Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Jewson Live is back – and going on tour

Jewson Live is back – and going on tour

Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the

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Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas

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Fuel your knowledge at The Fire Safety Event

Fuel your knowledge at The Fire Safety Event

The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some

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NBS and RIBA to offer five more years of free, assessed CPD for industry professionals

NBS and RIBA to offer five more years of free, assessed CPD for industry professionals

Refreshed collaboration between leading organisations will improve educational offering Today, NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced the signing of a renewed collaboration agreement, delivering free, high-quality specification-related Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) to the construction industry, for a further five years.

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Dandara Retains 5 Stars for Customer Satisfaction for the Fourth Year Running

Dandara Retains 5 Stars for Customer Satisfaction for the Fourth Year Running

Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade.   The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses from nearly 50,000 new build homebuyers. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the questions, including how satisfied buyers are with their new properties, the service received during the sales process and if they would recommend the builder to a friend. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend.   Dandara, established in 1988, is committed to creating homes which combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality, whilst also putting customers first. With its customer and quality focus, this is what delivers consistently high recommendation scores.   Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home of Federation commented: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service.  “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder.  “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.”  The 5-star rating comes on top of Dandara being awarded several Quality Recognition Awards for its regions, demonstrating the companies persistent aim to build quality homes for its customers.   Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “To achieve five stars again this year is a fantastic success for Dandara, and testament to our customer experience, build product and quality of homes across the country.  After our continued growth as a company, it is great to see that our customers are recognising our hard work and love for creating new homes, and there’s nothing better than hearing so many of our customers would recommend their home to a friend. We have big plans for the year ahead and we look forward to building and selling five-star quality homes across the UK.”   Dandara is continuing to grow throughout the UK, with regional offices in Isle of Man, East Scotland, Aberdeen, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton and Wales, which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations.   To find out more about Dandara, please visit https://www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Jewson Live is back – and going on tour

Jewson Live is back – and going on tour

Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the Birmingham NEC on Friday 26 th April – which is entering its seventh year.  Jewson Live On Tour will then head to Kent Exhibition Centre, Maidstone, on Thursday 16 th May; SEC, Glasgow, on Thursday 6 th June, and Westpoint, Exeter, on Thursday 13 th June. Each of the four events will feature a full programme, running from 8am to 2pm, covering three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing Zone. In each zone, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis. There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150 Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and giveaways.  Darts legend Phil Taylor and darts commentator Emma Paton will host the show at the NEC, with several other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance. The NEC show will also be used to officially launch Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s vision for the future.  Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is changing to meet the future needs of the trades. In addition, the winners of Jewson’s inaugural Making Better Homes Awards – celebrating the UK’s tradespeople dedicated to building sustainable homes – will be announced. Businesses will take home the winning prizes for each of the competition’s three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Sustainable Project of the Year. John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – part of STARK Group, which acquired a collection of businesses including Jewson from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can look forward to and get a lot out of. “We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional events to give our hardworking customers and industry friends a great day out. Ourbranches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every day.“Jewson Live On Tour is something we’ve been thinking about for a long time, and we’re proud to say what was once just an idea is now coming to life. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and prospective customers can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson Live much closer to home. “Each event promises to be informative, productive and invaluable for tradespeople who want to grow their business; and as well as that, it’ll be exciting and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”Register here for any of the Jewson Live On Tour shows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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British Safety Council calls on the next Government to put health, safety and wellbeing at the heart of economic growth

British Safety Council calls on the next Government to put health, safety and wellbeing at the heart of economic growth

