ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame
by Michael Durnin, Head of Construction, Murphy Geospatial The construction industry is facing big challenges including a shortage of skilled labour, increasing material costs, adverse weather conditions and mounting pressure to hit carbon reduction targets. These pressures not only hinder project timelines but also tighten budgets, which can put the
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published new evidence that shows planners are struggling to prepare for new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements expected to begin later this year. The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the
New regulations in the UK and abroad signal mounting scrutiny on the misleading practice of greenwashing. Alex Minett, Head of Global New Markets at CHAS, looks at what these changes are and how businesses can respond. Greenwashing is used to describe misinformation about the environmental and sustainability claims of an
Award-winning sustainability consultancy Action Sustainability has today released its new report offering unprecedented insights into the current state of sustainable procurement adoption and maturity across various industries in the United Kingdom. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the field of supply chain sustainability, with sustainable procurement garnering
Whitecode Consulting, a leading engineering consultancy firm, is pleased to announce the participation of its Managing Director, Alex Hill, in the publishing of an expert commentary on the revised British Standard BS 5422:2023, in partnership with the British Standards Institution (BSI) following Alex’s involvement in the committee that amended the
Werner, the leading manufacturer of access equipment and number one choice for trade professionals, announces the launch of its new trade catalogue. The new catalogue features all of Werner’s products and has been updated to include the recently launched Pro Plus Tower, as well as other new bestselling products
Research by the debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, reveals that 42% of UK consumers rarely, if ever, take a trip to their local high street, as commercial developers are urged to find ways of tempting shoppers to return and, in doing so, help local communities and economies thrive. The
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has found that the vast majority of UK property professionals believe the provision of upfront information is positive for the property industry, with the biggest reasons being an improved level of transparency for homebuyers, a streamlined conveyancing process and the reduced
ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry. It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first product set for Single Ply Roof systems. The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-set. There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ – product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’. The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK. “The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.” For more information visit the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
by Michael Durnin, Head of Construction, Murphy Geospatial The construction industry is facing big challenges including a shortage of skilled labour, increasing material costs, adverse weather conditions and mounting pressure to hit carbon reduction targets. These pressures not only hinder project timelines but also tighten budgets, which can put the whole project at risk. There are ways to minimise risk and increase margins despite the current market conditions. In this article I explore the top five reasons to explore geospatial data as part of your construction project and the benefits that high-quality geospatial data can provide. According to Autodesk’s research, in Europe 40% of the average organisation’s data is bad, leading to poor decision making 41% of the time, and in the UK 32% of data used by construction companies is bad leading to poor decision making 31% of the time. Data inaccuracy comes from disconnected communication channels where site data is shared, or using outdated information that hasn’t been validated. Geospatial data offers the opportunity to take live projects from build to digital reality, filling the gaps in lost data and streamlining data sharing amongst your team so that everyone has one version of the truth. Geospatial measurements are crucial during construction as it provides the framework for optimal digital delivery, multiple stakeholder collaboration, and is the cornerstone of automation. As mounting pressure to address the construction industry’s impact on climate change rises, there is a growing recognition of the potential offsite construction brings to drive sustainable development and tackle systemic challenges like fragmentation, skill shortages, and outdated construction methods. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), particularly the rise of offsite modular construction is reshaping the industry in 2023. In place of ad-hoc reworks which take place in situ, MMC has been credited with offering 20% cost savings and 50% faster project timelines*. The success of modular construction hinges on precise location data, accurate dimensions and positioning of structures which can be repeated, offering a ‘fit first time finish’ with no nasty surprises. MMC is also hailed as the method to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise conflicts, all of which hold significance for stakeholders concerned with both costs and environmental impact. Construction is entering the tech world in a big way following the huge increase in digital working. Now, the next phase of tech advancements in construction are embedding automation, using AI, machine learning, and robotics. The benefits of autonomous workflows have been shown in in Hexagon’s Autonomous Construction Tech Outlook 2023 with the report