Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is taking a stand against poor behaviour in the supply chain. Members working in the housebuilding sector have raised concerns about unfair snagging practices on plaster or tape and jointed walls where LED lights are being used at shallow angles to inspect the finish. This
CIVIL engineering solutions provider Wrekin Products has received a special award by The British Standards Institution (BSI) to recognise 30 years of continuous ISO 9001 certification. In 1995, Wrekin achieved the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, covering its design, stockholding and supply of ductile and grey cast iron
The UK fall protection industry has come together in a major show of collaboration to support the rollout of BS8681:2024, a new standard that sets rigorous competency requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of personal fall protection systems. This proactive industry-led initiative marks a significant step forward in improving workplace
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new
SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, looks into the Building Safety Act and what it means for owners and maintenance teams Q1) Let’s refer to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report, which cites that there were flaws in the building’s Tenant Management Association. There was a huge backlog
In April, IWFM Academy were excited to launch the third episode of our Tech Survival Guide at the Workplace Event, plus announce an exclusive offer to save money by purchasing the full guide. It’s perfect for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals who feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight
INDUSTRY leaders came together in April at Ironmonger’s Hall in London for Miller Knight’s Building Safety Forum 2025 – a landmark event driving forward the conversation on regulation, responsibility and reform in the built environment. Hosted by the remediation contractor in partnership with TFT and BB7, the forum brought together experts,
A new study from Oscar Acoustics, Great Britain’s specialists in architectural acoustic finishes, highlights a growing workplace challenge: Excessive office noise is undermining productivity, employee well-being, and the ‘Great Return to the Office.’ Noise has become a major deterrent for employees returning to in-office work. The push to end hybrid working
Gateway 2 is a crucial regulatory checkpoint introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, applying to higher-risk buildings, typically those over eighteen metres tall or with seven or more storeys and containing at least two residential units. Compliance is required before construction begins, meaning no work can legally start until
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is taking a stand against poor behaviour in the supply chain. Members working in the housebuilding sector have raised concerns about unfair snagging practices on plaster or tape and jointed walls where LED lights are being used at shallow angles to inspect the finish. This improper practice whereby the light is shined close to, or directly against the surface of the wall, highlight surface imperfections which are normally imperceptible to the human eye well within tolerance when industry standard inspection methods are used. On launching the campaign, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive stated: “We often talk about the culture of construction and that means we need to look at all behaviours and the effect they have. It is clear to us that this over-zealous approach to inspection is creating a lot of bad feeling and straining relationships. Our belief is that the practice has little to do with quality and everything to do with keeping pressure on the supply chain, making sure sub-contractors are operating under commercial tension. In the worst of cases it is being used to delay, reduce or withhold payment and with that all the cashflow and mental health issues that plague SMEs in the supply chain. It can be little more than bullying and has no place in the sector today.” To tackle the problem head on, FIS has published new guidance which members are encouraged to download and share with their clients ahead of starting work. This guidance covers how inspections should be conducted and encourages the classification of the flatness of the plastered finish is agreed along with the level of smooth finishes before work starts. FIS Head of Technical James Parlour said: “We’ve tried for a number of years attacking this problem from purely a technical perspective, but people continue to ignore the standards. Change won’t happen unless we put our heads above the parapet and start to call out bad behaviour. This latest guidance and supporting resources should help align expectation and inspections to the standards and ensures that we avoid glancing light issues in inspection which exaggerate even the smallest of imperfection. “We do appreciate that it can be difficult for individual members to do this directly, but we are also asking members to report to us when they encounter these bad practices and we can pick it up as a collective effort. So the message is clear, if you are inspecting drylining and plaster finishes, use the standards and ensure that your processes are informed, fair and realistic. If you are a specialist contractor and have experienced unfair snagging practices, don’t just put up with it and move on reach out to us in confidence so we can log cases and start to challenge businesses to improve”. FIS is also concerned the effect bad practices have on those looking to start a career in the sector. Young people are being encouraged into the industry but when they are faced with this culture and ruthless nature many