If you work in construction, you’ll already be aware that it’s a noisy industry. But did you know that the construction sector has the second-highest rate of employees developing occupational deafness? In fact, every year, 1 million people in the UK are exposed to hearing-damaging noise at work. So, to
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a
The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, today (Monday 16th September) announces Morrison Construction as its main contractor for Phase 1 of the HALO development in Kilmarnock – its Enterprise and Innovation Hub. After a comprehensive procurement process, Morrison Construction was awarded the multi-million pound contract which will see Scotland’s leading contractor
Tridify today announced a new option to its BIM to XR Processing Service, which makes BIM models instantly available online and sharable via a web link. Using BIMs that have been exported to an IFC format, Tridify’s new Web VR option automatically generates an interactive 3D model and makes it accessible via a URL, ready to be
The dichotomy between the ways that our society has habitually approached physical and mental health is epitomised by the current mental health crisis in the construction industry. The UK’s construction industry is ballasted by a well-established framework of physical health and safety practices, and protocols relating to first aid. In
Developer and investment firm, Mount Property Group, has today announced it has appointed Barton Group Services as construction partner on its latest Liverpool scheme, Innovo House. Located on Devon Street in Liverpool’s up-and-coming Knowledge Quarter, the development is made up of 124 apartments, comprising 80 en-suite units & 44 studios.
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work
According to many experts, the construction industry is experiencing a problem with skilled workers — there aren’t enough of them. City & Guilds, a global leader in skills development, states that that 87% of employers in 2017 found it difficult to recruit the skilled workers that they needed. According to
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional
UKWSL has retained the contract to provide trade waste services to independent brewing and pub retailing business, Marston’s. The news comes as its existing contract draws to a successful conclusion after being named 2019 winners of the ‘Partnership Excellence – Commercial category’ at the National Recycling Awards. The new five-year,
If you work in construction, you’ll already be aware that it’s a noisy industry. But did you know that the construction sector has the second-highest rate of employees developing occupational deafness? In fact, every year, 1 million people in the UK are exposed to hearing-damaging noise at work. So, to help raise awareness, Insulation Express have investigated the loud truth of construction tools. They’ve uncovered the noise levels of construction’s most popular tools before highlighting the hearing implications that can occur from using these without protection. They’ve also looked at the monumental effect hearing loss can have on construction employees, the NHS and the economy – https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/construction-tools-affecting-hearing/ Stand Out Stats: When working with construction tools, removing your hearing protection for five minutes cuts your overall protection by 56% Using a power drill for 15 minutes (with a sound level of 125dB) is almost the same noise level as a military jet taking off (130db). A cartridge tool is the noisiest tool in construction. Using one for one second creates sound levels of 157dB, which can permanently damage your hearing if you’re without protection. In the first quarter of 2019, noise breaches on construction sites were up 25% – which proves that the industry is only getting noisier, too. Work-related hearing loss costs the NHS £500 million every year. The Sound Levels On a Construction Site Have you ever thought about the impact construction tools can have on your hearing? Luckily, Insulation Express have uncovered the decibels of the most common tools found on site. Each tool has then been ordered from loudest to quietest so that construction workers can understand the hearing implications that come from working with these tools every day. Also as a word of warning, being exposed to anything at 85bD or higher for extended periods of time can permanently damage your hearing. As you can see, every construction tool is above 85dB, which means that hearing protection should always be worn: Real-life Example of Hearing Loss in the Construction Industry Bob