Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional
Proud to partner the trades, Jewson’s rebrand brings to life its journey to serve the UK’s tradespeople as their merchant of choice Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has unveiled its new company rebrand, marking the progress it’s making to help the UK’s hardworking professional tradespeople grow their businesses and shape
Construction materials giant Breedon has slashed the amount of time it spends on tachograph administration by 1,300 hours a year – thanks to Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution. With 450 HGVs operating across more than 300 sites, the group provides asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and surfacing solutions within the
Keystone Lintels is delighted to launch Keyfab, a new cutting-edge structural steel design and fabrication service that will bring the most creative and ambitious residential and specialised projects to life. Whatever the nature of your build, contractors and their projects can be supported every step of the way by Keystone’s
Investment into existing and new and branches drives further growth M.K.M Building Supplies Limited, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, is pleased to announce full year results for the period ended 30 September 2023. Highlights: Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM Building Supplies, said: “2023 was another solid year for the
Marshalls has launched Modal X™, a lower-cost, lower-carbon alternative to granite paving, offering high durability, design flexibility and straightforward installation. Building on the company’s popular Modal collection, which launched in 2020, the new Modal X features eight colourways, smooth and textured finishes, fifteen plan sizes and five depths, including three
Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and
Drainage and supply system specialist Polypipe Building Services is hosting two events open exclusively to those working in the building services industry, where it will reveal major additions to its MecFlow Supply System range. Developed to meet the rigours of commercial construction projects, the expanded MecFlow Supply System range will
Ibstock Plc (“Ibstock” or the “Group”) is embarking on the next stage of its major investment programme at its Nostell factory in West Yorkshire. Once fully operational, Ibstock will have the UK’s first fully automated brick slip manufacturing centre at the Nostell site, producing around 50 million brick slips per
Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional winners of the competition across its series of 11 roadshows. Now, Marshalls has announced its national champions for each award category, which are: Landscape by Design North West Ltd also took the coveted title of Contractor of the Year. This was decided by fellow contractors and peers in the industry, who voted online to select their favourite from the national winners projects which were featured anonymously on the Marshalls website. Tom Foster, Trading Director for Landscaping at Marshalls said: “Everyone in the business has been looking forward to the announcement of our Marshalls Register Award winers, and I’m delighted to say this year’s calibre of entries was more impressive than anything we’ve ever seen before. Landscapers today know the vital role they play in making a home not just special, but truly outstanding in its design, and the many projects submitted to the awards proved that. “Huge congratulations must go to Landscape by Design North West, not only for standing out as a truly exemplary contractor but for its second national award for Best Large Driveway – a category which was fiercely fought. All our winners have demonstrated they strive to set new benchmarks in what consumers can expect from their landscapers, and we’re proud to have them all as members of the Marshalls Register.” Darren Smith, owner of Landscape by Design North West Ltd, said: “This is a very proud moment for our business. We’re absolutely over the moon to have won the title of Contractor of the Year because we know it’s such a prestigious achievement. We’re still buzzing from the news, and I’m sure our celebrations will continue for a while!” Hundreds of installers and businesses across the UK are part of The Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers, a national network of independent professional landscaping specialists. The awards are just one of the benefits of being an approved Marshalls Register member, as well as having a profile on the manufacturer’s ‘find an installer’ facility that generates over 65,000 searches per year; access to the Marshalls Design Service, and reward points for every purchase. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proud to partner the trades, Jewson’s rebrand brings to life its journey to serve the UK’s tradespeople as their merchant of choice Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has unveiled its new company rebrand, marking the progress it’s making to help the UK’s hardworking professional tradespeople grow their businesses and shape the future of the construction industry. Proud to partner the trades, Jewson is building towards its vision to be the most trusted builders’ merchant for UK tradespeople. It introduced the refreshed visual identity, website, branch signage and truck branding at Jewson Live On Tour in Birmingham on Friday 26 April – an event designed to bring together customers, suppliers and colleagues with a celebrated programme of industry news and product innovation. Jewson’s identity has been refreshed to reflect its improved value proposition which provides the range of high-quality products and services that customers are