Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Aluprof Support on Gateway 2 Compliance

Aluprof Support on Gateway 2 Compliance

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

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Cast Consultancy and KOPE expand their partnership to reinforce trust in construction supply chains

Cast Consultancy and KOPE expand their partnership to reinforce trust in construction supply chains

Cast Consultancy, a leader in modernising construction practices, and KOPE, the pioneering platform for modern construction, are excited to announce an expanded strategic partnership aimed at improving the standards of trust and quality in the construction industry. The partnership leverages Cast’s industry expertise and KOPE’s innovative platform to introduce a

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Miller Knight raises bar for industry standards with CHIC fire and building safety framework appointment

Miller Knight raises bar for industry standards with CHIC fire and building safety framework appointment

MILLER Knight has been appointed to the communities and housing investment consortium (CHIC) fire and building safety framework, reinforcing and solidifying the contractor’s reputation in remedial fire protection and building safety compliance. Awarded by CHIC, a not-for-profit organisation, the framework provides a robust procurement route for fire safety and compliance works

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Government Correct to Head Off Climate and Nature Bill

Government Correct to Head Off Climate and Nature Bill

The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has

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Government Proposes Overhaul of Construction Product Regulations

Government Proposes Overhaul of Construction Product Regulations

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a green paper outlining significant reforms to the regulation of construction products, aiming to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper 2025 marks the beginning of a 12-week consultation period to shape a

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Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Aluprof Support on Gateway 2 Compliance

Aluprof Support on Gateway 2 Compliance

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

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DBR (London) Limited awarded prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty the King

DBR (London) Limited awarded prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty the King

DBR (London) Limited (DBR), one of the UK’s leading heritage contractors, announces it has been granted a Royal Warrant by Appointment to His Majesty the King, recognising its longstanding provision of historic building conservation services to the Royal Household. For centuries, Royal Warrants have been granted to companies that demonstrate outstanding service, quality, and craftsmanship. This achievement reflects DBR’s decades-long track record of excellence, during which it has delivered numerous historic building conservation projects for the Royal Household. DBR is among the first royal warrant holders announced by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. To qualify, companies must have provided regular, direct, and high-quality services to the Royal Household for at least five years while also meeting rigorous sustainability standards. DBR’s expert team of craftspeople and project managers have worked on some of the UK’s most significant heritage sites, including Buckingham Palace and the restoration of The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Their exceptional skill, precision, and commitment to quality set them apart, not only in their craftsmanship but also in their dedication to public engagement and communication. As a Royal Warrant holder, DBR has the right to display the Royal Arms, symbolising its commitment to the highest standards of historic building conservation. Commenting on the appointment, DBR’s Executive Director, Chairman & Warrant Grantee Adrian Attwood ACR, says, “Receiving this Royal Warrant is more than an honour; it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication, craftsmanship, and expertise of our entire team. We take immense pride in our role in preserving the UK’s built heritage – whether for the Royal Household, the Palace of Westminster, Blenheim Palace, or any of the historic buildings we are privileged to work on. This recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence and our mission to protect and restore the nation’s landmark assets for future generations to cherish and enjoy.” To find out more about DBR and its work conserving and upgrading some of the UK’s most treasured heritage assets click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cast Consultancy and KOPE expand their partnership to reinforce trust in construction supply chains

Cast Consultancy and KOPE expand their partnership to reinforce trust in construction supply chains

Cast Consultancy, a leader in modernising construction practices, and KOPE, the pioneering platform for modern construction, are excited to announce an expanded strategic partnership aimed at improving the standards of trust and quality in the construction industry. The partnership leverages Cast’s industry expertise and KOPE’s innovative platform to introduce a verification badge service for suppliers that creates a standardised benchmark for quality assurance. This new feature, called Verified by Cast, enables specifiers to remove the guesswork from their supplier searches and confidently build their supply chains, with the knowledge the companies they’re working with are who they say they are. Key benefits of the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with KOPE to bring Verified by Cast to the market,” said Jeff Endean, Director at Cast Consultancy. “It aligns with our mission to drive industry change. Verified by Cast is a practical step towards providing more confidence for specifiers, and more visibility for high quality suppliers of proven build systems and product. We think Verified by Cast has a role to play in supporting collaboration and meaningful innovation, responding to the UK’s pressing need for new homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and wider infrastructure.” Charlotte Garrett, Head of Industry Strategy from KOPE added, “Our platform is designed to facilitate easier and more effective connections within the construction industry. The integration of Cast Verification will significantly improve the value we offer to both suppliers and specifiers, making KOPE Market the obvious choice for construction businesses looking for trusted, reliable partners.” The partnership marks a significant step towards improving transparency and trust in construction procurement, aligning with both companies’ commitment to supporting the growth and development of a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable construction industry. For more information about the partnership or to become a Cast Verified supplier, please visit www.cast-consultancy.com/verified. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Miller Knight raises bar for industry standards with CHIC fire and building safety framework appointment

