Trades & Services : Modular & MMC News
Innovative off-site modular solutions by Module-T to transform UK’s commercial and public sector construction

Innovative off-site modular solutions by Module-T to transform UK’s commercial and public sector construction

Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour

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EDAROTH starts work on Raven Housing Trust affordable housing scheme

EDAROTH starts work on Raven Housing Trust affordable housing scheme

Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head)

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TALO announces UK expansion plans and new MMC accreditation

TALO announces UK expansion plans and new MMC accreditation

Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As

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McAvoy completes Orsett Heath Academy’s new secondary school in Essex

McAvoy completes Orsett Heath Academy’s new secondary school in Essex

Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining

Read More »
Specialists sought for £265 million public sector framework

Specialists sought for £265 million public sector framework

Experts in modular construction are invited to apply for a new framework covering the design, supply, installation and hire of permanent, temporary and refurbished modular buildings for the public sector. The Modular Buildings (MB3) framework has been designed by public sector construction framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) to support

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Construction Leadership Council and Supply Chain Sustainability School Unveil Bold Plan to Revolutionise UK Housing with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Construction Leadership Council and Supply Chain Sustainability School Unveil Bold Plan to Revolutionise UK Housing with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School have today published a groundbreaking report aimed at addressing the housing crisis through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The report lays out key policy recommendations designed to accelerate the adoption of MMC and deliver high-quality, affordable homes at scale.

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Trades : Modular & MMC News

Innovative off-site modular solutions by Module-T to transform UK’s commercial and public sector construction

Innovative off-site modular solutions by Module-T to transform UK’s commercial and public sector construction

Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour accommodation facilities designed to meet the urgent needs of various sectors quickly and efficiently. Speed and efficiency for commercial projects and public sector needs Module-T’s expansion into the UK market introduces modular construction technology that prioritises speed, flexibility, and sustainability. “Our modular solutions are specifically engineered to minimise on-site disruption and accelerate construction timelines,” said Yigit Ozdemir, Regional Sales Director at Module-T. “Entire modules are built off-site in factories and assembled on-site, allowing for rapid deployment. This method not only reduces noise and pollution but also significantly lessens the environmental impact.” A 2022 study by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University found that modular construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 45%. Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction process, including the production and transportation of materials, highlighting the sustainability benefits of off-site modular construction. Multipurpose solutions for a range of applications that minimise environmental impact Module-T provides solutions tailored for various applications, including permanent or temporary office spaces for companies across sectors. The company also offers WC cabins, canteens, classrooms, and other facilities for municipalities and local institutions, meeting the diverse requirements of public sector projects. “Our modular facilities are designed to provide flexible, high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UK’s construction industry,” added Özdemir. By manufacturing buildings entirely off-site and assembling them on-site, Module-T reduces construction time and minimises disruption in local communities. This approach not only enhances efficiency but aligns with industry trends favouring sustainable construction methods. “Our off-site approach offers a practical solution to the demands of commercial and public sector projects while reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction,” noted Özdemir. “We aim to lead the UK market in providing efficient and sustainable modular construction solutions.” Strategic growth and commitment to quality With the UK’s modular construction market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a projected value of £12 billion by 2025, Module-T is well-positioned to establish a strong presence. By combining innovative design with extensive international experience, the company aims to deliver adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of both commercial and public sector clients in the UK. Whether for office spaces, educational facilities, or sanitary units, Module-T’s  temporary site accommodationare built to be efficient, durable, and comfortable. “At Module-T, we are committed to offering efficient and quality solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK,” said Özdemir. “Our expertise in modular construction will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and support the delivery of essential projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Algeco UK provides distinctive modular building for GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt in Stevenage

Algeco UK provides distinctive modular building for GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt in Stevenage

Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by Algeco UK on behalf of GRIDSERVE, which was looking for a building to sit alongside electric vehicle chargers at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage just off the A1 – which was identified as a critical location for volume electric car users. There is no shortage of available charging stations on the site, hosting 30 EV charging bays, including 24 High Power bays with up to 360kW of power – some of the fastest chargers publicly available today, capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. The ground floor of the building has 4,247 sq. ft. of space, and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop to keep drivers busy while their cars are charging. There’s enough space for 30 vehicles including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces. Level two of the building, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space, contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge. Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage containers delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice, and many more. GRIDSERVE is best known for opening the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in 2020 and has since opened Electric Forecourts® in Norwich and London Gatwick Airport. The structure created for GRIDSERVE in Stevenage is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and built at its Carnaby factory. However this is the first of its type for any client with all four sides being curved. Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager for Algeco UK, explained the curved sides of the building created new challenges as it tested the tolerance of the steel used, before finding a solution to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure. He said: “The curves to all four sides of the building pose many challenges with tolerances experienced while curving the hot-rolled frames at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. The external cladding also has to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.” Julian Foster, Chief Operating Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Being able to deliver reliable charging quickly and efficiently helps us on our mission to give drivers the confidence to switch to EV. “However building an Electric Forecourt® is not just about infrastructure; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future. This project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, net zero energy, and a greener world for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pioneering contractor Reds10 appoints two new directors to oversee continued growth of UK operations

Pioneering contractor Reds10 appoints two new directors to oversee continued growth of UK operations

Reds10, a pioneer of industrialised construction, has appointed David Newey and James Bateman as directors to oversee its fast-growing UK-wide operations. These are significant appointments for the company which recently announced its fourth consecutive year of growth for the year ended 31 March 2024, with revenue rising by 70% YoY to £142.5m. Between them, David and James will be responsible for the operations of Reds10’s projects in the defence, education, health and justice sectors, with David taking responsibility for projects in the south of England and James overseeing Reds10’s projects in the midlands and north of England.  David will be based at Reds10’s Head Office in London and James will be based in Yorkshire, where the company houses its MMC manufacturing facilities. David Newey brings 17 years of construction and development expertise to his role at Reds10. He began his career at Berkeley Group and quickly progressed to become Project Director at Anthology, where he managed residential projects with construction values between £50 million and £80 million. Most recently, as Regional Development Director at Lifestory Group, he oversaw a portfolio of projects across the development cycle and successfully mentored team members. James Bateman joins Reds10 with nearly six years of experience as Head of Construction at A2Dominion Group, where he led a large team responsible for the delivery of homes in London and the Southeast. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) since 2020, James previously spent 8 years with major contractors and managed a diverse range of projects with budgets ranging from £1 million to over £150 million. In his new role, James will be based in Driffield where Reds10 has five Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) manufacturing facilities with a floor space totalling 300,000 sq ft. Paul Ruddick, Chairman, Reds10 said: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of David and James, who are joining us at a very exciting period for the business, with a strong pipeline in place and a forecast of continued growth. Both bring considerable experience of large-scale delivery, and we are thrilled to have them on board as we move forward on our mission to industrialise construction, driving up productivity, quality, and sustainability and delivering exceptional value to clients.” David Newey commented: “I’m thrilled to join Reds10 at such an exciting phase in its growth journey. Reds10 is redefining what’s possible in industrialised construction, and I’m eager to help deliver on its vision across critical sectors like defence, education, health, and justice in the south. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, we’ll create spaces that not only meet our clients’ needs but also add lasting value to the communities they serve.” James Bateman added: “I am delighted to have started at Reds10 and I look forward to building on its strong foundations and working alongside the organisation’s already excellent team. Reds10 is at the forefront of the change taking place in the construction sector and I am excited to start delivering the pipeline of future projects across the midlands and north of England.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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EDAROTH starts work on Raven Housing Trust affordable housing scheme

