Increasingly, all aspects of the supply chain are facing increased pressured to act with responsibility and sustainability always at the fore. As such, many construction contractors, service providers, designers, architects and even material suppliers are being faced with conditions for work relating to the approach that they take to minimising
For the final quarter of last year it has been reported that, surprisingly, tender prices have remained unaffected since the quarter coming previously, yet prices have been reported to sit 5.4% higher than they were on year previously. These figures a yearly inflation of prices which sits at almost half
Although the overall rate at which the sales of construction-related products is increasing has slowed down, the overall sales figures of such products are still on the rise for the eleventh year running, says a report by the Construction Product Association. The report highlights that over the final four months
As we move towards a more sustainable economy, our goals have rightly shifted, as has our long-term ambition. With the latest development in window technology revealing the potential to cut cleaning costs and a reduction in heating bills, it is unsurprising to see builders, architects and estate managers eagerly eyeing
You may be intimidated by getting out a paint brush and painting your home or workplace, many people are, and this is generally because people are unsure of what paints to use for what surface. But according to DIY Network, anyone can paint a room and get professional results by
A pair of Liebherr three-axle cranes will boost Emerson’s range and help it remain one of the UK’s leading mobile crane providers in the South. The company, formed in 1991, continues to achieve success thanks to its broad catalogue of products that genuinely add value to customer ambitions alongside proven
Recticel is no stranger to industry-leading solutions. Part of the international Recticel Group based in Belgium, its culture of innovation is well-founded while its in-house expertise continues to see it develop products that bring tangible benefits to the PIR market. Customers have become accustomed to reliable, cost effective solutions from
Who knew radiators would get so futuristic? But, as Electrorad’s range of Digi-Line electric radiators proves, heating has entered the 21st century in a big way. The wireless programmer has unveiled a new control hub with wi-fi gateway called Touch E3, an app which allows users to wirelessly control the heating
Last month’s takeover of Interlift by Hewden has seen a management makeover that has installed Mike Omond, Edward Carr and Kevin Chalmers in key operational roles. Omond arrives from Speedy to take up a brand new position as plant operations director, Carr leaves Select to come on board as operations director
Hope Construction Materials, the UK’s leading independent supplier of cement and concrete, has announced the launch of its new bagged cement product, available later this year. Their Professional Grade Cement will be available to customers across the southern half of England, the newest entrant into a UK bagged cement market
Increasingly, all aspects of the supply chain are facing increased pressured to act with responsibility and sustainability always at the fore. As such, many construction contractors, service providers, designers, architects and even material suppliers are being faced with conditions for work relating to the approach that they take to minimising their environmental impacts, as well as providing sustainable solutions for clients so as best to support the future growth of the sector. Whilst, to some degree, this is seeing many organisations make a clear push towards effective corporate social responsibility (always a good thing), the most notable achievement is the ever-increasing emphasis placed on the effective utilisation of local labour, contractors and increasingly, suppliers. Whilst many construction companies do indeed have a list of dedicated suppliers for key materials, subcontractors and specialist services, it is increasingly being seen that many projects will maintain a healthier balance of those contractors involved, with a clear mixture of national and local supply chain partners. What this effectively means is that, whilst national supply chain partners are still, in effect prospering, the doors yet remain open for smaller, local businesses who wish to engage in incredible feats of construction. Beyond face value, this not only means that local businesses are able to access more areas of work, should they pursue it with the right contractor, but it also gives such businesses the chance to work on key local developments which may form a part of the communities within which they work. Additionally, as is usually the case with smaller supply chain partners, a keenness to impress main contractors has also been observed which, firstly has helped to support the delivery of high quality works and services yet, secondly also allows for easier relationship development between main and sub contractors who recognise the need to make an impression on any and all works which they secure.
For the final quarter of last year it has been reported that, surprisingly, tender prices have remained unaffected since the quarter coming previously, yet prices have been reported to sit 5.4% higher than they were on year previously. These figures a yearly inflation of prices which sits at almost half the value we’re used to, giving a positive indication of effective workload management at leading contractors despite surging amounts of work – a clear highlight of how well the industry is starting to perform. The report, put together by the BCIS, highlights its predictions of tender pricing increasing by some 3.3% over the course of the upcoming year, with further increases of 4.5-5.5% each year thereafter up to 2020 (perhaps even further). Additionally, it has been reported that the prices for materials actually fell by some 1.1% in the penultimate quarter of last year when compared to the quarter previous, with it coming in at 2.3% on a yearly basis. This has been perceived to be countering inflation of 1.1% during the same quarter of last year, and can be partially attributed to the sudden fall in crude oil and steel billet prices which will have contributed to the fall in material pricing. Yet, despite the recent fall in pricing, it has been estimated that the yearly rate at which pricing for materials will change will sit at around 2% by the final quarter of the year, then surging to circa 4% year-on-year for the next four years. Also, wages have been predicted to grow by 3-4% year-on-year for the next five years, with input costs expected to match this same rate of growth. This also sits well alongside the expected growth to be seen in new work output, which is expected to persist with its present growth rate and hit around 4% growth for this year, 3% next and back up to 5% by 2020.
