Forticrete has been granted three UK patents for its innovative SL8® large format roof tile. The leading manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, architectural masonry and walling and cast stone, which is part of Ibstock plc, has been granted patents which cover the camber of the tile, interlocking design and features and
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in
TODD Architects worked with the multinational property firm Savills to transform their new 5,500 sq ft headquarters at Longbridge House in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, realizing a distinctive, spatially-efficient, and flexible workspace fit-out. Following extensive research and analysis of the Savills’ work culture and social ergonomics, TODD’s design developed to enhance
Going back to work after taking time off, for whatever reason, can often be daunting. Making the transition to your old professional self, which has been on hold for so long, can make anyone feel like an impostor. If you’re in a situation where you have to find a job
adi Building & Refurbishment is on a solid growth trajectory but it has signalled even greater ambition with the November appointment of Adrian Adams as Construction Director to further strengthen the business’ senior team. A key arm of Birmingham-based firm, adi Group, adi Building & Refurbishment has enjoyed significant growth
Kevin Griffin, SELECT’s president was this year’s recipient of The Ian Marsh Award, which recognises individuals who demonstrate enthusiasm and selfless concern for the fire and emergency systems industry. The award was made on behalf of the Fire and Security Association at the IFSEC’s ‘Security and Fire Excellence Awards’ held
ISLAND Road West, a new prime urban logistics scheme in Reading, has seen the second phase of development completed this month on a former domestic landfill site off the A33. Providing civil and structural engineering designs, BE Design has delivered a five-unit, industrial scheme over two phases, transforming a site
BAM Nuttall, the UK based supplier of civil engineering services, has just completed a deal to purchase a further thirty X-ECO LED lighting towers from the Cambridgeshire supplier, Trime (UK) Limited. The company now has fifty Trime X-ECO LED lighting sets in their rental fleet. BAM Nuttall’s Plant Manager, Andy
Earl Kendrick Associates are delighted to announce the appointment of two new Directors for the South and North regions respectively. Zoë Walheim MRICS and Andrew Banister MRICS have been spearheading Earl Kendrick’s expansion in the past two years, with new regional offices in Brighton and Manchester, which are now separate
Modern temporary structures are far more advanced than they were a few years ago. While older options weren’t so attractive and were often limited to certain use cases, today’s temporary buildings can be used for anything from setting up temporary structures after a disaster to quick business expansions. The demand
Forticrete has been granted three UK patents for its innovative SL8® large format roof tile. The leading manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, architectural masonry and walling and cast stone, which is part of Ibstock plc, has been granted patents which cover the camber of the tile, interlocking design and features and dry verge design. Specifically, the patent for its dry verge design includes the term concealed guttering as the tile channels water to the gutter. The SL8 roof tile was designed to meet the increasing demands of the roofing market. With just 8 tiles per square metre needed it provides greater coverage with approximately 20% less tiles required per roof. Additional benefits include its thin leading edge – which is up to 50% thinner than other large format tiles – which creates an impressive visual characteristic. John Lambert, Managing Director of Forticrete, comments: “Forticrete has a long history of introducing innovative products which offer building efficiencies. Our SL8 roof tile is one of these and we are delighted to have achieved these design patents. In designing the SL8 tile, we listened to what our customers wanted; the result is an innovative roof tile that meets market demands. It reduces the number of tiles needed for a roof by up to 20%, meaning it is more cost efficient and tiles are easier to handle and lay. The aesthetics of SL8 are also much more appealing as its thin leading edge and dimensions go a long way to replicate real slate. “Being awarded three UK patents means we have 20 years protection on our design and our customers can be assured they are using market leading products for the construction projects.” Forticrete is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of concrete construction products including roof tiles, concrete decorative facing blocks, walling stone and cast stone dressings. For more information visit www.forticrete.co.uk.
