Independent Builders Merchant Group has appointed industry stalwart, Allun Pittingale, to the newly created role of Managing Director of the Builders Merchants Division. Allun started his career at the independent Western Builders Merchants in South London and has an impressive track record as a trader, steeped in builders merchanting. From
The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy. The quarterly tracking
Castleforge Partners, a leading UK-based real estate fund manager, today announced the final close of its third value-add commercial real estate fund at over £270m. Castleforge Partners III (“CFP III” or the “Fund”) successfully exceeded its predecessor by 15%, despite challenging fundraising conditions created by Brexit uncertainty and the COVID-19
THE number of project managers, contractors and stakeholders opting to carry out training in NEC contracts has sharply risen thanks to online training courses, NEC4 drafter Dr Stuart Kings reveals. Online training on how to best use and understand the NEC suite of contracts was launched in May via NEC
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have appointed Sheffield based Construction Contractor J F Finnegan to construct Barnsley’s New Build Fire and Rescue station. The project involves the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a new Fire Station, totalling 10,225 Sq Ft. A separate multi-use facility is planned
Doosan has launched the new DX800LC-7 Stage V compliant 80 tonne crawler excavator, the largest excavator model ever manufactured by the company. Coinciding with the launch, Doosan has announced the sale of the first DX800LC-7 in Europe to a customer in Finland. Driven by the most powerful engine in the
North East engineers RWO Associates is delivering an undisclosed contract to support the construction of the next phase of a multi-million pound digital and creative hub in Middlesbrough, which has been inspired by a popular children’s toy. The Newcastle firm is providing structural and civil engineering services for Boho 8,
The weeks of lockdown have accelerated the creation of liveable streets and green spaces, according to speakers at the latest e-Roadshow on Realising Resilience presented by Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation. “It was interesting to see the changes that have already taken place in London and to learn about how
GLP, investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased an 84,000 SQ FT unit at its G-Park Biggleswade site in Bedfordshire. The 84,000 SQ FT warehouse has been let to Focus International, part of the JD Sports Group. Focus will be utilising the
According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time. Modular builds can provide faster project completion, but what are the risks and benefits of this growing construction method? Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of window and door supplier
Independent Builders Merchant Group has appointed industry stalwart, Allun Pittingale, to the newly created role of Managing Director of the Builders Merchants Division. Allun started his career at the independent Western Builders Merchants in South London and has an impressive track record as a trader, steeped in builders merchanting. From the age of twenty one, he held several branch manager positions for Erith Building Supplies, Hall & Co and Builder Center before joining the Travis Perkins Group in 2001. He spent eighteen years with the TP Group and was a central figure in the leadership team that brought the Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery business to market before being appointed regional managing director in the South East, a role he held for the last four years. Renowned for building tight teams and obsessing about his customers and colleagues, he is considered a perfect fit for IBMG. Allun said: “I have been a big fan of independent merchants for many years and I had been intrigued by the unique competition provided by the newly formed Independent Builders Merchant Group. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining IBMG and be going back to my independent roots.” Andrew Cope of Independent Builder Merchant Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Allun to IBMG and know that under his leadership, our builders merchant branches will go from strength to strength.” Independent Builders Merchant Group includes Parkers and Chandlers Building, Stamco Timber and Fairolls. The Group provides all heavy-side building materials, civils, roofing & timber, plus an array of ancillary product lines including kitchens, plumbing & heating, joinery, architectural ironmongery, gardening and landscaping supplies. Local branch contact details can be found at www.independentbm.com <http://www.independentbm.com>
The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy. The quarterly tracking study by Hitachi Capital Business Finance goes beyond sentiment and confidence – it examines the percentage of small businesses that actually predict growth in the next three months. Following last quarter’s report, which saw the percentage of small business owners predicting growth plummeting from 39% to just 14%, the new findings show the highest quarter-on-quarter rise in five years. With 27% predicting growth overall, there were significant rises in the percentage of small businesses predicting moderate expansion the next three months (up from 10% to 23%) or no change (26% to 43%). This meant there has been a huge reduction in the percentage of businesses that fear contraction (down from 31% to 19%) or collapse in the next three months (down by almost two thirds from 29% to 11%). By sector, the IT/telecoms sector had the highest proportion of small businesses that predicted growth for the three months to 30th September (44%). The biggest rises in confidence since lockdown were evidenced in and transport and distribution (up from 8% to 34%) and manufacturing (9% to 30%), where the resurgence of growth forecasts was striking. There were also significant rises in sectors hardest hit by lockdown: In retail, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth rose from 21% to 27% – and in hospitality growth forecasts rose from 11% to 16% in the three months since April. The research also suggests that smaller, more agile enterprises will be the fastest to adapt to the UK’s re-emergence from lockdown: Small businesses that had been trading for less than five years (35%) and those that employed 10-49 employees (37%) were most likely to predict business growth for the next three months (to 30th September). Gavin Wraith-Carter, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance commented: “The latest Hitachi Capital research findings are remarkable for both the scale and the speed of the revival in small business confidence. We knew last quarter that small business confidence would fall as lockdown started and the scale of the fall was a concern, particularly the steep rise in the number of business owners fearing for their survival. Our new research – just in – shows what an immediate and positive impact the easing of lockdown has had on the small business community. Whilst bigger businesses are having to adjust and adapt at a slower pace, small business confidence across the UK has bounced back and as the engine room of the British economy, today’s figures can give us confidence that small businesses will lead the nation’s effort to rebuild the economy and secure growth.”
