Only 3% of UK, German and French architects are able to identify the four basic fire protection terms No German architects correctly defined all four terms and only 6% in France and 8% in UK Active and passive fire protection better understood by UK architects than by French and Germany
Following on from the hugely successful Railtex, attention now turns to Infrarail, the UK’s leading exhibition of railway infrastructure equipment, products and services. Infrarail returns next year but will be at a new venue, the London Olympia, from May 12th to May 14th. The event is firmly established as Britain’s
Innovative demolition specialist AR Demolition has continued investing in its business with a revitalised earthworks and soil remediation team. The East Midlands firm, which is based at Carlton near Nuneaton, has taken on a new team of earthworks and remediation specialists, to rejuvenate its offering in providing the full suite
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) announces the appointment of industry heavyweight, Andrew Stamps, as National Head of Infrastructure with immediate effect. This announcement is the latest in a series from RLB UK, marking the firm’s continuing growth as it heads into a new
Wooden cladding and missing fire breaks Residents of 14 blocks of flats in Manchester are suing the government for only protecting flats with Grenfell-style cladding and not looking at the broader picture of fire safety in high-rise buildings. Two years on from the Grenfell Tower disaster, the government pledged £600m to
BAFE, the independent register of quality fire safety service providers, have released the revised Scheme Document for their Fire Risk Assessment Scheme (BAFE SP205). Following a thorough review process and a five week public consultation period, BAFE have launched the revised document for Fire Risk Assessment providers. A major point
Designing a waterproofing scheme is no simple matter. With rainfall averages varying from a few hundred millimetres to several metres depending on where you are in the UK, and most of it undulating, it’s certainly no level playing field. Even when it is, you could still find your building sitting
Sand is an essential component in most modern buildings. It’s used to create foundations, construct columns, make plasters, and more. What many consumers don’t realize is that there are actually many types of sand, each of which is used for particular applications. Before so much as beginning to lay a
St. Modwen Homes delivered a 36% growth in sales volumes during the first half of 2019 (to 31 May) as demand continues for high quality homes in more affordable, regional locations. Over the past six months, 411 units were sold versus 302 units over the same period last year. The
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three
Only 3% of UK, German and French architects are able to identify the four basic fire protection terms No German architects correctly defined all four terms and only 6% in France and 8% in UK Active and passive fire protection better understood by UK architects than by French and Germany counterparts France has greater understanding of reaction of fire than UK and Germany UK architects have the lowest understanding of fire resistance Only 2% of architects surveyed have had comprehensive fire protection training A third of architects say their current employer doesn’t spend enough on fire protection training Over three quarters of architects believe they are lacking in fully comprehensive fire protection training Zeroignition, the fire-retardant technology firm has announced the European findings from its study of architects and specifiers. Architects in the UK, Germany and France were asked about their knowledge and understanding of four common terms relating to buildings and fire protection. Across the three countries only 3% of architects were able to correctly define the four basic fire protection terms: active fire protection, passive fire protection, fire resistance and reaction to fire. Of the architects surveyed in the UK 8% where able to define the four terms, in France it was only 6% and in Germany none. Across the three countries over half (54%) of architects were unable to correctly define the concept of active fire protection (systems which protect structures and people – typically sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms). This breaks down to one in three (35%) architects in the UK, over half those asked in Germany (59%) and two out of three (67%) architects surveyed in France. When asked to define passive fire protection (whereby the spread of fire is slowed or contained through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors, amongst others), more than half (57%) of architects were unable to provide an accurate definition. UK architects showed the most understanding with just under half (48%) unable to answer. The number of architects who could not answer increased to 61% in Germany and 63% in France. In total 63% of architects could not explain ‘reaction to fire’ protection (products designed to slow the growth of fire in its early stages to aid escape). This includes over one third (35%) of those asked in France, over two out of five (42%) of UK respondents and almost all (94%) German architects. When asked to define fire resistance (a set of products that prevent fire spreading to other parts of the structure) more than half (56%) were unable to. By country this breaks down to almost three quarters (71%) of UK architects and half those surveyed in France (51%). Germany showed a better understanding with less than half (45%) answering incorrectly. Hardly any of the architects interviewed, a mere 2%, said they’d had comprehensive fire protection training, most had some training and less than one in ten (8%) say they’ve never had fire protection training. Ian King, chief operating officer, Zeroignition, commented: “Lack of fire knowledge among architects in Europe, as indicated by the survey findings in the UK, France and Germany, show the issue is not limited to one country. Some countries fare better than others depending on the basic fire term in question but it is clear fire knowledge is lacking across the board. Professional bodies, and the construction industry as a whole, need to invest more and tackle the issue.”