looking for. The branding also adopts ‘Anton’ – a visual personification of the hard-working builder who is at the forefront of STARK Group, the parent company of STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), which acquired Jewson in March 2023. The colour palette showcases dark and sky blue, underpinning the company’s commitment to nurturing high-quality customer relationships, while a vibrant coral accent reflects Jewson’s fresh and innovative approach to merchanting. The introduction of Jewson’s new brand identity forms part of STARK UK’s Trust in Better strategy and symbolises the improvements the company has been making to its value proposition for customers, including range, availability, price and distribution enhancements. At the outset of the refresh, customers will see the new brand reflected on the Jewson website, along with regular communications, from delivery notes and invoices to the website and welcome packs. The brand will be rolled out in a phased manner, with the new Jewson brand coming to life in branches, too, from promotional materials and bulk bags – which are made from 30% recycled materials – to property refurbishments and delivery trucks. The new truck design was voted for by 70% of Jewson’s drivers – a clear commitment by the company to recognise and celebrate its valued colleagues. Jewson’s branches are benefiting from a comprehensive investment programme, ranging from light-touch improvements, offering a better, healthier and persistently safe working environment, to substantial refurbishments and new purpose-built ‘Branches of the Future’, offering the UK’s tradespeople a fundamentally different builders’ merchant offering. Complementing the launch of Jewson’s new brand is the relaunch of Build Aviator, Jewson’s estimating service, delivered by its team of construction experts to free up customers’ time so they can use their time where it matters most – with their own customers’ projects. Commenting on the rebrand, John Carter, CEO of STARK UK, said: “For any business that starts a new journey, just as Jewson did 12 months ago, there is always a reset and a new call to action. The rebrand – which we were excited to reveal at Jewson Live On Tour – allows us to demonstrate clearly that we are taking positive steps to be different. We have a new mindset that is centred on our customers, investment, ambition, and building pride in the industry. “The rebrand represents part of the transformation journey, but there is a bigger picture to consider. Jewson is proud to partner the trades, and our Trust in Better strategy is a framework we’re using to become the most trusted builders’ merchant for UK tradespeople. That involves investing in our branches, product range, availability, our people, technology and above all else, the quality of service we’re able to offer. “We have more than 450 branches across the UK, giving us a huge opportunity to put merchant relationships at the centre of tradespeople’s businesses. That’s what we aim to achieve, and we believe we’re on the path to transforming not only the Jewson business, but the entire customer-merchant experience. This is just the beginning.” Jewson plays a significant part of STARK UK, a portfolio of building merchant businesses, which are part of STARK Group, Europe’s leading builders’ merchant and distribution platform. Earlier this year, STARK Group celebrated its first 12 months of operating in the UK. Jewson is proud to partner the trades, building on its 180+ years of industry experience, offering the UK’s professional tradespeople the products and services they need to work smarter and grow their business faster, powered by a robust sourcing network and distribution platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction materials giant Breedon has slashed the amount of time it spends on tachograph administration by 1,300 hours a year – thanks to Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution. With 450 HGVs operating across more than 300 sites, the group provides asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and surfacing solutions within the UK and Ireland. Webfleet’s Tachoshare Plus has helped Breedon re-coup the admin time by facilitating automatic daily remote downloads of both driver and vehicle tachograph data. Drivers and transport managers no longer need to travel to depots to complete vehicle downloads, saving them valuable time and maximising productivity by keeping the trucks on the road. Truck-specific navigation is also saving time and boosting driver safety. “With Webfleet’s HGV routing, we can set much more accurate routes avoiding low bridges, weight restrictions and narrow lanes,” said Sarah Scothern, General Manager, Transport & Logistics at Breedon Group plc. “It also means we can give more accurate pricing estimates for delivery jobs.” With MANTIS camera integration on most trucks, the transport team can now access video evidence remotely, immediately after incidents, using the same Webfleet interface. “Far from being a Big Brother intrusion, the in-cab technology means we can support our drivers better,” explained Sarah. “With Webfleet and the multi-camera system, we can see the full picture, confirming, for example, that a driver was braking sharply to avoid a car cutting in, rather than driving dangerously.” Matt Vass, Director of Channel and Product Marketing at Mantis added: “Imagine the peace of mind for Breedon knowing they can swiftly access critical footage without sifting through endless hours of recordings. With our advanced camera technology seamlessly integrated into Webfleet, moments like sudden braking trigger automatic uploads, ensuring Breedon can react promptly. “Additionally, they have the power to