Ahead of a UK General Election expected this year, British Safety Council has published a manifesto containing policies to support better productivity and growth as well as ensure a healthier, safer and happier workforce. The UK lost an estimated 32.5 million days to work-related ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022/2023, and sickness and illness are at a 10-year high, costing businesses and the economy up to £77.5 billion a year. Poor mental health is also estimated to cost UK taxpayers around £45 billion each year. 50 years on from the landmark Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), British Safety Council, calls on all political parties and representatives to “commit to making the next 50 years the safest in our nation’s history”. Its ‘Manifesto on Health, Safety and Wellbeing’ sets out seven key calls across four policy areas: regulation; wellbeing; technology and the future of work; and skills. British Safety Council’s calls on a future UK Government include: Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said: “This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UK’s groundbreaking Health and Safety at Work Act, which put our country at the forefront of ensuring safer workplaces and helped us become a world leader in workplace health and safety. Ahead of the next General Election, we are calling on all political parties, party leaders, and those seeking election to commit to making the next 50 years the safest in our nation’s history. “This is about putting health, safety, and wellbeing at the heart of economic growth, to ensure the UK remains economically competitive the future. That will require everyone – from policymakers and political leaders to employers and staff – to commit to a future where economic growth and worker wellbeing actively support each other.” Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said: “As part of our Manifesto, we are calling on the next Government to take a truly joined-up approach to health, safety, and wellbeing. That’s why we want to see a new Ministerial Portfolio with responsible for wellbeing and a new National Wellbeing Strategy. We believe this would improve and support better health at work, unlock lost productivity, and grow the economy. “The world of work is changing, and we want companies that invest in new and developing technologies – like AR, VR, and AI – for the purposes of improving workplace health, safety and wellbeing to be incentivised, as well as health and safety skills and training required by law supported by a tax credit. “We also want to see adequate resources allocated to those responsible for regulating health, safety and wellbeing at work, especially the Health and Safety Executive, which despite the progress that’s been made in reducing fatalities and injuries at work has seen nearly 20 per cent of its funding cut since 2010.” For full details of British Safety Council’s policy calls, and to download a copy of the full Manifesto, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas where intricate tools such as lathes, CNCs, or drills are utilised to shape metal components essential for railway operations. Understanding the Concerns Surrounding MWFs While MWFs offer significant utility in metalworking processes, they also present notable health concerns for railway workers. Prolonged exposure to these fluids can lead to various adverse health effects, including skin irritation, dermatitis, and significant respiratory ailments such as occupational asthma and bronchitis. The potential for debilitating and long-term health impacts on railway personnel underscores the critical importance of addressing MWF-related hazards effectively. Routes of Exposure to MWFs Workers in the railway sector face exposure to MWFs through multiple routes, depending on their roles and the nature of their activities. Inhalation of mist generated during machining processes, direct skin contact with unprotected areas, and ingestion due to inadequate hygiene practices represent primary routes of exposure that necessitate careful consideration. Implementing Effective Controls for MWF Exposure Mitigation To mitigate the risks associated with MWF exposure, the adoption of robust control measures is imperative: Additional Considerations and Resources Beyond direct exposure during machining activities, attention must also be directed towards associated processes such as storage, dilution, cleaning, and disposal of MWFs. Comprehensive management strategies should encompass these areas to ensure adequate risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. A wealth of resources, including guidance materials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and industry associations such as the United Kingdom Lubricants Association, offer invaluable insights into best practices for MWF safety and compliance. Moreover, our team stands ready to provide expert assistance and support in navigating the complexities of MWF management within the railway sector. How can we help? Our team specialises in occupational hygiene and offers tailored support to enhance Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) safety in the railway sector. Our expertise ensures comprehensive coverage of hazards, proactive measures, and worker awareness, fostering a safer work environment. With our assistance, railway companies can prioritise safety while maintaining operational efficiency. For more information or assistance with customised MWF safety measures, get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Decentralised solutions vital to security of supply for high energy users

