Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is proud to have been recognised as one of the nation’s fastest-growing investment-backed businesses. This prestigious accolade comes from a landmark report commissioned by BDO LLP to analyse value creation and understand supercharged growth within UK
A new report has praised UK building and construction businesses for their investment in creative roles, with the sector featuring in a list of the top ten industries investing the most into creative teams, with just over 12 in 100 members of staff now working in creative roles. Analysing data
In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s crucial to streamline operations and maximize resource usage to stay competitive. From enhancing efficiency through better capacity utilization to optimizing network performance, there are several strategies business leaders must consider for sustained growth. Below, we delve into the details of how best to implement
Manchester Airport hosted its annual ‘Meet the Buyers’ event yesterday, with more than 300 attendees from over 200 local businesses taking the opportunity to connect directly with key prospective clients in the Greater Manchester area. Small and medium-sized businesses from a variety of sectors were represented, networking with 29 major
Oldham Council is inviting businesses to tender for a £1.2 million contract to deliver a major new solar farm in the borough. The site at Wrigley Head, Failsworth, is the council’s first solar farm and is a key project in our Green New Deal – our strategy to make Oldham
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is the key to success. Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility, a construction company, or any other industry that relies on cutting materials, having the right cutting equipment can make a significant difference in your productivity and bottom line. Investing in high-quality cutting tools
One Vision Housing celebrates success as Conway Point development in Birkenhead receives high commendation at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards. Located just a two-minute walk from Birkenhead town centre, the development is home to 46 Rent to Buy apartments that have created opportunities for local people to get
After hearing about the damage the North Nottinghamshire based animal rescue centre incurred during recent storms, local construction specialists PermaGroup, Mercial Garden Products Ltd, C Toyne & Son and Prism Construction joined forces to contribute to the rebuilding and repairs, providing materials, expertise and labour. Noting the extensive repairs required
Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, is supporting eleven organisations across the UK to investigate how quantum computing could benefit key industrial sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, and engineering. The Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) assists companies in trialling novel use cases, to demonstrate the potential for
Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is proud to have been recognised as one of the nation’s fastest-growing investment-backed businesses. This prestigious accolade comes from a landmark report commissioned by BDO LLP to analyse value creation and understand supercharged growth within UK businesses. Sentry Doors, which is owned by Cairngorm Capital, is a trusted partner for fire safety compliance across a diverse range of sectors, including social housing, education, healthcare, leisure, and commercial. From their Birmingham and Doncaster sites, they manufacture a comprehensive range of fire safety and security doorsets that meet the most stringent building regulations. The company works closely with social housing providers to replace unsafe fire doors, a critical area of focus following the Grenfell tragedy. The inaugural Private Equity Value Report written by Real Deals, on behalf of BDO, revealed that the 435 qualifying companies achieved an average combined EBITDA and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 100% between the 2020 and 2022 financial years. Sentry has demonstrably surpassed these impressive benchmarks. Within Yorkshire, Sentry stood out as a regional leader, ranking a remarkable number 15 among the 38 fastest-growing businesses. This recognition underscores Sentry’s exceptional performance in areas like EBITDA growth and job creation over the last three years. Moreover, Sentry secured the number 3 position within the Yorkshire manufacturing sector, further solidifying its position as a leader within the regional manufacturing landscape. 100% increase in turnover and profits Since Cairngorm Capital acquired Sentry Doors in 2019, the company has witnessed remarkable growth. A £3 million investment has equipped them with state-of-the-art machinery and a new ERP system which has helped to optimise efficiency. This significant investment was followed by the strategic acquisition of E. & S. W. Knowles & Company Limited (Knowles) in August 2022, which solidified Sentry’s position as the UK leader in fire safety and security doorsets, and expanded their footprint across two sites. The Cairngorm Capital investment, coupled with the Knowles acquisition, has more than doubled Sentry’s production capacity, and their product ranges have expanded to include the specialist finishes used by the health, education and private sectors. This combined investment and acquisition strategy has not only enabled them to cater to new markets through Knowles’ expertise, but also positioned them to meet the growing demands arising from new fire safety legislation. As a result, these efforts have yielded a remarkable 100% increase in both turnover and profits, along with a 36% increase in EBITDA between 2020-2022. This growth has translated into