An innovative hybrid air conditioning system will be used for a new 250-bedroom hotel project in Birmingham. Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology has been chosen for the 18-storey KKA Architecture-designed Holiday Inn Express Birmingham City Centre project, which is set to open in April next year. The
A £320 million fund has been launched to help boost the development of the self-sustaining heat network sector throughout the UK. The funding is being provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), a new department created by Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year. The Heat
A £320 million fund has been launched to help boost the development of the self-sustaining heat network sector throughout the UK. The funding is being provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), a new department created by Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year. The Heat
Funding from Isos Housing has helped save a rural job club from closure. The local housing provider stepped in with a £10,000 grant after hearing that the Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group in Northumberland was in danger of closing because of a lack of cash. The grant, one of two recently
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has signed a new multi million pound deal with facilities management (FM) firm Mitie. Building on their existing seven year relationship, the new five year contract will see Mitie consolidate its FM services across three airports into one integrated contract. The firm has provided FM services
The search for ground-breaking products designed to solve problems in the construction industry in the UK has resulted in six innovation champions named to watch next year. The exciting Travis Perkins Innovation Awards (TPIA), pioneered by the Travis Perkins plc – the largest distributor of building materials in the UK
Two construction companies have benefited from a national scholarship scheme which will allow them to take on an apprentice who is entirely funded to work for them for one year. The scheme was launched by leading construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, to celebrate its 20th anniversary and
Launched at the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at an event hosted by Lord Aberdare, the Skills Accord is a new way of advancing the energy and utilities sector and their supply chain to generate the workforce capacity and capability that is needed. Amey, National Grid, SSE,
Toby Spearing of Sports Construction Specialists S&C Slatter has won a major quality award from Willmott Dixon Construction for his innovation and dedication to the new Edenbrook Leisure Centre scheme at Fleet, Hampshire. Senior Building Manager at Willmott Dixon Construction, Alex Manning, made the announcement: “Congratulations to Toby Spearing of
A site manager has scooped a ‘Seal of Excellence’ for his work in helping to deliver quality new home construction. Site manager at Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, Colin McNeish, picked up the award at this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. He gained his award for his “outstanding work
An innovative hybrid air conditioning system will be used for a new 250-bedroom hotel project in Birmingham. Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology has been chosen for the 18-storey KKA Architecture-designed Holiday Inn Express Birmingham City Centre project, which is set to open in April next year. The VRF technology removes the need to install leak detection equipment in occupied rooms. It is designed to ensure guests are comfortable in a controllable, energy efficient way, while still offering the full flexibility of design and installation that VRF air conditioning is known for. Mark Foster, Managing Director of Centre Island, who will manage the hotel, explained: “We needed reliable and effective air conditioning that is easy to use from the guest’s perspective but which is also more cost effective for the hotel moving forward as it removes the annual maintenance costs associated with a leak detection system. “The added advantage of using Mitsubishi Electric equipment is that we can control the whole system centrally, which minimises energy use for the business whilst still allowing guests to have individual control within their rooms. This also ensures we can stop rooms being heated or cooled when they are empty.” The design for the air conditioning system was put together by SISK Design and Build Contractors who worked in conjunction with Building Services Consultancy DW Pointer. Together, the firms committed to providing a VRF system that did not require the significant cost of adding leak detection units in all of the bedrooms. Brian Inett of John Sisk & Son added: “We proposed Hybrid VRF as it completely removes leak detection in occupied spaces whilst still offering the flexibility of a VRF system. “We were already aware of the Hybrid system and had been looking for a suitable project to use it on, so this was an ideal solution for the client, especially as it does away with the annual costs of leak detection maintenance.”
A £320 million fund has been launched to help boost the development of the self-sustaining heat network sector throughout the UK. The funding is being provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), a new department created by Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year. The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) aims to provide a financial incentive for developers to deliver heat network projects for towns and cities throughout the UK. According to the BEIS, the ‘central heating for cities’ scheme has the potential to reduce heating costs by more than 30 per cent. Overall, the networks will allow cities to recycle wasted heat produced from places such as factories, power stations and even the London Underground to pump back into homes and businesses. Energy minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: “Heat networks can significantly improve the efficiency with which heat is provided to our towns and cities, as well as helping to develop local infrastructure and reduce carbon. “The new scheme will help us to develop viable reforms to make the most of the heat we produce and use it effectively to bring bills down for people across the country.” In the pilot phase £39m is available to local authorities and public sector bodies who will submit applications for their projects by the end of November. Further funding rounds are planned to 2020. Mike Reynolds, SSE’s director of heat, welcomed the creation of the new fund and said: “The launch of the HNIP fund is well timed and comes at a crucial juncture in the development of UK heat networks where the market is predicted to grow between £2bn and £3.5bn in the next five years. In much of Europe heat networks are common place but they have all been developed with strong policy support and government investment so this bold position from BEIS is good to see.”
