Since the dawn of steam, Santa has relied on the Polar Express for essential logistics around his festive distribution centre at the North Pole. It performs a vital role moving presents, wrapping paper etc. for next-day delivery. Like a lot of ageing infrastructure, the Polar Express line was starting to
Energy company Eon UK PLC has been hosting a week of health and safety briefings for their team members in Coventry. As a part of this week-long event, the company also had display a new generation of welfare units, ideal for industrial use, on construction sites and landscaping sites or
The leading supplier of high performance innovative waterproofing and insulation systems for UK and Ireland, Moy Materials won Trainer of the Year at the 2017 Liquid Roof Waterproofing Association Awards, or LRWA. As one of the UK and Ireland’s leading suppliers of flat waterproofing systems for the roofing industry, Moy
Armstrong CPD has explained the advantages of using metal ceilings in buildings. Armstrong offers RIBA-approved CPD and has released their own insight into the benefits behind using metal ceiling solutions. The RIBA-approved CPD covers a range of different aspects to this ceiling solution and specifying metal systems now available from
The Mace Foundation, the charitable arm of the international consultancy and construction company, Mace has delivered a £20,000 makeover to the London historic youth hostel, YHA London St Paul’s. The youth hostel is 200 years old and is owned and run by YHA, which is a leading youth charity in
GPH Builders Merchants has invested more than half a million pounds into the creation of a new facility which is located in Stonehaven, north-east Scotland. This new facility is designed to give customers easy access to professional and DIY building and landscaping materials. The company also has branches in Inverurie
Devoran Metals has become the first reinforcing steel company operating in the UK to achieve the Fit for Nuclear status. The company has been working tirelessly for two years to adjust their processes and products in order to improve to this accreditation level. The steel company is the leading supplier
LAR has been celebrating their 20th anniversary recently with a new company brand identity. The leading ambatement specialist maintained a consistent brand image for its first 20 years, and have now released a new, refreshed image that acts as a better reflection of the company’s values and central attributes. LAR
Saint-Gobain Weber high performance technical mortars have been specified for the repair of a number of concrete balconies with metal railings featured on apartment buildings in Northwood, Middlesex in the London borough of Hillingdon. The metal railings of the Middlesex apartment buildings have rusted at the base over time. This
Pave Aways, the Midlands based building contractor has revealed that they have plans for an increase in turnover. The construction company has ambitiously set the target for a 25% increase in their already multi-million-pound turnover. It is thought that this increase will be connected to their plans to expand their
Since the dawn of steam, Santa has relied on the Polar Express for essential logistics around his festive distribution centre at the North Pole. It performs a vital role moving presents, wrapping paper etc. for next-day delivery. Like a lot of ageing infrastructure, the Polar Express line was starting to show its age and this year Santa sent elf envoys to Barnshaws Section Benders for some support. Ash Pan, Chief Stoker Elf aboard the Polar Express, explains: “We only travel in winter, so the Polar Express isn’t immune to some wear and tear. Usually this only amounts to chocolate stains on the seats, but after decades of service it was clear this Christmas that the rails needed some attention. For that we needed section bending, so we contacted Barnshaws to help ensure the Polar Express doesn’t become stationary.” Barnshaws, one of the world’s largest metal bending companies, has a proven track record in providing high quality steel curving to Santa’s operation. Last year, the business helped to avert a candy crisis by bending candy canes, and the year before, rolled new skis for Santa’s sleigh. This year it was subsidiary company Barnshaws Polska that was best able to help deliver the project, due to his North Polish location, and because the business had recently helped to design a new tram system in Poland. In the UK, Barnshaws has also been producing railway wiring gantries to aid with the electrification of older railway lines. Train Driver on the Polar Express, Rayul Way, added: “The Polar Express can hit speeds of over 100 presents per hour (pph), so it was really important to have perfectly curved rails. Barnshaws Polska was able to service this substantial order very quickly, and trust me we know about global logistics. “Thanks to this work, we’ve been able to ensure children from around the world get their presents from Santa, and the new lines which are millimetric perfect, form a solid platform for future success.” Santa was delighted with the work and said… “Ho Ho Ho!” A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Barnshaws!
