Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as winner of the Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise award at this year’s INCA Awards, in addition to taking the title for Refurbishment High Rise. Judges at the awards, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector, made a unanimous decision
The major Solar Serena Sunrise redevelopment project, taking place in the beautiful village of Hornchurch, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT). Solar Serena Sunrise is a redevelopment project that will see the creation of 175 high-quality new apartments in an over-55’s retirement community village.
Hathaway are delighted to collaborate with Building Systems UK to design, supply and install, the external envelope package for the new speculative logistics and distribution facility on behalf of Tungsten Properties on the banks of the River Mersey, Birkenhead, Merseyside. Hathaway is a leading company in the UK specialising in
Grayson is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Oaklands College for the inaugural Masonry Mentors 2025 event, a groundbreaking bricklaying pilot designed to inspire and develop the next generation of construction talent. Co-developed by Grayson and Oaklands College, the concept was conceived by FE legend Bob Noseda, with support from
Isover, a UK manufacturer of mineral wool insulation products, is launching new packaging to improve recyclability and reduce their environmental impact. Isover has reduced the ink coverage on its packaging to only 15%, with a change to white base foil. Additionally, the company will continue using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR)
LEADING external wall insulation and render system manufacturer and supplier Permarock has undertaken a board restructure to cultivate strategic growth – appointing a new managing director to drive it. The change, which coincides with Permarock’s 40 years of trading milestone, will see operations director Nigel Watson step into the managing director
Keystone Lintels reflects on a standout year in 2024, which was marked by a string of prestigious industry awards. These achievements are testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, solidifying its reputation as a leading manufacturer of steel lintels. The year concluded on a high note
Marley’s popular Weatherboard range has been certified by the leading applied safety science authority, UL Solutions. Following robust independent testing, the fibre cement board solution for external cladding has been certified to meet all relevant standards for performance, quality and safety. The certification provides critical product credibility, meaning specifiers can
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, through its brands British Gypsum and Isover, has released a new episode of its Building Better series, focusing on the critical retrofit agenda for social housing. The UK’s social housing sector faces mounting challenges as poor insulation and inadequate ventilation exacerbate issues of damp, cold and poor
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating
Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as winner of the Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise award at this year’s INCA Awards, in addition to taking the title for Refurbishment High Rise. Judges at the awards, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector, made a unanimous decision in naming the Victoria House development, in Manchester, as Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise, describing the building as ‘an architectural masterpiece with great angles and complex detailing making it a worthy winner’. Alsecco supplied its Ecomin 400 cladding system with Meldorfer lightweight brick slips to complete the exterior of the building, providing external wall insulation and a brick-effect finish. The use of brick slips supported efficient construction of the 25-storey residential development by main contractor Domis, recreating a traditional gault brick appearance. Alsecco was also named as winner in the ‘Refurbishment High Rise’ category for its work on the colourful exterior on The Boardwalk development, in Eastbourne Harbour. The upgrade saw Alsecco’s Ecomin 300 external insulated render system used to ensure the exterior of the building was suited to the challenges of a marine environment. The project was praised for the ‘all round quality coupled with such a strikingly vibrant yellow and white finish that enhanced the building’s visual appeal’. Dean Broughton, Managing Director of Alsecco, said: “It is fantastic to see these two projects recognised at the INCA awards, which celebrate the very best projects in the external wall insulation industry. “Being involved in a project with the ambition and scale of Victoria House was a real privilege. The development, right in the heart of Manchester, showcases exactly what can be achieved with high quality brick slips, both in terms of efficiency, but also aesthetics. “To see this ambitious project awarded the judges choice in its category is testament to the commitment across the board that went into making this vision a reality. “Likewise, the Boardwalk upgrade shows what can be achieved through a high-quality external wall insulation system. While performance underpins external wall insulation applications, it is great to be involved in design-led projects that deliver a striking finish such as this. Thanks to INCA for helping to showcase excellence in the industry.” Run by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), the awards recognise the highest standards in external wall insulation (EWI), with submissions across a variety of categories to highlight excellence in a range of building projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The major Solar Serena Sunrise