Modern high tech site security to protect your property and people Theft and vandalism costs the construction industry over £800 million per year in terms of the losses and the costs involved in taking remedial action after thefts and acts of vandalism. As a result, good construction site security is
London Build has been celebrating women within the construction industry since 2015, hosting an annual Women in Construction networking attended by over 1,200 women working across all sectors – making it the UK’s largest meeting of Women in Construction. This free-to-attend session gives professionals the opportunity to learn from a
No matter how carefully you drive or how much attention you pay, the risk of you being involved in a car accident is highly probable due to the increased number of road users. If you have been injured in a car accident, then this guideline should offer the support you
First-time drivers may feel that they already know everything that they should do when they are on the road but actually, there are still a lot more that they have to know before they can ride their cars freely. You may not really think about car insurance when you are
FIS is proud to announce that we are launching the FIS Sector Skills Pledge, designed to bring the sector together to secure future sector sustainability and address the skills shortages in key trades, we need to work together as a sector. This will ensure a steady supply of new entrants
Tickets for this year’s BALI National Landscape Awards, the largest landscaping Awards ceremony in Europe, are now on sale. With the Awards’ expert Adjudication Panel, led by Chair of the Adjudication Panel John Melmoe having completed their site visits for applicable schemes earlier this month and final deliberations set to
It is unlikely that businesses with operations in Hong Kong or sending employees to the region will be unaware of the current unrest. But some employers may be uncertain about the scale of the risks and what guidance to give to employees. Sebastian Liu, Global Threat Analyst for the Asia
With the industry under increasing pressure to use sustainable materials in road construction, Aggregate Industries has launched Superlow, a low temperature asphalt enabling quicker, more environmentally-friendly project completion. Specially formulated for use on highways and road infrastructure schemes, this range of asphalt is mixed at 20°C-40°C lower than hot mix
A major project described as Stockport’s single most important strategic highway connection has been completed by GRAHAM. The £8m Travis Brow Link Road creates a vital link between the A6 and M60 in Stockport town centre. It’s part of Stockport Council’s £73m Town Centre Access Plan, which will improve access
Having gained considerable momentum over the past few years, modular construction makes up 60-70% of the offsite manufacturing sector and reduces build times by an impressive 50-60%. At the forefront of offsite approaches, volumetric modular methods have a remarkable impact on reducing costs while increasing quality and safety measures in
Modern high tech site security to protect your property and people Theft and vandalism costs the construction industry over £800 million per year in terms of the losses and the costs involved in taking remedial action after thefts and acts of vandalism. As a result, good construction site security is paramount both in terms of ‘self policing’ in the way construction site personnel observe good security and through using expert help from site security professionals. Why site security is needed As the above figure shows, good site security is imperative to avoid falling victim to the huge losses experienced by the industry as a whole – or at least being able to hopefully apprehend those committing criminal acts if the worst happens. A major theft or act of vandalism not only costs money to recover from, it can put progress back considerably if work is suspended or curtailed in the aftermath of an incident. Good security is cheap at the price if it helps prevent these. Outside help Specialists offering the latest in building site security tech and expertise can help monitor a site round the clock and organise a response to incidents, and modern CCTV systems help protect construction sites of all types and sizes. Modern cameras and alarms developed for site surveillance can run without mains power, and can be moved easily so as to be in the best position as and when the site changes its configuration as work progresses. Inside help: good security practices A sad fact about many construction sites is the sometimes poor standards of diligence when observing everyday good security procedures. There have been instances of ID of site personnel not being checked properly, entrances left open – especially parts of fencing when moved aside temporality to allow a large machine access to the site or for a large delivery to be made. Basics such as doors left unlocked and keys left in machines abound unfortunately. While human error is perhaps inevitable from time to time, many sites could benefit from more stringent internal security procedures. Benefitting Health and Safety Building site security isn’t only about safeguarding premises and property; it’s also highly beneficial in helping maintain good Health and Safety standards throughout the site. This can encompass various aspects: Site access – you should run your site without putting members of the public at risk. Using CCTV and access control systems is a major step in ensuring only authorised personnel access the site. Fire – hazardous and flammable materials are to be found on many sites, and some have even more if, for example, demolition work is being carried out. Therefore, good fire alarms and CCTV systems can monitor and protect so as to keep a fire hazard area as safe as possible. General monitoring – diligent CCTV monitoring can help areas stay as safe as possible; a potentially hazardous or other wise dangerous situation can be flagged up quickly if caught on CCTV to help ensure a safe working environment. Identification – It is important for your site staff to be recognised. Having the right ID is important and will help from any unauthorised staff being where they should not. You can see examples of this from fake ID cards topfakid. There is much more legislation concerning building, design and construction. Ultimately, good site security will help your business in terms of avoiding the disruption and heavy expenses involved in dealing with an incidence of theft or vandalism. Also, further disruption and injury to personnel can be avoided if your site security provisions are used to monitor Health and Safety related activities too.