Castleforge Partners, a leading UK-based real estate fund manager, today announced the final close of its third value-add commercial real estate fund at over £270m. Castleforge Partners III (“CFP III” or the “Fund”) successfully exceeded its predecessor by 15%, despite challenging fundraising conditions created by Brexit uncertainty and the COVID-19 outbreak. Castleforge Partners has further diversified its investor base, securing new commitments from institutional investors in North America, Europe and Latin America including a private pension fund, endowment, foundation and family offices. The Fund also received strong support from existing investors, with approximately 60% of the capital from long-standing partners. This combination of investors shows confidence in Castleforge Partners’ ability to outperform in the current market environment. Castleforge Partners is a private equity real estate business that was established in 2010 and has grown to a team of over 70 professionals (incorporating their London headquartered core team and in-house operating platforms clustered around the asset base). Since inception, Castleforge has closed 40 deals and successfully realized 17. Research remains a central tenet of the investment strategy and the output informs asset selection and thematic focus. This has helped to guide Castleforge away from troubled sectors and built exposure to themes that benefit from structural growth tailwinds. Driven by research, Castleforge has placed increasing emphasis on operational improvement to supplement traditional value creation initiatives. This has led to the creation of in-house operating platforms which enhance occupational experience to match evolving end-user demand, while driving yield and managing operational risk. The platform is establishing considerable scale in various high growth asset-classes and has begun to expand the asset base into continental Europe. Commenting on the Fund closing, Brandon Hollihan, Co-Founder of Castleforge Partners, said: “We are greatly appreciative of our investors, old and new, for their support and partnership. It is an exciting time for Castleforge Partners, and we believe we are well positioned to access new opportunities and grow our business, whilst also supporting the communities in which we invest.” Atlantic-Pacific Capital served as the exclusive global placement agent. Alex Hurst, Partner at Atlantic-Pacific, said: “We are pleased to close CFP III with commitments in excess of the predecessor vehicle despite headwinds in the capital markets resulting from a trilogy of events incorporating Brexit, a snap election and a global pandemic. We have enjoyed the second collaboration with Castleforge Partners and expect their focus on risk management and the unremitting evolution of their platform will serve investors well.”
