Henry Boot Construction has been re-appointed to the £8bn Procure Partnerships National Framework for its second iteration. In addition to securing its position in the Yorkshire region again, having been originally selected in 2019, the business has now been added to the East Midlands region of the framework as well.
Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has successfully been selected for two lots on the Procure Partnerships Framework. Running from 1 November 2023 for four years, G F Tomlinson have been selected to deliver a range of schemes within the public sector. As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson has
Salford-based MC Construction is blazing a trail after teaming up with environmental business Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is the first construction business to join Play It Green’s Climate Positive Workforce programme as it steps up its drive to lower its carbon emissions and to
Applebridge Construction Ltd., the civil engineering and utilities division of the renowned construction group operating across the North of England, has grown turnover by almost a quarter (23.3%) to a record £62.5m. The latest financial results from the division has meant the Applebridge Family group is poised to exceed a
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed
Fusion Steel Framing, the award-winning manufacturer of light steel framing solutions, has been brought on board as a contractor for 5-star housebuilder The Hill Group and L&Q’s large-scale redevelopment of the former Citroen garage, Kew Bridge Rise, in West London. Fusion will be fabricating 13,720 square metres of its innovative
Caddick Construction Group has opened new premises in Birmingham, marking the business’ expansion into the Midlands following the appointment of Ray O’Sullivan as Regional Director. The new office, located at Northspring, will be home to a team tasked with replicating Caddick Construction Group’s success in the North East, North West
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on the multi-million pound refurbishment and remodelling of the historic Trowbridge Town Hall. The £7.15 million contract will see Beard transforming the Grade II listed building into an eye catching music hall for live concerts. This will include the demolition of existing offices and
A nearly 100-year-old company that has spent a quarter of its life in Nottingham is celebrating Nottinghamshire Day by reflecting on the past 25 years in the city. Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.After sustained growth, the
A loan scheme which enables homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties is needed if the UK is to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions and bring down consumer bills, says the leading professional body for the construction sector. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in its response
Henry Boot Construction has been re-appointed to the £8bn Procure Partnerships National Framework for its second iteration. In addition to securing its position in the Yorkshire region again, having been originally selected in 2019, the business has now been added to the East Midlands region of the framework as well. The second framework will start to support the procurement of projects from November 2023 and run until 2027. Henry Boot Construction’s Framework Manager, Jason Thompson, shared his thoughts on the appointment: “The framework really aligns with our own company values ambitions – putting social value, sustainability and technical innovation at the heart of the projects we undertake. “In the first edition of the framework we represented Yorkshire, seeing us secure the £7.5m Weston Park Hospital Linear Accelerator contract “We are now thrilled to be able to increase our coverage and add East Midlands to the programme. This will offer us and our supply chain even more business opportunities further afield and continue to grow our reputation across the UK. “It is also a fantastic opportunity to be able to build on the strong, successful working relationships we at Henry Boot Construction have developed with those in the Procure Partnerships team. “Developing these relationships is essential to the success of frameworks such as this one. Collaboration and shared learnings are key to frameworks succeeding and that is something that we value greatly. “This is not just an opportunity to bid for and hopefully win projects, but it also will help to provide us with the support and growth opportunities that will allow us to expand our regional supply chain – supporting the wider sector in the Midlands and the North of England.” Speaking about Henry Boot Construction’s appointment Robbie Blackhurst, Director at Procure Partnerships Framework at Procure Partnerships, added: “Henry Boot Construction has an extensive portfolio of delivering successful projects and we’re delighted to welcome them back onto the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Framework. “The new edition of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement and we look forward to seeing what Henry Boot achieves over the next four years.” Established to support public sector bodies to procure contractor partners, the Procure Partnerships Framework is divided regionally, supporting the framework values of local delivery with national governance. The Procure Partnerships Framework pushes the boundaries of how procurement can support public sector bodies to deliver their strategic targets. The framework is designed to be flexible and provides clients with different call-off options and up to eight forms of call-off contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has successfully been selected for two lots on the Procure Partnerships Framework. Running from 1 November 2023 for four years, G F Tomlinson have been selected to deliver a range of schemes within the public sector. As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects from £5 million to £15 million, across both the East Midlands and West Midlands. Procure Partnerships Framework Ltd has operated a national contractor framework for the past four years and has supported the delivery of over 150 construction projects year on year. This second iteration of the Framework covers four disciplines, including construction, under which G F Tomlinson has been appointed. The total value of the Framework across its nine regions is anticipated to be £8 billion, over the four-year term. G F Tomlinson secured its place on the Framework through a rigorous and comprehensive selection process encompassing several critical assessments, including: PAS91 Selection Questionnaire; Financial Standing Checks; Relevant Experience; and Commercial Assessments; and Quality Assessments, covering aspects such as cost management, health and safety, sustainability, social value, and performance management. G F Tomlinson’s Framework Manager, Ian Dalby, will be managing this new relationship, ensuring the contractor’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional construction solutions. Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: ‘The Procure Partnerships Framework will enhance our coverage in the regions we operate in and provide a cost-effective platform for delivering essential public sector projects, and we are pleased to now be part of it. “Since 2018 G F Tomlinson has delivered in excess of £500 million projects within the public sector and this award will help to continue our commitment to delivering excellence in construction and our commitment to transforming communities. We look forward to developing significant projects across the East and West Midlands.” Robbie Blackhurst, Director and Founder at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework looks forward to working with G F Tomlinson on a number of key projects essential to the delivery of public sector works at the highest standard. The new iteration of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement, and we look forward to seeing what G F Tomlinson achieves over the next four years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford-based MC Construction is blazing a trail after teaming up with environmental business Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is the first construction business to join Play It Green’s Climate Positive Workforce programme as it steps up its drive to lower its carbon emissions and to progress towards becoming a net zero operation by 2038. MC Construction has signed up its entire 60-strong team to Play It Green’s online subscription service. For a monthly fee, every staff member will receive weekly tips, discounts, education and tools to help them and the business reduce their footprint. A total of 780 trees will be planted each month on behalf of its staff. In addition, as part of the same subscription, the North West Air Ambulance Charity will receive a regular donation as the company’s charity of the year. Ten per cent of Play it Green’s revenues go to each member’s chosen good cause. Play It Green, which was launched in 2021 by Chris Thair and Richard Dickson, is based in Manchester. The B Corp accredited business has grown to have subscribers across nine countries, including Sri Lanka, Germany and Australia as well as the UK. Among Play It Green’s members are Warrington Wolves RLFC, basketball team London Lions, Shire Leasing, Ecoegg, Levitex, Ikonic Technology, Affirmative Finance, Dains Accountants, Manchester Central and The Regency Club London. Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “The impact of the construction industry is widely documented on the global stage. World leaders have committed to shifting towards a more sustainable future. This is a responsibility for everyone in the industry, regardless of size, and we are determined to play our part. “As a long-established business, our success has always been anchored to our core values, including taking responsibility for our actions. “By joining forces with Play It Green, we are showing our commitment to building upon our existing initiatives to tackle and reduce the environmental impact of our work. “We recognise that there is no quick fix, and that positive results will come from concerted effort, but we are fully committed to a strategic and determined approach to achieve our net zero target by 2038. Our partnership with Play It Green is a positive step on that journey and will help us make a tangible difference. “Play It Green shares our values and has a straightforward and transparent approach, making it a natural fit for us. I have no doubt that our fantastic team will engage with the Climate Positive Workforce programme, ensuring that environmental and sustainability considerations are further embedded in our culture.” Chris Thair, chief executive of Play It Green, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MC Construction into our community. “The Climate Positive Workforce service now moves them to the next level by continually educating and rewarding their staff, giving them the knowledge, drive and tools to bring innovation and further positive action within the business. “Our model significantly boosts our members’ ESG credentials, helping them move to net zero and make a positive ongoing environmental and social impact. “We look forward to working with MC Construction and creating a brighter future for their business, local community and the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Applebridge Construction Ltd., the civil engineering and utilities division of the renowned construction group operating across the North of England, has grown turnover by almost a quarter (23.3%) to a record £62.5m. The latest financial results from the division has meant the Applebridge Family group is poised to exceed a record breaking £100 million in turnover for the first time in 2023. The Middlesbrough-headquartered contractor has put