London Build has been celebrating women within the construction industry since 2015, hosting an annual Women in Construction networking attended by over 1,200 women working across all sectors – making it the UK’s largest meeting of Women in Construction. This free-to-attend session gives professionals the opportunity to learn from a panel of established experts and rub elbows with some truly inspirational women who have made a significant impact on the industry. The event will look at issues of gender imbalance and inequality within the built environment, as well as highlighting the outstanding achievements of those who are driving change across the industry. Kicking off at 10.30am on day two of London Build (28th Nov), we’ll see the Women in Construction panel take over the main stage – an upgrade from 2018 in order to accommodate the ever-increasing audience. Moderated by Cristina Lanz Azcarate, London and South East Chair – NAWIC, the panel will feature five renowned speakers: Ruby El-Kanzi, Senior Design Manager I Construction London – Wates Pamela McInroy, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager – High Speed Two Sharon Duffy, Head of Transport Infrastructure Engineering – Transport for London Michelle Hands, Director – N J Engineering Michaela Wain, Managing Director – We Connect Construction After the panel, the event will move to the Built Environment Networking Hub – a chance to network with established experts including the event’s Women in Construction Ambassadors and discuss the untapped opportunities for both women and men working in construction, diversity and equality. Becoming a Women in Construction Ambassador Part of London Build’s commitment to amplifying the voices of Women in Construction is its active recruitment of professional and talented individuals driving change within the construction industry. We seek out ambassadors to represent the extraordinary skill sets and expertise the industry has to offer. Both women and men are welcome! London Build focusses on showcasing the advantages of being a woman in construction, and strives to have a strong female line-up in its content programme. This mission to ensure that businesses within the construction industry have every opportunity to thrive, by telling inspiring and motivating stories from exceptional women, is something that we encourage industry professionals to become a part of. You can get involved by joining industry-leading names such as Christina Riley, Angela Brady, Alison Coutinho and Angela Dapper in becoming a Women in Construction Ambassador. By promoting the Women in Construction Networking Event and London Build to your contacts, you’ll have a WIC Ambassadors’ badge, priority seating at the conference, first-hand introductions during the networking event to help you gain an active role in promoting the WIC initiative and keep striving to make incredible change in the UK’s construction industry. Anyone of any gender who is passionate about driving change in the UK’s built environment, from students to architects to CEO’s, is welcome to get involved. To find out more or to sign up, visit www.londonbuildexpo.com/wic. Women in Construction at the London Construction Awards The London Construction Awards are the leading construction awards for London, recognising achievements, developments and innovation in London’s booming construction industry. A recognised industry accolade, the London Construction Awards have niche award categories to suit each specialism – and continues the London Build theme of championing equality, diversity and inclusion with its tailored Women in Construction and Diversity and Inclusion awards. Both categories are free to enter, and entries close at 5pm on 27th August 2019 (an extension on the deadline). For further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at wic@londonbuildexpo.com or call 0203 058 2350.