Decentralised solutions vital to security of supply for high energy users

The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be capable of operating for as little as one to two hours, are needed to meet demand on days when renewables such as solar and wind cannot deliver. “These plans underscore the looming energy shortages facing the UK’s power network as the energy mix rightly shifts towards renewable sources, which are inherently vulnerable to unfavourable weather conditions,” said Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko Energy Services. “This issue is most acute for high energy users such as manufacturing facilities and data centres, which must maintain resilience while achieving tough voluntary and statutory decarbonisation targets. “Coupled with well-documented challenges relating to grid capacity and connection delays, it is unsustainable for high energy users to wait for centralised solutions from government. These will take many years to come to fruition, following site selection, design, planning permission and construction, and may not be ready when needed by energy intensive industries. As a result, a move towards decentralised generation is crucial.” The short-term decentralised options offered by Aggreko include battery energy storage solutions (BESS) combined with low emission, high performance Stage V generators, supporting or working independently of existing grid supply, with the option to scale to meet increased demand resulting from future expansion. Beyond this, Aggreko is also offering long term renewable solutions on a permanent basis. Chris added: “Adopting decentralised solutions gives control back to high energy users, assuring them of their ability to maintain uptime despite increasing challenges for the security of supply from the grid, while offering the ability to scale up or down depending on grid performance and operational needs.” Aggreko’s support for the energy transition is reflected in its recently launched sustainability framework, Energising Change. The framework allows Aggreko and the organisations it works with to embed low-carbon power technologies in their operations. At the heart of Energising Change are investments that give high energy users access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleets of small, mid and large-size BESS, which builds on $140m earmarked over the last two years to expand Aggreko’s Greener UpgradesTM fleet, including new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers. To find out more, visit: www.aggreko.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Fuel your knowledge at The Fire Safety Event

Fuel your knowledge at The Fire Safety Event

The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some of the FPA’s most recent developments including our newly launched E-learning training courses, the new fire test and assessment method for external cladding systems (RISC 501), and the updated LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins which are now available via a subscription. We are also pleased to confirm that global testing leader, UL Solutions will be co-located next to the FPA stand to support you with any enquiries you may have for our fire resistance testing collaboration. Hear from the FPA’s Deputy Managing Director, Howard Passey Arson: what can your business do about deliberate fire raising?Wednesday 1 May 12:30 – 13:00Fire Safety Leaders Summit All businesses are potential targets for deliberate fire raising. This talk aims to raise awareness of the issue and present a range of measures that may be considered to assist business and property owners to reduce their arson risk. The measures outlined will be generic in nature and may be adapted for application in a wide spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial occupied premises.  Howard will also explore the relation of arson to your fire strategy and fire risk assessment. Many practical actions and measures can be taken to deter fire raising at little cost to a business so if you would like to learn more about this serious threat then, join this CPD-accredited talk. Attendees will be able to access a complimentary digital copy of the FPA’s RC48 Risk Control Guide: Arson prevention – the protection of premises from deliberate fire raising. We look forward to seeing you there. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FSi Promat introduces specification packs to support early passive fire protection design

FSi Promat introduces specification packs to support early passive fire protection design