leave before they have had chance to really see what a good career the construction industry can offer. To support the campaign FIS will be launching a short video to help showcase the problem and is develop new training to support inspections. You can register on the FIS website to receive free access to the training when it is launched later this summer. For more information visit https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/shine-a-light-on-bad-practice-not-walls-campaign/ To report your experiences, email details in confidence to info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIVIL engineering solutions provider Wrekin Products has received a special award by The British Standards Institution (BSI) to recognise 30 years of continuous ISO 9001 certification. In 1995, Wrekin achieved the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, covering its design, stockholding and supply of ductile and grey cast iron manhole covers and gully gratings, geosynthetics, steel access covers and related civil engineering items. The recent award acknowledges Wrekin’s long-standing commitment to quality, excellence and consistency, as well as maintaining a mutually supportive relationship with BSI for three decades. Barry Turner, castings technical manager at Wrekin, said: “Having worked at Wrekin since we first obtained our ISO 9001 certification in the mid 90s, I’ve seen how valuable it continues to be across the business. This award from BSI reflects the enduring strength of our internal systems, our culture of accountability and our collaborative approach with customers and partners. “Our internal systems across all departments became more robust when we decided to adopt the standard, and we have worked with our supply chain ever since to share our expertise so that they can improve their processes too.” During the six-month period in 1995 when Wrekin aligned its quality management system with ISO 9001, a new quality manual was established to list all the procedures used across the business and, in doing so, several important improvements were made at the time, including revision of procedures covering; customer feedback review, contract review and a commitment to undertake regular, scheduled internal and external audits. Not only has Wrekin credited the standard for its ability to improve overall operational quality, but it has also recognised the positive impact on transparency across the business and provided clear processes which help all employees in their introduction and adoption. Barry continued: “This milestone highlights our dedication to; continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and industry betterment, which have all helped cement our position as a trusted name in the civil engineering sector.” To learn more about Wrekin, visit www.wrekinproducts.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK fall protection industry has come together in a major show of collaboration to support the rollout of BS8681:2024, a new standard that sets rigorous competency requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of personal fall protection systems. This proactive industry-led initiative marks a significant step forward in improving workplace safety at height. BS8681:2024 introduces a comprehensive framework of best practices in fall protection, covering key areas including: However, what truly sets the implementation of the new standard apart is the level of industry support behind it, from trade bodies to manufacturers, training providers, and awarding organisations. “The rollout of BS8681:2024 represents more than just a change in standards; it’s a collective commitment to safer work environments,” said Alan Murray of BSIF, who led the coordination efforts. “By working together, the industry is accelerating adoption and ensuring that organisations are fully equipped to meet the new requirements.” Industry collaboration in action A core group of leading organisations, including 8point8 Training, Kee Safety, Hydrajaws, Smart Awards, and SFS, have joined forces to ensure that training, resources, and qualification pathways are aligned with the new standard to ensure a seamless transition for organisations adopting BS8681:2024 “Hydrajaws was thrilled to contribute by training 8point8 staff in the latest testing methods and data recording tools,” said Adrian Morgan of Hydrajaws, underlining the role of up-to-date practices in maintaining compliance. Equipping the workforce The rollout also focuses on upskilling the workforce. The first learners are completing the Level 3 NVQ in Access and Rigging – Fall Protection, and others are progressing through the new Level 3 Fall Protection Technician apprenticeship. “Our Group recognises the importance of training and development of our fall protection technicians and inspectors,” said Graham Willmott of Kee Safety. “As soon as the apprenticeship program was available, we committed to the program and enrolled our delegates.” Kee Safety is already seeing the benefits with individuals now starting to complete their apprenticeships and enter their final assessments. Through equipment donations, specialised training, and expert-led support, companies like SFS have ensured that learners can apply their skills on actual fall protection systems. “SFS was delighted to have the opportunity to support 8point8 Training Ltd with their delivery of the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Accessing and Rigging,” said Jonathan Seymour of SFS. The safety solutions and fixings supplier provided sample systems, training, and materials which are essential tools that help apprentices understand installation and compliance in a controlled environment. With BS8681:2024 now live, the industry is not only embracing higher standards but actively ensuring that