significant job creation, with employee numbers jumping from 28 in 2019 to a current workforce of 200 across both the Doncaster and Birmingham sites. As a leading, local employer, Sentry prioritises employee development and invests in its people through dedicated training programmes, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable team. Over the years, Sentry has cultivated a supportive, family-oriented company culture that attracts and retains top talent. They also support the local economy by continuing to utilise trusted, local supply chain partners. Sustainable manufacturing practices As well as following an impressive growth trajectory, Sentry has also begun its journey towards a more sustainable future, and the company recently hosted Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who wanted to find out more about Sentry’s sustainability roadmap. They have already adopted a number of eco-friendly manufacturing practices including recycling waste sawdust and using an innovative heat generation system within their warehouse. The Birmingham facility boasts ISO 14001 certification and FSC® Chain of Custody certification, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Sentry’s support for initiatives like Trees for Cities further demonstrates a dedication to sustainability. Ty Aziz, CEO at Sentry Doors, commented: “It’s fantastic to be named alongside so many impressive businesses and is testament to the support of our investors and the hard work of our team. It’s important to shine a light on the positive impact that external investment can have on business’ ambitions and their contribution to their industries and the economy.” “Our decision to partner with Cairngorm Capital in 2019 has proven instrumental to our success. Our initial growth plan aimed to double revenue and triple EBITDA. Today, we’ve surpassed those goals, achieving a fivefold increase across all criteria – revenue, EBIDTA, profit and production figures – since 2019. This signifies the remarkable impact of our strategic partnership.” “We are passionate about delivering exceptional fire safety solutions, prioritising social responsibility, and investing in a sustainable future. While achieving significant growth, we remain committed to our core principles – a strong focus on family values and fostering a positive company culture.” Nick Millward, Director at BDO LLP, added: “Despite the challenges of the past three years, this research demonstrates PE-backed businesses are a resilient and dynamic segment of the UK economy. There’s often a focus on the level of deal activity and headlines around exits but we should also celebrate the value created by investors and management teams working hard to deliver against their growth plans.” To read the full Real Deals report, visit https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/insights/industries/private-equity/private-equity-value-report. Find out more about Sentry Doors by visiting https://sentrydoors.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report has praised UK building and construction businesses for their investment in creative roles, with the sector featuring in a list of the top ten industries investing the most into creative teams, with just over 12 in 100 members of staff now working in creative roles. Analysing data from LinkedIn, the report from brand communications agency Warbox ranks the in-house creative headcount of ‘design’ roles across a number of UK companies in traditionally ‘less creative’ industries, compared to overall headcount, to find which sectors place the highest value on creativity within their workforce. The building and construction industry appeared sixth in the full list (12.291% of headcount) with the healthcare (17.87%), and homeware and interiors (11.12%) businesses completing the top three. Top 10 industries for creative hires Rank Industry Average creative headcount (%) 1 Healthcare 17.87 2 Building and Construction 12.29 3 Homeware and Interiors 11.12 4 Fashion 9.52 5 Manufacturing 8.15 6 Electronics 7.71 7 Energy and Utilities 6.23 8 Hospitality 4.56 9 Accounting and Finance 3.58 10 Food and Beverages 3.23 Boots, the health and beauty retailer, is an example of a brand that has heavily invested in creative talent. Boots launched its biggest ever campaign in 2023, ‘Our Health Is As Individual As We Are’, which championed women’s health, highlighting the support available for women through creative that was rolled out across TV, out-of-home, print, social media and online. Closely following the building and construction industry, homeware and interiors came in third place with 11.12 percent – perhaps unsurprisingly as this industry naturally places great importance on design and aesthetics.Out of the twenty industries analysed, transport and logistics and warehousing and distribution were revealed to have the lowest headcount of creatives in their workforce. This can be attributed to these industries having a greater need for functional labour roles – however, this is not to say that these industries would not benefit from a greater investment in creative roles to combat challenges that an ever-changing economy can present. Mark Fensom, director at Warbox, comments on the research: “It’s interesting to see which industries are placing a higher value on creative talent in 2024. Creativity fosters innovation, enabling businesses to adapt to evolving market demands and remain competitive which is key when it comes to running a successful business. “Even those industries with a perceived lack of need for creative roles, such as building and construction, could benefit greatly from hiring creative talent – it’s important for businesses to realise that creativity can unlock fresh perspectives and offer unique solutions to business challenges.” You can view the full research here: https://warboxcreative.co.uk/value-of-creative-roles-2024/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s crucial to streamline operations and maximize resource usage to stay competitive. From enhancing efficiency through better capacity utilization to optimizing network performance, there are several strategies business leaders must consider for sustained growth. Below, we delve into the details of how best to implement these strategies and stay on top of the ever-evolving business landscape. Keep reading to discover how to drive your business’s success forward. Understanding Capacity Utilization and Its Impact on Business Efficiency Capacity utilization is a critical factor that determines the efficiency and productivity of a business. It measures the extent to which a company uses its potential output capability. The goal is to achieve a balance where resources are neither underutilized, leading to wastage, nor overutilized, resulting in strain and potential failure to meet demand. Improving capacity utilization can significantly enhance a company’s financial performance. By carefully analyzing and understanding capacity utilization, businesses can identify areas of slack and implement strategies to tighten operations, ultimately driving a better bottom line. For many industries, capacity utilization is not static and can fluctuate with market demand and operational adjustments. As a result, companies must remain agile, adjusting production schedules and workforce allocations to align with current business needs. This ensures that the company can pivot as necessary to maintain optimal performance. Strategies for Enhancing Network Performance for Modern Enterprises Network performance is another cornerstone of modern business operations. A robust and reliable network is essential for seamless communication, data transfer, and overall productivity. In the digital era, network downtime can lead to significant losses and frustrated customers. Investing in high-quality network monitoring tools is a proactive way to ensure that network performance remains consistent. These tools help detect issues before they escalate into serious problems, allowing IT teams to resolve them quickly and maintain business continuity. Businesses should also focus on optimizing their network infrastructure. This may involve upgrading hardware, implementing more efficient routing protocols, and employing bandwidth management techniques. Strategic investments in network enhancements and enterprise network IT monitoring tools can provide a competitive edge by ensuring fast and reliable service. Optimizing Workforce Productivity for Better Capacity Utilization Workforce management is an essential element in aligning capacity utilization with productivity. By enabling employees to work smarter, not harder, businesses can get the most out of their human capital. Productivity tools and workflow automation can significantly reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing for a focus on strategic, revenue-generating activities. Continuous skills development and training ensure that employees are up to date with the latest industry standards and techniques. As businesses evolve, so should the skills of their workforce, creating a dynamic team that can adapt to new challenges and technologies effectively. Introducing flexible work arrangements can also contribute to better capacity utilization. When employees have the liberty to work during their peak productive hours and maintain a healthy work-life balance, they often exhibit higher levels of engagement and output. Leveraging Data Analytics for Smarter Business Operations Data analytics is the lifeline of intelligent decision-making in contemporary businesses. With the influx of data in today’s digital economy, harnessing this information for strategic insights can be a game-changer. Through analytical tools, companies can discern patterns, predict trends, and make informed decisions. Understanding customer behavior through data analytics can lead to more effective marketing strategies, product development, and customer service enhancements. These tangible insights help businesses to remain customer-centric and responsive to market needs. Operationally, data analytics can assist in identifying inefficiencies and potential cost-saving opportunities. By examining processes through a data-driven lens, businesses can streamline operations and eliminate waste to boost productivity and profitability. Implementing Technology Advances to Stay Ahead of the Competition Embracing technological advances is no longer optional for businesses aiming to lead in their industry. From artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things (IoT), these technological trends promise to reshape how businesses operate, engage customers, and innovate. The integration of new technologies can automate complex tasks, optimize supply chains, and create new business models. Staying abreast of technological advancements and evaluating their applicability within specific business contexts is critical for sustained success. However, the implementation of new technologies must be strategic and well-planned. It requires a clear understanding of the business’s goals, a robust change management strategy, and a commitment to upskilling employees to handle advanced systems and tools. Overall, the principles of optimizing capacity utilization, enhancing network performance, maximizing workforce productivity, leveraging data analytics, and adopting cutting-edge technologies form the bedrock of a successful business strategy. By focusing on these areas, business leaders can improve operational efficiency, drive growth, and ensure their organizations remain competitive in the complex business arena of today.