THE number of project managers, contractors and stakeholders opting to carry out training in NEC contracts has sharply risen thanks to online training courses, NEC4 drafter Dr Stuart Kings reveals. Online training on how to best use and understand the NEC suite of contracts was launched in May via NEC and national framework provider Pagabo. As with courses across the board, this training was converted into an online format and a huge response has seen all online training completely fully booked and future courses all reaching maximum numbers already. Dr Stuart Kings, technical director and in-house NEC expert at Pagabo, said: “It’s been really important to ensure that training can still be maintained during a time when organisations need NEC guidance the most, and we’re thrilled to report that the response to these online courses has been phenomenal. “People want the accreditation – and the online format has made the courses far more accessible at a time when individuals and organisations alike have adapted quickly to technology. “With the NEC, there are multiple contracts – a bit like a ‘box set’ of all contracts which includes consultancy, sub-contractors, major works and design, and build and operate. NEC covers every procurement exercise under the sub and embodies the principles of good project management – which is why it is now the dominant contract in the construction industry.” Stuart was one of the drafters of the NEC4 suite of contractors, which are used by Pagabo in its procurement processes. He reports that many organisations are currently wanting to gain a deeper understanding of how NEC contractors works, and to ensure that they are up to speed with the way it can be of benefit to them in terms of project management. As well as giving training to Pagabo’s contractors, supply chain and clients, Stuart has also been giving advice to organisations such as Pick Everard. Stuart continued: “While the NEC contract covers major projects such as Hinckley Point C, CrossRail and HS2, it is also suitable for smaller projects too. The training courses have taken people through the contract in close detail, from start to end. They have provided a checklist of actions taking you from day one of the project, right through to completion.” Simon Toplass, chief executive at Pagabo, said: “The NEC contract itself has been around since 1991, and when it launched it was seen as radically rewriting the rulebook. Instead of focusing purely on contractual procedures, the contract became more about project management principles and modern practice. “NEC is now so central to procurement particularly within the construction industry, so it’s really crucial for framework providers like us to offer real expertise in order to advise clients and suppliers and give the best possible support. We’re thrilled to have an in-house expert in Stuart and to be able to offer this expertise and training to others in the sector.” For more information, please visit www.pagabo.co.uk
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have appointed Sheffield based Construction Contractor J F Finnegan to construct Barnsley’s New Build Fire and Rescue station. The project involves the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a new Fire Station, totalling 10,225 Sq Ft. A separate multi-use facility is planned to be built on the same site along Broadway road in Barnsley. The site is to accommodate a mixture of functions, including operational services, administrative and training facilities for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The build will also include three appliance bays and separate provisions for partners and local voluntary organisations. Whilst the new proposed building is smaller in scale compared with the existing, several design fundamentals have been incorporated to ensure that the new build will preserve a high-quality finish and a strong visual presence. Director of Support Services Stuart Booth, said: “One of our aspirations is to make the service a great place to work. Part of achieving that means investing in the buildings and facilities our staff use every day and we’re pleased to be making real and tangible progress towards this. We considered refurbishing the existing site, but this didn’t provide best value for money and it didn’t provide the best long-term facility for our staff.” Dawa Singh, Head of Pre-Construction at J F Finnegan commented ‘We were delighted to be appointed in April 2020 for the above project during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In collaboration with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service we have worked diligently throughout the national restrictions. We look forward to continue working with the Service and the Local Community to Design & Build a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the very high emergency standards delivered by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.’
Doosan has launched the new DX800LC-7 Stage V compliant 80 tonne crawler excavator, the largest excavator model ever manufactured by the company. Coinciding with the launch, Doosan has announced the sale of the first DX800LC-7 in Europe to a customer in Finland. Driven by the most powerful engine in the 80 tonne class, the DX800LC-7 also has the highest hydraulic flow for this size of machine, providing best-in-class performance, with higher productivity, lower fuel consumption and smoother controls. Like all Doosan excavators, much attention has been given to operator comfort and safety. The DX800LC-7 has a new, very spacious operator cab, equipped with ergonomic controls and instrumentation. Special care has been taken to ensure noise is kept to a minimum through enhanced sealing of the engine compartment and extensive use of sound-dampening materials. All components and assemblies are designed, built and tested to ensure durability. Multi-stage filters and features such as track guards and cylinder guards for the boom and arm, the auto grease system and greased and sealed track links are designed to provide superior reliability and a long service life. The DX800LC-7 is easy to maintain, further reducing downtime to a minimum. Highest Power Stage V Engine in its Class The DX800LC-7 excavator is powered by the new stage V version of the well-proven Perkins 2506J diesel engine, providing a high power output of 403 kW (548 HP), more than any other machine in this class. The engine meets Stage V emission regulations by utilising exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalyst reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter (DPF) after-treatment technologies. The DPF automatically regenerates every 25 hours and the excavator continues to work unaffected during this regeneration phase. The operator can check the status of the DPF via the display on the gauge panel in the cab. Highest Hydraulic Flow in 80 t Class The high output of the engine is combined with a Virtual Bleed Off (VBO) hydraulic system (D-ECOPOWER+), providing a best-in-class hydraulic flow of 1008 l/min and a high system