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in the vital areas of contractual issues. In value terms, members of the SECG represent the largest sector of UK construction, comprising the industry’s premier trade associations. In exclusively working on behalf of specialist contractors, it has not only improved the trading environment but it has also become a driver for real l change and a strong proponent of a more collaborative and project-oriented culture. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “Electrical contractors were among the first to agree, that specialist engineering required its own representational body and SELECT has been proud to be a part of SEC Group over the years. “SEC Group aims to influence at the highest levels of government and it continues to do that by offering well-researched, sensible, pragmatic solutions which are of significant benefit to both businesses and their clients.” SEC Group now includes; the British Constructional Steelwork Association; the Building Engineering Services Association; ECA, the electrotechnical and engineering services trade body; the Lift and Escalator Industry Association; the Scaffolding Association; SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland; and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, the President of SEC Group, said: “Specialist engineering contractors across the UK deliver design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair and replacement of complex structures and systems. “Over 25 years, the group has worked tirelessly to inculcate a greater awareness amongst policy makers of the specialist engineering contribution to the life cycle of buildings and structures. In terms of the technologies involved that contribution is huge and will continue to grow.” Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in the Scottish Parliament, said: “Over the years, SEC Group has grown significantly and the businesses it represents now account for 35% of the construction output across the UK. “In particular, I welcome the commitment SEC Group members have made to promoting and providing career and training opportunities for our young people through the protection and expansion of the apprenticeship programme.” SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
TODD Architects worked with the multinational property firm Savills to transform their new 5,500 sq ft headquarters at Longbridge House in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, realizing a distinctive, spatially-efficient, and flexible workspace fit-out. Following extensive research and analysis of the Savills’ work culture and social ergonomics, TODD’s design developed to enhance work patterns, optimising the layout and workflow and evaluating shared space ratios, personal space and social interaction. The concept prioritizes spaces for collaboration, functionality and flexibility while also allowing for future expansion. The new office facilities provide a positive, healthy working environment, promoting the welling of staff with operational workspaces benefitting from natural light whilst ventilation units deliver excellent air quality and thermal comfort, significant for employee satisfaction and productivity. Workspaces are generous, following BCO fit out guidelines, and a variety of different spaces have been included to facilitate different ways of working. High work / sit-stand tables provide for flexibility and offer staff an alternative to sitting at their desks all day, whilst the large high tables with feature pendant lighting allow for agile and cooperative working. As teamwork is essential to Savills’ ethos, an open plan layout was chosen to encourage communication across the entire workforce. Control of noise was a key design requirement and internal sound levels were regulated with the introduction of louvred felt ceilings and floating mineral fibre panels, in combination with the installation of desk dividers and wall panels. The state-of-the-art workspace is divided into two zones to provide separate but interlinked client and staff areas. The client zone begins on arrival, with a bright welcoming foyer with glazed screens and feature LED lighting. Large format porcelain tiles were selected for the main reception flooring and feature wall. The scale and texture of these large format ceramic floor tiles compliment the sculptural form of the bespoke white acrylic reception desk. Meeting rooms were strategically located to benefit from natural daylight and to offer private space for collaborative team sessions or client meetings. Informal break out areas with high specification sofas have been positioned to encourage informal discussions. A four-person meeting space has been located next to the main reception to offer dual usage for either staff or client meetings, being accessible from both sides. The central staff breakout area and kitchenette is complete with state-of-the-art appliances, zip taps, a variety of furniture types and a feature light box. The space offers engagement and social interaction, designed to facilitate both formal and informal events, including corporate parties and townhall meetings, with its direct link to the informal meeting area. Key within the client brief was the provision of audio-visual technology in the reception, meeting rooms and breakout spaces plus acoustic divisions between client and staff spaces that remained physically interlinked. This acoustic separation is achieved through the introduction of full height double-glazed screens and doors, with high quality acoustic screens, felt ceilings, and a wood-wool slab acoustic feature wall. The design team mixed dashes of Savills’ own-brand yellow with a muted palette of soft pastels for an energizing scheme aimed at boosting creativity, productivity and positivity. The design team also drew inspiration from the locality by incorporating carpet tiles with a cobbled design which reflects the streetscape of the adjacent Hill Street. Peter Moran, Director at TODD Architects, “Throughout the fit-out, TODD Architects had a strong working relationship with the client and consultants and this helped to achieve optimum results tailored to the workforce’s needs. High-quality interior finishes are integral to the success of this work environment, designed for durability and adaptability.” Ben Turtle, Head of the Savills Belfast office, said: “The office move is a milestone for Savills in Belfast. Our business has evolved greatly over the past 13 years and the new space effectively positions us for a further period of growth and expansion.”
