National tool hire company Speedy who are based in Newton-le-Willows, have joined Warrington Youth Zone’s growing family of Founder Patrons. Seven months after opening, Warrington Youth Zone boasts an ever-growing membership of 7200 young people from across Warrington. The Youth Zone offers somewhere to go, something to do and someone
MHM is set to speak at the show’s Innovation Trail Live to discuss low-emission solutions for the hire, plant and tool sectors The MHM Group has been selected to speak at the Innovation Trail Live in Coventry as part of this year’s Executive Hire Show, where they will discuss new
Werner is delighted to announce the launch of its new Multi-Purpose Telescopic ladder range. This new and improved 3-in-1 ladder is extremely versatile, offering a stepladder, extension ladder and stairwell ladder all in one compact, lightweight product. Certified to the latest EN131-4:2020 safety standard, this professional ladder features adjustable telescopic
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden
Construction sites can be dangerous places, and one area often overlooked is the floor. This is not the only place that is overlooked though, as people often underestimate the importance of vibration management. Anti vibration parts in key machinery, and effective measures to reduce vibration, is in the best interest
Ox Tools, a world-leading manufacturer of hand tools, diamond tools, workwear and safety products, is delighted with its decision to implement a complex digital transformation project with business software partner BrightBridge, and urges other businesses in a similar siloed position to make the switch. One year after the ‘go-live’ of
The Scaffolding Association is delighted to announce its partnership with TradePoint. From this week, members of the association are eligible for free TradePoint membership with the highest level of discount and with no minimum spend. Members of the scheme will benefit from all TradePoint services and savings inside B&Q’s 300+
New research by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has found that over a third (35%) of British employers have not spoken to their staff about their mental health and wellbeing over the past year. A survey conducted on ACAS’s behalf by YouGov, asked businesses in Britain about whether
In November 2020, the Government published its 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. It set out a path to Net Zero by 2050. CO2nstructZero is the construction sector’s response. It sets out how the industry can collectively meet Net Zero and uses the Climate Change Committee’s 6th Carbon budget to establish the priorities
National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships. This week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme will be ‘build the
National tool hire company Speedy who are based in Newton-le-Willows, have joined Warrington Youth Zone’s growing family of Founder Patrons. Seven months after opening, Warrington Youth Zone boasts an ever-growing membership of 7200 young people from across Warrington. The Youth Zone offers somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to for young people aged 7-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Young people pay just £5 per year to become a member and then 50p every time they visit, with our on-site café providing hot meals for £1. The 50p entry fee allows young people to take part in over 20 activities per session, as well as access to a state-of-the-art gym, climbing wall, recording studio, 3G football pitch and dance studio, which are available all year round. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tool and equipment hire, with the widest range of power tools, plant and specialist equipment. From opening their first depot in Wigan in 1977 to today, Speedy have supported hundreds of charities through valuable donations. Speedy support a number of charitable and community organisations which rely heavily upon donations from the UK business sector and are proud to support local projects that benefit the people and communities in which their employees live and work. Along with donations, Speedy employees are entitled to a volunteer leave allowance, where colleagues can devote time to give back to the communities in which they live without impacting their time at home. Speedy have fully immersed themselves in all things Warrington Youth Zone including hosting colleague away days at the Youth Zone, employee fundraising, collecting food and toys for their Christmas appeal and providing free equipment hire to the centre. All of which has benefited Youth Zone members and their families. Andy Johnson, Group HSSEQ Director at Speedy said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know and understand the needs of WYZ and all it brings to the wider community in and around Warrington. We are happy to support such initiatives that give back to the local community and provide opportunities for the next generation to learn, explore and have fun. We are delighted to be involved now and for the foreseeable future in Warrington and future Youth Zone opportunities.” Dave McNicholl, Chief Executive of Warrington Youth Zone said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Speedy to our family of Founder Patrons. It has been a privilege to get to know the team at Speedy over the last few months whose enthusiasm for supporting our members is incredible. On behalf of the young people of Warrington, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Speedy for their generous support.” Warrington Youth Zone is being made possible thanks to the partnership between Warrington Council, young people, the community, and the generosity of businesses such as Speedy. Founder Patrons are the foundation of the charity and their commitment and endorsement provide a positive legacy for future generations. The Youth Zone was delivered by the national charity OnSide, who have created a network of Youth Zones across the country. For more information about the charity, please visit https://warringtonyouthzone.