Miller Knight raises bar for industry standards with CHIC fire and building safety framework appointment

MILLER Knight has been appointed to the communities and housing investment consortium (CHIC) fire and building safety framework, reinforcing and solidifying the contractor’s reputation in remedial fire protection and building safety compliance. Awarded by CHIC, a not-for-profit organisation, the framework provides a robust procurement route for fire safety and compliance works across the housing sector. Encompassing a wide range of critical fire remediation and building safety services, the framework offers a future-proofed solution to ensure that high-risk residential buildings adhere to the latest regulatory standards, while supporting proactive risk management at all costs. As a multi-discipline principal contractor specialising in fire remediation, refurbishment, and compliance-led construction, Miller Knight is committed to working closely with housing providers to deliver safer, more resilient environments across the UK. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as the UK undergoes sweeping reforms following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022. With a focus on passive fire protection, fire door installations, and compartmentation works, Miller Knight is poised to take the helm fortifying compliance with the highest safety standards. Managing director at Miller Knight, Matthew Flower, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to CHIC’s Fire & Building Safety Framework. This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Miller Knight to contribute to the effective delivery of crucial works and services for CHIC’s members. We look forward to delivering exceptional services and developing long lasting partnerships.” Chief executive David Dickson added: “This appointment is a testament to our team’s well-established expertise in fire safety and compliance. As we continue on a path to scale up, our focus remains on providing safe, sustainable, and high-quality solutions that contribute to the long-term resilience of buildings across the region of Midlands and beyond. “We look forward to working in partnership with CHIC and its members to help drive fire safety improvements where they are needed most.” With a proven track record of working across public and private sector projects, Miller Knight has built a reputation for delivering specialist fire remediation works in education, healthcare, blue light services, and residential buildings. Miller Knight’s inclusion on the CHIC framework reinforces its role as a trusted contractor in the sector, committed to advancing building safety, compliance, and sustainable construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Made in Britain mark “carries an awful lot of gravitas” in global export market, says legacy UK artisan

Made in Britain mark “carries an awful lot of gravitas” in global export market, says legacy UK artisan

