Torbay, UK – Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, has announced a groundbreaking deal expected to be worth over £100 million. This monumental agreement comes as a direct result of Torbay Council’s participation in The ‘UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum’ (UKREiiF) annual event held
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act bill received Royal Assent on 20 July 2023, meaning it is now an Act of Parliament (law). Tool theft is a persistent issue faced by tradespeople, both those employed within a company and sole-traders. According to a recent survey by Markel Direct, who offer specialist
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest
On the 1st October 2023, further amendments to the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (otherwise known as the ‘FSO’ or ‘Fire Safety Order’) are due to come into force, affecting businesses and buildings across the UK under the Building Safety Act 2022. As leading fire door and passive fire protection product
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed
Torbay, UK – Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, has announced a groundbreaking deal expected to be worth over £100 million. This monumental agreement comes as a direct result of Torbay Council’s participation in The ‘UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum’ (UKREiiF) annual event held in Leeds. Denby expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve worked with UKREiiF and the team behind it for the first time this year. Being present in Leeds opened doors for us, allowing us to engage in pivotal conversations with investors, developers, and occupiers. These are conversations we wouldn’t have had the chance to partake in without being there in person. We’re on the brink of recommending a preferred value partner to collaborate with us on four key sites, a testament to the opportunities that arise from being in the room when significant investments are being discussed. UKREiiF is an event of paramount importance, and we wholeheartedly endorse participation.” Torbay is currently undergoing a transformative phase, with multi-million-pound projects unfolding across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. This surge in investment aims to rejuvenate the towns, bolster the local economy, and enhance infrastructure. The overarching goal is to create thriving spaces for the community and to ensure job and training opportunities for future generations. Torbay Council has been instrumental in this transformation, having devised a strategy based on feedback from residents, businesses, and investors. UKREiiF Director Matt Christie said: “We are thrilled to have played a part in this monumental announcement for Torbay Council. They were an early adopter of UKREiiF and have reaped the rewards of not only attending, but have been a valued partner that fully embraces the opportunities that UKREiiF offers everyone: wall-to-wall networking with thousands of organisations that genuinely want to invest £millions. Bravo, Torbay!” For more information about UKREiiF, visit [UKREiiF Annual Event 2024](https://www.ukreiif.com/event/ukreiif-annual-event-2024/). To learn more about Torbay Council’s regeneration projects, visit [Invest In Torbay](https://investintorbay.com/news/our-projects/regeneration/). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease terms to fit their individual requirements. With over 18 years of combined experience working with students, University Living and Londonist recognized the need for more flexibility in tenancy options to better serve the dynamic needs of students. Uninist is specifically designed to address this gap in the market and provide students with the freedom to create their ideal living experience. Uninist offers modern and well-maintained properties in prime locations, in close proximity to universities, colleges, public transportation, and other amenities. The platform provides a variety of room configurations and payment plans, including short-term to long-term options, to meet the unique needs of each student. “University Living has over a decade of experience handling and expanding globally, and especially in and around the UK, catering to 110 plus nationalities globally. It’s a very good combination where Londonist is bringing the expertise on the on-ground operations and University Living is bringing in the market intel for outside London, a flawless way to conquer the rest of the UK, for the flexible contracts. University Living has been catering to 110 plus nationalities globally for a decade now, and we ensure safe and secure premium accommodation in and around universities to all the students,” said Mayank Maheshwari, COO of University Living. Asim Ertürk, Managing Director of Londonist DMC said, “At Uninist we are passionate about helping students thrive, and our flexible housing options empowers students to create their ideal living experience. We are also incredibly proud to have provided access to the top cities in the UK, and we have always been striving to deliver the best experience for students around the globe. Student wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and our spaces to study, exercise, social and relax will ensure the best journey for all students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act bill received Royal Assent on 20 July 2023, meaning it is now an Act of Parliament (law). Tool theft is a persistent issue faced by tradespeople, both those employed within a company and sole-traders. According to a recent survey by Markel Direct, who offer specialist insurance for tradespeople, 57% of those that had their tools stolen suffered a loss of earnings as a result, with 41% of those reporting a loss of over £2500, a significant amount in the current cost of living crisis. This new law could help to reduce the number of these incidents. Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, explains the new law and gives advice on how tradespeople can protect their tools and livelihood from theft. What is the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act? The law states that it is “An Act to make provision to prevent the theft and re-sale of equipment and tools used by tradespeople and agricultural and other businesses; and for connected purposes.” The primary aim of tool theft is the resale value, whether that is through places like social network marketplaces, buy and sell groups, online auction sites or even at car boot sales. This law allows the government to create rules that limit the sale of certain equipment. The equipment in question includes vehicles meant for off-road use (such as quad bikes and ATVs) or equipment primarily used in agriculture or business (such as tools). These rules could require the equipment to have security features like anti-theft devices and markings with a unique identifier. The law also allows the government to introduce requirements for sellers of such equipment to record specific information about the sale, such as the name and address of the buyer, the make and model of the equipment, date of sale and the unique identifier. However, according to subsection (4)(b), the law doesn’t restrict the sale of equipment that has been previously used for its intended purpose. This implies that if the equipment was stolen after its primary intended use and then sold, it might not fall under the scope of this law’s restrictions, and therefore second-hand sales of stolen tools will still be an issue. So, how can tradespeople protect their tools? As a specialist insurer of tradespeople, we know first-hand the devastating impact tool theft can have on a sole trader or small business. In a survey we conducted earlier this year, more than half of respondents reported losing more than 3 days of work due to tool theft; an unwelcome cost to absorb at a time when the trades sector is already facing price inflation in materials, fuel and skilled labour. The act has the potential to deter would-be thieves by introducing forensic marking of equipment, and recording of the owner’s details, at the point of sale by retailers – but it’s important to note, however, the regulations cannot be imposed on the sale of second-hand equipment. As such, the existence of a stolen tool resale market is likely to continue in the short term. Enhanced safety measures on storage/vehicles According to our survey, the majority of tools stolen are taken from vans of tradespeople: 41% from vans parked at home and 27% from their vans while “on-site” – so upgrading security on work vehicles should be a priority. Our research shows that out of the tradespeople that had tools stolen, only 16% have invested in additional locks for their van in addition to the ones already on the vehicle. Installing alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices in work vehicles can help to deter thieves. They should also ensure that the area the van is parked in is well-lit, or possibly secured. Consider fencing private drives and using motion lighting to increase security. Remove valuable tools when unattended Our study also revealed that just over a third (35%) of tradespeople go to the trouble to remove their tools from their vans overnight. However, only 2% of victims of tool theft reported that the tools were stolen from their home, compared to those who had tools stolen from their van while parked at home. For some tradespeople, removing all tools and equipment from a work van each night is an inconvenient and timely task. Ultimately, however, it is one of the most effective ways of preventing your tools being stolen. If removing all tools isn’t possible, prioritise moving the most valuable items (by cost and day-to-day use) to a secure location inside the property. Make sure they are insured Despite the risk of loss of earnings, the same study found that 58% of the tradespeople questioned didn’t have insurance for their tools, and of those 25% cited their reason for not doing so as “Didn’t know tools insurance was available”. Tools insurance is there to cover the cost of replacing or repairing your equipment if it is damaged or lost, for example due to theft, but also in cases of flooding or fire. This coverage typically extends to power tools (sanders, drills, nail guns, etc.) and handheld tools (saws, chisels, etc). Be sure to check your policy to ensure that where your tools are stored meets the criteria for claims against theft. This usually includes ensuring they are not left unattended, or in an unlocked van. It’s also worth keeping a record of the tools you own – including receipts, serial numbers, and photographs – as this can help insurers pay your claim as quickly as possible. Additionally, forensically marking your tools can help the police return them to you if they are recovered. Use visible deterrents Targets for theft are usually determined by opportunity and ease. If visible deterrents are used, such as a sticker warning of GPS tracking, an alarm that blinks to show it is activated, and CCTV on your property pointing at the van, the van is going to be less of a target due to the potential hassle and increased likelihood of being caught. Sometimes even dummy deterrents are enough, like dummy cameras and fake
