AG, leading paving and building manufacturer, has won EIGHT major industry awards in quick succession across the UK and Ireland. Established over 60 years ago, AG is a 3rd generation family-owned business which now employs more than 230 people at eight locations across the UK and Ireland. The first accolade
Gripple’s innovative Fast Trak pre-fabricated bracket solution has been specified for One Cambridge Square, a new office and retail space within the heart of Cambridge North. Working alongside main contractor Wates and subcontractor PA Collacott & Co, Gripple supplied its innovative rapid fit trapeze system Fast Trak to suspend electrical
Huntsman Building Solutions, a leading manufacturer of spray foam insulation, has launched a brand-new training programme to support surveyors and construction professionals to build their knowledge of the insulation material. Spray foam insulation is growing in popularity in the UK as more homeowners look to home improvements in response to
Global water technology leader Xylem will showcase new technologies and solutions for building services at ISH 2023, a leading trade fair for HVAC and Water taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 13 to 17 March 2023. The company is seeking long-term partnerships to tackle the world’s most pressing water and
Polypipe Building Services has announced the launch of Terrain FUZE Stax. The latest addition to the Terrain FUZE HDPE drainage system, this new range of two-part fabricated stack configurations is designed to make installing the most common low to high-rise applications simpler and quicker. Because many large-scale drainage stack projects
Companies in Bedfordshire and beyond now have a simple choice when it comes to purchasing tinted HMG Paints products. As Barton Le Clay based Simply Coatings have completed the installation of a brand-new UNIT Tinting scheme. The UNIT Tinting scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix a vast array of colours
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) has become an official Supporter of susdrain, the community for sustainable drainage created by CIRIA, the construction industry research and information association. Susdrain is a community that provides a range of resources for those involved in delivering sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). It provides up-to-date guidance, information and
Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has been awarded a gold medal by EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The gold award sees Arco improve on the silver rating it has held in previous years, with the fifth-generation family business improving its scores in
Both CaberMDF Pro and CaberMDF Pro MR from timber product specialist, West Fraser, are premium grade Medium Density Fibreboards developed for interior joinery: their uniform consistency offering all the benefits of timber, but without the natural defects. Due to their construction and smooth surfaces, CaberMDF Pro and Pro MR are
AG, leading paving and building manufacturer, has won EIGHT major industry awards in quick succession across the UK and Ireland. Established over 60 years ago, AG is a 3rd generation family-owned business which now employs more than 230 people at eight locations across the UK and Ireland. The first accolade was being Highly Commended in both the Manufacturer of the Year and Best Family Business categories at the Business Eye awards. The awards showcase the success of companies across specialist categories and sectors. The company was recognised at the ceremony for its best-in-class walling, paving and facing brick products. The third award – from The Plant and Civil Engineering Awards for R&D Innovation of the Year– provided positive proof of AG’s ground-breaking work within the sector. AG was also recognised at the prestigious RoSPA awards where they were rewarded for their ongoing commitment to health and safety in the workforce. These best-in-class awards recognise companies that are going above and beyond to ensure their workplace is safe. Their commitment and dedication of all AG employees and contractors to safety within the company was further recognised at the NISG (Northern Ireland Safety Group) Safety Awards for 2022 where AG received a Distinction Award. The next award was for Sustainability and Quality Engineer Catherine Campbell who picked up the Future Leader award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards ceremony. The Future Leader Award is given to associates who have shown “exceptional skills in driving and delivering innovation strategy, demonstrating great teamwork and outstanding leadership potential”. As well as this AG won the Best Branding and Positioning Campaign for AG’s launch of its latest ground-breaking product, Enduur Led by Head of Marketing Ross Telford, the team launched an integrated campaign across digital and traditional media including innovative, sharply focused content aimed to showcase the unique benefits of Enduur. AG’s dedication to introducing sustainable practices into their processes saw them win their eight award of the season in the Business in the Community Benchmarking Survey. This survey scores, recognises, and rewards organisations that are going above and beyond their legal environmental requirements. AG already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and this award highlights their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum. Stephen Acheson, CEO at AG, said winning the eight major awards was fitting recognition of the outstanding work everyone at AG has been doing. “We are extremely proud to receive these eight prestigious awards. The past year has seen continued growth within challenging market conditions, and it is truly amazing to be able to share these awards with everyone at AG as we recognise their hard work and commitment to doing and being better.” “Since we first opened over 60 years ago, we have held family values at the core of our business operations and are committed to making construction, better, faster and safer. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we plan to continue our focus in these areas while maintaining our community work and investment in the training and development of our staff.” To find out more about AG, visit their website – www.ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gripple’s innovative Fast Trak pre-fabricated bracket solution has been specified for One Cambridge Square, a new office and retail space within the heart of Cambridge North. Working alongside main contractor Wates and subcontractor PA Collacott & Co, Gripple supplied its innovative rapid fit trapeze system Fast Trak to suspend electrical containment throughout each floor of the 94,000 sq ft building. Fast Trak was chosen as it offers speed, flexibility and efficient use of space and is renowned for being six times faster to install than traditional methods. Gripple’s Fast Trak also enabled PA Collacott & Co to overcome challenges on the site, including the fact that the cable baskets and trays had to navigate through different heights and levels on each floor, whilst retaining an uncluttered appearance and not compromising safety. Fast Trak was the ideal solution as it benefits from tool-free easy adjustment capability, where the bracket can be quickly moved up and down the track in 10mm increments, before being locked securely back into place. This meant that if the baskets needed to be raised slightly to run underneath or through a steel beam, then this could be done quickly and easily. An electrical supervisor from PA Collacott & Co said: “Fast Trak has definitely helped us to deliver this project much more quickly. We had some tricky steel beams to get through which Fast Trak helped overcome, with its quick adjustment mechanism – which would have been difficult and time consuming with traditional methods. A whole floor took two installers four days to complete – the same space using traditional methods would have taken at least three weeks, saving a great deal of time and labour!” As One Cambridge Square is BREEAM Excellent rated, it was an added bonus that Fast Trak offers carbon savings over traditional methods. Fast Trak helped to save 4,464 kg of embodied carbon on-site – this is equivalent to driving 15,338 miles. An MEP Site Manager from Wates said: “The fact that Fast Trak is pre-formed and arrives on site ready to go means we’ve seen no wastage at all. In the past we have used wedge anchors, threaded rod and channel on a project like this. Fast Trak by comparison is a lot quicker and has eliminated the need for hot works and permits The tracks can be bent easily in the bracket. We have had some great feedback from the installers, who carried out the project really quickly. We’ve also seen no real waste on-site. It has been fantastic.” With fire safety in buildings becoming more important following the recent update to Approved Document B of Building Regulations, Gripple has secured independent test data for Fast Trak, which confirms that the entire system meets the fire performance requirements associated with BS EN 1363-1:2020. Gripple’s Area Sales Manager Josh Bloomfield, explains: “The fact that Fast Trak achieves F120 accreditation was essential on this project. It made a big difference to health and safety on-site and also reduced labour by 17 weeks.” Fast Trak is a pre-fabricated, trapeze bracket, which enables efficient, flexible and safe installation of electrical containment, ductwork, pipework and other mechanical services. Fast Trak comprises metal tracks, from 200mm to 1,500mm in length, accompanied by mounting brackets, from 170mm to 1,470mm wide and is designed to suit a wide range of installations from high-rise office blocks, hotels, hospitals, open retail spaces, residential buildings, or transportation hubs. Fast Trak is extremely versatile as the four-sided bracket provides suspension points on each face. Thanks to its ‘channel style’ return, Fast Trak can be used with standard channel nut fixings along with Gripple’s range of fixings and accessories. All Fast Trak pre-fabricated tracks and brackets are organised in user friendly packaging, with a handle, making it easy to carry on-site. The system can also be moved onto and around site easily and stacked tidily on-site to reduce storage requirements. Instructions for Fast Trak are included on the packaging, with a QR code link, which removes the need for further paper usage. Gripple is committed to providing customers with greener solutions that reduce carbon and maximise use of recycled materials. For contractors and developers, use of Fast Trak offers minimal waste due to the fact that 95% of packaging is FSC cardboard, which is recyclable. For more information about the Fast Trak™ system visit the websitehttps://www.gripple.com/fast-trak Please see the below video on the YouTube channel… Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huntsman Building Solutions, a leading manufacturer of spray foam insulation, has launched a brand-new training programme to support surveyors and construction professionals to build their knowledge of the insulation material. Spray foam insulation is growing in popularity in the UK as more homeowners look to home improvements in response to the ongoing energy crisis. According to government figures which state that 54% of UK homes have an energy efficiency rating below C1, millions of homes in the UK could benefit from improved insulation, helping to save occupants money on their heating bills and making homes more energy efficient. A key driving force behind the upcoming ECO+ scheme, improving energy efficiency will help to curb growing emissions from the UK’s housing stock. While more people are turning to spray foam insulation, research carried out by Huntsman Building Solutions found that more than half of UK surveyors are unfamiliar with spray foam insulation and have a limited understanding of this product. As well as limiting their ability to properly assess homes with spray foam