Ipsum Group have announced a new investment of £6 million to fund “significant growth”. The infrastructure, construction and maintenance specialist, is set to develop the team, invest in a specialist fleet, boost its marketing drive and recruit senior personnel across the business to help deliver strategic growth and innovation within
Stanton Bonna worked with Kier to develop an offsite linear drainage system on M6 J13 to J15, Stafford with Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Key Benefits: · Rapid Installation · Reduced waste · Minimal people interface · Not weather dependent Through the early stages of the Highways England M6 J13-15 scheme, Kier Highways engineering and efficiencies teams
A new dual carriageway on the A14 is set to open this December, a full year ahead of schedule. The 12-mile bypass which is part of a wider 21-mile, £1.5 billion scheme in Cambridgeshire and the largest upgrade of its kind in the UK, will save drivers up to 20
A recent government report supporting the use of advanced asphalt technology on UK roads has been backed by a major industry player. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Highways released a report calling for the widespread adoption of warm mix asphalt (WMA), which despite its environmental, safety and performance benefits
The government is to invest some £20 million to improve the National Cycle Network, including new routes, better surfacing, and improved links to other transport modes. The 22 schemes announced today follow 10 other projects announced earlier this year, to upgrade the National Cycle Network, which spans more than 16,000
Jeremy Corbyn is known for his unusual love of manhole covers, which he notes to be markers of social history. While we tend to think of them as mundane necessities of our drainage system, there is indeed more they can tell us about the history of our infrastructure than first meets the
Biosite Systems, a leader in biometric access control and workforce management solutions for the construction industry, has partnered with Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) to deliver a competency management system that has led to 0% non-conformances reported at audit. Working on behalf of High Speed Two (HS2), CSJV was responsible
The Ipswich Tidal Flood Barrier has won a top award from the leading international engineering institution. The project, which better protects over 1,600 homes and 400 businesses from the risk of flooding, has won an Exceptional Merit Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Merit Awards.
New images have been released to show the size and scale of HS2’s new station at London Euston. Work is progressing on the site with the demolition of the former BHS warehouse on Hampstead Road now complete. The building, made up of two separate three and five storey concrete-framed structures,
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect
Ipsum Group have announced a new investment of £6 million to fund “significant growth”. The infrastructure, construction and maintenance specialist, is set to develop the team, invest in a specialist fleet, boost its marketing drive and recruit senior personnel across the business to help deliver strategic growth and innovation within the sector. This funding injection aims to contribute to an increase in annual revenues by 20 per cent, bolstering its industry presence across the UK. Ipsum Group has invested over £2 million in the last 18 months replacing and increasing its specialist fleet. The firm’s assets now include over 300 new vehicles, 100 of which are specialist CCTV Units, Jet Vacs, Gully Trucks, Grab Wagons, Unimogs, MEWPs and Recycling Units which are utilised in the wastewater, drainage and telecoms sectors. Since April, 2019, the Preston-based firm has acquired two new partner companies, electricity network service provider, Stormport and national drainage service provider, EEG. These impressive acquisitions follow on from the firm’s two previously successful investments in asset management firm, CALM, and a specialist high voltage engineering business, SPEC. Greg Fernie, CEO of Ipsum Group, said: “Our strategic direction is focused on growing organically and increasing our geographical presence in the wastewater, drainage, electricity and telecoms markets. As a result, we’ve dedicated a significant amount of investment to ensure we reach our ambitious growth targets. “Here at Ipsum Group, our proactive and innovative approach ensures our clients’ businesses can flourish. Our advice, support and strategic direction nurtures companies into national operators, utilising smart solutions to drive value for the businesses and their customers.” The ambitious firm, with over 23 sites in the UK, has plans to expand further and is seeking other businesses to acquire which fit its portfolio. Ipsum Group now boasts over 500 staff and turnover in excess of £60 million, securing its position within the market. It is a utilities and infrastructure, construction and maintenance specialist that delivers efficiencies and drives value through innovation.