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million of capital and revenue grant funding has been awarded to improve the efficiency of existing district and communal heat networks. This equates to 45% of the total budget allocated to the scheme and will seek to improve heat networks serving over 11,000 residents, demonstrating its popularity and the demand for support. Heat networks present a vital technology that can deliver efficient, lower cost heating, cooling and hot water to the UK’s built environment at scale. HNES aims to improve heat network performance in existing/operational projects where customers and/or operators are experiencing sub-optimal outcomes. With a focus on reducing customer detriment, HNES supports heat network consumers impacted by the cost-of-living crisis by enhancing efficiency and combating poorly performing networks. Today’s announcement shows the positive engagement from heat network owners and operators across the country as they seek to embrace the technology, ensure customers are getting the best value for money and that networks are operating efficiently. The first three funding rounds have proven incredibly popular, and we anticipate that future rounds will be very competitive. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, welcomed the announcement today: “Families and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will receive a reliable heating and hot water supply. This funding means improvements will be made to old and inefficient heat networks, preventing further breakdowns, and ensuring they use less energy. We’re investing millions to build new heat networks, reducing emissions, and providing low-cost heating to communities across the country. But it’s equally important we upgrade and maintain existing systems so everyone benefits. Heat networks offer carbon emissions savings by supplying heat to buildings from a central source, avoiding the need for households and workplaces to rely on individual, energy-intensive heating solutions – such as gas boilers. As such, heat networks provide a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction commitment. But some heat networks haven’t been upgraded since they were installed more than 40 years ago, meaning many are inefficient due to not being installed properly, poorly maintained or the equipment wearing out. The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which opened in February this year, forms an important part of the government’s support for heat networks. This also includes the £288m Green Heat Network Fund, which supports the creation of heat network projects that use a low carbon heating source, such as a heat pump, solar or geothermal energy, to provide heat and hot water to connected homes and businesses.” Commenting on first funding announcement from the HNES scheme, Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv said: “Today’s announcement shows the substantial impact that HNES will have on the efficiency of heat networks across the country. Funding from the scheme today will play a huge part in improving the efficiency and lowering the costs of domestic heating for thousands of residents and businesses. Over £13 million awarded will ensure existing heat network infrastructure is fit for the future, ensuring the technology can provide the most efficient, economical heating for consumers, and preparing them for greater expansion to new and existing homes.” Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, nearly £13 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving over 4,000 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Notting Hill Genesis Notting Hill Genesis, one of the largest housing associations in London and the South East, has been awarded over £3.6 million for improving the efficiency of heat networks that serve over 800 residents. Building on optimisation studies funded through the HNES Demonstrator, the Glyn Street, Windmill Park, St Pancras Way and Factory Quarter Estate projects will use their capital funding to replace HIUs and pipework, install more efficient control systems and insulation, and for other general efficiency improvements. Southern Housing Southern Housing, one of the largest housing providers in the UK with more than 78,000 homes across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands has been awarded over £176,000 to improve a heat network serving homes on Dagenham Heathway & Church Elm Lane Dagenham, Essex. Additional insulation, new HIUs and other improvements will be installed using funding from HNES which will create a more efficient heat network and as a result a reduction in resident bills and the buildings carbon footprint. Great Places Housing Association Great Places Housing Association,with 25,000 homes across the North West, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, has been awarded over £1.6 million to improve the efficiency of its Richmond Park heat network, serving 299 residents across the development. Drawing on the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation study, capital funding will seek to remedy high heat loss issues, bad insulation and old equipment. The Guinness Partnership The Guinness Partnership, with over 140,000 customers across the country, has been awarded £2 million for the improvement of four heat networks serving almost 700 residents. Taking learnings from HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies at Whitfield Street and Loughborough Park, these heat networks alongside Bearbrook Place and Edgeley will utilise funding to reduce heat network costs and heat losses, improve insulation and replace outdated infrastructure. Local Authorities Leeds City Council Leeds City Council has been awarded over £2.2 million to improve the efficiency of heat networks serving 837 residents across the borough. Using the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies, Cottingley Heights & Towers, Ebor Gardens and Saxton Gardens will use HNES capital funding from the first round to improve their heat networks’ efficiency through improving insulation levels, reducing heat losses and leakages and for additional improvements. The London Borough of Hackney The London Borough of Hackney will receive over £114,000 to improve the
