Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over
![Mark Snelling becomes President of the Association for Project Safety [Aps]](https://bdcmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mark-Snelling-e1709632051794.png)
Mark Snelling has been appointed as the new president of the Association for Project Safety [APS]. Mark takes over from Ray Bone who remains as an adviser to the board of directors. Mark’s term of office will run until 31 January 2027. President Mark Snelling said: “I am passionate about
In a recent development at Marshalls plc, a notable shift in leadership has taken place as Matt Pullen assumes the role of Chief Executive, succeeding Martyn Coffey, who has held the position since 2013. With an impressive professional background, Matt Pullen previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Genuit
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its pre-construction team following the appointment of Hamzah Khalid as a Pre-Construction Assistant. Khalid, holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management & Property Development from The University of Derby. He was previously a graduate Quantity Surveyor at Prestige Retail
Following the appointment of a new President for Europe, Aggreko has formalised its plans for 2024 and beyond with the launch of Energising Change, its new sustainability framework which places supporting the energy transition front and centre. Robert Wells – former Managing Director of Aggreko’s businesses across Africa, Middle East,
John Burley joins Q-Bot from CMR Surgical to advance the use of robotics, digital and AI in the retrofit and construction sectors Q-Bot, the technology company that uses robotics and AI to insulate people’s homes, has appointed John Burley as Chief Technology Officer. John’s career spans surgical robotics, satellite control
SITECH® UK & Ireland, the UK leading connected construction technology specialist and UK authorised dealer for Trimble machine control systems, has expanded its customer services team with two key appointments. Sion Hughes comes on board as Training and Professional Services Manager and Phil Matchett as Southeast Sales Consultant. The duo bring
SLR CONSULTING has appointed experienced transport advisor Iain Lamb to its Edinburgh-based team as the consultancy launches a new service offering for transport planning in Scotland. Lamb brings almost 30 years of experience to the construction consultancy business and will be responsible for providing comprehensive transport advice to SLR’s portfolio
AluK has made two appointments to the UK Board, with industry heavyweight Paul Booth joining as R&D Director and manufacturing specialist James Schools joining as Finance Director. They are both bringing valuable experience and expertise to AluK, to help the aluminium systems company deliver on its ambitious plans for 2024
Blues teenage football sensation Layla Banaras yesterday spoke of her pride after netting the role of youth ambassador at Birmingham Housing Week which also started yesterday. The Birmingham football star, who at the age of 16, became the first woman from a South Asian background to play for the Birmingham
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over 20 years’ experience in global Category and Brand Management for major brands, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in product development, portfolio management and market analysis to Okarno. Jenny is experienced in managing change within many leading organisations and in ensuring that customers and all people within the business are part of the journey. Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jenny to the business, with her knowledge, skills and experience, she will be a real asset. Our recent rebrand means this is an exciting time for Okarno as we reinforce our position as an essential supply chain partner for a range of leading construction products.” In January 2024, Artex rebranded to Okarno, with a strapline ‘There are no others like us’. The Okarno brand creates a common sense of purpose, energy, and enthusiasm, whilst capturing the company’s unique approach to supply chain logistics. Jason Smith adds: “Our new brand has been well received in the market as we continue to look for ways to exceed customer expectations, deliver best-in-class and provide a unique service that makes life easier for them.” Okarno provides a unique service by combining market-leading trade brands and delivering them directly through three service offerings. Customers can choose from single pallets, mixed pallet loads, through to small parcels. Okarno delivers to customers of all shapes and sizes and tailors its offering to match the needs of independent merchants, national retailers and online stockists. As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Okarno is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050 and has already made significant steps towards this goal. This also aligns with Saint Gobain’s purpose – Making the world a better home and supporting the vision of being the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. To find out more about Okarno and how its sustainable supply chain partnerships can benefit your business, visit: www.okarno.