With the construction industry remaining one of the largest global markets, it is imperative that the advanced materials sector listens to the industry and observes what is needed to increase usage within the sector. Advanced Materials & Innovation has addressed this requirement and is pleased to announce the programme for
Vivalda, the UK’s largest independent supplier of cladding systems, has kicked off the new year with a campaign to encourage contractors to consider off-site fabrication as part of their dust management strategy. Called Breathe Easy, the initiative includes the production of a video – voiced by Vivalda staff from every
A new housing development in Edenbridge is set to throw open its showhome’s doors to home-hunters in the area. The Aldwych showhome at Bellway’s Oakley Park development, off St Johns Way, is being unveiled to the public on Saturday, February 2. This outstanding four-bedroom property will showcase all that’s best
Building and civil engineering company Britcon has secured a £1 million contract to deliver new speculative industrial premises in phase two of a new development at Markham Vale in Derbyshire. Britcon has been appointed to build the 15,000 sq ft unit, along with 1,500 sq ft of integral offices, by
As per statistics shown in Britain, anxiety, work-related stress and depression account for most of the absences in workplaces. In fact, overall 18 million working days were lost in the year 2017-2018 due to this condition and this shows a hike from 13 million in the year 2016. This is
The £35m Castle View Windsor urban retirement development has been completed on time and to budget following a two year build and fulfilling a dream by entrepreneur and developer, Robin Hughes, who wanted to create a retirement home ‘good enough for Mum’, 85 year old Betty Hughes. One of the
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is celebrating planning success for its new build 91,000 sqft retail park in Ashford, Kent. The impressive development consists of two retail terraces split into six units and connected by an outdoor garden centre, additionally there are a 2,000 sq.ft. standalone retail unit and
The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way
With the construction industry remaining one of the largest global markets, it is imperative that the advanced materials sector listens to the industry and observes what is needed to increase usage within the sector. Advanced Materials & Innovation has addressed this requirement and is pleased to announce the programme for its upcoming conference and exhibition ‘Advanced Materials for Construction featuring FRP for Infrastructure’ (AMCONF). The event, which will be held at the University of Manchester on 3rd-4th April 2019, incorporates a keynote address from the Rail Director of Transport for the North, Tim Wood, who is looking for innovators and collaborators to work with him on the ambitious investment plans for a transformed rail network at the heart of the new Northern Powerhouse Rail System. Speaking about the conference, Tim Wood encourages companies to attend; “Through innovation and collaboration, we will assess and remove barriers to create the conditions for accelerated growth. Collaboration with many delegates at the Advanced Materials for Construction conference for example will be essential to achieving this, combining expert knowledge and counsel to achieve the best results for businesses and the public.” The conference will address all aspects of the industry including what we as an industry can do to help the construction industry meet its targets. A special session is being presented by Gianluca Barletta & Paul Homan of IBM Services titled, ‘Digital Construction-What Does the Future Bring?’ AMI Director, Martin Halpin, said, “It is a very exciting time for Advanced Materials for Construction, with a number of large infrastructure clients realising the benefits that these materials can offer their projects. We are delighted to bring together senior figures from client organisations to describe the significant opportunities that exist moving forward, alongside other industry professionals who will demonstrate best practice in procurement and implementation of recent and relevant projects. This is a must-attend conference for all those interested in challenging traditional solutions with innovative alternatives.” Sue Halliwell, Operations Manager, Composites UK, said, “The potential for the use of advanced materials in construction applications is huge. As yet we’ve only scratched the surface in achieving their potential benefit to the sector. There’s a significant education piece to be done to ensure the construction industry has access to the right information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to choices of materials for specific projects. This conference is part of that piece and brings together materials experts and construction professionals so they can better understand the challenges and possible solutions.” Exhibitors and Sponsors will also be involved with Pecha-Kucha Sessions that provide the opportunity of further engagement with the audience by presenting comprehensive and visually stimulating summaries of their offering. Exhibition space is still available on a first come, first served basis, from basic space to bespoke 1-3m pods which create an impact with delegates and start those all-important conversations that lead to the best collaborations and future projects. AMI Director, Gemma Smith, said, “We are very proud to have a programme that not only represents material suppliers, but also end users, contractors and specifiers. We have taken the time to speak to people across the supply chain to ensure that we provide a thought-provoking conference programme designed to push existing boundaries, question our methods and progress the usage of advanced materials in the construction industry.” The overriding aim of AMCONF is to provide delegates with the information and contacts they need on the best possible opportunities and outcomes for the Advanced Materials industry. The complete programme can be viewed at https://www.amconf.com/programme.