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Friday September 29. The event, aimed at LABC members in the South West, is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Delegates drawn from building, specification, building control and architecture backgrounds will be treated to a selection of modules which between them will offer two hours of CPD training. The face-to-face options equate to three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer 20 minutes of insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform delegates. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. The Zoom doors open at 12 noon and close at 2pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete sometimes referred to as panels. It was used primarily in roof planks of some public buildings built between the mid-1950s and mid-1990s. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and other government departments have set up the RAAC Industry Response Group. The group met up for the first time yesterday in early September 2023 and over the coming weeks will investigating scale and risks and developing further guidance. We are pleased to report that The Property Institute and our sector is represented on the group by Mark Snelling, our health, safety and fire consultant. Whilst further investigation is carried out into the scale and risks, and guidance for the residential sector is developed, please be assured that The Property Institute is engaging with our technical colleagues and industry peers to help shape guidance specifically for managing agents, landlords and residents, which we will share with you as soon as any is available, particularly in relation to high-rise buildings and the Building Safety Act 2022. We are also in communication with the Building Safety Regulator at the HSE on this issue, so please look out for further updates. Please ensure that, if you are undertaking any investigate or survey work, you seek advice to ensure that such costs incurred are reasonable and proportionate. It would be useful if you could inform us whether you have completed any structural surveys in relation to an HRB and if so, whether the presence of RAAC was a consideration in the survey, and whether any RAAC was found. Please email jthorburn@tpi.org.uk with your findings. There has been extensive media coverage on this issue, particularly for schools and other public premises, and whilst technical guidance is being formed, we wanted to provide you with some existing and updated sources of information and guidance from relevant and authoritative bodies and organisations, which may be helpful. GUIDANCE FROM THE INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), who are leading on the technical aspect of the Industry Response Group’s response, have issued guidance about RAAC to enable building managers and their consultants to manage the situation, established a RAAC working study group, and created a list of professionally qualified structural engineers (Chartered or Incorporated Members) who have declared their experience in providing technical solutions for managing RAAC planks. In a statement issued on the 1st September 2023 IStructE have said: “If properly designed, manufactured, in good condition and with good bearing, RAAC installations are considered safe. However, the panels can creep and deflect over time, and this can be exacerbated by water penetration. A more recent incident indicated that if they have insufficient bearing and their structural integrity is compromised, they can fracture and collapse with little or no warning.” Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK), a confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety issues, have recently issued a report about a RAAC assessment that was carried out by persons who did not appear to have appropriate experience, potentially putting building users at risk of harm. The Key Learning Outcomes in the report for building owners, managers, surveyors, and other persons responsible for the safety of buildings are: STRUCTURAL SAFETY GUIDANCE & REPORTS Below, we’ve collated the most informative resources and guidance on RAAC, from The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Department of Education (DfE) and Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS): Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest construction trade association said that young people gain a thorough and rigorous grounding in quality and site safety via industry recognised apprenticeships. And he said that regulation of the electrical industry and protection of title for suitably qualified electricians was also essential to maintain and improve standards and safety in consumers’ homes. Alan told listeners: “The fact is that awareness of safety starts at the very beginning, and that means with apprentices, which is why our industry has run a successful electrical apprenticeship programme for