More than half of SME builders reported the planning system as their biggest barrier to delivering new homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, annual survey. Respondents cited ‘inadequate resourcing’ of planning departments as the main reason for delays in applications followed by poor communication. FMB chief executive
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team
Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre,
Leading construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards. Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has given 16 Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level students from Walsall College hands on experience at three sites as part of the Winvic Enrichment Programme. Over
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward
Willmott Dixon has completed the structural phase of a new £12m facility for Army musicians at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. A topping out ceremony took place to mark completion, with military officials and project partners from the Army delivery
Beard Construction has been named as the chosen contractor by Gloucestershire College for its £5 million sustainable construction centre in Cheltenham. The project, which is set to begin this month, will see the construction of the 14,000 square-foot facility and will feature 10 plumbing bays, 12 electrical bays and 20
Beard Construction has carried out a stunning transformation of Rhodes House in Oxford, the home of world-renowned educational charity the Rhodes Trust. The £26m construction project, designed by architectural firm Stanton Williams and started in November 2020, extended and restructured the basement of the Class A, Grade II*-listed building to
AG has reinforced the importance of health and safety to its 230-strong workforce with its annual safety campaign and ‘Safe Day’ last month. The specialist building products business which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome , Carryduff and Pomeroy chose Health and Safety as its core employee engagement theme for
More than half of SME builders reported the planning system as their biggest barrier to delivering new homes, according to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, annual survey. Respondents cited ‘inadequate resourcing’ of planning departments as the main reason for delays in applications followed by poor communication. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “For small builders, the survey is clear that the system is too complex and costly. Communication from local planning authorities is also poor. Without changing this, planning issues are likely to loom large as a barrier for some time.” Extra expense due to planning delays was the most significant cause of additional costs. Out of the 127 members surveyed only 12 per cent had a ‘high degree of certainty’ in the planning process. Nearly half, 45 per cent, had medium certainty with a third, 32 per cent, seeing a low degree followed by 11 per cent with a very low degree of certainty in the planning process. The second biggest barrier was restricted mortgage availability with just over half, 51 per cent, indicating this was a problem. Buyer demand was at its lowest since 2015, when the survey began recording this data, with an average score of two out of five, with five being very good and nought being very poor. “This issue has seen a rapid rise over the last two years, reflecting the devastating impact the wider economy can have on the small house builders. With many consumers choosing not to take out mortgages it would appear the market is only getting smaller, resulting in less homes being built,” said Mr Berry. He added that this would be tough for SMEs whose housebuilding market share has dwindled from 40 per cent more than 30 years ago to just ten per cent now. Nearly a third of respondents, 63 per cent, said small site opportunities are decreasing, down from 82 per cent last year, with five per cent reporting that the number is increasing. And 60 per cent reported obtaining planning for small sites was worsening with 59 per cent believing national planning policy framework requirements on councils to identify sites wasn’t helping. “Lack of available land is also frustrating small builders and without proper incentives for local authorities to promote small sites it seems unlikely there will be much change,” added Mr Berry. Interest rate charges hold SME developers back Access to finance received the lowest rating in six years of just under two out of five with interest rate charges on new loans quoted as the most significant issue restricting the ability to build new homes. More than half, 53 per cent, cited self-build or custom contracts as the most popular source of funding for a new project. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said there were still development finance lenders out there offering a property development mortgage at a good rate. Nearly all respondents, 94 per cent, said it had become more expensive to build over the last 12 months. More than half, 53 per cent, said it had become 20 per cent more expensive with one in five saying it was 30 per cent more expensive per site. Just under a quarter, 24 per cent, plan to grow their on-site workforce over the next year with 57 per cent planning to keep roughly the same numbers and 12 per cent planning to decrease headcounts. Half of respondents said they would be upskilling their workforce with 36 per cent reporting they would hire one or more apprentices down slightly on last year’s 40 per cent. Over 70 per cent of respondents said they were not confident about the new rules on biodiversity net gain which go live next year. More than half said there would be increased costs associated with future homes standards in 2025 when gas boilers can no longer be installed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team members will be working through the Austral or Antarctic winter, known as ‘wintering’. This will see eight construction team members stationed at Rothera for seven months during Antarctica’s winter season from May through to November, in which some periods are spent in 24-hour darkness, with harsh polar weather. The season will see the team take further steps towards completion of Rothera’s science and operations facility – the Discovery Building – as much of the mechanical and electrical installation and internal fit-out is delivered. Across the next six months, teams will also be installing windows, completing flashings and finalising most of the cross-site utility works. During the upcoming season, teams will commence the critical work to resurface Rothera’s runway, which has been in operation for over 30 years. The runway resurfacing work will maintain safe flying operations in and out of Rothera to guarantee field science operations for UK and international scientists, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2024. There are over 100 construction specialists working on the project this season, with around a third of the team returning from previous years. The team consists of civil and structural engineers, as well as mechanical and electrical trades for the internal fit-out of the new building. BAS has commissioned a team of its scientists to conduct a comprehensive pre-construction environmental baselining survey for an infrastructure project. The findings from this survey will become an important part of informing future work in the region as the AIMP team and BAS scientists continue to work together to deliver solutions. The programme forms part of the UK Government’s long-term investment in the Polar Regions, enabling the UK to continue to lead climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in the southernmost continent of the globe. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partners, and their extended supply chains, to ensure the success of delivering complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “Following last season’s success, we’re gearing up for another important construction season for BAS and the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. We are continually upgrading and improving our infrastructure at Rothera to make sure that the valuable and vital scientific research and support in this critical region can continue for the next generation. For the first time during the modernisation programme, some members of our team will be wintering at Rothera; experiencing something that very few people in the world can say that they have done. We’re immensely proud of their commitment and are excited to see us approaching the final stages of the Discovery Building as well as progressing key elements of our other projects.” Graham Hopper, Project Director at BAM, said: “The start of the new season brings a whole host of new challenges and an exciting next chapter in the development of Rothera. Planning and preparing for work like this requires a monumental effort from all the partners. We’ve been fortunate to work as a partnership for a number of years now, and the excellent progress we’ve made during that time is a testament to each of the partners. We look forward to another successful season of delivery.” Bruce Wulff, Framework Director at Ramboll, said: “Our team is fortunate to be a partner of AIMP and to have the opportunity to upgrade one of the most exciting workplaces anywhere in the world. There’s a lot of work to be done, which is critical to the site’s continued operation, and we’re delighted to be a part of it once again. We wish the team on site luck for this exciting season ahead!” Stewart Craigie, Technical Director at Sweco, said: “We are looking forward to achieving many more milestones this year as a result of our collaborative approach and partnership to design and construction and the technical skill and knowledge of a committed team, working together to transform polar science through innovative solutions and engineering in one of the most remote parts of the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal College of Music. Having delivered the largest redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery since it opened in 1896, Gilbert-Ash chose the iconic venue as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the launch of the second volume of Landmark Landscapes. Gilbert-Ash’s special guest at the launch, which took place on Wednesday 22nd November, was renowned artist Colin Davidson. His portraits of Ed Sheeran and Sir Kenneth Branagh currently hang in the Gallery. In conversation with the National Portrait Gallery’s Chief Curator, Dr Alison Smith, Colin spoke about his artistic approaches and the importance of the landmark building in London. Speaking at the launch event, Gilbert-Ash’s Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the latest edition highlights exactly what is possible when Gilbert-Ash’s people work together, as one. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for taking on landmark projects which require innovation and collaboration to succeed. “The standout projects in this volume demonstrate how we go above and beyond for our clients and work as one with our trusted supply chain to deliver iconic buildings. They highlight how we excel in working across a number of different sectors and this volume offers a pause for reflection and celebration of the satisfying results our efforts can achieve. “I am already looking forward to the next volume of Landmark Landscapes which will proudly feature our work on the National Portrait Gallery alongside our pipeline of other exciting projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction company, Henry Brothers, has received an award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards. Designed to recognise organisations across the world that show innovation and commitment to being environmentally responsible, Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for Loughborough University. Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “It is fantastic to have been recognised on an international level for our efforts to help Loughborough University decarbonise its estate. “Having achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world, SportPark Pavillion 4 adds to our already impressive portfolio of sustainable builds. “This accolade is testament to the dedication of our staff to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we operate and further strengthens our commitment to net zero.” In 2022, Henry Brothers launched its ‘Journey to Net Zero’ strategy, outlining its ambitious plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 2% each year by 2030. The award, which was presented at the Houses of Parliament, builds on these commitments and affirms the company’s dedication to sustainable partnerships. Joel Callow, Founding Director of Beyond Carbon Associates, worked alongside Henry Brothers to obtain Passivhaus Classic accreditation for the build. Joel said: “We are delighted that one of our favourite Passivhaus projects has won this prestigious award. “A notable achievement for Henry Brothers and setting a great example both for the region and nationally, as Sportpark Pavilion 4 is one of the very few certified Passivhaus office buildings in the UK. “Great leadership by Loughborough University.” For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has given 16 Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level students from Walsall College hands on experience at three sites as part of the Winvic Enrichment Programme. Over a three-week period, the students spent a total of six days across three projects. Kent St Baths is a 406 apartment build-to-rent scheme in the centre of Birmingham being delivered for Edmond De Rothchild and Stoford’s Redditch Gateway is an industrial project where two facilities are being constructed. West Midlands Interchange is a 734-acre site where civils and infrastructure works have recently commenced for Oxford Properties Group and Logistics Capital Partners. The six days of on-site education not only upskilled and improved the confidence of students in further education, but it also contributes to the three projects’ social value commitments and Walsall College’s 35-hour enrichment activity aims. In total the sessions have provided 465 enrichment activity hours. Sessions in the Winvic Enrichment Programme have been designed to showcase several elements of a construction project, but they can also be tailored to meet the needs of each cohort and their course subject. Sessions enjoyed by Walsall College students included digital engineering, earthworks, planning, quantity surveying, CV writing, mental health and fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR); they were given activities to complete, site tours, got hands on and up close with various construction processes and were encouraged to ask questions at any time. The feedback received from the students and tutors was outstanding and a number of students contacted Winvic after the programme to express their thanks. One said: “I enjoyed meeting the QS and doing the task he provided us. I also enjoyed seeing how tasks are done and how knowledgeable the site team are and how they treat the site with respect and care.” Another student emailed: “I feel like I have learnt a lot in the past 6 days we’ve had on the different sites. I liked being able to meet new people and get their advice and opinions on the different sectors of the industry. I’ve definitely taken in a lot of information from everyone there and I think the thing that will stick the most is how you can always work your way up in the industry as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort in.” “These 6 days gave me real experience and understanding of different processes in construction,” said another T-Level student. “Thank you to all the professionals who allocated time for us during their working day and showed us and told us about their tasks at construction sites, the work process, what difficulties they encountered, and what experience they had. It was very informative to listen to and ask each of the professionals questions.” The Programme has led to more engagement in the coming weeks including the provision of on-site block placements for four students; the new HTQ Level 4 in Construction Management for England students will also be visiting Crown Place Birmingham – Crown Student Living’s Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project comprising 814 beds – for a bespoke one day site visit. Furthermore, Winvic collaborated with Walsall College over the summer to provide Continued Professional Development (CPD) training to two tutors, on site at IM Properties’ Peddimore industrial project, supporting them to gain knowledge about the very latest construction technologies, materials and methods of construction. Kayleigh Merritt, Winvic’s Talent Development Manager, commented: “This is the fourth time we have delivered an Enrichment Programme to students, and it has been wonderful to hear how much the students enjoyed each session and how the experience opened their eyes to different roles. Because we have a large number of projects in and around Birmingham, the students were able to visit projects in our three key sectors – multi-room, industrial and civils and infrastructure – and that was an added bonus to be able to show them even more than one site could offer. It’s no small task to organise a six-day programme so I’d like to thank our site teams and the numerous subcontract partners who contributed to providing this engaging learning experience.” Martin Lake, Lecturer in Advanced Construction at Walsall College, said: “We would like to thank Winvic’s talent and site teams for providing an excellent experience for our students and ourselves. A number of students have expressed that the induction placements provided an excellent insight into different sectors within the industry and have helped shape their future career choices.” For more details on the Winvic Enrichment Programme, please contact traning@winvic.co.uk. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward a bid to provide all 12 of the affordable homes to Rotherham Council. The 12 homes are made up of six rented units and six shared ownership homes which were purchased at a discount rate in line with Rotherham Council planning policy. Harron Homes’ Sales Manager Paul Walters welcomed Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Sarah Allen, and Assistant Director of Housing, James Clark to The Paddocks for the official handover of keys. The Council serves the residents of the city and surrounding areas. The affordable housing scheme is the latest in a series of measures to help families in the area find and maintain a home, with a target of acquiring hundreds of more homes by the end of March 2026. Councillor Sarah Allen said, “We are grateful to Harron homes for participating in the scheme and helping us reach this all-important milestone. Rotherham Council works to provide support for all those in our community and we are glad we can offer affordable housing to those who need it most. As a Council we have an important part to play in addressing the challenges faced and achieving better outcomes for the people of Rotherham.” Paul Walters added, “It was an honour to celebrate this important milestone with Councillor Allen and Mr Clark. Our teams dedicate themselves to delivering the highest quality in all areas and we are proud our homes can assist Rotherham Council in its goal of providing families with affordable housing. We look forward to continuing this relationship to support our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has completed the structural phase of a new £12m facility for Army musicians at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. A topping out ceremony took place to mark completion, with military officials and project partners from the Army delivery team and Defence Infrastructure Organisation joining Willmott Dixon to celebrate the project’s progress. The purpose-built facility has been designed to house and support the talented musicians who serve in British Army Band Sandhurst, offering a modern and acoustically optimised environment for rehearsals, performances and musical collaboration. It can accommodate all 54 members of British Army Band Sandhurst, which performs at passing out parades and Sovereign’s parades, as well as supporting military sporting events and dinner nights with smaller ensembles. The new and refurbished buildings feature an instrument store, music library, offices, rehearsal rooms, storage, changing and toilet facilities, and a crew room. The facility also has sustainable features, with two of the blocks being installed with solar panels and heat source pumps. Major General Richard Clements CBE, director of Army basing and infrastructure said: “I am delighted to see the excellent progress on these modern, bespoke facilities for British Army Band Sandhurst and I congratulate the project team on reaching this significant construction milestone. “We trust this building will become a flagship facility to inspire future generations of Army musicians, who play such an important role in enhancing the reputation of UK Defence both at home and on the global stage.” The project is being delivered under the DEO Army Programme, which is investing £3.35bn over 10 years across 35 projects. The programme aims to improve the lived experience for soldiers by delivering an effective and sustainable Army Regular estate. William Phillips, national director at Pick Everard, said: “Our close collaboration across the range of project management and NEC supervisor services is providing an inspired space for army musicians. “At Pick Everard, we’ve worked on many projects with the British military over the past 30 years, understanding the unique processes, procedures, and security requirements of the sector. “We now look forward to this new venue taking shape and becoming an integral part of the army’s plans for generations to come.” Hazel Ide, senior programme manager for the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme said: “This project has brought old and new together brilliantly and is going to be a fabulous facility which reflects the history of this site alongside a state of the art new and very modern facility. “The teams, DIO, Army, the site personnel, Willmott Dixon, HLM and Pick Everard have worked together to resolve issues, understand risks, and come up with innovative solutions to some challenging problems to keep the project on track. Only by working together could we have delivered this project the way we have.” Adam Worrall, director at Willmott Dixon said: “I am delighted to be part of such a unique project that will serve as a sanctuary for musical talent within the Army. It will provide a new and modernised building that is high-quality and fit for purpose. I am looking forward to seeing its further progression over the coming months.” Construction will complete in 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction has been named as the chosen contractor by Gloucestershire College for its £5 million sustainable construction centre in Cheltenham. The project, which is set to begin this month, will see the construction of the 14,000 square-foot facility and will feature 10 plumbing bays, 12 electrical bays and 20 bays for carpentry, as well as four classrooms. With sustainability at its core, the training provision will be based on nationally set pathways and will embrace low-carbon energy and associated skills. In total, the construction centre will provide hands-on experience, expert training and key green skills to 164 learners every week. The new construction training centre forms part of the college’s vision to prepare the workforce of the future. It aims to help address the increasing demand for skilled construction workers in the region, which is projected to reach 6,400 annually by 2025. The facility also coincides with the shift towards net-zero carbon technologies in construction. Beard is working closely with the college and all partners to keep both staff and students safe and to minimise disruption. The project is being delivered through Beard’s Swindon office, with the contractor working alongside architects Roberts Limbrick, project managers Ridge and Partners LLP, quantity surveyors Ward Williams Associates and structural engineers Simpson Associates. Jamie Harwood, director at Beard, said: “Gloucestershire College has an exciting vision to not only increase routes into the industry, but to ensure new recruits are skilled to meet the challenges and opportunities of sustainability. These principles are key drivers for us at Beard and we are delighted to be working with the college as its chosen contractor. “For more than 130 years, Beard has built an established reputation in the education sector, whether it’s in primary, secondary, SEND provision or further education. We will utilise this expertise to help Gloucestershire College deliver a cutting-edge teaching and learning space for construction.” Matthew Burgess, principal at Gloucestershire College, added: “Our selection of Beard Construction is rooted in its exceptional reputation and demonstrated commitment to sustainable and high-quality builds. We sought a partner who shares our vision of preparing the talent of tomorrow for the evolving construction landscape. Beard’s proven expertise, coupled with its focus on minimising disruption and maximising collaboration, aligns with our objectives and we look forward to working with them over the coming year.” Across its offices in Swindon, Bristol, Oxford and Guildford, Beard has completed a number of projects within the education sector. In addition to extensive work in further education – including for Oxford University and its colleges, Beard has completed projects in primary, secondary and special education. The training centre marks a return to Cheltenham for Beard following the successful completion of The Quadrangle, a £12 million office refurbishment and extension project in the town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction has carried out a stunning transformation of Rhodes House in Oxford, the home of world-renowned educational charity the Rhodes Trust. The £26m construction project, designed by architectural firm Stanton Williams and started in November 2020, extended and restructured the basement of the Class A, Grade II*-listed building to create three new basements housing a 300-capacity, state-of-the-art conference centre, new guest bedrooms and new office spaces. The project also saw the creation of a magnificent, 5m-high structural-glass pavilion, big enough to house 50 people. The pavilion’s green roof sits on a curved, structural timber lattice, which sits on all-glass walls with no steel supports. The pavilion is heated by a trench heater which skirts the base of the glass and the temperature is regulated by automatic solar shading blinds. The building’s East Wing has been refurbished, returning it to its original residential use, providing 21 en-suite bedrooms. All-new commercial catering facilities were also installed in two new kitchens. The work also included new wiring and heating for the entire building as well as the cleaning and repair of the original Blenheim-stone exterior. The conference centre uses the latest in digital infrastructure and technology to allow audiences from around the world to participate and collaborate virtually. The high-spec, state-of-the-art audio visual facilities include a video wall made from eight 92-inch high-definition screens and joinery which conceals speakers and microphones – allowing seamless audience participation. A new post-tension, solid stone spiral staircase has been installed inside an existing marble-clad rotunda, providing impressive access from the ground level to the foyer of the new conference centre. Held within the existing arches by a compression ring, the staircase is held together by three tensioned steel cables. The staircase connects to a new foyer with areas to display public art. The new basement provides 16 new ensuite guest bedrooms in a sunken residential courtyard and open-plan office space for up to 70 staff, freeing up former office space in the existing building for scholars. The building’s management system is regulated by an earth duct, a series of buried ventilation tubes which either warm or cool fresh outdoor air to keep the temperature of the building consistent. The walls and floors of the new double-height basements were formed from reinforced in-situ concrete with a high proportion of cement replacement, much of which has been left visible and expressed. By utilising coffers, ribs and