Following on from the hugely successful Railtex, attention now turns to Infrarail, the UK’s leading exhibition of railway infrastructure equipment, products and services. Infrarail returns next year but will be at a new venue, the London Olympia, from May 12th to May 14th. The event is firmly established as Britain’s leading showcase for every aspect of railway infrastructure technology and expertise, attracting visiting managers, engineers and buyers at the highest level. The show comes at a busy, exciting and challenging time for Britain’s railway infrastructure. Large scale investments and upgrading of assets continue to take place across the UK network, including electrification and modernisation schemes in excess of £2.8 billion, Crossrail 2 valued at £32 billion, the Digital Railway programme worth up to £450 million and the Thameslink project valued at £6.5 billion, to name but a few. The exhibition will again display its effectivity in enabling the supply sector to demonstrate its response to these opportunities as the industry’s premier networking event for rail infrastructure. Exhibitors from the full scope of infrastructure sectors will be on display, including track construction and maintenance companies, signalling, communications and passenger information specialists, electrification contractors and equipment providers, measurement, monitoring and testing system suppliers, station equipment and system providers and civil engineering companies, amongst others. The recently agreed Rail Sector Deal, based on four key pillars- Digital Railway, Data, Sustainable Railway and Exports, will also feature heavily at the exhibition, with a range of exhibitors and supporting features planned around these themes. Historically, Infrarail has been the industry’s favoured meeting place for key decision makers, government bodies and buyers, managers, project leaders and engineers active in the supply chain. Visitors will be in attendance from around the world with 200+ organisations anticipated to be exhibiting from countries across the globe, including Germany, Austria, Italy, Netherlands and Spain to name a few. The show also offers a strong supporting programme of keynote speeches, technical seminars, project updates and discussion forums, all of which will be revealed in the coming months. Infrarail will undoubtedly put exhibitors and visitors at the centre of the huge opportunities currently available on the UK’s rail network. Leads will be created, insightful discussions will be had and connections made at London’s Olympia next year. Stand space is now available to be booked at Infrarail 2020. For more details, visit www.infrarail.com.
Innovative demolition specialist AR Demolition has continued investing in its business with a revitalised earthworks and soil remediation team. The East Midlands firm, which is based at Carlton near Nuneaton, has taken on a new team of earthworks and remediation specialists, to rejuvenate its offering in providing the full suite of demolition-related enabling functions. The team will be led by AR Demolition’s operations director Matt Barrow, who formerly headed up the operational delivery of the remediation arm at Keltbray following a decade in civil engineering and soil stabilisation roles. He is joined by compliance manager Felicity Barnard, an industry-proven remediation professional who brings an MSc in Environmental Science alongside a certificate of technical competence to her new role. AR Demolition are also actively recruiting to support growth in this discipline. Mr Barrow said: “Earthworks and remediation have always been part of AR Demolition’s armoury. Now we have a dedicated team with a specialist skillset so we can relaunch our offering, communicating to current and future clients that we can provide a turnkey solution for fully enabled construction-ready sites. “We will bring AR Demolition’s customer-focused, innovative approach across the board, from inception to planning, asbestos removal, demolition, right through to remediation and earthworks “What this specialist knowledge will provide is bespoke, collaborative, design-led solutions for our clients. “We have a comprehensive understanding of the relevant regulations and we can manage the process – through planning and delivery to sign-off. “As AR Demolition rejuvenates its business and its offering, it’s really exciting to be part of a genuinely innovative company, which wants to place clients first and has designs on revolutionising the image and the work of the demolition industry.” AR Demolition was founded by managing director Richard Dolman in 2007 and, following a period of restructuring and stabilisation in 2017, the company reported a record start to 2018 and is shortly to announce this year’s turnover figures and profits. The latest investment follows significant investment in new plant and machinery, including £1.5m spent on three new cutting-edge high reach Kiesel machines in 2018 after previous investment of £1m in 2016. AR Demolition is also unique among small demolition contractors in having its own aggregates recycling facility, at its AR Aggregates urban quarry in nearby Leicester. Mr Dolman said that he and the leadership team at AR Demolition is keen to develop the company into a new type of demolition contractor, one where quality, safety and innovation – particularly in terms of sustainability and recruitment – were placed at the forefront. He said: “Our revamped remediation service is another example of how we are looking to offer our clients a spectrum of services where quality and innovation stand alongside sustainability and efficiency. “Matt and his team will provide a valuable service that we hope can play an important role, not just in providing our customers with the best possible service but also to help with urban regeneration. “AR Demolition is gradually turning into the company we have all visualised – it’s an exciting time for all of us here and great to see our continued development, setting an example for what a small demolition contractor of the 21st Century can be.”
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) announces the appointment of industry heavyweight, Andrew Stamps, as National Head of Infrastructure with immediate effect. This announcement is the latest in a series from RLB UK, marking the firm’s continuing growth as it heads into a new financial year. Stamps, who previously worked as a Director at Turner & Townsend, has over 30 years’ worth of experience of commercial leadership in the delivery of major infrastructure projects and frameworks including projects with Scottish Water, Sellafield Ltd, URENCO, Anglian Water, Eon, Severn Trent Water, Network Rail, Highways England, Birmingham Airport and Transport for Greater Manchester. RLB UK already works on significant infrastructure projects both globally and nationally with the sector equating to 10% of its UK turnover in 2018/19. The firm estimates that by 2030 this will grow to 20%. Mark Weaver, RLB UK Board Director, comments, “Although we have been working in the Infrastructure sector for many years, bringing Andrew in to head up this area reinforces the importance of this market to us. Underpinning our growth strategy, we are committed to having first rate talent in our business to be able to provide the best services to our clients and Andrew’s experience is second to none.” Andrew Stamps, Partner and National Head of Infrastructure at RLB UK, comments, “It is an exciting time at RLB. It is a company that is rapidly growing across the services it offers and the sectors it provides those services in. I am looking forward to working with the existing team and clients to help build this area of the business and be part of the senior management team that can deliver on our growth aspirations.”
Wooden cladding and missing fire breaks Residents of 14 blocks of flats in Manchester are suing the government for only protecting flats with Grenfell-style cladding and not looking at the broader picture of fire safety in high-rise buildings. Two years on from the Grenfell Tower disaster, the government pledged £600m to remove any ACM cladding, which caused the tower to engulf in flames so rapidly, from all tower blocks in the country. However, leaseholders are facing bills of up to £80,000 to fix other fire safety faults, including wooden cladding and missing fire breaks, in scores of buildings and are claiming it is ‘unjust’ for problems to only be resolved when they appear to be systematic. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said, “We have repeatedly and consistently made clear building owners are responsible for the safety of their buildings. “We issued unambiguous advice to building owners 18 months ago to reinforce existing building safety requirements and tell building owners what to do to make sure their cladding system is safe. This advice was updated in December 2018.” The government are being accused of failing to protect tower blocks from fire amid rising frustration that thousands of people are still living dangerously post-Grenfell. Fran Reddington, a leaseholder who is helping to lead the campaign said, “The government isn’t stepping up to help. Some residents are facing £80,000 bills and we don’t have any other choice. Fire doesn’t distinguish between the different types of dangerous material but the government is doing just that.” Suzanne Richards, Manchester city council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said it was “disheartening” to hear that leaseholders in her city felt they had no other option than legal action.