redevelopment project, taking place in the beautiful village of Hornchurch, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT). Solar Serena Sunrise is a redevelopment project that will see the creation of 175 high-quality new apartments in an over-55’s retirement community village. Sitting on the edge of the Green Flag-winning Harrow Lodge Park, the picturesque Park Rise development will give occupants the opportunity to take in stunning views of local lakes, reservoirs, wildlife, and open green spaces. With a tight deadline, and main contractor Wates Residential keen to futureproof the building for generations ahead, Keyfix’s A1 fire rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) was specified, due to its robust performance and efficient installation. Keyfix supplied 3,600m of NCCT, including 1,900 pre-formed Corner Units and 12,000 Non-combustible Weep Vents. Additionally, Keyfix also supplied more than 600 of its Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL) to the project. Having pre-formed Corner Units helped speed up the installation process, with installers able to quickly and simply fix them into place and then secure them with Split Pins and Jointing Pieces. As the Corner Units are delivered to site already pre-formed, the quality of this integral component in the building is not compromised and provides reassurance that the area is safe-proofed. Keyfix’s NCCT is manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, which is 100% recyclable making it the ideal choice for the sustainability-conscious client and main contractor. Furthermore, the NCCT features a unique design that enables the stainless-steel tray to be self-supporting across the cavity and requires no support from the internal structure, boosting its thermal efficiency. It will also avoid the issues typically associated with differential movement. Additionally, Keyfix’s technical team regularly undertook site visits to check on the project progress, attended design team meetings, carried out CPD webinars and toolbox talks and completed a comprehensive component schedule/location layout plan based on drawings provided by the architects. The quick and efficient installation and early collaboration between all parties helped keep the project moving along smoothly, enabling all deadlines and budgets to be met. Mark Pasley, Procurement Manager at Wates Residential, revealed Keyfix’s NCCT had been chosen thanks to its high-performance stainless-steel material and A1 fire rating. He said: “We have used Keyfix’s NCCT before so we are well aware of its capabilities and have been so impressed with its speed of installation, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduced heat loss. “Delivery was efficient and all products arrived on site in line with the delivery schedule. Thanks to the quick installation of the NCCTs, the project went incredibly smoothly. We would have no hesitation in working with Keyfix again in the future.” For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions, download the company’s expansive product brochure here, visit https://keyfix.com/ or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hathaway are delighted to collaborate with Building Systems UK to design, supply and install, the external envelope package for the new speculative logistics and distribution facility on behalf of Tungsten Properties on the banks of the River Mersey, Birkenhead, Merseyside. Hathaway is a leading company in the UK specialising in the design, manufacturing, and installation of roof and wall cladding systems, with a shared commitment to shaping the future of sustainable building practices. Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, offers comprehensive building envelope solutions for the construction industry. Their services include the provision of insulated roof and wall panels and site assembled systems, profiles, structural roof and floor decking, as well as market leading steel processing services. ARC 500, the largest distribution and production unit in Merseyside, is a new 494,750 sqft facility designed to accommodate large-scale logistics operations. Its strategic location offers excellent access to the M53 motorway and the Port of Liverpool, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a well-connected hub. Appointed by Winvic Construction Ltd as part of the delivery team, Hathaway and Building Systems UK were committed to ensuring ARC 500 is constructed as a net zero carbon facility. The project aimed and achieved significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, including a BREEAM Excellent rating and an EPC A+ target, adding a valuable economic asset to the ARC 500 Birkenhead Freeport. Hathaway have successfully collaborated with Winvic to deliver a number of net zero and low carbon projects. These projects have been assessed in line with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (Edition 1) and the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) 2019 net zero Carbon Framework Definition. As an original founding member of Winvic’s Green Supply Chain, Hathaway takes pride in contributing to sustainable building practices. As part of the Green Supply Chain, Hathaway works closely with Winvic to develop innovative and sustainable product solutions, through engagement with our valued supply chain, with a focus on carbon reduction and energy-efficient materials. The primary objective is to minimise the embodied carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle of projects. The sustainable choice in Building Systems UK As the key supplier for the ARC 500 project, Building Systems UK, provided a complete building envelope solution. This included Trisobuild® site assembled roof and wall systems featuring a newly developed profile specifically designed for the office areas of the building. The