Severe labour and skills shortages in the construction industry could seriously affect the delivery of the UK’s national infrastructure pipeline, according to a new report published today by leading consultant, Currie & Brown. The UK Construction market outlook report – which tracks construction activity from the start of 2023 to
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to announce trainee engineer Christy Dickson has picked up the coveted CECA Scotland’s Most Promising Apprentice 2023 award. Developing the engineering stars of tomorrow is part of the ethos at McLaughlin & Harvey, with the company committed to ensuring 5% of the workforce is made
The Retrofit Academy has announced that it has successfully enrolled over 5,000 learners to its range of retrofit training courses. Trained as retrofit advisors, assessors and coordinators, the newly qualified experts will help accomplish the Government’s target of reaching net zero in 2050 by leading the sustainable upgrade of
Keepmoat and His Majesty’s Prison Service are tackling reoffending crime rates across Yorkshire with a new bricklaying academy, designed to enable prisoners to unlock employment opportunities on their release. One of the first of its kind in Britain, the academy at HMP Moorland near Doncaster will train, re-equip and provide
Leading manufacturer of life safety products Hochiki Europe, have today demonstrated their commitment to training for life for fire engineers and apprentices with a sizeable donation of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s new training facility in Derby. Banham Academy are the leading specialist training provider in England delivering the
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, yesterday released its 2023 Impact Report. The report surveyed over one thousand of its members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply
New City College is proud to announce the launch of FE’s first low carbon technology lab which will provide green skills training for London’s workforce. The lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, was launched at a special breakfast presentation on Thursday 4 May, attended by industry experts and business leaders who
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art
Severe labour and skills shortages in the construction industry could seriously affect the delivery of the UK’s national infrastructure pipeline, according to a new report published today by leading consultant, Currie & Brown. The UK Construction market outlook report – which tracks construction activity from the start of 2023 to date – indicates that 225,000 extra construction workers will be needed by 2027 to meet demand. This shortfall is likely to have severe repercussions for infrastructure projects across key sectors. Skills shortage pushes up costs Skills shortages have overtaken material costs as the primary challenge facing the construction sector. But while headline inflation is easing, an acute construction skills shortage is predicted to drive an 8.3% increase in labour costs over 2023. This could extend lead times by up to 50%, forcing contractors to re-scope projects. The report also highlights that the combination of labour-driven and material cost increases could add £900 million to the cost of the UK’s infrastructure pipeline in 2023. This is equivalent to the cost of a major new hospital. Timing is a key factor Typically, major infrastructure projects are talent intensive, which means that demand will quickly outstrip supply. The report identifies that this situation will be exacerbated over the medium term as construction activity intensifies with new projects set to come online between 2025 and 2030. To help address the issue, the report advises project teams to engage early with their contractors to ring-fence skilled labour and expand their pool of supply partners. It also suggests that part of the solution to the problem could be delivered through the use of advanced technologies, such as AI, which will provide benefits through design, cost and risk management, safety and off-site construction innovations. Nick Gray, Chief Operating Officer UK and Europe at Currie & Brown, said: “The national infrastructure pipeline is crucial to both the economic health of the UK, and improving the entire population’s quality of living through increased access to key services. Therefore, the predicted skills shortage revealed in this report should be seen as a wake-up call for the construction industry. Avoiding a cliff-edge that threatens the delivery of key projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme, works at the Port of Liverpool, and the National Hospitals Programme will demand a collaborative effort on training from players across the industry. It will also need robust project management and continuous, close control of cost and risk.”