many years. “This year, we have recruited almost 900 apprentices which is testament to the businesses in Scotland who put their faith in young people and as adults they take on. That’s where safety starts. “These people go through a proper apprenticeship. It’s not one of these short apprentice programmes which lasts six months or a year. It’s four-year programme in which the apprentices attend college and receive comprehensive health and safety training.” Alan also used his appearance on the show on Sunday 10 September to outline the importance of protection of title for electricians – a campaign which SELECT has been spearheading for many years. He said people were now talking about the electrification of society through heating, lighting, cars, computers and day-to-day devices, so it was increasingly vital that work was done by qualified electricians. Alan said: “Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for. It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal. “There are some 70 protected titles, from obvious ones like teachers, dentists and nurses to other trades like farriers and nightclub bouncers. So if you want to shoe a horse in the UK, you need to have qualifications and it’s a protected title, yet that doesn’t apply to electricians. “If electricians had protection of title, people would know that if someone came to their door claiming to be an electrician then they could confirm they were qualified. “We are trying to get rid of people who have no training – it’s about protecting the public and the perception of the industry.” SELECT has been campaigning for regulation for years alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and has created a Wall of Support to show the depth of support from individuals and organisations. Recent additions include Foysol Choudhury MSP, SELECT Associate Members Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel and Hager andmember firms Stirling Electrical Services, RW Bell, John McNicol & Co and FT Davidson. As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include the Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the and the Energy Saving Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the 1st October 2023, further amendments to the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (otherwise known as the ‘FSO’ or ‘Fire Safety Order’) are due to come into force, affecting businesses and buildings across the UK under the Building Safety Act 2022. As leading fire door and passive fire protection product experts, we’ve put together a core summary of the upcoming changes and who they affect. Add any further details and links to other sources that the readers might find relevant. What is the FSO (Fire Safety Order)? The Fire Safety Order is the fire safety legislation that applies to all non-domestic buildings across England and Wales, regulating premises and setting out responsibilities for individuals to improve fire safety.The Fire Safety Order applies to: What are the upcoming FSO changes? As of October 1st, all Responsible Persons must: You can find a more detailed breakdown of these responsibilities and everything mentioned here on the Fire Seals Direct blog. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in each of their vans as well as ensuring that personnel undertake the professional training needed to use them. The decision to invest in these life-saving tools and training was based on several factors, including the increased use of heavy mechanised plant, cutting equipment (both mechanical and motorised), isolated sites, remote working and an ageing workforce. With 90% of its workforce operating in high-risk environments every day, OnSite understands the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure their safety. Working in remote or awkward locations can make it almost impossible for emergency services to respond in time to a cardiac arrest or stroke, or even a catastrophic cut. Therefore, OnSite is proud to invest in these life-saving tools and training to ensure that its personnel has the best chance of survival in case of an emergency. OnSite believes that this proactive approach to health and safety will not only protect its workforce but will also give its clients peace of mind, knowing that OnSite is committed to ensuring the safety of its teams. The company has identified sites like Darnford Moors Ecology Park (see photograph), currently being restored by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to showcase the importance of this approach through promotional projects and collateral. In the case of Darnford Moors, as a legacy gift on completion of the works OnSite will be leaving a defibrillator at an agreed location for the public to access if ever it should be required. This initiative highlights OneSite’s commitment to the health safety of its colleagues and is, in part, why it remains a top choice for customers looking for a reliable and responsible partner. Steve Brown, OnSite’s specialist first aid practitioner and operations supervisor, said, “As a company, we understand that the safety and well-being of our workforce is our top priority. We operate in high-risk environments every day and it’s essential that we take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks. By investing in portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits, as well as providing the necessary training, we are equipping our remote teams with the tools they need to respond in an emergency. This initiative is not just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about ensuring our colleagues are protected and can return