stream or download any footage directly from any camera memory system, free from traditional constraints. This streamlined process enables Breedon to swiftly obtain video evidence, so decisive action can be taken when required.” The company is analysing Webfleet data to identify incidents and event hot spots – and to gain insights into the root cause of problems. The investment has resulted in a significant insurance premium rebate in recognition of lower anticipated accident rates. Breedon has also set its sights on improving driver behaviour, leveraging Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 driver feedback and reporting. “As well as setting challenging KPIs, we’re planning to introduce a driver of the year and most improved driver award, to help keep drivers incentivised to drive more safely and efficiently,” said Sarah. “In addition, we’re planning to integrate around 800 owner-drivers into the system, so wherever you work in the business, everyone will be measured against the same benchmark.” Webfleet’s powerful reporting suite will be integral to the company’s aim to achieve the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver accreditation by the end of this year and net zero carbon emissions by 2038. “Our large fleet presents a significant opportunity for CO2 savings and is a key focus of our sustainability strategy,” said Sarah. “With Webfleet’s certified CO2 report, we can now accurately measure our CO2 emissions, confirming not just how much our vehicles are emitting, but also why and where.” Breedon uses Fleetcare for 100 HGV vehicles transporting cement, combining Bridgestone’s best-in-class tyre range and tyre management solutions with Webfleet fleet management. Drawing upon connected tyre and vehicle data and reporting, Fleetcare provides smarter and more predictive maintenance solutions for the company, helping to reduce its total cost of fleet ownership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keystone Lintels is delighted to launch Keyfab, a new cutting-edge structural steel design and fabrication service that will bring the most creative and ambitious residential and specialised projects to life. Whatever the nature of your build, contractors and their projects can be supported every step of the way by Keystone’s industry-renowned technical team. By making Keystone Lintels a one-stop shop for steel lintels and structural steelwork, Keyfab brings industry knowledge and leading technical expertise in order to deliver a full design, fabrication and builder support package, bespoke to your project. “When dealing with structural steel, the construction industry faces numerous challenges in effectively communicating project dimensions and layouts to clients and stakeholders,” said David Allison at Keystone Lintels. “At Keystone, we recognise this challenge and are addressing it head-on with Keyfab. By leveraging clear and concise drawings, Keyfab bridges the gap between the design phase and on-site construction, ensuring that everyone involved understands the project requirements and objectives.” Keyfab provides a complete package of design, pricing, and fabrication services, ensuring a seamless experience for our customers. Keyfab from Keystone Lintels goes beyond just delivering steelwork by offering on-site builder support to enable projects to progress smoothly. With Keyfab, customers can access confirmation drawings to provide a clear visual representation of the final product. All steelwork is CE marked to EN1090 Execution Class 2, meeting the highest industry standards for quality and safety. Keystone’s fast and efficient countrywide delivery service is renowned throughout the construction industry, ensuring that builders can access the steelwork solutions they need, when they need them, to keep their projects on schedule and within budget. To provide additional peace of mind, Keyfab offer full product indemnity insurance, protecting you against any unforeseen circumstances. With industry-leading technical knowledge, Keystone is able to deliver exceptional solutions for a customer’s construction needs. Discover Keyfab and look out for our brand new and soon-to-be launched Keyfab CPD! Register your interest now at info@keystonelintels.co.uk and our technical team will be in touch to take you through Keyfab’s product accreditations and certifications, plus the whole design and fabrication service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Investment into existing and new and branches drives further growth M.K.M Building Supplies Limited, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, is pleased to announce full year results for the period ended 30 September 2023. Highlights: Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM Building Supplies, said: “2023 was another solid year for the business. We saw MKM continue to outperform, against what was a more challenging market than recent prior years. This performance was driven by our strategic focus on new branch openings, investing in existing branches, ensuring product availability, a motivated team and our continued commitment to local communities and service.While we have grown into a national business, we have always kept to our roots, which is to work with local Branch Directors, meeting local needs and customer service at the individual branch level. We do this by incentivising local management and staff and by giving each branch significant autonomy. The result is that we have stronger relationships with our customer base, ensuring their repeat business and, through reputation, grow our market share.