stating that 60% of industry leaders expect them to impact competitiveness, profitability, satisfaction, and sustainability. Companies using four or more autonomous workflows also report notable improvements, including 58% in sustainability, 55% in collaboration, and 52% in safety compliance. Automation’s evolution necessitates precise alignment and environmental considerations to avoid costly rework. Digital tools, comprehensive mapping, and real-time capture of site conditions all play a pivotal role in achieving successful implementation and reducing errors in the construction process. The construction industry deals with numerous inaccurate assets daily. Harnessing the power of information can reduce rework, errors, and risks. Informed decision-making, enabled by geospatial information, leads to better quality, and enhanced return on investment. The Get It Right Initiative estimates that the construction industry could save between £10–25 billion per annum simply by eliminating error. Experts recognise BIM as a tool that not only shapes the future of construction design but also serves to mitigate risk by identifying and resolving design errors at an early stage. While BIM holds the promise of fostering collaboration on construction projects, its success hinges on effective onboarding, implementation, and cross-functional data-sharing. This becomes especially critical given the persisting challenge of project data standardisation across the industry. Alongside reducing reworks necessary when an error is spotted, finding out there’s a discrepancy early on can help you reduce the need for those awkward conversations that require multiple people to gather in a room and hash out where the blame should sit. Data doesn’t lie and it offers everyone reassurance. With the use of geospatial information during builds, conflicts and errors can be identified and resolved in the digital build environment, rather than the field, reduce costs and risk and improving on quality as well as health and safety. Empowering progress through geospatial management Geospatial management extends beyond specific mapping and modelling techniques but to a collaborative process that considers the unique requirements of any given construction project. Collaboration in this approach reduces errors, leading to enhanced project outcomes and cost savings. Data-driven decision-making and accurate measurement are paramount. By adopting geospatial data and processes, projects can achieve unparalleled productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This transformation will revolutionise construction, creating a more resilient and sustainable built environment for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its drive to net-zero buildings. The partnership will incorporate robust data sets from BCIS into NBS’ specification writing platform, Chorus, providing specifiers with a powerful set of insights, helping them to make design decisions that reflect budget and sustainability aspirations. NBS and BCIS are collaborating to offer a new early-stage specification library, allowing industry professionals to start preparing their specifications at the concept design stage, pre-written clauses, drop-down values, and technical guidance. It will provide a smooth user experience and facilitate consistent sustainability discussions and decisions within project design teams. Commenting on the collaboration, Russell Haworth, NBS’s CEO, says “Our recent research at NBS has shown that specifiers are asking for better, more joined-up building information to help them make informed sustainability decisions at the project outset. “At the moment, there isn’t one company in the industry that can provide designers and specifiers with the comprehensive information they need to build sustainably – that’s why this partnership marks an important milestone, giving specifiers an additional level of insight that previously was just not available.” The partnership will also provide users with relative cost indicators from BCIS, which will allow specifiers to understand the relative financial cost in addition to the environmental cost impact of building elements. Haworth continues, “Architects and other specifiers have also made it clear that they want indicators to help with decision-making on cost and the potential future upkeep of buildings.” “Providing cost and sustainability data will allow for better decisions and enhanced collaboration across the design team, ultimately providing the built environment with the tools to build more sustainability.” James Fiske, BCIS’ CEO, adds “We know how critical decisions are at the start of a project in influencing lifetime cost and carbon emissions. We want to partner with an organisation that could help deliver our data to designers and specifiers and NBS was the perfect fit. “The data we are going to provide through NBS will link with the more detailed data sets available to users of BCIS, allowing all members of the design team to discuss design and specification options on a consistent basis. Together, we can provide a solution to help design teams make informed specification decisions earlier in the design process that support the industry drive to net zero.” NBS, along with sister company Glenigan – both part of Byggfakta Group – is also set to join the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) initiative, managed by BCIS. BECD aims to become the official UK repository of lifecycle carbon data for the built environment, providing a reliable and free-to-access platform for carbon estimating, reporting, and benchmarking. Committed to sharing knowledge and data for the good of the industry, the blend of NBS’ detailed product information and Glenigan’s extensive project information, will help BECD in its goal to reduce the UK construction industry’s impact on the environment. 