home safely to their families. We are proud to be taking this important step and look forward to continuing to set the standard for safety in our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed to be the biggest change in building safety for over 40 years. More than a year on, with many key aspects of the act now in force, industry professionals are still grappling with the implications to ensure their operations and developments are compliant. Providing an opportunity to get to grips with the latest information and achieving building safety standards through modern methods of construction, Offsite Expo 2023, being held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September – is the place to go to hear direct from industry experts about achieving safe and compliant buildings. Offsite Masterclasses Chaired by Tom Mason, Director of Fire Safety Engineering at Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance – the CPD accredited Fire Protection Masterclass will shine a spotlight on building safety. David Fitzpatrick, Head of SFS, will focus on the impact of ‘the new Building Safety Act on Smoke Control Systems.’ SFS is a division of Extye Hargreaves which delivers complex engineering projects including HVAC and full mechanical and electrical systems, associated structural steelwork and civil engineering. David has worked within the building services industry for 35 years and has been a member of CIBSE for over 25 years and has had two periods on the CIBSE board. Passive fire protection specialist FSi, will be using the Fire Protection Masterclass as a platform to highlight the benefits that offsite construction can bring in the efficient installation of cavity barriers to help protect buildings in the event of a blaze breaking out. With the recent announcement that the government’s cladding safety scheme is to be expanded, fire protection measures continue to be a major consideration in all aspects of construction. Liam Blears on behalf of FSi will discuss how ‘Forward Planning is Key to Ensure Correct Sequencing in Offsite Construction’ and also how the controlled environment used to create modules supports excellence in cavity barrier installation, including the ability to carry out on-site checks. Presenting ‘The New Fire Safety Regulations and the Benefit of Offsite Construction’ – Nichola Harrison is passionate about health and safety. Assistant Director – Facilities, Fleet and H&S at Paradigm Housing Group, Nichola has had great success leading organisations in creating healthier and safer environments and improving their safety culture by making use of her diverse background in medium to high risk organisations. In the Structural Timber Masterclass, Julie Bregulla Strategic Advisor for high profile organisations such as Swedish Wood, Structural Timber Association and Timber Development UK – will introduce ‘The Timber Fire Safety Platform.’ Previously Executive Director of the Building Research Establishment – Fire and Building Technology Group, Julie has over 20 years’ experience working in academia, consulting and construction. She has been active in research, testing and certification of construction products and systems, including timber. ‘Fire Safety in Building in Cavities’ will be presented by Craig Fyall, Category Director – Walling for Permavent in the Facades & Fenestration Masterclass. Craig has over 20 years of extensive experience in roofing and construction membranes and building structure fire safety. In 2012 Craig led the design team in the specification and detailing of the first Passivhaus 56-bedroom care home in the UK. Curated by Leading Offsite Experts The masterclasses at Offsite Expo will provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective from a host of renowned experts. Delegates will experience an interactive learning environment which will actively encourage engagement with the key themes. One of the reasons Offsite Expo has experienced incremental growth year-on-year is the quality of the speaker programme. Helping the development of new skills and specialisms and a central part of the Offsite Expo experience – with over 80 confirmed distinguished speakers, Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Sessions are the place to gain insights, learn from the best and meet experts offering in-depth analysis and technical know-how in an extensive range of CPD-accredited sessions – all free of charge. For the full seminar programme visit: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/masterclasses Register To Attend Offsite construction is changing the norms for contractors, developers, architects, engineers and specifiers. There is an urgent need for construction professionals to get to grips with the latest industry innovations and building safety regulations. Offsite Expo is the place to go to take a deep dive into the emerging trends that are making the building process safer, faster and more sustainable to reach net zero goals. With the government mandating 70% pre-manufactured value (PMV) in all public sector projects and developers recognising the safety, quality and predictability benefits – offsite technology is becoming an increasingly dominant force in the world of building safety and construction. Offsite Expo will be taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September 2023. Entry to the exhibition, CPD Accredited Explore Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Panel Discussions – are free of charge. To book tickets go to: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/book Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