A £320 million fund has been launched to help boost the development of the self-sustaining heat network sector throughout the UK. The funding is being provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), a new department created by Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year. The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) aims to provide a financial incentive for developers to deliver heat network projects for towns and cities throughout the UK. According to the BEIS, the ‘central heating for cities’ scheme has the potential to reduce heating costs by more than 30%. Overall, the networks will allow cities to recycle wasted heat produced from places such as factories, power stations and even the London Underground to pump back into homes and businesses. Energy Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: “Heat networks can significantly improve the efficiency with which heat is provided to our towns and cities, as well as helping to develop local infrastructure and reduce carbon. “The new scheme will help us to develop viable reforms to make the most of the heat we produce and use it effectively to bring bills down for people across the country.” In the pilot phase £39m is available to local authorities and public sector bodies who will submit applications for their projects by the end of November. Further funding rounds are planned to 2020. Mike Reynolds, SSE’s Director of Heat, welcomed the creation of the new fund and said: “The launch of the HNIP fund is well timed and comes at a crucial juncture in the development of UK heat networks where the market is predicted to grow between £2bn and £3.5bn in the next five years. In much of Europe heat networks are common place but they have all been developed with strong policy support and government investment so this bold position from BEIS is good to see. “The funding from BEIS is an important step in creating the right conditions for further heat networks to come to market and by bridging financial gaps and increasing the number of economically feasible projects. We now believe more needs to be done in parallel to encourage sustained growth in the sector and bring appropriate quality assurance to customers.” SSE has recently been selected as the preferred bidder for one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Barking Riverside. The development will consist of over 10,000 new homes built on a 443-acre brownfield site along 2km of the River Thames.
Funding from Isos Housing has helped save a rural job club from closure. The local housing provider stepped in with a £10,000 grant after hearing that the Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group in Northumberland was in danger of closing because of a lack of cash. The grant, one of two recently awarded by Isos in the South Tyne community, will help to make sure that the group will be able to continue for one more year at least. Based at the town’s swimming and leisure centre, the support group – a Community Action Northumberland project – runs drop-in sessions every week for local unemployed people, helping them to brush up on their job search and interview skills. Group training on finding work is also provided, along with with careers advice and support for people setting up their own businesses, while informal group activities help develop life skills, such as managing money, reducing domestic fuel bills, healthy eating and exercise. Having now secured the new funding, along with cash from the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, the support group is also hoping to extend the services it provides. This could include sessions for young mums who are contemplating a return to work, as well as further volunteering opportunities. Isos community involvement officer, John Temple, commented: “Within the project there is a big focus on volunteering and that points people towards becoming work ready, particularly if someone hasn’t got a lot of practical work experience. “Support groups like this have the potential to make a big difference to someone’s life – not just by helping them secure a job, or training, or a volunteering opportunity, but by building their confidence and self-esteem and helping them become part of the wider community.” A second grant of £5,000 has also been awarded to Haltwhistle’s Young and Sweet youth club, to help pay for a new gardening club for young people aged between nine to 19 years.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has signed a new multi million pound deal with facilities management (FM) firm Mitie. Building on their existing seven year relationship, the new five year contract will see Mitie consolidate its FM services across three airports into one integrated contract. The firm has provided FM services such as cleaning, waste management, gritting and snow clearance at Manchester Airport since 2008. The new contract, estimated to be worth £60 million over its duration, will see Bristol-headquartered Mitie expanding its services at Manchester Airport to include pest control and landscaping. In addition, the company will for the first time offer soft services at MAG’s Stansted and East Midlands airports, as well as hard services such as mechanical and electrical maintenance, fixed wire testing, life safety systems and plumbing. London Stansted Airport CEO, Andrew Cowan, a sponsor of the contract, commented: “We have been working with Mitie for over seven years and it is a great credit to their team that we are developing our long-standing relationship with this new contract. “Mitie was awarded the work after a rigorous and technical tender process.” He continued: “Mitie has extensive experience in the sector, and an ability to provide national 24/7 coverage underpinned by advanced technology.” Mitie MD Phil Holland said: “We are proud to be building upon our relationship with MAG through this new and consolidated contract. “Our long running relationship is a testament to our market leading airport experience and we are confident that our expansive technology-led service capability will assist MAG in providing a world-class experience for its passengers and airline partners.” Last month it was revealed that MAG contributes £6.2 billion to the economy, with the main drivers behind the expanded ‘economic footprint’ of the airports include a higher number of employment opportunities and the associated economic value generated by their operations.