Gowen a volunteer for Hearing Link and an electrician for over 35 years, has unfortunately lost some of his hearing due to working in construction. He believes that construction employees are “now [working] in noisier environments” than he did, yet “private contractors don’t supply ear protection for their staff.” Gowen added that the main concern is that younger employees don’t seem to realise what the noise is doing to their hearing, so “getting them to wear protection is another problem.” Unfortunately, this means that “by the time they get into the 40 and 50 [age] bracket it is usually too late to save their hearing,” Gowen noted. How Employers Can Protect Their Workers According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of all hearing issues can be prevented through various health measures. This is why it is important for employers to: Supply hearing protection – unfortunately, once you lose your hearing, you can’t get it back. It’s therefore important to always wearing hearing guards. Purchase quieter tools – which have silent blades and nozzles. Make machinery as quiet as possible – this can be be done by using pads to minimise vibration or replacing fans and motors. Limit the amount of time workers are exposed to a noisy task. Interested in the full findings? https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/construction-tools-affecting-hearing/
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a Laser? In the simplest of terms, it is defined as the cutting of various materials using a laser beam. A high-intensity light is made up of a single infra-red wavelength. This light structure is contained within the constructs of a CNC housing mechanism, becoming a directed and controlled beam of light. In the technical sense of the phrase, the process is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Why Use It? Cutting material with a laser beam provides a cleaner, more precise cut on the finished product. The use of a laser beam cuts a smaller, much thinner line, creating less wasted material. The process directs the heat needed to create a direct and focused point of contact, a safer method of precision cutting. By applying more direct pressure using a smaller area of contact, the cut becomes that much more precise than alternative cutting measures, such as torch or plasma cutting. Other benefits over its counter options include its non-contact process, leaving the material with less damage surrounding the first cut. How Does it Work? Laser cutting starts in a CNC machine. Inside the machine, multiple mirrors hang in specific positions that allow the beam to bounce off. The beam travels from the resonator through the machine and into a copper tip located inside the CNC housing. Before beginning the cut, the copper tip travels down to the material, determines the resistance between itself and the material to be cut. The tip then self-adjusts to the desired cut height set up in programing and accounts for variations in the material. From there, the beam can focus on the piece of material prepared for cutting. What Can Lasers Cut? This process of cutting is such a precise and technical method; it is used for almost any type of material desired. Many think it can only be used for hard materials such as metals, steel, and titanium and even gemstones. While they are correct in a sense, CNC programmed lasers can also cut nonmetallic material such as woods, silicone, glass, and plastics. Not only are the materials virtually limitless when cutting, but the laser can also cut intricate corners, shapes, and holes out of selected materials. Cutting with a laser creates highly accurate and repeatable cuts every time. What are the Methods of Laser Cutting? Cutting through the material may require different methods, depending on the desired outcome. One option is a continuous wave cut, which closely resembles more melting away the material than cutting. The second option is using a pulsed beam. The pulsed method directs less consistent heat over the material and instead triggers a pulsing tactic to apply repeat cutting to one location, for example, to cut a deep hole through thick material. These methods require the combined use of a gas such as nitrogen or oxygen to assist with the direct heat. Along with continuous and pulsed type cutting, machinists also have the option of using CO2, crystal, and fiber laser cutting methods. Each cutting method has its benefits and power. The overall process includes the use of a high-intensity light beam, invisible to the human eye, to stream the heat and light onto a piece of material and create a cut into it. It is precision at its best.