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mark Snelling has been appointed as the new president of the Association for Project Safety [APS]. Mark takes over from Ray Bone who remains as an adviser to the board of directors. Mark’s term of office will run until 31 January 2027. President Mark Snelling said: “I am passionate about the Association for Project Safety and its members and delighted to be taking over as the president. This is a critical time for the UK’s construction sector – there is a huge amount of work to do, and the industry has to gear up to do this safely, quickly and well. “I believe there are great opportunities for APS and its members. I am determined they will be able to rely on the association to keep their professional skills at the forefront of what is needed in today’s challenging environment and on APS to allow them to demonstrate their competence. Our new competency registers – starting with the Principal Designer Building Regulations register that is coming on stream in April – as well as the work I have been doing on organisational capability, will mean clients and contractors can have confidence in the ability of APS members to carry out the duty-holder tasks construction laws demand. “The UK’s built environment needs to up its game and APS is at the heart of developments on what competence looks like and how it can be demonstrated. I believe in APS and its members and that they can look forward with confidence to helping shape a safer and healthier future for construction in the UK.” Independent chair Professor Sam Allwinkle said: “I am very pleased Mark Snelling has become the president of the Association for Project Safety [APS]. Mark brings a wealth of industry experience to the role and a deep commitment to shaping the future of competence and safety standards in the UK’s built environment. Mark’s industry leadership is exemplary, and I believe his work developing standards for duty-holders and practices will make the sector a safer place for everyone. Mark has the knowledge and networks of contacts to influence and raise APS’s profile with government, industry, clients, the public and others – and that is good for the status of the association, its members and all our wider partners.” The association will be holding elections for president elect in due course. Biographical Note Mark Snelling is a health, safety and fire consultant for the Property Institute and a member of the HSE’s Interim Industry Competence Committee’s Capability & Capacity Workgroup. He is a founder director of the Building Safety Alliance. Mark moved into health and safety – and then fire safety – after starting work as a construction project manager. Mark has worked extensively in CDM compliance as a Planning Supervisor, CDM Coordinator and Principal Designer. He has developed and implemented safety management systems for a number of organisations including Ernst & Young, SEMA Group UK, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and the Rugby Football Union [RFU]. Mark is the technical author for the Property Institute health and safety and fire safety guidance notes and has written guidance for the Association for Project Safety and Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management. He is chartered builder (MCIOB), graduate member of IOSH (Grad IOSH) and Fellow of the Association of Project Safety (FaPS). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a recent development at Marshalls plc, a notable shift in leadership has taken place as Matt Pullen assumes the role of Chief Executive, succeeding Martyn Coffey, who has held the position since 2013. With an impressive professional background, Matt Pullen previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Genuit Group plc. His career encompasses significant leadership roles at renowned companies such as British Gypsum within the Saint-Gobain group, AkzoNobel in the UK & Ireland, and various commercial leadership positions in the UK and Europe with Bernard Matthews, Rank Hovis McDougal, Kraft, and J&J. Additionally, Matt Pullen is recognized for his philanthropic involvement as a Trustee of CRASH, a construction industry charity supporting homelessness and hospice charities through essential construction projects. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Marshalls, Matt Pullen acknowledged the company’s rich heritage, strong reputation, and market-leading brands and products. He expressed a sense of privilege in the opportunity to build on the established legacy and the significant achievements of his predecessor, Martyn Coffey. In his own words, Matt Pullen stated, “I’m excited to have joined Marshalls, a business with a great heritage, strong reputation, and market-leading brands and products. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build on that heritage and Martyn’s significant achievements.” Matt Pullen has been gradually immersing himself in the company since the beginning of the year, assuming a transitional role. He has been actively visiting Marshalls’ sites across the country, engaging with the workforce, and gaining insights into the value that the company’s brands, products, and solutions bring to customers. Notably, he emphasized Marshalls’ commitment to contributing to a more sustainable built environment. Outgoing Chief Executive Martyn Coffey, reflecting on his decade-long tenure at Marshalls, expressed deep gratitude for the privilege and pleasure of leading the company. He highlighted the growth achieved during his term, attributing it to the exceptional team at Marshalls. Coffey expressed confidence in Matt Pullen inheriting a robust team and a business poised for growth when market conditions improve. In conclusion, the leadership transition at Marshalls marks a significant chapter for the company, with Matt Pullen at the helm, poised