Polypipe Building Services has secured it’s largest ever order to date for its fabricated drainage systems after being selected as the supplier for flagship project – Victoria Riverside in Red Bank, Manchester – part of Far East Consortium’s (FEC) £4bn Victoria North scheme, which is being delivered by principal contractor
CPD explains important practical changes and additions to BS 5422 ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading stone wool insulation manufacturer, has launched an ‘Introduction to BS 5422’, a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) module to support specifiers and engineers with advice on how to plan and implement the insulation of building services
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a
IF STACKED in a line, the access covers sold by Wrekin Products in 2023 would reach the depth of the Mariana Trench – five and a half times over. The civil engineering solution specialist has enjoyed a hugely successful year despite the challenging construction environment, selling more than 550,000 iron products, releasing two
Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has acquired Eco Readymix Ltd, a leading producer of mortar and concrete in the north-west. The acquisition will reinforce Aggregate Industries’ position in the north-west market and also help establish its place in the UK mortar market. Eco Readymix was established in
PERMAGROUP, the parent company of PermaRoof UK LTD, PermaRoof Commercial, and other leading solutions-based brands, is celebrating another successful year, achieving a record 16.4% growth in revenue. Despite challenging industry conditions, the company has gone from strength to strength, and in 2023 launched its latest innovation in rubber technology, Elevate
Reynaers Aluminium UK has underlined its commitment to supporting architectural excellence in the North West by sponsoring the Manchester Society of Architects. With Reynaers’ aluminium curtain walling systems already in use on high profile buildings within the city, the company has linked up with the society to raise awareness among
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the highest number of women to join its latest cohort of apprentices – following a successful East Midlands pilot programme. Of the 71 apprentices joining its latest quarterly intake at its national training centre in Darlington, six are female with a further
Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers
Knauf Insulation has launched FactoryClad Roll 35, a non-combustible glass mineral wool solution for built-up metal walls and roofs with the lowest embodied carbon of any equivalent 35 lambda mineral wool product on the UK market.[1] FactoryClad Roll 35 was specifically developed to insulate the 12,000m2 roof of the new Co-op
Polypipe Building Services has secured it’s largest ever order to date for its fabricated drainage systems after being selected as the supplier for flagship project – Victoria Riverside in Red Bank, Manchester – part of Far East Consortium’s (FEC) £4bn Victoria North scheme, which is being delivered by principal contractor CR Construction (U.K.) Company Ltd. With the first phase complete work on a second phase has now begun, and when completed will provide a selection of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings with a total of 611 apartments and 23 townhouses and duplexes at the surrounding lower level. The development is due to be completed in January 2025. Mechanical and electrical building services contractor Briggs & Forrester Living selected Polypipe Building Services as their drainage solution supplier because of their expertise in designing, fabricating, and delivering tailor-made fabricated systems to meet their requirements. This project has specified the use of the company’s fabricated Terrain FUZE HDPE soil and vent pipes and rainwater pipes which have begun arriving to site already in a series of floor-by-floor deliveries. Robert Dunn, Key Account Director at Kent-based Polypipe Building Services, said: “We are delighted Briggs & Forrester Living approached us about this project as we have worked alongside them on many projects over the years. “We’ve already made our first delivery and as it is a city centre location and a constrained site working out a feasible delivery schedule with Briggs & Forrester has been crucial. Because of the repetitive nature of the floor shapes, prefabrication was a perfect solution for this project so installation can take place floor by floor and they are easy to hoist up all together. “By providing everything fully fabricated, measured, cut, assembled and pressure tested at our state-of-the-art facility, it also gives their installation team complete reassurance of the quality and performance of the drainage system while making it a faster, simpler, and safer process on-site. “The sustainability aspect is another benefit of prefabrication as there’s no wastage and Polypipe Building Services take any offcuts from site when we deliver materials so we can recycle them into product again, together with recycling and reusing old pallets and any plastic packaging.” Philip Ashton, Construction Manager in the Northern region at Briggs & Forrester Living, said: “We are excited to be working on this project alongside the team at Polypipe Building Services as we are very familiar with their Terrain products, which