Chris Rekowski, Sales Negotiator at the Keyline Swindon branch, has qualified as an HGV driver thanks to the company’s ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ programme. Having joined Keyline in September 2017, Chris has received his HGV licence and now, in addition to his current role, he will be acting as a backup
London is one of the busiest cities in the world. With a population of almost 9 million and an annual tourist influx of almost 32 million, it’s safe to say that the Big Smoke’s airports, which include Heathrow, Luton, Stansted and Gatwick, are a never ending hive of activity. And
Volumetric offsite methods offer complete solutions to housing, hospitals, student accommodation, office buildings and schools. Amongst other advantages, volumetric offsite construction brings to the factory all critical activities linked to the structure, mechanical and electrical work as well as to the exterior and interior finishes, including special equipment. A Volumetric
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The
The Kilwaughter Lime Quality Department attended the Larne Business Awards at a gala dinner in Ballygally Castle Hotel on Thursday night. The annual event celebrated a range of outstanding business initiatives and top achievers throughout the local business community. Kilwaughter Lime was shortlisted for an environmental accolade because of its
Chris Rekowski, Sales Negotiator at the Keyline Swindon branch, has qualified as an HGV driver thanks to the company’s ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ programme. Having joined Keyline in September 2017, Chris has received his HGV licence and now, in addition to his current role, he will be acting as a backup driver. The programme is open to all Keyline branch staff and takes four to six months to complete. Those on the course receive introductory training on the roles and responsibilities of drivers, as well as a tailored programme of driving tuition before taking their practical test. At the end, a category C licence is received meaning the driver can take charge of vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes. Warehouse to Wheels allows Keyline to utilise existing loyal members of staff, instead of relying on agency drivers, and Chris was recently presented with his licence by Jason Southern, Keyline Swindon Branch Manager and Paul Tkocz, Assistant Branch manager. Jason commented: “The Warehouse to Wheels programme highlights Keyline’s commitment to staff development and ensures we have quality drivers who exceed our customers’ expectations. Since joining Keyline, Chris has become an invaluable member of the branch team and has shown great dedication in ensuring our customers receive the best service possible. Congratulations to him for gaining his HGV licence.”
London is one of the busiest cities in the world. With a population of almost 9 million and an annual tourist influx of almost 32 million, it’s safe to say that the Big Smoke’s airports, which include Heathrow, Luton, Stansted and Gatwick, are a never ending hive of activity. And these record numbers show no signs of slowing down. In fact, they’re increasing. A swelling population as well as sharp increases in tourism mean that London will struggle to meet the transport demands in regards to the number of people it can fly in and out of the city. While this is great news for the economy, it’s put a massive strain on the airports, runways and airlines that struggle to keep up with the constant demand placed on their services. To solve the issue two solutions were proposed: the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, or a complete expansion at Gatwick. And while the contract was ultimately awarded to Heathrow, is this really the right choice? Gatwick – the argument Ferrying over 44 million passengers per year, Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport behind Heathrow. It lies 40 kilometres from the centre of London, making it ideal for commuting quickly while still being far enough away to avoid excessive air pollution within city limits. In addition to commercial flights, there are also a fair number of charter flights from Gatwick, particularly with the rising popularity of specialised booking services. The argument for expanding the terminal is that by doing so, due to the merit of its location, London would be spared excessive noise pollution and help to ease some of the pressures that currently weigh on Heathrow. They argue that by building an extra runway at Heathrow instead, an estimated 130,000 planes will be flown over London, resulting in a massive amount of noise pollution. Heathrow – the right move? The plan to build a third runway at Heathrow is estimated to cost just shy of £18 billion and expected to be operational by 2026. Although this seems like a lot of money, it’s been proposed as the most cost effective option for accommodating the large number of expected incoming passengers in the future. It’s a small price to pay for what will supposedly bring economic benefits of up to £61 billion. However, the plan to build at Heathrow has come under harsh criticism especially where air pollution is concerned. The primary concern is that the quality of air around Heathrow is below the EU’s current health standards and will only continue to get worse if a third runway is constructed. Heathrow maintains that it has taken steps to mitigate the pollution and that its third runway will be within the parameters that the EU has set. The government has also promised to adhere to strict noise targets by encouraging the use of quieter planes as well as stricter adherence to a flight timetable to allow residents to enjoy noise breaks. Nevertheless, the public will have to wait until the runway is completely operational to determine, once and for all, if choosing to build at Heathrow was indeed the smart choice.