The search for ground-breaking products designed to solve problems in the construction industry in the UK has resulted in six innovation champions named to watch next year. The exciting Travis Perkins Innovation Awards (TPIA), pioneered by the Travis Perkins plc – the largest distributor of building materials in the UK – is the first of its kind for the industry. The successful winners of the first ever TPIA were selected from over 100 applicants by a panel of industry judges and announced as: Dr Daniel Simmons, Jonathan Bolton, Jonathan Wood of Johnson Tiles, Mark Singleton of Startlink Systems Ltd, Mark Titley, and Russel Armstrong of RA Tech. The winners’ products range from Johnson Tiles’ ‘CristalGrip’ an innovative tile fixing system, Russel Armstrong’s ‘Hotun’ the UK’s first regulation compatible all in one dry trap tundish, Dr Daniel Simmons’ ‘LeakNet’ a smart solution to water damage prevention, Mark Titley’s ‘Pipe Cone’ a safer and more efficient plastic pipe chamfer tool, Mark Singleton’s ‘Spacelink truss’ made of fiberglass hollow sections, joined without metal or adhesive, that’s as strong as steel but much lighter and rustproof, and Travis Perkins plc employee Jonathan Bolton’s ‘Stay Safe’ multi cordon bag, which makes cordoning off an area safe and quick without the need for traffic cones. A TPIA winner was chosen from each of the following categories: university affiliated, problem-solving, inventors, registered businesses and internal colleagues. Going forward the successful applicants will all work closely with Travis Perkins plc to access professional advice, support and funding depending on their specific needs. Group Strategy Director at Travis Perkins plc, Norman Bell, commented: “As a major UK employer with 21 businesses it is important to invest in innovative products and new ideas which help to solve daily problems that are encountered by our customers and the industry as a whole.”
Two construction companies have benefited from a national scholarship scheme which will allow them to take on an apprentice who is entirely funded to work for them for one year. The scheme was launched by leading construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, to celebrate its 20th anniversary and also provide opportunities for two young apprentices who hope to take their first steps on the construction career ladder. Having received entries from construction companies throughout the UK, Hudson Contract’s judging panel awarded the scholarship to H&L Construction Solutions in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Matthews & Leigh in Chorley, Lancashire. Resulting from the awarded funding, on-site carpentry firm, H&L Construction Solutions, has welcomed Joe Ladbery (21) who will begin his apprenticeship while attending his place at Oaklands College in St Albans. Construction and civil engineering business, Matthews & Leigh, is now able to take on Jordan Goulding (18) who is about to start his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Operation at Preston College. Office Manager at H&L, Emma Hunt, commented: “Joe is one of the first apprentices we have ever taken on. We’re a young company, so fully financing the course, with day release, would have been extremely difficult. We really want to support young people in the area who will play an important part in growing our company, so we were thrilled when we found out we had won the scholarship scheme.” Joint Managing Directors for Matthews & Leigh, Ian and Andrew Leigh, added: “We really value the contribution apprentices make to our company. They are the future of our workforce and it’s vital for them to have the skills and training they need to produce quality work and fully understand the industry’s health and safety requirements. To be awarded this scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for us as we recognise that today’s apprentices are to become the next generation of supervisors and managers, which is so important to the long-term growth of the industry.”