offer us greater flexibility, as they have a bigger selection of various sizes than other manufacturers. We’ve got a good system in place with the Polypipe team. We try to standardise stack types which makes the design sign off at the beginning of the project a much quicker process. “A lot of other drainage manufacturers no longer offer the option of prefabrication, but at Polypipe Building Services the process of design and sign-off with their Advantage Team is good and they’re always available if we need to work something through with them. “This site has a very small footprint meaning deliveries must be ‘just in time’ which we operate through our local merchant. This means we only have delivered to site what we need at that time which is essential and works very well. The materials are palletised to suit a floor of drainage, and this is a huge advantage when loading out.” For more information about the commercial drainage products and prefabrication service at Polypipe Building Services go to www.polypipe.com/this-is-our-terrain Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CPD explains important practical changes and additions to BS 5422 ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading stone wool insulation manufacturer, has launched an ‘Introduction to BS 5422’, a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) module to support specifiers and engineers with advice on how to plan and implement the insulation of building services systems following a recent update to the standard. The CPD coincides with the recent publication of ROCKWOOL’s Guide to BS 5422:2023. BS 5422 provides a method for specifying thermal insulating materials needed on pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment for certain defined applications and conditions within the temperature range – 40°C to +700°C in domestic, non-domestic and commercial buildings. The standard works as guidance for consultants, engineers, contractors and manufacturers of thermal insulation in the building services sector. It supports Approved Document L as the reference point to determine the minimum thickness of insulation required to limit heat losses and gains from building services. ROCKWOOL’s new CPD module explores the factors that need to be considered when deciding on the insulation of building services systems according to BS 5422. It also demonstrates how the standard aims to improve the living and working environment of the building as well as make it safer and more energy efficient. “With BS5422:2023, the insulation requirements for building services and HVAC systems have been aligned closely with current thermal Building Regulations,” comments Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Fire Protection & HVAC at ROCKWOOL UK. “The new CPD will explain how the standard makes it easier for designers and specifiers to choose the most appropriate material for each project and allow them to exceed the minimum requirements if they wish.” Learn more about BS 5422, register to attend the ROCKWOOL CPD session at https://www.rockwool.com/uk/advice-and-inspiration/learning/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of Managing Associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a Senior Solicitor. Six years later Cassidy was appointed as Group Legal Director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100. In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as General Counsel and Company Secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change. Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster. Speaking about her new role, Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation. I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society. “Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.” John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IF STACKED in a line, the access covers sold by Wrekin Products in 2023 would reach the depth of the Mariana Trench – five and a half times over. The civil engineering solution specialist has enjoyed a hugely successful year despite the challenging construction environment, selling more than 550,000 iron products, releasing two new geosynthetics products and launching a new steel installation service. The Midlands based business has also revealed that it raised a record number of quotes, extended or secured work on four major frameworks, and raised more than £1,000 for charity this year. Three new starters and a senior promotion has seen Wrekin’s geosynthetics division become the one to watch. The extra investment saw the launch of new geosynthetic clay liners and a composite geogrid – as well as a streamlining of the existing product ranges to further and better supply merchants, all resulting in a record year for the comprehensive geosynthetics provider. Simon Turner, commercial director at Wrekin Products, said: “In almost all measures of business we’re seeing year on year growth across iron, steel and geosynthetics. We’ve been hard at work this year streamlining and optimising our offering so that our high-quality products that we’re known for are even more useful and accessible to our customers. From Belfast to Great Yarmouth our solutions have been making their desired impact. “This continues our design and operational aim to make every day better. Our innovations have led the civil engineering sector this year and we