A British tool manufacturer that has been crafting high-quality soft-faced hammers for over a century is proving that legacy craftsmanship remains a vital force in global industry. West Midlands-based Made in Britain member, Thor Hammer, which exports 44% of its products to 80 countries, supplies sectors including automotive, aerospace, and industrial engineering – with clients ranging from Formula One teams to leading manufacturers worldwide. The company, which proudly displays the Made in Britain trademark on its renowned hammer range, welcomed Solihull West & Shirley MP, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, to its headquarters. The visit highlighted Thor Hammer’s commitment to British manufacturing and the importance of export-led growth for UK industry. Thor Hammer is a long-standing member ofMade in Britain, the globally recognised mark of British manufacturers. The membership organisation supports over 2,100 UK manufacturers, helping them navigate international markets, showcase British craftsmanship, and strengthen the reputation of British-made goods worldwide. Steve Mason, MD of Thor Hammer, said: “We’re not simply creating a product, we are passing on over a century of finely-honed skills and expertise to the next generation of craftsmen. We’re incredibly proud of our heritage and that’s why we’re thrilled to display our Made in Britain mark. It carries an awful lot of gravitas in the global market—which accounts for almost half (44% in 2024) of our trade.” Established in the 1920’s, Thor Hammer’s legacy is built on innovation. The company was tasked with producing soft-faced hammers and mallets for the war effort during WWII, with its dual copper and hide-faced design enabling critical infrastructure to be built in near silence. Today, Thor Hammer continues to apply this same expert craftsmanship to serve modern industries worldwide. The business is also recognised for its progressive approach to workforce management, having introduced a four-day workweek years before it became a mainstream discussion. This decision has helped retain skilled craftspeople, with more than half of its workforce serving over a decade with the company. John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “Forged in Britain, wielded worldwide – our manufacturers, like Thor Hammer, showcase the strength of British craftsmanship. With every expertly made product, they reinforce the reputation of Made in Britain as a mark of quality, skill, and innovation on the global stage. I’m pleased to highlight their ongoing journey and congratulate the team on its growing success in the global export market.” Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP said: “It was excellent to meet Steve and his team at Thor Hammer in Shirley. Their products are world renowned and I am delighted they are crafted in the local economic hub of the Cranmore Business Park. “During the visit, I was taken through the production process and saw the precision engineering involved in producing the range of hammers on offer, all of which proudly carry the ‘Made In Britain’ trademark. I even had the opportunity to have a go at building my own hammer. We had a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges facing businesses as they seek to navigate the global market conditions.” The Made in Britain mark is a key asset for manufacturers like Thor Hammer, enhancing credibility in international markets where British-made goods are synonymous with quality. As UK manufacturing continues to compete on the global stage, organisations like Made in Britain work to champion the role of British businesses in driving skilled job creation, industrial growth, and export success. To learn more about Thor Hammer, visit www.thorhammer.com. To learn more about Made in Britain and its growing community of British manufacturers, visit www.madeinbritain.org. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Developers Hit by Lengthy Delays and Rising Costs Due to Safety Regulations

Developers Hit by Lengthy Delays and Rising Costs Due to Safety Regulations

Developers are facing construction delays of more than 18 months and additional costs of up to £49,000 per week due to safety regulations such as the Building Safety Act (BSA), according to new data from the Purposeful Finance Commission (PFC). A report published today by the PFC highlights how the BSA has unintentionally caused significant setbacks in the construction sector. The independent body, which brings together public and private sector organisations, warns that the stringent regulatory process is creating major barriers to housing and infrastructure development. The report, Breaking the Cycle: Unlocking Infrastructure Investment, reveals that developers are waiting over 18 months for approvals from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before they can even begin construction. These delays stem primarily from the three-stage ‘gateway’ process that high-risk projects must navigate to secure planning consent, construction approval, and ultimately, occupancy. Since the introduction of Gateway 2 in October 2023, the number of build-to-rent (BTR) homes reaching the detailed planning application stage has dropped by 41%, falling to just 17,315 between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024. The PFC argues that these regulatory delays are making many schemes financially unviable, with one developer reportedly losing up to £49,000 per week due to prolonged waiting times at Gateway 2. In December alone, the BSR received 1,502 planning applications for high-risk buildings, yet nearly half remain undecided. Of those reviewed, more than 70% have been either rejected or deemed invalid. Meanwhile, construction starts on over 800 high-rise residential projects have been delayed, with Gateway 2 approvals now taking an average of 22 weeks—almost double the original 12-week target. Tracy Blackwell, chief executive of the Pension Insurance Corporation and chair of the PFC, acknowledged the importance of regulatory oversight but criticised the lack of resources that is slowing progress. She said: “Regulators play a critical role, particularly in ensuring resident safety, but there is no excuse for them to be under-resourced and effectively stalling vital infrastructure and housing projects. The regulatory burden is strangling growth, and I’m delighted the PFC is focused on how regulation can better align with the government’s growth mission and drive investment into the economy.” The report also found that nearly half (49%) of local authorities in England have reduced spending on planning, with overall planning department budgets increasing by just 3.85% per capita between 2018 and 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Government Correct to Head Off Climate and Nature Bill

