Products & Materials : Building Hardware News
Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds

Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds

Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental

Read More »
Wood Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced

Wood Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced

Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost

Read More »
BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber has received international recognition for its commitment to health and safety after scooping a gold award at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK

Read More »
Timber imports bounce back in May

Timber imports bounce back in May

May was the best month for timber imports in 2023, with volume growth seen across all major product categories, says TDUK. May import volumes of softwood, hardwood, plywood, particleboard, and engineered wood products were higher than in any of the preceding months of 2023. Softwood imports have proved particularly buoyant,

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Products & Materials : Building Hardware News

Glass from Victorian office renovation arrives in Leeds ready for sustainable transformation

Glass from Victorian office renovation arrives in Leeds ready for sustainable transformation

More than three tonnes of glass from a London building that dates back to the 1800s, has this week arrived in Leeds at the headquarters of the UK’s leading manufacturer of sustainable glass surfaces. Diamik Glass has teamed up with contractors Ambit Moat to provide sustainable surfaces for the renovation of the building in Farringdon Road known as ‘The Waterman’ to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the project. The BGO owned building has been designed by Fathom Architects and will see the office units, spanning 70,000 square feet, redeveloped into a modern space that reduces the carbon footprint of the building and has an extensive sustainability commitment. The glass, removed from 360 windows which were no longer fit for purpose, has been shipped to Leeds and are set to be replaced with double glazed units to reduce unnecessary heat loss, paying back the embodied carbon from replacing the units within six years. Instead of condemning the waste glass to landfill, the project will ensure that the material fulfills a new purpose by being transformed into ecorok™ – a product by Diamik Glass that repurposes waste glass to create modern, luxury surfaces. The surfaces created from the glass will then be installed in the tea points and worktop spaces on Level 4 of the building. Michael Pickup, Managing Director at Diamik Glass explains: “We’re thrilled to receive the glass from The Waterman’s previous windows. This is a great opportunity for us to manufacture a unique product that gives back to the original building in a very exciting renovation project. We’re passionate about working with partners to find bespoke solutions to avoid sending any glass to landfill.  “At Diamik Glass we know how important sustainability credentials are to businesses working with older building stock, and we’re delighted to be chosen by Ambit as a delivery partner. Once recycled, crushed and produced into hard wearing surfaces made to measure, each square meter of the ecorok™ surfaces will consist of 85 percent window glass.” Matt Robinson, Sustainability Manager at Ambit Moat added: “Maintaining heritage materials within the building was something that both the developer, BGO, and Ambit were keen to achieve. We knew the windows could never be kept as is, due to their poor insulating performance, the next best thing was to see where we can introduce the material back into the building, reducing waste, and furthering the materials lifecycle.  “Ambit is always looking for innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint and introduce a circular approach to our fit outs. Working with Diamik on a project like this is a great example of some of the interesting forms materials can take on after their intended life.”  To find out more about Diamik Glass, please visit: www.diamik.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
James Jones & Sons provides dual certification for all timber products

James Jones & Sons provides dual certification for all timber products

James Jones & Sons has announced that from October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Graham Blyth, Sales Director at James Jones & Sons, said “The dual certification offers our customers a greater choice when buying sustainable timber. The Soil Association, as our certification body, fully approved our ability to offer all our timber and co-products as dual FSC and PEFC certified. Our customers can continue to sell their timber as FSC certified but will now also have the choice to stock and sell as PEFC certified should their customers require this”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds

Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds

Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental benefits of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero. 70-22′ Systems was established in 2022 by three business partners whose experience encapsulates architecture, education and manufacturing amongst other skills, and who decided to develop their own highly-insulated, modular timber building system.  Growing organically by providing bespoke packages to clients of parent business, Fraser Architecture, 70-22′ has already delivered properties on the Outer Hebrides[FA1]; and has more than  half a dozen schemes of different sizes in the pipeline for the coming year. The trademarked system has been designed specifically to avoid the need for craneage, due to the inaccessibility of many sites, while the cellular component modules take the form of wall blocks, lintels and beams to span larger openings.  The SterlingOSB Zero is CNC machined and assembled in the workshop before being filled with Warmcel recycled paper insulation.   Significantly, the 70-22′ Systems design personnel were determined from the outset to utilise the West Fraser board because of its formaldehyde free formulation and the fact the material is manufactured in the North of Scotland, using mainly locally sourced softwood from well managed forests. 70-22′ Systems’ co-founder and Commercial Director, Alex Durie, commented: “We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to construct our ecological building components, that are prefabricated in our workshop utilising CNC technology to achieve 0.1mm tolerances for each beam and block.  It is the ideal material to use as the shell for our components, which are then filled with recycled insulation to achieve a building system that can achieve market leading thermal performance, with a U-value of 0.1 W/m²k, and excellent air-tightness, while maintaining a breathable floor, wall and roof construction. The added bonus of being formaldehyde-free, OSB enables us to build ecologically, utilising timber grown and processed in Scotland as we aim to limit the travel miles in each of our builds. The OSB produced by West Fraser has performed very well in our structural testing, with our system proving to be 1.6 times stronger than a traditional timber frame – and as our system arrives on site as a component that is pre-fabricated, pre-insulated and designed for manual handling, it is much quicker to assemble.” Not only do all of the 70-22′ Systems structures exceed the thermal requirements of Section 6 to the Building Standards, Scotland, but can also be delivered as a Passivhaus compliant solution where the client or planning consent demand it.  In the medium to long term, the business is building a pattern book of standard house types and has plans to establish a pilot plant on the mainland.  The company will also be showcasing its system at the Self-Build and Renovation exhibition in Aviemore this autumn. SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications.  The high performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical. As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available to aid with product specification, while downloadable data sheets are available at https://uk.westfraser.com For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship standard gets approval paving the way for KBB future workforce

Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship standard gets approval paving the way for KBB future workforce

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is delighted to share the news that the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship, which until now has been a pathway within the Furniture Manufacturer apprenticeship standard, has been approved to have its own standard by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE. This is a significant development and indicates an important juncture in the process of building a sustainable workforce – not just for the installation sector, but the whole KBB industry – as KBB installation career opportunities become instantly more visible to education leavers and those considering a career change. Even more so, having a standard specifically for KBB installation provides an opportunity for the industry to build other apprenticeship pathways within the standard to meet the needs of the sector, such as specialist pathways in kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation, as well as other disciplines including surveying, fabrication and even site management. The IfATE has advised that the Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship will be approved for delivery imminently, ahead of over 100 apprenticeship standard revisions which are currently being fast-tracked through internal processes, many of which within the construction and built environment team.  Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI commented ‘This development is a game-changer for our industry, and we should all be very excited about the opportunities that now exist as a result of having a stand-alone apprenticeship standard for fitted interiors. It has been a long and arduous process to get the standard approved, and a huge amount of credit must be given to Lisa Williamson and her team at Achieve + Partners, who have been instrumental in driving this through. The possibilities for attracting new talent to our sector and addressing the skills shortage across the KBB industry are, quite literally, endless as a result of this achievement.’ Lisa Williamson, Director at Achieve + Partners said ‘We are delighted that we now have the standalone apprenticeship available, giving the KBB industry the recognition it rightly deserves.  I would also like to thank the KBB industry for their continued support through the extended development process.  We look forwards to working with the KBB industry and training provider network to offer apprenticeships and help build a skilled workforce.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Wood Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced

Wood Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced

Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost sustainable and renewable material – wood. A seafront visitor centre, a concert hall, and an office complex are among the shortlisted buildings for the 2023 Wood Awards, while lathe-turned lamps, a table-cum-musical instrument and a community-built table set are among the furniture and product projects. The Awards are split into two main categories, Furniture & Product and Buildings. Buildings are split into: Commercial & Leisure, Education & Public Sector, Interior, Private Sector, Small Project, and Restoration & Reuse. Within Furniture & Product, there are three subcategories: Bespoke, Production Made and Student Designer. Spanning significant public spaces, forward-thinking offices, and unique private homes, the twenty shortlisted structures, listed below, provide a snapshot of exemplary and progressive timber architecture. Shortlisted projects for the Building Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Jim Greaves, Head of the Building Judges says: “Selected from over ninety entries, this impressive shortlist reveals the best use of timber in construction today and demonstrates that wood truly is a material of continuous change and innovation. “Our panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted building to determine this year’s winners – and select a stand-out project to receive the prestigious Gold Award. “This rigorous process is one of the things that makes the Wood Awards the highest accolade in the UK timber industry.” The fourteen shortlisted furniture and product items, listed below, reveal an accomplished array of materially engaged designs. Incorporating endangered heritage techniques, community-led production, innovative problem solving and poetic exploration, each of the entries tells its own story about how wood can transform and enhance our surroundings. Shortlisted projects for the Furniture and Product Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Corinne Julius, Head of the Furniture and Products Judges says: “Wood is a wonderful and often underrated, sustainable material. It’s a taken-for-granted material that deserves more respect. “The Wood Awards are intended to showcase to the public the beauty and versatility of wood and highlight its ability to connect us to the natural world. “They also aim to inspire the industry, designers, makers, and students to gain a better understanding of wood in its myriad forms in order to create beautiful, intelligent products for an increasingly discriminating public.” The Wood Awards shortlist will be on display from 20 – 23 September at Gallery@Oxo in partnership with the Material Matters Exhibition during the London Design Festival. The winners of the Wood Awards will be announced on 22 November during an Evening Ceremony at Carpenter’s Hall. As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship. A huge thank you for continued support from Carpenters Company, American Hardwood Export Council and Timber Development UK. You can find out more information about the shortlist here. Previous winners of the Wood Awards can be found at www.woodawards.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber has received international recognition for its commitment to health and safety after scooping a gold award at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK and the accolade acknowledges the hard work going on behind the scenes at BSW Timber to ensure employee safety. A new auditing system was developed and built by the firm’s ESH team with a view to putting more focus on legislative requirements and Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP) compliance across BSW Timber’s sawmills. The audits were able to identify procedural weaknesses which resulted in group procedures and technical references being updated or rewritten and making roles and responsibilities clearer. Additionally, improved communication, co-ordination and co-operation between the mill teams has resulted in a more focussed scrutiny of ESH KPIs for the betterment of the entire BSW Timber team. Wayne Jones, BSW Group’s ESH Manager, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award on behalf of the company. It is testimony to the hard work and ambitions of the senior management, ESH and sawmilling teams to improve our performance in reducing risk to employees and liability to the company. We look forward to continuing to build on our initial success and generate even better standards to demonstrate our position as market leaders in our industry. “Our commitment to ensuring efficient operations is centred around the safety of our workforce. This is underpinned by our drive to reduce risk and liability, which in turn reduces accidents, employee absence and staff turnover. We believe the RoSPA award provides an improved reputation among suppliers and partners, as well as increasing productivity and profitability, but most importantly, employees are safer, healthier and better motivated.” The RoSPA programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded. “We are thrilled that BSW Timber has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. To find out more about BSW Timber, visit www.bsw.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Summer Safeguarding: Protecting Schools with Reliable Fire Door Hardware