core mission of Building Systems UK is to “shape the future of sustainable buildings,” and they achieve this by prioritising transparency and thorough environmental reporting. The company operates an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) program, allowing the generation of project-specific EPDs that are tailored to meet unique project specifications and requirements. This capability sets Building Systems UK apart, providing them with unmatched product environmental reporting. In addition to their comprehensive EPD program, Building Systems UK holds Responsible Sourcing certification under the BES 6001 standard. This certification, combined with their ability to produce customised EPDs, solidifies Building Systems UK as a sustainable supplier of choice for construction projects. Their commitment to environmental transparency and responsible sourcing significantly contributes to achieving sustainability goals, such as obtaining credits for a BREEAM Excellent rating, which was targeted for the ARC 500 project. This highlights how Building Systems UK’s practices not only align with, but actively support, high sustainability standards in modern construction. Driving Down Emissions Building Systems UK’s manufacturing facility in Shotton, North Wales, is located just 15 miles from the ARC 500 project site, showcasing commitment to local procurement and material supply. This proximity not only bolsters the local economy but also significantly reduces delivery emissions, aligning with the project sustainability goals. To further decrease carbon emissions and support the transition to net zero construction, freight deliveries for the project were conducted using bio-fuelled vehicles. Switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for these deliveries resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel diesel. Additionally, Hathaway supplied HVO fuel for on-site plant and machinery, which can help reduce associated emissions by up to 90%. Hathaway’s commitment extends to minimising their carbon footprint and reducing associated scope emissions. They work collaboratively with supply chain partners to ensure that the project’s sustainability targets are met, demonstrating a proactive approach in advancing the construction industry towards more environmentally responsible practices. Preserve Our Timber – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Hathaway and Building Systems UK are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their business operations. Recognising wood as a valuable natural resource, we understand that the current rate of deforestation is unsustainable. To address this issue, it is crucial to adhere to the principles of the waste hierarchy, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials throughout operations. In collaboration with their supply chain partners, Hathaway has implemented several wood reuse initiatives to reduce waste sent to landfills and preserve timber resources. Examples of these initiatives include a wooden bearer take-back scheme in partnership with Building Systems UK and a pallet return service. These programs aim to extend the life cycle of wood products, promoting sustainability and supporting efforts to conserve natural resources. For any remaining waste wood or timber that cannot be reused, Hathaway has partnered with Community Wood Recycling, a UK-wide social enterprise that has been in operation since 1998. Community Wood Recycling collects waste wood from companies, creating reclaimed timber stores. These stores support the sale of bespoke wooden products and provide training and development opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged individuals. Hathaway is pleased with its proactive collaboration with its valued supply chain partners to ensure that wood is diverted from landfills and instead reused or repurposed. The exceptional work carried out by Community Wood Recycling not only helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also has a positive social impact by offering skills development and employment opportunities. Hathaway is proud to support and promote this initiative, recognising its significant environmental and social benefits. Promoting and Leading on New Innovations New innovations and technologies are essential in
Grayson is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Oaklands College for the inaugural Masonry Mentors 2025 event, a groundbreaking bricklaying pilot designed to inspire and develop the next generation of construction talent. Co-developed by Grayson and Oaklands College, the concept was conceived by FE legend Bob Noseda, with support from brickwork training icon Peter Roberts and Construction Curriculum Manager, Andy Rosser. The event is set to take place on Monday 10th February 2025 at Oaklands College in Hertfordshire, fittingly coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week 2025. Pairing full-time students with experienced bricklayer mentors from some of the UK’s leading brickwork subcontractors, teams will participate in a 6-hour challenge, with each member completing 50% of the task. Afterward, they will answer a series of trade-related questions, testing both their practical and theoretical knowledge. Masonry Mentors aims to inspire and equip young apprentices with the skills, confidence and passion to succeed in the industry, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector’s workforce. Kevin Jagg, Grayson’s Operations Director, says: “We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with Oaklands College to lead the first Masonry Mentors event. It not only showcases the incredible talent within our industry but also highlights the importance of mentorship and partnership in shaping the future of bricklaying. Ensuring vital skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation, events