pressure of 343 bar, together contributing to the best performance in the 80 tonne market. Doosan’s D-ECOPOWER+ technology utilises an electronic pressure-controlled pump within a closed centre hydraulic system to optimise productivity and fuel consumption, depending on the mode selected. A closed centred main control valve minimises pressure loss, while the electric pressure-controlled pump manages and optimises engine power more effectively. Software is utilised to electronically reproduce the full benefits of an open centre hydraulic system with very little energy loss. The hydraulic system and engine output are fully optimised and synchronised, further reducing losses within the system. Improved feedback to the operator through the joystick results in improved machine control and less operator fatigue. The acceleration and deceleration of the excavator workgroup functions are smoother, allowing operators to perform repetitive swinging and digging motions with less jerking movements. Choice of Boom and Swing Modes To provide optimized operations when working with the DX800LC-7 excavator, the operator can switch between two modes – Boom or Swing – giving priority to boom or swing movements, respectively, so they can best match how they are using the machine to the application they are working on. Faster working speeds are ensured by the 2-spool Boom Down Regeneration system in the DX800LC-7, which also reduces fuel consumption. The 2-spool hydraulic system for the bucket cylinder also increases hydraulic flow and the working speed of the bucket, again reducing fuel consumption. The DX800LC-7 also has a boom/arm cylinder lock valve (anti-hose burst valve) as standard for increased safety, preventing accidents caused by hydraulic hose rupture on site. Increased Comfort and Controllability Already excelling in spaciousness and ergonomics, the new cab in the DX800LC-7 is designed to significantly enhance operator comfort and ease of operation. The cab has a new high quality seat and offers more features as standard than other machines on the market, ensuring super controllability and high precision in all applications. Key new features in the cab include: • New 8-inch touch-enabled colour LCD gauge panel, providing more information via a 30% larger screen • Stereo system integrated in the gauge panel (with Bluetooth streaming function) • Keyless start system • Enhanced interior cab design including Improved air conditioning/defrost performance Seat Heating (2-step) 360o Cameras (AVM, All-around View Monitoring) • Full LED lights pack • Side protection and Catwalks • Air compressor and air gun for cab cleaning (option) A full camera array is standard, comprising a front camera, two side cameras and a rear camera. The camera display is separated from the gauge panel and provides full visibility around the excavator and allows the operator to see a top-down view of the area outside the machine. This is combined with an AVM (around view monitoring) system as standard. LED working lamps are also standard on the DX800LC-7, providing up to 75% better illumination of the workspace around the excavator, ensuring improved productivity in dusk and night time work and to help prevent accidents on site. The new DX800LC-7 is factory-installed with Doosan’s state-of-the-art DoosanCONNECT wireless fleet monitoring system. The DoosanCONNECT system offers a web-based fleet management solution which is very useful for monitoring the performance and security of machines and promoting preventative maintenance. Convenient Maintenance The cooling system in the DX800LC-7 offers a larger cooling capacity with a reduced fan speed and power requirement for the cooling fan. A reversible cooling fan is installed as standard, which can be used in the reverse direction to blow away dust in the radiator and oil cooler, saving time and effort in maintenance work and ensuring that the DX800LC-7 is ideal for working in tough applications. Complementing the class-leading performance, the DX800LC-7 is also designed for maximum uptime on site with proven, high quality, durable components such as Bosch Rexroth MCV and Main Pump systems, a Doosan Mottrol swing device and a very robust Berco undercarriage. The DX800LC-7 features a new heavy duty front end with a total of five different front combinations possible
North East engineers RWO Associates is delivering an undisclosed contract to support the construction of the next phase of a multi-million pound digital and creative hub in Middlesbrough, which has been inspired by a popular children’s toy. The Newcastle firm is providing structural and civil engineering services for Boho 8, a £2.5m development of modular stack units based on Lego’s eight piece building block system, which will provide 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible work space to meet the needs of the North East’s expanding digital and creative services sector. The office complex, which sees onsite construction start in July, is expected to open in late 2020 and comes ahead of Boho 10, a development of three skyscrapers. This forms part of an overall £250m investment project by Middlesbrough Borough Council in a high-profile scheme that is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and strengthen the region’s position as a commercial centre of excellence. RWO Associates is providing a package of civil and structural engineering design services as part of a tender awarded by the council. This includes completing site investigation work alongside the engineering design of structural foundation and drainage works to support a complex stacking design and build concept. The firm is also being retained by the council in a move that will see it provide on-going reviews of plans and advice around the final design and build works as the project unfolds over the summer. Currently employing 19 people, this is the latest success for RWO, which has exceeded its £1.5m turnover target in 2020 as it continues to invest in resources to support a strong order book. RWO’s managing director Ross Oakley, said: “This is another prestigious project for north east engineering capability, reflecting the skills and expertise available in the region to support innovative commercial design and build projects. “It will see us continuing to develop our commercial offering and comes at a time when we are tendering for significant civil and structural work for a number of large residential and commercial contracts across the UK.” RWO Associates is working with architects Seymour Architecture, who have offices in Morpeth and Middlesbrough, and who have designed Boho 8. Director Andrew Bowkett said: “We are developing a site that considers the external public realm as much the building itself. That’s why we are working with RWO to meet current needs and deliver our innovative approach. They have the engineering skills, and experience to deliver the highest standards of service and quality.” Photocaption: RWO Associates is providing engineering expertise for Middlesbrough’s Boho 8. Also pictured is Ross Oakley.