Summer Safeguarding: Protecting Schools with Reliable Fire Door Hardware

Where school groups are faced with budgetary constraints, decision makers can’t afford to neglect fire safety. Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explains how responsible persons can use the summer break to extend the service life of fire doors in school buildings. By the time August arrives, it’s official – school is out for summer. For students and staff alike, the summer holiday is a precious period of recreation and recuperation, but for most education facilities, the annual break presents an opportune time to complete much needed refurbishment and remedial work. Fire safety is a core area for concern in particular, where according to the Fire Industry Association (FIA), one in 20 schools experience fire in their buildings. Fires can cause school buildings immeasurable damage, and in response – and as stated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – designated responsible persons must conduct ongoing risk assessments to help identify potential hazards within their premises. Yet, in 2022, research conducted by Allegion UK into the impact of fire doors in education facilities found that almost half of decision makers had encountered issues with fire doors in their buildings, with over half of respondents also revealing they were not aware of fire door maintenance procedures. As such, responsible persons are urged to make the most of their allotted time and budgets this summer, extending the service life of fire door hardware to help ensure students, staff and visitors are safe and secure when doors once again open for the new term. School Life School buildings are inherently diverse environments. While no two facilities may be the same, it is a legal requirement under British and European law for all academic settings to possess operational fire door sets. New regulation continues to draw focus on fire safety in school buildings too, with guidance from the Building Safety Act shining the light on higher-risk buildings of 18 metres in height (or at least 7 storeys tall), with certain education facilities meeting the criteria and thus required to register as high-risk by 1st October 2023. Naturally, school classrooms and corridors are often bustling with movement and during term time, in high traffic areas, fire doors can be used anywhere between 100’s to 1000’s of times each day. Over time, daily use inevitably leads to wear and tear on fittings and in some cases, fire doors may even experience levels of misuse and abuse. Take the end of each school day for example, where fire doors and their hardware are frequently put to the test as students (and staff) aim to leave the premises quickly. When doors are opened and closed with force, hardware elements can become tired, with poorer quality or incorrectly specified door hardware more prone to damage. To help prevent excessive wear and damage in busier areas, schools may benefit from electromagnetic hold-open devices, which combine wall magnets with existing door closers to aid ease of access and reduce any unnecessary roughness. Similarly, door closers with backcheck control will slow the motion of a door, preventing or minimising contact damage. In the circumstance of a fire, it’s critical that a fire door closes independently and to completion. Damaged door hardware compromises the performance of a fire door, and as such, designated responsible persons, as part of their responsibilities, must ensure escape routes are clear and fire door sets are operating as intended, making note of and replacing any damaged door hardware in the process Protection on a budget While school buildings are closed, decision makers are gifted a period of low foot traffic and a sufficient amount of time to undertake compulsory maintenance periods without interruption. Whereas maintenance is  key, research from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has previously revealed education buildings to have the highest average maintenance spend attributed to door hardware. Furthermore, after reviewing school spending as a whole, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimated that school costs would increase by 6% across 2022/23. To support schools, the government continues to invest in projects for new and refurbished buildings through its School Rebuilding Programme. Retrofit projects for example, when approached professionally, can make a considerable difference to a building’s operation – improving its efficiency and fire protection and all without needing to replace the existing fire safety infrastructure. Although, when completing retrofit projects, decision makers must consider high quality, like for like alternatives as using sub-standard components may have the adverse effect – further raising replacement costs later down the line and potentially breaching fire safety regulations in the process. With many academic groups already fearing budget cuts may affect their ability to run facilities as planned, responsible persons are also urged to review their maintenance programmes. Primarily, decision makers can look to decrease their total maintenance spend by choosing more durable products at the product selection stage. The use of higher quality, correctly specified and installed door hardware products will help to lower the rate of sustained wear and damage and thus reduce the costs associated with repair and replacements. The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) is an accredited programme designed to present clear, accurate and up-to-date product information, and can assist decision makers in education by helping them to select trusted hardware that conforms to UKCA and CE certifications. Above all, responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are routinely checked throughout the entirety of the school year, adjusting components where necessary to preserve the operation of fire doors. But while schools are closed, there’s truly no better time to get a head start on preparations and updated regulations – responsible persons must only seek professional advice where unsure. How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help responsible persons undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to our experts or head to our download centre for technical fitting instructions. For post-installation support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting

Read More »
Timber imports bounce back in May

Timber imports bounce back in May

May was the best month for timber imports in 2023, with volume growth seen across all major product categories, says TDUK. May import volumes of softwood, hardwood, plywood, particleboard, and engineered wood products were higher than in any of the preceding months of 2023. Softwood imports have proved particularly buoyant, with volumes in May 8% higher than the 2023 average. Overall volumes, however, remain below 2022 levels. Total import volume in the first five months of 2023 was 378,000m3 lower, or 8% less than over the same period in 2022. In the long term, monthly variations appear to be stabilising following three years of dramatic fluctuation. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “The overall economic picture for the UK is gloomy, with sticky inflation and high interest rates reducing confidence in the construction sector. “This is seen in the latest CPA forecast, with crucial timber demand driving sectors like private housing and RMI predicted to decline by 19% and 11% respectively, likely returning to growth in 2024. “However, in 2023, timber import patterns seem to be bucking these downward trends, with volumes witnessing growth in four of the five months so far this year. May even saw growth across all the major import categories something we certainly would not have predicted at the beginning of the year.  “It also appears the dramatic peaks and troughs of 2020-2022 have subsided. Monthly variations now seem steadier and more similar to the pre-covid years. “Though the overall economic outlook is undeniably negative, these latest figures suggest there is room for some cautious positivity heading into Q3.” Members can read the full statistics report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
The UK’s leading door manufacturer JELD-WEN has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a new laminate range