to guide the business towards continued success and growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its pre-construction team following the appointment of Hamzah Khalid as a Pre-Construction Assistant. Khalid, holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management & Property Development from The University of Derby. He was previously a graduate Quantity Surveyor at Prestige Retail Ltd where he collaborated with prestigious retail consultancy firms, managing projects for clients such as B&Q and Specsavers. He has helped to successfully deliver projects that included internal fit-outs, new builds, extensions, demolitions, roof work, masonry walls, and installations. In his new role at Blueprint Interiors, Khalid will proactively ensure the programming of works, plan resource allocation for daily operations, and maintain quality standards. This will include the preparation of quotations, purchase orders and site deliveries, site surveys, maintaining subcontractor and supplier relationships and preparation of technical information. Commenting, Hamzah said, “I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking and growing organisation in which I can see a clear structure for my future career. I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop and excel in an exciting role for a company that clearly has the best interests of employees at the heart of their culture.” Rachel Biddles, Operations Director added, “This year has seen phenomenal interest in our workplace design consultancy, as employers seek to create work spaces that not only attract but retain the best talent. Hamzah will be integral in helping us to ensure the design visual is delivered so that we continue to maintain our quality of service, the finished workspace meets expectations and delivers that all important wow factor.” With a number of new and exciting office fit-out wins already secured, and a strong pipeline of workplace consultancy and design projects underway, 2024 has got off to a great start for Blueprint Interiors who have previously completed projects for a number of the regions larger employers including The Melton Building Society, Futures Housing Group, Gleeds and The East Midlands Chamber. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the appointment of a new President for Europe, Aggreko has formalised its plans for 2024 and beyond with the launch of Energising Change, its new sustainability framework which places supporting the energy transition front and centre. Robert Wells – former Managing Director of Aggreko’s businesses across Africa, Middle East, & Asia Pacific and head of global events– has been appointed by the business as European President as well as retaining responsibility for Global Events. With a focus on enabling European customers to access new, greener technologies to support with their decarbonisation process, Wells is set to embed the Energising Change framework in the region. Energising Change shapes how Aggreko works both internally and alongside its diverse portfolio of customers across the world. It allows Aggreko and the companies it works with – from a wide range of sectors with varying requirements – to embed low-carbon power and temperature control technologies and more efficient ways of working. The framework forms a core part of the business’s proposition in a time when clearer action is needed to balance energy resilience, economic viability and action on climate. Central to the framework is a series of major investments that give industry more immediate access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleet of small, mid and large-size battery energy storage solutions (BESS). BESS, giving energy intensive sectors such as manufacturing, data centres and construction the opportunity to integrate cleaner power sources on site, in addition to providing vital resilience, an area that is increasing in importance for companies across Europe. They will also play a key role in decarbonising the European construction sector, which is typically reliant on diesel power, though hybridised applications. The latest investment is part of the over $140m earmarked in 2023 and 2024 to expand Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades™ fleet, which included new boilers, Stage V generation, batteries and chillers. Aggreko will use these investments to support the decarbonisation of many of its key sectors such as manufacturing, PCR. Events, construction and data centres. The approach is already being evidenced in projects across the continent including a refinery in Romania where using a Greener Upgrade solution has already reduced carbon emissions, waste and operating costs by a substantial amount. The hybrid solution of solar photovoltaic and combined heat and power recovers waste heat from exhaust gases and uses a gas byproduct from the company’s process and produces electricity for the grid and onsite operations. Energy resilience is another core driver of Energising Change, reflecting a world where high energy costs and grid limitations continue present a challenge to economic development. Supporting energy intensive sectors such as manufacturing, construction and data centres, the company is set to continue work with customers to introduce solutions which improve onsite resilience in addition to reducing environmental impact as they transition to a renewable energy model. Energising Change builds on Aggreko’s reputation as a provider of bridging energy solutions. The new framework commits to supporting the move to