every level of the workforce has the tools, knowledge, and qualifications to meet them. “These qualifications are raising the industry’s standards,” said David Ravensdale of 8point8 Training, “ensuring that current and future professionals are fully equipped to handle the complexities of installing and maintaining fall protection systems.” Murray concludes: “As more professionals achieve advanced qualifications, the industry will continue to evolve, innovate, and strengthen safety standards, creating a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering excellence in fall protection.” For a more detailed article on the implementation of BS8681:2024, visit: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/bs86812024-elevating-fall-protection-standards-and-industry-collaboration/ For the BSIF webinar on the new standard BS 8681:2024 Personal fall protection equipment, watch… Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new government calculation methodology for assessing the energy performance of homes in the UK. HEM will support energy efficiency improvements in a wide range of new and existing housing types in the UK, aligning with the upcoming Future Homes Standard and reformed Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). By offering a more accurate assessment of building energy performance, it will help to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions in the journey towards net zero. Sustenic will draw on its many years of experience developing and implementing energy calculation methodologies to lead the development of the HEM engine, and maintain the underlying Python codebase. Quidos will play an important role in feature development and maintenance, leveraging its experience in developing energy assessment software and its 20 years expertise in assessing the energy efficiency of dwellings. Work will begin immediately on a consultation version of the core engine. Jose Ortiz, Director at Sustenic, said: “This contract award marks an important milestone in the evolution of building energy modelling in the UK. Our team brings unparalleled expertise in energy modelling methodologies and software development, having previously played central roles in developing SAP, SBEM, and the initial phases of HEM. We’re looking forward to working closely with Quidos, DESNZ and the MHCLG to deliver this critical project successfully and assist in the UK’s net zero ambitions.” Chris Barrington, CTO at Quidos, said: “Improving the energy performance of the UK’s homes is crucial to achieving carbon emission reduction objectives. Our established reputation in energy efficiency software and assessment will be invaluable in the development of the HEM’s core software engine, together with Sustenic’s deep methodological expertise. Together we will ensure that HEM is a reliable, user-friendly tool that supports industry professionals in delivering energy-efficient dwellings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, looks into the Building Safety Act and what it means for owners and maintenance teams Q1) Let’s refer to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report, which cites that there were flaws in the building’s Tenant Management Association. There was a huge backlog of maintenance work that it never managed to clear, poor repairs service, a persistent indifference to fire safety, no fire safety strategy was in place, despite advice in 2009, and their only fire assessor had invented some of his qualifications and was ill-qualified to carry out risk assessments. How widespread do you think these sorts of issues are? I think they are far more common than any of us wants to admit, and I don’t think that is supposition. If you think about the report that I did and the timing of it, the remit that I was given by the then Secretary of State was to look at the regulatory system that was in place and identify what had gone wrong. In less than 12 months, I was able to conclude that the regulatory system had failed, and as a result of that, poor practice was widespread. None of the specific findings associated with Grenfell that came out of the public inquiry should have come as a surprise to people, because I had identified six years before then that those things were happening, and they were happening far more widespread than just Grenfell. Grenfell was by no means a one-off, and neither was it just about cladding. Those poor practices in looking after the building and everything to do with that were clear to me from every conversation I had with people. People knew things were wrong, but I don’t think anyone knew quite how devastating the consequences of those failures and weaknesses in the overall system would be. I don’t think anyone had contemplated that it could be as bad as it was, and that 72 people would lose their lives. Q2) Do you think that the industry is doing enough to align itself with the Building Safety Act requirements? It’s a very mixed picture, and that means there’s good and bad. I see lots of examples of people who have embraced it and are doing the right things. I also see a lot of people who are still playing ostrich, if you like, and that comes in many forms, not least of which is, “I can’t do anything until the regulator tells me what to do. I need more detail.” Then there’s a lot of people, I think, in the middle who know they need to do something. They’re very busy trying to do the right thing, but they don’t know where to turn to get help and advice, and some of that advice is leading them to do more than they need to, or do the wrong things, not prioritising the right things first. We’re not going quickly enough, and we need to take a breath and get some proportion back into the system. Q3) In what ways does the Building Safety Act and the associated regulation place