The UK’s leading door manufacturer JELD-WEN has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a new laminate range

The collection of internal and communal doorsets comprises seven new laminate finishes in a variety of striking colours and glazing options, and will replace its existing veneer designs. Ideally suited for commercial build projects, the new range allows for a more consistent design scheme and can be easily incorporated into a variety of interiors. The laminate finish also carries significant benefits in terms of maintenance and durability, offering resistance to water, impacts and scratches, and is easy to clean and maintain with no chemical products required. In addition to ReadyFIT internal and communal doorsets, the enhanced laminate designs will also form part of JELD-WEN’s SecureFIT and SecureSET ranges, meaning they are dual tested to provide 30-minute fire, smoke and security protection as listed under the Certifire and CertiSecure schemes – offering customers a complete and fully certified interior doorset solution.  Ruth Deardon, UK Product Line Manager at JELD-WEN, said: “With a highly durable and long-lasting finish, our new laminate collection is well-suited for commercial builds, helping to create a high-quality and consistent design scheme that is stylish as well as practical. All finishes are available with a FD30 fire door rating, giving customers complete assurance in the safety and certification of every doorset.” In line with JELD-WEN’s commitment to provide high-quality, reliable and easy-to-install products, laminate doorsets are delivered fully finished, with no painting or staining required on site, and feature colour-matched edge banding for a seamless finish. All doorsets are available either as a solid panel or with glazing, with 11 clear glazed designs to choose from.  Ruth added: “Expert craftsmanship, premium quality and exceptional design is behind every JELD-WEN doorset, and our new laminate collection is no exception. As well as a market-leading product range, customers can also benefit from our decades of industry knowledge and technical expertise, as well as a dedicated sales team to provide support at every stage of the project.”    Every JELD-WEN customer is supported by a specialist, UK-based account management team who can help streamline the sales process from start to finish, as well as a nationwide customer service team to provide solutions to any query and ensure every order is delivered on schedule and in budget. For more information about JELD-WEN’s laminate doorset range, call 0345 122 2891 or email ukdoorsets@jeldwen.com See more at www.jeld-wen.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »

DHF offers support to members impacted by London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has today restated its commitment to members affected by the upcoming extension of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).  This will commence on 29th August.  The extension will significantly impact a multitude of  business sectors including construction, and therefore a number of DHF members.  The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day of the year (except 25 December) and has been implemented in a bid to make the capital’s air, cleaner.  The zone currently covers all areas within the North and South Circular Roads (with the exception of the A406 and A205).  If a vehicle does not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, the driver will pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone.  Currently, this applies to cars, motorcycles, vans, minibuses and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes).  Lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles (all over 3.5 tonnes) and buses, minibuses and coaches (all over 5 tonnes) do not need to pay the ULEZ charge.  In addition, owners of non-UK registered vehicles will also need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or pay the daily charge.    Although support is currently available, for example, a £110 million scrappage scheme has been launched to help fund the purchase of new vehicles that are ULEZ-compliant, and under the new scrappage fund, sole traders and tradespeople working for a micro-business (those with 10 employees and under) have been granted extra provisions of between £5,000-£9,000 to help transition to a low-polluting or EV alternative, nevertheless, paying a £12.50 daily fee for vehicles not meeting minimum requirements equates to more than £3,000 a year per vehicle.   “Whilst we fully support the need to cut emissions and protect the environment, we urge the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to consider alternative ways to limit the impact that ULEZ will have on businesses in the construction industry including that he reassess this extension,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens.  “ The planned extension will seriously impact the income of construction businesses, and at a time when inflation remains very high and customers are delaying or cancelling projects due to higher costs and limited budgets, this will make the commercial environment even more challenging,” she continues.  “ULEZ will increase the cost of construction workers using vans to go to work, could cause construction workers to work longer hours to limit the number of times they need to travel into the centre, could cause construction companies to lose work due to the need to increase their prices to cover this additional cost on top of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing transport costs, and may potentially undermine the Mayor of London’s plea for construction workers to work in the Capital to help improve the city’s housing stock. DHF cannot stress enough the considerable impact, not just on construction businesses, but on all businesses that have a legitimate reason to travel into the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and we hope that alternative options will be considered that prioritise small-to-medium-sized businesses operating in the capital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »