Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News
MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ scroll shear

MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ scroll shear

MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its M12™ range with the introduction of the new M12 FUEL™ scroll shear, delivering exceptional precision, control, and performance in a compact cordless solution*. Designed for professionals working with sheet metal, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear combines an innovative shear head with advanced control features to

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MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless

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MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® introduces its latest addition to the job site the M18™ Lift Air Fan, built for versatility and quick adjustments. Built for demanding job sites, this fan delivers powerful personal cooling with full airflow control, a quick‑adjust scissor lift mount, and all‑day versatility on the MILWAUKEE® M18™ battery platform. The

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BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW: Workplace Experts (BW) is introducing mandatory raspberry hi-vis for subcontractor operatives across all its new fit out projects, creating a standardised identification system which is currently spanning 14 live sites and 137 supply chain partners. The London-based fit out contractor is implementing the raspberry hi-vis for all subcontractor operatives

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Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower

Read More »
MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning

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Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

The long days of summer should mean maximum output — but heat, fatigue and stretched schedules can just as easily grind productivity to a halt. Here’s how the right kit transforms the season’s challenges into your biggest opportunity.  Summer is a double-edged sword on any construction site. Daylight runs from

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News

MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ scroll shear

MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ scroll shear

MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its M12™ range with the introduction of the new M12 FUEL™ scroll shear, delivering exceptional precision, control, and performance in a compact cordless solution*. Designed for professionals working with sheet metal, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear combines an innovative shear head with advanced control features to deliver exceptional cutting accuracy, even in the tightest curves. With a minimum curve radius of just 13 mm, it offers the tightest turning capability of any scroll shear on the market, giving end users the ability to tackle intricate cuts with ease.  Engineered for maximum control, the tool features a 5-step speed mode with auto speed functionality, allowing users to match performance to the application while maintaining smooth, consistent cuts. The auto-control start feature further enhances precision by starting the tool slowly and ramping up to full speed when a cut is detected, improving accuracy and reducing material distortion. Compact, ergonomic, and lightweight at just 1.29 kg, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear is designed for all-day comfort and reduced fatigue. Its compact form factor allows for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while maintaining high performance. The scroll shear is capable of cutting 1.6 mm of mild steel, 1.2 mm of stainless steel, and 2.0 mm of aluminium, delivering clean, burr-free results across a range of applications. A 4-sided cutting blade ensures extended tool life and consistent cutting performance, reducing downtime and improving efficiency on the job. For added visibility, an integrated LED light illuminates the work area, enabling users to work with greater precision in low-light environments. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance driven and trade focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The new M12™ scroll shear is fully compatible with the entire M12™ line, now offering more than 125 power tool solutions. *M12 FUEL™ power tools are designed, engineered, and built to deliver extreme performance and productivity. All M12 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations – the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software – that deliver unmatched power, run time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M12 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Specifications M12 FUEL™ scroll shear M12 FMS16-522B Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ FMS16, (1) M12 HB5, (1) M12 HB2.5, (1) C12 C, (1) tool bag Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The new standard in 5.0 AH.  Milwaukee® introduces the M18™ High Output™ 5.0 AH battery range

The new standard in 5.0 AH.  Milwaukee® introduces the M18™ High Output™ 5.0 AH battery range

The new MILWAUKEE® M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah battery range is engineered to deliver improved performance, durability and efficiency. Elevating the experience for all existing and new M18™ users and driving confidence in their investment by significantly raising the core across the M18™ platform. Designed to run cooler, the M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah battery range supports up to 50% more productivity** while reducing overheating during heavy-duty applications. The pack can be supercharged to 80% in only 28 minutes, fully recharged after 39 minutes with Milwaukee’s super chargers. Its durable, user-focused design features latches that are easy to operate with or without gloves, enabling quick and convenient battery changes in any working environment. The new M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery is specifically engineered for harsher environments, featuring a chemical-resistant housing that provides increased protection against oils, solvents and greases. This housing material helps extend product life and ensures reliable performance in applications where exposure to fluids is common. An enhanced onboard fuel gauge, engineered for clear readability even in direct sunlight, allows users to monitor remaining charge at a glance, supporting better planning and minimising downtime. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah and M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 325 solutions. *In medium and high demand applications vs. M18 B5 under the same test conditions. **Up to 50% more work completed in medium and high demand applications vs. M18 B5 under the same test, driver by sustained power output and reduced thermal shutdown. Specifications M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah Battery M18 HB5 M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery M18 HB5-CR To find out more about the M18™ HIGH OUTPUT ™ 5.0 Ah battery range, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction Workwear: How to Specify and Buy for Your Site Team

Construction Workwear: How to Specify and Buy for Your Site Team

Construction workwear is one of the few site costs decided quickly and regretted slowly. Somebody orders what the last supplier sent, the kit arrives, and the problems surface months later. Trousers split at the knee, hi-vis fades to a dull lime, and nobody can reorder the same jacket in the same colour. The garments were not wrong on the day they arrived. They were wrong when they were specified. This guide covers how to specify and buy construction workwear properly, working from the site risk assessment outwards. What counts as construction workwear? Construction workwear is the clothing and protective equipment worn by teams on building sites. It normally covers hi-vis garments, work trousers, base layers, outer layers, footwear and head protection. Every order splits into three parts, each governed differently: Start with the risk assessment, not the catalogue The most common buying mistake is starting with a product list. Somebody opens a catalogue, picks garments that look about right, and works out afterwards whether they suit the work. Work in this order instead: That sequence also gives you a defensible record. If a client or inspector asks why a garment was chosen, the answer traces back to an assessment rather than a catalogue page. Which class of hi-vis does a site need? High-visibility clothing is divided into three performance classes under UK and European standards. The class is determined by the minimum surface area of fluorescent background and retro-reflective material a garment carries. Class Minimum material Typical application Class 1 0.14 m² fluorescent, 0.10 m² reflective Lowest risk. Warehouses, delivery yards, car parks, slow-moving traffic. Not suitable for roadside work. Class 2 0.50 m² fluorescent, 0.13 m² reflective Medium risk. Traffic control, deliveries, waste collection, work near moving vehicles. Class 3 0.80 m² fluorescent, 0.20 m² reflective Highest risk. Motorways, high-speed traffic, railways. Requires sleeves or trousers carrying reflective bands. Three practical points sit alongside the classification: Who is responsible for providing PPE? Employers are legally responsible for providing suitable PPE free of charge. That duty covers anyone they employ or control on site, wherever risks cannot be controlled by other methods. Companies cannot charge workers for standard work PPE or deduct it from wages. Employer duties: Worker duties: wear it as trained, store it correctly, and report damage straight away. This is worth checking rather than assuming on sites using subcontracted or agency labour. The commercial arrangement does not always match the legal duty. Building a core kit list for a site team Most site teams need four things: something against the skin, something on the legs, something high-visibility, and something for weather. The simplest way to buy this is in sets rather than garment by garment. Workwear bundle deals group a standard kit per worker, which is quicker to order and easier to repeat. It also solves reordering before it starts, because new starters and replacements match what is already on site. Getting work trousers right Trousers take more abrasion than any other garment on site, so they wear out fastest. They are also the item most often replaced mid-project, which makes them worth closer attention than they usually get. Check the seams, the knees and the hems, because that is where trousers fail. Triple stitching and reinforced knee panels last noticeably longer, and knee pad pockets should always be adjustable. Buy lighter cloth for summer and heavier for winter. Getting fit and sizing right Fit is a safety consideration, not a comfort preference. Loose garments catch on scaffolds and moving plants. Tight garments restrict movement, so they get unfastened or removed. Women’s fit still gets handled by issuing smaller men’s sizes, which produces poor sleeve length and hi-vis sitting wrong on the body. Ranges of ladies construction workwear cut for women’s proportions now cover most site categories. Order sizing samples before any bulk commitment, because a fitting session beats exchanging eighty garments. Choosing workwear jackets and outer layers The usual mistake is one heavy waterproof coat expected to cover the year. It is too warm for most of the working day, so it comes off, and then it is not on when the weather turns. A base, mid and shell system works better, because workers adjust through the day instead of choosing between overheating and getting wet. When specifying workwear jackets, check three things: whether seams are taped rather than only stitched, whether the garment is genuinely waterproof or merely water-resistant, and whether it is cut with room for layers underneath. Getting your logo on it: what to expect from a supplier Branding is where suppliers differ most, and the easiest part of the process to judge before committing. Two methods dominate.   Embroidery Print Best on Polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, jackets Technical fabrics, lightweight garments, hi-vis Strength Hard wearing, handles repeated industrial washing Reproduces detailed and full-colour artwork accurately Watch for Puckering on lightweight polyester Method must match the fabric A supplier who recommends a method for your logo on your garments is worth more than one applying the same process to everything. Insist on a proof before production This is the single most useful question to put to any supplier. Your logo is first converted into a production-ready file, a process called digitising for embroidery. Before production, expect a stitched sample photo for embroidery or a position and colour visual for print. You approve it, then production starts. Any supplier skipping that step is asking you to accept whatever arrives. Production run in-house rather than subcontracted also helps, because problems get fixed rather than passed along a chain. Where a logo can go on hi-vis Branding must not reduce the certified fluorescent or reflective area. Logos go in plain fluorescent gaps, never over reflective tape. Keep the logo small enough that it does not eat into the required background area. Print is generally preferred over heavy stitching on hi-vis and waterproofs, which avoids damaging the safety fabric. Which construction workwear brands should be on your shortlist? Brand matters less than specification, but it is