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to announce trainee engineer Christy Dickson has picked up the coveted CECA Scotland’s Most Promising Apprentice 2023 award. Developing the engineering stars of tomorrow is part of the ethos at McLaughlin & Harvey, with the company committed to ensuring 5% of the workforce is made up of apprentices, students and graduates on formalised training schemes. Christy Dickson is clearly making his mark in that 5% having joined McLaughlin & Harvey in 2019. Initially gaining experience with the team at the Bushmills Distillery Offsite Maturation Facility site followed by a brief spell with the estimating department, he then joined the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme which has been a focal point of his work since September 2020. Despite balancing working away from home on challenging projects and the impacts of Covid, Christy sailed through his Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Foundation course and moved straight onto the HLA in Civil Engineering. He is currently in his second year and attends university every Thursday during term time. Always willing to help encourage more people into the industry, Christy has frequently put himself forward to take on the additional responsibilities of mentoring and supervising young people or work-returners brought on-site for work experience, site visits or work placements. In 2022, Christy helped guide eight S3 girl pupils from Hawick High School on-site as part of the CECA Scotland endorsed What-IF programme. Upon completion, the S3 girls were keen to explore opportunities in construction, with each offering compliments to and of Christy. Robin Erskine, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “I have had the opportunity to work with Christy at the Hawick FPS for the past two and a half years and I’m very proud of how he has developed into a very competent young engineer. From day one, he has shown a real willingness and eagerness to learn and advance his knowledge in civil engineering. His attitude, dedication and work ethic are exemplary. He works every other weekend on-site in Hawick due to his mid-week college day commitments back in Belfast. He has an excellent relationship with his peers, colleagues, subcontractors and client team, and I am delighted that he has picked up CECA Scotland’s Most Promising Apprentice award – thoroughly deserved.” Commenting on his award win, Christy Dickson said: “I am very honoured to have won this year’s CECA Scotland award for Most Promising Apprentice. I cannot thank Seamus Devlin and the team at McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd enough for all the training, support and opportunities they have given me. As well as my family and friends who have helped guide me throughout these early stages in my career as a Civil Engineer.” Christy received the award at the annual CECA Awards Dinner, held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow at the end of March. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Retrofit Academy has announced that it has successfully enrolled over 5,000 learners to its range of retrofit training courses. Trained as retrofit advisors, assessors and coordinators, the newly qualified experts will help accomplish the Government’s target of reaching net zero in 2050 by leading the sustainable upgrade of 27 million homes. The qualified retrofitters have the opportunity to work with or for local authorities, housing associations and their contractors to specify and install additional measures in homes that were not originally included in the building’s design. Using Government funding such as the Social Housing Development Fund (SDHF) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), institutions have clear access to the financial support needed to make the necessary changes to drive sustainability forward. Founded in 2016, The Retrofit Academy is the driving force in skills and knowledge to lead the way in the high-quality decarbonisation of homes at scale by acting as a workforce development partner. This includes collaborating with social housing landlords, local authorities and building contractors tasked with meeting the Government’s net zero targets. The business offers workforce solutions, resources and training designed to aid the development and recruitment of skilled retrofit personnel, to meet the UK’s growing need. To achieve net zero by 2050, 400,000 qualified retrofitters are needed to carry out large-scale high-quality retrofitting of homes, with The Retrofit Academy aiming to train half of these by 2030. Both new entrants to industry and those currently working in the built environment can fully understand how to conduct large-scale high-quality retrofit. As demand for competent retrofitters grows at speed, this major milestone represents the impact The Retrofit Academy is making to increase capacity and develop the large workforce required to deliver on goals. David Pierpoint, Chief Executive at The Retrofit Academy explained: “Decarbonising millions of existing homes is vital if we are to fulfil the Government’s aim of achieving net zero by 2050. To ensure this goal is reached, we need to collaborate and work together to have enough qualified personnel to carry out retrofit at scale. “While we’re pleased to have passed the milestone of enrolling 5,000 professionals to be trained as skilled and qualified retrofitters, work is well underway to ensure we reach our goal of 200,000 by the end of the decade. By continuing as the driving force in retrofit knowledge and skills, we can help to achieve net zero.” For more information about The Retrofit Academy and their educational courses, please visit: https://retrofitacademy.org/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keepmoat and His Majesty’s Prison