insulation installed, this lack of understanding is compounding the reluctance of mortgage lenders to finance homes which have improved their performance with spray foam. The research, which sought the opinions of a cross-section of UK-based surveyors*, found that 41% of surveyors possess limited knowledge of spray foam and 17% know nothing at all about this insulation solution. Simon Baker, President of Huntsman Building Solutions (HBS), says: “While the performance of spray foam insulation is proven with BBA certification, we recognise the urgent need to support professionals to strengthen their knowledge of the material. In turn, we can correct the misconceptions around the insulation material and enable more UK homes to benefit from its performance. “Our brand-new training modules represent our starting point on this journey. Designed specifically for surveyors, our technical department will help surveyors in understanding how to assess an installation, identify the differences between correctly installed and poorly installed spray foam, and its benefits in comparison to traditional insulation methods. Equipped with a rounded understanding of the material, professionals can make more informed decisions, in turn supporting homeowners to maximise the performance of their homes – safe in the knowledge they’re doing so for the long-term.” For UK homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency through a properly insulation loft space, Huntsman Building Solutions recommends the use of open-cell spray foam insulation and states the product should only be installed by trusted and trained professionals. HBS Authorised Installer Network provides a way to source qualified contractors, ensuring safe, correct and fully documented installations. Training modules on spray foam insulation will run throughout the year, with the first session taking place on Friday 3rd February. The training is free to attend, and tickets can be reserved here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbs-university-virtual-training-uk-surveyor-training-tickets-492919173517 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global water technology leader Xylem will showcase new technologies and solutions for building services at ISH 2023, a leading trade fair for HVAC and Water taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 13 to 17 March 2023. The company is seeking long-term partnerships to tackle the world’s most pressing water and energy challenges – particularly within the building sector which is one of the EU’s major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. “The rate at which we decarbonize the building sector will have a crucial impact on whether we achieve our climate goals” said Victor Ferre, Senior Director, Business Development & Vertical Marketing Building Services at Xylem. “Whether you are a facility manager, a heat pump manufacturer or an HVAC installer, Xylem can help reduce the carbon footprint. Our intelligent pumps, monitoring software, reliable heat meter, and accurate water meters are already saving 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year – that’s the equivalent to taking 20,000 cars off the streets.” The race to zero has started and Xylem sees building sustainable partnerships as the foundation for long-term success. The company is looking for like-minded partners that lead the energy transition in the building services sector: consultants, OEMs, contractors, installers and operators. At ISH 2023, Xylem will showcase its latest product innovations to accelerate its customers’ digital transformation, including: pump management solution hydrovar nexusTM; cloud-based plant monitoring Avensor; new high efficiency OEM circulator range eco2 designed for optimized integration in all kinds of HVAC applications; and DomoJet water meters – compliant with the European Energy Efficiency Directive. Visit Xylem’s booth B81 in hall 9.0 to explore potential new partnerships and to learn about the latest Xylem and Manchester City campaign that will be launched during ISH 2023. In addition, Xylem will be hosting an initiative through the company’s social responsibility program Watermark. For each participant that pledges to take an impactful water-related action, Xylem will donate to projects supporting UNICEF’s global WASH and education efforts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has announced the launch of Terrain FUZE Stax. The latest addition to the Terrain FUZE HDPE drainage system, this new range of two-part fabricated stack configurations is designed to make installing the most common low to high-rise applications simpler and quicker. Because many large-scale drainage stack projects involve repeating very similar configurations of loose components across floors, significant time is spent on the same cutting and welding jobs. Using data gathered by its Advantage service, Polypipe Building Services has produced a range of stacks that reflect the most common of these standard configurations to help reduce installation time needed on site. Chris Goodwin, Product Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains: “Contractors who work on projects that require a large volume of loose components will recognise that much of the time on these jobs is spent doing the same sizing, cutting, and welding over and over again. “We have developed Terrain FUZE Stax as the perfect solution to sit between the current options of ordering loose Terrain FUZE components or using our Advantage service for more unique, complex projects. “These can then be installed on site quicker with minimal adaptation work which means a big reduction in waste generated by offcuts.” Available from Polypipe Building Services stockists, the range covers three standard applications – kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Within these are a broad range of options including different top and bottom sections, stack diameters, vents and more to ensure maximum flexibility in meeting on site demands. This latest addition means there is now a comprehensive range of ways to buy the Terrain FUZE system for different project demands. Loose components can still be bought as usual from distributors, whilst for larger scale but standardised, repetitive projects Terrain FUZE Stax can also be obtained from distributors and integrate with loose Terrain FUZE components if needed. Where project requirements are too complex to be met efficiently through Terrain loose or Terrain FUZE Stax, the Polypipe Advantage service is on hand to offer bespoke design and fabrication. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Companies in Bedfordshire and beyond now have a simple choice when it comes to purchasing tinted HMG Paints products. As Barton Le Clay based Simply Coatings have completed the installation of a brand-new UNIT Tinting scheme. The UNIT Tinting scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix a vast array of colours including BS, RAL, Agricultural and more for their customers. Furthermore, the scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix larger volumes of HMG Paints products and offer faster turnarounds for customers. Products that can be colour matched and tinted include 1K & 2K topcoats, undercoats and primers, as well as a variety of sheen levels. Darren Hardiman, Managing Director of Simply coatings remarked “We are delighted to be working with some of the best in the industry here at Simply Coatings and for our new investment it was an obvious choice to partner the Corob equipment with HMG Paints as we continue to grow the business in 2023 and beyond.” DTM, PVC, Wood Coatings and more Like many of HMG Paints distributors Simply Coatings are an independent family business and supplier & distributor of Paint & Protective coatings. Simply Coatings pride themselves in offering a range of products and full support from the moment customers get in touch until long after they have received their order. Along with the HMG Paints range which includes Direct to Metal Coatings (DTM), PVC coatings and wood finishes they offer a range of systems from various manufacturers. “The installation of the UNIT Tinting machine takes the offering from Simply Coatings to a whole new level, and will allow their customers faster turnaround across a wide range of HMG products.” added Roger Blinco, HMG Key Account Manager. “Darren and the Simply Coatings team have built a great business and the installation of the new HMG Mixing schemes shows their commitment to the customers on providing exactly the right product, in the right colour when they require it.” A wide selection of colours The new UNIT scheme installation is also backed up by the HMG ColourBase Colour Box, which contains over 2400 colour chips, displayed in chromatic order within 20 fan decks. The box allows distributors and customers alike to choose the perfect colour from a number of ranges including RAL, British Standard, Commercial Vehicle Fleet Colours, Agricultural, Afnor and more. Every colour in the box can be then produced across a number of 1K and 2K HMG products. Across the whole of the UNIT mixing scheme HMG offer over 70,000 colour formulations ensuring that customers can always find the correct colour for their project. Uniquely HMG Paints actually manufacture their own range of colourants which in formulations to create exact colour matches. Being a colourant manufacturer means HMG can ensure each colourants uses the best pigments on the market ensuring the perfect colours every time. As an independent paint manufacturer HMG Paints Ltd rely on a loyal, countrywide distribution network to supply and service customers. All of HMG’s paints are Made in Britain accredited and supplied across a number of industries including, industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, defence, wood finish and arts & craft. Distributors are selected based upon their reputation and the Simply Coatings package of product and local knowledge makes them a perfect partner. Visit www.simplycoatings.co.uk to see the whole range of products available. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. LEIAB offers a choice of four window models, with a variety of frame and sash combinations to create 16 different exteriors and three interiors. All products are tailored to customer specifications, ensuring the right style and fit for each property. The most exposed parts of the window, the frame and outer sash, are composed of strong powder-coated aluminium fitted with weep holes. This prevents the window from rotting and ensures a superior life span. The interiors are engineered from dense timber with a high-quality decorative finish. LEIAB’s Secured by Design accredited products also include their timber aluminium composite door range, a selection available in double or single leaf, fully glazed, and offering a high level of security to the property. Johan Pettersson, LEIAB Windows, said: “By joining Secured by Design, LEIAB now have confirmation that their products meet the stringent SBD criteria, thus providing additional comfort to our clients by having this accreditation.” Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that LEIAB Windows AB have joined Secured by Design with their timber aluminium clad door and window range, and understand that they may be looking to extend this soon. I look forward to this being a successful relationship with them over the coming years.” You can find out more about LEIAB Windows and their Secured by Design accredited products at: Secured by Design LEIAB Windows Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) has become an official Supporter of susdrain, the community for sustainable drainage created by CIRIA, the construction industry research and information association. Susdrain is a community that provides a range of resources for those involved in delivering sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). It provides up-to-date guidance, information and case studies that help to underpin the planning, design, approval, construction