will continue to do so as we trailblaze into 2024.” Additionally, Wrekin launched its first white paper this year titled Potholes: More Than a Surface Issue, which was produced in collaboration with multiple local authorities and Gaist to investigate the correlation between potholes and substandard ironwork and installation. Simon continued: “Developing the whitepaper was a new adventure for us with the aim of utilising our expertise and sharing our industry knowledge to benefit our business partners. Though we understand the importance of high-quality ironwork and installation, it was a creative and thought-provoking way of shining a light on issues like this, and is something we may look at doing more of in the future in relation to challenges faced by the construction and civil engineering industries. “Ultimately, the hard work of the team across the business has put us on an excellent footing to start the new year moving from strength to strength. I’m incredibly proud and grateful for all of their perseverance, diligence, and passion.” To find out more about Wrekin’s industry impact, visit its website here: https://www.wrekinproducts.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has acquired Eco Readymix Ltd, a leading producer of mortar and concrete in the north-west. The acquisition will reinforce Aggregate Industries’ position in the north-west market and also help establish its place in the UK mortar market. Eco Readymix was established in 2004 and has sites in Wrexham and Ellesmere Port with a third site due to open in the Midlands. It produces Ready to Use mortar and Dry Silo Mortar and serves national house builders, groundworkers and civil engineering firms alongside the domestic market. It also produces ready mix concrete, liquid and traditional screed, concrete masonry blocks and aggregates. The company has strong sustainable credentials. Its Wrexham site is almost entirely powered via a biomass system alongside both wind and solar power. It employs 52 people across its sites. Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the acquisition of Eco Readymix and welcome them to Aggregate Industries. “As a business, it has clear sustainable values very much in line with our own, and will strategically add to our strong footprint in the north-west. “This also marks our entry into the UK mortar market with a knowledgeable and ambitious management that has multiple synergies with our own. The acquisition supports our long-term strategy to continue to grow our business in order to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and solutions.” Gary Billington, Managing Director of Eco Readymix, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking the business forward with Aggregate Industries. This allows us to continue our ambitious growth plans and to develop our offering. “It is really beneficial to be part of a leading UK company which has a clear vision for sustainability and to be able to have access to their networks and expertise.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERMAGROUP, the parent company of PermaRoof UK LTD, PermaRoof Commercial, and other leading solutions-based brands, is celebrating another successful year, achieving a record 16.4% growth in revenue. Despite challenging industry conditions, the company has gone from strength to strength, and in 2023 launched its latest innovation in rubber technology, Elevate RubberGuard SA, while a further two new products aimed at the commercial roofing market will be launched this month. PermaGroup also strengthened its internal team throughout the course of the year with eight new recruits, including Duncan Kirkwood, who will take on the position of managing director full time from 2024, following Adrian Buttress’ 23 years in the role. Adrian Buttress said: “It’s been another fantastic year for us at PermaGroup, and we’ve enjoyed a number of really exciting developments in the company. Not only have we seen record revenue growth, but we’ve broadened our product range, maintained our impeccable staff retention record, and created an incredibly strong management team to drive the business forward. “We’ve also continued to maintain strong working relationships with all of our clients despite material shortages and challenges in the industry, which is a real triumph.” In 2023, PermaRoof UK LTD became one of the first distributors in the industry to receive membership into the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), strengthening its position in raising industry standards and as a leader in the field. The company had to undergo a thorough inspection of its office and warehouse, as well as prove its compliance with the SPRA Quality Charter in order to receive membership, which has been one of the first initiatives pushed forward by Duncan. Duncan Kirkwood said: “2024 is already shaping up to be another successful year. We’re welcoming two new senior recruits to help build our middle management team and are looking forward to seeing our improved CRM system assist us with the strong growth we’re predicting for the business over the next few years, so we can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’d like to thank the whole team for their continued hard work in making PermaGroup such a huge success and I’m eager to lead the group forward from the new year, having taken over the reins from Adrian.”