Launched at the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at an event hosted by Lord Aberdare, the Skills Accord is a new way of advancing the energy and utilities sector and their supply chain to generate the workforce capacity and capability that is needed. Amey, National Grid, SSE, Thames Water, and UK Power Networks, along with 22 key supply chain firms have pledged their commitment to a new and innovative Skills Accord. The Skills Accord is one element of the sector’s new approach to strategic workforce renewal and will make sure that market contractors stay competitive while embedding relevant skills development in their organisations through their commitment to an annual contribution to the sector’s overall training target of 5%, and encouraging the same through their supply chain. Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Group, Jan Ward, congratulated the 27 firms who pledged their commitment to a sustained investment in skills: “This Skills Accord is one of the key priorities of the new sector partnership now underway, and I applaud these companies for testing the art of the possible and by collaborating with each other to recruit and train skilled workers, increase mobility and efficiency, widen the available talent pool and consequently bring about strategic workforce renewal.” During the event, Senior Advisor at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (part of the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury), Keith Waller, commended members of the Energy & Utility Skills Group: “One of the key challenges stated in the 2015 National Infrastructure Plan for Skills was how to incentivise skills investment through procurement. This requires innovative approaches to encourage the retraining and up-skilling of the workforce to meet future skills demands. “The fact that employers within the energy and utilities sector were already working towards this remit in conjunction with Energy & Utility Skills through the management of the Procurement Skills Accord Project is very much welcomed.”
Toby Spearing of Sports Construction Specialists S&C Slatter has won a major quality award from Willmott Dixon Construction for his innovation and dedication to the new Edenbrook Leisure Centre scheme at Fleet, Hampshire. Senior Building Manager at Willmott Dixon Construction, Alex Manning, made the announcement: “Congratulations to Toby Spearing of S&C Slatter who wins the quality award for September at Edenbrook Leisure Centre. “With no Quality Delivery Checklist in place for artificial sports pitches he took time out to meet Jane Roper, Senior Quality Delivery Manager and myself to create one from scratch. With Toby’s input we have helped improve our quality system for the rest of the company.” Spearing is Site Foreman for S&C Slatter on an important part of this major £23 million leisure development for which Willmott Dixon is main contractor. S&C Slatter is building more than 10000 sq m of artificial pitches made up of a full size 3G football pitch and four 3G 5 a side pitches. These include rigid panel perimeter security and rebound fencing and floodlighting. Furthermore, the firm is creating two natural turf mini-pitches with relevant fencing infrastructure. Having worked as a member of the Slatter team for nine years, Spearing said: “I’m naturally delighted with the award and thank Willmott Dixon for recognising and appreciating my contribution. For me it was just doing my job to the best of my ability.” David Slatter, Managing Director of S&C Slatter, added: “We’re all really pleased for Toby and very proud of him. The company is entirely focussed on teamwork and delivering quality and excellence for all our clients. Toby couldn’t have demonstrated this more clearly.” S&C Slatter is an official Category A supply chain partner to Willmott Dixon Construction which confirms their ‘Preferred Supplier’ status and commitment to collaborative working during all stages of the construction process. Achieving continuous improvement in service performance and delivery is a particular goal of the relationship.
A site manager has scooped a ‘Seal of Excellence’ for his work in helping to deliver quality new home construction. Site manager at Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, Colin McNeish, picked up the award at this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. He gained his award for his “outstanding work and leadership” of Phase 3A and 3B at Almond Park in Musselburgh. Located off Pinkie Road in Musselburgh, Almond Park offers a range of homes and apartments from Taylor Wimpey’s Scotland two range, that are designed to appeal to a wide variety of purchasers who have different budgets. Work began on the latest phase in November last year, which has continued the success of the earlier phases of the development, which included the first Local Affordable Rented Housing Trust development in Scotland in partnership with East Lothian Council and supported by the Scottish Government. McNeish joined Taylor Wimpey in August 2012 as an assistant site manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Hopefield development in Bonnyrigg, helping the team to deliver a series of affordable homes for Midlothian Council. He also started the construction works at Taylor Wimpey’s Cameron Gardens in Bilston prior to being promoted to site manager and joining the team at Almond Park in Musselburgh in late 2014. Speaking about receiving the award, McNeish commented: “The NHBC Pride in the Job is quite an achievement and I’m delighted to have won it on my first development as site manager. “This is an award which can only be achieved with the hard work and determination of the whole site team and their drive for excellence every day – without them I wouldn’t have this award. “To have also secured a Seal of Excellence Award that places me within the top ten site managers in Scotland is just incredible, and I’m really happy. “The whole development team is very proud to deliver what are considered to be some of the best new homes in Scotland.”