Specialist specification packs have been introduced by FSi Promat to help architects, fire engineers and specifiers select the correct fire stopping solutions for building projects at the earliest stage in the design, which is vital to help ensure they are delivered on time and on budget. The packs offer fast access to the in-depth information that is needed to accurately specify fire stopping products and systems during the design stage of the building. The FSi Promat specification packs bring together all the information that would be required when specifying fire stopping systems, including technical guidance, support documents, typical details for a project of the same scope, diagrams explaining installations and the configuration for tested solutions. The technical documents will contain spacing guidance, to ensure the correct distance is maintained between services and apertures in walls and ceilings, covering the demands of single service and multi-service penetrations. The specification packs will also include documents about movement accommodation at the deflection head, if required, which is vital to maintain compartment integrity. By introducing the specification packs, FSi Promat aims to increase the level of support for projects at the earliest stage, providing a full breakdown of the application of passive fire protection needed and the testing that supports that use. John Gardner, National Specification Manager at FSi Promat, works with developers, architects, and contractors to support them in meeting the passive fire protection requirements of projects, and has worked alongside the technical team to develop the specification packs. Under the new scheme, John will collate the details, guidance and information that apply to a specific project and work alongside the specifier or fire engineer to ensure that tested solutions are considered, and included, from the earliest stage, avoiding delays caused by the need for evaluations to be done at the installation point. This level of early engagement means that developers can save a significant amount of time by installing tested solutions and avoid issues such as incorrect service spacing, which would mean that an evaluation needs to be carried out to ensure compliance with regulations. The specification packs will also help to identify where bespoke evaluations and judgements could be needed and anything that falls outside of the guidance. This can then be referred to the technical team at FSi Promat for extra support.  John said: “Access to detailed information is more important than ever before with the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the golden thread. By introducing specification packs, FSi Promat has two objectives: To support the early specification of passive fire protection, but also to provide the information needed for the golden thread at an early stage, ensuring our customers have everything they need at their fingertips. “Specifying passive fire protection can be complex, especially where there is an additional challenge, such as an unusual application, and giving as much information and guidance as possible is the best way to support accurate specification to ensure projects run on time and are compliant. “FSi Promat is known for its technical support and that will continue – but the specification packs will enable us to provide an additional level of depth to the support we offer, covering all bases and helping customers to apply our specialist knowledge to their project easily.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NBS and RIBA to offer five more years of free, assessed CPD for industry professionals

NBS and RIBA to offer five more years of free, assessed CPD for industry professionals

Refreshed collaboration between leading organisations will improve educational offering Today, NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced the signing of a renewed collaboration agreement, delivering free, high-quality specification-related Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) to the construction industry, for a further five years. The continued partnership marks the 30th anniversary of the RIBA CPD Providers Network. Established in 1994 to support and promote CPD, it connects those working in the construction and design industry with partner construction product manufacturers and suppliers. The agreement underscores the commitment to provide architects and other built environment professionals with highly relevant training and information, helping their ongoing competency and supporting quality throughout the built environment. Each year, RIBA Chartered Members are required to achieve 35 hours’ worth of CPD, as part of their continual development. All manner of experts, from manufacturers to advisory bodies, make up the members of the RIBA CPD Providers Network, helping architects deliver the highest quality services to clients. For RIBA members and other construction specifiers, the renewed collaboration means continued access to high-quality, RIBA-assessed CPD content, available in various formats, including in-house, online, or at RIBA CPD Expo’s and online events. All content undergoes a thorough assessment by RIBA and is designed to be trusted, helping to support safe and informed project specifications. Part of the agreement includes investing in a new and improved website showcasing CPD materials. Launching later in 2024, it will be an intuitive, easy-to-use platform to connect specifiers with CPD material from RIBA CPD Providers Network members. Commenting on the renewed partnership, Russell Haworth, CEO (UK & Ireland) at Byggfakta Group (NBS’ parent company) said: “In today’s climate, RIBA-assessed CPDs have never been more relevant. The RIBA seal of approval is a symbol of trust, so built environment professionals can be sure that the information they receive is accurate and informed. “We’re proud to support RIBA for another five years in our joint mission to encourage specification brilliance and confidence when designing. CPDs make a huge contribution to ongoing learning and are needed more than ever to meet new regulations and standards.” RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE said: “Over the past 30 years, the RIBA CPD Providers Network has helped architects and many other built environment professionals to improve and maintain their competence through free, RIBA assessed specification CPD that they know they can trust. I am delighted to commit to five more years of this valuable partnership between RIBA and NBS. I look forward to harnessing our combined expertise to ensure the built environment sector maintains the highest standards of professional competence for the next five years and beyond.” To find out more about RIBA CPD Providers Network, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The effectiveness of new fire safety regulations post-Grenfell: What about buildings under 11 metres?

The effectiveness of new fire safety regulations post-Grenfell: What about buildings under 11 metres?