vaults, the amount of concrete used in the exposed slabs has also been greatly reduced by as much as 30%. As part of the process, the existing building was underpinned using jet grouting, which uses high-velocity jets to cement and secure the soil. A movement tolerance of just 3mm was permitted for the existing building and any shifting was examined carefully during this process with movement monitors and tilt meters. The interior of Rhodes House is influenced by the arts and crafts movement and much of the new carved stone and woodwork echoes its themes. The work was carried out during the restrictions created by Covid lockdowns and while the trust’s operations continued as normal. This meant sequencing works, as well as providing water and drainage and temporary usable spaces. The Rhodes Trust funds the internationally famous Rhodes Scholarships – alumni of which include former US president Bill Clinton and musician and actor Kris Kristofferson. The £38m renovation of Rhodes House comes as the Trust launches a new campaign to fund the largest expansion of Scholarships in its history, with the goal of raising £200m to increase the number of worldwide Scholarships from 100 to 125 a year. Specifically, the Trust plans to create 32 new Scholarships per year for students from Africa by 2028 – a key part of the Trust’s commitment to widening its applicant pool and promoting greater equity in the distribution of its Scholarships across the globe. Beard Oxford director Dean Averies said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime project to transform a landmark building of international renown and our reputation for craftsmanship and expertise in working heritage buildings was crucial to the success of the scheme. “We are extremely proud to have delivered on the Trust’s vision for a series of magnificent, inclusive and remarkable spaces.” Beard has a longstanding association with the University of Oxford, completing projects at Pembroke College and Brasenose College. The company also has significant ongoing construction projects at the university including St John’s College and Exeter College. Dr Elizabeth Kiss, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, adds: “The transformed Rhodes House represents the Trust’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse community of outstanding Scholars, based on inclusive excellence. This new world class building will be an ideal place for gathering, learning, collaborating and sharing, and will offer improved accessibility for all as we open our doors to new local and global audiences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AG has reinforced the importance of health and safety to its 230-strong workforce with its annual safety campaign and ‘Safe Day’ last month. The specialist building products business which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome , Carryduff and Pomeroy chose Health and Safety as its core employee engagement theme for October. During the campaign, the firm held its annual ‘Safe Day’, where production across each of AG’s sites was temporarily suspended to enable employees to concentrate on this serious subject. The initiative, led by CEO, Stephen Acheson and the Health, Safety and Environment team at AG, encourages staff to ‘make safety personal’ by focusing on the health and safety risks across all AG sites. The session centred around the promotion of physical safety on sites as well as mental wellbeing. A host of excellent speakers covered everything from emergency first aid, mental resilience, unlocking potential, nutrition and even some yoga! The company were also joined by a number of exhibitors where employees were offered health checks, hearing checks and advice on issues such as physical fitness, skin care and cancer prevention, The event also raised money for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity. AG has a longstanding commitment to its people and to providing a safe and healthy working environment, which is core to the firm’s better, faster, safer vision. As a third-generation family-owned business AG wanted to promote the company’s strong family values within this intensive programme which included sessions on Personal Responsibility, Mental Health, Transport, Traffic Management and Pedestrian Segregation, and Isolation and Lockout of machinery and equipment. HSEQ Manager, Cathy Maguire said: “This campaign aimed to focus on the prevention of fatal accidents that are responsible for 94% of deaths in our industry. We need to ensure that all employees, contractors and visitors always leave our premises in the same healthy and safe way in which they arrived. We can only achieve this aim if we each take personal responsibility for safety. “Whilst SafeDay was a tremendous success that has attracted a lot of very positive feedback across all our sites, our emphasis on health and safety continues all year round. Our staff are encouraged to report any hazards immediately through our ‘good catch’ programme via our Engage app. We want everyone at AG to always go home safe to their loved ones each day.” CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “Our employee’s wellbeing is one of our core values at AG. Safety is essential and must be managed to avoid, reduce or (at the very least) control risk. It is the most crucial investment we can make. “The objective for AG’s SafeDay campaign is to help make safety personal. We want to encourage ‘good catches’ and hazard spotting as part of everyday work practice and run a range of initiatives throughout the year. We have made great progress in improving health and safety practices across the business and will continue to develop this positive culture into the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