Vivalda, the UK’s largest independent supplier of cladding systems, has kicked off the new year with a campaign to encourage contractors to consider off-site fabrication as part of their dust management strategy. Called Breathe Easy, the initiative includes the production of a video – voiced by Vivalda staff from every branch – highlighting the challenges faced by contractors. The campaign follows recent Health & Safety Executive (HSE) announcements highlighting the fact that every week, more than 10 construction workers die from dust inhalation. Moreover, Peter Baker, the HSE’s chief inspector of construction revealed recently that every year, 3,500 people in the industry die as a result of work-related cancers, mainly linked to asbestos and silica. A natural material found in rock, stone and clay, silica comprises tiny particulates that can become lodged in the respiratory system, causing lung cancer, tuberculosis (in those with silicosis), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses including renal disease and even cancers. Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda group, said: “Despite guidance from the HSE on dealing with dust on-site, ignorance among both contractors and on-site workers remains remarkably high. In a recent construction industry survey, it was revealed that while only 12% of firms admitted to treating dust as a ‘serious issue’ at work, only 16% of employees were aware of the risks. What’s even more sobering is the fact that there is plenty of legislation – in the form of COSHH and the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) that mandates action here. “To help combat this issue, we are encouraging contractors to consider the adoption of off-site fabrication as part of the solution. While there are steps that can be taken to ensure workers cutting bricks, paviors, concrete and cladding material are following best practice, we think contractors should also consider transferring many potentially hazardous site operations upstream, using off-site fabrication to reduce their exposure to an HSE inspection. A good example of this idea in practice is the cutting of rainscreen cladding, which is typically made from concrete, rock, terracotta and mixed alloys.” Certainly, in recent months Vivalda has seen an increase in the number of contractors assessing the pros and cons of off-site fabrication as a way of minimising the amount of dust generated on-site. This benefit, along with the obvious improvements in productivity, accuracy and overall supply chain efficiency, will give extra impetus to the adoption of off-site construction techniques over the next few years. Jayes concludes: “All of our CNC machines deliver cutting accuracy down to the millimetre. But more importantly, each one is fitted with modern dust extraction filters, which are checked and replaced regularly. This means that we take on the responsibility of not only delivering cut to size panels – we also take away the headache of health and safety regulations which are quite rightly being enforced by the HSE.” To watch Vivalda’s Breathe Easy video, please see here:
A new housing development in Edenbridge is set to throw open its showhome’s doors to home-hunters in the area. The Aldwych showhome at Bellway’s Oakley Park development, off St Johns Way, is being unveiled to the public on Saturday, February 2. This outstanding four-bedroom property will showcase all that’s best about the spectacular mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses as well as one and two-bedroom apartments at the development. Work on Bellway’s landmark site began in late 2017 and will be made up of 300 homes. The development will also feature public open space featuring a children’s play area, walkways and wildlife areas. Mark Harrop, Sales Director for Bellway’s Kent division, said: “We are very excited to be opening our new showhome at Oakley Park on February 2. “It will give people seeking their dream home an excellent insight into the beautiful properties we are building here. “It looks set to be very busy on the launch day because there has been such intense interest in Oakley Park from people keen to move into the area and we’re gearing up to meet high demand. “Our development offers a wide range of homes to suit everyone from first-time buyers looking to get on to the property ladder to families who’d like more room and those looking for the ideal place to downsize. “Our properties at Oakley Park have already been going down well so I’d urge anyone interested in making this their home to come along and view our showhome so that they don’t miss out.” Bellway will be ploughing almost £1.5 million into local infrastructure and facilities as part of the Oakley Park planning agreement. There is currently a range of two-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom houses available to buy. Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £264,995. More information on the homes being built at Oakley Park can be found at bellway.co.uk.