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MHM is set to speak at the show’s Innovation Trail Live to discuss low-emission solutions for the hire, plant and tool sectors The MHM Group has been selected to speak at the Innovation Trail Live in Coventry as part of this year’s Executive Hire Show, where they will discuss new innovative products on stage and showcase the business’ ground-breaking sustainable equipment to the plant and tool sector. Brad Ireland, Sales Director at MHM, will speak with presenter Peter Haddock from Content with Media after being selected for an interview that will be filmed live on their Executive Hire Show stands and shared on social media. This will be the tenth year in a row that the MHM Group has attended the Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS), taking place on the 8th and 9th of February. The Group will be joined by 149 other businesses and hire industry professionals. After celebrating a 150% rise in revenue in the last two years due to the increasing demand for its low-emission and innovative products, the MHM Group will be promoting power, fluid storage and lighting solutions, with the MGTP 10 USY- Stage 5 taking centre stage as the first 10kva ultra-silent generator in its class. Director, Brad Ireland said: “We are very much looking forward to attending The Executive Hire Show as it has always been a rewarding experience for MHM. This event allows us to showcase the best of our Eco equipment which has seen a 30% increase from last year– and has greatly contributed to the growth of the business and increased our focus even further on our sustainable product offering.” As the Government increases its efforts to reduce pollution, the construction sector has already seen many climate-related regulatory changes last year including the ban of red diesel. Brad added, “Companies are faced with the responsibility of reducing their carbon footprints and we hope to support businesses with their eco initiative by offering lower-emission solutions to the plant hire and construction sectors. We want to demonstrate MHM’s commitment to pushing the hire industry to become greener, as well as look to alternative methods of energy to power plant equipment across the UK. “As we move into 2023, we have big plans to increase our sustainable hire fleet and promote products that improve energy efficiency and lower emissions as part of a drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future and available to purchase or rehire from MHM Group.” For more information on MHM and its equipment, visit https://www.mhm-group.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Werner is delighted to announce the launch of its new Multi-Purpose Telescopic ladder range. This new and improved 3-in-1 ladder is extremely versatile, offering a stepladder, extension ladder and stairwell ladder all in one compact, lightweight product. Certified to the latest EN131-4:2020 safety standard, this professional ladder features adjustable telescopic sections with simple to operate hinge locks, allowing for easy conversion between the three modes. Spring loaded ‘J’ locks enable the user to adjust the height of the telescopic ladder quickly and easily. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, said: “This new telescopic range allows users to meet the various requirements of different jobs using just one compact, telescoping product. Not only does this eliminate the need to keep switching between equipment whilst working, it also reduces the number of ladders and platforms a professional has to carry with them at any one time – a win-win solution.” This robust, high-grade aluminium multi-purpose ladder has a load capacity of 150kg, and not only is it user friendly, it also has compact folded dimensions, making it easy to handle, transport and store. Designed to bring versatility to any job, the ladder is available in three sizes, with the largest size offering up to 30 heights. The splayed base, with heavy-duty slip-resistant feet, is designed to provide maximum stability in any position, giving the user added peace of mind. To protect work surfaces it has non-marring rubber foot pads, while protective edge bracing provides enhanced strength to the bottom of the ladder. Available in three sizes, with an extension mode maximum length of between 2.94m and 5.10m, the Multi-Purpose Telescopic series offers a lightweight, multi-purpose solution to working at height and is uniquely placed to be able to offer professionals a solution for a multitude of jobs. The Werner Multi-Purpose Telescopic ladder series is now available nationally. To find out more visitwernerco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands. He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region. Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser. A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology. He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”
Construction sites can be dangerous places, and one area often overlooked is the floor. This is not the only place that is overlooked though, as people often underestimate the importance of vibration management. Anti vibration parts in key machinery, and effective measures to reduce vibration, is in the best interest of site productivity and staff well-being. Follow this link for expert advice on industry leading anti vibration products. Fortunately, improving floor safety on construction sites just got easier, thanks to a new range of specially designed floor matting now available from First Mats. The range includes various PVC and Rubber type matting for walkways, workstations, stairs and cable protection. Unlike many other work environments, walkways are a particular area of concern for site safety managers. A construction site’s busy and hectic nature means there’s a significant risk of accidents