In the years that have followed on from Grenfell, a tragic event that still lives on in our memory, there have been major discussions around the cladding and insulation materials used in the construction of high-rise buildings.  As a result, a series of changes have been made to fire safety regulations in England and Wales – culminating in the Building Safety Act 2022. The landmark piece of legislation, heralded by former housing minister Robert Jendrick as the “biggest change in building safety for a generation”, has sought to rapidly raise the standards for building fire safety.  Now, almost one year after the Building Safety Act 2022 came into effect and six months after secondary legislation was implemented, what impact has this had on the construction industry? How fast is progress really being made?  Oliver Lawton, co-founder of the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) and Managing Director at Lawton Tubes, explores what more needs to be done to make the built environment as safe as possible.  What are the latest changes to fire safety legislation?  One of the key pieces of legislation to come out of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry was the banning of the flammable cladding and insulation materials that were deemed responsible for spreading the blaze. The inquiry concluded that aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding “acted as source of fuel”, causing the fire to spread quickly around the building.  The material was soon banned from external wall systems of certain high-rise buildings over 18m in height. This was then extended to buildings over 11 metres in 2020, after another fire stoked by combustible cladding in Bolton in a building that was only 17.84m tall.  In 2022, further revisions were made to bring hotels, hostels and boarding houses within the scope of the ban and to prohibit the use of metal composite materials with a PE core from the external wall systems of all new buildings – regardless of size or use.  Beyond the flashpoint of combustible materials, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 have sought to implement more robust processes for evaluating building fire safety – something we wholly welcome. The changes aim to “go faster and further to promote fire safety” and include introducing a new Building Safety Regulator with powers to impose harsher penalties for malpractice.   So, what are the benefits?  Following the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022, work is now underway to remove flammable cladding and update fire safety processes in line with new standards.  We know that one of the Government’s main priorities has been to identify and start works on the buildings that share the same flammable ACM cladding that was responsible for spreading the fire at Grenfell. As of December 2023, 96% of the 496 high-rise buildings with ACM cladding have either started or completed remediation work. However, this data does not account for the buildings over 11m that have recently come into the scope of the ban.  The gravity of the Grenfell tragedy and subsequent scrutiny of the UK’s cladding crisis has raised awareness of the dangers of plastics in construction, spotlighting an issue that urgently needed to be addressed. Not only have plastics like PE been shown to pose a major risk to fire safety, but as the case of the Grenfell firefighters diagnosed with terminal cancer sadly shows, they also contain dangerous chemicals that seriously threaten human health.  Recent legislative changes call for a more proactive approach to fire safety across the design, construction, and operational phases of a building – setting out the responsibilities of different parties more clearly and holding those that fail to meet these obligations to account.  Regulatory framework has also seen huge improvements in recent years – most recently with the new Building Safety Regulator being granted increased powers to impose unlimited fines and prison terms of up to two years on property owners and developers that fail to comply with regulations.  What are the shortcomings of the new fire safety regulations?  There is no doubt that new fire safety legislation is already having a positive impact, with the removal of dangerous cladding helping to protect thousands of residents. What is concerning, however, is the number of buildings that are still at risk.  To date, remedial works have been largely confined to buildings with Grenfell-style ACM cladding. Efforts to remove other types of dangerous cladding such as high-pressure laminate and other plastics like PVC, have made considerably slower progress. As of December 2023, only 24% of the 950 high-rise buildings identified as having dangerous non-ACM cladding have completed remediation, leaving 719 buildings susceptible to cladding-related fire risks. Progress has been even slower on buildings between 11m and 18m, with only 21% of mid-rise blocks with flammable cladding of any kind completing remediation.  Another aspect of the legislation that has raised concern is that many buildings still aren’t considered. While the scope of the ban has been extended and now includes high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, care homes, student accommodation, hotels, hostels and boarding houses, combustible materials can still be used in the external walls of other types of buildings – such as places of worship, sports stadiums and low-rise blocks of flats that don’t meet the height threshold of 11m.  The ban on combustible materials has so far also only been limited to the external walls of buildings. While this is understandable, it also overshadows the many fire risks that exist in other parts of a building. Flammable plastic materials like PE, PVC and HDPE are still routinely used in a variety of products, including pipework, window frames, coverings, guttering and roofing, posing serious risks to fire safety.   What more needs to be done to protect residents?  In recent years, more evidence has come to light regarding the safety of plastics, laying bare the risks that these materials pose and substantiating the arguments that more extensive bans need to be put in place.  As a material with a naturally low melting point, plastic has no part to play in the