No matter how carefully you drive or how much attention you pay, the risk of you being involved in a car accident is highly probable due to the increased number of road users. If you have been injured in a car accident, then this guideline should offer the support you need whether you are a passenger, driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian. What Should Be Done At The Scene Of A Car Accident? When involved in car accident you have a legal duty to stop at the scene, as well as your legal duty, it is also beneficial for you to stop to make sure you can assess the situation effectively, making sure no one is injured, what (if any) damage has been caused to the vehicles involved and if any other property has been damaged. Being involved in an accident is not something someone starts their day predicting, therefore, if an unfortunate event happens, it is likely you will be left in a state of shock and could struggle to process what has happened. It is important to try to remain calm and collect all the necessary details you may need, especially if you pursue to make a car accident claim for the loss and suffering you have experienced. Important information to collect at this stage would be: Vehicle Damage Evidence – this can be obtained by taking photographs via your phone, but try not just to gather evidence of your own vehicle, try to obtain pictures of any damage caused to the other parties’ vehicle as well. If the vehicle is heavily damaged, you need to get professional advice from your car insurer. Obtain The Other Driver’s Information – details including name, address, and contact details. If they are not the owner of the vehicle, then be sure to get the owner’s information to Vehicle Information – including registration, model of the vehicle and the colour Insurance Information – including the name of the insurance company and the driver policy number. Again if the driver is not the owner of that particular vehicle, try to obtain their insurance information also Independent Witness Details – this means someone who has not been involved in but has witnessed the accident and can give a clear statement if needed. They also must be unknown to either party involved to ensure they can be classed as independent. While gaining independent witness details, ensure you have gained their full name, contact number and address Photographs That Can Help Explain What Has Happened, e.g. taking photographs of road markings, how the vehicles have positioned themselves after the accident etc. It is important to try and remain calm and keep yourself and any passengers you may have safe, therefore if you feel your safety is at risk or someone has been badly injured then call the emergency services and seek immediate medical attention. If the police were involved, make sure all information given by them is kept safe, most importantly the reference number they provide you Gaining The Medical Attention You Need After An Accident However minor or major your injuries feel due to the accident, it is important you seek the appropriate medical attention to ensure there is no underlying condition caused and to ensure you have received all the treatment you need. Depending on the severity of your injuries will depend on what type of medical attention you seek, if your injuries are severe you may want to call the emergency services to get an ambulance, however, if they seem minor in nature you could attend your GP or a local NHS walk-in centre. A common occurring injury brought on by RTAs (Road Traffic Accidents) is known as whiplash. This type of injury is caused by a sudden forceful movement which is caused by the impact of your vehicle colliding into something. Common tell-tale signs of having whiplash are discomfort and stiffness in your neck area when moving, along with headaches. Who Is Eligible To Make A Claim? All road users have a legal right to make a claim when they have been injured in an accident that isn’t their fault, this includes: Vehicle drivers Passengers – whether you are a passenger on public or private transport Pedestrians Motorcyclists Bicyclists A passenger can start a claim regardless of whether it is the driver of the vehicle they were in who is at fault. If you were in a passenger in your family member’s or friend’s vehicle, in a taxi or on a bus/coach, whether it was your driver who has caused the accident or not you could be eligible to claim. A passenger could also be eligible to make a claim if they have sustained an injury due to careless driving. The driver owes their passengers a duty of care to ensure they do not drive carelessly causing anyone to fall, they should also ensure care is taken when passengers are entering or exiting the bus. Making A Claim For A Car Accident Starting a claim for compensation for your injuries and other losses sustained in an accident can be quick and easy, simply contact specialist solicitors, and they will guide you through the entire process. Often as a passenger, it is confusing to know if you are eligible to claim and who from, especially if you feel the driver of the vehicle you were in may be at fault. This is where your solicitors will be able to help you, letting you know from the first point of contact if you have a claim and whose insurance you would be claiming from. Starting Your Claim Starting a claim is quick and easy, once you have begun speaking with a solicitor you will find out if you have a valid claim and be able to gain tailored advice that will best suit your situation. After gaining the advice, if you wish to make a claim, the setup will require the following details: Your personal details – e.g. Name, Address, Phone Number, DOB, National