Reynaers Aluminium UK has underlined its commitment to supporting architectural excellence in the North West by sponsoring the Manchester Society of Architects. With Reynaers’ aluminium curtain walling systems already in use on high profile buildings within the city, the company has linked up with the society to raise awareness among developers and architects of its aluminium systems and the bespoke services that it offers – as well as providing guidance on the latest building regulations. Projects on the Manchester skyline that feature Reynaers’ curtain walling systems include the Great Marlborough Street development – a 37-storey building that is part of the ‘Student Castle’ initiative, which uses Reynaers’ ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) and Concept Wall 60 (CW 60) curtain wall systems, including bespoke capping details. The X1, X2 and X3 Media City towers have Reynaers’ ConceptWall 65-EF (CW 65) curtain walling – which were bespoke project profiles – and ConceptSystem 77 HI (CS 77) window systems fitted to create a stand-out visual impact for the Salford Quays landmark buildings, while the company also provided aluminium systems for the city’s Middlewood Locks development, Two New Bailey Square and the New Wakefield Street Tower. (pictured) Darren Peel, Reynaers’ Consult Project Manager for the North West, West Midlands and Scotland works with architects, contractors, consultants, developers, project managers and design teams to address project challenges and provide solutions. He said: “As a company that strives to support architects and construction professionals in achieving the most innovative and sustainable facades possible, Reynaers Aluminium UK is delighted to be a key sponsor of Manchester Society of Architects.” Vice Chairman of the Manchester Society of Architects Paul Iddon added: “Reynaers is a great partner to have on board given the huge level of experience, learning and support that they can bring. Reynaers covers everything from a large residential complex to a hospital, or office development, and this depth and range of expertise supports everything from CPDs to interpreting and fully understanding regulations. “This expertise and advice is invaluable for our members from a regulatory point of view, such as the Building Safety Act, in helping to choose the right product for the job. “Partnerships such as this allow the Society to support architects in the region, covering everything from lectures to CPDs, meetings and events.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the highest number of women to join its latest cohort of apprentices – following a successful East Midlands pilot programme. Of the 71 apprentices joining its latest quarterly intake at its national training centre in Darlington, six are female with a further two women already having inducted earlier this year – compared with just one during the whole of 2022. Four were recruited as a result of TICA’s pilot initiative in Nottingham, which was designed to encourage more women to consider a career within the male-dominated industry. The national training provider attended several career fairs and colleges across the city and staged two recruitment days to raise awareness of the available opportunities and to match applicants with local employers. The female apprentices range in age from 16 to 50 and are from a variety of backgrounds and careers, including a special educational needs teacher, shop worker, and school leaver. In all, 12 female candidates attended the two recruitment days, and it is hoped the remainder may apply at a later date. The remaining four female apprentices at TICA were directly recruited by employers Altrad UK and Powertherm Contract Services. Marion Marsland, chief executive of TICA, said: “Prior to 2023, we welcomed on average just one female apprentice every three years. While the numbers may still be low, it represents a significant leap forward. It’s also encouraging to see that employers also recognise the benefits of having a more diverse workforce. “Women haven’t always seen construction as a career option due to a perception that it involves heavy manual work. This isn’t the case and TICA will continue to encourage and inspire more women to break down those invisible barriers that have prevented them from gaining well-qualified and well-paid jobs.” The thermal insulation industry is currently facing a recruitment shortage caused by an ageing workforce nearing retirement and a reduction in numbers of EU workers. Helen Anderson, head of learning at TICA, added: “We are experiencing a big demand for apprentices to bridge the resulting skills shortage, a gap that we are starting to bridge. “TICA is working with its employers to help them recruit directly, offering tailored support with everything from attending careers fairs, linking up with colleges, and organising recruitment campaigns and interviews.” It has also provided its members with free magnetic van stickers which is aimed at female recruits that features a QR code that provide further information on a career in thermal insulation. TICA’s apprenticeships combines practical on-site experience with employers with developing skills and best practice at TICA’s national training centre as apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers outstanding cost efficiency compared to cavity-based systems, and offers four stunning finishes, the widest range available on the market, with A1 fire resistance options within that. The new solution by K Systems, a renowned brand by industry leaders Kilwaughter Minerals, represents a significant R&D investment