Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the
As part of its major investment project at its Burton on Trent tile plant Russell Roof Tiles is installing state-of-the-art equipment which will support the firm’s Net Zero ambitions. Russell Roof Tiles (RRT), is the leading independent manufacturer of concrete roof tiles and last year it announced a milestone £18.5m
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, today launches its fourth annual ‘Planet Passionate’ sustainability report and announces a 65% absolute reduction in its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020.[4],[5] In 2023 alone, the company achieved a further 40% absolute reduction in scope 1
One of Scotland’s leading engineering specialists, Akela Ground Engineering (part of Akela Group), has launched an innovative precast concrete beam system which could dramatically speed up the delivery of new homes. ‘ABeam’ from Akela, features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a
In a recent development at Marshalls plc, a notable shift in leadership has taken place as Matt Pullen assumes the role of Chief Executive, succeeding Martyn Coffey, who has held the position since 2013. With an impressive professional background, Matt Pullen previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Genuit
Polypipe Building Services has achieved the BES6001 international sustainability standard for its commercial drainage systems. The standard is designed to enable manufactured products to be assessed and certified as being responsibly sourced and comes off the back of the launch of the company’s Terrain PVC pipe which is manufactured with
The Brick Development Association (BDA) is commemorating clay brick’s appeal as a building material for the ages with the launch of its Better with Brick campaign. Packed with facts, stats and blogs featuring expert analysis and insights, Better with Brick proves there is more to clay brick than meets the
Knauf is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Construction Excellence SECBE Awards 2024. The prestigious regional awards, renowned for its commitment to recognising excellence and innovation in the construction industry across London and the South East, are set to take place on June 27th 2024. As a returning sponsor,
HGV driver training specialist HGVC has been appointed by leading builders’ merchant MKM Building Supplies to train 54 drivers under the Government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. Under the contract, HGVC is delivering funded courses, with the Department for Education (DfE) providing a 70% contribution towards the cost of training, with
Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the Birmingham NEC on Friday 26 th April – which is entering its seventh year. Jewson Live On Tour will then head to Kent Exhibition Centre, Maidstone, on Thursday 16 th May; SEC, Glasgow, on Thursday 6 th June, and Westpoint, Exeter, on Thursday 13 th June. Each of the four events will feature a full programme, running from 8am to 2pm, covering three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing Zone. In each zone, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis. There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150 Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and giveaways. Darts legend Phil Taylor and darts commentator Emma Paton will host the show at the NEC, with several other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance. The NEC show will also be used to officially launch Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s vision for the future. Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is changing to meet the future needs of the trades. In addition, the winners of Jewson’s inaugural Making Better Homes Awards – celebrating the UK’s tradespeople dedicated to building sustainable homes – will be announced. Businesses will take home the winning prizes for each of the competition’s three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Sustainable Project of the Year. John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – part of STARK Group, which acquired a collection of businesses including Jewson from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can look forward to and get a lot out of. “We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional events to give our hardworking customers and industry friends a great day out. Ourbranches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every day.“Jewson Live On Tour is something we’ve been thinking about for a long time, and we’re proud to say what was once just an idea is now coming to life. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and prospective customers can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson Live much closer to home. “Each event promises to be informative, productive and invaluable for tradespeople who want to grow their business; and as well as that, it’ll be exciting and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”Register here for any of the Jewson Live On Tour shows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of its major investment project at its Burton on Trent tile plant Russell Roof Tiles is installing state-of-the-art equipment which will support the firm’s Net Zero ambitions. Russell Roof Tiles (RRT), is the leading independent manufacturer of concrete roof tiles and last year it announced a milestone £18.5m investment programme, which should be complete by later in 2024. Part of the project includes the installation of new state of the art Skako Concrete ‘High Silo’ batching plant, complete with AM2250 planetary mixer to facilitate increased concrete roof tile production. Installation should be complete by Easter. This whole project is the largest single investment since Russell Roof Tiles was acquired (from Cemex) in 2011 by Crown Global Equity, which manufactures concrete roof tiles in the US and Mexico. Since then, the UK company has seen £17.3m invested in its three sites, continuing to increase efficiencies and capacity to meet demand. Not only is the new batching plant being installed whilst the tile plant continues to manufacture but it will have increased efficiencies as well as sustainable benefits such as a water reclamation and refiltering system, that allows for recycling of all wash water, including using wash water from the factory. This will reduce the firm’s use of