Energy company Eon UK PLC has been hosting a week of health and safety briefings for their team members in Coventry. As a part of this week-long event, the company also had display a new generation of welfare units, ideal for industrial use, on construction sites and landscaping sites or projects. This new unit differs from the more traditional welfare units as they are solar powered as opposed to running on fossil fuels. Blue Castle Group’s solar powered welfare units offer modern, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to the standard fossil fuel powered units. The unit has been ergonomically designed in order to offer a space for resting and eating, drying and changing clothes, offering access to drinking water, sanitary conveniences and access to washing facilities. These new anti-vandal mobile units also make the most of solar technology, telemetry and enhanced interiors to offer a superior on site solution. The facilities offer the most up to date use of technology to deliver a good economic use of space and deliver a cost effective, environmentally efficient alternative to the standard fossil fuel welfare units. The solar powered welfare units also offer the potential annual savings of up to 60% for generators, a saving of CO2 emissions of more than 40,000kg. Because of the solar power, and lack or requirement for generators above occasional use means that there is a saving for the service cost of the generators of £1,750 and a potential breakdown cost saving of as much as £1,200. Blue Castle also offers their customers full training at the company premises, this is so that the units can be installed on site with the minimum level of disruption caused. The training includes standard Health and Safety information, operating instructions for the deployment of the unit, under gear maintenance, fault finding training, wheel replacement, pre-hire checks, generator engine maintenance and towing checks and legislations.
The leading supplier of high performance innovative waterproofing and insulation systems for UK and Ireland, Moy Materials won Trainer of the Year at the 2017 Liquid Roof Waterproofing Association Awards, or LRWA. As one of the UK and Ireland’s leading suppliers of flat waterproofing systems for the roofing industry, Moy Materials were shortlisted in two different categories at this year’s awards ceremony. The prestigious LWRA Awards saw Paul Sutherland of Moy Materials take home Trainer of the Year. The awards have been created to celebrate those who contribute to one of the fastest growing sectors of the roofing industry, showcasing the highest quality, professionalism and workmanship at the Awards ceremony, which took place in Hotel Football, Old Trafford. Moy Materials were also nominated for Liquid Roofing Project of the Year >1000㎡, for the work that they had carried out with Plan Construction Ltd. However, it was the company’s highly skilled technical representative, Paul who managed to go home with a trophy. The award nominated by the LWRA seeks to celebrate those who have been seen to make an outstanding contribution to the training of liquid installation in the UK. Moy Materials first entered the Northern UK market in 2011 and, as a result of this has seen their UK sales quadruple while their technical team work to answer the demands of the booming UK construction market. Moy Materials have also predicted a good year next year, with expectations that their share of the UK specification market will increase significantly in 2018. The company is proud to deliver such high quality technical service, and the awards are a great way of coming together with other industry professionals in order to acknowledge the achievements of the industry and serve as a benchmark for high standards in the roofing industry going forward. With Moy predicting more business success next year, hopefully they will see more recognition at next year’s LWRA Awards.
Armstrong CPD has explained the advantages of using metal ceilings in buildings. Armstrong offers RIBA-approved CPD and has released their own insight into the benefits behind using metal ceiling solutions. The RIBA-approved CPD covers a range of different aspects to this ceiling solution and specifying metal systems now available from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions. Armstrong first started to market these ceiling solutions in the US more than 70 years ago, and in Europe more than 20 years ago. The company has also been manufactured from a UK site for over 20 years, meaning the company has a wealth of experience in delivering metal ceiling solutions and is in a strong position to offer advice and encourage more people to utilise the solutions on offer at Armstrong. The presentation that has been given by the company, gives architects a one-hour CPD credit and seeks to showcase the extent to which metal systems are now able to play an essential role in Armstrong’s portfolio, which is at the moment without peers. During this presentation, the reasons that have been given for the specifying metal ceiling and wall systems which are wide and varied. Armstrong’s portfolio includes aesthetics such as a crisp, clean, hi-tech visual in flat, curved or sculptured forms and linear or modular layouts. The solution delivered by Armstrong are also durable and able to withstand a rigorous amount of handling with panel edges that do not chip or flake. The ceiling solutions that are offered by Armstrong are easy to clean without surface damage and humidity resistant up to 90%. The products advertised by the company are even suitable for external use with the addition of a simple back-coat. The variety of coatings that are available as part of Armstrong’s portfolio means that the metal solutions can be made dirt resistant and antimicrobial, making them perfect for most applications from the education sector to healthcare, leisure, commercial and transport. The Armstrong engineered metal portfolio is comprehensive and offers tiles that will suit any building module and also offers a range of colour options which can offer limitless configurability.