and follows extensive market research in partnership with existing customers and stakeholders. The launch of the distinctive and transformative Direct Fix system comes hot on the heels of K Systems’ introduction of its new M VBriQ+ system to market. The A1 fire-resistant mineral wool system with clay brick slip finish is a perfect architectural solution for buildings at all height levels and offers exceptional levels of durability and workability. The system is available in a variety of colours and textures providing unrivalled choice for customers to achieve their desired aesthetic with a standard range of brick slips available in stock. Kilwaughter Minerals’ Business Development Director, Caroline Rowley, said: “At Kilwaughter Minerals, we pride ourselves on maintaining continuous dialogue with our customers and the broader market to innovate and formulate new products tailored to their evolving needs. “We understand growing industry demand for EWI systems that are not only cost effective but that comply with stringent safety regulations whilst also offering superior durability. “With Direct Fix we have perfected an unmatched product which ticks all of those boxes, and we are delighted to finally bring it to market.” Two of the four finishes available with Direct Fix are A1 rated systems, offering the highest standards of fire safety. This launch and the A1 rated M VBriQ+ launch takes K Systems’ A1 portfolio to four A1 rated systems, evidencing the company’s equal dedication to safety and compliance in addition to innovation. Benefits of the newly introduced Direct Fix system also include an easier, faster installation process for applicators due to significantly reduced components, and an option for category one impact resistance rating guaranteeing buildings maintain a pleasing aesthetic for longer, and an unrivalled variety of finishes, colours and textures. Chief Executive of Kilwaughter Minerals, Gary Wilmot, added: “At K Systems, safety is non-negotiable, so we are proud to once again have our products awarded with the industry’s highest A1 fire resistance rating, enabling us to offer a solution that provides complete peace of mind to both customers and residents alike. “The launch of both systems is a shining example of our ability to deliver innovation without compromise and further testament to our prowess in creating products which provide tangible advantages for both those working with our systems and those living in the designated buildings.“ K Systems is a trusted supplier of EWI systems into the UK market for over 30 years and boasts a proven track record of reliability and durability. To learn more about Direct Fix, M VBriQ+, or various other industry-renowned K Systems available, visit www.k.systems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knauf Insulation has launched FactoryClad Roll 35, a non-combustible glass mineral wool solution for built-up metal walls and roofs with the lowest embodied carbon of any equivalent 35 lambda mineral wool product on the UK market.[1] FactoryClad Roll 35 was specifically developed to insulate the 12,000m2 roof of the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester, one of Europe’s largest and most sustainable live entertainment arenas. “Co-op Live is a project that places sustainability at its heart,” explained Liliya Luke, Glass Mineral Wool Product Manager at Knauf Insulation. “So it was essential our new FactoryClad Roll 35 not only delivered the required thermal efficiency but met the project’s sustainability requirements.” “We know that the construction industry faces a monumental task in delivering on the country’s net zero target. FactoryClad Roll 35 not only ticks all the boxes in terms of thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance but it’s backed up by the sustainability credentials the industry needs, so we decided to roll it out to meet demand for sustainable insulation for commercial buildings.” FactoryClad Roll 35 is non-combustible with the best Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. Because it is made of mineral wool, it also acts as a sound absorbent lining within built-up metal roofs, so will help control the reverberation of internal sound. It comes in five thicknesses between 60 and 220mm and is manufactured at a width of 1,200mm for speed of fitting. It also has a high tear strength which ensures its durability and ease of handling during installation. FactoryClad Roll 35 is backed up by a wide range of sustainability credentials. It’s manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added phenol or formaldehyde and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and low VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. All Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool is made using up to 80% recycled content, mainly bottles and jars collected from the local area. The company has also invested in the most advanced compression packaging, which reduces handling, storage and transport emissions as well as the amount of plastic film used. In addition, the products are manufactured in the UK. Like other Knauf Insulation glass mineral wool products, FactoryClad Roll 35 is accredited Declare ‘Red List Free’. This means there is an obligation to disclose a full list of product ingredients up to 0.01% and it certifies that the product does not contain any harmful chemicals featured on the Declare ‘Red List’. For more information visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/factoryclad-roll-35. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] Based on published EPD data available in October 2023.