First-time drivers may feel that they already know everything that they should do when they are on the road but actually, there are still a lot more that they have to know before they can ride their cars freely. You may not really think about car insurance when you are driving for the first time. You will probably think about where you are going to use your car, how you are going to use your car, and what your friends will think of the car that you have. Car insurance may be the least of your concerns. You should know now that car insurance is going to be important. You can check https://www.cheapautoinsurance.com if you want more details about the car insurance policies that are available for first-time drivers like you. The Most Cost-Effective Way The most cost-effective way that you can get car insurance is when you are added to another person’s policy. It is very possible that someone in your household already has car insurance. When you get added, this means that you will get the right benefits whenever you drive. When you are a first-time driver, you will be considered as a high-risk driver by insurance companies which means that your premium will be higher as compared to those who have been driving for a long time. The only option that is available for you is to make sure that you will be added to the insurance plan of a driver that already owns car insurance. Possible Discounts You May Get There are some potential discounts that the original car insurance owner may have that will lower all of your premiums even further: Bundling the car insurance with other cars of the household Bundling your car insurance with other insurance policies like home insurance, and so much more. Getting additional driving courses You need to prove that you are a good driver if you would take some driving courses that will show that you take driving seriously. Shop Around One of the best things that you can do is to check the different car insurance companies that are available. You can get several quotes from different companies and you should find the one that will provide the lowest rates possible. There are also some people who would like to pay the full amount the moment that they get their chosen policy. This can be very effective too especially when you are trying to save up. You will pay a lower amount initially and you also do not have to worry about subsequent payments until such time when you need to renew your policy again. In addition, every first time driver can also use a lawyer for many reasons. The most common reason is because lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to help individuals who have been involved in car accidents. They understand the laws surrounding car accidents, and they can help their clients to receive the compensation that they deserve. In addition, lawyers can also help first time drivers to avoid costly mistakes. For example, many first time drivers do not know how to negotiate with insurance companies. As a result, they may end up paying more for their insurance than they need to. Lawyers like Dennis Hernandez & Associates can help them to get the best possible rate. Finally, lawyers can also help first time drivers to navigate the legal system. This is especially important if they have been charged with a traffic violation. A lawyer can help them to understand their rights and options, and he or she can ensure that they receive a fair hearing. In short, there are many good reasons why every first time driver needs a lawyer. Good Student Discount Who says that your grades will not have an effect on the things that you have to do in life? The fact that you can get a discount when you have good grades may inspire you to pay more attention to your education more. You need to have a GPA average of 3.0 or higher so that you can get this type of discount. You may be required to provide them with a transcript that will show your recent grades so that you can prove that you have the grades that will make you eligible for this type of discount. Having good grades can make your parents proud and can lessen the amount that you have to pay for car insurance too. Consider the Right Vehicle Let us say that you are looking for the right vehicle that will be given to you by your parents or you will purchase with your hard-earned money. How are you going to pick the one that will work best? When you pick a luxury vehicle, you are going to pay more not only because the cars are more expensive. It will be ideal if you would check the vehicle that will work best for your needs. Since it is your first time to own a car anyway, you do not have to spend a lot of money on a vehicle yet. You can even get an older vehicle first and learn how to drive better with the use of this vehicle. The more that you know, the better that you will feel. Another way to travel would be by bus, you can find out more on how to book your Lubbock bus here. How to Minimize Premiums Further Young drivers can always minimize their premiums if they would make an effort to keep their driving record clean at all times. You can also install a safety device on your car so that you can have even lower premiums. When you commit yourself to drive with a clean driving record, you will have a chance to get lower premiums.
FIS is proud to announce that we are launching the FIS Sector Skills Pledge, designed to bring the sector together to secure future sector sustainability and address the skills shortages in key trades, we need to work together as a sector. This will ensure a steady supply of new entrants into the sector who will be trained and skilled tradespeople with the right qualifications for their trade to deliver the projects needed. Businesses can deliver lasting change by providing work experience, taking on apprentices and setting individuals up with skills and knowledge for long term careers. We want to inspire young people to choose careers in construction as a first-choice option, not the last. The FIS Sector Skills Pledge is a commitment from organisations and employers to become FIS Skills Champions and to embrace programmes that will help us as a sector to create a sustainable, competent and skilled workforce. The pledge will also highlight which businesses and employers are going the extra mile. To become FIS Sector Skills Champions, we need businesses and employers to commit and sign up to at least one of the following programmes: • FIS BuildBack – allows businesses and employers to meet their social value obligations and unearth new workers in this dedicated programme to train and bring new individuals into the sector in the drylining trade. • FIS BuildME – encourages new entrants from the college sector. It allows businesses and employers to meet their social value obligations and open their sites and offices to college learners for work experience opportunities. • Qualify your workforce – committed to training the finishes and interiors workforce to NVQ 2 (equivalent) by 2020. Enabling your workforce skills to be recognised with the right matching qualifications. • Showcase dedication to skills – commit to the 5% Club challenge, a dynamic cross sector movement of employers working to create shared prosperity across the UK by driving ‘earn and learn’ skills training