Service are tackling reoffending crime rates across Yorkshire with a new bricklaying academy, designed to enable prisoners to unlock employment opportunities on their release. One of the first of its kind in Britain, the academy at HMP Moorland near Doncaster will train, re-equip and provide skills to prisoners due to be released within the next six to 12 months. The two organisations have worked in partnership with the National House Building Council, (NHBC), to deliver bespoke training that enables those preparing to integrate back into society with up-to-date skills and experience in bricklaying. According to a recent analysis from the Ministry of Justice, those leaving prison were significantly less likely to reoffend when engaging with a full time job, compared to those who did not. More than 300 prisoners are due to be released in Yorkshire over the next six months. The bricklaying academy will not only develop their skills in construction; teaching them how to use tools and equipment, mix cement and build various types of walls, but also give prisoners the confidence and belief that they can secure a job once released. The academy will also help to address the construction skills shortage. The industry needs almost 30,000 extra construction workers by 2026 to meet growing demand in the industry – a daunting challenge after the construction workforce dropped by five per cent in 2021. Tim Beale, Chief Executive at Keepmoat, said: “Of the hundreds of prisoners due to be released in the coming six months, a good number of them have previous experience working in trades. This presented an opportunity to help develop a programme to support those who wish to create a future career for themselves and ultimately, have a second chance at life. “This academy also forms part of our ongoing commitment to providing opportunities to people across the country, including in traditionally ‘left-behind’ communities. At Keepmoat, we are passionate about equipping the future workforce with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to build high-quality, affordable homes, as well as to help boost Britain’s regional and national productivity.” Paul Cole, Head of Reducing Reoffending at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, added: “At HMP Moorland we prioritise the development of prisoners to enable them to gain meaningful employment opportunities upon their release. We’re proud to provide them with relevant skills and training, with an aim to help them find work and live law-abiding lives.” Geoff Mann, Qualifications Manager at NHBC, also commented: “The training will provide an achievable and realistic pathway into a rewarding and well-paid career in the house building industry and we’re delighted to see these prisoners and others from diverse backgrounds taking up this opportunity. “It’s vital we attract more people into house building to help address skills shortages and the challenge of an ageing workforce. It’s hoped the academy will help to support the next generation of house builders, equipping them with the skills to build high quality new homes for the future.” To find out more about Keepmoat and its work in local communities across the UK, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading manufacturer of life safety products Hochiki Europe, have today demonstrated their commitment to training for life for fire engineers and apprentices with a sizeable donation of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s new training facility in Derby. Banham Academy are the leading specialist training provider in England delivering the Level 3 Fire Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) apprenticeship to apprentices across the country. Graduates leave the Academy with vital skills and accreditations, enabling them to embark on fruitful careers within the fire and security industries. Apprentices are released from their employer to train at Banham Academy’s educational training centre for 15 weeks, over a three-year period, undertaking a combination of coursework and practical training. Successful completion of the course sees an apprentice awarded with qualifications and invaluable credentials for their careers ahead. Furthermore, as Banham is the first IET-approved centre, employers gain a competitive edge as graduates are officially recognised and accredited by the IET as engineering technicians. Hochiki Europe have donated a range of life safety devices to Banham Academy’s newly opened Derby training centre including addressable panels, smoke and heat detectors, sounder bases and beacons, relay units, call points and remote indicators. Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director, Banham Academy, explained “We are grateful to Hochiki Europe for their donation of life saving equipment to our second training site in Derby. Banham Academy are reliant on donations from manufacturers within our industry to allow our apprentices to continue their training on industry-leading products that are trusted and are of the highest quality. Competency of installing, commissioning, and maintaining leading security and fire systems is an important part of the learning that we provide at the Academy. This vital hands-on learning allows our graduates to leave being proficient in handling lifesaving products and systems with the utmost of knowledge and care.” The Derby facility is Banham’s second Academy, allowing them to deliver their apprenticeships to even more young people across the UK from both their London and Derby sites. Not only is the training centre bigger, but crucially the location will make it more accessible for students based in the North. Nathan Hudson, Sales and Marketing Director at Hochiki Europe said “We were delighted to help Banham Academy because we know how important it is to encourage and support career development as well as helping the next generation of life safety engineers across the country. Compliance is crucial in our world, we design and manufacture products which are trusted to not only save lives and property, but also reduce false alarms, but this is only possible when the installation is compliant. Our aim with this donation is to enable Banham Academy to deliver hands on, compliant training using the latest life safety technology”. To date Banham Academy Derby has 125 students currently enrolled, but by the end of the year they are expecting that number to rise to 200. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley and Alfreton and has been hit hard by the lack of quality labourers available to work on its sites – which is why MD Steve Midgley has welcomed the Government’s announcement to add construction roles to its ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. Steve said: “The labour shortage has snowballed due to a combination of factors, from the challenges with workforces in a post-Brexit state, to the pandemic causing work to grind to a halt, as well as other circumstances such as the Ukraine war and cost-of-living crisis adding to tough financial situations for many employers and, critically, workers. As a result, skilled workers have been harder to come by, and home-building targets have been negatively impacted.” The recent announcement, made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt MP in the Spring Budget, saw many roles within the construction industry added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. This was the result of an interim report, published by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), with a full report due in June 2023. Positions to be added to the list include bricklayers and masons, roofers, roof tilers and slaters, carpenters and joiners, plasterers and dryliners. Steve added: “The impact of these roles being added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list is that they are now deemed to be in short supply and are subject to relaxed eligibility criteria for sponsored work visa applications. “This effectively unlocks the potential for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. “And while the addition of key construction roles to ‘Shortage Occupation’ list won’t directly impact us at Fairgrove immediately, we will feel the benefits of it indirectly.” Businesses such as homebuilders who wish to benefit from the scheme will need to take up the Government’s offer of a sponsorship licence which will allow them to bring in migrant workers to help ease shortages. Steve said that in time, Fairgrove may consider taking a licence but wanted to review the impact of the initiative for larger homebuilders first. He added: “It is great to see the construction industry being supported in this way, as we have needed the help of the Government over the last few years, due to all kinds of factors that have caused disruption to work and the missing of house-building targets all over the country. “We’re currently building new homes across the Midlands, at Swanwick Fields in Derbyshire, as well as the Nine Corners and Brewery Yard developments in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. As a result, we need a diverse, skilled workforce, that can help us continue to build our properties with the high-quality finish we aim to achieve. “We are optimistic that this intervention will bring about positive change and allow the construction industry to move forward, after what has been a very difficult few years.” To learn more about Fairgrove’s developments, please visit: https://www.fairgrove.co.uk
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, and ISO 45001:2018 – an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Obtaining these recertifications involved significant effort from the Fortis Vision team and included a – a site audit, a remote audit and three days at the office and warehouse. The team worked collaboratively to ensure management systems conformed to the requirements of the audit standard, providing procedure and policy documentations, as well as statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Organisation was also key to the effective implementation of the planned management system and making sure the system was meeting its specified objectives. The recertifications are every three years and verify the quality of work as well as the financial, administrative, operational and health and safety practices carried out by the company. David Borthwick, managing director at Fortis Vision, said: “This a huge achievement for Fortis Vision and our three ISO Certifications place us in a very select group of companies that prioritise best practice. “Quality and assurance have always played a vital part in the delivery of our work, which is all about continual improvement and driving innovation. Not only do these awards showcase the hard work of our team and our quality and sound practices, but they can inspire confidence in our existing and new clients as we continue to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, yesterday released its 2023 Impact Report. The report surveyed over one thousand of its members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply chain, plus offered insights into how the School has continued to positively impact organisations and supply chains, through its free practical learning and support. The past few years have been challenging for the built environment industry; the pandemic made for a very unsure time, closely followed by the global economic downturn putting pressures on the industry with material shortages and steep rises in costs. However, sustainability remains firmly at the top of the agenda worldwide, meaning more opportunities for the School to continue to grow and widen its impact. Reflecting this, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s engagement figures are up significantly, with 24,160 (+44%) individuals from 5,503 companies (+30%) actively learning through the School. This has driven a 35% increase in resource views compared to the previous year. At the same time, quality ratings for the training received by the members remain very high, with 95% rating the training as good or excellent. Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “It’s been another brilliant year for the School and we are thrilled to have over 24,000 individuals training through our learning platform. However, we recognise that there is still a way to go to achieve our vision of an industry where everyone will have the skills and knowledge to deliver a sustainable future. To achieve mass impact, technology will be a key focus moving forward. It is our hope that this additional technological investment and expertise will not only support the School’s growth, but ensure it is armed for arising opportunities so we can continue to provide membership with accessible and credible learning.” Organisations are becoming increasingly interested in understanding sustainability and embedding more sustainable practices. Many members have identified the School as a powerful tool to help them do this. Almost three-quarters of members (73%) reported that the School has helped them to better understand their organisation’s sustainability impacts. The School has also helped 65% of members improve their understanding of modern slavery, and 54% to increase their understanding of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect. Members also shared how the School has helped them to improve their sustainability impacts. This includes reductions in carbon emissions (52% of members) and total waste (50%), as well as increased community engagement (57%) and apprentice numbers (50%). Julia Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at Willmott Dixon, commented: “The School continues to drive massive change for the industry by providing free virtual learning across a huge range of subjects. This year once again, it’s proven that through collaboration the industry can thrive. To increase our sustainability impacts further, we would love more members to register and learn through School, and more Partners to work with us to identify key issues and share new ideas.” The School is part-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with over 190 Partners leading the direction of the School. Working in collaboration, Partners share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change. Last year, the School was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in recognition of the significant environmental, social and economic benefits it has delivered to its Members and Partners. Sign up as a FREE member this Spring to benefit from over 400 training sessions, tailored assessments with action plans and a library of over 3,300 online resources. https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/ The full Impact Report can be found on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New City College is proud to announce the launch of FE’s first low carbon technology lab which will provide green skills training for London’s workforce. The lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, was launched at a special breakfast presentation on Thursday 4 May, attended by industry experts and business leaders who had the chance to tour the new facilities and hear about the benefits they will provide in the challenge for a new way of working to meet cleaner energy and net zero targets. The launch followed the creation of the Central London Forward Partnership, led by New City College, which comprises nine colleges across Central London. The partnership successfully secured a £2.7million bid from the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to deliver high quality technical education in the low carbon energy industry. The lab has been developed at New City College Hackney and will be invaluable to employers who need to retrain employees in green skills and low carbon technologies. Courses and training for the next generation of installers include Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Air Source Heat Pumps, Electric Storage, Electric Vehicle Charging, Retrofit, and Energy Efficiency. Gerry McDonald, CEO and Group Principal of New City College said at the launch: “This new and innovative training facility represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability and makes us the sector leading college for the low carbon energy agenda. We have invested in it and have delivered, making us well placed to be pioneers in this essential work.” To the attendees, Gerry added: “You are the people who are going to make this happen. And you need a college to work hand-in-hand with industry and other partners, to make sure that London and the UK has the right people and skills to make the necessary changes to reach net zero.” Guest speaker Catherine Barber, Director of Environment and Energy for the GLA, congratulated New City College on the lab launch and said: “The Mayor wants London to be net zero by 2030, so this agenda on climate change, on clean technology and providing the skills that London needs to meet this ambitious target, is so vital. “There are currently about 4,000 people working in retrofit in London, but that figure needs to be closer to 60,000 people, so there is an enormous demand for skilled workers and the training you are offering.” As well as tours of the facilities, guests also saw Gerry McDonald unveil a commemorative plaque and present awards to two Low Carbon Skills Champions, industry experts Dan White from MCS and Hazel Mealy from Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark Councils, who had been instrumental in helping to set up the lab. In accepting the award, Dan said: “There is an immediacy about where we are in renewables. They are not our future, they are our now. One of the greatest challenges is persuading employees out of their old ways and into the new. Older people need to retrain in the middle of their carers – and this is the first challenge we are facing. “Right now the market is going crazy, searching for skilled staff. We need to lift the standard of training, of qualifications and of competence in low carbon technologies – that’s what the customer deserves. And this lab is where it will all start.” Jamie Stevenson, NCC Group Executive Director for Apprenticeships & Business Development, who leads the SDF project for Central London, thanked key partner Quantum Group. He said: “I am delighted this project has culminated in FE’s first low carbon lab, which is an excellent resource for Londoners and industry. We can now deliver tailored, hands-on and bespoke training to existing employees and the future workforce to help London work towards net zero. “The SDF funding has enabled us to invest in facilities, resources and our staff, to deliver the green skills required for today and for future proofing our tomorrow. “We’re excited about the impact our project is having on the local community. We will continue to develop our offering and invest in the next generation of low carbon energy professionals.” Guests at the launch were treated to a fantastic breakfast prepared by NCC Hospitality and Catering students who train in Hackney’s OKN1 restaurant. For more information, visit Central London Forward Green Skills Partnership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art refuelling infrastructure and cutting-edge energy systems for heavy industry. As part of Heriot-Watt University’s pioneering strategy to engage with business and become leaders in sustainability, it is reshaping its Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh to house innovative companies and clusters, including Logan Energy and PlusZero. The Scottish Government recently published a draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan setting out its plans to kickstart the production of low carbon hydrogen and carbon capture and storage as part of its ambition to decrease industrial emissions by 43% by 2032. It’s estimated that Scotland’s energy-intensive industry, which relies on polluting fossil fuels, is responsible for up to 15% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Working hand-in-hand with business is at the very heart of what we do at Heriot-Watt University. Hydrogen Works is an excellent example of how co-location on our campuses can drive engagement and accelerate growth in businesses through access to innovation, talent and entrepreneurial minds. “We look forward to working in partnership with Logan Energy and PlusZero and building a strong business cluster in Scotland around the future opportunities hydrogen brings to our economy.” Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said: “Scotland has vast natural resources with which we can become world leaders in renewable hydrogen production and export, and the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan reaffirms our clear commitment to helping our hydrogen sector grow and prosper. “We must work collaboratively and innovatively in order to realise the huge potential of hydrogen and partnership is important to accelerate the development of the technology.” Edinburgh-based Logan Energy has more than twenty-six years’ experience in delivering projects and solutions in the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. It specialises in integrated engineering solutions incorporating hydrogen technologies, including production, refuelling, storage, distribution, and fuel cells. Bill Ireland, CEO of Logan Energy, said: “With demand for net zero technologies greater than ever, this collaboration demonstrates the innovative ways academia, industry and enterprise can work cheek-by-jowl to meet our collective energy-solution needs. “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University and PlusZero comes at a pivotal moment for hydrogen as part of Scotland and the UK’s energy mix. The further development and roll-out of standardised, proven hydrogen technologies will only accelerate the transition from environmentally damaging fossil fuels and encourage the wider adoption of renewable energy sources across industry and society. “Together, as part of Hydrogen Works, we look forward to helping deliver the hydrogen technologies critical to Britain and the world’s net zero objectives.” Launched in 2021, PlusZero Power creates portable, zero-carbon generators that are powered by green hydrogen from renewable electricity generated on the Scottish islands, with the aim of replacing greenhouse gas-emitting diesel generators. David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero, said: “PlusZero Power’s unique offer is to deliver portable clean power wherever it is needed. In the two years since we launched, our innovative green hydrogen generator has already removed tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere at several festival and live music events. “It’s abundantly clear that there is huge potential to bring this ready-to-go green hydrogen solution to other sectors including outdoor filming, construction, and industry, as well as outdoor events. “I’m delighted that PlusZero Power will be headquartered within the Hydrogen Works building at Heriot-Watt University in order to build a generator fleet that can realise this potential. Working with our partners at Logan Energy and Heriot-Watt University, PlusZero is making hydrogen happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