renewables by using temporary solutions to support the construction and commissioning of tomorrows energy systems. Working with key construction customers, Aggreko has been able to trial the use of BESS in conjunction with alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to see emissions and fuel consumption reductions of 45%. Commitment to being energy efficiency also forms part of the framework, with the company expanding its approach to digitalisation via remote monitoring and data analysis services. This will ensure equipment is running optimally, no matter where it’s deployed. Robert Wells, Europe President at Aggreko, added: “Energising Change explains our vision, purpose and objectives. It sets targets and creates action for our business and signals to customers we are committed to positive change that’s delivered pragmatically. As the focus on building resilience and making the renewable energy transition intensifies, Aggreko is committed to continuing its support of customers across Europe.” For more information on Energising Change, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Burley joins Q-Bot from CMR Surgical to advance the use of robotics, digital and AI in the retrofit and construction sectors Q-Bot, the technology company that uses robotics and AI to insulate people’s homes, has appointed John Burley as Chief Technology Officer. John’s career spans surgical robotics, satellite control and strategic consultancy. John brings to Q-Bot extensive technical and operational leadership experience. His career to date includes five years at CMR Surgical, one of the UK’s fastest growing medical device start-ups. At CMR, John helped the company to bring Versius, their robotic surgical system, into operating theatres around the world. He set up and developed their field service capabilities, technical support, service training, and robotic repair centres in UK and India. He also sits on WBR Field Service advisory board and speaks publicly about field service leveraging digital technology. John’s experience at CMR Surgical will be especially valuable to Q-Bot as it develops and expands the use of robotics within the retrofit and building sector. After CMR, John moved into the sustainability ‘cleantech’ space through a series of consultancy engagements, including work on the autonomous robotic assembly of a space-based solar power station with Space Solar in Harwell. He has also worked at Airbus and Inmarsat (ViaSat), managing spacecraft operations from launch to end-of-life, maintaining them and recovering them from emergencies. Professor Peter Childs FREng, Chair and co-founder of Q-Bot (and founding head of the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial College, London) said: “We are delighted that John has joined Q-Bot. His extensive experience of robotics and technology transfer – both in the medical and space sectors – will be hugely valuable as we further develop our technology for home insulation and in time building inspections. By using our specialist robots, we are accelerating the insulation of people’s homes, helping households reduce their energy bills, improving a home’s air quality and reducing a property’s carbon emissions.” In London alone, there are around 500,000 homes – hard to treat homes with suspended floors – that would benefit from using Q-Bot’s floor insulation. It is estimated that roughly 80% of these homes have an energy performance of EPC D, or below. John Burley said: “It’s super-exciting to have joined Q-Bot. It’s a fast-growing robotics innovator with a track record of over 10-years in reducing carbon emissions, and crucially making homes warmer and cheaper to run. The opportunity to use my robotics experience with a company in the growing clean/climate tech sector and with an ambition to revolutionise the retrofit and construction industries with robotics, digital tools, and AI were two key reasons for my choosing to join Q-Bot.” Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology is quick, hassle-free and cheaper than other forms of insulation; it is verified by the Energy Saving Trust and the Residential Property Surveyors Association. Independent tests undertaken by Leeds Beckett University point to a 24% heat loss reduction in homes that have Q-Bot insulation, and in a separate study it has been shown that Q-Bot insulation reduces running costs for properties with heat pumps – by as much as 30%. As well as insulating people’s homes by using its robots, Q-Bot wants to provide new services for the inspection, maintenance and upgrade of buildings, without the cost and disruption of traditional methods. To do this, Q-Bot is growing its “robot-as-a-service” model (RAAS) and expanding placements of its technology via its partners in the UK and Europe. With John’s arrival at Q-Bot, Tom Lipinski, who co-founded Q-Bot with Professor Peter Childs and had been Chief Technology Officer, is now the company’s Chief Scientific Officer. For further information, visit www.q-bot.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland, the UK leading connected construction technology specialist and UK authorised dealer for Trimble machine control systems, has expanded its customer services team with two key appointments. Sion Hughes comes on board as Training and Professional Services Manager and Phil Matchett as Southeast Sales Consultant. The duo bring more than two decades of experience within the civil engineering sector. Both roles will involve supporting customers to enable them to increase site safety, reduce project times and costly reworks by offering expert training in Trimble machine control systems and advising on selecting the best hardware and software solutions for their business. Sion said: “My role is split into two sub-categories of training and professional services. One half will focus on delivering training courses on the full suite of Trimble solutions available from machine control systems to surveying systems and geospatial software. The other half of my role will involve providing technical support to customers in things such as creating 3D models, site calibrations, drone flights and data processing. “Ever since I started work as an apprentice in civil engineering in 2012, I’ve used Trimble equipment so I’m able to bring my knowledge and years of experience in surveying and data processing to ensure our customers get the best out of their assets. “A key challenge for our customers is finding and retaining experienced site engineers and plant operators. Many of our customers are turning to technology to bridge the gap. For example, when using Trimble technology, it is possible to survey the work completed with the machine – a practice that can be laborious, repetitive and time consuming for site engineers. “I certainly would have welcomed these systems during my time as a Site Engineer as it would have saved me an awful lot of time to focus on other important tasks.” As the construction sector is challenged to reduce carbon emissions while maximising productivity, machine technology is already playing a vital role in reducing fuel consumption, idle times, re-works and in helping contractors to achieve tighter tolerances on projects. Phil added: “Trimble invests 14% of their revenues in research and development – I don’t know of any other company out there making that level of investment which is testament to their commitment to continuously improve their systems and products which is why they are such a premium system. “Having previously installed these systems for many years it was a no-brainer for me to sell them to customers because I’m able to walk them through all the options and best solutions having used them while I was an engineer. “Budgets are tight right now within the industry, but as a small company with a highly experienced team we can tailor our support for each customer to offer the best solutions to help them save money, reduce time and reduce risk.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SLR CONSULTING has appointed experienced transport advisor Iain Lamb to its Edinburgh-based team as the consultancy launches a new service offering for transport planning in Scotland. Lamb brings almost 30 years of experience to the construction consultancy business and will be responsible for providing comprehensive transport advice to SLR’s portfolio of development clients in Scotland, and elsewhere across the United Kingdom. “Sustainability and decarbonisation are top of the agenda when it comes to transport planning, combined with people’s changing travel patterns following the pandemic. I’m excited to guide our developer partners through their projects with SLR’s sustainability ethos at the forefront,” Lamb said. Lamb and the wider Edinburgh-based SLR Consulting team will provide integrated transport and master planning advice along with OPEN colleagues as part of a new service offering. “There’s a great agility within SLR and a significant number of projects in the transport and infrastructure market that we’re involved with, so it’s a very exciting time to join the company and contribute to its broader growth strategy,” Lamb added. His previous work in transport planning consultancy includes roles with Mott MacDonald and Steer Davies Gleave. Lamb joins SLR following seven years with Edinburgh-based Transport Planning consultants. With Lamb’s appointment, SLR Consulting equips itself with a broad experience of transport planning and enhances its ability to provide tailored transport planning advice in its role as trusted advisor to a wide range of clients. SLR Consulting is a global leader in sustainability solutions. Initially starting out as a UK business 25 years ago, it now operates worldwide with more than 3,000 people delivering client solutions across six regions. For more information about SLR, visit www.slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AluK has made two appointments to the UK Board, with industry heavyweight Paul Booth joining as R&D Director and manufacturing specialist James Schools joining as Finance Director. They are both bringing valuable experience and expertise to AluK, to help the aluminium systems company deliver on its ambitious plans for 2024 and beyond. Paul Booth is an award winning product designer with more than 40 years’ experience in aluminium system design. He says the opportunity to join AluK and lead a complete transformation of its product range ahead of the challenges presented by Future Homes was one he couldn’t turn down. Paul commented: “Under Russell Yates’ leadership, AluK is a reinvigorated business in the UK with exciting plans and substantial backing from the European Group in terms of investment and resources. I’m delighted to be a part of that, and I’m already working with Russell and the rest of the engineering and technical team to remodel the new product development programme so that it is quicker, more streamlined and more customer focused. “One of the key things that attracted me to this role was AluK’s philosophy of being a global company but retaining local market influence in