like this are crucial in addressing the skills shortage and building a strong, sustainable future for the construction sector.” Bob Noseda, Sector Skills Advisor, adds: “From the moment I approached Tony and Kevin, Grayson has been phenomenal. Masonry Mentors is a new competition concept that pairs full-time students and qualified bricklayers, bringing education and industry together to address the skills shortage.” By investing in initiatives like Masonry Mentors, Grayson is playing an integral role in fostering excellence within the sector and helping to bridge the gap between education and real-world experience. Masonry Mentors 2025 marks the exciting start of what Bob Noseda envisions as a lasting tradition, one that will continually bring together apprentices and experienced time-served tradespeople in a fun, dynamic and educational environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Isover, a UK manufacturer of mineral wool insulation products, is launching new packaging to improve recyclability and reduce their environmental impact. Isover has reduced the ink coverage on its packaging to only 15%, with a change to white base foil. Additionally, the company will continue using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and aims to increase this in the future. The updated branding of the packaging has a cleaner look and includes a new suite of pictograms providing clear signposting for Isover product ranges, features and applications. Michelle Placide, Head of Insulation Category at Isover, said: “This packaging change to improve recyclability demonstrates Isover’s commitment to our purpose of making the world a better home while also improving our customers’ experience with the design changes to easily identify the Isover products for their projects”. Isover will begin the roll-out of the new packaging for all insulation products manufactured at its plant in Runcorn, Cheshire. The plant manufactures insulation products from up to 82% recycled glass, and all electric equipment in the plant is powered by 100% renewable electricity. The phased launch plan is expected to continue across the first half of 2025. The launch of this packaging is another key sustainability initiative from Isover, which is committed to supporting the circular economy and reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In 2024, Isover partnered with The Pallet LOOP, a circular economy pallet supplier. Increasingly, Isover products such as Spacesaver and Acoustic Partition Roll are shipped on easily identifiable, green-coloured LOOP pallets, to significantly reduce avoidable pallet waste. To find out more about Isover’s insulation products and their commitment towards Net Zero Carbon by 2050, visit www.isover.co.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING external wall insulation and render system manufacturer and supplier Permarock has undertaken a board restructure to cultivate strategic growth – appointing a new managing director to drive it. The change, which coincides with Permarock’s 40 years of trading milestone, will see operations director Nigel Watson step into the managing director role after almost 30 years with the business. Joining in 1996, Nigel has held several key positions within the company, broadening his knowledge of the industry and increasing commercial insight – both of which will be instrumental in realising Permarock’s strategic growth and ambitions moving forward. As part of the new senior structure, Richard Tocher will become sales and technical director, further supporting the external wall insulation provider’s ambitions over the coming four years. These are outlined as continuing to set the standard for excellence, delivering long-term value to its clients and the wider industry while at the same time striving for continuous improvement for its products, services, and its dedicated team of colleagues with upskilling opportunities. Sean Waldrum, who has served as managing director for the past 16 years, will remain a part of Permarock’s senior management team. His more than 36 years of experience at Permarock will play a critical role in working with Nigel, and the board of directors, to continue to steer the forward trajectory of the business. Permarock is part of Sustainable Investments Ltd, which is led by Derek Horrocks. He said: “For more than four decades, Permarock has carved out its place within the external wall insulation and render systems sector through providing the highest levels of quality products and service. “Our strength has come from our long-term reliability in leading the field in technical and design expertise, and the consistent provision of a high-quality offering has led to our continued success. More importantly it has contributed significantly to the core mission of our wider group of businesses – to create healthier buildings and environments for all. “Nigel and Richard, alongside logistics director Kieran Loftus, will be key in realising further growth through their new roles. They have both been with the business for a significant amount of time and understand its values, industry, and our vision inside and out. For several years now, Nigel especially has been working closely with Sean so that when he stepped into the managing director role it would be a smooth transition. With the continuity of Sean’s involvement in the business, the senior team behind him, and the wider business group, I’m looking forward to seeing our strategy for the coming years put into action.” On his new position and responsibilities, Nigel said: “Most of my career has been spent with Permarock and it’s been brilliant to have had the experience of seeing it grow and develop with its people over the past couple of decades. As we move into the future, our ambitions are to grow further still while remaining