BAFE, the independent register of quality fire safety service providers, have released the revised Scheme Document for their Fire Risk Assessment Scheme (BAFE SP205). Following a thorough review process and a five week public consultation period, BAFE have launched the revised document for Fire Risk Assessment providers. A major point of the review was to maintain the robust certification process whilst acknowledging the large number of sole traders and in-house fire safety teams looking to gain this independent evidence of their competency. With assessments delivered via UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies NSI and SSAIB, BAFE remains fiercely confident that the SP205 scheme continues to represent the best measures of competency in providing the vital service of fire risk assessment. “After the Lakanal House fire in July 2009, BAFE and other organisations were asked by government to provide a competency scheme for fire risk assessments – which we delivered in 2012. This major review reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and safety regarding the importance of a Fire Risk Assessors competency to perform this task in the interest first and foremost of life safety. As the Hackitt Review groups reach their conclusions we will continue to review this scheme against new requirements that arise.” – Stephen Adams, BAFE Chief Executive Notable changes to the BAFE SP205 Scheme Document include: • Revised, clearer Management System requirements for Sole Traders with guidance. • A specific Sole Trader application process, acknowledging current membership status to a professional trade body and/or current certification. • All sub-contractors must be Third Party Certificated (by a UKAS Accredited Third Party Certification Body) in their own right. • Sole Traders sub-contracting to another larger organisation should have their Fire Risk Assessments validated in a separate exercise by that larger organisation. • Enhanced report monitoring for Sole Traders. Certification to the BAFE SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Scheme is highly regarded as a means of sourcing a quality fire risk assessment provider for your requirements. This is listed within the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council’s Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor which is published on the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) website. Kevin Stearns, the FIA Compliance Manager, comments “The change by BAFE to require sub contracted fire risk assessors to also be BAFE certified is a major change within the scheme, and may have a short term impact on companies who currently use non certified sub contracted, life safety fire risk assessors”. For further information on the BAFE SP205 Scheme and to view the new version of the Scheme Document, please visit the BAFE website>>
Designing a waterproofing scheme is no simple matter. With rainfall averages varying from a few hundred millimetres to several metres depending on where you are in the UK, and most of it undulating, it’s certainly no level playing field. Even when it is, you could still find your building sitting below the water line. Here, Niklas Ullfors, National Technical Manager for Visqueen, lays down some ground rules for specifying successful waterproofing solutions. With the UK’s weather becoming more and more unpredictable, and taking in to account the local geology, it is imperative to have a varied range of robust waterproofing applications to meet any requirement. While average annual rainfall across the country is 1.35 metres, some parts of Scotland and the East of England suffer a drenching of 3.0 metres and over. In most cases this filtrates through the soil types until it reaches the natural water table and is far enough below the surface not to be troublesome. However, in places such as the fenlands in East Anglia the water table is at or just below ground level and as a result, without an appropriate waterproofing scheme, a building could be sitting in water 100% of the time. Terrain can also play a big part when selecting the appropriate waterproofing system. Few parts of the UK are flat and there isn’t a real option to have land remodelled, because it is expensive and a significant engineering exercise. An alternative is to follow the natural gradient, with the front of the building at ground level and the rear partly below it, or vice versa. Some buildings are deliberately ‘buried’ to blend into the landscape and be energy efficient, while others feature a single or multi-storey basement. In all these cases, a robust waterproofing system will be needed. Obviously, it’s essential the waterproofing design is done at the building design stage and dovetails into the overall design. The British Standard code of practice for the theoretical design of waterproofing systems for a building or civil engineering structure is BS8102:2009. Introduced in 1990 it was updated in 2009. Whilst it is recognised as a guidance only document, a number of recent legal cases have created a default system whereby it must be considered when designing any waterproofing scheme. Know your ABC’s Waterproofing systems are split into Types A, B and C, and range from pre-applied and post-applied solutions, through to integral and drained systems. Depending on the amount of water encountered one or more types could be required. The most common are single and dual type applications. A waterproofing design with a combination of types lowers the risk for water ingress. Type A A ‘Type A’ system is bonded to the external face of the building or structure. It is completely bonded and known as a ‘Type A fully-bonded’ system. When a fully-bonded system needs to go below a building then the product will be placed on the ground first and the concrete poured on top of it. This is known as a ‘pre-applied product’, whereas if for example, a liquid product is applied to the external face of a structure this is a ‘post-applied product’. Both are Type A systems as