opportunities. • #iBuiltThis2019 competition – designed to inspire the next generation of construction workers – promote and encourage attraction into construction through a fun competition by showcasing the projects you have built and enter the competition • Bringing you modern apprentices – without the pain! Iain McIlwee, CEO at FIS said “I firmly believe that together we are stronger and can make a lasting difference if we work together. The Sector Skills Pledge is an industry wide campaign to improve sector skills sustainability, an exciting invitation to the sector to sign-up to the pledge and work in collaboration to deliver the programmes that will help to make this sector sustainable for all. Together we can show everybody including young people what fantastic career opportunities exist within the sector and attract the 1500 new entrants needed in the finishes and interiors sector” For more information and to sign up to the FIS Sector Skills Pledge visit our website at www.thefis.org/fis- sector-skills-pledge/
Tickets for this year’s BALI National Landscape Awards, the largest landscaping Awards ceremony in Europe, are now on sale. With the Awards’ expert Adjudication Panel, led by Chair of the Adjudication Panel John Melmoe having completed their site visits for applicable schemes earlier this month and final deliberations set to take place on 27, 28 and 29 August, excitement levels are rising for the industry event of the year. With a record number of entries submitted since 2009, the BALI Award Adjudicators have been busy over the summer judging schemes up and down the country, with early indications showing once again a very high standard of quality has been achieved. Looking to attend at a discounted rate? Early bird tickets are available, priced at £175 per person (full price £195) or tables of 10 for £1,550 (full £1,750) and 12 £1,860 (full price £2,100) ex VAT respectively. The early bird rate is only available until 23 September, so act fast to take advantage of the saving. The host for 2019, sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith, is looking forward to leading the ceremony on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London which also sees the return of Headline Sponsor Green-tech. With over 1,000 members, guests and VIPs expected to attend, tickets will sell quickly on a first-come-first-served basis. To purchase your tickets, visit baliawards.co.uk.
It is unlikely that businesses with operations in Hong Kong or sending employees to the region will be unaware of the current unrest. But some employers may be uncertain about the scale of the risks and what guidance to give to employees. Sebastian Liu, Global Threat Analyst for the Asia Pacific region at Healix International, the global provider of travel risk management and international medical, security and travel assistance services, has identified some of the key issues that firms should consider. “Overall, Hong Kong is assessed by Healix International as a LOW security risk country owing to the relatively low levels of crime, conflict, and militant activity. However, over recent weeks, ongoing unrest in the territory has resulted in significant operational and travel disruption, and has eroded confidence in the territory being a safe and reliable global hub for economic activity. Therefore, Healix currently assesses the risk of unrest to be HIGH in Hong Kong. “The likelihood of protests taking place in the short term is determined to be LIKELY and whilst the majority of the initial demonstrations were concentrated around government buildings in the vicinity of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Central, more recently the protesters have changed their targeting patterns. Protests are increasingly impacting transport infrastructure, including Hong Kong International Airport [HKG], as well as the Mass Transit Rapid (MTR) network. Protests took place at HKG airport from 9th – 13th August, and resulted in the disruption of hundreds of flights on 12th and 13th August. Clearly this presents a very disruptive issue for businesses. “The risk of foreign nationals being caught up in the protests has also increased as the decentralised nature of them is making it more difficult to project the next protest location; ‘hit and run’ tactics are increasingly being used, with demonstrators avoiding prolonged confrontation with the police and moving from location to location on foot or via the metro. “Whilst the unrest is the current focus on Hong Kong, there is also a HIGH risk of natural disasters in the region, predominantly deriving from typhoons. The rainy season tends to run from April until October annually and the highest risk period for typhoons runs from July to September. Strong intensity typhoons can cause damage and localised flooding, and result in a significant impact to business operations. “The risk to foreign nationals from crime is, however, considered LOW. Non-violent and opportunistic crimes, notably petty criminality in the form of pickpocketing and snatch theft, are the most common. And there is a slightly increased incidence of such crime in areas frequented by foreign nationals, including the Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai districts, particularly around nightlife areas. Areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as the large marketplaces throughout the city and the MTR network, present attractive targets as perpetrators are able to utilise crowds to remain undetected. Other pickpocketing hotspots include tourist attractions, like the Peak Tram and Star Ferry.” Healix advice to travellers visiting Hong Kong Travel to Hong Kong can continue but itineraries should be flexible owing to likely operational disruption in the short-to-medium term. Developments regarding the ongoing unrest should be closely monitored via social media, local news outlets, the Telegram encrypted messaging platform, and local internet forums, like the LiHKG website. Routes should be planned to bypass the vicinity of planned protest locations, and flashpoints for unrest. It is important to not stop, watch, film or take photographs of protests owing to the incidental risk of violence. Civilians, journalists and bystanders have all been targeted or indirectly impacted previously. In the event of encountering a potentially hostile demonstration, move from the area and return to a secure accommodation or office location. Black and white clothing have both been associated