quarter, respecting and referencing its centuries of heritage while creating something entirely new. This isn’t helicopter architecture – we aren’t just dropping something in and hoping it works with its surroundings, it is born of its special context.” Alongside the hotel – which will provide short and long-stay accommodation with city views from a landmark 17-storey building – the latest phase will feature 3,000 sqm of serviced flexible office space. The latest phase will also see the creation of significant amounts of landscaped green space in the form of a linear park, creating a clear link through the site from the city centre to the suburbs to the east of the city. For more information on The Island Quarter, visit theislandquarter.com.
LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General), on behalf of its Managed Property Fund, and development partner Wrenbridge, announce that they have secured planning permission to transform a 107,000 sq ft industrial development at Gateway Cambridge in Bar Hill. This latest planning permission is in line with the fund’s strategy to evolve its asset holdings and deploy capital into key growth areas, such as the industrial sector, which have retained strong fundamentals. Despite the economic downturn, the fund has continued to drive forward this mandate and recently also announced the acquisition of a significant urban logistics scheme in Basildon for £23.2 million. Once complete, Gateway Cambridge will comprise eight Grade A units, ranging in size from 3,046 sq ft to 45,694 sq ft. Bar Hill is strategically located on the newly improved A14 with excellent connectivity to Cambridge and the M11. The area represents a popular location for industrial occupiers, with excellent amenity on the doorstep and a large workforce available. In line with Legal & General’s wider ESG commitments, Bar Hill has been designed from its inception to be a best in class, environmentally sustainable industrial development which focuses on staff wellbeing. As redevelopment gets underway, Legal & General will look to further bolster the ESG credentials of the new Gateway Cambridge scheme. Rob Codling, Senior Fund Manager, Managed Property Fund said:“Gateway Cambridge, Bar Hill was acquired by the Managed Property Fund in 2006 and is now well placed for modernisation. In line with its strategy, the fund is continuing to maximise holdings where we can be confident that location, occupier demand and sector fundamentals will sustain resilient income streams for the long term. At Bar Hill, we look forward to delivering a high-quality, sustainable development which can provide both economic value and employment opportunities to the local area.” James Feltham, Director at Wrenbridge, added:“The industrial sector continues to thrive, with demand for quality new space outstripping supply. Gateway Cambridge will deliver new units in a size range to cater for a range of occupiers and our focus is to provide a new sustainable development in an environment that will help companies attract and retain staff.” Bidwells and Savills are appointed as the leasing agents for the new development.
Leeds Based Sigmat Look Forward To A Landmark Year For LGSF As Demand For Sustainable MMC Solutions Continues To Grow With one of the most extraordinary years the industry has ever faced almost behind us and yet more uncertainties to come, one sector has emerged triumphant from the challenges presented by Covid-19. Yorkshire based LGSF specialists Sigmat say they have seen ‘encouraging’ levels of growth in the MMC sector and anticipate this trajectory is set to continue into 2021 and beyond. Sigmat, the leading European manufacturer of Light Gauge Steel Framing Solutions, have completed over 300 major projects across a variety of sectors and are widely recognised as one of the industry’s early innovators of LGSF technology. The Sigmat engineered system offers a world-leading product solution with a wide range of unique and patented structural profiles. As building sites all over the world gradually re-open after lockdown, it’s becoming increasingly clear that construction will look very different post-pandemic. Our global public health crisis has confirmed the urgent need for a new way of building homes, offices and public buildings, using smart construction to tackle design problems, inefficiency, outdated techniques and environmental challenges. Covid accentuated concerns surrounding close working demands for traditional construction methods and LGSF’s impressive environmental credentials, have all helped to catapult MMC to the top of the construction agenda and Sigmat predict this continued growth will be ones of the top trends throughout the new year. Sigmat CEO Mark Eburne commented: “We have remained incredibly busy throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Our manufacturing hub in Leeds has remained open and although some projects were rescheduled, we have still managed to see significant growth over the year.” “With sustainability right at the top of the building agenda, we know LGSF out performs traditional methods on every level. As more developers familiarise themselves with the huge benefits of LGSF construction, we anticipate our market share will continue to strengthen throughout 2021 and beyond.” With the manufacture of concrete accounting for around 9% of the world’s total carbon emissions, (3 times more than the aviation industry) steel frame structures, are, by their very nature, immediately more environmentally friendly. Sigmat produces its steel frames using at least 42% recycled content and a staggering 97% of its manufacturing waste is also recycled enabling them to maintain their 100% ‘no-landfill’ policy. Reduced transportation requirements, minimal site waste and over 90% end of life recyclability all contribute to making LGSF one of the most sustainable construction methods on the market today. And as the industry heads into another year of uncertainty, with more potential lockdowns on the horizon and increasingly exacerbated labour issues, LGSF can also help shape new working practices on-site. Where sites have re-started, the consensus is that at best, a maximum of 60% of workers can safely return under social distancing rules. Tighter immigration controls to help stop the spread of coronavirus will also continue to impact on the current labour shortage in the building sector. With fewer operatives on-site, MMC promotes greater social distancing and in turn offers a much safer environment on-site. This, added to the overall speed of LGSF construction (around 30% faster than traditional methods) could help satisfy the demand for high-quality housing and offer urban populations more space, and reduce overcrowding. “Sigmat has been involved in the development of LGSF technology for over 20 years,” commented Mark. “As one of the early innovators in MMC we have unparalleled levels of expertise and our commitment to R&D over the past five years in particular means we are well placed to service the increase in demand. 2020 has been a year most of us will want to forget but for Sigmat it’s been a year of industry recognition for the sector, and growth for us as a company. We are looking forward to 2021 and all the new challenges and opportunities that it presents.”