fresh water, and significantly reduce waste. Russell Roof Tiles has been actively seeking ways to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in more energy-efficient equipment, optimising its production processes, and sourcing more sustainable materials as part of its Net Zero pledge, to ensure the company becomes carbon neutral by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Government’s timeline. The new Skako Concrete batching plant replaces Russell Roof Tiles old and inefficient 1990’s batching plant and concrete mixer and was designed to meet increased production demand as well as allow for further capacity increases in the future. The much larger volume system will be able to handle the sand, cement, and pigment needed to feed a new mixing plant and in-turn roof tile production line. The challenge for the company was to ensure that installation of the new batching plant did not interfere with currently tile production on site in Burton on Trent. Bruce Laidlaw, Operations Director at Russell Roof Tiles said: “It is important that we continue to focus on efficiencies and sustainability across this major project, looking at market leading environmental options throughout the new facility. For example, this type of mixer is up to 20 per cent more energy efficient than alternatives available. He added “Other energy efficiencies include using gravity to feed sand into the mixer below. Over time this saves a huge amount of energy moving sand. The Skako Concrete solution of holding such amount of sand above the mixer has allowed for the footprint to be compressed and thus install the full equipment within a much smaller area.” Further benefits of the new equipment will include 2 x 100T cement silo’s allowing for more flexibility in receiving cement deliveries, allowing RRT to take volume cement deliveries around the clock and avoiding peak traffic times. Utilising the latest technology, the system also provides remote operating from the factory floor, as well as remote diagnostics to minimise down time. The project installation has been managed by Skako Concrete, fully utilising their UK and European team. The project has been complex due to the continued operation of the production facility and site throughout the works. In addition, much of the work has been completed during the winter months, which has added to its complexity. Gareth Hulcup, SKAKO Concrete Sales Manager for the UK and Irish markets said: “The installation of the new batching plant has been the culmination of many months of meticulous planning by all stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of the new plant on site. We would like to thank Andrew Hayward, Bruce and all at Russell Roof Tiles for the opportunity to provide our solutions for the redevelopment of the site at Burton and contribute to their Net Zero pledge”. Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent pitched roof tile manufacturer supplying products for the top housebuilders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects. The company produces thousands of tiles every week that are used on roofs across the UK, for all of the UK’s premier housebuilders, social housing projects, architects and developers. www.russellrooftiles.com @russellrooftile www.skako.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over 20 years’ experience in global Category and Brand Management for major brands, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in product development, portfolio management and market analysis to Okarno. Jenny is experienced in managing change within many leading organisations and in ensuring that customers and all people within the business are part of the journey. Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jenny to the business, with her knowledge, skills and experience, she will be a real asset. Our recent rebrand means this is an exciting time for Okarno as we reinforce our position as an essential supply chain partner for a range of leading construction products.” In January 2024, Artex rebranded to Okarno, with a strapline ‘There are no others like us’. The Okarno brand creates a common sense of purpose, energy, and enthusiasm, whilst capturing the company’s unique approach to supply chain logistics. Jason Smith adds: “Our new brand has been well received in the market as we continue to look for ways to exceed customer expectations, deliver best-in-class and provide a unique service that makes life easier for them.” Okarno provides a unique service by combining market-leading trade brands and delivering them directly through three service offerings. Customers can choose from single pallets, mixed pallet loads, through to small parcels. Okarno delivers to customers of all shapes and sizes and tailors its offering to match the needs of independent merchants, national retailers and online stockists. As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Okarno is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050 and has already made significant steps towards this goal. This also aligns with Saint Gobain’s purpose – Making the world a better home and supporting the vision of being the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. To find out more about Okarno and how its sustainable supply chain partnerships can benefit your business, visit: www.okarno.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, today launches its fourth annual ‘Planet Passionate’ sustainability report and announces a 65% absolute reduction in its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020.[4],[5] In 2023 alone, the company achieved a further 40% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since its base year, accelerated by the introduction of its business-wide internal carbon price in January 2023.