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marshalls has launched Modal X™, a lower-cost, lower-carbon alternative to granite paving, offering high durability, design flexibility and straightforward installation. Building on the company’s popular Modal collection, which launched in 2020, the new Modal X features eight colourways, smooth and textured finishes, fifteen plan sizes and five depths, including three complementary sett sizes with a textured riven surface. Additionally, Marshalls’ market-leading Priora® paving is incorporated into the range, providing permeable options. The breadth of the Modal X range gives landscapers and their customers flexibility when developing mixed-use spaces including pedestrianised zones and high traffic areas. Different paving formats, such as modern linear units, help customers delineate spaces. At the same time, smaller elements can be used for finer detailing and edging, creating character and unique design elements. Likewise, Modal X offers a broad palette of warm, neutral and complementary colours, including a captivating pink granite, silver grey and light cream granite. This enables landscapers to create a contemporary finish that is aesthetically pleasing and hard-wearing. Modal X is crafted using Marshalls’ MaxiMix® Technology. This innovative technology produces an inseparable bonded layer, ensuring colour permanence and robust protection against the elements. Further, the patented surface technology creates a superior blend of aggregates and binders, resulting in an exceptionally durable, resilient paver, which is highly resistant to UV fading. Modal X is also ideal for budget-focused projects as it can be laid on a flexible, unbound bed requiring lower-priced materials, reduced installation time, and in turn, the labour costs, versus granite options. “While budgets are tightening, customers still want clever, creative and beautiful spaces,” said Tom Foster, Trading Director at Marshalls. “Our new Modal X range gives landscapers true design flexibility with hundreds of options and combinations, plus ease of installation and help towardreduced labour costs.” Modal X is the first new product range to be produced by the company’s innovative dual block plant in St Ives, Cambridge, which brings significant advantages in sustainability, lead times and bespoke ordering. “Our new dual block site delivers nearly double the output of a single plant, which is hugely beneficial to customers,” said Simon Magleave, Group Manufacturing Director at Marshalls. “As well as allowing us to cater for large-scale projects quickly, we can use the plant for smaller, morebespoke runs of made-to-order Modal X options with just-in-time delivery. “The dual block plant is partly powered by renewable energy sources, including solar array, plus a new state-of-the-art curing system which reduces carbon impact and speeds up drying times. We’ve also decreased the volume of water and cement used in the production.” For more details on Modal X, visit marshalls.co.uk/modal-x Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental footprint. Focused on modernising its factories, equipment, and technology with the construction of a new £3 million factory and £2 million wash plant revamp, the firm has announced their latest improvements which include the installation of two state-of-the-art crushers. Integral to both the production and quality of AG’s market leading products, the inclusion of crushers in its manufacturing process enables the company to harness locally sourced materials from both its Pomeroy plant and on-site quarry in Fivemiletown, ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply chain. In alignment with AG’s environmental commitment, which includes its Climate Action Pledge to decrease Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a minimum of 30% by 2030, the new crushers will optimise aggregate production across the company whilst reducing energy consumption. The cutting-edge machinery will match the output of its predecessors whilst consolidating the crushing circuits at the company’s Fivemiletown and Pomeroy sites, yielding significant carbon emission savings for AG. In addition, AG has introduced new product moulds, upgraded packaging machinery and new wrapping processes to improve performance efficiency and mitigate the company’s carbon impact across their four sites. “At AG, we are committed to delivering superior products while prioritising sustainability and innovation,” remarked Stephen Acheson, CEO. “Our latest investments underscore our proactive approach to create products that make construction better, faster and safer. By modernising our machinery infrastructure and embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are poised to meet the soaring demand the business is experiencing across commercial and domestic markets, while championing sustainable practices.” In tandem with its investment initiatives, AG has strengthened its workforce by creating new job opportunities, including the appointment of James Jack as GB Sales Director. This strategic expansion reinforces its commitment to driving sales across the UK & Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drainage and supply system specialist Polypipe Building Services is hosting two events open exclusively to those working in the building services industry, where it will reveal major additions to its MecFlow Supply System range. Developed to meet the rigours of commercial construction projects, the expanded MecFlow Supply System range will offer greater choice in design and installation options for those specifying and fitting supply systems. The two exclusive events, to be held in London and Manchester, will see experts from the Polypipe Building Services team on hand to demonstrate the expanded range of products and show how MecFlow is suitable specifically