Going back to work after taking time off, for whatever reason, can often be daunting. Making the transition to your old professional self, which has been on hold for so long, can make anyone feel like an impostor. If you’re in a situation where you have to find a job first, then it’s even more difficult as the inevitable worry of how to explain the long break surfaces. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your absence from work, there are some steps you can take to make the transition easier. Below we have created some helpful points to consider before returning to work. Reconnect with Your Professional Self Working, even part time, usually comes with a routine but taking a break from this can mean slipping into late nights and even later wake up times. Start by building up a routine again, rising at the same time every day and getting dressed in comfortable but smart clothing. If you need to find a job then treat this as your main activity, dedicate morning hours, broken up with a lunch hour, before completing the search in the afternoon. Update you CV and take a look at your LinkedIn profile, ensuring that it’s looking good. Reconnecting with some former colleagues is also a good idea whether you’re searching for employment or getting ready to make a return to work. You’ll ease yourself, get some helpful information and open yourself up to professional opportunities. Manage Expectations Once you’re back at work, it’s important to manage your manager’s and your own expectation regarding how fast you’ll be able to catch up. Ask for a meeting with your manager and have an honest conversation about what you need to get back into the swing of things. Doing so will ease a lot of the anxiety surrounding being at work and feeling out of the loop. Perhaps it may be useful for you to shadow a colleague, spending a week taking notes and acclimatising to the office. Don’t be afraid to be honest (though always professional), it will demonstrate good judgement and your ability to prioritise, coupled with a willingness to be a great employee. Be Prepared to Explain Your Career Break People are naturally curious; whether you’re returning to your previous office or joining a new one, be prepared to get a lot of questions about your break and previous jobs. You don’t have to disclose anything you’re not comfortable with – take a few moments to think of what you might reply with, so you’re not caught out without anything to say. It can even be a polite ‘I hope you’ll understand but I don’t feel comfortable discussing this’ alongside a smile and people will leave you alone. Otherwise, keep your answers brief to start until you establish more of a connection with your colleagues. It’s natural to feel anxious about returning to work following a career break. Remember, there are multiple resources out there available to help you make the transition. One great place to visit if Randstad’s Returning to Work hub, featuring stories and advice from people who have done it before.
adi Building & Refurbishment is on a solid growth trajectory but it has signalled even greater ambition with the November appointment of Adrian Adams as Construction Director to further strengthen the business’ senior team. A key arm of Birmingham-based firm, adi Group, adi Building & Refurbishment has enjoyed significant growth over recent years, providing construction, refurbishment and fit-out projects for some of the leading companies and brands across the UK. Adrian has 30 years’ experience, having built strong client and supply chain relationships across the construction industry, and a successful track record of delivering successful projects and maintaining excellent client relationships. In particular, he brings with him a wealth of expertise in delivering national frameworks and special projects. His remit at adi is to head up the Major Projects division, focusing on projects over £500,000 in value, and to use his drive and enthusiasm to bolster the company’s growth, as part of adi Group’s broader turnover and job creation targets for 2020. David Beebee, Managing Director of adi Building & Refurbishment, said, “I want to continue to use relationships to generate opportunities, win them and then deliver projects profitably and to a very high standard. Working with our talented existing team, Adrian will ensure our growth is sustainable for the long-term and that our levels of client satisfaction remain extremely high. There are exciting times ahead at adi Building & Refurbishment and I am proud of what we have achieved so far on our growth journey. We have recruited some of the best people in the local construction industry and that has helped us get where we are today. Adrian’s appointment continues that pattern and will only accelerate our move to the next level.” Adrian himself said of his appointment, “I am delighted to join a firm with such strong core values as adi and at an exciting stage in its development. I see huge growth potential for the business and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping it achieve its ambitions.”
