Baily Garner is thrilled to announce its successful attainment of B Corp status as of 1st May 2024. This remarkable milestone underscores the firm’s dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and aligns with their core purpose: to positively impact people’s lives. The journey towards
The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of
E-learning collaboration to boost staff’s decarbonisation knowledge… The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) is collaborating with Kier Transportation to deliver essential (digital) eLearning to support Kier achieve their decarbonisation goals. This collaboration involves Kier Transportation using CIHT’s specifically designed courses that relate to climate change learning. These courses
The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation. ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and
New demanding legislation is being introduced into the supply chain for the right reasons of quality and safety, says AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 which makes new demands in terms of building industry process and compliance requirements. Stuart Dover, general manager
Form should never compromise function, particularly in respect of building design. Aesthetics are important but must not usurp the need to create homes that optimise occupant safety and comfort. Prioritising the performance of materials such as insulation are integral to this outcome. For architects, early engagement with a specialist insulation
ASSA ABLOY Door Group, a leading provider of steel door solutions, is commending Barry Johnston, Production Manager at its Lisburn facility, for his long service and contribution to operational excellence. Barry joined Door Group in 2003 as part of the fabrication team, which gave him the foundation and skills needed
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) held a celebration lunch on 23rd May to commemorate the completion of its first BCIA Inspired Leaders programme. The initiative, started in February 2024 and developed in partnership with Inspired Leadership Solutions, was aimed at developing existing and future leaders in the BEMS industry.
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the launch of its Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) Register. This significant initiative is designed to enable practitioners to formally demonstrate their competence in fulfilling the newly established duty-holder role under the Amended Building Regulations England, in line with PAS 8671. With
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference
Baily Garner is thrilled to announce its successful attainment of B Corp status as of 1st May 2024. This remarkable milestone underscores the firm’s dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and aligns with their core purpose: to positively impact people’s lives. The journey towards B Corp certification began at an annual quality summit in September 2021, where employees expressed their desire for Baily Garner to pursue this prestigious accreditation. Embracing this initiative, the Baily Garner Futures Group—a team of dynamic young professionals— drove the operation forward. In March 2022, they assembled a team who’s dedication and hard work culminated in the submission of Baily Garner’s B Corp application in March 2023, with certification granted just over two years later. Andy Tookey, Managing Partner, expressed his happiness when he was notified of the good news: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Baily Garner was awarded B Corp status. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and perfectly supports our purpose to positively impact people’s lives. Special thanks goes to the team: Laura Day, Matt Allcock, Lucy Mullineux, Lisa Coleman, and Tim Bush. Their tenacity and dedication have been instrumental in this success. This was no small feat, and their perseverance through the lengthy application process is truly commendable.” The B Corp certification process is rigorous and comprehensive, requiring substantial effort and meticulous documentation. Baily Garner achieved an impressive score of 98.9, well above the required threshold of 80, reflecting the firm’s alignment with B Corp’s values and its commitment to positively impacting people’s lives. Tim Bush, Senior Partner, highlighted the thorough and demanding nature of the B Corp certification: “The process involves the B Impact Assessment, multiple rounds of reviews, scoring and accreditation. We are proud of our score of 98.9, which not only underscores our operational excellence but also how driven we are to fulfil our purpose. In particular, the assessment process gave strong validation to our work with underserved populations and our focus on public projects.” The certification covers five key pillars: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Baily Garner’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility, especially in relation to public sector projects benefiting communities with high levels of deprivation, significantly boosted their score and exemplified their ethos. Laura Day, Project Team Leader, shared her pride: “I am proud to work at Baily Garner, a newly certified B Corp, receiving recognition for our commitment to Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. We challenge the norms of the construction industry to make our business and our planet better for all. This certification shows our dedication to continuous improvement and positive impact.” Achieving B Corp status is not just a badge of honour but a commitment to ongoing improvement and adherence to the highest standards. Baily Garner achieved this status solely using their own resources, without the assistance of management consultants or external companies. They will need to recertify every three years, reaffirming their commitment to the principles that earned them this prestigious status. As B Corp continues to grow in recognition, Baily Garner stands proudly among the 2000 certified B Corps in the UK, committed to making a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet. Credit: https://www.bailygarner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of inspiring strategic collaboration across the offsite construction sector. A UK first, Offsite Construction Week will bring together clients, manufacturers, developers, architects, specifiers, project managers, legislative and accrediting bodies for a week-long series of events, debates, and discussions on how to accelerate sector growth by removing current barriers to MMC implementation. Uniting industry leaders from different