Government Correct to Head Off Climate and Nature Bill

The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has worked closely with Government’s old and new to ensure they understand the impact of their environmental and climate policies. Unfortunately, many of these decisions have resulted in increased taxation, lower growth, and have achieved little or nothing for the climate and environment. The Labour Government is therefore correct to take stock and ensure the direction of travel delivers for nature, business, and society. The following outlines a few examples of where industry warnings were ignored by the Government. The Treasury’s decision to remove the construction industry’s access to red diesel increased project costs and fuel theft, while also creating new maintenance expenses for the plant hire sector. Three years on, most machinery remains diesel fuelled, with the limited availability of electric plant machinery still to be charged by diesel generators. DEFRA’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) approach, which is championed as an ‘onsite first policy’ but for most developments cannot be delivered onsite, is creating offsite habitats miles from original development sites. Their strategy also neglects local biodiversity and, if projects can afford the sky-high mitigation costs, means new developments do not build in biodiversity but instead, can create physical barriers within a wildlife corridor. Due to being a statutory requirement, BNG is also reducing levels of affordable housing. Sticking with DEFRA, Nutrient Neutrality schemes attempt to reduce the pollution entering our waterways, not by targeting the polluters but the new build sector, which in some areas accounts for less than 1% of total pollution. Like BNG, Nutrient Neutrality leads to farming land being taken out of use to provide mitigation credits via habitat creation and in the process reducing the UK’s food security. In the MHCLG, vital grid investment, such as pylons and substations, continue to be stopped by NIMBY sentiments, while the Government obsesses over the energy efficiency of new homes, despite these new homes accounting for only 1% of stock and already being 65% more efficient than old homes. These outcomes exist because somebody tried to use policy levers to do the right thing but, in the process, ignores the broader impacts. This consequently damages sustainable environmental and climate improvement, stifles maintainable change, and embeds zero sum outcomes. Worse still, those businesses, our SMEs, that have historically offered the solutions that many champion, such as building within communities and so reducing car dependency, installing renewable energy solutions within buildings, and working with local communities on nature conservation and access, have been leaving the sector at an alarming rate due to the above and many other policy changes that have made doing business impossible and unprofitable. While well intentioned, the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is a Bill of unexplored and unintended consequences, far eclipsing the policy harms exampled above. The Government is therefore correct to head off CAN and reassess the UK’s role in solving a global challenge, while balancing the many competing domestic needs, from renewable energy and biodiversity to growth and healthy societies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Government Proposes Overhaul of Construction Product Regulations