The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, today (Monday 16th September) announces Morrison Construction as its main contractor for Phase 1 of the HALO development in Kilmarnock – its Enterprise and Innovation Hub. After a comprehensive procurement process, Morrison Construction was awarded the multi-million pound contract which will see Scotland’s leading contractor start work at the HALO site by the end of this month. The HALO’s 45,635 sq. ft Enterprise and Innovation Hub with associated infrastructure works is expected to be completed by January 2021 with approximately 700 construction workers on site throughout construction. The HALO in Kilmarnock is a £63million brownfield urban regeneration project on a 23-acre site, formerly the home of Johnnie Walker, the world’s leading Scotch whisky. The HALO will provide a sustainable community approach to a low carbon mixed-use development providing jobs, economic growth, skills development, access to employment opportunities, clean energy and housing. The HALO’s Enterprise and Innovation Hub will include: A state-of-the-art building designed to maximise collaboration between entrepreneurs experimenting, creating and growing highly specialised digital and cyber businesses. Cutting-edge technology supported through a combination of dedicated sector-based suites that simulate the new working environment in areas such as health and social care. Facilities for virtual and augmented reality-based scenario training. “Living labs” to enable the innovation and evaluation of digital technology and skills that are emerging across society. A knowledge-sharing environment where established businesses and business angels can support emerging entrepreneurs. A unique learning environment providing opportunities through accredited courses with a facility to show-case developing products and processes enabling people of all ages to expand their knowledge and practical skills for living and working in a digital world. An entrepreneurial ecosystem intended to encourage the development of new digital and cyber security products and services. Responding in particular to the needs of the energy, health and space/aerospace sectors. Office and workspace for established companies looking to drive innovation through their organisations. Drew Macklin, Project Director at the HALO Urban Regeneration Company, said: “Today marks a huge milestone for the HALO as we announce Morrison Construction as the main construction contractor to deliver the Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Kilmarnock and start preparations for them to begin construction on site by the end of September. “The Enterprise and Innovation Hub will form part of the HALO’s dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can live, work, learn and play. “With a strong track record of delivering major projects on time and within budget I look forward to Morrison Construction starting work on our exciting project.” Eddie Robertson, Managing Director at Morrison Construction, said: ‘‘We are delighted to be appointed the main contractor to build the Enterprise and Innovation Hub, a development that will revitalise the town centre and support the wider Ayrshire economy. ‘‘We look forward to working with our new client, The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, to successfully deliver this project that will drive growth in Kilmarnock and the surrounding areas. ‘‘Our experienced project team will soon establish site and begin works. During construction, we will engage with all stakeholders and provide education and employment opportunities as part of our progressive social value programme.’’ The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC) will be BREEAM Outstanding – a world class sustainability assessment method for master planning projects – to offer a high-spec flexible workplace environment for start-up and growing businesses. Last year, the HALO announced Scottish Power as its headline sponsor and this partnership will create a digital training and learning facility at the forefront of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The HALO subsequently also partnered with Barclays to develop the entrepreneurship and employability skills of young people and adults across Scotland through the bank’s LifeSkills programme.
Tridify today announced a new option to its BIM to XR Processing Service, which makes BIM models instantly available online and sharable via a web link. Using BIMs that have been exported to an IFC format, Tridify’s new Web VR option automatically generates an interactive 3D model and makes it accessible via a URL, ready to be embedded on a web page, sent via email or text and viewable on a mobile phone. Early users of the new service include WSP, Stefan Ahlman Architects and SATO Corporation (user quotes below.) Feedback from architects revealed to Tridify how valuable it is to be able to send a link to a 3D model instead of sending files. With Tridify, users can now easily publish/unpublish their models and manage their visibility, giving greater control over how the models are used. Models cannot be copied and intellectual property rights are better protected. Targeted at the Architect, Construction and Property sectors and anyone working with BIM models, the new option creates countless opportunities for non-technical audiences, making 3D models easier to share internally, externally, with customers or consumers, on mobiles, tablets, desktops or VR headsets. Users simply upload an IFC file into Tridify and click ‘publish’ to create the model ready to view online, with no additional applications or programming skills required. “Our new