both are fully-bonded to the structure. In the unlikely event the Type A system is damaged then water can enter through the damaged area. But tests have proved the water will stay localised to the damaged area. Conversely, if the system is not bonded to the structure then the water will track between the Type A product and the structure, and as a result water ingress will occur on a massive scale! Type B A Type B integral system is generally used when walls that are made from cast-on-site concrete and need to be made waterproof. There are two ways to achieve this. Firstly, you can add a special additive, which is done at the concrete mixing plant. This is very common as it is the most efficient way to make concrete waterproof and is also the most cost effective. Secondly, steel reinforcement can be added to the structure. This will keep the concrete taught and prevent any tiny crack appearing. If cracks do appear, then water will travel along them and enter the building. Type C A Type C system is completely different and often referred to as a ‘drained cavity system’ as it allows water to enter into the building through the structure itself. The water is then collected and managed away via a specialist drainage system. This system is very common if, for example, a building is being refurbished and water ingress has occurred or the building is undergoing a change of use. Design considerations Having considered external factors, a waterproofing designer also needs to consider the use of the proposed structure, what materials are going to be used and that the solution will remain intact for the in-service life of the building. The environment and building use creates risk factors, which are categorised under BS8102:2009 into three grades. Grade 1 has the lowest risk, a car park being a good example. Grade 2 would include a garage, plant room or workshop, whereas a domestic dwelling is a Grade 3 environment, needing to be the driest. Any water ingress or damp patches on the walls in your home are totally unacceptable. Once all the background information and the risks are known, then we can start to consider the principles of the waterproofing design. To provide a working example I’m suggesting a domestic house with a basement in Cumbria in the North West of England. The building is at risk from high levels of rainfall and, as it is a grade 3 property, it needs to be dry at all times. At this initial stage we will be considering a dual waterproofing system. In this situation, a Type A + Type B system would be highly recommended and is a fairly common combination for a new build. The Type B system will be an additive added to
Sand is an essential component in most modern buildings. It’s used to create foundations, construct columns, make plasters, and more. What many consumers don’t realize is that there are actually many types of sand, each of which is used for particular applications. Before so much as beginning to lay a foundation, property owners and contractors new to their professions should take the time to familiarize themselves with the different sizes and shapes of sand available. They range from fill sand to frac sand, mason sand, and beyond. Read on to find out about frac sand and other available options and get some helpful tips for choosing the right one. Tip #1: Learn the Types of Sand Sand is a fine aggregate derived from natural sources such as the beach or created by crushing rock into tiny granules. Each type of sand is derived from different source materials, with frac sand on the finer end of the spectrum usually composed primarily of quartz, which produces a durable, uniform grain and concrete sand from a combination of gneiss, trap rock, granite, and limestone. The types of sand used in construction are typically coarser and slightly larger. Pit sand, river sand, and concrete sand all play important roles in construction in that they are all frequently used for concrete foundations and pads. Their non-uniform shape and larger size create stronger cement. Tip #2: Understand the Applications Don’t just buy a bunch of sand and assume that it will be a good fit for any project. Determine exactly which building applications will require sand in advance and purchase one or more of the varieties of sand described above to meet the project’s unique needs. Mixing concrete is just one application for sand in a building project. Fill sand, an aggregate composed of grains of many shapes and sizes is perfect for raising areas that need filling in since it can be compacted and it drains better than many other varieties. For finishing work that requires plastering, mason’s sand offers a consistently fine grit and uniform shape that provides a smoother finish. Tip #3: Choose a Reputable Supplier The best way to ensure that the sand being used in a building project is the right coarseness and size is to find a reliable supplier. Work with a company that offers a variety of different sands and will offer detailed information about each of its products. Some suppliers produce their own sand, while others purchase it from mines or manufacturers. Don’t be afraid to ask about the source of the sand and what kinds of testing its manufacturer uses to ensure consistent quality. This is especially relevant when buying manufactured sand, or M-sand, which comes in a wide variety of gradations, colors, and levels of purity. Even natural sand should undergo batch testing for potential impurities and careful screening to ensure that it meets buyers’ specifications. The Bottom Line There are a lot of different varieties of sand out there and each has a different intended application. When choosing sand for a new construction project, project managers should be particular about where their sand is coming from and how its manufacturer has tested its quality. They should work with a supplier that has representatives available to answer questions they may have and should be confident they’re working with the right materials to produce the best possible results.