Although the overall rate at which the sales of construction-related products is increasing has slowed down, the overall sales figures of such products are still on the rise for the eleventh year running, says a report by the Construction Product Association. The report highlights that over the final four months of 2015 overall sales have risen at a slowed rate than previously, yet manufacturers of such products still remain very positive as to the future of the industry over the course of 2016. Another positive aspect of the report was that many UK manufacturers have, in fact noticed a notable reduction in costs associated with energy, fuel and even on the exchange rate. However, on the flip side, the costs associated with staffing organisations has been noted to rise somewhat, which, while a very positive figure for employees in the sector, will also be reducing the benefit employers are seeing from the decreased operational costs. As Rebecca Larkin, Senior Economist for the CPA explains, the figures do highlight positive growth for construction-related products yet, with regard to heavy manufacturing, the figures actually highlighted the lowest balance within a quarter over the past 3 years. She commented that this: “Echoes weakness in overall construction output data for the closing months of last year.” Yet, those operating within the sector do seemingly remain confidence of its success. One of the key factors to which we can attribute the lessening of energy prices is the oft-reported fall in oil pricing around the world, which has greatly assisted manufacturers in maintaining commercial growth despite relatively shaky economic climate. With regard to the change in employment costs, the rise in pay did not, in fact show up the figured expected by inflation and recognition for performing employers, but the widely-reported skill shortages have acted as a catalyst for employees demanding increased wages which have consequently increased bills.
As we move towards a more sustainable economy, our goals have rightly shifted, as has our long-term ambition. With the latest development in window technology revealing the potential to cut cleaning costs and a reduction in heating bills, it is unsurprising to see builders, architects and estate managers eagerly eyeing the true benefits of “smart windows”. Believed to be on track to hit the market within five years, University College London (UCL) has produced a prototype that confirms three major benefits. Firstly, the windows offer “self cleaning”. It accomplishes this by being ultra-resistant to water, the material making any moisture hitting its surface form spherical droplets that roll away. As they do so they pick up dirt along the way, removing dust, debris and other contaminants. This is achieved through a conical design; a pencil-like nanastructure etched on the glass which enhances the smart window’s abilities by trapping air and thus allowing only a small amount of water to settle on the surface. This is in comparison to traditional glass which allows rain to settle on the surface and stay there, leaving streak marks as it rolls away. Crucially, the glass also saves energy. Utilising a tiny layer of low-cost vanadium dioxide the glass is capable of stopping thermal radiation from escaping during cold periods preventing heat loss. Meanwhile, when the season changes, the glass stops sunlight radiation penetrating the building. The value and size of vanadium dioxide makes it ideal and a better, more sustainable option over other glass coatings like silver or gold based layers. UCL believes it will enable the glass to help reduce heating costs by up to 40%. In addition, the structure offers anti-glare capabilities – dramatically cutting light reflection internally – that has been estimated to have the anti-reflective capabilities of moths and such creatures that have evolved to evade predators. Dr Ioannis Papakonstantinou, UCL project leader, noted the innovative characteristics of the smart window calling the product a “self-cleaning, highly performing” piece of technology. Discussions are currently underway with glass manufacturers in the UK. Key ambitions going forward involve scaling up the nano-manufacturing methods.