Web VR option solves a problem that the industry has struggled with for many years,” commented Alexander Le Bell, Tridify CEO. “By making BIM models instantly available and viewable in any browser, technical barriers are removed, they become a new commodity and are propelled into the mainstream. This will help to dramatically improve communication and collaboration workflows for architect, construction and property companies.” “3D models can now be created from a BIM model in less than two minutes and shared with a global audience via WhatsApp, for example,” Le Bell continued. “The new service starts from $20 per month, which is enough to publish models of several small projects or a model of one medium size project. Soon it will become normal to share 3D models all the time, with anyone, anywhere.” Using the new Web VR option architects can now rapidly visualise their BIM models and share 3D plans with a client or contractor. Construction workers can share plans or review changes in 3D on site via mobile devices, while the property industry will able to market and sell properties more effectively, with 3D model views being easily tracked. Tridify will also be providing various web viewers to enable a model to be shown in different ways to different user groups, depending on the end use and skill level. Sample demo URL and model of a summer house, created using the new option: Images attached are of the same sample model. Early adopters WSP, the multidisciplinary design company, is an early user of the new service. Part of the global WSP group, the firm offers strategic advice to the construction and infrastructure sector. “WSP uses the Tridify Web VR option for fast and effective VR creation on early design stages to ease the communication process with our clients. We are happy to see services like Tridify that make the digitalization of the construction industry easier. This innovation also opens up a great variety of possibilities for further development of VR models as BIM communication tools, also containing BIM data and not only being a pure visualisation,” commented Roope Syvälahti, Project Manager at WSP Finland Oy. Stefan Ahlman Architects in Finland, who work with SATO among other clients, have been testing the new Tridify Web VR option, as CEO and partner, Marcus Ahlman explains: “The Tridify service works well as a quick way of presenting models to clients and members of design teams, as it only needs minimal time and preparation. In our office, the short conversion time makes it much easier to use 3D models during meetings, as it’s easier to switch between different versions. Alternative methods for presenting 3D models need more work and can’t be used as easily ad-hoc as Tridify. During the design process Tridify can help visualise problems and solutions that otherwise lay ‘hidden’ in the model.”Stefan Ahlman Architects is based in Helsinki with projects ranging from large developments and city planning projects to housing projects and public buildings. Jussi Väisänen, Planning Manager at SATO Corporation, one of Finland’s largest rental housing companies with 26,000 homes for rent, said: “Before Tridify we had to use separate viewers to view the IFC models, which took time to learn and master. But now Tridify makes it not only easier and faster to publish our 3D models, it also means we can share them with a simple web link and use them in new ways across the business. Internally it will benefit marketing, sales and technical teams while externally it will improve collaboration with planners and government bodies. Being able to view our 3D plans on mobile devices is particularly powerful when it comes to marketing our homes for rent.”
The dichotomy between the ways that our society has habitually approached physical and mental health is epitomised by the current mental health crisis in the construction industry. The UK’s construction industry is ballasted by a well-established framework of physical health and safety practices, and protocols relating to first aid. In a stark contrast, the mental health of employees has – until fairly recently – been an area of long-standing neglect. The construction industry has historically lacked a culture in which employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, reducing the chance of issues being addressed before they become critical. In 2017, data from the Office of National Statistics revealed that male site workers in the construction industry are around three times more likely to take their own lives than the average UK male. Although awareness of the problem is increasing, the yearly suicide rate in the construction industry is currently estimated to be at two employees per day. In order to approach this problem in a way which is preventative, employers can familiarise themselves with the aspects of a career in construction that can contribute to mental ill health. Steps can then be taken to mitigate known stressors. For instance, implementing policy changes that shape a culture in which employees feel able to access the resources they need to look after their mental health. Common stressors in the construction industry Paradoxically, the high risk of physical injuries is one of the stressors that can contribute to mental health problems among workers. A culture in which mental health issues are stigmatised and employees feel uncomfortable raising them is another contributory factor to the escalation of problems. According to the recent survey data, nearly 30% of professionals working in construction took time off work in 2018 due to mental health issues. Of this group, 63% felt the need to hide the real reason for absence from their