its success down to a continued commitment to its core ideals, providing quality services and building lasting relationships with clients. Testament to its ideals the group and its component companies have seen significant growth, including a 300% increase in turnover to £30m in 2023 for its earthworks contracting firm ZTL following larger project wins such as Konnect 62 – one of the largest ever warehouse spaces constructed in the Yorkshire region. In 2021, Applebridge Group introduced Applebridge Utilities as an independent entity, and in just two years, it has flourished into a company with a £5 million turnover in 2023. In addition, AD Plant Hire, which supports the component companies with vehicles and plant, is projected to reach circa £6 million in 2023. Applebridge Founder and CEO Donny Hughes said: “We are incredibly proud of how our component companies have thrived and propelled the Applebridge Family towards this remarkable milestone of surpassing £100 million in turnover. “Our journey has been fuelled by the dedication of our remarkable team and our unyielding commitment to quality, relationships, and innovation. As we move forward, we remain devoted to delivering excellence in every project, strengthening client collaborations, nurturing our team’s professional growth, and driving innovation throughout the construction industry.” With its component companies having received several accolades – including CECA training Company of the Year Award 2020, Constructing Excellence North East’s SME of the Year in 2021, Department for Education 4th best SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK 2022 – the group continues to go from strength to strength, building key relationships and winning projects of increasing sizes. With an increase in its capacity and capabilities, in recent years Applebridge has sought to diversify its revenue stream by placing an increased focus on frameworks and has most recently been appointed to; Northern Education Trust procurement framework in 2020, Virgin Media O2’s Network expansion framework in 2022, Teesworks Reactive framework at the start of 2023, and YorCivils awarded earlier this month. Mr Hughes adds: “By consistently exceeding client expectations and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, we have been able to earn a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. As Applebridge looks towards the future, we remain committed to delivering exceptional projects, forging strong relationships and investing in the next generation.” To find out more about the Applebridge Family visit https://applebridgefamily.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed terms and conditions including fixed overhead and profit percentages together with social value targets. GMI’s inclusion in the Procure Partnerships Framework underlines its commitment to excellence, innovation and growth across the regions, together with its ability to support public bodies in delivering their strategic targets. One of the largest independent construction companies in the North of England and the Midlands, GMI has a growing portfolio of public and commercial clients in multiple sectors – with projects ranging from the award-winning Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which has become a community focal point and hub for SMEs as well as home to Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club, and the construction of 259 build-to-rent apartments in Derby, which forms part of the Becketwell regeneration scheme. Keith Rayner, GMI’s Framework Director, said: “We are thrilled to have joined the Procure Partnerships Framework, a significant milestone that reflects our dedication to excellence. It provides GMI with a platform to showcase its capabilities, engage in meaningful partnerships, and contribute to levelling up through the delivery of exceptional public sector construction projects that will leave a lasting positive impact across each region. “The framework streamlines the procurement process and offers clients confidence in the quality of the work, backed by a series of benchmarks concerning delivery and costs, allowing them to manage and mitigate the risks involved with large-scale projects.” In April, GMI secured a place on Pagabo’s national £1bn medium works framework, which allows it to be considered for medium-sized public sector construction projects valued up to £10m, and in June it joined the framework of the North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fusion Steel Framing, the award-winning manufacturer of light steel framing solutions, has been brought on board as a contractor for 5-star housebuilder The Hill Group and L&Q’s large-scale redevelopment of the former Citroen garage, Kew Bridge Rise, in West London. Fusion will be fabricating 13,720 square metres of its innovative TraxTM product to form the steel frame system infill across five buildings of up to 18 storeys on the development. Kew Bridge Rise, located within the heart of the Brentford regeneration area, will deliver 441 new homes, of which 50% will be affordable. Construction of the steel frame system has already begun on site, with the development expected to complete in 2026. Since its foundation in 2000, Fusion has delivered more light steel residential structures than any other European producer and worked with some of the largest contractors and developers in the UK construction industry. In 2022 Fusion was acquired by Hill to advance Hill’s progress in Modern Methods of Construction practises (MMC) and more efficiently integrate light gauge steel frames on developments such as Kew Bridge Rise. Mike Fairey, Managing Director at Fusion Steel Framing, comments: “We are delighted to be providing our industry-leading TraxTM product on this significant residential scheme, and to support our partners at Hill and L&Q in bringing their vision for the project to life. TraxTM’s custom design, high-precision engineering, and exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation mean our product aligns perfectly with their ambition to deliver high-quality residential units across the development.” TraxTM is a highly economical non-load bearing infill system which helps to create rapid dry building envelopes on a range of building types using steel framing. The works at Kew Bridge Rise will involve Fusion forming the openings, applying RCM DensGlas external board, Kingspan K-Roc insulation and fitting of brick tie channels. Fusion expects to be working on-site for around 12 months. Fusion will manufacture TraxTM at the company’s high-grade 80,000ft2 manufacturing facility in Northampton, which has the capacity to deliver over 30,000m2 of light steel each year. The company’s expert engineers will then deliver and install the TraxTM system at the Kew Bridge Rise site. The development will have a concrete frame structure and TraxTM will be used for the infill between floors, sitting on the floor slab up to the ceiling. In addition, Fusion will create the window apertures, providing a complete solution for the project. Cain Peters, Regional Director at The Hill Group comments: “The key advantage of using Fusions’ trail-blazing TraxTM system is the ability to rapidly accelerate construction projects while de-risking the process of installing a structural framework system. The system also reduces fire risk which is always at the forefront of our construction design. This extensive redevelopment project will be an impressive example of the capabilities of delivering pre-fabricated steel frame systems at scale.” Hill and L&Q began on-site in Brentford in September 2022. The project also includes a new public square, alongside significant investment in local infrastructure improvements. The joint venture partnership will also provide a range of social benefits for the local area during construction, including investment in significant employment, training and community focussed opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction Group has opened new premises in Birmingham, marking the business’ expansion into the Midlands following the appointment of Ray O’Sullivan as Regional Director. The new office, located at Northspring, will be home to a team tasked with replicating Caddick Construction Group’s success in the North East, North West and Yorkshire. Taking a 5-year lease at the Temple Street office, the Group is set to target new projects in both the public and private sectors, building its portfolio of commercial, education, industrial, leisure, residential, care and retail projects. The launch of the new office closely follows the appointment of Ray O’Sullivan as Regional Director for the Midlands, becoming the latest move in the Group’s ambitious growth strategy. Paul Dodsworth, Construction Group Managing Director, commented: “Launching our Midlands office is an important milestone in our growth strategy; it’s a move that has been in the pipeline for some time and allows us to bring our business’ financial stability, expertise and quality to the regional market. Central to this is our appointment of Ray O’Sullivan to lead the team, and his expertise in the region sets us on a very strong footing as our business embarks on an exciting new chapter.” Ray added: “There is a wealth of opportunity in the Midlands and Caddick’s established position in the industry places it as the perfect construction partner in the region. Launching our new office is just one piece of the puzzle, and myself and the team here in Birmingham will be spending the coming months building our project pipeline and working with the regional supply chain to support our growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on the multi-million pound refurbishment and remodelling of the historic Trowbridge Town Hall. The £7.15 million contract will see Beard transforming the Grade II listed building into an eye catching music hall for live concerts. This will include the demolition of existing offices and workshop spaces, as well as the removal of the suspended ceiling to expose the hall’s impressive vaulted ceiling. This will be paired with a brand new roof installed by Beard. The remaining floors of the building will also see significant remodelling to create recording studios, offices, performance spaces and breakout rooms which will be open to the public and used by local community groups. In addition, essential repairs and restoration work will take place including the exterior stonework, internal stone archways and exposed timber trusses. The hall’s stained glass windows will also be repaired and retained. Beard is also tasked with improving access to the building, installing an exterior ramp for disabled users and an internal lift to the new music hall. This will be the largest part of demolition to make space for both the lift shaft and new lift. The 18-month project will commence this month and is set to complete in 2025, ready to reopen in the summer. With plans to scaffold the entire building, access the roof and manage deliveries, the town hall’s central location presents significant logistical challenges for Beard to overcome. In preparation, the team at Beard has spent the past six months working closely with the local council, highways and all major stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep the public safe. As part of both its management plan and enabling works package, Beard has engaged with all parties to plan hoardings, suspend one bus stop and relocate another, and rationalise scaffolding to not impact the highways. Ahead of work beginning, Beard will be setting up hoardings and site boundaries over the course of three nights to avoid disruption to bus services and the local community. One of the suspended stops will also serve as a drop-off point for daytime deliveries. The team also attended a ‘meet the contractor’ event as part of its engagement with the local community, allowing residents and interested parties to find out more about the project and the measures Beard has put in place. Jamie Harwood, director at Beard, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Trowbridge community once again and playing our part in safeguarding the future of the historic town hall. We will call upon our expertise in the heritage sector and with complex listed buildings to ensure the town hall will continue to support the community for many more generations to come. “While the project does present challenges, our team has worked incredibly hard to maintain an open dialogue with all parties to mitigate these and ensure all work can be conducted safely. As a result, we’re confident we can deliver the necessary changes to realise the council’s exciting vision, bringing the quality of construction Beard has become synonymous for over our 130-plus year history.” Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Strategic Assets at Wiltshire Council, added: “We are delighted to be working with a renowned local company such as Beard Construction. Their extensive knowledge of working sensitively on historic buildings will ensure the Town Hall remains a landmark community asset for future generations to treasure.” Beard has completed a number of projects in Trowbridge and the surrounding areas, including the complete refitting of the Grade II listed Mill Building at Trowbridge Museum and the sensitive refurbishment and extension of both the Grade II listed Corsham Mansion and the multi-award-winning Corinium Museum, which has doubled exhibition space and improved visitor facilities. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A nearly 100-year-old company that has spent a quarter of its life in Nottingham is celebrating Nottinghamshire Day by reflecting on the past 25 years in the city. Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.After sustained growth, the company relocated to The Lace Market in Nottingham in 1998 and is this year celebrating being in the city for 25 years, operating as both design and build contractor (Clegg Construction Ltd) and food sector specialists (Clegg Food Projects Ltd). On Nottinghamshire Day (25th August), Clegg Group is reflecting on the way it has helped to shape the city and the county, and the links the company has built with a range of good causes and charities in the area. Key projects delivered by Clegg Construction include the £27m River Crescent apartment development, which is at the forefront of the Trentside regeneration, Center Parcs’ highly sustainable offices and headquarters, situated within Sherwood Energy Village, two state-of-the-art stands (Bridgford Road and Fox Road), floodlights and an electronic scorecard for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge, plus a first-class training facility created for Nottingham Forest Football Club. Clegg has developed multiple projects with the city’s universities and also local schools. Its partnership with the University of Nottingham began in 2000 with an extension to the East Midlands Conference Centre and the company is currently on site modernising the university’s historic Florence Boot Hall building – a project that was highly commended in the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards. Clegg also delivered the University of Nottingham’s Energy Technology Building – which was awarded the country’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for an educational building – plus the RIBA Award-winning, BREEAM Excellent Lyth Building recently completed for Nottingham Trent University, as well as a sixth form centre for Rushcliffe Academy in West Bridgford, Victoria House student accommodation in the city centre, and a 191-bed student accommodation scheme on Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus. The company is currently on site at Carlton le Willows Academy. In addition, Clegg Food Projects, which designs and builds specialist manufacturing facilities nationally, has delivered a wide range of schemes in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the years, including multiple projects at Pork Farms, including factory extensions, three developments at Northern Foods in Bulwell, including a pizza factory, two projects at Freshcut Foods, plus two schemes at Riverside Bakery, which included a food factory extension and office refurbishment. Clegg Construction Pre-Construction Director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Clegg Group has a long history in the East Midlands, having been founded more than 90 years ago in Derbyshire. “Today, on Nottinghamshire Day, it’s fitting that we celebrate and look back on the 25 years that we have been based in Nottingham. We are immensely proud of the role we have played in the community – helping to shape the city and the county, and supporting a number of good causes.” In 1998, following almost 70 years of being based in Derbyshire, Clegg (then known as D.E. Clegg) made the decision to switch counties, with the company’s 23-strong employee base packing up the office and moving to Nottingham’s vibrant and historic lace market – based at the Grade II listed Bishops House building, which overlooks St Mary’s Church – the oldest parish church in Nottinghamshire. Coincidently, Clegg had refurbished the building some years previously. Clegg Construction PA Julie Dallison is one of a handful of employees who have been with the company since it was based in Ilkeston. She said: “Clegg has grown considerably in the years that I have worked for the business, and it’s been great to have shared several significant milestones in the company’s history, including our move to Nottingham 25 years ago and the subsequent growth that has been achieved. Nottinghamshire continues to offer us a wealth of opportunities and we are proud to be a key member of the construction and development sector here. It’s also been a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting in the Lace Market, in the