[6] The report also shows that 49.6% of all wholly-owned Kingspan sites had solar PV systems installed by year-end, a marked boost to the company’s on-site renewable energy generation capacity. In addition to these operational achievements, in 2023 Kingspan made important headway in its innovation journey to reduce the embodied carbon of its product offering, introducing three lower embodied carbon products – QuadCore LEC insulated panels, RMG600+ raised access floor panels and the Tate Grid LEC structural ceiling solution – to some of its markets. The company also launched its bio-based HemKor range in November 2023, marking the first time a major insulation manufacturer has launched a product made largely of hemp. Other key developments highlighted in the report include: Kingspan’s 10-year Planet Passionate sustainability programme is the driving force behind its efforts to decarbonise its operations, product offering and supply chain, prioritising absolute emissions reductions. The company has committed to challenging science-based targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) covering scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, including achieving a 90% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within its operations and a 42% absolute reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions from its 2020 base year. These targets are aligned with the IPCC’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C by the end of this century. The programme also features measurable targets to harvest rainwater, eliminate waste to landfill and increase use of recycled PET as a raw material to help tackle three of today’s biggest global challenges: climate change, circularity and protection of the natural world. Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Group, said: “We are acutely aware that as the climate crisis intensifies, our mission to help accelerate a net-zero emissions built environment has never been more important. To play our part in keeping global temperature rises within the 1.5°C limit, we committed to absolute emissions reductions and focused on making tangible progress in the short- to medium-term through our Planet Passionate programme. In a business like Kingspan, that is only possible with significant structural and time investment and an unwavering dedication to delivering real results. Our global team of more than 100 people has completed over 300 projects across our business since 2020 to help realise our targets. With the majority of Kingspan’s value chain emissions coming from our upstream supply chain, we are working closely with our key supply partners to reduce the carbon intensity of our key raw materials. This work has enabled us to bring new lower embodied carbon products to market in 2023. We still have a lot of work to do and must continue to refocus and respond as the business grows and evolves, but I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in just four years and look forward to further progress towards our targets as Planet Passionate enters its fifth year.” The launch of Kingspan’s 2023 Planet Passionate report follows the recent announcement that the company was included on the globally-recognised CDP Climate Change A List, which recognises environmental leadership through transparency and meaningful climate action. Kingspan was one of just 346 companies to make the 2023 CDP Climate Change A List, of the 21,000 companies scored by CDP. In addition, CDP has also named Kingspan as a 2023 Supplier Engagement Leader in recognition of the company’s effectiveness in engaging with suppliers on climate change. Read the full report here: Kingspan Planet Passionate Report 2023 (ipaper.io) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of Scotland’s leading engineering specialists, Akela Ground Engineering (part of Akela Group), has launched an innovative precast concrete beam system which could dramatically speed up the delivery of new homes. ‘ABeam’ from Akela, features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours. By combining precise off site fabrication, alignment, interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams. Officially launched at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Construction roadshow in Glasgow last week, ABeam offers housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation. Officially approved and signed off on “live” projects by the NHBC, ABeam could help housebuilders lay foundations for up to three plots per day. Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes. Will Payne, General Manager, Akela Ground Engineering, said: “After reviewing the precast ground beam options available on the market, we found many still had considerable downsides, the use of pile caps, insitu concrete and tie bars were common, this requires sequencing of works and could also be impacted by weather conditions, all of this leads to considerably longer installation times. “Akela’s new ABeam precast system eliminates all of these issues and offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality.” Akela’s purpose-built facility at Thornliebank has the capability to fabricate the Abeams in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output. The company has also invested in renewable ground source heating for curing the concrete to lower the carbon impact on the environment. Will Payne continues: “In addition to the significant time savings and efficiencies, our new ABeam system can be delivered using the same plant equipment for full the installation process, with lighter bearing pressures from our JCB JX driven piling rigs. “Using sustainable methods of production at our purpose-built facility and existing equipment for installation, we’re able to reduce our carbon footprint and offer developers a more modern and energy efficient alternative to existing ground beam options. For example, with ABeam, clients will no longer need to install crane platforms or hard standings at their sites.”Andy Borland, Construction Director at Bellway Homes, said: “Akela’s ABeam system has meant we were able to release plots to our wider teams a lot faster compared to other precast ground systems we have previously used. Our bricklayers were working on multiple plots within three days of pile installations at this development, rather than taking over a week and relying on the weather. We also didn’t need to install any crane platforms as Akela used the same excavated plant for the entire installation process, saving us money on preparatory works that other precast ground beams systems require.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a recent development at Marshalls plc, a notable shift in leadership has taken place as Matt Pullen assumes the role of Chief Executive, succeeding Martyn Coffey, who has held the position since 2013. With an impressive professional background, Matt Pullen previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Genuit Group plc. His career encompasses significant leadership roles at renowned companies such as British Gypsum within the Saint-Gobain group, AkzoNobel in the UK & Ireland, and various commercial leadership positions in the UK and Europe with Bernard Matthews, Rank Hovis McDougal, Kraft, and J&J. Additionally, Matt Pullen is recognized for his philanthropic involvement as a Trustee of CRASH, a construction industry charity supporting homelessness and hospice charities through essential construction projects. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Marshalls, Matt Pullen acknowledged the company’s rich heritage, strong reputation, and market-leading brands and products. He expressed a sense of privilege in the opportunity to build on the established legacy and the significant achievements of his predecessor, Martyn Coffey. In his own words, Matt Pullen stated, “I’m excited to have joined Marshalls, a business with a great heritage, strong reputation, and market-leading brands and products. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build on that heritage and Martyn’s significant achievements.” Matt Pullen has been gradually immersing himself in the company since the beginning of the year, assuming a transitional role. He has been actively visiting Marshalls’ sites across the country, engaging with the workforce, and gaining insights into the value that the company’s brands, products, and solutions bring to customers. Notably, he emphasized Marshalls’ commitment to contributing to a more sustainable built environment. Outgoing Chief Executive Martyn Coffey, reflecting on his decade-long tenure at Marshalls, expressed deep gratitude for the privilege and pleasure of leading the company. He highlighted the growth achieved during his term, attributing it to the exceptional team at Marshalls. Coffey expressed confidence in Matt Pullen inheriting a robust team and a business poised for growth when market conditions improve. In conclusion, the leadership transition at Marshalls marks a significant chapter for the company, with Matt Pullen at the helm, poised to guide the business towards continued success and growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has achieved the BES6001 international sustainability standard for its commercial drainage systems. The standard is designed to enable manufactured products to be assessed and certified as being responsibly sourced and comes off the back of the launch of the company’s Terrain PVC pipe which is manufactured with up to 65 per cent recycled materials. Assessment and certification are carried out by an independent third party and cover three different areas including supply chain management, which are evaluated via a written application and a site visit. Kevin Rose, Site Health, Safety and Environmental manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “We are delighted to achieve this accreditation for our commercial drainage systems. Helping the construction industry to build better is a key part of our strategy as a Genuit Group Company and to ensure up to 65 per cent of recycled materials in our products. “The achievement of BES6001 follows the release of our Environmental Product Declarations and being awarded the BSI Kitemark for our BIM Level 2 Revit files. Each of these are important in providing our customers with complete product transparency and carbon data they need to meet the government pledge to net zero.” Responsible sourcing certification provides proof that the manufacturer knows the origin of the materials they’re using to give construction professionals confidence that the products chosen support a more sustainable approach. Once certified, products are listed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) which provides impartial research to the UK government and internationally. The accreditation supports the commitment by their parent company, the Genuit Group, towards emission reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative. The scheme was validated in April and is the first to be made by a building products manufacturer within the UK as part of their ambition to be the low carbon supplier of choice to the industry. For more information about all of the standards and certifications achieved at Polypipe Building Services commercial drainage systems go to www.polypipe.com/commercial-building-services/terrain-drainage-systems-standards-and-certification Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Brick Development Association (BDA) is commemorating clay brick’s appeal as a building material for the ages with the launch of its Better with Brick campaign. Packed with facts, stats and blogs featuring expert analysis and insights, Better with Brick proves there is more to clay brick than meets the eye. An historic and reliable building material, clay brick’s outstanding credentials make it the ideal building source for the here and now. It is a viable long-term investment, has excellent availability and a lower carbon footprint compared to many alternative materials. Better with Brick provides a comprehensive look at these benefits and more. So, if you thought you knew everything there was to know about the wonders of clay brick, Better with Brick may give you cause to think again. Keith Aldis, CEO of the BDA said: “With Better with Brick, our goal is clear: to reveal the timeless charm and unwavering reliability of clay brick, a material that has long been the cornerstone for builders, architects, and homeowners. This campaign will highlight why clay brick isn’t just a choice, but the best choice for your building needs. So, please join us in celebrating clay brick; a gift of a building resource that keeps on giving.” Giving a Voice to Clay Brick’s Unsung Qualities Covering topics that verify clay brick’s vital role in fulfilling our current and future building needs, Better with Brick is a chance to discover fascinating insights into this tried, trusted and beloved building material. Clay brick’s strength, reliability, design-friendly qualities and limitless kerb appeal are among its renowned beneficial traits – but what about its sustainable value aside from its inbuilt long-term weather resistance? Also, have you considered how clay brick could be pivotal to decarbonising construction and contributing to the national effort to achieve net zero? And there’s more: did you know that clay brick’s non-combustible performance is hallmarked by its A1 fire-rating? Better with Brick will outline in