The Mace Foundation, the charitable arm of the international consultancy and construction company, Mace has delivered a £20,000 makeover to the London historic youth hostel, YHA London St Paul’s. The youth hostel is 200 years old and is owned and run by YHA, which is a leading youth charity in England and Wales. The makeover was carried out at this site by volunteers from Mace as a part of a week-long corporate volunteering event. The team of 70 volunteers from the construction company managed to redecorate six of the youth hotel bedrooms as well as a reception and the main staircase in the building. The site of YHS St Paul’s is a Grade 2 listed building was once the home of St Paul’s Choir School. Now the building has 213 bedrooms which are offered as accommodation for young people and their families who are visiting the capital. YHA London St Paul’s is well-known for being one of YHA’s most popular Youth Hostels and experiences nearly 100% occupancy every night. It is thought that there are around 150 suitcases dragged through the halls of the youth hostel each day and up the spiral staircase. The carpet on these stairs were in desperate need of replacement and now, thanks to the selfless actions of the Mace volunteers and the Mace Foundation. As well as donating more than 500 hours of manpower to carry out the work, Mace also supplied all of the equipment and materials such as paints and carpets. These materials were donated through Mace’s supply chain partners Lucas Group and Rees Flooring. Mace has a commitment through the Mace Foundation to support local people and to deliver a real and sustainable difference when doing so. Each Year the construction company gives 1% of their pre-tax profits to communities and employees for the company are encourages constantly to take a volunteer day each year.
GPH Builders Merchants has invested more than half a million pounds into the creation of a new facility which is located in Stonehaven, north-east Scotland. This new facility is designed to give customers easy access to professional and DIY building and landscaping materials. The company also has branches in Inverurie and Westhill. This new location will be on Spurryhillock Industrial Estate after acquiring MacDougal & Masson in 2015. The third GPH Builders Merchants was opened officially on Friday 3rd November 2017 by the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart MSP. At the opening of the facility, Mr. Stewart was available to answer questions from local business people on topics such as planning consent, local infrastructure and affordable housing. The independent builder’s merchants has been working to serve the building and DIY markets in the north east for nearly 35 years. The company works to offer a complete range of materials and also runs an extensive plant hire business. GHP have worked to enhance their Stonehaven site in 2016 with the addition of extra racking that means the company is able to hold a wider range of products. The facility has also been altered to offer improved lighting and larger bays that makes delivery and collection of loose materials easier. The next phase of the business’ £500,000+ investment included the expansion and upgrade of a new two-storey, state-of-the-art facility. This purpose built building will include a new retail space as well as a bright and larger stock area with additional improvements made to the yard and further expansion in this area. This investment will also create a dedicated plant and tool hire site. GPH has received a warm welcome in Stonehaven despite the challenging economic circumstances that have been experienced in the area, all of the employees that worked at the location for MacDougall & Masson have continued to work for GPH which has been beneficial during the renovation works as well as an attraction for old and new customers.
Devoran Metals has become the first reinforcing steel company operating in the UK to achieve the Fit for Nuclear status. The company has been working tirelessly for two years to adjust their processes and products in order to improve to this accreditation level. The steel company is the leading supplier of reinforcing steel and concrete reinforcement products. Devoran Materials also offers a range of construction accessories, chemicals and formworks products. The business has more than 50 years of experience supplying the construction industry with these products and also offer customers a full automated production for fast and efficient processing of orders. The Fit for Nuclear programme has been set up in order to help UK manufacturing companies get into the right position to bid for the work on offer in the civil nuclear supply chain. The nuclear supply chain has a range of opportunities for manufacturers and businesses that comply with the Fit for Nuclear accreditation, such as new build, operations and decommissioning. In order to obtain the Fit for Nuclear status, interested companies need to measure their operations against the rigorous standards that would be required to operate in the nuclear industry. Achieving this status means that Devoran Metals have been recognised for their hard work and commitment. The awarding of the new standard also means that Devoran will have access to a wide range of new opportunities for the company to make the most of. A number of industry leaders are starting to use the Fit for Nuclear status in order to find potential companies to join their own supply chains. Having the Fit for Nuclear status means that Devoran have compared their performance against the top tiers of the nuclear industry. Devoran Metals is one of only two businesses in Cornwall to have been given the Fit for Nuclear recognition.