Stanton Bonna worked with Kier to develop an offsite linear drainage system on M6 J13 to J15, Stafford with Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Key Benefits: · Rapid Installation · Reduced waste · Minimal people interface · Not weather dependent Through the early stages of the Highways England M6 J13-15 scheme, Kier Highways engineering and efficiencies teams considered several different options for offsite manufacture, one of the projects developed was the use of a Precast Concrete Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Challenge Early on it became apparent that the largest risk to the use of this innovative product would be the production programme with the scheme needing over 31km, exceeding current manufacturing capacity. This required both Area team, Client and Design team input early in the discussion, allowing a production programme that aligned to the scheme’s needs. Benefits · Traditional slip-forming of slot can be problematic, particularly in a live highway environment where concrete delivery is key to success but is often delayed by weather conditions, network congestion and crucially site logistics. · By using precast, the units can be laid out in advance and laying can commence as soon as a sufficient formation bed is prepared. Laying can continue in most weather conditions. · Rapid installation achieving outputs in excess of 200m per day per three-person gang · Factory made units are high quality to tight tolerances and CE marked · Sump unit and incorporated ironwork means that once the unit is laid there is virtually no other follow up work required · Reduced waste as this method removes the need for any wet casting or cutting out to form outlets · Reduced workforce around the operation minimising People Plant Interface · Ability to change work fronts with minimal impact if blockers are identified or there are unforeseen issues, this provides greater flexibility · No need for saw cuts as the product naturally features joints minimising HAVS issues “In the first weeks of laying, outputs were better than expected and we are very pleased with the product. Any reduction in trades and numbers in what is a very constrained environment has to be seen as a positive,” commented Richard French (Project Director M6 13-15). The Figures · 14km of Aqua-SlotTM in Central Reservation · 17km of Aqua-SlotTM in the verges · 55 linear metres per lorry load · 200m installed per day · 1.4t unit weight, 2.5m long units · Rodding access point every 25m · Bedded on Type 1 and regulating sand layer · Design support from Kier Highways engineering · Socket and spigot with gasket to ensure correct jointing and alignment · EN1433 compliant, D400 & CE Marked
A new dual carriageway on the A14 is set to open this December, a full year ahead of schedule. The 12-mile bypass which is part of a wider 21-mile, £1.5 billion scheme in Cambridgeshire and the largest upgrade of its kind in the UK, will save drivers up to 20 minutes per journey, benefiting people living and working across the entire region. The A14 Integrated Delivery Team, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Costain and Skanska, and design consultants Atkins and CH2M, is delivering the project. To mark the early opening announcement, the A14 was visited by the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere. Speaking on the project, Baroness Vere, said: “This Government is committed to delivering an infrastructure revolution and it’s fantastic that a key section of this vital route will be delivered a year ahead of schedule, helping people travelling in the East of England get to their destination quickly and safely. “The A14 upgrade will not only improve the experience for local drivers but will also boost access between the region’s ports and the West Midlands – a key logistics hub. “I look forward to seeing the benefits in action in December and to seeing similar infrastructure schemes developing around the country as we improve links and spread growth opportunities.” On completion, the road will open as an A road, instead of a motorway as originally planned. This will take advantage of wider lanes when joining the neighbouring M11 and A1(M). Julian Lamb, deputy project director for the Integrated Delivery Team, said: “We can put the continued success of the project down to our deep understanding of the scheme and our expertise in delivering complex road projects. This has allowed us to move the project along efficiently and effectively resulting in opening the bypass ahead of schedule and being recognised within the industry as a leader in innovation, productivity and collaboration.” The full project remains on track to open to traffic by the end of 2020.