EDAROTH starts work on Raven Housing Trust affordable housing scheme

Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head) to develop the new houses, using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes while providing additive capacity for the housing market. The homes will be the first to be delivered by EDAROTH for a housing association and will be built across four development sites in Epsom and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council areas, repurposing disused garage sites belonging to Raven. The initial development will provide 12 much-needed homes in well-located areas of the town, with the majority of building parts being manufactured at a UK factory, transported and assembled onsite, reducing the carbon impact of the process. By using this approach the homes will be delivered more quickly compared to traditional methods of construction, with reduced disruption to residents living near the development sites. The homes will also be built to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A+, the highest efficiency rating possible to keep energy usage and carbon emissions low. Mark Powell, Managing Director of EDAROTH, said: “This is a progressive development to build much-needed affordable housing for residents within communities, delivering high quality, net zero housing stock in the most efficient way. “EDAROTH was established with the guiding principle to create sustainable, low carbon and affordable housing, and we’re pleased that work is underway in what we hope will be a programme of development working with Raven Housing Trust, a truly collaborative partner which shares our vision for developing communities.” Stephen Clements, Assistant Development Director for Raven Housing Trust, said: “Our priority is to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable homes for our residents, and so it’s a great moment to see work beginning on these sites. “This scheme will transform these sites and provide much greater value to communities as new homes which are in such high demand both here and across the county.” The scheme in Surrey is the first in a number of new contracts due to go live for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing market by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value back into communities. This in turn supports housing associations in their goals to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes in areas of acute shortage, as well as meeting net zero targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TALO announces UK expansion plans and new MMC accreditation

TALO announces UK expansion plans and new MMC accreditation

Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As part of its expansion in the UK, TALO has just been awarded ICW Endorsed accreditation from ICW Group – one of the country’s largest structural insurance warranty specialists, which serves all major mortgage lenders. This certification follows a robust technical assessment of TALO’s timber superstructure system and its manufacturing processes to meet ICW’s stringent MMC requirements. The endorsement means that the TALO offsite system is now pre-approved, subject to satisfactory site audits, for use in conjunction with ICW’s structural warranties across multiple housing projects. Philip Quinn, Director of Surveying Services at ICW, said, “TALO’s commitment to quality is clear, as attested by their comprehensive technical design and robust manufacturing processes. Working with TALO has been refreshing and their approach to sustainability is impressive.” “We found TALO’s team to be responsive, technically minded and engaging professionals. We are thrilled to be working in partnership together as we look ahead to future MMC projects.” Leona Wikman, TALO’s Technical Director said, “The accreditation from ICW gives our housebuilding customers the reassurance that the TALO system meets ICW’s requirements for their structural warranties.” “We have an exciting project pipeline in place for both housebuilders and social and affordable housing providers. This certification will open the doors to more opportunities in the residential sector, as well as provide our existing customers with independent verification of the consistently high-quality standards we work to.” “ICW’s MMC team visited our offsite manufacturing centre in Finland as part of the assessment process. The depth of technical knowledge of MMC and competence of their team made the approval process very straightforward.” TALO is now working towards its first UK offsite manufacturing centre as demand increases for its zero energy housebuilding solutions in the UK. Its timber superstructure system is currently manufactured in Finland for its UK customers. Once production in the first factory nears capacity, there are plans for further manufacturing centres which will be rolled out across the UK to meet customer demand and create local jobs for local housing. This will accelerate the construction of TALO’s zero energy homes – from Scotland to the South West of England. TALO specialises in the offsite manufacture and installation of advanced timber superstructures to deliver new low-rise homes for sale, rent and social housing more efficiently. The high level of thermal efficiency of the TALO system removes the need for energy bills and snagging, and at no cost premium for the developer or housing provider. For further information, visit www.talo.co.uk, call 03301 334121 or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McAvoy completes Orsett Heath Academy’s new secondary school in Essex