between pedestrians and vehicles, while wet and uneven floors are also a slip hazard. That’s why walkway matting is at the forefront of the new range, with two high-visibility options gaining popularity. The most recent addition is a Spaghetti mat made from tightly woven PVC fibres that form a soft but durable matting. The open spaces between the fibres allow water to drain through, ensuring the mat provides a grippy surface in all weather. Traditional rubber mats are also available for workstations alongside PVC Duckboard, which is resistant to corrosion, oils and most chemicals. For the ultimate surface grip, GRP stair treads and nosing are also included in the new range, which features a coarse, sandpaper-like texture that provides traction underfoot, even in frosty weather. The tread and nosing products can be ordered in various colour and size options, ensuring they’re a good fit for any premises. Tacky mats with a sticky surface can be fitted in doorways for hygiene-sensitive areas to pick up dust and other fine particles from shoes. The mats are highly effective, and layers of numbered sheets can be peeled away whenever the surface becomes too dirty, revealing a fresh new tacky layer underneath. For more information or to see the Construction Site Matting range, visit the First Mats website. https://www.firstmats.co.uk Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ox Tools, a world-leading manufacturer of hand tools, diamond tools, workwear and safety products, is delighted with its decision to implement a complex digital transformation project with business software partner BrightBridge, and urges other businesses in a similar siloed position to make the switch. One year after the ‘go-live’ of its cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution – NetSuite OneWorld – the firm is not only reaping the rewards of consolidating disparate financial, stock and CRM systems, but also the global firm has visibility over all its subsidiaries. Plus, Ox Tools UK no longer requires significant resource to tend on-premise servers. Donovan Payne, Director at Ox Tools, explained: “By having one central solution – NetSuite – we have naturally benefitted from more automated, slicker and accurate processes and accessing it from smartphones on the move is extremely useful. However, our primary aim was to gain visibility over each corner of the business and be 100 per cent sure that the data painted the true picture – with BrightBridge’s expertise we have certainly achieved that. “The UK subsidiary was previously siloed from the rest of the global business in its architecture; now having spent 12-months having consolidated accounts with the other OX regions we can see, predict and strategically do so much more. I would recommend any companies in a similar position to plan their global platform transformation – it has been a game changer and a move that has become increasingly vital as global economic turmoil and supply chain challenges continue.” Ox Tools’ UK subsidiary is in-part driven by operations, decision making, and in-house software developed in Australia, which is where the company was founded in 1974. Therefore, the design and execution programme for the chosen solution – Oracle NetSuite – required meticulous planning, open communication with teams across the world and reliable connectivity with multiple systems. BrightBridge is the only European partner of both Oracle NetSuite and leading API integration platform Jitterbit, so Ox Tools was confident in its ability to unify all external system data with the cloud ERP solution rapidly. The data assimilation included areas such as pricing and inventory, and Jitterbit negated weeks of intricate coding. Furthermore, BrightBridge has a wealth of experience with resolving rebate challenges through automation and has also developed a custom-made interface for managing multiple shipping carriers within NetSuite; both solutions were integral to streamlining Ox Tools’ business processes, creating greater efficiencies and negating the potential for manual errors. Ox Tools selected Oracle NetSuite because it was already implemented across the other subsidiaries. However, finding the right expert partner to design and execute the sophisticated system was a more demanding process. Ox Tools turned to BrightBridge due to the Leicestershire-based company’s focus on clients within manufacturing, retail and distribution. Donovan added: “We were focused on the solution benefits at the start of our digital transformation project, and the company already had confidence in NetSuite. However, we quickly realised that it was equally as important, if not more, for our UK implementation partner to have specific sector expertise, possess in-depth knowledge about third-party tool integration and be easy to get along with. When we met the BrightBridge team, we simply knew the partnership was the right fit for us.” Ian Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director at BrightBridge, said: “Ox Tools came to us with a number of specific implementation and integration challenges at a time when they were also feeling the challenge of not being able to find the right solution provider. We were able to quickly illustrate our team’s skills and experience of working on similar projects as well as build that all important rapport, giving them the utmost confidence in our ability to deliver. “Our unique NetSuite app partnerships and own custom-made solutions allowed us to design the architecture rapidly and to confidently drive the project forward for Ox Tools. This digital transformation project is a great example of productivity enhancement and global strategic change we’re delighted Ox Tools are just as happy with the architecture 12-months on.” For more information, please visit www.brightbridgesolutions.com, or follow BrightBridge on Twitter – @brightbridge_uk – or LinkedIn. Learn about Ox Tools by visiting the company’s website, Twitter or LinkedIn.
The Scaffolding Association is delighted to announce its partnership with TradePoint. From this week, members of the association are eligible for free TradePoint membership with the highest level of discount and with no minimum spend. Members of the scheme will benefit from all TradePoint services and savings inside B&Q’s 300+ stores or online. The partnership will allow Scaffolding Association members to benefit from 10% off almost all products and with a choice of collect from store or delivery to site. Commenting on the new partnership, Helena Blundell, National Customer Account Partner, TradePoint said: “We are delighted to partner with the Scaffolding Association and look forward to the members fully benefiting from the discount in-store and online”. Stacey Underhill, Head of External Affairs at the Scaffolding Association, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with such an established and familiar brand. The discount offered to our members will be of significant value in the current economic climate”. The partnership with TradePoint is the latest benefit to be offered by the association to its almost 600 members. Members can register for TradePoint membership here: Register for your TradePoint Card (zohopublic.com)
New research by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has found that over a third (35%) of British employers have not spoken to their staff about their mental health and wellbeing over the past year. A survey conducted on ACAS’s behalf by YouGov, asked businesses in Britain about whether they had personally talked to their staff about their mental health in the last 12 months. The poll found that: Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said; “Businesses must do more to support employees with their mental health and wellbeing. It is inevitable that the pandemic will have exacerbated pre existing concerns. It will have also created new mental health and wellbeing issues among individuals and employees. The easiest thing a business can do is to talk with their staff, so it is concerning that over a third have not taken this basic step”. Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that more than 2,000 construction workers took their own lives in the UK in the decade to 2017 which is more than four times the number of construction workers killed during the course of their duties for the same period. The Scaffolding Association recently established a Health and Wellbeing Committee which aims to help employers in the sector improve the support they provide in relation to mental health and to encourage employees to talk with employers and colleagues. For more information on the latest ACAS research visit: 1 in 3 employers have not talked to staff about their mental health over the past year | Acas
In November 2020, the Government published its 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. It set out a path to Net Zero by 2050. CO2nstructZero is the construction sector’s response. It sets out how the industry can collectively meet Net Zero and uses the Climate Change Committee’s 6th Carbon budget to establish the priorities that frame an action plan of how they will measure their progress and hold themselves to account. Launched in March 2021 by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), CO2nstruct Zero brings together organisations that are demonstrating leadership in relation to carbon reduction, sharing their good practice with others from across the UK construction sector, and providing a set of metrics that enables the sector, quarterly, to collectively measure its progress to Net Zero. Since its launch more than 70 Business Champions have committed to targeted carbon reduction, and to provide details of how they are achieving this to help those from across the wider sector. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The Scaffolding Association has always been a strong advocate for moving to a sustainable future. This initiative is a step in the right direction to provide individuals and businesses with scalable practical help, support and the tools they will need to understand and play their part. Climate change is happening. Every industry has a part to play in reducing carbon emissions and meeting net zero by 2050. The construction industry is no exception”. For more information on CO2nstructZero visit CO2nstructZero » Construction Leadership Council
National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships. This week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme will be ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills. There are over 1,200 virtual and in-person events planned targeted at a range of audiences including stakeholders, businesses, training providers and schools. A full events listing can be found here. Last year, industry leaders from the construction industry called on the government to boost apprenticeships following a 40% drop in people joining industry-relevant schemes, (16,000) compared with the five-year average of (22,500). Statistics for the latest academic year are due for publication later this month. During the course of 2021 the government announced £7m funding to support flexible apprenticeship opportunities so that sectors including construction industries could bid for a share of the fund to support the creation of new flexible apprenticeships, intended to unlock opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to get good jobs. The government also reminded businesses to ensure that apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This followed the publication of a report from the Low Pay Commission which found that around 1 in 5 apprentices earn less than their legal entitlement sighting several common errors by businesses including: failure to pay the higher age-related minimum wage rate to those apprentices who are aged 19 and over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship paying the £4.30 per hour minimum wage apprentice rate before or after an apprenticeship actually starts or finishes not paying for all the time worked by an apprentice – training time is working time Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The construction industry is suffering from significant skills shortages and apprenticeships can provide an excellent start for many seeking a career in the industry”. A report published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) last year found that 37% of the construction workforce are over the age of 50 and estimated that 217,000 workers will need to be recruited into the industry over the next 5 years. Robert Candy added “Attracting a new generation of workers is critical but this is only part of the problem – keeping them is just as important. Paying them correctly, providing training that is relevant and embraces modern innovation and technology and ensuring qualifications gained provide access to work are all vital to the growth and success of apprenticeships across all sectors”. For more information on apprenticeships and to get involved in National Apprenticeship Week click here.