TrustMark, the only Government-endorsed accreditation scheme for all trades in and around the home, is working with Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, it’s Primary Authority Partner, to provide another level of consumer protection and trade accreditation to both householders and tradespeople in the home improvement, maintenance and repair sector. Together the two government organisations will jointly deliver a national Trading Standards supporting scheme, giving firms local reassurance with national recognition.  The ‘Trading Standards Approved’ scheme is an accreditation that tells potential customers that the tradesperson not only complies with TrustMark’s Government-endorsed Standards for quality of workmanship, but they also understand fair trading practices and have in place all the correct documentation and insurances. For the first time local authorities across the country can work together to deliver this scheme.  It will give tradespeople further credibility that they are reputable and have a solid trading history, whilst giving their customer the reassurance and confidence that they have been thoroughly checked by both Trading Standards and TrustMark and have been approved to use this accreditation. Steve Ruddy, Head of Service Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, added:  “We are delighted to be working in partnership with TrustMark helping consumers find reputable traders to work in their homes. This is a groundbreaking example of how central and local government can work together, combining national recognition and local reassurance to both protect residents and support local businesses.” Simon Ayers, Chief Executive of TrustMark, said: “With consumer expectations rising, householders are now seeking higher levels of service and better quality workmanship from their tradespeople with all the right checks in place. The Trading Standards Approved scheme isn’t just another ‘badge’ to add to a firm’s website and marketing materials, it’s an investment with great benefits.  When a consumer chooses a tradesperson that has the TrustMark ‘Trading Standards Approved’ logo, they know they will get a reputable, reliable firm that has not only been vetted by a TrustMark Scheme Operator, but also checked directly by Trading Standards.  As always, we are working towards a future when consumers have confidence is the tradespeople they employ and that they see that ‘rogue’ traders are the exception, not the rule.” To join the scheme, firms will need to be TrustMark registered and then they will be able to apply to TrustMark to complete the necessary checks in order to gain the approved accreditation.  TrustMark willcarry out the DBS Checks and Trading Standards will do the Intelligence Checks.  Subject to passing these safeguards, the firm will then be accredited with trading standards approved status. For those firms who attain the Trading Standards approval, they will also get additional business support with exclusive access to assured advice on consumer law, including unfair contract terms, cancellations rights and drafting invoices.   The scheme is currently being piloted by TrustMark Ambassadors across different key trades and will be rolled out on a national level during 2017. For further information or to sign up to the Trading Standards Approved scheme, visit www.trustmark.org.uk/trading-standards or email tradingstandardsapproved@trustmark.org.uk or telephone 0333 555 0352. For further information and to stay up-to-date with developments at TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk.

4 reasons why modular is more sustainable than traditional construction – Over the past decade, modular construction has grown substantially. A recent report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills has estimated the total value of the offsite construction industry at £1.5 billion, with the potential to grow to £6 billion[1].  Attitudinal changes towards offsite building techniques, as well as their increased sustainability and capabilities as seen on many high-profile jobs, have all contributed to this growth.  Matthew Goff, director of UK operations at Actavo | Building Solutions, gives four reasons why modular is overtaking traditional construction methods in the sustainability stakes:  Modular buildings are manufactured in controlled environments  It is widely recognised that modular has the potential to reduce overall construction programmes. In most cases, while onsite ground works are being completed, building modules are being manufactured in a controlled, factory environment.  This means a large portion of works are completed simultaneously, reducing the building programme from the outset. Once modules are delivered to site – pre-fitted with electrics, plumbing, heating, doors, windows and internal finishes – they are carefully craned into position on prepared foundations. This is a key driver for education facilities where disruption to staff and pupils needs to be kept to a minimum. Offsite construction is up to 50% quicker than traditional[2] – buildings can be created onsite in timeframes as short as just four weeks.   Modular buildings are often recyclable Offsite construction can reduce up to 90% of waste generated when compared with traditional construction methods[3].  Some modular buildings are now manufactured using recyclable material from other projects. Being adaptable and flexible to changing needs, modular buildings are easy to move without disturbing surrounding landscapes. Think of a school campus which needs to evolve as systems develop and additional space is required. Modular allows and, following the introduction of BIM (building information modelling), can plan for any future changes throughout a building’s life cycle – from concept to demolition. Offsite construction uses less energy Compared to an equivalent, traditionally-built project, up to 67% less energy is required to produce a modular building[4]. Not only is the actual construction of the building ‘greener’, but the building is also energy- efficient for life. Modular buildings are now being installed with sustainable energy-efficient systems such as energy-efficient glass, geothermal systems and solar panels. Offsite construction also impacts on the carbon footprint of a building, as it allows for a reduction of the total number of deliveries to sites by 90%[5]. Modular can be built to the exact same standards as traditional The key benefit of modular construction is the essential quality benefits which come with working in a controlled factory environment. Buildings are designed and built to the same, higher sustainability standards as traditional construction such as BREEAM, PassivHaus and AECB. Unlike traditional construction, there are many cost savings associated with modular buildings, stemming from a reduction in project timeframes and leading to reductions in overall costs. Although changing views of offsite construction methods are continuing to increase its popularity, traditional methods still account for the largest market share in the building industry. As the construction sector develops and adapts to meet changing Government strategies, modular will be increasingly employed across the industry. For more information about sustainable, modular buildings, please visit: www.actavo.com/buildings. [1]https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/305024/Technology_and_skills_in_the_construction_industry_evidence_report_74.pdf [2] https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Modular_vs_traditional_construction [3] http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Housing%20newsletter%20Hi_res%20080307.pdf [4] http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Modern%20Methods%20of%20Construction%20-%20Summmary.pdf [5] http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Modern%20Methods%20of%20Construction%20-%20Summmary.pdf

Four local authorities in Surrey have agreed a 10-year joint waste contract with Amey. The contract for Surrey Heath, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Woking councils covers household waste collection, recycling, chargeable garden waste, recycling banks, clinical waste, replacement bins and provides an opportunity for a commercial waste service. It will also include street cleaning and associated activities including street sweeping, bin emptying, graffiti removal, and fly-tipping and fly-posting clearance. The councils expect the contract to save taxpayers across the four authorities more than £2m a year. Existing fortnightly recycling and waste collections will be maintained, as will weekly food waste collections. The contract will introduce a weekly collection of clothes, home textiles and small electricals while other new schemes include: Surrey Waste Partnership part-funded the deal, which was supported by Surrey County Council as the waste disposal authority. Amey chief executive Andy Milner (pictured) said: “This announcement sees us build on our reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of high-quality local waste collection services. “We are committed to working closely with these councils to meet their sustainability and environmental objectives, while providing a first-rate service for local residents.” Waste officers from Surrey Heath and Woking councils put out identical statements saying the deal was a “great result.” “By working together, we’re able to deliver an improved waste and recycling collection service, while freeing up substantial sums of money to spend on the services which people value the most.” The contract will have a staggered start depending on when each council’s current contract ends. The earliest is Elmbridge in June 2017, followed by Woking in September 2017, Surrey Heath in February 2018 and Mole Valley in August 2018 for waste and recycling and April 2019 for street cleaning. Other district and borough councils in Surrey, there are 11 overall, will have the opportunity to join as the contract progresses.