You may be intimidated by getting out a paint brush and painting your home or workplace, many people are, and this is generally because people are unsure of what paints to use for what surface. But according to DIY Network, anyone can paint a room and get professional results by working efficiently, neatly and with careful preparation. Below we’ve created a handy guide to painting, listing the different types of paints, and what they are used for. Use anti mould paint in bathrooms This might seem quite obvious but, by using anti mould paint in your bathroom, you won’t have to redo the paint for a long period of time. This is because anti mould paint contains specialised additives in order to create barriers, and prevent mould from occurring. If mould has already started to grow, then use a cleaner to get rid of it first. Prime your radiator before painting Before painting your radiator, ensure it is turned off and cooled down! If you spot any sections that have rusted over the years then use sandpaper to remove the rust. Once clean and rust-free, you can use a primer before applying the top coat. Use solvent-based paints for your radiator, such as non-drip or satinwood which you can find in a range of colours. Satin for bedrooms is advisable Satin paint is usually the best for bedrooms, this is down to them being easy to clean, easy to maintain and durable. Machperson paint is popular, this is because of the quality finish it provides, the large range on offer, and how easily it dries. Matt Emulsion is recommended for ceilings The majority of people tend to use Matt Emulsion paints for ceilings due to their toughness, durability and the ability to be wiped down easily. Matt Emulsion paints are also non-reflective, which is exactly what you need for a ceiling. Undercoats and topcoats are perfect for woodwork For woodwork you’ll need both an undercoat and topcoat and you can choose from either oil-based or water based. The advantages of oil-based paints are that they are hard-wearing and cover well, however the disadvantages include; smelling until they dry and having to use white spirit to get the paint off your brushes. The advantages of water based paints are that they’re easy to apply, don’t smell much and you can clean your brushes with water. But the disadvantages are that you need more coats of paint to get a good finish and they don’t last as long as oil-based paints. Use exterior paint brands for the outside There are a variety of exterior-based paints that you can use for the outside of buildings, depending on what you require. For example Zinsser Perma-White Interior/Exterior Gloss and Satin Paint is great due to resisting cracking, peeling and blistering for up to 7 years before needing a fresh coat. Johnstones Solar Reflective Paint is ideal for roofs that are exposed to direct sunlight. Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/unitedsoybean/10481728754/in/photostream/
A pair of Liebherr three-axle cranes will boost Emerson’s range and help it remain one of the UK’s leading mobile crane providers in the South. The company, formed in 1991, continues to achieve success thanks to its broad catalogue of products that genuinely add value to customer ambitions alongside proven efficiency, quality and safety. Its latest cranes are two Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 all-terrain mobile cranes, the three-axle units benefiting from full specification which includes the safe-lifting control system VarioBase providing better overall management of the crane in spite of the specific set-up of the outriggers. With a maximum lifting capacity of 60 tonnes, the LTM 1060-3.1 is great when operated at close radius with its five-section boom extending to 48 metres. Its ability to travel on UK roads is supported by its capacity to remain within STGO regulations even when carrying over a dozen tonnes of counterweight. Moreover, install the double fly jib and the maximum lifting height is increased to 63 metres. The new cranes also benefit from Liebherr enhancements such as Kenwood radios and in-cab Bluetooth with external microphone. Emerson, which enjoys a strong relationship with Liebherr thanks to its attentive customer service and reliable product, gains from the crane-provider’s expertise across the earth-moving and material handling operation where it produces industry-leading mining and quarrying machinery, as well as ancillary equipment supporting its tower and mobile crane units.
Recticel is no stranger to industry-leading solutions. Part of the international Recticel Group based in Belgium, its culture of innovation is well-founded while its in-house expertise continues to see it develop products that bring tangible benefits to the PIR market. Customers have become accustomed to reliable, cost effective solutions from Recticel’s state of the art facility in Stoke which is certified under BS EN 1SO 9001:2008 and BS EN ISO 14001:2004 for its quality and environmental practices. Its reputation is built upon a technical knowledge like few others thanks to the experience of its in-house team, supporting clients on the best PIR insulation product for their needs. Its latest innovation is less a technology ground-breaker and more an initiative to offer better value. Its new u-value calculator has been produced to help those needing to establish the thermal performance of a building. It will be made freely available by Recticel. The product has wide coverage across Recticel’s portfolio which includes cavity walls, timber and steel-framed walls, floors, soffit lining applications and flat and pitched roofs. It has been specifically designed to provide quick access to accurate calculations of common instructions. Paul Forrester, Recticel technical specialist, called it a “user-friendly” enabler, citing the opportunity for users to gain calculations close to the standards required by the Competency Scheme without having an accredited contractor there to perform it themselves. He said Recticel supported the BBA’s benchmark for u-value calculation but acknowledged that customers at times want to carry out their own work. This latest product will enable users to get a quick “ready-reckoner” or experiment with different solutions to get a better u-value rating. The registration-free calculator is a modified version of the company’s own software. Recticel ensures that calculations comply with the latest regulations surrounding the built environment and carbon reduction programmes alongside providing advice on installation best practices and such elements as condensation risk analysis.
Who knew radiators would get so futuristic? But, as Electrorad’s range of Digi-Line electric radiators proves, heating has entered the 21st century in a big way. The wireless programmer has unveiled a new control hub with wi-fi gateway called Touch E3, an app which allows users to wirelessly control the heating of their home. This allows complete management of the home heating experience and provides users the ability to activate radiators where ever they be in the world. Just got off a plane and are two hours from home? Get the house warmed up before you get there with Touch E3! “We are excited to take this revered range to a whole new level,” said managing director, Richard Brown, revealing that the Digi-Line range was named one of the best products of 2015 by Professional Electrician. “Digi-Line is renowned for providing an efficient and easy-to-control alternative to traditional gas central heating, and this latest technology will now facilitate the ultimate in flexibility and energy management, enabling homeowners to match their heating to their lifestyle.” Features include constant and auto programming modes, as well as providing better management of frost protection, holiday modes and other elements of the heating system. The easy-to-use software is enhanced by the use of smartphones, tablets or PCs having access to the entire management of heating controls. Users can even set rooms to different temperatures depending on their needs. In addition, data capture will allow users to cut costs, increase energy efficiency and save their own precious time through the CleverTouch App. The device will even tell users the exact temperature in every room with additional information adding to the flexibility of the functionality of the device such as an indication of the thermostat set point and the current heating mode. Digi-Line radiators have proven popular with plumbers in recent years when seeking heating systems for domestic extensions such as conservatories because they can be fitted without having to run from the existing boiler. That’s because the radiators, which are available in many different types and sizes like their gas-powered cousins, are filled with thermal fluid which is heated by energy-efficient elements evenly across the surface.
Last month’s takeover of Interlift by Hewden has seen a management makeover that has installed Mike Omond, Edward Carr and Kevin Chalmers in key operational roles. Omond arrives from Speedy to take up a brand new position as plant operations director, Carr leaves Select to come on board as operations director for cranes and Chalmers, former Interlift owner and director, is the new operations director for lifting solutions. The trio bring to Hewden a broad range of experience and knowledge which CEO Adrian Murphy is clearly delighted about. He said: “Mike, Edward and Kevin all bring a tremendous amount of expertise, innovative thinking and leadership qualities to Hewden. There’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in this business. We’re investing in our people, our processes and our products to be the leading on-site solutions provider in the UK. With these new appointments, we’re in a better position to achieve those strategic goals.” Omond, for example, has worked in plant hire since he was 16 years old. He’s been previously employed by a number of blue chip companies before leading Speedy Services as its managing director. Carr, a mechanical engineering graduate, specialised in tower crane operations with Laing O’Rourke before joining Hewden and will now look after mobile crane operations in his new role.
Hope Construction Materials, the UK’s leading independent supplier of cement and concrete, has announced the launch of its new bagged cement product, available later this year. Their Professional Grade Cement will be available to customers across the southern half of England, the newest entrant into a UK bagged cement market worth £180m annually. The newly revealed product pack design, developed in association with Cognition Agency, features a large ram – a nod to the firm’s rich Derbyshire roots and the source of the raw materials used to make the cement. The ram’s head is transparent to ensure the consistent colour provided by Hope is clearly visible, something many potential customers said was important to them. All the bags will be plastic, weatherproof and packed using the best equipment on the market, meaning merchants and builders will be able to confidently store the bags outdoors. Hope cement had previously been available in bags through a third party supplier, but this launch marks the first time Hope cement will be in the firm’s packaging. Hope’s facility will have extensive capacity and will put them in a great position to enhance service levels in the sector, a goal which has been central to their plans. Hope’s Professional Grade Cement and service offering is the culmination of an extensive 18 month research and development process, which saw hundreds of merchants and professional builders surveyed to ensure the product exceeds their needs and service adds real value to customers. The cement will be produced at the renowned Hope Works in Derbyshire, which has been making cement for more than 80 years. It will then be transported by rail for bagging and distribution from Hope’s new Dagenham plant which is set to open in the second quarter of 2016. Gary Brennand, Hope’s Commercial Director for Cement, said: “Hope Works has been making cement for more than 80 years and has an outstanding reputation for consistent quality and service. We are delighted to be able to offer our product in our own branded bag to customers for the very first time. “For 18 months we have spoken at length to builders and merchants to understand their needs and how we can add value to them. Using this insight we have developed a full package which we believe will redefine the sector and are really excited about sharing it all. Revealing our Hope Professional Grade Cement branding is just the start. “We are also pleased that the product launch will see jobs created in the Dagenham area to ensure we are prepared to meet the anticipated demand for Hope Professional Grade Cement.” Full technical detail will be released prior to launch. In the meantime, please visit www.HopeCement.com and follow @Hope_InABag.