greater responsibility on maintenance teams? I think the first thing to say is that it provides clarity of who is responsible. The first thing I was surprised by when I did my review was the extent to which people said, when I asked questions like, “Who’s responsible for this?” or “Who does that?”, people would say, “It’s not me, it’s them. I do my bit. But the problem is someone else.” And that, I think, is partly a function of the fragmentation of the whole construction sector and the way we contract out work, even in buildings that are in occupation. What’s clear is there’s been no proper line of responsibility and accountability in the past, and what we’ve put in place is exactly that. That doesn’t mean to say that simply because you’re the Principal Accountable Person, you carry all of the responsibility. Some of your responsibilities are to ensure that the people you employ are also people who are going to behave responsibly. And in fact, you know, the act is clear that there is a duty on everyone to behave responsibly in what they do, and that’s a direct parallel with the Health and Safety at Work Act. Q4) What should building owners be most concerned about, relating to compliance with the Building Safety Act? For me, that’s a list of things you’ve got to do in order, which seems fairly logical to me. The first is, what do you know about the building you’ve got. Because actually, for buildings that are already in occupation, one of the biggest challenges, of course, is that golden thread that I called for in all new buildings. People have been in the process now for months, if not years, of trying to build that golden thread out of pretty sparse information, because the discipline of providing that data was not commonplace, and so knowing what you’ve got is the starting point. Trying to fill those gaps to the best of your ability is the next, and then having the courage to go and look and find what problems there are. We’ve seen that in the case of how different companies have approached the whole flammable cladding issue. Some have been very proactive, and others have had to be really pushed to do it, and some of that is because they don’t know. Part of the problem is that they know or suspect that the cladding is not the end of the story by any means, and when they remove the cladding, they’re going to find other, more serious problems behind it. But the reality is, you need to know what you’ve got. It’s no good not looking, because when the regulator comes round to your building, they are going to expect you to have used your best endeavours to find out what you can about the building.
In April, IWFM Academy were excited to launch the third episode of our Tech Survival Guide at the Workplace Event, plus announce an exclusive offer to save money by purchasing the full guide. It’s perfect for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals who feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and are looking for practical, digestible insights to enhance their tech proficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned professional aiming to stay current or someone new to the field seeking foundational knowledge, the bitesize, 20-minute episodes provide an accessible way to quickly grasp essential tech skills and confidently integrate new tools into your daily workflow. Why professionals need CPD in relation to technology IWFM and sector leaders have highlighted the need for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals to get to grips with evolving standards in today’s landscape, such as the recent UK Information Management Initiative. Episode three explores ISO 19650, its practical use in workplace data and how to leverage data for strategic gains. It covers improving data accuracy, efficiency and decision-making through information management and standards. Key topics include: Click here to learn more, access each episode and purchase the entire guide with our exclusive offer. Looking ahead: Attend upcoming webinars with IWFM’s Technology Special Interest Group (SIG), including: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight significant issues and areas for improvement, the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) questions whether the government’s actions thus far can be considered a regulatory success for property protection. The report forms part of the government’s wider response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. While the core focus of the regulations has always been life safety, a public call for evidence revealed growing concerns that building and property protection were being neglected. In response, this review was commissioned to explore how fire safety regulations could better reduce property damage, drawing on international examples and a structured assessment of literature, codes, and interviews with key stakeholders. Property protection overlooked The report states clearly that fire safety regulations in England and Wales prioritise life safety, with property protection largely absent from the statutory framework. It notes that “most of the guidelines designed specifically to protect buildings and property from fire are non-statutory in nature,” meaning they are voluntary or insurance-driven rather than embedded in legislation. It further concludes that “there is no empirical evidence to indicate the extent to which property protection is achieved through life safety,” underscoring the need for explicit protection measures within regulations themselves. Sprinklers proved most effective Sprinklers were consistently identified throughout the review as the most effective active fire protection system. According to the report, “sprinklers are especially prominent in literature about property protection and building resilience,” with both