A recent government report supporting the use of advanced asphalt technology on UK roads has been backed by a major industry player. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Highways released a report calling for the widespread adoption of warm mix asphalt (WMA), which despite its environmental, safety and performance benefits accounts for just 4% of asphalt production in Britain. The figure is significantly lower than other developed nations including the US, where 40% of asphalt is warm mix, and France, where it stands at 15%. As it is laid at lower temperatures than traditional asphalt, WMA uses less energy and cools to usable temperatures faster – reducing the length of time roadworks are in operation and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 15%. As a result, this not only improves productivity for contractors but tackles congestion by ensuring traffic flows more smoothly. Throwing its support behind the recommendation, Aggregate Industries has also called on decision makers to take a more holistic approach to sustainability. Bob Allen, Head of Research & Development and Technical Services at Aggregate Industries, said: “Under the Construction Sector Deal, the UK has ambitious targets to halve emissions in the built environment by 2025, and the pressure on the road construction industry to become more environmentally friendly is now greater than ever before. “As such, local authorities, highways agencies and other contractors must take action now, firstly by taking heed of the APPG’s report. It estimates that if all asphalt production in Britain were switched to warm mix, it would save at least 61,000 tonnes of CO2 each year – the equivalent of almost 300 million car journeys. “However, with the report citing red tape and a reluctance to try new ideas as key barriers to WMA adoption, it’s more than just about materials. Clearly then, as an industry we still have a huge job to do in incorporating sustainability into all aspects of road construction including investment in cleaner automated road surfacing machinery and greener waste management practices.” He added: “The good news is that when it comes to finding a more eco-friendly alternative – in many cases, there’s no need to wait for a ‘silver bullet’ solution as many of the products, practices and technology are already available. It’s just a case of making the most of the latest innovations. After all, with the government’s recent pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, if we are to successfully transition to a low carbon society, we will all need to do ‘our bit’.”
The government is to invest some £20 million to improve the National Cycle Network, including new routes, better surfacing, and improved links to other transport modes. The 22 schemes announced today follow 10 other projects announced earlier this year, to upgrade the National Cycle Network, which spans more than 16,000 miles of on-road and off-road cycling and walking paths. Making the announcement, Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Cycling and walking are sustainable forms of transport, which help to keep people active and clean up the quality of our air. “This funding will put the right infrastructure in place, so people can enjoy new routes on foot or by bike, supporting the government’s ambition for cycling and walking to become the natural choice for shorter journeys by 2040.” The funding focuses on fixing dangerous junctions, reducing traffic levels, building better surfaces, creating more accessible paths, and improving route signage. The projects include: • re-routing the Fylde coastal path to become traffic-free, between Blackpool and St. Anne’s • creating a new pedestrian and cycleway, the Gooseholme Bridge in Kendal • improving accessibility and safety of the Liverpool Loopline • a community-led re-design to improve the quality of the existing Bristol and Bath railway path • improving signage and building a new crossing for the Wolverhampton Wayfinding • building a traffic-free and accessible corridor from Sheffield to Doncaster • constructing a new traffic-free path alongside in Buckinghamshire While the government funding will be used to improve the quality of existing sections of the network, the projects will also improve integration with existing infrastructure. For example, cycle routes around areas including Sheffield, Doncaster and Buckinghamshire will benefit from improved connectivity and safer off-road routes. Anita Konrad, National Director, England at Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity and the custodian of the National Cycle Network, said: “The National Cycle Network is a -wide asset which helps nearly 4.4 million people make car-free journeys each year, benefitting local economies, public health and the environment. “This investment will help build on the network’s success and we look forward to working with local authorities and partner organisations around England to achieve a network of walking and cycling paths that are safer and more accessible for everyone, regardless of their age and abilities.” The cycling and walking investment strategy, published in 2017, sets out the government’s ambitious plan for active travel. Almost £2 billion is projected to be invested over this Spending Review period in cycling and walking between 2016/17 and 2020/21 and investment per head has increased three-fold since 2010. The government long-term vision is for cycling and walking to become the natural choice for all shorter journeys, or as part of longer journeys, by 2040.