Volumetric offsite methods offer complete solutions to housing, hospitals, student accommodation, office buildings and schools. Amongst other advantages, volumetric offsite construction brings to the factory all critical activities linked to the structure, mechanical and electrical work as well as to the exterior and interior finishes, including special equipment. A Volumetric approach ensures better quality control, but also limits the work to be carried on site to groundwork and foundations, connection to services, and minor finish work. As a result of this, volumetric offsite methods have the potential to help achieve a waste reduction of up to 90% on site compared to traditional construction. By bringing most trades within a controlled factory environment it has been proven that the generation of waste can be limited to less than 1.8% of the total weight of materials processed, and that appropriate recycling measures can limit the waste sent to landfill to less than 0.6%. Volumetric modular manufacturing is based on a lean design and procurement process that optimises the use of materials and ensures better management of resources. Utilising flexible modular construction systems, projects can be undertaken on designated sites that are unsuitable for conventional building developments. Offsite construction enables much of the work to be completed prior to delivery, controlling costs and minimising disruption on site. As a sustainable form of construction, modular buildings offer a unique approach to recycling. By reconfiguring used buildings they are able to breathe new life into existing structures, preserving the embodied energy from the original manufacturing phase and significantly reducing the use of materials. Modules are designed to be dismantled, relocated or recycled at any stage during their lifespan; this approach is integral to the build process, removing the requirement for demolition and in turn minimising the need for disposal in landfill sites. Prefabrication techniques produce a low-energy approach coupled with fast-track construction processes, both equating to minimised carbon emissions. Oliver Lowrie, Director for Ackroyd Lowrie is an architect and co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie. He will be discussing ‘Optimising design for Volumetric production’ at Explore Offsite Outlooks. Oliver will be joined at Explore Offsite Outlooks by an outstanding speaker line-up that includes: Andrew Orriss, Sales Director – SIG360; Ben Lever, Future Skills Manager – CITB; John Eynon, Engagement Lead – BIM Alliance; Alan Clucas, Director – Explore Manufacturing – Laing O’Rourke… and more. For the full list of speakers go to: http://www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/2018-events/explore-offsite-outlooks/conference-speakers/ This one-day conference and exhibition will create a platform for clients and their professional advisers, contractors and project managers and offsite technology suppliers to network with industry experts to discuss the latest developments in digital construction for the offsite sector. The Explore Offsite Outlooks conference and supporting exhibition is taking place on 28 February 2018. Tickets cost just £125 + vat and includes entry into the conference and exhibition, lunch and refreshments. There will also be an optional guided tour of the BRE Innovation Park. To find out more or to secure your place at Explore Offsite Outlooks go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The material is a thin layer of pure carbon that has a number of potential uses because it is light, tough, strong and a good conductor. MP’s on the Science and Technology Select Committee have recently questioned the progress being made into the commercialisation of graphene, after £120 million of public funding was invested into its research over the last five years. However, soon after the comments were made, Redcar-based Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) secured its first production order and commercial application of its “graphene nanoplatelets”. The deal with Century Composites will see the firm supply the graphene to strengthen a number of high performance fishing rods. Chief executive of Applied Graphene Materials, John Mabbitt, said the next supply deal was likely to be next year for a paint with improved resistance corrosion. The company’s graphene has been proven to significantly improve resistance moisture penetration. Mabbitt commented: “Graphene is not going to sell itself itself. You have to demonstrate to people what it can do in certain circumstances. We are providing a materials solution that improves properties or cost, competing against other materials. “There are between 25 to 40 companies around globally supplying graphene. They are a similar size and at a similar stage to us.” AGM’s patented process for producing graphene differs from most methods, which rely on splitting layers of graphite using chemical, mechanical techniques or putting energy into it. Instead, AGM’s process involves catalytically cracking alcohol and then reassembling the carbon atoms into the benzene rings which form the basis of the graphene.
The Kilwaughter Lime Quality Department attended the Larne Business Awards at a gala dinner in Ballygally Castle Hotel on Thursday night. The annual event celebrated a range of outstanding business initiatives and top achievers throughout the local business community. Kilwaughter Lime was shortlisted for an environmental accolade because of its ongoing sustainability schemes and was delighted to win the Best Environmental Business of 2016. The company takes pride in caring for local environment, and environmental considerations are an integral part of business practice. The company site is situated on the edge of the Antrim Plateau; this is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty; so the effect of our operations on biodiversity and the surroundings countryside has always been a major consideration for the company. Nearly 10 years ago a 50 acre area of land was set aside to reestablish an area of pristine native woodland and grassland, since then over 20,000 trees have been planted including Ash, Oak, Beech, Birch,Rowan and Alder. Kilwaughter Lime, in conjunction with the RSPB has installed a variety of nest boxes for thrushes, robins and tits. There is also a motion detection camera in place to determine if red squirrels are repopulating the area. Several tonnes of boulders have been placed strategically to provide habitat for smaller mammals and insects to colonise. The area is carefully managed to provide a natural habitat without letting it become overgrown, routine surveys are completed to monitor the variety of species of flora and fauna and to help develop the full potential of the woodland.