McAvoy completes Orsett Heath Academy’s new secondary school in Essex

Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining area and a performing arts hub. McAvoy was also responsible for the extensive hard and soft landscaping, including car and bicycle parking provision, the creation of a new cycle path, new sports playing fields and the installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The school was procured through the Department for Education’s (DfE) Mod C framework and completed over the course of 15 months, one week ahead of schedule. McAvoy was instrumental in the swift delivery of the new 1,200 pupil capacity school, for ages 11-16, through close stakeholder collaboration at every stage. First working with the school and local planning authority, McAvoy then engaged with archeological specialists to provide advice and excavation of the brownfield site. Manufacturing and ground works took place concurrently, and installation of the modules was completed during winter 2023. The offsite manufacturing process was not only efficient but served to avoid delays from weather disruption by having 70% of works, including screed floors, completed at McAvoy’s manufacturing facility. McAvoy also procured and liaised with utilities providers to manage the installation of the new power substation and water infrastructure for the school. To provide flexible delivery, McAvoy hired a local airfield close to the site, which alleviated road delivery restrictions and limited disruption. Undertaking Considerate Constructors Scheme practices throughout, McAvoy engaged with the local community through regular updates, foodbank donations, local employment, as well as student site visits. McAvoy also installed a four-phase clock on a new plinth, to commemorate the school opening.  Gavin Ward, Contracts Manager at McAvoy, commented, “The new Orsett Heath Academy is an exemplary educational institution, demonstrating the strong capabilities and benefits that offsite manufacturing can provide, at the scale required to help the education sector quickly meet growing demand for fit-for-purpose education facilities. As our biggest project to date, this scheme also represents the growth and skill of our experienced team to deliver excellent education facilities on complex brownfield sites. Throughout the process, McAvoy has managed and delivered solutions to enable the quick and efficient turnaround of the school, to all necessary standards and building regulation requirements. We are thrilled with the final result and positive feedback received from teachers, students and the local community, who are all now benefitting from the great internal facilities and carefully considered external landscaping.” Steve Munday, Chief Executive Officer at South West Essex Community Education Trust commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of this exciting new facility for Orsett Heath Academy, made possible by McAvoy’s unique approach. The attention to detail, from state-of-the-art learning spaces to the expansive sports facilities, reflects our vision to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for our students. We are excited to see the positive impact this new school will have on our community, and we look forward to watching our students thrive in this exceptional space for years to come.” Amy Tait, Project Director at the Department for Education, commented: “Orsett Heath Academy is a fantastic facility and offers excellent learning spaces to support the South West Essex Community Education Trust in continuing to offer high quality education to their students. McAvoy have worked closely with the Trust and the Local Authority to deliver this impressive educational facility which includes high quality outdoor sports pitches to support the school in providing excellent education and opportunities to students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Integra Buildings hits £50m turnover as modular construction firm celebrates best ever year

Integra Buildings hits £50m turnover as modular construction firm celebrates best ever year

Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year as a string of major contracts underpinned impressive growth. Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history, as newly-released accounts detail its strong financial performance. Income reached £50.4m in the year ending December 31, 2023, up 18 per cent on the previous 12 months, with pre-tax profits of £6.6m, up from £2.8m in 2022. Key to the success were a series of showpiece projects, including the delivery of a £6m new facility for a world-class sports organisation, as well as contracts won with blue chip clients including Network Rail and Transport for London. Integra’s impressive financial performance comes as it continues to deliver major investments at its headquarters site in Paull, near Hull, including an expanded head office and wide-reaching sustainability initiatives. With a healthy order book and future pipeline of work, Integra has set its sights on exceeding £60m turnover in 2025 and is investing in its team to lay the foundations for continuing growth. Integra CEO Gary Parker said: “Hitting £50m turnover for the first time reflects a hugely successful period for Integra, delivering impactful projects for clients spanning both the public and private sectors. “As we have grown organically, we have evolved from a modular manufacturer to a full-service modular construction company which is delivering turnkey projects spanning design, consultation, planning, manufacture, delivery and installation. “Throughout our history, we’ve remained focused on delivering buildings of outstanding quality. Our reputation for excellence and consistently exceeding expectations is driving ever-growing numbers of enquiries from clients looking for modular solutions to their projects.” As well as smaller scale contracts, a total of 15 projects worth at least £1m each were successfully delivered during 2023. Integra’s single biggest project during the year was a development for one of the world’s best-known sports organisations. The modular construction business also delivered an award-winning Wellbeing Hub for NHS staff at Southampton General Hospital. The project was made possible following the auction of famous street artist Banksy’s “Game Changer” piece and provided a modern, attractive space for colleagues to relax and unwind from the pressures of work. Other important contracts included a staff accommodation and maintenance building at Transport for London’s Neasden Depot and a new training centre for Network Rail at its Innovation & Development Centre in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. Integra continues to work with leading organisations including National Highways and the Ministry of Defence with a healthy order book and pipeline of high-quality contracts. Chris Turner, Managing Director at Integra, said: “Our strong performance is in line with a structured growth plan which was put in place to ensure we remain at the forefront of a fast-growing modular construction industry. “It means, as a business, we are well placed for the next chapter of our story, as we continually look to evolve the services we offer to our clients. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our team who have played a massive part in what was the most successful year in Integra’s history.” Integra is also midway through a £2m investment programme at its East Yorkshire site, including a self-built expansion to Integra’s modular head office. Over the past six years, Integra’s workforce has grown from a team of 80 to around 180, and the new space will cater for the company’s expanding office-based team. Investment has also been made to create additional storage space at the site, to accommodate growing numbers of units ready to be transported to sites. Sustainability forms a crucial part of the investment programme, with Integra having embarked on an ambitious pathway to become a carbon neutral business by 2038. More than £1m has been invested in projects including a comprehensive rooftop solar installation, the introduction of electric forklift trucks and welding equipment, a waste compactor which reduces trips to landfill, and replacing company vehicles with electric models. Integra now has more than 1,000 solar panels installed on its main office and production factories, with capacity to generate around 380,000 kWh of clean electricity every year. Integra continues to invest significantly in learning, development and training for its existing team, as well as expanding and recruiting in project management and commercial roles. The company provides a high-quality healthcare benefit package, with a clear focus on wellbeing. With an eye on the future, and nurturing a skilled workforce, Integra has a successful apprenticeship programme, working with local schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people pursuing a career in the construction industry. Integra has also formed a new pre-construction team, with a focus on offering a broader, complete service to clients. It means the company is involved in projects from an earlier design and planning stage, taking the client right through to completion and handover of the building. With a commitment to excellence across all of its operations, Integra has retained its three ISO accreditations for Quality Management, Environment and Health and Safety. The business is also working towards ISO 19650, an international standard which helps companies securely manage information over the whole lifecycle of a built asset using building information modelling. As the modular industry continues to grow and evolve, Integra has invested in a number of research and development projects, focused on new product development, including an innovative modular custodial cell which meets the required Government standards. Integra believes the modular cell could hold the key to tackling the prison overcrowding crisis which has made the headlines in recent months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Specialists sought for £265 million public sector framework

Specialists sought for £265 million public sector framework

Experts in modular construction are invited to apply for a new framework covering the design, supply, installation and hire of permanent, temporary and refurbished modular buildings for the public sector. The Modular Buildings (MB3) framework has been designed by public sector construction framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) to support public sector clients with modular building solutions that emphasise offsite construction and its environmental benefits. As the successor to the MB2 framework, which expires in May 2025, it will be available to use for a wide range of public sector buildings across England, Wales and Scotland through LHCPG’s five regional business units. This includes education facilities, healthcare settings, emergency services, offices, community buildings, and mixed-use developments. Suppliers on the MB3 framework will provide a full turnkey solution, managing all services required for a project from initial design through to final handover. By increasing the focus on offsite construction, MB3 aims to reduce environmental impact, streamline project timelines, and offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. Almost £76 million of public sector work has been procured via the MB2 framework to date, and even greater interest is anticipated in MB3 – particularly from sectors facing time-sensitive construction needs. Shona Snow, LHCPG’s director of product innovation, said: “Our MB3 framework will continue to address the demand we are seeing for offsite construction, which not only delivers projects more efficiently but also brings significant environmental benefits. “It will make it easier for public sector clients to procure modular buildings that meet their specific needs across various sectors. “Given the increasing pressure on the public sector to address urgent building requirements, particularly in light of the ongoing RAAC crisis and changes to building safety regulations, we expect strong demand for this framework.” MB3 is set to run until May 2029 to provide long-term opportunities for both suppliers and public sector clients in education, blue light services, healthcare, offices, and leisure facilities. Owing to its flexibility and broad scope, it is designed to support a wide range of public sector projects, delivering high-quality, sustainable modular buildings. As with all LHCPG frameworks, there are social value objectives for MB3 which align with the nature of the framework and partner priorities. Clive Feeney, LHCPG group managing director, said: “Our unique value lies not just in our technical solutions and support, but also in our social value outcomes. “As the only true national framework provider structured and governed around community needs and social value outcomes, we focus on generating positive, lasting impacts on communities. “All companies appointed to MB3 will be supported to deliver and report the social value impact of each project delivered through it.” Places on the framework, which will be split across four workstreams, are available to those specialising in modular construction suitable for public sector applications. Bids will be evaluated on a 70% quality and 30% price basis to ensure both value and expertise are prioritised. Shona added: “As always, we are keen to encourage applications from SMEs and actively try to remove barriers for them through our procurement processes. “We are proud of the fact that four out of five of the 1,266 suppliers appointed to our frameworks in the last ten years have been SMEs.”    Throughout the tender submission period applicants can ask questions, and a full tender response pack, templates and guidance information will be available. Suppliers can view and submit their bids to be part of this framework via LHCPG’s Intend portal by 12 noon on 31 October 2024: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/lhc/aspx/ProjectManage/36 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction Leadership Council and Supply Chain Sustainability School Unveil Bold Plan to Revolutionise UK Housing with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Construction Leadership Council and Supply Chain Sustainability School Unveil Bold Plan to Revolutionise UK Housing with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School have today published a groundbreaking report aimed at addressing the housing crisis through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The report lays out key policy recommendations designed to accelerate the adoption of MMC and deliver high-quality, affordable homes at scale. The report’s development was led by the CLC Housing Working Group’s Smart Construction Sub-Group, which includes representatives from: The report proposes a series of long-term policy goals for the Labour Government to consider, including the creation of a dedicated MMC Taskforce. This taskforce, once convened, would be responsible for developing a comprehensive MMC strategy within six months. The strategy would focus on: Addressing the Housing and Skills Crisis The report identifies MMC as a key solution to the UK’s housing shortage, proposing that the adoption of MMC could counter the current 225,000-person skills gap in construction. With the ability to rapidly scale up housing delivery to meet demand for 300,000 – 500,000 homes annually, MMC offers a pathway to reversing decades of stagnation in the sector, which has seen construction productivity lag behind most other UK industries. Global Lessons and High-Level Targets Drawing on international case studies from countries including Australia, China and Japan, the report emphasises the need for high-level, published MMC targets that link both quantity and quality outcomes. It calls on the UK Government to implement clear, achievable goals that provide the construction industry with the certainty it needs to invest in MMC innovation and growth. The report also supports the National Housing Federation’s call for new towns and settlements to include a mix of housing tenures, with MMC prioritised for its ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, sustainable homes. A Clear Call to Action The CLC is urging the Government to adopt their recommendations, particularly the creation of the MMC Taskforce, as a matter of urgency. By doing so, the UK can tackle its housing shortage, address the construction skills crisis, and deliver environmentally sustainable housing at scale. Rory Bergin, Partner at Sustainable Futures said: “To meet the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, we need to double housing output and remove barriers that limit productivity. MMC is a key part of this strategy, and the sector has invested heavily in it. Now is the time to build on that progress, modernise housing delivery, and release the benefits of increased productivity, sustainability, and quality.” Access the full report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Building Better and PfH sign up traditional building firms to £800m MMC framework