with protesters and counter-protesters; it’s advisable to refrain from wearing these colours on protest days. Also, limit carrying any items that may give the impression to the authorities of involvement in protests; this includes masks, hard hats and umbrellas. Refrain from political discussion in public and making statements on social media. If travel is essential through protest locations, the MTR is likely to be a better option as opposed to over-ground transport. However, business people should be aware that MTR services have been disrupted previously and delays may be encountered. Airport Express services may also be impacted on days when protests are due to be held at Hong Kong International Airport [HKG]. Remain aware of surroundings, especially when using the public transportation system or in high congestion areas such as tourist attractions. Abide by all official directives issued by the relevant authorities. Take note of typhoon warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the type of signal issued. Businesses and facilities are expected to close when a Typhoon Signal 8 or above is issued. Utilise the ‘Watch Country’ function on Healix’s Travel Oracle app to receive notifications on alerts for potential security incidents and disruption. For more information about the security and health risks in Hong Kong visit https://healix.com/sharing-knowledge-and-news/hong-kong-travel-advisory/
With the industry under increasing pressure to use sustainable materials in road construction, Aggregate Industries has launched Superlow, a low temperature asphalt enabling quicker, more environmentally-friendly project completion. Specially formulated for use on highways and road infrastructure schemes, this range of asphalt is mixed at 20°C-40°C lower than hot mix asphalt. As it requires less energy to manufacture than conventional asphalt, Superlow ensures a lower carbon footprint. The launch of this innovative solution comes just a month after the UK became the first ever country to legally commit to cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to ‘net zero’ by 20501. Under the Construction Sector Deal set out last year, the UK has ambitious targets to halve emissions in the built environment by 2025, reduce the initial and whole life cost of a project by a third, and speed up the delivery of vital new build and refurbishment projects. To help contractors meet these objectives, Superlow offers a whole host of real time and cost benefits. For instance, it reaches trafficking temperatures quicker than conventional hot asphalt enabling earlier reopening of carriageways to the travelling public, resulting in less road occupation, less traffic disruption and reduced build cost. With the equivalent performance characteristics of hot mix asphalt, when it comes to workability, however, Superlow remains compactable for longer at lower temperatures. This allows more time for full compaction and, as a result, enhanced durability. It’s also longer lasting, as lower asphalt temperatures during production reduces binder ageing and enhances in service life expectancy. Reflecting Aggregate Industries’ commitment to safety, low temperature asphalt is much safer than conventional solutions as it reduces nuisance fuming and lowers the risk of burns from material handling. Jo Wilkins, Head of Business Development for Asphalt and Ready Mix Concrete at Aggregate Industries, said: “With contractors and clients under increasing pressure to meet the Government’s ambitious sustainability targets, often the first step will be specifying more environmentally-friendly construction materials. “That’s why we’ve developed Superlow, a new range of low temperature asphalts which have a lower carbon footprint than traditional asphalt. As with all our products, our in-house team of technical experts will work with customers to enable quicker and more cost-effective project completion.” For further information about Aggregate Industries, visit www.aggregate.com
A major project described as Stockport’s single most important strategic highway connection has been completed by GRAHAM. The £8m Travis Brow Link Road creates a vital link between the A6 and M60 in Stockport town centre. It’s part of Stockport Council’s £73m Town Centre Access Plan, which will improve access into and around the centre, by easing congestion and improving transport links. GRAHAM’S work has been recognised, with the scheme named ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2019 Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) North West Awards. Leo Martin, Executive Director at GRAHAM, said: “This has been a really successful project and our teams have worked incredibly hard on a scheme which benefits millions of people who will use this link road. “It forms a key part of an extensive access plan for Stockport town centre. High-levels of expertise were required in order to complete the work – especially when you take into consideration the Grade II listed viaduct and tunnel. “Our work has been praised for meeting the key objectives of achieving best value, minimising disruption and efficient delivery.” GRAHAM was appointed through the Highways England CDF Lot 2 Framework. The project didn’t come without its challenges, with innovation required to support the exposed rock face beneath the Viaduct foundations, whilst also restricting movements to negligible level during the construction phase. Pre-stressed rock anchors were utilised with a near vertical hard shotcrete facing. The retaining structure was then covered in mass concrete, to protect against vehicle impact and corrosion. Output and benefits Impact: Our collaborative design and construction effort reduced the overall project costs for SMBC, while providing a visually improved overall landscaped scheme. Bridge strikes: Our work has helped to reduce bridge strikes on George’s Road where regular strikes had previously caused significant disruption to the road and rail networks. Segregated pedestrian and cycle lanes: These have created an important east-west local sustainable transport link north of the town centre. Engineering fill: 10,000 tonnes of excavated brickwork were recycled by crushing and turned into engineered fill for the construction of the embankments and temporary works piling. Collaboration: Our construction methodology was designed to enable a key road (providing access to B&Q and Decathlon) to be opened at weekends in recognition of busy retail trading.