Jeremy Corbyn is known for his unusual love of manhole covers, which he notes to be markers of social history. While we tend to think of them as mundane necessities of our drainage system, there is indeed more they can tell us about the history of our infrastructure than first meets the eye. What are manhole covers and why are they needed? Manhole covers have been around since Roman times, allowing access to inspection chambers so that drainage systems can be maintained. They also serve as temporary storage points for excess water to prevent it from flooding into the streets, and vary in size and thickness depending on location. Specialist manufacturers like EasyMerchant ensure that a range of sizes is available to meet the demands of heavy traffic and densely populated areas, and modern designs prevent unauthorised access to the drainage system. Street jewellery Besides their practical use, manhole covers have been described as ‘street jewellery’, often sporting colourful and unusual designs. An example of this is the special edition commemorative manhole cover installed in Whitechapel last year in honour of the engineers who removed the Whitechapel fatberg: a piece of recent history to add to the tapestry of stories told by London’s manhole covers. Commemorative and one-off designs like the one in Whitechapel may appear simply decorative, but over time, they come to tell important stories about a city’s history. Historic markers Countrywide, manhole covers have a story to tell; London is just an example, but its sheer size and history makes it a rich source of manhole history. Manufacturers names are embossed on cast iron covers, becoming functional by creating an anti-slip surface. Amongst these names, a glance at a London street might reveal the inventor of the first flushing public toilets, George Jennings. The toilet was so popular that the capital’s sewage system was unable to cope with demand, and this resulted in a large amount of sewage ending up in the Thames, which in turn led to The Great Stink in 1858. Also commemorated on London manhole covers is Thomas Crapper, known for his contributions to toilet improvement, and London County Council Tramways, which picked up an electrical current from slots in the road. The names of telegraph and electrical companies may also be spotted, serving as long-lasting reminders of infrastructures of the past. Manhole covers are an essential part of a well-maintained drainage system, but they also provide important markers of the history of urban development. With each new cover that we add, we are contributing to the historic stories of our cities.
Biosite Systems, a leader in biometric access control and workforce management solutions for the construction industry, has partnered with Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) to deliver a competency management system that has led to 0% non-conformances reported at audit. Working on behalf of High Speed Two (HS2), CSJV was responsible for the South section of the £900 million essential enabling works programme and quickly recognised the need for a sophisticated system, to ensure total visibility of the almost 3,500 active workforce. Biosite’s Mosaic solution was tailored to respond to CSJV’s specific challenges to capture and analyse data that would be valuable at both a site and group level. Using multiple devices to capture the data, the system provides real-time movements for each person – including direct employees and subcontractors – and traceability around agreed key areas, including accreditations and skills checking, health and safety briefings and Ethnicity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) data. Online inductions have also been introduced to allow checks and measures to be completed in advance and save valuable time on site. The system has been deployed by CSJV at all 21 sites of the South enabling works programme, spanning 26.8km. Alongside the unprecedented 0% non-conformances reported at internal audit, the system has enabled CSJV to respond to increasing demand for enhanced EDI data, as well as capture toolbox talks, safety briefings and a roll call via a Mobile App. At a corporate level, the system is being utilised for comprehensive, real-time reporting via site and corporate portals to analyse worker competencies, time and attendance and skills gaps, all in real-time. The system has also been integrated with existing CSJV platforms to maximise efficiency and performance, whilst reducing potential conformance issues. On an average monthly basis, the system captures more than 220,000 biometric events (operatives entering a site), with more than 27,000 operatives captured on a mobile device as having completed ‘classes’, which can include toolbox talks, safety briefings and inductions. The scope of the project has meant additional investment in employee resource by both Biosite and CSJV, from apprentice level to product specialists, engineers and dedicated service support. Allison Cameron, SHE Administration Manager, Costain Skanska Joint Venture, explains: “Biosite’s Mosaic solution provided vital clarity around an incredibly complex project, which was critical to optimising performance and meeting strict timescales. Having an effective competency management solution put us in control of our sites by providing the data we needed, when we needed it, which enabled more informed decision-making.” Kamran Ali, Business Manager at Biosite Systems Ltd, adds: “The success of the solution has been a result of the close collaboration between Biosite and CSJV during the development and deployment stages, which married the advanced system capabilities with optimum management and utilisation. As well as achieving 0% non-conformances – which is phenomenal – we’re thrilled that Allison’s exceptional management of the system has also been recognised with multiple award wins, including an Industry Fire Environment (IFE) and Work Sight award.”