committed to providing sustainable, controlled and targeted growth in the key market sectors in which we operate, whilst staying true to our values—innovation, expertise, and customer focus.” Richard Tocher said: “This is the start of a really exciting chapter for Permarock as a company, with intentions to continue delivering the technical expertise and quality service we’re well known for. We won’t be resting on our laurels though; the management team will be working closely with the wider team to develop our new aims and ideas for the betterment of the business and industry.” Equally suited for new build and refurbished properties within many commercial and residential markets including housing (social and private), education, healthcare, and commercial, Permarock’s products bring performance and experience together with quality and innovation. Additionally, as part of Sustainable Investments, Permarock along with its sister company’s Sustainable Building Services, Sustainable Energy Services, and Sustainable Smart Technologies, also provides a complete and comprehensive solution to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and help tackle the energy, health, housing, climate and cost-of-living crises. To find out more about Permarock, visit: www.permarock.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keystone Lintels reflects on a standout year in 2024, which was marked by a string of prestigious industry awards. These achievements are testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, solidifying its reputation as a leading manufacturer of steel lintels. The year concluded on a high note in November, with Keystone Lintels being presented with the Supplier of the Year Award at the Builders’ Merchant News (BMN) Awards 2024. The accolade came just a few weeks after the company won in two categories at the National Buying Group (NBG) Awards, taking home both the Supplier of the Year (£1m-£5m) and General Build Supplier of the Year awards. These significant wins followed Keystone’s success at the Builders’ Merchant Journal (BMJ) Awards in September, where it received the Heavyside Supplier of the Year award. Workplace safety also took centre stage in 2024 when Keystone was recognised in July with a Gold Health and Safety Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). This prestigious award recognises the company’s efforts to create a safe working environment for both its employees and customers. With nearly 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, the RoSPA program is a global benchmark for health and safety standards, influencing the lives of more than seven million employees worldwide. Going the extra mile for customers has always been key part of the Keystone’s ethos and its success in 2024 is very much testament to that. By focusing on lead generation, providing technical support, ensuring reliable delivery, and offering an extensive product range with consistent stock availability, the company has demonstrated its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition throughout 2024,” said Chris Hemmington-Green, Sales Director at Keystone Lintels. “All of these awards showcase our team’s dedication and our ability to meet the needs of an evolving marketplace.” Keystone Lintels remains focused on providing reliable, high-quality lintel solutions while maintaining strong relationships with merchants and clients. The company continues to innovate and expand its range of bespoke products to meet the evolving needs of the market. Looking to the year ahead, Keystone Lintels is committed to maintaining the high standards that earned this recognition and to its continuing partnerships with customers. The team at Keystone Lintels extends its thanks to its customers, employees, and industry peers who have helped to drive these achievements. For more information and to find out more, visit Keystone Lintels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marley’s popular Weatherboard range has been certified by the leading applied safety science authority, UL Solutions. Following robust independent testing, the fibre cement board solution for external cladding has been certified to meet all relevant standards for performance, quality and safety. The certification provides critical product credibility, meaning specifiers can select Marley’s Weatherboard solution with confidence, knowing its performance and safety credentials have been thoroughly examined. Assessment criteria To achieve UL certification, the performance of Marley’s façade and cladding system was tested in accordance with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) sequence B – Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes (2005). This satisfies several key performance areas: The Weatherboard fibre cement cladding system delivers a textured woodgrain finish and is ideal for refreshing existing properties or adding significant visual appeal to new developments. With a high coverage rate, it offers a cost-effective solution, along with ease of installation and low maintenance requirements. New colour option Coinciding with its UL Solutions certification, Marley has also expanded the colourway options for its Weatherboard range. The launch of a new blue-grey colour option complements the existing choices of white, light grey, slate grey and black, to further extend specification choice. With blue-grey particularly popular in the Southwest areas of the UK, especially in coastal areas, the new colourway adds another layer of aesthetic appeal for projects in this region. Marley also offers full colour-matched trims and accessories for its Weatherboard range, to ensure all projects offer an aesthetically striking and premium finish. Kevin O’Neill, National Sales Manager, Weatherboard for Marley, comments: “Rigorously tested, our Weatherboard system