construction and material sectors, the newly-formed Advisory Group will create a set of objectives for successfully expanding the application of offsite construction methods and technologies, ensuring that every stakeholder’s perspective is reflected in the resulting strategy. The Advisory Group comprises 20 of the most well-informed and respected industry figures at the forefront of offsite innovation from pioneering companies and industry bodies. For full details of the Advisory Group, go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk/advisory-group Together, these industry leaders will curate the Offsite Expo Masterclasses, roundtable debates and events that take place throughout the five days of Offsite Construction Week. Through a series of practical seminars that share insider knowledge of projects success factors and learnings – speakers will offer solutions to legislative, procurement, procedural, and financial roadblocks to accelerating the pace of implementing offsite methods and products in construction. Key topics to be addressed will include but are not limited to, creating industrialised construction ecosystems, enhancing building safety, increasing productivity, closing the performance gap, driving innovation, digital delivery for tomorrow, creating a zero-snag culture and delivering against net zero carbon targets. On behalf of the Advisory Group, spokesperson Tudi Sully said, “We will act as industry ambassadors for delivering a better built environment, chairing roundtable debates and connecting decision makers from various client organisations, industry bodies, government stakeholders and the supply chain. “By engaging in an open, unbiased and critical debate of current roadblocks to the implementation of approaches such as DfMA, offsite, MMC and industrialisation; showcasing past project challenges and successes; and offering insights from different vertical sectors, the Advisory Group will demonstrate a roadmap for the wider adoption of these innovative solutions. “With the ambitious goal to help accelerate the UK government’s agenda for a safer, more sustainable and faster-growing built environment, the Advisory Group will not only connect top decision makers but will also oversee an educational outreach to young professionals, apprentices and students in construction programmes – all of which will start at Offsite Construction Week.” The Advisory Group’s involvement during Offsite Construction Week will include curating the programme and leading the Masterclass seminars, sharing insights from the organisations they represent and presenting a highly focused, factual overview of the sector and the challenges it faces. Whilst the discussions in the Masterclass Theatre will equip attendees with a well-balanced view of the industry’s roadmap for the future, the Advisory Group will set the tone for a series of live webinars on some of the most pressing issues in the industry. About Offsite Construction Week Taking place from 16-20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week will showcase the most comprehensive series of offsite technology events ever seen in the UK. The aim of the curated selection of seminars, industry awards ceremony, site tours and features exhibition, is to highlight the benefits and advancements in offsite construction, driving innovation and collaboration across the sector. Unilateral Support Offsite Construction Week is supported by a robust lineup of industry associations, including BUILDOFFSITE (BOS), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT,) Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), MMC Ireland, Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), Offsite Alliance, Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Structural Timber Association (STA) and others have come together to support the most comprehensive series of offsite events the country has ever seen. To keep informed go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
E-learning collaboration to boost staff’s decarbonisation knowledge… The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) is collaborating with Kier Transportation to deliver essential (digital) eLearning to support Kier achieve their decarbonisation goals. This collaboration involves Kier Transportation using CIHT’s specifically designed courses that relate to climate change learning. These courses are specifically tailored for the highways and transportation sector and provide CPD in subjects including decarbonisation and carbon literacy. These accredited CIHT e-learning courses explain why the global effort to mitigate the risk of dangerous climate change demands very significant changes to how transportation professionals plan, design, deliver, operate, maintain, and decommission transport systems. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said: “The UK needs to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 – and then carry on towards 2050’s Net Zero. That isn’t something to start thinking about in 2049. Within the CIHT, we have engaged with members, partners (including Kier Transportation) and stakeholders, and through CIHT Learn, users can now dedicate a larger portion of their ongoing learning to sustainability.” “We welcome this important collaboration with Kier Transportation and the support we are now able to provide their staff as they join us on this decarbonisation journey.” “Through taking these courses, colleagues at Kier Transportation will learn how to identify gaps in their awareness, knowledge and skills and create a personal Continuing Professional Development plan tailored to their job role and its influence over transport decarbonisation.” Matt Tompsett, Head of Environment & Sustainability, Kier Transportation said: “Everyone’s talking about carbon and it’s continuing to raise higher on the agenda of organisations, up and down the value chain.” “We know that not everyone is an expert in carbon, but it’s important that we give our people the right tools and knowledge so they can make informed decisions and implement climate solutions in their sphere of influence, whether that be in their own lives – or at work.” “That’s why we decided to work with the CIHT to develop and roll our carbon literacy training for our people. It’s a big step in the right direction, to ensuring the right conversations are taking place so our people understand how they can influence and reduce our carbon footprint.” As of 8 May 2024, Kier Transportation employees have completed 1,476 courses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation. ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels, ENA Connect Direct upgrades the process with an intuitive interface and by automating many of the inputs which speeds up the application creation time. It provides a streamlined system which uses artificial intelligence to provide instant approvals for most routine applications. When transferred to the DNO, the system has an average processing time of 1.5 days, reflecting the additional time more complex applications take to review and process. The digital system has also helped eliminate the manual transposing issues that potentially slowed applications in previous years. ENA Connect Direct is also succeeding in providing the efficient delivery of accurate data to network operators. In turn this provides increased visibility to aid network design and operations, a major step forward in creating a smarter UK energy system. With the uptake of low-carbon technologies anticipated to continue at a considerable rate in the coming years, ENA Connect Direct supports installers with completing faster and safe installations. Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association, said: “I am delighted so many installers have made use of the platform already, and the feedback from users has been incredible, with one installer stating, ‘this platform is a dream come true!’ It is the sort of tangible improvement that the installers, manufacturers, the distribution network operators and ultimately the customer, will benefit from. The insights and data the system helps to centralise also supports network operators in having a live overview of LCT installations that they need to operate a smarter and more efficient network in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New demanding legislation is being introduced into the supply chain for the right reasons of quality and safety, says AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 which makes new demands in terms of building industry process and compliance requirements. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “Some of the details of the act may be challenging but we should all be responsible to ensure we are meeting our obligations. Safety is at the heart of this and we should not lose sight of that. “We are happy to help guide those in the supply chain to ensure they are using the relevant cables for their specific project requirements. All of those in the supply chain including building managers, contractors, specifiers and installers need to understand the impact of this legislation for reasons of safety.” One of the major new requirements under the act is a process known as The Golden Thread. This refers to the relevant package of information that should be provided including product specification, application records and datasheets. AEI Cables is advising its customers to capture the relevant data sooner rather than later for projects they are working on so that they can provide information on safety and quality required by the act. When the building work is completed, the Golden Thread must be handed over to the Accountable Person, who is responsible for the occupied building to help manage building safety. The Act – introduced from October 2023 – makes new requirements for ‘higher-risk buildings’ which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Form should never compromise function, particularly in respect of building design. Aesthetics are important but must not usurp the need to create homes that optimise occupant safety and comfort. Prioritising the performance of materials such as insulation are integral to this outcome. For architects, early engagement with a specialist insulation manufacturer can ensure design intentions and building regulation requirements are realised. A design philosophy based on material selection reduces the risk of falling short of legislative requirements. In terms of determining a building’s thermal efficiency, U-value calculations are pivotal to deciphering the heat retention of walls, floors and roofs. In these areas, specifying insulation based on its thermal performance is the obvious solution. However, other considerations may be required to achieve compliance. An insulation board’s fire safety performance, compressive strength and moisture resistance must also form part of the conversation when it comes to selecting a product that is fit for design purposes. Building stakeholders having this conversation at a project’s earliest stage can ensure material requirements are accommodated prior to construction work commencing, saving time and cost. All-round Benefits of Eurowall® + With Eurowall® +, Recticel has produced an insulation panel that achieves regulation targets for walls whilst simplifying the installation process for bricklayers. A 90mm Eurowall®+ PIR board can help to achieve 0.18 U-value in a traditional 100mm cavity, with the 10mm air gap facilitating its easier installation. Featuring an innovative tongue-and-groove joint on its four sides, Eurowall®+ negates the need to change working practices to achieve a better-performing cavity wall. Insulation innovation key to achieving increasingly stringent energy targets The tightening of building energy targets via the Part L 2003 update and the Future Homes Standard’s imminent introduction, has advanced the need for insulation products that help fulfil design possibilities whilst satisfying regulation compliance. A good example of this is Deck-VQ®,Recticel’s ultra-thin vacuum insulation panel (VIP). With terraces gaining prevalence, particularly in urban building developments with limited living space, Deck-VQ® maximises comfort and protection where insulation build-up thickness is an issue. Ideal for a wide range of flat-roof and terrace applications, Deck-VQ® belies its slender form to deliver a thermal performance as low as 0.008W/mK whilst its VIP core provides a Lambda value of 0.006 W/mK. Thanks to its innovative composition, complex refurbishment projects can be completed with Deck-VQ® without costly, time-inefficient structural changes. This outcome enhances a project’s sustainable credentials by reducing its environmental impacts. Based on practicality and performance, the aforementioned products have enhanced possibilities in terms of design and the construction process itself. Nothing must obscure the importance of accurate U-value assessments to obtaining the primary design objective, namely regulation-compliant buildings that contribute to the built environment’s future sustainability. But as innovation continues to evolve insulation’s form and function, there should be nothing to prevent buildings looking as good as they perform. For a range of insulation best practice guidance including product specification, installation and accurate U-value calculations, Recticel’s RIBA-approved CPD has all bases covered to ensure you meet your project goals. Available on-demand, with video, face-to-face seminars also an option, click here to discover our inspirational CPD programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ASSA ABLOY Door Group, a leading provider of steel door solutions, is commending Barry Johnston, Production Manager at its Lisburn facility, for his long service and contribution to operational excellence. Barry joined Door Group in 2003 as part of the fabrication team, which gave him the foundation and skills needed to progress within the company through various roles, culminating in his current position as Production Manager. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day production of steel doors, schedules, production meetings and leads a thriving workforce. Throughout his career, Barry has been involved with numerous initiatives and has successfully navigated the company through significant challenges, including the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond achieving operational excellence, Barry has played a pivotal role in fostering cohesive and successful teams while instilling a culture of collaboration and innovation within Door Group. Indeed, Barry has been instrumental in the development and implementation of many new products. Reflecting on his long service with Door Group, Barry said: “I’m struck by how far I’ve come since joining. It’s been an incredible learning experience, navigating through various roles and responsibilities to reach where I am today. “Witnessing the industry evolve and embracing technological advancements along the way has been truly rewarding. These innovations have not only streamlined our processes but have also challenged me to adapt and grow, to help our business stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. “I’ve seen transformations that have gone from manual processes to cutting-edge technology and looking ahead, I’m excited to continue driving this progress.” Brian Sofley, Managing Director of Door Group, said: “Barry’s forward-thinking approach and ability to embrace technological advancements has enabled us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver value to our customers, while at the same time strengthening internal teams and culture.” To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Door Group and the range of products and services it provides, go to https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) held a celebration lunch on 23rd May to commemorate the completion of its first BCIA Inspired Leaders programme. The initiative, started in February 2024 and developed in partnership with Inspired Leadership Solutions, was aimed at developing existing and future leaders in the BEMS industry. The event saw the first 14 selected delegates come together, along with BCIA President Stacey Lucas and former President Graeme Rees, who oversaw the development of the programme during his tenure. Led by Michael Holbrow, a professional coach, mentor, and facilitator who has spent more than three decades in the building controls industry, the programme was the result of a training gap identified during the development of the BCIA’s corporate plan. During this, it was discovered that people development and leadership training was suffering due to the pace of the market. In fact, it was found that often companies would be struggling to recruit and not able to set time aside to concentrate on people development. The 16-week programme comprised of six modules that were designed to change the way in which individuals in the BEMS sector might approach situations, whether that’s how they lead teams and client projects or understand the benefits of self-leadership. As a result of the industry-centric leadership training programme, the delegates were able to truly grasp and understand the challenges and opportunities of leading within the BEMS industry. BCIA President Stacey Lucas was delighted with the success of the programme, saying: “The delegates really sank their teeth into the programme and have taken so much out of it. Michael was a brilliant coach and really helped those taking part to embrace the potential for leadership roles in the building controls sector and understand how to overcome any challenges along the way. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the launch of its Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) Register. This significant initiative is designed to enable practitioners to formally demonstrate their competence in fulfilling the newly established duty-holder role under the Amended Building Regulations England, in line with PAS 8671. With the introduction of the PDBR Register, APS is setting a new benchmark for professional standards within the industry. The register will serve as a definitive resource for identifying qualified Principal Designers, ensuring that they meet the rigorous standards required to uphold the safety, compliance, and integrity of construction projects. Key Benefits of the APS PDBR Register: Demonstrated Competence: Practitioners listed on the PDBR Register have undergone stringent assessment processes, confirming their capability to perform the Principal Designer role as mandated by the updated Building Regulations. Client Assurance: By employing professionals from the APS PDBR Register, clients can confidently demonstrate adherence to their legal obligations, ensuring that they are in compliance with the amended regulations. Enhanced Safety and Compliance: The register supports the overarching goal of the amended Building Regulations and PAS 8671, which is to enhance safety and compliance within the construction sector, ultimately contributing to the welfare of the public and the quality of the built environment. The establishment of the PDBR Register underscores APS’s commitment to advancing professional standards and safeguarding public interests. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the association remains dedicated to providing robust frameworks and support systems that empower industry professionals to excel in their roles. Mark Snelling, APS President said: “The launch of the Principal Designer Building Regulations Register is a pivotal step towards reinforcing the competence and accountability of professionals within our industry. It not only provides a reliable means for practitioners to validate their skills but also offers clients peace of mind in meeting their statutory duties.” The APS PDBR Register is now open for applications, providing an essential tool for both practitioners and clients. For more information on how to become listed or to find a qualified Principal Designer, please visit the APS website at www.aps.org.uk. About the Association for Project Safety (APS): The Association for Project Safety [APS] is the professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury, and tackling ill-health associated with the built environment. APS aims to improve, and promote excellence in, professional practice in design and construction health and safety risk management, helping everyone manage risk and implement building regulations effectively and proportionately. The association contributes to the national debate on building and infrastructure safety, regulation, and legislation, providing training, education and support and member networking opportunities. APS works with other bodies and partners to improve – through good design and throughout the life-cycle of projects and buildings – health and safety for everyone involved in construction and use. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference – “Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments” – which attracted almost 300 delegates and exhibitors to the event at Energus, Workington, Cumbria on Tuesday (May 21). Attendees heard how embracing robotics and AI can help meet the two global challenges of climate change and energy security. Delegates heard RAICo, a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester, plays a vital role, aiding collaboration and bringing the greatest minds together – including end-users, problem-holders and researchers – to find solutions to shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges. The deployment of robotics and AI was described as being key to accelerating nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering in a way which delivers missions safer, faster and more cost effectively. Keynote speakers from the nuclear sector, including Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA; Mr David Peattie, CEO of the NDA; Mr Roddy Miller, Nuclear Operations Director at Sellafield Ltd, and Francis Livens, Professor of Radiochemistry at The University of Manchester, shared with delegates their visions for the safe deployment of the latest technologies. David Peattie said: “I’m passionate about creating opportunities for collaboration across the NDA group, the wider sector, academia and the supply chain and particularly inspiring young people to engage in the work we are doing and develop innovative solutions. “We are proud to be part of RAICo and committed to exploring how we can utilise technology and innovation to create a safer working environment for our employees, deliver more effectively and efficiently, to leave a more sustainable legacy for generations to come.” Roddy Miller said: “Harnessing the power of robotics and AI is not just about technological advancement; it’s about creating a sustainable and safer environment for future generations. This event highlighted the incredible potential of these technologies and the important role Cumbria plays in this transformative journey.” During a panel session hosted by Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of the UKAEA, in which keynote speakers were asked their views on risk, Ian Chapman highlighted that, while safety of operations was paramount, it was also important to consider the risk of industry and businesses failing to adopt technologies which help them achieve some tasks safer, faster and more cost effectively. He said: “I also consider aggregate risk in conversations like this. The biggest risk for the nuclear sector is that it will cease to exist. Just go back to the Industrial Revolution, or the internet, those (businesses) who decided not to engage, those companies do not exist.” Engaging with supply chain companies was also highlighted as vital for industries to fully embrace robotics and AI. The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) announced the launch of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster at the event. This cluster brings together organisations with a shared vision to elevate Cumbria as a globally recognised centre of excellence in the field of robotics engineering. RAICo is a founding member of the cluster which is set to play a crucial role in developing advanced robotics technologies and skills that address industrial challenges, particularly in the nuclear industry and other challenging environments. Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Director of RAICo, said: “This cluster represents a significant opportunity for synergy and innovation amongst Cumbria’s robotics experts and industries. Through this collaborative effort, we are set to map out and expand the capabilities of robotics in the region, driving forward our joint goals of technological advancement and capacity building.” Kirsty added: “The supply chain is absolutely crucial to RAICo’s success and that broader success across both Sellafield, the wider NDA estate but also the UK Atomic Energy Authority. “They (the supply chain) absolutely possess those unique skill sets, technologies that they have developed over many years which we should be tapping into and harnessing and working collaboratively with them. “It was great to see a number of those large and small companies come to the event and join in the discussions taking place across the room.” Organised by FIS360 on behalf of RAICo and its partners, the event also highlighted the social impact of robotics and AI in Cumbria and beyond. Adopting robotics and AI provides opportunities to upskill workforces, create new higher skilled jobs, and offer exciting careers for young people and graduates. Eleven students aged 16 to 18 from West Lakes Academy and the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) who took part in a four-week sprint programme set by RAICo and iSH, to develop a small robot that could move a mock nuclear barrel around a track, shared their learnings and experiences at the event. Mr Richard Christensen, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at RAICo, said: “What has been achieved by these talented students in such a short time is incredibly impressive, and watching them speak so confidently (at the event) about their findings was fantastic. “At RAICo, we want to champion the next generation of innovators within the robotics and AI industry, providing students and young professionals with opportunities to help them get a foot in the door for a rewarding career.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