2023 sees NBS celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first specification publication, commemorating half a century of delivering connected construction information. To find out more about its services and expertise click here. To find out more about BCIS, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published new evidence that shows planners are struggling to prepare for new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements expected to begin later this year. The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the expected biodiversity net gain impact of planning proposals. They are expected to apply to new major applications from November 2023 and all minor applications from April 2024. However, an ongoing survey of our RTPI members found that: We also found public and private sector planners report having extremely low levels of confidence in the practical requirements of BNG, including core aspects of the scheme like ‘identifying BNG receptor sites’, ‘interpreting the robustness of ecological reports and BNG proposals’, ‘using the biodiversity metric’ and ‘negotiating with landowners over site provision’. Commenting on the results, RTPI Chief Executive, Victoria Hills has said: “These new findings show that government is running out of time to prepare local planning authorities to assess biodiversity net gain on major planning applications as expected in November. The RTPI fully support the scheme’s intention to improve our natural environment and we’ll continue to engage with Ministers and officials behind the scenes to urgently clarify the details of new BNG regulations, funding and training. Our research found that 25% of local authority planners have left over the last seven years. Immediate clarity and support will be crucial to the successful implementation of biodiversity net gain and to avoid adding to England’s planning backlog.” In response to government consultations, we’ve previously said that “legislation, guidance and metric can help to achieve [BNG] but must be complemented with proper resourcing for planners, including access to ecological expertise.” The RTPI’s latest survey results, collected between May and August 2023, add to a growing body of evidence that shows planners are concerned about the implementation of this new addition to their workload. Earlier this year, The Planner’s Careers Survey reported that 38% planners expected the ‘introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements’ to be one of the biggest challenges they’ll face this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New regulations in the UK and abroad signal mounting scrutiny on the misleading practice of greenwashing. Alex Minett, Head of Global New Markets at CHAS, looks at what these changes are and how businesses can respond. Greenwashing is used to describe misinformation about the environmental and sustainability claims of an organisation. It’s an all too common practice. Marketing ploys, vague assurances and manipulation of language and symbols are adopted by companies looking to present themselves as more environmentally responsible than they actually are. As awareness around greenwashing increases, so too does the demand for evidence on eco claims. Businesses not only need to be prepared to demonstrate their own sustainability processes, but ensure their supply chains are ready for scrutiny too. Who are the greenwashing culprits? Greenwashing is employed by a wide range of companies, organisations and even governments. Very often, it is a case of all talk, no action, but some firms go further with their attempts to mislead via deceptive labelling or disingenuous marketing campaigns. The motivation to greenwash might simply be to improve public image but it can also involve diverting attention from more negative environmental practices that are being undertaken elsewhere in an organisation. What is the impact of greenwashing? Greenwashing is not an innocuous practice. It can deceive consumers or stakeholders into thinking they are making environmentally responsible choices when in reality, they may be supporting companies that are not sincerely committed to sustainability. And when companies falsely claim to be environmentally friendly, they may draw support and revenue away from ones that are making genuine efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Greenwashing also hinders meaningful progress in addressing sustainability and the environment. It gives the impression that issues are being adequately dealt with, leading to complacency and a lack of urgency in moving forward with sustainable practices and meeting environmental targets. Eroding consumer trust can result in cynicism and apathy which also impacts progress. What is being done about greenwashing? In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are putting forward a package of new measures to build transparency and trust around sustainability. These measures include sustainable investment labels, disclosure requirements and restrictions on using terms such as ‘ESG’, ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ in product naming and marketing. They also propose an ‘anti-greenwashing’ rule that would apply to all FCA regulated firms, reiterating that sustainability-related claims must be clear, fair and not misleading. With the consultation period ending at the start of 2023, dates for implementing these measures are expected to be published before the end of the year. Meanwhile the EU is planning its Green Claims Directive, which sets out new minimum norms for how companies substantiate, communicate and verify their environmental claims to consumers in the EU. The directive will apply to the vast majority of EU operating companies, from SMEs to large public companies, and across industries. This includes companies based outside the EU that target EU consumers. While still only in draft stage, once the directive comes into force, member states will have 18 months to transfer it into national law and a further six months before the rules are applied. The commission expects a timeline of around four years for the directive to apply. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also taking aim at the practice of greenwashing by big business with an update to its “Green Guides”. The intention is to give the agency stronger legal cases against polluters by clarifying when companies’ deceptive marketing around sustainability and environmental responsibility violates federal law. How can businesses respond? The crackdown on greenwashing is gaining traction globally, and the onus is on businesses to maintain transparency and be ready to evidence their genuine commitment to sustainability. This includes verifying that their supply chain partners are operating in an environmentally responsible manner. Engaging the services of a third-party organisation such as CHAS can provide assurance to firms looking to strengthen their environmental credibility. CHAS offers accreditation for contractors and suppliers to help them demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and enhance their credibility. This includes latest assessments, such as the CHAS Advanced and CHAS Elite accreditations, as well as the CHAS Verified Supplier qualification which all include environmental assessments. Meanwhile, CHAS Clients have access to a database of accredited contractors and suppliers via the CHAS Client Portal, which enables them to search for organisations via trade, location and qualification level, meaning they can easily find partners who have confirmed their commitment to operating responsibly. Furthermore, clients can look for additional accreditations such as the CHAS Social Value Level 1 assessment that considers the value an organisation adds to society beyond its reported profits. The assessment considers how a contractor addresses a range of social value issues, including climate change and environmental degradation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning sustainability consultancy Action Sustainability has today released its new report offering unprecedented insights into the current state of sustainable procurement adoption and maturity across various industries in the United Kingdom. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the field of supply chain sustainability, with sustainable procurement garnering global awareness. However, although numerous organisations are taking action to become more sustainable themselves, they often fall short in extending this to their supply chains. In response to this, Action Sustainability has published a ‘Sustainable Procurement Progress Report 2023’, drawing from their evaluations of various organisations against the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Standard. Findings in this report indicate that, while organisations that invest in sustainable procurement have some level of sustainability embedded in their procurement activities, more progress needs to be made for this to be perceived as business-as-usual and to fully realise all benefits. The report provides valuable insights to organisations aiming to start embedding sustainability into procurement practices, as well as those seeking to further develop their existing approaches. Key highlights from the report: Central to the report’s vision is the need to embed sustainable procurement across each spending area and continually seek improvement. It advocates for a collaborative approach, emphasising communication, knowledge-sharing and partnership throughout the value chain as key to shaping a more sustainable future. Shaun McCarthy OBE, Director of Action Sustainability, said: “This report provides useful case studies and advice from some of the numerous people we have worked with over the years. We have not taken a scattergun approach to this work, reporting on sectors based on flimsy research, we have focused on those sectors where we have comprehensive, hands-on experience and insight. It is not a complete overview of sustainable procurement; it is our attempt to share what we really know.” Dale Turner, Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Skanska, added: “Over the last 10 years, there has been greater alignment between our customers and extended supply chain. The hierarchy of the relationships are aimed at encouraging collaboration and achieving more value together. A sustainable procurement approach also drives a more diverse supply chain which helps to manage risk and understand where innovation can be applied down the tiers of the supply chain to make our projects more efficient and productive.” To access the complete report and gain an in-depth understanding of the sustainable procurement landscape, visit Action Sustainability’s website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitecode Consulting, a leading engineering consultancy firm, is pleased to announce the participation of its Managing Director, Alex Hill, in the publishing of an expert commentary on the revised British Standard BS 5422:2023, in partnership with the British Standards Institution (BSI) following Alex’s involvement in the committee that amended the existing standard. The revised comprehensive standard provides methods for specifying thermal insulating materials used in pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork, and equipment operating within the temperature range of -40 °C to +700 °C. The full revision of BS 5422:2023 takes into account the latest influences on the energy landscape. The objective of the revision is to update insulation types and performance levels to those who currently dominate the market. The revised standard offers improved insulation options, aiming to reduce losses and anticipate a greater future contribution from district heating systems. Additionally, it provides greater clarity on insulation fire performance, ensuring the construction industry’s focus remains on safety. The main commentary on the revised standard highlights several principal changes. The tables have been simplified, removing thermal conductivity values for materials that are no longer supplied or rarely used. The revision