The weeks of lockdown have accelerated the creation of liveable streets and green spaces, according to speakers at the latest e-Roadshow on Realising Resilience presented by Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation. “It was interesting to see the changes that have already taken place in London and to learn about how upcoming policy changes – as well as the pandemic – will push things even further,” said Sean Robinson, Specification Director, who hosted the event, Shaping City Policy to Support Biodiversity and Green Urbanisation. The first phase of the Ladderswood Estate regeneration in Enfield provided a practical example of green urbanisation in action, as described by Nicholas Wright, National Specification Manager – City & Landscapes. This complex scheme, which took just nine months from design to delivery, required check dams and flow controls to accommodate multiple areas, with the end result providing play spaces, grass, pathways and planting for the 517 households. Ecologist Dr Julia Baker, of Balfour Beatty, shone a spotlight on the future policy of biodiversity net gain. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the Environment Bill, expected in late 2020, are likely to demand a 10% improvement in biodiversity but Julia urged developers to aim higher. “Better is different from best,” she said. “We must ask ourselves, at a project level and at a policy level, whether we have achieved the best outcome?” Careful design could, Julia argued, not only enhance biodiversity but be targeted to add social value such as improving areas of social deprivation. “Green Bounceback” is how Luke Hilson, Design Director at Barton Wilmore, described a post-Covid future where the urban streetscape has been reclaimed from traffic. Homeworking, active travel, and outdoor dining have already affected change, he said, with the creation of ‘parklets’ in our city streets: “One of the most visible things we have seen in the last few weeks and months, across London and the UK, is that we are taking space that was previously highway space and reclaiming it for people.” “The pandemic is leading us to accelerate what we had already planned to do,” said Peter Massini, Principal Policy Officer for Greater London Authority. Climate change had already made urban greening a priority, he noted, a thread which runs through the new London Plan, The Mayor’s Transport Strategy and the London Environment Strategy. “We need to blur the space between parks, green spaces and developments,” he said, pointing to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park development in East London as a practical example. This high-density housing development incorporates green roofs and SuDS that ends in a reed bed system before draining into the River Lea, providing both greater biodiversity and amenity. Peter also spoke of the need to rethink the role of parks in London’s transport system, for instance using sections around their perimeters for rental bike storage, as long as they were well designed. “We must make green space a functional part of the infrastructure of our cities,” he said. “Some people think of it as the urban realm intruding into parks, but I like to think of it as the parks intruding into the urban realm.” The next event of the series is on August 11th and concentrates on Ireland and covers Changing Legislation and Growing Ambition – Planning for Green Infrastructure and SuDS in Northern Ireland. The series concludes on August 18th, with a rescheduled Scotland event which considers the challenge of Delivering for the Climate Emergency in Scotland’s Green Network. All of the guest speaker presentations for the London e-Roadshow event can be viewed at https://www.polypipe.com/news For information on the full programme and details of how to register visit: – https://www.polypipe.com/roadshow-2020 Pic caption: Adapting streetscapes and parks to promote active travel will be at the heart of the post-Covid ‘Green Bounceback’.