Having gained considerable momentum over the past few years, modular construction makes up 60-70% of the offsite manufacturing sector and reduces build times by an impressive 50-60%. At the forefront of offsite approaches, volumetric modular methods have a remarkable impact on reducing costs while increasing quality and safety measures in the construction arena. Modern methods of construction are making headway following the announcement that the government would adopt a presumption in favour of offsite construction for all public sector building projects. As offsite construction is rapidly becoming the preferred delivery model, it is important that volumetric modular building technology is considered for all areas of construction. Although housebuilding gains a lot of media and industry attention – modular solutions are also widely used in the healthcare and education sectors. What are the Benefits of Modular Construction? Modular building is revolutionising the construction industry. While traditional build processes are laced with pitfalls, hidden costs and are highly disruptive – volumetric modular buildings are easy to plan, budget, and are quick to erect, as most of the work takes place in factory-controlled conditions. Modular technology brings a host of benefits to the construction industry, contributing to healthier, safer and more cost-efficient environments. •A step forward for productivity in construction, the prefabrication of units leads to shorter build times, which, by extension, leads to net savings of around 7%. •Each material is selected specifically for its performance characteristics, ensuring it is suited to its industry use in every way. •The modular industry operates an environmental approach, using sustainable building materials and recycling waste for future projects where possible. •Components are available in a range of sizes to expand facilities whenever necessary. •Modular constructions can have unlimited floor space. •Modular buildings can be customised to blend in with any surrounding – they are designed to be adaptable and meet clients’ specific requirements. •Interiors can be designed and refurbished to meet exacting requirements, using internal and external finishes. •Modular construction enables site work and building processes to be completed simultaneously, reducing labour costs. •Pre-fabrication relieves the constraints of weather dependence, meaning that materials remain in ultimate quality and efficiency is improved. •Pre-constructed, self-contained units can be easily transported to virtually any location, providing quick solutions for new buildings. •Modules are designed to withstand long-distance transportation and craning onto foundations, meaning that they are stronger than traditionally constructed buildings. •Pre-engineered units are transported to construction sites in varying levels of completeness: from empty shells to complete rooms with facilities. •All facilities can be achieved on a permanent or temporary hire basis. Rental units can also be provided as an interim measure while permanent units are procured. Meet the Modular Experts at Offsite Expo on Stand B5 As the single recognised voice for promoting and marketing members’ products and services, the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) is a silver sponsor for the inaugural Offsite Expo, taking place on 24-25 September at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Not only will the exhibition host a Buyers and Specifiers Forum for over 100 VIP buyers, a summit representing 28 countries and 100 world-class exhibitions, delegates will also have access to over 40 masterclasses to learn from leading offsite specialists. Chaired by the MPBA’s Technical Director Andy King, the Modular and Volumetric Sessions will feature insights and guidance from multiple experts, including: Ben Drake – Associate Structural Engineer, Peter Dann: Ben will provide a structural engineer’s perspective on how to optimise for offsite by implementing DfMA principles during the early stages of planning. Nick Griffin – General Manager, Portakabin: Nick will talk you through a widely acclaimed case study on Royal Stoke University Hospital. Volumetric modular technology made the build of this 64-bed ward possible in under four months. Patrick Hayes – Head of Structures and Offsite Construction, Greenwich Scheme: Patrick will be running a case study on the Essential Living Greenwich Scheme, exploring how early engagement with modular suppliers in the building design process improves modular integration. There is still time to book one of the final places for Offsite Expo. Entry is free of charge and tickets available at www.offsite-expo.co.uk About MPBA The MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber, steel or concrete, in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with building regulations. To discover how modular building can benefit your offsite construction plans go to: www.mpba.biz