academic research and stakeholder input highlighting their unmatched role in containing and extinguishing fires. It also states that “research into the fire resilience of buildings tends to emphasise sprinklers as the primary method of protecting buildings from fire,” a finding that strengthens the Business Sprinkler Alliance’s longstanding advocacy for wider sprinkler adoption across UK buildings. Stricter fire protection for industrial buildings overseas The review highlights that warehouses and industrial facilities in countries such as the USA, Sweden, and Germany are subject to more rigorous fire protection requirements than in England. The report points out that “sprinklers are almost always mandatory” in these countries and that “warehouse size thresholds, which place limits on the size of un-sprinklered warehouses, are generally much lower than in England.” These stricter requirements reflect an international recognition of the high economic and operational risks posed by industrial fires which is an approach the UK has yet to replicate Prioritising sustainability over resilience As the UK construction sector embraces sustainability, the review warns that new methods may compromise fire resilience. It explains that “the drive to construct ‘green’ buildings with low embodied carbon has the potential to conflict with fire safety and resilience,” particularly in relation to mass timber and modular construction. These methods, it states, have “critical vulnerabilities,” including concealed cavities that can accelerate fire spread and the use of combustible materials that are not adequately addressed in current regulations. Schools and heritage buildings at risk The review found that in countries like Scotland and New Zealand, stricter fire protection requirements for schools are in place specifically to minimise disruption and safeguard their educational function. It notes that “stricter requirements reflect the fact that schools are often seen as important service providing-buildings and community resources.” The report also observes that historic buildings, despite their cultural value, are rarely treated differently in regulation and often receive “fire safety provisions… no different to domestic buildings.” In contrast, countries like the USA and Germany have developed tailored fire safety guidance for heritage sites that balances protection with preservation. A clear case for change In response to the findings, the Business Sprinkler Alliance is urging policymakers to broaden the scope of fire regulations to explicitly include property protection and to consider the wider adoption of automatic sprinklers as a proven, effective measure. “Fires don’t just threaten lives, they destroy vital community assets, commercial operations, and our built heritage,” said Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “This report validates what we’ve been saying for years that sprinklers are a cornerstone of resilience, and we must look at the bigger picture and do more to embed property protection in UK fire safety regulation. The concentration in UK fire regulation on life safety has meant that a completely destroyed building – be it a school, a factory or a historic building – was deemed a success if no lives were lost or injuries suffered. The consequent effect on children’s education, unemployment and our heritage were never taken into account. Hopefully, now, they will.” For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INDUSTRY leaders came together in April at Ironmonger’s Hall in London for Miller Knight’s Building Safety Forum 2025 – a landmark event driving forward the conversation on regulation, responsibility and reform in the built environment. Hosted by the remediation contractor in partnership with TFT and BB7, the forum brought together experts, regulators and property professionals to examine the pressing challenges facing the construction and fire safety sectors. Chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, the event shone a spotlight on the cultural and regulatory shifts still required to meet the ambitions set out in her ‘Building a Safer Future’ report. In her keynote, Dame Judith reiterated the need for “a long-term mindset” and challenged professionals to take ownership at every level, from construction to facilities management. “We are only just beginning to uncover the challenges posed by the new regulatory system – especially during the occupation phase,” she said. “But reform is not optional. Responsibility rests with all of us to be intelligent, informed and proactive in making the right safety decisions for the buildings we create and manage.” A standout moment came as Dame Judith revealed that the Building Control Review Panel, which she now chairs, will issue its recommendations by the end of 2025. The review is exploring whether building control functions should only be performed by those free from commercial interest – a move set to reshape the industry’s current dual-path system. Speaking about the green paper on construction product regulation, Dame Judith urged delegates to get involved: “Unless we get this fixed, we’re still standing on thin ice. We need better product assurance, better testing, and we need to be bold enough to demand it.” The event featured a packed agenda including panel discussions with leading safety consultants, fire engineers and asset managers. Delegates shared real-world challenges, from poor record-keeping to inconsistent product data, and called for better collaboration across the supply chain. Attendee Dominic Smith, head of CDM services at TFT, commented: “This forum is rare in the sense that it brings the full industry together – from fire engineers to construction clients – with a shared purpose. We have over 70 higher-risk buildings in our portfolio, and events like this help us stay ahead of change and do the right thing by our residents.” In closing the event, Matthew Flower, managing director at Miller Knight, said: “This forum is about more than compliance – it’s about collective responsibility. We’re here to lead by example, push for real change and help others do the same. From contractors and consultants to building owners, everyone has a part to play in building a safer future. This is only the beginning.