employer. (It is pertinent to note that presenteeism – in which employees mask their troubles and compel themselves to show up for work nonetheless – is also problematic for employers. When employees struggle with mental health issues at work, their focus is compromised, which, in the construction industry especially, can lead to costly mistakes, accidents, and related legal disputes and claims.) Incidents can be avoided by facilitating a culture in which employees feel empowered to seek the help they need. The Mates in the Mind launched in 2017, aiming specifically at alleviating mental health issues within the construction industry, and reached more than 187,000 individuals across the sector in their first year of operation. Types of issues which they encounter regularly include anxiety, depression and problems related to sleeping. Insomnia contributes to other mental health issues, and anxiety in particular. Other prevalent problems include struggling with behavioural issues – such as becoming quiet, withdrawn or prone to outbursts – and developing feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness. Intercepting psychological problems, rather than allowing those affected to suffer in silence, will help those affected find ways to stabilise their mental health. How can a Mental Health First Aider help? There has historically been a pervasive culture within the construction industry of stigmatising mental health problems. Company initiatives that protect the mental health of employees need to be implemented to overhaul it. In 2018, a small but important step was taken in this regard, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding 13 Mental Health First Aid Instructor courses across the total workforce. The intention is that those who attend this initial training act as the seeds of change within the industry, going on to train an additional 2500 on-site staff as Mental Health First Aiders by 2020. More about Mental Health First Aid MHFA England, the largest provider of this type of training in England and Europe, says, “the key to creating a mentally healthy environment is about truly understanding the people within it – their attitudes, behaviours and learning needs.” The introduction of a Mental Health First Aider among the workforce is hailed as a transformative step in this direction. By giving mental health visibility in policies and practices that physical health traditionally receives, the initiative aims to reduce suicide within the construction sector. The key elements of the Mental Health First Aider role which benefit corporate culture with regards to mental health are the emphases that the training places on noting the signs of mental ill health, and on broaching the topic with the affected co-worker. Rather than suffering in silence and/or struggling with the choice to verbalise what they are experiencing, employees will be approached in an appropriate manner by the Mental Health First Aider. This is calculated to reduce feelings of isolation, and they are more likely to feel supported in facing their problems. Mental Health First Aiders receive training in directing their fellow employees towards the resources and treatment options that they might need to access, rather than delivering treatment themselves. This is an important distinction to make – it is their responsibility to identify the need for a therapist, rather than to act as one. Noticing those experiencing problems and creating a supportive atmosphere is the remit of the Mental Health First Aider – a powerful means of changing the current corporate culture for the better, but an insufficient means of tackling the problem on its own. Constructive criticism: policy changes that support progress While the introduction of MHFA is a positive start, an additional 40,000 first aiders would be required to adequately cover the industry. Instead of introducing Mental Health First Aiders as a sole approach to the problem, employers in the construction industry need to safeguard the mental health of their workforce with clearly defined policies, which are implemented in full. Recommended approaches to creating a mental health policy that empowers the MFHAs to perform their role effectively include: Defining the role of the MFHA within the company clearly. As discussed above, the Mental Health First Aider role has limitations, and it is important that both they and
Developer and investment firm, Mount Property Group, has today announced it has appointed Barton Group Services as construction partner on its latest Liverpool scheme, Innovo House. Located on Devon Street in Liverpool’s up-and-coming Knowledge Quarter, the development is made up of 124 apartments, comprising 80 en-suite units & 44 studios. In addition to the apartments, the development will have a guest concierge, ground floor social space and bike storage. Speaking about the appointment, Michael Chrysokhou, Managing Director of Liverpool-based Mount Property Group, said: “I’m delighted to announce Barton as construction partner on the scheme and I’m looking forward to seeing Innovo House come to life over the coming months with ground works starting next month. This is our second scheme with Barton and so it’s great to build on the partnership.” Matt Fawcett, Managing Director of Barton Group Services added: “Kickstarting our second project with Mount Property Group builds on the successful and trusted partnership we have developed together. Innnovo sits only a stone’s throw away from our current scheme on site, Natex, both perfectly positioned within the Knowledge Quarter offering students high-end living accommodation. “In addition to being appointed as management contractor on Innovo, we are also providing construction design and SHEQ services, so it’s a full team offering which is firmly rooted in providing reliable cost certainty and a truly transparent approach.” The project is scheduled for completion in September 2020, ahead of the annual intake of students. Founded in 2012, Mount Property Group is a Liverpool based property developer and investment company with five schemes currently in development. It was announced in May this year that a Singaporean Institutional investor, Solibuild Group Holdings had invested an undisclosed sum into the Innovo scheme – the first time that Soilbuild has invested in the UK market in the company’s 40-year history. This highlights its confidence in the Liverpool student accommodation sector and the wider UK property market. For more information visit mountpropertygroup.com
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work on the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in a generation. 20,000m2 of Hardipave™, Miles Macadam’s own BBA certified Grouted Macadam, has been chosen for the surfacing of the North Plaza, an area to be used as a bus terminal during the construction phase of the power station. Hardipave™ was specified as a fuel resistant surface course with a high tolerance to deformation, heat and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for the proposed scheme. The use of Hardipave™ also provided a ‘value engineering’ solution with a cost saving of over £200k when compared to the originally specified concrete design. The flagship product has been used extensively throughout the UK on transport infrastructure hubs, including many bus terminals, industrial facilities and other areas of intense traffic loading. Notable examples include the Crossrail bus depot at Paddington Bus Station and Wembley Coach Park (the only multi-storey coach park in Europe). Led by EDF Energy, Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK for over 20 years. The power plant will provide safe, secure low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the UK’s nuclear power industry, making a major contribution to reaching net-zero emissions.* The project has already created thousands of jobs, hundreds of apprenticeships and spent over £1 billion with local businesses, bringing lasting benefits to the UK economy. Ben Shaw, Director of Miles Macadam, comments: “It’s a huge achievement for us to be selected to work on the Hinkley Point C project and to assist with the incredible progress being made on-site. “It’s great to work on such a prestigious project that will ensure low carbon energy for the future and benefits for the wider economy. “Thanks to a great team effort and our highly skilled operatives we will deliver 20,000m2 of Hardipave™ which will provide a durable and effective surface course, for years to come.
According to many experts, the construction industry is experiencing a problem with skilled workers — there aren’t enough of them. City & Guilds, a global leader in skills development, states that that 87% of employers in 2017 found it difficult to recruit the skilled workers that they needed. According to Construction News, official figures show that 12.6% of UK construction workers come from overseas, with 5.7% originating from the EU. This rises to a staggering 60% in London. Furthermore, 30% of British-born construction workers are now over the age of 50, meaning businesses will feel the pinch of those departing over the coming years through retirement when Brexit comes into play. But, could the solution to the skills-shortage issue lie in apprenticeships? Apprenticeships could be more crucial than ever, especially following Brexit. Nation Apprenticeship Week was at the beginning of March, and with an influx of publicity circulating, it has encouraged employers to think about the future of their workforces — could apprentices fill the employee shortage? Construction, Planning and the Built Environment — alongside Engineering and Manufacturing — show the greatest number of apprenticeship starts. In the 2016/17 academic year, the Engineering and Manufacturing sector witnessed 74,000 starts, while the Construction sector had 21,000. Leading UK housebuilder, Redrow, released its second annual research report which revealed that, thanks to a positive shift in attitudes and the perception of construction, the apprenticeship pathway has improved. There was even a 14% increase in young people considering a career in the industry. “This year’s results illustrate that apprenticeships and careers in construction are being viewed in a more positive light. Apprenticeships are a way of futureproofing the UK workforce, particularly in sectors where there is a skills shortage, such as construction, so it is pleasing to see that progress is being made,” commented Karen Jones, group HR director at Redrow. Clearly, there are successes in the field of apprenticeships, which is hoped to carry on thanks to a new way of funding apprenticeship programmes. While some employers have snubbed the new levy as just being ‘another tax’, both large and small employers can benefit from the fund, meaning that 90% of apprenticeship training costs are funded by the government. Furthermore, employers within the construction sector can use up to 10% of the funding to train employees across the full supply chain — something not to be snubbed with the current shortage in skilled workers. But are apprentices really as useful to an employer as other workers? Research suggest that they are. According to UK Construction Media, 86% of employers say that apprenticeships are helping them develop skills relevant to