full each of these crucial underlying benefits in a series of expert blogs that will also reveal how the Brick Makers Quality Charter manages its credibility in respect of clay bricks. The BDA encourages you to follow them on social media platforms to hear directly from brick manufacturers, architects, and other industry experts about why clay brick is their preferred choice. Search for @brickdevelopmentassociation on your favorite platforms and join the conversation using the hashtag #betterwithbrick. But the campaign doesn’t stop there! Be sure to watch the launch video here and stay tuned for upcoming interviews and videos that will be posted on their social media channels in the coming weeks and months. “Better with Brick” offers a comprehensive and compelling exploration of this timeless material, revealing its surprising relevance and potential in modern construction. Discover more about the benefits of clay brick and the BDA’s campaign here: https://www.brick.org.uk/better-with-brick. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knauf is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Construction Excellence SECBE Awards 2024. The prestigious regional awards, renowned for its commitment to recognising excellence and innovation in the construction industry across London and the South East, are set to take place on June 27th 2024. As a returning sponsor, Knauf is particularly honoured to support the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) category. This category seeks to celebrate organisations and projects that demonstrate outstanding commitment to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Knauf’s sponsorship of this category is testament to its own dedication to environmental and social responsibility. Knauf’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond sponsorship of the SECBE Awards. Knauf actively engages in initiatives designed to minimise environmental impact and support social causes by delivering to its customers, an accredited waste management service called ‘Knauf – Plasterboard Take Back Scheme’ through its partner Encore. Giving customers access to initiatives such as ProjectDIVERT, and Waste Wise Kids to divert waste from landfills and educate children on environmental conservation in local communities. The SECBE Awards has always been hallmarked by its rigorous judging process, ensuring that only the most deserving projects and organisations are recognised. As sponsors of the ESG category, Knauf is excited to be part of the judging panel and looks forward to hearing the inspiring stories and innovative solutions from participants. Emma Delaney, HR & Sustainability Director at Knauf, said: “We are eager to see the remarkable contributions and achievements within the ESG category. At Knauf, we are deeply committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Sponsoring the ESG category aligns perfectly with our company’s values and vision, and we are proud to support initiatives that promote positive change within our industry and communities.” Knauf extends its best wishes to all participants and invites industry colleagues to join them at the Annual Awards Ceremony Dinner on June 27th, 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HGV driver training specialist HGVC has been appointed by leading builders’ merchant MKM Building Supplies to train 54 drivers under the Government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. Under the contract, HGVC is delivering funded courses, with the Department for Education (DfE) providing a 70% contribution towards the cost of training, with MKM covering the remainder. MKM Building Supplies is the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants and is continuing to expand across the UK, reporting a 13% increase in annual revenue last year. The business wanted to upskill existing members of staff to meet growing customer demand and support continued business growth. MKM opted to outsource the training to HGVC, for a fully managed service making use of the HGV Skills Bootcamp funding available from the UK Government. HGVC was able to immediately onboard and book drivers for every element of licence acquisition, make use of government funding and offer training in locations across the UK. James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “Many UK firms that rely on drivers need to ability to ramp up their training capacity quickly in response to business growth. The Government’s Skills Bootcamps allows businesses across any sector to do just that, and we’re delighted to be working with MKM Building Supplies in this programme.” Kerry Hunt, Learning & Development Business Partner, MKM Building Supplies added:“Additional drivers allow us to meet our customer needs more effectively, so this is a critical business issue. We found the whole experience to be very smooth, and the entire process very well organised. HGVC also provided access to monthly and on-request reporting to update the training team on the progress of each delegate, so we had full visibility of where each candidate was on their training journey”. HGVC offers high-quality HGV driver training across more than 400 centres throughout the United Kingdom. Offering both small and large-scale licence acquisition programmes, it is the provider of choice for many companies across the country. HGVC leads the Driver Academy Group (DAG), a consortium comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK. DAG was recently awarded a full extension of its contract with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide training under the Government’s extended Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. The scheme will train and place into work thousands more HGV drivers across England over the coming year. The DfE funding offers a lifeline for both individual candidates and employers dealing with budget constraints given the cost-of-living crisis. DAG has secured funding to train a further 2,160 individuals over the next 12 months. Within the new contract, DAG will deliver funded courses, offering employers a 70% contribution towards the cost of HGV driver training. Since the launch of the Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving in December 2021, the DAG has trained around 1,400 drivers. Some 1,070 trainees have now passed their practical test and are ready to drive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