The Ipswich Tidal Flood Barrier has won a top award from the leading international engineering institution. The project, which better protects over 1,600 homes and 400 businesses from the risk of flooding, has won an Exceptional Merit Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Merit Awards. The Barrier was recognised in the Technical Excellence and Innovation category. ICE is a professional membership body, supporting more than 90,000 engineers around the world. Costing almost £70million, the Ipswich Flood Defence Management Strategy comprises a mix of new and refurbished flood walls and gates along 1,100 metres of the River Orwell. The barrier’s centrepiece is a 200-tonne rotating Radial Sector Gate, which can be raised in minutes in the event of a tidal surge. The barrier was officially unveiled by Floods Minister Dr Thérese Coffey in February. The flood gate has a design similar to that of the Thames Barrier and is so large that it is coated with 6 tonnes of protective paint. The flood gate rotates upwards out of the sea floor into the closed position, holding back dangerous tidal surges that could flood the town. The new defences provide a much higher level of protection from the type of tidal surge which threatened the town in 2007 and 2013, both of which were close to spilling over the existing defences. Aside from the reduced flood risk benefits, the flood defence scheme has the added advantage of helping to boost the local economy through freeing up hectares of land for regeneration. The Environment Agency project was approved by Defra in 2006 and has been delivered by contractor VBA – a joint venture between VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins. The barrier scheme has an exemplary health and safety record. Risk on the project was designed using 3D and physical modelling, along with VolkerStevin’s behavioural safety programme. This resulted in no reportable incidents throughout the three year construction process, which comprised more than 300,000 hours of work. As a result, the project is now being used as a case study for other Environment Agency works including the Boston Barrier. Andrew Usborne, the lead officer on the scheme, said the award was welcome recognition for the Environment Agency and its partners.
New images have been released to show the size and scale of HS2’s new station at London Euston. Work is progressing on the site with the demolition of the former BHS warehouse on Hampstead Road now complete. The building, made up of two separate three and five storey concrete-framed structures, was demolished over eight months, by a Costain and Skanska team (CSjv) and specialist subcontractors John F Hunt. “HS2 will transform Euston, delivering much-needed extra capacity, improving journeys and unlocking the opportunity for thousands of new jobs and homes. This week’s milestone is the latest evidence of the progress we are making across London. With our fascinating archaeological programme in full swing and more than two thirds of demolitions now complete, I’d like to thank all those involved in the project for their hard work and dedication,” said HS2’s Programme Director, Matthew Botelle. A top-down demolition technique was used, with machines lifted onto the top of the buildings and protective screening installed around the outside to limit noise and dust. During the work, more than 35,000 tonnes of concrete was crushed and reused on site. With the demolition complete, the team are now working to finish the clearance of the site, ready for handover to the station construction teams. London Euston Station will include 400m platforms and concourse built adjacent to the existing station, doubling capacity and improving journeys for millions of people. “Costain and Skanska have successfully completed yet another major building demolition as part of our huge HS2 enabling works programme. With more than 1,500 people now at work across the capital, we are proud to be part of what will be, the UK’s biggest infrastructure project,” added CSjv’s Programme Director, Peter Jones. Once complete, the station will include a new entrance facing north towards Camden Town and west towards Hampstead Road and the shops and restaurants of Drummond Street. In total, the arrival of HS2 will more than double the number of seats out of the station during peak hours.
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect the local community from the threat of east coast flooding. Great Yarmouth has a history of flooding. During the 1953 east coast tidal surge, the tidal river defences in the town were breached in several places resulting in loss of life. More recently, in December 2013, approximately 9,000 people were urged to evacuate their homes as a result of the highest ever recorded tide in Great Yarmouth. The work will see 46 flood defence walls refurbished at locations across the town using an innovative technique that will extend their lifespan by up to 30 years. It follows on from the initial five-year phase of work which included the use of a specialised dam, known as a limpet dam, to inspect and repair the steel sheet piles that form the flood walls in a dry environment that would otherwise be underwater. Funding is now in place for the next phase of the multi-partner project, which is being led by the Environment Agency and due to start later this year. The £40.3 million investment, plus £6.2 million for ongoing maintenance, has come from a range of sources including £32.4 million provided by central government. Partnership contributions have come from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, £8.2 million through the Growth Deal programme, and £2.8 million from the Anglian Eastern Regional Flood & Coastal Committee. Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council have also contributed towards the project and local quayside businesses are supporting through contributions and the provision of compound space. Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “I’m very pleased to see the funding is now in place for this significant improvement to Great Yarmouth’s flood defences. An extra £5.4 million of funding was added to our standard Defra grant in view of additional regeneration objectives to allow this project to proceed with important partnership funding contributions. “Over £32million from direct government investment alongside the partnership funding will ensure 4,500 homes and businesses in the area are better protected from any future tidal flooding.” Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said: “We have worked very closely with our partners to enable this important project to go ahead. The upgraded defences will ensure that the flood defences in Great Yarmouth provide the best standard of protection to the local community for many decades to come. “We are currently consulting on our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and this project is a perfect example of some of the ways in which, by working together, we can make communities more resilient for the future.” The first five-year phase of works to replace more than 500 metres of tidal defences was completed in early 2017. The next phase of works is being delivered by the Environment Agency’s contractor JBA-Bentley. Preliminary work for this new phase of improvements began in February. A public drop-in event is being held on 13 June, 2019 at the Kingsgate Community Church, Kings Centre, 30 Queen Anne’s Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0LE. The session, which runs from 2pm and 7pm, will offer people the chance to find out more about the project and the partners involved. Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The River Yare Tidal Defences are a huge benefit to everyone who lives in, works in and visits our borough, reducing flood risk to our homes, workplaces, and the highways and other vital infrastructure that we use every day, better protecting communities and helping the borough to realise its full economic potential. “Together with the Environment Agency and local businesses, the borough council has played an instrumental role over the years in securing this crucial and most welcome investment from multiple sources, helping with lobbying and developing the robust business case. I’m pleased that work will soon be getting underway on the second phase.” Chair of the Anglia Eastern RFCC, Paul Hayden OBE, said: “Members visited Great Yarmouth both to see the great work that has already been completed on flood defences in the town, and to show their support for partners working together to deliver these vital further improvements. “Our £2.8m contribution to these works comes from a Local Levy collected across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting homes, jobs and businesses, and in encouraging further economic investment in the town.” Doug Field, chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This project is a great example of how partnership working can deliver projects which have a real impact on our people, places and economy. “Great Yarmouth is a vital part of our all-energy coast. It sits at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind and is of huge strategic importance to our region. “By protecting homes and businesses and creating a safe environment for more to be created, these sea defences will allow the town to reach its potential as a key contributor to our economy.” Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council said: “This refurbishment work will help to safeguard the future prosperity of Great Yarmouth. This is an important funding partnership which we are happy to support.” The Environment Agency has been leading a conversation with people and organisations who are affected by or work to manage flooding and coastal change. We are now consulting on a draft strategy, which sets out a vision for a nation ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change up to 2100.