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study from Oscar Acoustics, Great Britain’s specialists in architectural acoustic finishes, highlights a growing workplace challenge: Excessive office noise is undermining productivity, employee well-being, and the ‘Great Return to the Office.’ Noise has become a major deterrent for employees returning to in-office work. The push to end hybrid working is gaining momentum, with corporate giants like Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Barclays[1] leading the charge and setting the tone for what some call “the great return.” Yet, despite efforts by employers to improve office environments, more than half (56%) of UK office workers still describe their workplaces as noisy, and fewer than one in three believe their surroundings fully support their productivity. The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 UK business professionals, reveal the impact of poor acoustic design on employee satisfaction and productivity: The data also reflects a generational divide: Two in three employees aged 25-34 say they would quit if forced to return to full-time office work, while just 1 in 10 Gen Z workers actively prefer office hours. A productivity problem ignoredDespite the global focus on workplace well-being, the percentage of employees who describe their office as noisy has remained stubbornly high—from 59% in 2019 (Oscar Acoustics, Noisy Workspace, 2019) to 56% in 2025. Noise-related productivity issues are also worsening: In 2023, 81% of employees reported that office noise affected their performance, up sharply from 41% in 2022. To cope, employees are increasingly turning to noise-blocking methods, including headphones, with usage nearly doubling from 23% in 2022 to 41% in 2025. While effective in the short term, this reduces collaboration and team cohesion, stifling opportunities for spontaneous learning and innovation, especially for junior colleagues who are in a stage of their careers requiring mentorship and on-the-job coaching. Rob Smith, Director, tp bennett, outlined: “There needs to be more logic in how offices are designed, ensuring a seamless transition from quieter zones to vibrant, high-energy areas. When people do find themselves in those busier environments, there should be easily accessible refuge spaces. This is where we can truly leverage acoustics and lighting to create retreats that offer relief when the noise becomes overwhelming.” It’s all in the designAcoustic issues continue to be overlooked in office design despite the growing evidence of their impact. Only 29% of workers feel their office acoustics meet their needs, with the same number revealing that implementing acoustic solutions would improve their productivity. This aligns with reports from architects highlighting a lack of focus on sound management in project briefs. Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, commented: “Productivity in the UK is already under scrutiny, with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reporting declines in Q1 2025[2] and EY revising GDP growth forecasts down to 1%[3]. Employers, architects, and developers cannot afford to treat acoustics as an afterthought. Investing in sound management isn’t just a matter of employee well-being—it’s a strategic priority for business success.” Derek Clements-Croome, Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading, said “The landscape is changing. By incorporating features like restoration pods, for example, we’re acknowledging that taking breaks is not only acceptable but beneficial for the brain. It doesn’t mean you’re unproductive; quite the opposite, as creative thoughts can occur at any moment in any place. You’re often more productive when you give your brain the respect it deserves.” Oscar Acoustics calls on companies to prioritise workplace acoustics as part of their return-to-work strategy, empowering employees to thrive in environments designed for both productivity and collaboration. To find out more about Oscar Acoustics’ study, download their 2025 Whitepaper ‘Shaping Spaces for The Great Return to the Office,’ here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gateway 2 is a crucial regulatory checkpoint introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, applying to higher-risk buildings, typically those over eighteen metres tall or with seven or more storeys and containing at least two residential units. Compliance is required before construction begins, meaning no work can legally start until the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has reviewed and approved a detailed building control application. This application must demonstrate that the building’s design meets all relevant Building Regulations and properly considers fire safety and structural safety risks. The building control application submitted at the Gateway 2 stage is much more thorough than traditional applications. It requires developers to submit full design documentation, including plans, calculations, and specifications, along with a fire and emergency file and evidence that competent professionals are overseeing the project. Developers must also show how they will maintain the ‘Golden Thread’ which is a clear, up-to-date record of safety information applicable throughout the building’s life cycle. The application