heart of the city.” Clegg Group, which had a joint turnover of more than £165m in 2022, is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) company which ranked 34th in the Nottinghamshire Top 200 list last year. Focusing on repeat business it continues to work with some of the world’s largest companies. During its long history, it has built strong relationships with charities and social enterprises and to mark its 25th anniversary of being in Nottingham is supporting 25 good causes including continued sponsorship of Erewash Partnership, participation in EDGE’s and SCAPE’s charity football matches, and collections for Peterborough and Maltby foodbanks. Clegg representatives have also taken part in two careers days at South Notts Academy and have supported numerous local and national charities such as Emmanuel House Support Centre, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army, Prostate Cancer UK, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. In addition, the Clegg Group supports Nightingale Primary School in Eastwood through the Greggs Breakfast Club, which provides a free, nutritional breakfast to children who need it, to ensure pupils are prepared for the day ahead. Clegg Group is a privately owned company that has been delivering construction projects across a range of sectors for over 90 years. Its services are provided through two principal operating companies – Clegg Construction and Clegg Food Projects – to offer specialist knowledge and experience as well as deliver a tailored service for clients. For more information visit www.clegggroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A loan scheme which enables homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties is needed if the UK is to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions and bring down consumer bills, says the leading professional body for the construction sector. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in its response to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s recent ‘Heating our Homes’ inquiry has reiterated previous calls for Government to support the Construction Leadership Council’s National Retrofit Strategy. It includes a “help to fix” scheme which provides homeowners with an interest-free government loan to cover the full costs of home improvements. CIOB says previous government schemes such as the Green Homes Grant and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) have failed for several reasons, most notably that homeowners were required to part fund energy efficiency work in a lump sum. For many this simply wasn’t an option at the time the schemes were on offer, and certainly isn’t amid a cost-of-living crisis says CIOB’s policy team. In February 2023, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee noted if the current take-up rate of the BUS continues, only half of the allocated budget will be used. CIOB adds that a scheme where the full cost of home improvements such as double glazing, insulation, new heating systems and even bigger jobs like loft conversions or extensions, are covered by a loan, is the only way many homeowners could afford to have work carried out, and government should develop such a scheme if they seriously want to meet its energy and carbon reduction targets. David Parry, CIOB’s parliamentary and public affairs officer, said: “We and the wider industry have been calling for a national strategy for retrofitting for years now but we’re not being listened to. Poorly planned, ad-hoc schemes such as the Green Homes Grant have been failures because homeowners are still expected to find a percentage of the cost of having work carried out on their home and people just don’t have that disposable income. “A long-term initiative where homeowners can borrow the full cost of improvement works would in our view incentivise a big upturn in demand which in turn will help improve the energy efficiency and quality of the nation’s housing stock, reduce energy use and associated costs for consumers, while also cutting carbon emissions and accelerating the move to net zero. Factored into a wider strategy, developed with industry experts, which considers the training of a skilled workforce, a “Help to Fix” scheme could go a long way to achieving the goals the Government has set itself but is currently nowhere near meeting.” CIOB adds that funding isn’t the only reason previous schemes have failed, and issues with promoting them, consumer confidence and ensuring skilled tradespeople were available to meet the demand for their services, also contributed to their downfall. The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee also noted that public awareness of low-carbon heating systems is limited, and the promotion of the BUS was inadequate. This was echoed in CIOB consumer data, which indicated that, of 2,000 UK adults polled in February 2023, 53 per cent had not heard of the BUS, Home Upgrade Grant, ECO Plus/ECO+ Scheme or the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Eurostat data and research from the Building Research Establishment indicates that energy consumption in buildings accounts for 45 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions*. Notably the UK has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe, with the smallest proportion of homes built after 1970 and the second highest proportion built before 1919.** Parry added: “Our response to the “Heating our Homes” inquiry has given us the opportunity to once again reiterate our belief, and that of the wider built environment sector, that a national strategy is required if progress is to be made on retrofitting UK homes. Any such strategy must be created with multiple future governments in mind and have a broad consensus across the political spectrum if its to deliver results at the pace and scale required so we hope our calls will no longer continue to fall on deaf ears.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