GLP, investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased an 84,000 SQ FT unit at its G-Park Biggleswade site in Bedfordshire. The 84,000 SQ FT warehouse has been let to Focus International, part of the JD Sports Group. Focus will be utilising the warehouse space for bulk storage and pick-and-pack of their portfolio of brands including ellesse UK, Yogi Footwear, Nautica Competition, Peter Werth, Fenchurch, Henleys, Ecko and Starter and using additional office space so we can ensure staff have enough space to socially distance. G-Park Biggleswade comprises five units in total, including a 61,000 SQ FT unit leased to SeeWoo Foods earlier this year, and a 97,500 SQ FT build-to-suit distribution centre leased to Dublin-based Zeus Packaging. There is also a further 106,000 SQ FT speculatively developed warehouse which is currently available for lease. Each warehouse is designed to BREEAM Excellent and built to meet the evolving needs of GLP’s logistics, distribution and ecommerce customers in the UK. In addition to this best-in-class specification, the development benefits from Biggleswade’s strong labour pool and excellent transport links to central London and the South East. G-Park Biggleswade forms part of Stratton Business Park, which is home to a number of leading businesses from the packaging, distribution, food and manufacturing sectors as well as a retail complex including M&S, Pets at Home, Boots, River Island, and Halfords. Andrew Ward, Operations Director at Focus, said: “We are looking forward to working with GLP and joining other leading brands at G-Park Biggleswade. A solid infrastructure and efficient logistics system is key to the success of any business, and for Focus, this is especially important with several brands under our umbrella, and continued growth in Central Europe. The position is perfect for our business as it is placed on the A1 and just 43 miles from central London. We look forward to bringing new work opportunities to the area and making this the perfect base to continue to grow our Focus brands. The last few months have been extremely challenging for retail with the global pandemic, so we’re pleased to make this positive move, eventually employing 40+ people in the area as we continue to drive future development.” James Atkinson, Development Manager at GLP Europe, said: “This development, which completed in January of this year, highlights GLP’s ongoing commitment to offering high quality space for our customers in established logistics locations. The built-to-suit logistics warehouses on site illustrate the strength of occupier demand in the area and we have responded by speculatively developing a range of different-sized units to maintain flexibility for our customers. We look forward to working with Focus International for the first time and are pleased with the success of this development so far, with only one unit now remaining to let.” A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: “We negotiated the sale of the Stratton Phase 4 land to GLP in early 2018 and have since been impressed with the quality and speed of delivery that GLP have orchestrated. “The addition to the existing business park of five high quality buildings, at pace, has attracted new businesses to Biggleswade and provided a significant boost to job creation in the town and beyond. “The development of G Park has helped reinforce Stratton Business Park as a key business location in the region.” Adroit Real Estate Advisors, BNP PRE, and CBRE acted for GLP.
According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time. Modular builds can provide faster project completion, but what are the risks and benefits of this growing construction method? Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of window and door supplier to the offsite construction industry, Euramax, explains. Reports suggest that modular construction can deliver projects 50 per cent faster than traditional construction while maintaining the same high quality. No surprises then, that the technique is considered the next mega trend in construction. This enhanced completion time of modular construction has become vital for building classrooms, hospital wards and other facilities that requires immediate construction. In 2019, Europe’s tallest modular building, a block of housing apartments in Croydon, South London, was completed in just 35 weeks. Controlled environment Modular construction refers to building projects in which 60 to 90 per cent of a build is constructed offsite. Typically, inside a factory environment. Constructing the build elsewhere means work can start simultaneously alongside preparation of the site. Assembling modules in a factory also means there is greater quality control — unlike a site environment, faults can be resolved before the modules are fixed to the larger construction. This saves remanufacturing time and produces a more accurate build. Manufacturing in a controlled environment also means external factors, such as weather conditions, cannot interrupt the development. As site managers in Britain will attest to, nothing presses pause on a construction project like an unexpected downpour. For time-sensitive projects, minimising this risk is essential. Securing trustworthy relationships While modular construction is praised for its speed, these builds require extreme technical intricacy. Measurements must be exact to ensure modules can fix together seamlessly. A measurement slightly under or over the figures specified could mean the build is flawed, slowing down project completion. Suddenly, this speedy construction option isn’t so quick. Establishing relationships with trusted suppliers and contractors is vital to ensure project predictability. There are many unreliable and dishonest professionals that will exploit construction’s need for quick project delivery, often leaving projects in the lurch — meaning work must be extended, or even abandoned. Working with reliable companies for assistance on modular build projects can help to ensure that deadlines are met — and the same applies to features that are installed in the modules, such as windows and doors. Euramax has 70 years of manufacturing experience of windows and doors for modular construction projects. In fact, Euramax is supplying its windows and doors to modular home manufacturer, Ilke Homes, for the production of 2,000 of its modular homes, demonstrating Euramax’s reliability for the modular build sector. No matter how big or small a project — from hospitals to housing — extended completion times can cause problems. However, modular construction can ensure deadlines are met. With the BIS reporting 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time, modular construction methods could be increasingly looked upon to change this. While it’s not possible to predict that a project will run smoothly, choosing reputable suppliers for modular construction projects can reduce delays, ensuring efficient completion and minimise the risk of any construction hiccups. Euramax manufactures high quality windows and doors for modular buildings, here in the UK. More information on the company’s specialist expertise in this area can be found online: www.euramaxuk.com/offsite-construction.