must also set out how any design changes during construction will be managed and reported to the regulator. The introduction of Gateway 2 is part of a wider push to improve building safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, ensuring safety is prioritised from the very start of construction. By requiring a ‘stop/go’ decision point before work can begin, Gateway 2 aims to prevent unsafe designs from progressing into construction, increasing accountability and ensuring higher standards across the industry. This stricter process is designed to reduce safety risks during both construction and the eventual occupation of the building. Gateway 2 is part of a staged process, the three gateways in the new system are: Gateway 1 – Pre-Planning: Considering safety risks at the planning application stage. Gateway 2 – Pre-Construction: Ensuring the design is safe before building starts. (this is where Gateway 2 compliance applies). Gateway 3 – Post-Construction: A final check before the building is occupied. Aluprof UK has demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning with the Building Safety Act’s requirements, particularly concerning Gateway 2 approvals. Its broad range of high performance façade solutions, all 3rd party tested to the relevant standards makes Aluprof the ideal partner. In addition their major projects team collaborates closely with specialist façade contractors to ensure that all necessary supporting documentation and compliance measures are meticulously prepared for submission to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This proactive approach is essential, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the BSR, such as delays in processing Gateway 2 applications due to an outsourced delivery model and a shortage of in-house technical expertise. Aluprof’s vertical integration benefits specifiers by ensuring consistent product quality, streamlined supply chains, and enhanced technical support. With in-house system design, manufacturing, and testing, Aluprof delivers high-performance aluminium systems that meet stringent UK and EU building regulations, including Gateway 2 requirements under the Building Safety Act. This integrated approach allows for greater customisation, faster lead times, and improved cost efficiency, giving specifiers confidence in project timelines and compliance. Additionally, direct collaboration with Aluprof’s experts ensures tailored solutions that align with architectural intent while enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. UK-based facade specialists, Century Facades, in conjunction with the team at Aluprof UK, have recently confirmed that the Gateway 2 application for the Devonshire Place project in London is complete. The validation checks have recently been conducted and the application has been determined to be valid, however, the final decision will be made within the statutory timelines unless an extension of time is agreed. Marcin Bara, Design Director at Century Facades takes up the story: “In the context of UK construction industry, Gateway 2 focuses on ensuring compliance with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations and forms a “hold point” between the design and construction phases. It is crucial for a facade specialist contractor to work closely with the facade system supplier and vice versa to align on design intricacies, material specifications, and safety requirements. This collaboration must be based on trust and true partnership as only this ensures that the facade would not only meet aesthetic criteria but also adheres to performance and safety standards mandated by current Building Regulations via Gateway processes. “Effective communication and coordination between the contractor and supplier help in identifying potential issues early, optimising resource use, and ensuring the facade system contributes to the building’s overall compliance, sustainability, and safety objectives. This is where key partners such as Aluprof can work as an extension arm to our competent and fully qualified in-house Design and Engineering Teams to ensure the application produced for Gateway 2 is of the highest possible standards. “It is crucial for the system supplier to offer tailored approach to this new approval regime, so that their offer and service provided is project specific and matches our requirements as a specialist facade contractor fully. This is where our close partners such as Aluprof can play a key role in producing quality submissions, meeting expectations of our Clients entirely.” Between October 1, 2023, and September 16, 2024, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reported that they had received 1,018 Gateway 2 applications. Of these, only 146 were approved, equating to an approval rate of approximately 14%. The BSR rejected 25 applications, while the status of the remaining 847 applications was not specified. These delays have been attributed to several factors, including an unexpected surge in applications, a high number of incomplete or unclear submissions, and resource constraints within the BSR. Developers have expressed concerns that these bottlenecks are hindering essential housing projects, including student accommodations and build-to-rent homes. The BSR has acknowledged these challenges and is working to stabilise and improve the building control approval process for higher-risk buildings. They emphasise the importance of submitting clear and comprehensive applications to facilitate quicker decision-making and reduce delays. It seems there is still some confusion over the process with contractors and developers. In short, Gateway 2 compliance is about proving to the Building Safety Regulator that the design of a higher-risk building meets all safety requirements before work starts on