Kevin Griffin, SELECT’s president was this year’s recipient of The Ian Marsh Award, which recognises individuals who demonstrate enthusiasm and selfless concern for the fire and emergency systems industry. The award was made on behalf of the Fire and Security Association at the IFSEC’s ‘Security and Fire Excellence Awards’ held on November 21. Kevin’s long involvement in the crucial fire and safety side of the electrical profession was highlighted in front of nearly 1000 of the industry’s foremost practitioners at the prestigious event. Kevin runs Logic Systems Fire & Security in East Kilbride, a company which has specialised in providing life safety and security solutions from its Lanarkshire base for the past 25 years. It employs four people. Kevin has been chairman of the Lanarkshire branch of SELECT on a number of occasions and has been closely involved with the work of the Fire & Security Association, for a number of years. He said: “I am humbled and extremely gratified to receive this unexpected recognition, especially from fellow professionals who have also dedicated their efforts to keeping people safe in the workplace and at home. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do in the electrical sector and I would wish to share this award not only with the people in my own firm but also in SELECT, which continues to do invaluable work in this field.” Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “This is a particularly well-deserved award to our President, who has been active in SELECT for many years and has diligently carried out a series of roles, including branch chairmanships. “His work in the realm of fire and security systems has always been of a great standard and to have it recognised at an event of this caliber is an honour indeed.” The Security and Fire Excellence Awards, supported by IFSEC and FIREX, have consistently broken new ground in highlighting the very best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select
ISLAND Road West, a new prime urban logistics scheme in Reading, has seen the second phase of development completed this month on a former domestic landfill site off the A33. Providing civil and structural engineering designs, BE Design has delivered a five-unit, industrial scheme over two phases, transforming a site which features domestic landfill with a depth of six metres. More than 34,160 sq ft has been delivered across two phases, with a global logistics firm pre-letting one of the units delivered in the second phase. Director at the engineering and architecture practice BE Design, Stephen Oakden said: “There is a real demand for space to build residential and commercials schemes, and that is only on the increase. Developing on greenbelt land can be somewhat contentious, so we are seeing more and more former landfill sites and brownfield land around the UK being earmarked for redevelopment – meeting the demand and protecting greenbelt land at the same time. “This move towards sustainable regeneration means that sites, such as Island Road West, now provide businesses with the real potential to turn dead-end land into usable – and profitable – space.” First phase completed in 2017, with the second phase starting on site in 2018. During both phases of development, ground consolidation techniques – including rapid impact compaction – were employed to minimise the ongoing settlement and subsidence that can occur on landfill sites. As well as this, multiple safety measures have been employed to safely release gases from the decomposing landfill matter into the atmosphere. “Of course, landfill sites present a lot of unique challenges when it comes to construction, which have to be considered at the very base of any design service but, as long as the environmental challenges are met with practical and safe solutions, construction on sites such as Island Road West in Reading can be just as successful as developments elsewhere. “By taking careful measurements both before and after ground improvement techniques are applied to sites, we are able to measure the amount of consolidation achieved, and this data is likely to prove invaluable in the future are more former landfill sites are earmarked for regeneration.” Two of the five units delivered across the two phases delivered by BE Design remain available to let. Find out more about BE Design at www.bedesign.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @B_E_Design.
BAM Nuttall, the UK based supplier of civil engineering services, has just completed a deal to purchase a further thirty X-ECO LED lighting towers from the Cambridgeshire supplier, Trime (UK) Limited. The company now has fifty Trime X-ECO LED lighting sets in their rental fleet. BAM Nuttall’s Plant Manager, Andy Haythorne said, “We placed an initial order for the X-ECO LED units back in September last year, following a successful trial. The Trime lights have performed excellently over the past twelve months, so it was an easy decision to invest in this new order.” “In all we have been impressed with the costs savings, reliability and the integral safety features of the X-ECO LED,” added Andy. The sourcing of more efficient plant and equipment remains a key part of the BAM Sustainability Strategy as they work towards challenging 2020 targets for carbon reduction. The sustainable qualities of the Trime X-ECO LED sets have aided BAM Nuttall to reach their objective. The X-ECO LED uses considerably less fuel when compared with many lighting sets currently available. This results in a corresponding reduction in C02 output, assessed by Trime engineers, to equate to approximately 888kg. In 2016, BAM Group UK (legal entity comprising of BAM Nuttall and BAM Construct UK) were awarded the CEMARS gold standard for achieving significant carbon savings year-on-year over a six-year period by following a systematic carbon reduction programme that have resulted in a reduction in emissions of 17.72% when compared with baseline data. CEMARS is the Carbon Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme and refers to ISO14064-1:2006. For 2017 and beyond BAM Nuttall has set even more challenging targets to reduce