for all commercial applications. During the events there will be a chance for visitors to get hands-on with the new products themselves and experience just how robust they are. (main picture) Ian Crickmore, Technical Director of Polypipe Building Services, explains: “Supply systems need to meet all manner of tough standards if they’re to be suitable for use in commercial projects. This is the principle on which we first launched MecFlow, with its robust multi-layer construction and award-winning electrofusion jointing. “Now we’re excited for the next chapter, and at our events in London and Manchester we’ll be revealing first-hand how the expanded MecFlow range will meet an even greater range of applications. Those attending will be able to hear from our industry experts on why this should be their go-to choice for a strong, durable supply system.” These roadshow events are open to anyone working in the building services sector and are being held at the following city central venues: Both events will feature ‘live’ demonstrations and presentations on the latest MecFlow products with ‘how-to’ sessions in tooling and jointing, together with a live roundtable discussion between leading industry figures on hot topics including the skills gap and modern methods of construction. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to gain CPD points with a CIBSE accredited presentation session on the topic of ‘Sustainable Design, Methodology & Building Lifecycle’. These exclusive London and Manchester events are split into morning and afternoon sessions (9.30am-1pm & 1pm-4.30pm) to provide attendees with maximum access to all the activities taking place. For more information and to register for your entry ticket visit: Manchester - https://bit.ly/PBS-MecFlow-Sign-Up-Manchester London - https://bit.ly/PBS-MecFlow-Sign-Up-London Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ibstock Plc (“Ibstock” or the “Group”) is embarking on the next stage of its major investment programme at its Nostell factory in West Yorkshire. Once fully operational, Ibstock will have the UK’s first fully automated brick slip manufacturing centre at the Nostell site, producing around 50 million brick slips per year. As the leading brick manufacturer in the UK and with over 200 years of industry knowledge and expertise, the Group are increasing their presence in the fast-growing markets for brick slips, façades, and walling system solutions, as they continue work towards maximising the full potential of more modern methods of construction in the UK. The new brick slips centre at Nostell is progressing in two key phases. Phase one is nearing completion and focuses on driving pace and scale of brick slips through automation using the first of its kind technology here in the UK. Phase two focuses on even more advanced technology which will significantly expand the brick slips product range and offering from 2025 onwards. The latter phase is a fundamental step in Ibstock’s journey to net zero. The investment and innovation into the brick slips centre will not only continue to provide customers with a traditional authentic brick finish, but also enable a more modern installation approach. This will help meet the growing customer demand in mid-to-high rise new build and other key markets such as retrofit and the low rise modular offsite sector. The Group will also continue to collaborate closely with developers and contractors on other new construction systems which will bring even more modern solutions and more carbon efficient building products to the supply chain, as well as influencing the design for manufacturing and assembly from early stages of conception. Adam Foster, Project and Operations Director at Ibstock commented: “We are incredibly excited by what the development of our brick slips manufacturing centre at Nostell means for Ibstock as a whole – unleashing speed, scale, flexibility and precision in fast growing markets. The investment will increase our overall brick slip capacity by ten times more than what it is today, which is testament to our commitment to innovate for the construction industry.’’ “Not only do brick slips provide an authentic brick finish that will support planning applications, but also enable a more efficient installation for the targeted markets. Its light weight, promoting easier installation, manual handling, less waste in construction, as well as time efficiencies on construction sites.’’ ‘‘The new manufacturing technology at Nostell also allows for more agile operations, with fast response times and lower minimum order quantities compared to current imported alternatives. Furthermore, the high precision and new process results in brick slips having a tighter tolerance for systems such as precast. The slips will be incredibly durable and safe from a combustibility perspective, meaning they can be specified with confidence across multiple system holders.’’ “For mid to high rise buildings, retrofit and low rise modular, using Ibstock brick slips can significantly streamline the specification process. We use a variety of materials to match regional styles nationwide, ensuring our slips can perfectly complement existing, handset bricks. “Furthermore, the slips are available in a range of bespoke thicknesses, from 15mm and above, meaning they suit a wide variety of applications. The high precision manufacturing and rigorous quality process allows us to achieve unparalleled precision on dimensions for manufactured systems requiring a very tight tolerance.“By scaling production capacity of our brick slips, we are enabling more key markets to take advantage of the inherent benefits they can deliver.’’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