is UL Certified, meaning the fibre cement solution offers high levels of performance in water resistance, wind durability and safety compliance. It’s the perfect solution for specifiers looking to integrate reliable and compliant cladding solutions into their projects. “This, combined with the addition of the new blue-grey colourway, means specifiers have increased choice and confidence when choosing Marley’s Weatherboard for their external cladding projects.” For more information, visit Marley’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, through its brands British Gypsum and Isover, has released a new episode of its Building Better series, focusing on the critical retrofit agenda for social housing. The UK’s social housing sector faces mounting challenges as poor insulation and inadequate ventilation exacerbate issues of damp, cold and poor living conditions for occupants. In response, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions is supporting vital conversations around transforming these homes into warm, healthy spaces that are fit for the future. In its latest episode, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions collaborates with Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra – North Wales’ largest housing association – to explore innovative retrofit solutions designed to address the UK’s pressing need for sustainable healthy housing. “Our homes should be safe and secure places to live, not ones that compromise health or quality of life,” said James Maclean, Head of Training Academies at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions. “Through collaboration with Adra, we’re demonstrating how retrofitting can drive tangible, positive changes that contribute to building better communities across the UK.” The episode also touches on the Social Housing Regulation Act, which prioritises safeguarding tenant welfare, as well as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, a government-funded program that works with social housing providers to improve the energy efficiency of homes. These solutions include: enhanced insulation and effective ventilation systems to improve occupants health and well-being; the adoption of solar panels and air-source heat pumps to create low-carbon, energy-efficient homes and insulation to support energy performance and protect building materials in the long run. Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra said, “Our priority is to provide homes that meet the highest standards for our residents, where they not only feel safe but comfortable.” “Our partnership with Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions demonstrates how innovative retrofitting can enhance residents’ quality of life while advancing our vision of sustainable, future-ready communities.” The video spotlights case studies showcasing how retrofitting has successfully transformed existing properties and by sharing these examples, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions aims to showcase the work of housing providers such as Adra, and how they are making residents health and wellbeing a central part of their refurbishment strategy. Hosted by renowned architectural designer and television personality Charlie Luxton, Building Better delivers inspirational and thought-provoking content on weekly episodes via YouTube and the Building Better Hub. To watch the full episode and discover similar content, visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk/building-better-hub, or to explore the episode in chapters, visit the Building Better YouTube channel and click subscribe to keep up to date with the latest video. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating its commitment towards tackling exploitation in the industry and will now work alongside other major construction businesses to drive sector-wide change, ensuring workers are recruited responsibly and have fair access to work. According to Stronger Together, the construction sector is identified as high-risk for modern slavery by various bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement. Due to its related activities and overlapping workforce, the broader property sector is considered equally high-risk. Stronger Together’s recently updated Construction and Property Programme helps businesses to identify the signs of modern slavery in the construction and property supply chain with sector-specific tools, training and resources. STARK UK was officially established on 1 st March 2023, with STARK Group having acquired a collection of businesses from Saint-Gobain, including Jewson, Jewson Major Building Solutions, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Frazer, Minster, JP Corry, Normans and International Timber. Nim Cassidy, General Counsel and Company Secretary at STARK UK, said: “We are committed to supporting ethical practices across the construction sector, so by sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, we’re taking an important step to help tackle the risks of modern slavery in our industry and supply chains. “This partnership reflects our values and dedication to creating a responsible and fair supply chain, and we’re excited to work with Stronger Together and other organisations to make a real difference and protect workers.” Pamela Zielinski, Stronger Together’s Construction and Property Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome STARK UK as sponsors of our Construction and Property Programme. The sponsors work together to address the risks of modern slavery in their business and in their supply chain through our workshops and free resources. “We are excited for the year ahead and to continue our collaborative work to tackle modern slavery in construction and property whilst delivering industry wide change.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