LAR has been celebrating their 20th anniversary recently with a new company brand identity. The leading ambatement specialist maintained a consistent brand image for its first 20 years, and have now released a new, refreshed image that acts as a better reflection of the company’s values and central attributes. LAR are committed to delivering high quality service that is trusted and professional to their customer, and wanted to create a more up to date brand image that was an illustration of this. The colours for the company’s branding has remained the same however the logo and marketing materials used by the business have been altered. Over the course of the last ten years, LAR has steadily grown, and is now ten times the size it was 20 years ago. The company has recently consolidated their position and have decided that it was time for the company to receive a fresh new look after two decades of operation. Alongside this new branding in celebration of the company’s milestone, LAR will also be holding several events. These different celebratory events include a charity bike ride that has recently taken place as a part of ARCA charity week as well as a corporate event at York races. A team from the company will also exhibit at the Asbestos: The Truth Conference which takes place in Manchester in November. As well as this momentous milestone, LAR has yet another reason to celebrate, as the business has recently been named awarded the ARCA Gold Training Award, the National Training Award and the ARCA Gold Site Audit Award. These accolades have been given to the company as recognition for the significant efforts that are put in by the LAR team. The company has managed to secure the ARCA Gold Site Audit Award for the fourth year in a row, and is the only contractor in the UK to manage this. The company are keen to continue developing and investing in the business and see that the company continues to deliver high quality service to their customer for the next twenty years.
Saint-Gobain Weber high performance technical mortars have been specified for the repair of a number of concrete balconies with metal railings featured on apartment buildings in Northwood, Middlesex in the London borough of Hillingdon. The metal railings of the Middlesex apartment buildings have rusted at the base over time. This rust has led to spalling taking place on the surrounding concrete. The high performance mortar has been specified for the repair of the concrete in these areas in order to improve the attractiveness of the balconies as well as reduce any potential safety risks for the residents of the apartments. Saint-Gobain Weber offered technical advice on the project through specialist team member Barry Ephgrave. The main contractor for this repair work was Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited. The team from Alfred Bagnall got to work cutting away the spalled concrete and the carried out work to repair the metal barriers before reinstating the concrete. The contractor for this repair work used the webercem concrete repair system from Saint-Gobain Weber. This solution has multiple components and is compliant with the BS EN 1504, making it suitable for concrete patch repairs. The solution includes the webercem HB40 which has been developed to be used for high-build repair and levelling. The associated webercem bondcoat bonding slurry was also used and finished with a coat of webercote smooth. The bondcoat is a cementitious bonding aid that delivers a high initial grab which can be used to improve the build of the repair mortar as well as increasing the bond to the concrete. The new life expectancy of these balconies after the repair work has been carried out is 15 years. This means that for the next 15 years, residents are assured that the building will continue to look as tidy, safe and secure as they are now.
Pave Aways, the Midlands based building contractor has revealed that they have plans for an increase in turnover. The construction company has ambitiously set the target for a 25% increase in their already multi-million-pound turnover. It is thought that this increase will be connected to their plans to expand their own headquarters. The building contractor works on projects across the Shropshire, Mid and North Wales area and is currently in the process of constructing an office extension at their headquarters in Knockin, close to Oswestery. This new extension has been valued at £200,000, but there will also be a further investment of £250,000 in to hiring new staff. This expansion should hopefully help the company to reach their target of £35 million turnover by 2025. More than 100 construction and administrative staff are employed by Pave Aways and the turnover for 2017 is expected to be around £28 million. This figure, if achieved will be £3 million higher than last year’s turnover. The company started as a civil engineering company in 1973 that focused primarily on groundworks, hard landscaping and the construction of paths, drives and roads. The company has since expanded into the building construction sector, with a management buyout taking place in 2011. At the time of the buyout, the business turnover was only £13 million. Now the building contractor has a £8.3 million new production facility in their portfolio, a project being carried out for an automotive manufacturer as well as a £4.6 million warehouse and production centre in Welshpool and a number of other large scale projects. The company have expanded over the years and has now covers a range of full building construction services, despite the simplicity of the name. However, the company has developed a strong reputation with their Pave Aways name, and will remain as the company carries out a range of sustainable growth strategies.