Building and civil engineering company Britcon has secured a £1 million contract to deliver new speculative industrial premises in phase two of a new development at Markham Vale in Derbyshire. Britcon has been appointed to build the 15,000 sq ft unit, along with 1,500 sq ft of integral offices, by development partnership Priority Space. Britcon has already delivered 13 SME units in phase one on the site which is now 75% sold. The scheme sits within the Markham Vale flagship regeneration zone which is a 200-acre business and distribution park at Junction 29A of the M1 motorway. Lee Buchanan at Priority Space said, “We have already invested £2.5 million into the business park with phase one which was delivered to exacting standards by Britcon. With strong interest from owner occupiers we are confident in progressing phase two with Britcon to build out a significant detached unit that would suit a larger operator requiring self-contained facilities.” Paul Clarkson at Britcon said, “We are pleased to secure this second commercial building contract at Markham Vale for which we are providing a full design and build turnkey solution. We are also extending infrastructure works in partnership with our sister company Specialist Surfacing on this fast-track project which is to be completed by the end of January 2019.” Britcon’s commercial sector experience includes the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Sheffield, Treleigh Industrial Estate in Cornwall, and Langage Science Park in Plymouth. It has also recently completed a £2 million expansion of premises for packaging firm CEPAC. Established for more than 30 years, Britcon is £47 million turnover business headquartered in Scunthorpe and directly employs 110 people on its project sites across the UK. Key contracts secured in the last 12 month includes Key contracts secured in the last 12 months include a £5 million project for McCain Foods, a £13.5 million contract to deliver a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dagenham for food waste recycler ReFood (UK) Ltd, a series of new developments, extensions and refurbishment projects valued in total over £20 million for Lidl, and contracts worth over £4 million for global chemicals business Kemira. @Britcon_Limited
As per statistics shown in Britain, anxiety, work-related stress and depression account for most of the absences in workplaces. In fact, overall 18 million working days were lost in the year 2017-2018 due to this condition and this shows a hike from 13 million in the year 2016. This is almost equivalent to 58.3% of the 27 million work days that were lost to poor health, both physical and mental as per figures recorded by HSE or Health and Safety Executive. This increase has been driven by a few new long-standing cases where workers reported excessive job pressure, stress and anxiety of meeting deadlines to be the few reasons behind such increased absences. There was another study done, which included thousands of employee’s general physician’s sick notes. It was seen that 40% of all of who were surveyed wrote about mild to moderate mental health illnesses like stress, anxiety and depression. Workers in social work and education are at the highest risky positions In the US, it’s just as bad, if not worse. There have been a number of studies conducted on people who work in social work and education, and their cases of stress, anxiety and depression in the work place. Employees who are working in the education industry are especially susceptible and pose the highest risk, as there are around thousands of long-standing cases of workers who suffer from one of these mental illnesses. This can be seen in the data lone. It was reported that 41% of teachers left the profession within the first 5 years of their career. While it’s true that the job is extremely demanding, it’s no secret that depression, stress and anxiety play a role in the mass exodus here. Though they can search for a therapist here who can help them deal with their stress, anxiety and depression issues, unfortunately there are very few educators who have done this. Back to Britain Someone from HSE also commented after he saw these figures. He said that stress, anxiety and depression are the 3 main causes of so many absentees from offices, which is proof of the fact that the employees need to take immediate action. We need to take a more proactive approach in initiating a conversation with educators and educational employees on a whole regarding their mental health issues and stress. We need to speak about the issues which lead to so much pressure among these employees and how we can develop solutions to prevent them from getting mentally ill. At the very least, we need to at least start with identifying those who need help. The problem is that the education system isn’t currently doing anything right now to help reverse this course. So, if you fall within this categorization of educators who’s having issues keeping their mental health in check, you should firstly speak with a counselor or a therapist who can give you the best possible advice regarding the ways in which you can resolve such issues and get back to work. There are a number of things you can try to reduce your stress levels, ranging from cbd gummies to therapy. The problem is now known. It’s only a matter of time until the education system puts in a plan of action to keep educators at their place of work through the elimination of their mental health issues.
The £35m Castle View Windsor urban retirement development has been completed on time and to budget following a two year build and fulfilling a dream by entrepreneur and developer, Robin Hughes, who wanted to create a retirement home ‘good enough for Mum’, 85 year old Betty Hughes. One of the largest and most innovative urban retirement villages in the UK, the Castle Retirement Living development comprises 64 apartments including five rooftop penthouses, along with its neighbouring 72 bed care home, which is being operated by Care UK. From his original dream ten years ago, the founder and CEO of Castle Retirement Living, Robin Hughes spent years buying and assemble different pockets of land in Windsor to create the three-acre urban retirement development site – and originally just armed with a £10k retirement cheque to create his business, won multiple planning permissions, raised the £35m and ran the build with main contractors Castleoak and funding partner Octopus. Says Robin Hughes, Founder and CEO, Castle Retirement Living, who worked in the property and care sector for over 20 years before creating his own vision as an independent retirement developer: “For me, everything about the development from start to finish has been attention to detail in every aspect which has to be ‘good enough for Mum. It had to be right and we couldn’t be late. “Having built four previous retirement villages as development director for Richmond Villages and Shelbourne, I was confident from the outset that with Castle View Windsor, we would finish the project on time to budget and schedule. Many sector projects of this size have been late which is inexcusable. Working collaboratively with Castleoak, our team of 130 contractors on site each day and our excellent project manager, Sam Grimbaldeston, we did it. “Everyone working on the project knew how important quality and completing on schedule was to me, as well as its personal nature. We hosted regular contractor lunches at key stages of the project, the best of which was fish and chips on the roof for the team before the Royal wedding. Good communication is crucial and along with our project update meetings I was on site daily so any issues could be quickly ironed out. We also regularly thanked our construction team for all their hard work and celebrated key project milestones. My Mother is delighted to be in her new home.”
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it shouldn’t deter construction companies from planning ahead – not least when it comes to expanding their fleets. Know Your Construction Fleet For construction companies looking at fleet expansion, a useful starting point is to know the size and composition of an existing fleet. An inventory can show up any gaps in a fleet, as well as the plant or vehicles that need replacing. It can also help you work out how big your company fleet needs to be. Leasing Options One way to expand your fleet, yet mitigate the ongoing uncertainties in the construction sector, is to lease plant or commercial vehicles. One benefit of leasing is cashflow management; there’s no major capital investment, just regular monthly payments for the duration of the lease period. Purchasing Options Leasing can be beneficial in the short-term, but expanding your construction fleet by purchasing the equipment you need can be more advantageous in the long-term. Owning assets outright is one way of investing in your company’s future and can add value to your business. It often works out cheaper to buy used equipment. Used plant and vehicles tend to hold their resale value better than their new counterparts. It’s also worth getting a comprehensive hpi check done so you can be confident that your new trade vehicle has no hidden secrets from its past. Other Considerations Other factors to consider if purchasing equipment to expand your construction fleet are the ongoing costs. Unlike leasing, your business will be responsible for repairs and maintenance. One way you can avoid any nasty surprises, however, is through preventative maintenance. Your business will also need to think about the cost implications of insuring your owned equipment, as well as the time it takes to train your staff. This is particularly relevant when you’re adding a new piece of equipment to your fleet. Fleet expansion can be an effective way to help your construction company plan for challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. By weighing up your business needs against the options available, you can find the most appropriate solution and allow your company to look ahead with confidence.
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is open to both PCA members and those in non-member companies. It forms part of the CITB suite of new entrant programmes (SAPs) for the specialist trades. After completing the course, apprentices will be issued with an NVQ Level 2 in Sub-Structure Work Occupations (Structural Waterproofing). The apprenticeship covers a highly-specialised area of construction, which has a substantial impact on the UK economy. Research from Halifax Home Insurance in 2017 showed basements saw a 183% rise in planning applications since 2012, with London boroughs representing the top 16 local authorities. This is on top of the figure for new-build homes with basements included, as well as below ground projects for commercial environments. James Berry, Technical Manager of the PCA, said: “Structural waterproofing is a dynamic and highly-skilled area of construction and, as the trade body representing the industry, we identified the need for an apprenticeship programme to create a defined career path for new recruits. “As people look to more ways to make the best use of freeing up space in their home, office or commercial development, then structural waterproofing will continue to develop, and we need to attract a new generation of professionals into the industry to ensure high standards are retained. “The apprenticeship manual has been produced in conjunction with CITB, with input from structural waterproofing members, to ensure it meets the requirements of the industry.” The apprenticeship programme will run for 18 months and features classroom and practical training and on-the-job training. Apprentices will cover a selection of subjects including a background into the industry and the preparation and application techniques. The handling of materials and tools, as well as legislation, health and safety in the workplace will also be covered. James Berry added: “The value of both PCA training and qualifications is highly regarded – and renowned for raising standards and technical competency across the structural waterproofing industry. “The apprenticeship programme is a natural addition and will fulfil an important need in the sector.” To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme and funding options, register an interest or sign up an apprentice, please contact Jade Stocker at jade@property-care.org or call 0844 375 4301. www.property-care.org
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is celebrating planning success for its new build 91,000 sqft retail park in Ashford, Kent. The impressive development consists of two retail terraces split into six units and connected by an outdoor garden centre, additionally there are a 2,000 sq.ft. standalone retail unit and a 2,200 sq.ft. café unit. Says Stuart Hancox, Director of SGP: “Our client Castle City Estates and Ashford Borough Council wanted a quality development that met their high design standards. Having undertaken previous schemes in the Ashford area, SGP was chosen to bring a new approach to the park; still functional and honest but without the normal metal clad box like forms opting instead for a softer more natural feel.” SGP’s design reflects the surrounding woodlands and natural landscape, using a modern minimal aesthetic and clever detailing in a more natural form for the prominent front aspect. A wavelike timber façade with integrated timber screen brise soleil, undulates across the elevation, echoing the surrounding tree line. A solid base of local field stone filled gabions provides an aesthetic durability with a grounded feel. Adopting a more elemental approach, the architects have used local natural materials in their ‘raw’ state – bare wood, local field stone, and galvanised metal finishes – to be sympathetic to their context and blend with the natural backdrop. Landscaping and environmental concerns were another key element of the overall design. The site wide SUDS strategy incorporates water attenuation ponds and swales, along with new trees and shrub planting that will create a transition from the site to the surrounding natural woodlands, boosting biodiversity. Concludes Stuart: “It was a pleasure to design such a good-looking retail park. Having a client and local authority actively pushing up the quality bar was stimulating and ultimately created a retail park that was able to deliver commercial requirements with a high end sensitive design.” The buildings have good environmental credentials and aim to achieve BREEAM ‘very good’. Work is planned to start in February 2019. Project Team Client: Castle City Estates Planning: Ashford Borough Council Architect:Stephen George + Partners Landscape Architects:Munro + Whitten Engineer:Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Project Manager: Cube
The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way many sectors think about production and manufacturing. The development of materials and equipment to facilitate the production of nanometric materials is a fundamental part of many studies into the application of these materials, the scope of which is only now becoming apparent. How electrospinning works to produce nano-materials Electrospinning is a method which involved using electrical force to pull charged threads of polymer melts or solutions as means of fiber production. It is similar in some respects to the traditional methods like electrospraying, however does not require some of the high temperatures associated with those methods. A solution is prepared of polymers, solvents and other functional components, and molecular chain entanglement is allowed to take place. The electrospinning machine then allows for the feeding of the solution through capillaries and a high voltage electricity is applied. This forms a jet which is stretched and whipped into fibers, while the solvents evaporate. The dry fiber is collected, and then can be formed into a membrane or material depending on the purpose intended. The manufacturers of electrospinning machines have to follow through very meticulous quality checks and maintain a consistently high standard to ensure the best results. At a molecular level the nano-material is virtually defect free. Nanomaterials: Application across many fields and sectors As mentioned the sectors in which this technology is being used is very wide ranging. For example in: Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc. Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties. These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities: Biomedical and tissue engineering Cosmetics Delivery of medicines Micro and nano encapsulation Catalysis Energy storage Functional textiles Phase change material Filtration and separation Affinity membranes Compounds and nanocomposites Meeting the needs of such a wide range of sectors Whether the need for electrospinning equipment is coming from industry or academic circles, the need for specialist machinery can be varied. It could be required for a small research laboratory or and enormous scaled up production environment. The selection of the correct type of machinery is essential to obtain the appropriate results. For example, in the case of tissue engineering , for example as part of a skin graft or organ protective barrier, it is necessary to manufacture materials that meet specific characteristics. In this field, three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores. This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells. In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system. It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. However, despite a complexity in this, the set up of the machinery and training of operators to use a simple interface when using it, are actually fairly simple, with the operators being upskilled very quickly. In addition it is a lot more cost effective to set up than other industrial or manufacturing processes.