product design, so that we design products which meet local market needs, rather than trying to force a one size fits all product onto the market. In line with that, I’m already getting out and about meeting customers to ensure that we are delivering on exactly what they want, and I can promise some welcome announcements soon on our slider and bifold offering.” James Schools is a relative newcomer to the window and door market but has 14 years of finance experience working extensively with manufacturing entrepreneurs. He is promising to shift the focus of AluK’s finance offering, so that it better supports the needs of the company’s fabricator customer base. He said: “I want to see us working more closely in partnership with our customers, focusing on how to improve the customer experience, whilst also re-investing into the continued evolution and growth of the business, and I have lots of new initiatives in mind to help us to do that.” Russell Yates added: “This is an exciting time to be an AluK customer. As Paul and James’ appointments demonstrate, we’re committed to leading the way in aluminium, giving both established aluminium fabricators and newcomers to this sector really compelling reasons to do business with us.” More details at: https://uk.aluk.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blues teenage football sensation Layla Banaras yesterday spoke of her pride after netting the role of youth ambassador at Birmingham Housing Week which also started yesterday. The Birmingham football star, who at the age of 16, became the first woman from a South Asian background to play for the Birmingham City Football Club, will share her experiences and encourage young people to get involved in the conversation around housing during Next Generation workshops being held at Birmingham Housing Week. Running from February 5th-9th Birmingham Housing Week will inform young people and communities on the scale of public and private investment in existing housing stock and large-scale housing regeneration schemes happening across the City and the vast amount of opportunities on offer to them; invite them to get involved in the conversation and have a voice and inspire them to join the movement. The week is a private sector initiative, powered by national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships, with support from Birmingham City Council, STEAMhouse, Howells, Platform Housing Group, Shakespeare Martineau, Marrons and Birmingham Social Housing Partnership, with more set to be announced in due course. Today Birmingham Housing Week organisers were thrilled for Layla to be appointed as its youth ambassador to help inspire the next generation to get involved in the week-long event. One of the main focuses of the week is to promote inclusivity and collaboration with the younger generation around their expectations of the housing sector and inform them about the job opportunities available to bring their ideas to life. Delighted to accept the ambassador role, Layla, now 17, said “I think it’s really important to create opportunities for young people as it gives them a voice and allows them to feel heard.” Thanks to sponsors Platform, STEAMhouse and Howells, the Next Generation Workshops are taking place on February 6th and 8th respectively, to bring together local pupils from the following schools: Eden Boys, Lyndon Academy, Cockshut Hill and Nine Styles. STEAMhouse has invited Year 9 pupils to its interactive activities focused on raising awareness around the housing sector and the variety of career opportunities they can choose to be more involved. The workshop will also feature a Q&A session with both the council and industry professionals, to encourage an open discussion around the future of Birmingham for current and next generations. Patrick Bek, Head of Service Innovation and Experimentation at STEAMhouse, added: “A people-centred approach is definitely needed to innovate towards the best future for Birmingham’s housing sector. Listening to and co-creating with the younger generation is a great way to encourage a more collaborative approach and unlock a new regenerative era of the city.” Architecture and planning body, Howells, will host its programme of activities aimed at Year 10 & 11 students on the Tuesday and Thursday of housing week, to inform them of the ‘Our Future City’ project, an initiative led by the Birmingham Housing Council setting a strategic 2040 framework to achieve inclusive, sustainable and equal spaces for the city’s communities. This will also involve the pupils sharing their thoughts on what the framework should include and incorporate them into a design project accordingly. The students will also have the opportunity to talk to key professionals in the Modelmaking and VR technology sectors and see how the respective tools work and support the variety of job roles in the housing sector. The innovative side of the sector is a key component in involving the younger generation and showcasing its potential to achieve more sustainable infrastructure. Dav Bansal, Partner from Howells, commented: “Birmingham Housing Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the current initiatives of the council and how students can actively participate in this exchange of opinions thanks to the workshops and the wide array of career opportunities the sector offers. Howells is based in the industrial heart of the city, and we’re excited to meet local young people to get their input into the future of Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