St. Modwen Homes delivered a 36% growth in sales volumes during the first half of 2019 (to 31 May) as demand continues for high quality homes in more affordable, regional locations. Over the past six months, 411 units were sold versus 302 units over the same period last year. The private order book is currently up 25% versus last year, which means the business expects to deliver volume growth of up to 25% for the full year and is on track to sell over 1000 homes during 2019, the first time the business will break through this key milestone. To support further future growth, St. Modwen Homes is currently sales active on 23 outlets, up from 20 at the start of the year. The business plans to open a further four outlets in the second half of 2019. This is expected to continue to grow beyond 2019 as the substantial land bank provides good visibility and control over a pipeline to continue to grow volumes by up to 25% p.a. until 2021. St. Modwen Homes has also set a medium-term operating margin target of c. 16-17% and during the first half of 2019 improved to 14.8% (2018: 14.6%), in line with a target to improve operating margin for the full year by c. 50bps from last year’s level of 14.4%. Meanwhile, the average private sales price reduced by 5.7%, driven by changes in sales mix and location, but like-for-like sales prices increased 2.5%. Working safely and delivering quality and a positive experience for customers remain paramount in growing the business and the current HBF recommend rating is tracking at over 90%, which is consistent with a 5* home builder status. Dave Smith, Managing Director of St. Modwen Homes, commented: “This strong performance balances sales volumes growth, margin improvement and geographic expansion whilst taking great pride in the all-important areas of safety and customer experience. We are now at a point where we hope to break through the 1000 mark for annual home sales which shows just how far we’ve come as a housebuilder but also our direction of travel for the future. In support of this, we are investing in an expanding workforce and supporting wider industry skills to ensure we can deliver high quality, sustainable growth in the years to come.” Further information on St. Modwen Homes can be found at https://www.stmodwenhomes.co.uk/
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three iconic projects. The exhibition has been designed to represent how Gilbert-Ash has grown significantly in this time as a result of its unique collaborative approach working with its team, partners and clients to create landmark buildings around the world. Selected and interpreted by Hugh Mulholland, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading visual art curators and currently Senior Curator of The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) in Belfast, the imagery includes recent, high-profile projects. These include the Cambridge Mosque, stand-out Royal College of Pathologists headquarters, the award-winning City of London Freemen’s School swimming pool and the stunning new build of the renowned Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Curator Hugh Mulholland commented: “As One” is a considered collection that brings together imagery from Gilbert-Ash’s most recent, highest profile projects. In totality, the exhibition symbolises the company’s ‘as one’ approach. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that each photograph does too. Wood, glass, stone and the environment in which each building exists work together to create a unity much greater than the sum of the parts. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash commented: “As we recognise the recent success of many projects and our continued growth as company, we felt it was the perfect time to step back and take a moment to understand why we have reached this point; and this exhibition is the result – a celebration of collaboration and our signature can-do style. “We have had the privilege of working with visionary clients, partners and suppliers, and we really do work as one to pursue excellence, delivering innovative, bespoke buildings all over the world. Gilbert-Ash is an employee owned company which certainly leads to a unique working culture. Our success is in no small part down to this environment and the hands-on attitude of our dedicated team – often going above and beyond to deliver stunning buildings while confidently facing and overcoming challenges that can often be encountered.” The venue selected for the unveiling of the ‘As One’ exhibition – the headquarters of the Institution of Engineering &Technology (IET) on Savoy Place – is also an award-winning Gilbert-Ash project preserving a heritage building while providing a contemporary home for the IET and its 150,000 members in 127 countries around the world and one of London’s most technologically advanced conferencing facilities. Aside from projects highlighted in the As One exhibition, Gilbert-Ash’s current work on prestigious Royal College of Music in London was represented this evening by a talented quartet which accompanied the unveiling. Gilbert-Ash projects have been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stirling Prize with its work on the Everyman Theatre recognised in the winning of the coveted award in 2014. The contractor employs over 180 staff at offices in London and Belfast and is currently UK Contractor of the Year in the coveted Construction News Awards. Gilbert-Ash’s latest financial results reveal significant year-on-year growth with an increase in overall turnover to £179.4m in 2018, up from £165.5m in the previous year. The company also confirmed a more than three-fold increase in pre-tax profits to £7.6m in 2018, an increase from £2m in 2017. Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued strong performance to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It also highlighted the completion this year of a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. Speaking tonight at the event, Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson also revealed plans to invest in new £5m headquarters in Belfast with work already underway on the prestigious new facilities close to its current offices in Boucher Road in the city. The As One Exhibition will be moving tomorrow to The MAC, an award-winning venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and home to iconic exhibitions, theatre performances, and contemporary experimental works. Employees, partners and industry stakeholders from across Northern Ireland will join Gilbert-Ash in the Belfast unveiling.