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Capacity Overload: Resourcing the UK Data Centre Construction Pipeline

Capacity Overload: Resourcing the UK Data Centre Construction Pipeline

With the proliferation of AI, cloud computing and big data, the demand for new data centres in the UK is at an all-time high. However, despite the critical need for additional capacity, the shortage of skilled construction professionals in this specialised field continues to cause bottlenecks and delay projects. To help address this challenge, The Shore Group provides expert insight for companies looking to gain the advantage in project resourcing and recruitment. The Shore Group Co-Founder, Lewis Yorke-Johnson shares his practical advice for seamless project resourcing. Helping contractors navigate the difficult balancing act of managing project budgets with the pressures of meeting completion deadlines, Lewis provides valuable guidance to aid successful project delivery in 2024. “The demand for experienced data centre construction professionals in the UK is unprecedented and rising. To meet this demand, companies need to adopt a strategic and forward-thinking approach to project resourcing and recruitment. This requires a blend of traditional recruitment methods and innovative solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the data centre construction pipeline.” With his extensive experience and knowledge of data centre project delivery, Lewis shares his advice to help data centre developers better plan for the year ahead. Pairing deep sector expertise with the latest insights from data centre candidates, read on for Lewis’ guide to seamless project resourcing. 1. Recruit from Centres of Excellence Leveraging talent from international project management and engineering hotspots provides a fresh pool of skilled professionals to meet the growing demand for experienced professionals. By tapping into these talent hubs, companies can access a diverse range of proven skill sets and perspectives to enhance their project teams. “Developers would love to nurture the next generation of project talent; however the urgent development pipeline means identifying experienced professionals from overseas markets is an essential strategy. We’ve placed numerous engineers and project managers from Ireland onto UK data centre projects. They’re highly skilled and hit the ground running, making a huge difference to delivery. 2.Decision Making Speed In the fast-paced world of data centre development, delayed decision-making can translate to missed recruitment opportunities and delayed projects. Ironically, in a sector where speed is paramount, traditional, slow recruitment processes still dominate. Streamlined application and recruitment decisions standout, making a huge difference to candidate acceptance rates. 3. Showcasing New Head Office Developments Top talent is attracted to organizations that prioritise employee well-being and invest in cutting-edge facilities. Even though most construction roles will be based on-site, candidates still place a huge weight on iconic, state-of-the-art head offices and wider company investments. “Creating the right impression with candidates at first interview makes a huge difference. Top tier contractors use their flagship offices to showcase their financial strength and progressive company cultures. This can be a powerful differentiator in recruitment which is why we see a clear trend of investment from contractors at the moment.” 4. Hyper Local Remuneration Mapping Understanding the local market dynamics and calibrating compensation packages accordingly can help companies remain competitive in the recruitment landscape. The clustered locations of data centres can lead to resource shortages and localised inflated pay rates. Regular bench marking and remuneration reviews are vital recruitment and retention tools. 5. Career Mapping and Development Planning With data centre construction pipelines running into multiple years, providing clear pathways for career advancement is essential to attract skilled professionals. The most effective project resourcing campaigns sell multi-year, multi-project opportunities to candidates, backed by mentorship programs, training opportunities, and skills developments.“The booming demand for data centre construction professionals in the UK necessitates a strategic and innovative approach to project resourcing. Contractors need to sell a bigger dream than just a single project for the best candidates. Showcasing case studies of career progression within a business across multiple projects are powerful asset to support decision-making.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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