also introduces the use of ‘less than or equal to’ values for all pipe sizes, reducing the need for interpolation and increasing overall thermal efficiency. The standard defines reaction to fire in terms of Euroclass, providing a more comprehensive assessment of materials’ behaviour in fire conditions. Enhanced insulation thicknesses have been captured from the legacy Energy Technology List/Capital Allowances levels, offering further enhancements and aligning with other emerging pipework insulation standards. Regarding the wider context, BS 5422:2023 is referenced in the Building Regulations Merged Approved Documents, specifically Approved Document L Volume 1 and Volume 2. The standard provides a method for compliance in “limiting heat losses and gains from building services.” Additionally, the revised standard complements other standards such as CIBSE CP1 Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK (2020). Alex Hill, Managing Director of Whitecode Consulting, commented, “We are pleased to work alongside the British Standards Institution to provide expert commentary on BS 5422:2023 and expert advice at the committee. This revised standard reflects the latest advancements in thermal insulating materials and aligns with the evolving energy landscape. We believe that this update is a necessary step towards achieving lower carbon emissions while adhering to other parallel normative standards.” Whitecode recommends several next steps for organisations in response to the new standard. These include conducting a Gap Analysis to assess compliance requirements, informing relevant stakeholders, updating internal procedures and documentation, and reviewing training needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Werner, the leading manufacturer of access equipment and number one choice for trade professionals, announces the launch of its new trade catalogue. The new catalogue features all of Werner’s products and has been updated to include the recently launched Pro Plus Tower, as well as other new bestselling products including the LEANSAFE® X3 and Adjustable & Linking PRO Platform. For over 100 years, the Werner brand has been revered across the industry for its broad product line and its commitment to placing safety at its fore. Its vast range of products have been designed with the user in mind, helping to make working at height safer and faster, whatever the job. The catalogue includes Werner’s entire portfolio of extension ladders; stepladders; roof ladders; fibreglass ladders; aluminium ladders; telescopic ladders; stepstools; work platforms; access towers; loft ladders, and lock-in accessories such as paint cups and utility buckets. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, said: “Werner takes considerable pride in its continued investment in new products, markets and technologies. The Werner brand has achieved some exciting new developments and milestones over the past year, such as its 100-year anniversary and the launch of new innovative products such as the Pro Plus Tower, and we are excited to launch a new catalogue which reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation, and also its reputation as the number one choice for professionals.” Featuring product specifications, designated usage and key benefits, as well as explaining European safety standards, the catalogue is the ideal tool to assist professionals with choosing the most suitable working at height equipment for their professions. In addition to extensive information and guidance in the brochure, Werner’s recent campaign, Stepping Up to Ladder Safety, offers five individual guides highlighting how professionals can choose the right equipment for the job and how to undertake best practice when working at height. To view Werner’s new product catalogue, visit www.wernerco.com/uk/literature. To find out more about the products available from WernerCo, visit www.wernerco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Research by the debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, reveals that 42% of UK consumers rarely, if ever, take a trip to their local high street, as commercial developers are urged to find ways of tempting shoppers to return and, in doing so, help local communities and economies thrive. The survey of over 1,000 UK consumers, commissioned by Sirius Property Finance, asked consumers about their shopping habits and how frequently they headed to their local high street. When asked how often they visit, 32% stated that they rarely head to their high street, while a further 10% don’t visit at all. This reluctance to visit their bricks and mortar high street is largely a result of online retail options, with 54% saying they are likely to look to purchase something online before heading to their local retail outlets. And while 21% say that the internet is simply more convenient, other common reasons for avoiding the high street include limited parking availability (24%), a poor variety of shops (22%), and high prices (14%). These factors mean that the most common reason to visit the high street is not general retail, but instead supermarkets and grocery shopping, which 27% say is their main reason for visiting. 19% say they make the trip to take advantage of cafes, bars, and restaurants, while 15% say it’s for health and beauty services such as hairdressers and nail salons. A further 15% say they’re looking to make clothing and fashion purchases, 12% are in the hunt for home and decor outlets, 6% are visiting for entertainment such as cinemas, and 4% are shopping for electronics and technology products. This means that, in total, just 32% are visiting the local high street for retail purposes, while services and experiences account for the remaining 68%. When asked what would tempt them to visit the high street more often, general retail is once again trumped by other priorities. 21% say that more free parking areas would be a significant draw, while 17% say they’d like to see more local and artisan markets and craft stalls. 10% want more green spaces and gardens, and another 10% are looking for more in-store incentives and experiences. Other things that could tempt people to spend more time on their local high street include pop-up shops and temporary exhibitions (9%), outdoor seating and communal areas (9%), regular events like concerts or festivals (9%), pedestrian-only zones (8%), and interactive technology installations (1%). Head of Corporate Partnerships at Sirius Property Finance, Kimberley Gates, commented: “We’ve seen a substantial shift in consumer behaviour in recent times and so the decline of the high street is by no means the fault of property developers, nor is it exclusively their responsibility to try and breathe life back into physical, local retail districts, but they certainly have an important role to play in the rejuvenation. When looking to ensure the future good health of the high street, commercial developers can look towards the things that people say they want – improved infrastructure, attractive outdoor areas and a more diverse range of outlets. When the high street was born, it had no direct competition. But with the arrival of shopping centres and online shopping, the high street must now find a way to offer something that the internet cannot This means experiences, community, socialising, pride in the local area, and an understanding that today’s consumers have plenty of options. They need to be given a reason to frequently visit the high street and our commercial developers can play a big part in achieving this. When they do, the benefits for local communities and economies will be enormous.” Survey results Full survey results can be viewed online, here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has found that the vast majority of UK property professionals believe the provision of upfront information is positive for the property industry, with the biggest reasons being an improved level of transparency for homebuyers, a streamlined conveyancing process and the reduced chance of a fall through. The survey of UK property professionals, commissioned by Moverly, asked if the upfront provision of pertinent information related to a transaction was a positive when it came to the process of buying and selling property – with a huge 90% of those surveyed stating it was. Such information can be provided via Home Information Packs, which collect the essential details and documentation that homebuyers need access to when considering the purchase of property – such information includes EPC certificates, title documents, and Local Authority searches among many other things. HIPs are not a new idea. In fact, they were introduced to parliament by the last Labour government but then the David Cameron-led coalition government abandoned the idea in 2010. When asked why they thought the original introduction of HIPs failed, those surveyed by Moverly stated the reliability of the information provided was the biggest reason, while the upfront cost incurred by sellers also acted as a deterrent. However, last year, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, committed to reintroducing the previously abandoned Home Information Pack as part of the government’s Levelling Up ambitions. But what’s changed? Well today, technology allows us to securely store our personal information while also providing us with the ability to easily share it with stakeholders across various processes, whether it be online shopping, electronic banking and much more. The landscape hasn’t just evolved, it’s a completely new world when compared to the old analogue processes of previous years and this makes it far easier for the consumer. This transformation has already benefited the property sector in many areas and Moverly found that 87% of property professionals think that HIPs could be better placed to succeed in today’s market, due to the further digital disruption of the industry and our ability to share data electronically. When asked what they believe the biggest advantage would be if HIPs were to return, a greater level of transparency for buyers ranked top, followed by a reduced conveyancing timeline, as well as a lower chance of transactions falling through – however, just 37% think their reintroduction should be mandatory. 56% think the cost of HIPs should be incurred by the seller, although some believe it should be the responsibility of the buyer (22%), the agent (14%) and the conveyancer (7%). The majority (59%) also believe that there should be multiple HIPs providers to help drive the standard of service through competition, although they should be regulated by one single authority. Moverly co-founder Ed Molyneux, commented: “We believe that HIPS are absolutely essential if the housing market is to solve the perpetual issues of inefficiency and snail-paced processes. Of course you’d expect us to say that, but it turns out the vast majority of property professionals also recognise the benefits the provision of upfront information can bring. While HIPs may have originally been designed to help buyers, everyone within the transaction timeline benefits from greater transparency, greater stability and a more certain outcome. They can also greatly reduce the risk of sales falling through due to broken chains, saving both buyer and seller money in the process, as well as reducing the chances of gazumping, issues that have been rife in the UK market in recent years. Those who oppose HIPs do so based on the fact that a cost traditionally incurred by the buyer is transferred to the seller. While this may be the case, the cost of HIPs is dramatically lower today and sellers are also far better placed to absorb a marginal additional cost that could save them thousands of pounds in costs incurred should their sale collapse. What’s more, the advancement of technology and how we share information today, means that the ability to provide reliable information has been hugely improved.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