its energy consumption by a further 25% on a new 2015 baseline, and across its Scope 1, 2 & 3 emission classes by 2020. This target is in line with that of the parent company Royal BAM Group and works towards a climate positive future in the long term – a future in which construction is not a carbon emitter but one in which it is a carbon eliminator. Trime Group boasts over 50 years of experience in the development and marketing of environmentally sustainable lighting sets for the construction and rental markets. Their manufacturing plant is based in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan and Trime UK Limited is headquartered in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Earl Kendrick Associates are delighted to announce the appointment of two new Directors for the South and North regions respectively. Zoë Walheim MRICS and Andrew Banister MRICS have been spearheading Earl Kendrick’s expansion in the past two years, with new regional offices in Brighton and Manchester, which are now separate companies under the EKA umbrella. In recognition of their success, Zoë Walheim becomes our Regional Director – South, while Andrew Banister is our Regional Director – North. The Brighton office was established two years ago to serve Brighton and the South, and has gone from strength to strength. Headline projects have included work on the iconic Brighton Pier and the preparation of maintenance plans for converted mental hospitals. Zoë and her team have also assisted clients with the implementation of urgent Health & Safety works, a repairs and redecoration scheme on a property on Regency Square, and overseen a repair scheme on the prestigious High Street in Tunbridge Wells. The Manchester office followed soon after, serving the North region. Andy and his team quickly built up a new client base through word of mouth by taking on and simplifying major works processes for managing agents, leaseholders and freeholders, establishing Earl Kendrick as leading building surveyors in the region. Earl Kendrick’s Managing Director Julian Davies said, “Zoë and Andy have done a fantastic job heading up Earl Kendrick’s expansion to the South and North. They have more than earned their new roles as company Directors, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
Modern temporary structures are far more advanced than they were a few years ago. While older options weren’t so attractive and were often limited to certain use cases, today’s temporary buildings can be used for anything from setting up temporary structures after a disaster to quick business expansions. The demand for temporary buildings is also on a steep rise. If you happen to drive across a commercial area, chances are you will come across one or two temporary buildings being used for different purposes. In fact, they don’t look temporary at all. Beneath the advanced technologies and gorgeous designs, temporary buildings offer five main benefits for business and personal users alike. A Quick Way to Expand The need for more space is often an urgent one to meet, which is why a temporary building is perfect as a solution. The structure can be erected in as little as seven days, even when you have specific requirements and you want a complex temporary building to suit your needs. This benefit makes temporary buildings very suitable for things such as business expansions, storage needs, showrooms, and workshops. Temporary buildings are also perfect for more specific use cases, including extending an existing structure. A Wealth of Options As mentioned before, temporary buildings are designed to be very flexible. You no longer have to stick with a boxy structure made from less durable materials. Modern temporary buildings now use steel, aluminium, and PVC, along with other materials for better flexibility. This means you can have a temporary building designed to perfectly meet your needs. You can add partitions to the interior of the building, add large glass windows for display purposes, and do so much more with the options available today. Extra Durability While temporary structures are designed to be used temporarily, they are extremely durable. You can choose different materials, insulation options, and even finishing touches to ensure it will be a suitable temporary fix. In fact, products from leading players in the business are also easy to maintain. If you want to know more about your options and the kind of durability you can expect from modern temporary buildings, simply visit Smart Space. They provide numerous building options where you can get double glazed window panels, a thermo-insulated roof and heavy structural floors to ensure your building provides a functional temporary solution. Superb Cost Efficiency There is another major benefit offered by temporary buildings, and that is the immense cost efficiency they bring to the table. We’re not just talking about the cost of the materials and design, but also the cost of getting the structure erected in a timely manner. Since temporary buildings are fast to erect, there are no extensive labour costs and other fees to worry about. With the design selected, the entire construction process can be completed without breaking the bank. A Low-Risk Option Since you don’t have to invest a fortune to get a temporary building set up, you also don’t have additional risks to bear. When it is time to move on to a more permanent solution, you can have the temporary building dismantled just as easily. The lack of risk is also a benefit that comes with the nature of temporary buildings themselves. The construction project is handled by a team of experienced specialists, which means accidents and mishaps can be reduced to a minimum. At the same time, the temporary building offers sufficient protection for its occupants once it is erected. With these five benefits waiting to be enjoyed, temporary buildings are becoming the preferred option. Businesses of different sizes now use temporary buildings as a way to quickly meet their need for space. If you have an immediate need for a new structure, don’t forget to consider temporary buildings as practical options.