and maintenance of SuDS. The community of support is for all those – from flood risk managers and drainage and highways engineers through to planners, designers, landscape architects and developers – seeking to increase knowledge, confidence and the delivery of SuDS. Although a relatively new name in the UK, US-based ADS is a leader in the manufacture of corrugated thermoplastic drainage pipes and a specialist in water management systems. Its lead attenuation system in the SuDS environment is StormTech. Combining arch-shaped chambers with an innovative, integrated water quality treatment system, StormTech has been used successfully in over 50,000 projects worldwide employing in excess of 2.5 million units. In respect of their new relationship with susdrain, ADS’s UK manager Stuart Crisp says: “Our support for susdrain forms part of our commitment to provide class-leading information and solutions to the SuDS community, as well as improving awareness of our proven StormTech system. For instance, StormTech fully complies with the recently updated Design and Construction Guidance for foul and surface water sewers offered for adoption under the Code for adoption agreements for water and sewerage companies operating wholly or mainly in England. This means that water companies in England can accept StormTech when offered for adoption by developers under Section 104 Agreements in accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991. Additionally, recent structural modelling to Eurocodes has demonstrated that StormTech SuDS attenuation chambers can be installed to the minimum and maximum cover depths that are detailed within the standard ADS installation guidelines, originally based on US Standards. Through susdrain, we hope to contribute to the knowledge base of SuDS practitioners and illustrate the viability of StormTech, based on the hard empirical proof now available.” For more information on Advanced Drainage Systems, visit www.adspipe.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has been awarded a gold medal by EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The gold award sees Arco improve on the silver rating it has held in previous years, with the fifth-generation family business improving its scores in areas like the environment, by improving energy performance reporting and setting of carbon reduction targets, as well as labour and human rights and sustainable procurement. The gold rating puts Arco in the top 5% of the 100,000 plus rated companies assessed by EcoVadis. In addition, Arco was also recognised as an industry leader, overall, by making the top 2% of companies rated by EcoVadis in its industry sector, as well as in the areas of sustainable procurement (top 1%) and environment (top 2%). Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: “As a responsible choice of safety partner, Arco is very proud to have secured a gold medal from EcoVadis and that our efforts to continuously improve in sustainability and ethical performance have been recognised. “As a business, we are always striving to be the best at what we do, to lead in our industry and in the family business sector. “We will continue to take steps to achieve our ambition of being a platinum-rated business in the future, including increasing our alignment to external standards and accreditations, such setting science-based targets, and further improving our reporting to stakeholders.” The EcoVadis methodology framework assesses companies’ policies and actions as well as their published reporting related to the environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. Its team of international sustainability experts analyse and cross check companies’ data (supporting documents, 360° Watch Findings, etc.) in order to create reliable ratings, taking into account each company’s industry, size and geographic location. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Both CaberMDF Pro and CaberMDF Pro MR from timber product specialist, West Fraser, are premium grade Medium Density Fibreboards developed for interior joinery: their uniform consistency offering all the benefits of timber, but without the natural defects. Due to their construction and smooth surfaces, CaberMDF Pro and Pro MR are ideal for use where intricate detailing is required; plus, the boards are ideally suited to machining and surface finishing, as well as being able to accept high quality paint finishes. Both are easy to saw, drill and rout cleanly without chipping or splintering. Therefore, elaborate detailing is possible, while for the most artistic of interior designers, developers or builders, the boards will even accept foils and ornate veneers. The versatile panels are suited to shop fitting, general purpose joinery and furniture making, as well as wall panelling, architectural mouldings, and the production of doors. They are also frequently specified for exhibition stands, staircases and even fire surrounds, as well as in public buildings, banks and hotels. Then in terms of the product designation, the MR refers to the moisture resisting treatment and conditioning given to the CaberMDF Pro MR boards during their production, making them suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms or other situations where the environment is prone to high humidity. Ruggedness as well as accuracy of manufacture is also enhanced by the industrial grade’s superior screw and fastener holding over other types of panel product, thanks to the board’s carefully selected, high quality fibres and internal bond strength. At 1220mm wide, both boards are available in lengths of 2440 or 3050mm; and in thicknesses of 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 30mm. For CaberMDF Pro, extra options include sizes of 1525 and 1830mm, plus 2745 x 1220mm with the longest board measuring 3660 x 1220 mm. For peace of mind, the boards also conform to European E1 emission standard, comply with BS EN 622: Parts 1 and 5, and carry the CE mark. To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