Building Better and PfH sign up traditional building firms to £800m MMC framework

20 traditional construction companies and two MMC firms have been appointed to a new build framework, where they will carry out principal contractor duties on social housing offsite projects. The Integrated Traditional Build & MMC framework has been launched by Procurement for Housing (PfH) and Building Better, the National Housing Federation-backed alliance of housing associations and councils working together to boost the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in social housing. PfH and Building Better set up the framework following feedback from social housing organisations who said they wanted trusted local building firms to lead MMC projects and deliver traditional construction elements, where they were needed. The 22 building firms have been appointed across 37 different regions of England and Wales, ensuring that housing associations and local authorities can always work with contractors from their own communities. The £800m framework will run over four years and supports social housing providers to procure principal contractor services for a range of MMC projects, including low and medium rise housing, apartments and extra care homes. The traditional construction firms appointed are: AMMCASS Group, Bugler Developments, CG Fry & Son, Classic Builders, Elkins Construction, Ermine Construction Services, Feltham Construction, Hale Group, Hill Holdings, J. Harper & Sons (Leominster), Keon Homes, Langstone Construction, LIFE Build Solutions, MY Construction Group, Seddon Construction, SMD, Snowdon Homes, Wates Residential, Whitfield & Brown and Wiggett Construction. The MMC firms appointed are: Agile Property and Homes, and Enevate Homes. Tony Woods, Technical Manager – Construction & Sustainability for PfH said: “Over recent years we’ve seen MMC companies focusing more on manufacturing their systems rather than providing a turnkey service. It makes sense to bring in traditional builders with a strong reputation in a local area to manage these MMC projects and deliver any traditional build elements, too. We’ve also appointed two MMC firms that provide excellent turnkey services. All 22 firms are experienced lead contractors, and often have a relationship with social housing providers already. This framework provides councils and housing associations with a compliant route to procuring principal contractor services for MMC sites.” Jamie Watkins, Operations Manager at Elkins Construction, said: “We are delighted to be accepted onto this new framework, giving registered providers access to our services, where we can offer newbuild residential solutions using either traditional or Modern Methods of Construction. Over the last few years, we have seen increased requirements from our clients for net zero homes and this has meant the need to use more innovation in our construction practices. By using MMC or hybrid construction we can cut down time on site, reducing disruption to the communities we work in, improve quality through offsite manufacturing and reduce our carbon footprint, whilst providing our clients with highly energy efficient homes for their residents.” Antony Rees, Group Managing Director, J. Harper & Sons (Leominster) said: “Harpers are thrilled to have been appointed to the Procurement for Housing Framework. We are excited to deliver cost-effective, sustainable, and high-quality developments that meet the evolving needs of social housing organisations. With decades of industry experience, we have refined our expertise and look forward to continuing to deliver projects of the highest standard that meet the diverse needs of our communities.” Lewis Tolputt, Business Development Manager at Classic Builders, said: “Classic Builders is excited to be awarded a place on the new PfH framework. As a traditional contractor founded over 20 years ago, we are continually looking at ways we can innovate and offer our customers increased choice. The use of MMC products is just one of the ways we’re able to stay ahead of our competition. From delivering multi-award winning Passivhaus Plus schemes to pioneering zero carbon LETI compliant projects, by utilising MMC technology we’re able to build a better and more efficient tomorrow, today.” For further information about the Integrated Traditional Build & MMC framework, visit: https://procurementforhousing.co.uk/frameworksa-z/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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