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MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters  To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® introduces its latest addition to the job site the M18™ Lift Air Fan, built for versatility and quick adjustments. Built for demanding job sites, this fan delivers powerful personal cooling with full airflow control, a quick‑adjust scissor lift mount, and all‑day versatility on the MILWAUKEE® M18™ battery platform. The integrated variable speed dial provides precise control, allowing users to adjust airflow to suit the application and job site conditions. Featuring up to 350° of horizontal fan head rotation and up to 210° of vertical tilt, this fan delivers exceptional control to direct airflow exactly where it is needed. A quick adjust clamp design enables fast, secure mounting to any scissor lift, reducing setup time and keeping airflow where operators need it. Designed for maximum compatibility, the quick adjust clamp securely mounts to both square and round rails, allowing the fan to be installed in seconds on any scissor lift. An integrated tether point allows attachment of a tool lanyard, providing added security when used at height. Engineered with an impact‑resistant housing and protection against dust and water ingress, the fan is built to withstand demanding job site conditions. Powered by a high‑performance brushless motor, this fan delivers airflow speeds of up to 30 km/h and a volume of 1.274 m³/h, optimised for personal cooling in demanding commercial job site environments. Delivering dependable run time, the fan operates for up to 3.5 hours on high and up to 8 hours at 75% speed when paired with an M18™ 5.0 Ah REDLITHIUM™ battery. Specifications M18™ Lift Air Fan M18 LAF-0 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ LAF To find out more about M18™ Lift Air Fan see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW: Workplace Experts (BW) is introducing mandatory raspberry hi-vis for subcontractor operatives across all its new fit out projects, creating a standardised identification system which is currently spanning 14 live sites and 137 supply chain partners. The London-based fit out contractor is implementing the raspberry hi-vis for all subcontractor operatives working across its new project sites, forming part of a three-colour identification system. BW project teams wear black hi-vis, visitors wear white, and subcontractor operatives wear raspberry. In the past 30 days alone, more than 1,660 operatives from 137 partner companies have signed in across BW sites, accounting for almost 19,000 individual site entries by its supply chain. On active fit out and refurbishment projects, where multiple trades and subcontractors often work simultaneously, clear identification plays an important role in supporting day-to-day coordination, emergency response and workforce wellbeing. BW’s colour-coded system gives site teams an immediate reference point to understand who is on site and their relationship to the project. Lorna Killick, Head of Business Transformation at BW: Workplace Experts, said: “On a busy site, you can have dozens of people from different companies working in the same space. Knowing who is on site, who they work for and whether they’re supposed to be there is an important part of running a safe, well-managed project. “We wanted a system that reinforced our commitment to Defect Free project journeys by enhancing the full site experience from day one. Where safety messages sometimes blend into the background, particularly in environments where people are exposed to the same visual cues every day, raspberry is an unmistakeable signal of a BW site member. It stands out. “This isn’t about changing hi-vis for the sake of it. It’s about creating consistency across our projects and supply chain. The colour is becoming a shorthand for accountability, familiarity and looking out for each other.” Unlike project-specific branded PPE, which is commonplace in the industry, the standardised raspberry hi-vis can be used by operatives as they move between BW projects. This creates a consistent experience for returning supply chain partners while reducing the waste associated with single-project PPE that cannot be used elsewhere. To mark the roll-out of the initiative, BW has launched a ‘Raspberry Week’ campaign from 22-26 June 2026, turning its logo, website, sites and support centre raspberry to highlight the thinking behind the policy and encourage conversation about visibility and accountability in live construction environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower units with headpieces including hoods, face shields,  helmets, and welding visors, as well as a comprehensive selection of filters, charging options, carrying solutions, and accessories.   The newly launched X-plore 8300 will be another important element of the Dräger’s stand. The smallest and lightest PAPR in its class, the 8300 is designed for safe and intuitive operation and easy cleaning. The rugged unit provides reliable respiratory protection, even in the demanding environments seen in construction and quarrying, and also offers excellent wearing and breathing comfort.  Visitors will also be able to see how the Dräger X-plore 8500 blower unit provides respiratory protection and comfort without breathing resistance. Built for daily use in tough industrial environments, it combines robust construction with low-maintenance operation. A wide range of accessories makes the system fully customisable to specific workplace needs, and safety functions help minimise user errors while ensuring reliable protection.   For hazardous atmospheres, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Ex is engineered for environments with flammable or combustible substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX-certified, the unit is approved for use in Ex zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. Encapsulated electronics, anti-static materials, and smart supervisory controls ensure both safety and operational reliability in the most demanding conditions.   Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says Hillhead provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of Dräger’s expertise in respiratory protection: “Our X-plore PAPR range is built to deliver reliable, comfortable, and flexible protection for workers exposed to dust and hazardous particles, reflecting our commitment to safety in industrial environments.”  Dräger’s stand is located at RC7 in the registration Pavillion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning with a pilot of the partnership at JTL’s Birmingham and new Thames Valley training centres, giving learners access to high-quality training, equipment and real-world experience. The partnership helps ensure the next generation of highly-skilled tradespeople are prepared for the demands of modern construction, mirroring what they will use on site and improving confidence, competence and safety. JTL has a network of 17 specialist training centres, and also partners with a number of colleges and other delivery partners, supporting around 8,000 electrical and plumbing apprentices. Expert-led training from experienced tradespeople Rather than simply supplying tools, MILWAUKEE® is also bringing its team of Job Site Solution Specialists to JTL apprentices. These experts will deliver regular, practical, on-site sessions across select training centres and colleges; complimenting the high-quality day-to-day training apprentices receive from JTL’s site-experienced Tutors and Training Officers. These sessions will give apprentices the chance to further get to grips with professional-grade tools, while also building confidence around safety and practical guidance in realistic working environments. This initiative also aims to challenge outdated perceptions of the trades. By introducing apprentices to modern technology, like the MX FUEL™ battery platform, M18™ and M12™ cordless systems, it highlights how construction today is driven as much by innovation as it is by skill. JTL Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, where they can explore the full range of tools and take part in specialist training sessions, competitions and events. Building confidence from day one For training providers, MILWAUKEE®’s collaboration helps reduce equipment costs and broaden access to high quality training. Independent Training Providers (ITPs) like JTL face significant funding constraints and are not directly funded for tools and equipment. For learners, it means learning with the same tools they’ll use on site, helping them feel job-ready from the very start. “The skills gap in construction isn’t just a recruitment problem, it’s a perception problem,” said Dan Abley, College Programme Manager at MILWAUKEE® Tools. “Young people need to see that the trades offer genuine career progression, with powerful technology, and career paths that rival any office-based role. This partnership puts professional-grade equipment in learners’ hands from day one, proving that construction is as innovative and technology-driven as any other sector. When you learn on the tools you’ll actually use in the field, you build the right habits and standards from the beginning, and that shapes your entire career.” “The construction sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools reshaping how we work.” said Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of JTL. “This partnership with Milwaukee ensures our apprentices continue to learn using first‑class, industry‑leading equipment. JTL’s training expertise, combined with the innovative solutions Milwaukee brings, will support our apprentices to develop the skills electrical employers need now and in the future.” Following a visit to MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, JTL’s Delivery Team Manager for the Western region, Kirstine Ginger, said: “It was fantastic for our delivery team to visit Milwaukee’s Experience Centre in Aylesbury and see first-hand the breadth of innovation shaping the electrical industry. Experiences like this really bring learning to life, giving staff greater knowledge and confidence with new tools and technologies to pass on to the next generation of apprentices, while reinforcing the practical skills they are learning in training with JTL”. By stressing the importance of education, mentorship and hands-on learning rather than focusing on product donation alone, MILWAUKEE® Tools and JTL are creating a sustainable model that benefits apprentices, education providers and the wider construction industry. There are also plans to expand the programme to more colleges and partners as it grows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

120 teammates from Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland successfully completed the Cumbrian Challenge in the Lake District, held across Friday 15th – Saturday 16th May, raising £19,000 to date for Walking With The Wounded. As headline sponsor of the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the business joined organisations, businesses and individuals to take on the challenge in support of veterans and their families. Now in its 6th year of participation, Sunbelt Rentals continues to demonstrate its commitment to the armed forces community through this event. Colleagues from across the business took on one of three routes: Across all routes, teams navigated challenging terrain and conditions, demonstrating strong collaboration and determination throughout. The Cumbrian Challenge brings participants together each year for a team-based event in the Lake District, raising funds to support veterans as they transition back into civilian life. Funds raised contribute to employment support, mental health services and care coordination. Leanne Casey, Project Lead Cumbrian Challenge, said:“It’s been a privilege to lead such a committed and collaborative team at the Cumbrian Challenge. Working alongside Walking With The Wounded, colleagues have not only taken on a physical challenge but also made a meaningful contribution to a cause that truly matters – an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. A huge thank you to everyone involved for your dedication, teamwork and support in making this such a success.” Joel Oxberry, Chief Operating Officer, Walking With The Wounded, said:“The support shown by Sunbelt Rentals throughout this year’s Cumbrian Challenge has been nothing short of outstanding. Not only did they come on board as headline sponsors, but they also brought an incredible 30 teams to the event and helped raise nearly £20,000 in support of veterans and their families across the UK. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the Armed Forces community was visible throughout the weekend, and we are hugely grateful for the partnership, generosity and team spirit they continue to show Walking With The Wounded.” Participants supported one another throughout, with a strong sense of camaraderie from start line to finish. Sunbelt Rentals is proud to support Walking With The Wounded and the work they do to help veterans and their families move forward, and looks forward to supporting the challenge again in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

The long days of summer should mean maximum output — but heat, fatigue and stretched schedules can just as easily grind productivity to a halt. Here’s how the right kit transforms the season’s challenges into your biggest opportunity.  Summer is a double-edged sword on any construction site. Daylight runs from before five in the morning to gone nine at night in parts of the UK and Ireland, and every hour of that window is an invitation to get ahead. But ask any site manager who’s lived through a heatwave in July or watched a team of groundworkers wilt by noon on a south-facing plot, and they’ll tell you the gains only come if you plan for them. “We hear the same thing every September from contractors who’ve had a good summer,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “The ones who made the most of the long days weren’t working harder – they’d just made sure their kit matched their ambition. The ones who struggled were still running the same setup they use in February.” Light the edges of the day Early starts and late finishes are summer’s greatest gift, but they only pay off if the site can actually see. Temporary or inadequate lighting doesn’t just slow work – it creates risk. Jefferson Tools’ new 7,000-lumen portable site light is built precisely for this kind of flexible working. It runs off mains or directly from major power tool batteries — Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Makita — meaning no generator dependency if your crew is working at the far end of a plot before the compressors are running. The tripod extends from 800mm to 2,400mm, the head swivels 280 degrees and tilts 90 degrees, and it doubles as a power bank for phone charging. For tighter spaces or interior work, the 4,500-lumen runs on internal battery or mains, has six lighting modes including warm and cool colour temperatures, and fits into a storage pouch when the day’s done. “The battery compatibility was a deliberate decision,” says Binns. “If your crew is starting at five-thirty, you don’t want them waiting on a generator. Plug straight into the battery pack on the van and you’re lighting the job before the kettle’s boiled.”  Keep air moving, keep people working Heat fatigue is one of the most underestimated productivity killers in construction. Once core body temperature starts climbing, concentration dips, decision-making slows, and the risk of accidents rises sharply. The HSE is unambiguous on the duty of care and the practical answer on most sites isn’t air conditioning, it’s airflow. “People underestimate how quickly heat affects performance,” says Binns. “A good industrial fan on a confined site or in a welfare unit costs very little against the risk of someone making a bad decision at two in the afternoon in thirty-degree heat.” Jefferson Tools’ industrial rotomould drum fans are built to handle the dust, debris and rough handling of a working site. Available in 24-inch and 36-inch diameters in both 110V and 230V, the 36-inch model moves up to 16,200 cubic metres of air per hour, and units can be hooked together for combined airflow where a single fan won’t cover the area. For smaller enclosed spaces – welfare units, plant rooms, mezzanines – the 24-inch high-velocity drum fans offer a more portable option at an accessible price point. Compressors: Built for the long shift Summer is peak season for continuous compressor use. Pneumatic tools run longer, more operatives are on site simultaneously, and there’s less tolerance for an unexpected shutdown. This is not the moment to be running a machine beyond its duty cycle. Jefferson Tools’ V-pump compressors are designed for sustained output. The 270-litre tandem unit pairs two 3HP motors for large-volume air generation, while the screw air compressors, available with integrated refrigerated dryers, are engineered for high-capacity continuous industrial use. The refrigerated dryer matters more in summer than any other season: warm air carries more moisture, and that moisture in compressed air lines causes real damage to pneumatic tooling over time.  Pressure washers: Don’t let grime dictate the schedule End-of-day cleaning, plant washdown, surface preparation – summer brings more of all of it, and a pressure washer that can’t keep up with demand quickly becomes a bottleneck. Jefferson Tools’ petrol-powered range covers everything from daily site tidying to serious plant cleaning. The 7.5HP is the bestseller for good reason: 3,200psi maximum pressure, a direct drive triplex pump, and a turbo nozzle delivering up to 3,600psi effective cleaning power. Step up to the 13HP with an Annovi Reverberi triplex pump and 15 litres per minute flow rate for the heavy-duty work that larger sites demand. Both models collapse for storage and transit — a small detail that matters when every cubic foot of a van or welfare unit is accounted for. The Bigger Picture None of this is complicated kit. What it represents is the infrastructure that allows a site to actually use the hours summer provides rather than losing them to heat exhaustion, poor visibility, equipment failure, or slow cleans. “The sites that finish early and finish on budget in September are almost always the ones that got the basics right in May,” says Binns. “It’s not glamorous – fans, lights, a decent compressor setup. But that’s what keeps a programme moving when everyone else is struggling.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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