their organisation and 78% believe they improve productivity. “Working with some of the UK’s largest utility firms, our success rates have been very high. We and our customers have no doubt that, managed well, apprenticeships do work,” commented Chris Wood, CEO of Develop Training. He went on to say: “New initiatives such as Trailblazer Apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy have raised awareness across the UK. Even so, and despite huge skills shortages, many employers are still only scratching the surface of what they could be doing to use apprenticeships to attract new people to join the industry and improve the skills of existing employees.” Since the construction industry is struggling to fill its desired workforce, apprentices could be the fast and efficient solution the sector needs. Downing Street has committed itself to creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020. The construction industry could be on the receiving end of a large chunk of those programmes, which will be an opportunity to deliver a new generation of highly skilled workers — something that the industry is experiencing a lack of right now. In fact, the Director of the National Apprentice Service, Sue Husband, predicts that 2018 will be crucial for programmes. As more opportunities become available, now could be the time to cut yourself a slice of the apprenticeship programme success — and secure your future workforce now. This article was researched and produced by Niftylift, a leading UK retailer of cherry pickers. Sources
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional diesel engine alternative. The two vehicles are part of Flogas’ 2040 ambition to provide customers with 100 per cent renewable energy solutions. Flogas’ extensive fleet of vehicles already includes a range of dual fuel and electric hybrid alternatives. However, the all-new Volvo FM tractor units, which will be used to transport bulk LPG and LNG, will be a first of their kind. Coming in to operation as of August 2019, the Volvos will contribute to the aim of growing Flogas’ alternatively fueled fleet of vehicles. James Goodson, recently-appointed National Account Manager for Alternative Transport Fuels at Flogas, said, “These trucks are just the first of many, as we look to make our 200-strong fleet cleaner, greener and increasingly futureproof. “They will each be powered by renewable Bio-LNG – a highly sustainable biofuel that’s produced during the anaerobic digestion process. This means they’ll be 50% quieter, they’ll release significantly fewer pollutants, and fuel costs will be far lower. “As a leading LNG supplier in the UK, at Flogas we understand the critical role this fuel will play as we face stringent government targets to tackle carbon emissions and improve air quality. Whilst it’s still in its infancy in the transport industry, the strong environmental and cost-saving benefits compared to conventional fuels, means LNG is set to become the fuel of choice for heavy goods vehicles. “Hauliers have long faced the challenge of how to reduce their carbon footprint efficiently and cost-effectively. LNG is not just an immediate fix – it’s a long term, reliable solution that makes business sense, and that’s exactly why we’re championing it with our own fleet.” Following strenuous testing of a variety of vehicles from a host of manufacturers, Flogas, finally decided upon the Bio-LNG truck from Volvo, thanks to its impressive capabilities in regard to bulk and cylinder operations. Head of Logistics, Tim Eaton, noted, “When it came to delivering the cleanest emissions, the lowest noise and most efficient running costs, Volvo trucks came out on top. “This is the first time we’ve worked with Volvo, but they have strong experience in LNG-powered vehicles, and the results of the trials simply spoke for themselves. We’re excited to get these trucks on the road, and growing our Bio-LNG-powered fleet further.” Powered by Volvo’s G13C460 LNG engine, the 6×2 Artic truck outputs up 460hp and delivers 2,300Nm of torque — undistinguishable from the diesel-powered alternative. Asides having a range of 400-450 miles, the Bio-LNG Volvo is capable of pulling up to 44 tonnes.
UKWSL has retained the contract to provide trade waste services to independent brewing and pub retailing business, Marston’s. The news comes as its existing contract draws to a successful conclusion after being named 2019 winners of the ‘Partnership Excellence – Commercial category’ at the National Recycling Awards. The new five-year, multi-million-pound deal will continue to cover the 1,000-plus sites that Marston’s currently operates so day-to-day procedures and practices are to remain unchanged. The partnership, which commenced in October 2016, has seen Marston’s achieve zero waste to landfill and increase its recycling rate to circa 77 per cent: both of which contributed to an overall saving of six per cent on its annual waste spend. Max Kanda, Managing Director of UKWSL, commented: “Having fine-tuned our operations throughout the Marston’s estate over the past three years, we feel optimistic about improving on an already-impressive recycling rate, continuing to save costs and exploring additional closed loop solutions. “We are grateful to Marston’s for giving us an opportunity to steer this partnership to greater heights.” Andy Kershaw, Group Head of Facilities and Capex at Marston’s, added: “We are delighted that UKWSL has been awarded the Marston’s trade waste contract until 2024. The partnership has succeeded in achieving its cost saving, recycling and zero waste to landfill goals and we look forward to partnering with them once again for the next five years.”