Government Proposes Overhaul of Construction Product Regulations

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a green paper outlining significant reforms to the regulation of construction products, aiming to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper 2025 marks the beginning of a 12-week consultation period to shape a new, more robust regulatory framework. A key focus of the proposals is closing gaps in the current system, ensuring greater accountability for manufacturers and distributors, and strengthening enforcement powers. Changes being considered include new licensing requirements for conformity assessment bodies, mandatory data reporting, the creation of a centralised construction product library, and enhanced surveillance powers for regulators. The government is particularly concerned about the widespread lack of regulatory coverage for construction products. A review conducted last year estimated that nearly two-thirds of products on the UK market fall outside the current regulatory regime. To address this, manufacturers will be required to assess and document the safety risks associated with their products before they go to market. Stronger penalties are also on the table, with civil and criminal sanctions proposed for companies found to be misleading or failing in their safety responsibilities. Evidence from both the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Morrell-Day Review suggests that some manufacturers have been able to exploit loopholes in the system without fear of repercussions. The National Regulator for Construction Products (NRCP) and the Building Safety Regulator, both established in 2021, are set to receive greater enforcement powers. The green paper suggests measures such as fines based on company revenue, restrictions on individuals working in the industry, and proactive market inspections to detect unsafe products before they reach the public. The government is also proposing reforms to the testing and certification process to restore confidence in product safety assessments. These include mandatory minimum standards for third-party certification schemes, increased oversight of conformity assessment bodies, and whistleblowing protections to expose unethical practices. Transparency is another key area of reform. The Construction Products Association previously introduced a voluntary code of practice for honest marketing following concerns raised after Grenfell. The government now wants to formalise these principles by requiring all construction products to carry clear and accessible safety labelling. Plans are also in place to develop a centralised construction product library, providing easy access to test results, compliance certificates, and industry research. The proposed changes will apply across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, Northern Ireland will continue to follow European Union regulations under the Windsor Framework. With the consultation period now open, the government is seeking industry feedback on how best to implement these reforms to ensure a safer, more transparent construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the United States, Canada and Australia and marks a significant step in Sage’s strategy to deliver industry-specific solutions to new verticals. Built on the foundation of 50 years of experience in the construction sector, Sage Intacct Construction brings a cloud-native solution to the UK market. This provides developers, builders, main contractors, residential builders, and specialty contractors with an advanced financial management and operations system tailored to their needs. Addressing an unmet need in the UK construction industry The UK construction industry has great potential to grow but it has faced important headwinds in recent years. For example, workforce shortages, supply chain issues and an aging workforce is driving demand for increased automation, increased visibility of data, and changing expectations for how technology is used. Yet, the sector has long lacked a robust cloud-native financial management solution.   Sage Intacct Construction fills this gap by offering a purpose-built solution that enables construction businesses to: “Sage Intacct Construction is a significant development for the UK market,” said Julie Adams, Senior Vice President, Construction & Real Estate, Sage: “We are building on a heritage of 50 years of trust and innovation that has helped tens of thousands of customers in other regions. This expertise will empower construction businesses in the UK with real-time insights, automation, and financial management tools to drive profitability and efficiency and position themselves for sustainable growth.” Supporting the future of construction with cloud technology Sage’s construction cloud solutions extend beyond financials to include operations and preconstruction software. Integration with Sage Construction Management delivers a seamless end-to-end cloud solution that covers all aspects of project management. This connectivity enhances collaboration across field, office, and external teams, streamlining budgeting, staffing, and subcontractor management. With real-time reporting and visibility, businesses can track performance, compare historical data, and make informed decisions quickly. Sage Business Partners will play a crucial role in bringing this offering to market.  Steve Masters, Managing Director, Accord Consulting: ” We’re excited for the introduction of Sage Intacct Construction to UK businesses. The construction industry has long needed a cloud-native financial management solution tailored to its challenges. While specialised solutions and mobile apps have helped address some of the industry’s connectivity needs, many businesses still struggle with a lack of integration that results in data silos and double data entry. Having an end-to-end cloud system helps construction firms improve efficiency and profitability in an increasingly complex market.” Debbie Mitchell-Ball, Group Finance Manager, 3R Group said: “We chose Sage Intacct Construction because it was the only technology that could meet our needs – from managing leads and quotations to project completion in one system. It streamlines spend and can track profit and loss per project, it consolidates documents and eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets. We also have real-time, integrated data at our fingertips, which means we can now generate reports in minutes instead of hours.”  Sage Intacct Construction is now available for UK construction businesses. To learn more, visit link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

It is difficult to overstate the fundamental role that pressure plays in construction and engineering applications – and therefore, the importance of carrying out relevant and accurate pressure calculations. After all, when it comes to all manner of processes in these fields – such as designing foundations on soil, plumbing systems, deep excavations, pipelines, and concrete formwork – the structural integrity and stability of a given project can be greatly impacted by the fluid pressure exerted upon it. Inevitably, then, there is routinely a need across such operations to not only account for pressure factors, but also to undertake quick and accurate calculations and conversions of units of pressure. So, let’s outline some of the vital things to know about the contribution pressure calculations make to construction and engineering processes. What Do We Mean By ‘Pressure’, Anyway? Let’s start from the very beginning. As explained by BBC Bitesize to a KS3 physics audience, pressure can be defined as “a measure of how concentrated (or spread out) a force is.” This source further explains that “the amount of pressure exerted on an object depends on the force applied and the surface area it is spread over.” An Introduction to The Units Used to Calculate Pressure As construction and engineering professionals are more than familiar with, various units can be used to calculate pressure. Indeed, it doesn’t take much effort to perform a quick Google search and find an online pressure conversion calculator for bar, psi, and more. So, let’s take a look at some of those units: In What Ways, Then, Are Pressure Calculations Applied in Engineering and Construction? The following are examples of situations in which the ability to rapidly and precisely calculate pressure can be hugely important: Pressure calculations and conversions, then, are far from a merely “nice to do” across a broad range of specialised and demanding engineering and construction applications. Instead, these calculation processes must be regarded as no less than critical to the success, longevity, and safety of all manner of projects.

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