Manchester Airport hosted its annual ‘Meet the Buyers’ event yesterday, with more than 300 attendees from over 200 local businesses taking the opportunity to connect directly with key prospective clients in the Greater Manchester area. Small and medium-sized businesses from a variety of sectors were represented, networking with 29 major buyers and taking part in almost 800 meetings across the day. Well-known names from the worlds of construction and aviation were in attendance, including Manchester Airports Group (MAG), BAM, Dalkia, and Manchester City Council. Manchester Airport hosted the event at its Runway Visitor Park, and the day opened with an address from the airport’s Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe. A range of workshops and presentations ran throughout the day, parallel to the event in the Runway Visitor Park’s main hangar. Manchester Airport’s Head of Procurement and Contracts, Construction and Works, Stuart D’Henin, and Head of Project Delivery, David Shaw, gave a talk on the airport’s upcoming investments into its facilities, including the £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2, and discussed the opportunities available to local businesses of all sizes. In the afternoon, Becca Heron, Strategic Director for Growth and Development at Manchester City Council, ran a workshop on the city’s vision for future growth. Marcella M’Rabety – Group Head of Education, Skills and Employment, Manchester Airport: “We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout at Meet The Buyers, and to be able to support local businesses with networking and making introductions to the right contacts that will help them secure new work and grow their operations. Manchester Airport is proud to connect the North and that’s not just through flying people to the places they want to go, it’s also about playing our part as a key economic enabler in the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oldham Council is inviting businesses to tender for a £1.2 million contract to deliver a major new solar farm in the borough. The site at Wrigley Head, Failsworth, is the council’s first solar farm and is a key project in our Green New Deal – our strategy to make Oldham Council buildings carbon neutral by 2025, followed by the whole borough by 2030. We’ve now launched a tender process, inviting interested businesses to design, build, operate and maintain the 1MW site for 20 years. Cllr Abdul Jabbar MBE, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for green technology businesses to get involved in a pioneering project in Greater Manchester. “The solar farm will create green energy which is capable of creating enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 750 homes at one time. “It will transform the land, which was previously a derelict site, giving it a new sustainable purpose which will boost the environment and biodiversity. It will also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels giving the council cheaper energy bills that stay low – unlike gas prices, meaning we have more money to spend on front-line services. “We were the first council in the UK to adopt a Green New Deal and we are aiming to be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester. “This new solar farm is just one of many green projects we have planned, and an added plus is that it will be the first subsidy-free local authority owned solar farm in Greater Manchester. “This is your chance to play a key role in this exciting programme.” With construction planned to start in September, the council requires a contractor who can review the outline design for the ground-mounted solar PV array and improve upon it, taking into account developments in new technology and any other factors. The new design will need to be agreed with the council, planning authority and any other key stakeholders. Following this, the contractor will then construct, operate and maintain the installation for up to 20 years. The net value of the contract is £1.2m. Interested parties can view the tender documents on the council’s procurement portal The Chest at www.the-chest.org.uk The solar farm opportunity comes as Oldham Council secured £8.7 million in grant funding to support our plans to create a low carbon district heat network for Oldham Town Centre. These unique systems use local sources of eco-friendly heat which would otherwise go to waste. In Oldham, we could use air, wastewater, minewater and biomass. Heat networks distribute heat from a central source and deliver it to different buildings including shops, offices and homes. By supplying multiple places, they avoid the need for individual boilers or electric heaters in every building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over 20 years’ experience in global Category and Brand Management for major brands, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in product development, portfolio management and market analysis to Okarno. Jenny is experienced in managing change within many leading organisations and in ensuring that customers and all people within the business are part of the journey. Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jenny to the business, with her knowledge, skills and experience, she will be a real asset. Our recent rebrand means this is an exciting time for Okarno as we reinforce our position as an essential supply chain partner for a range of leading construction products.” In January 2024, Artex rebranded to Okarno, with a strapline ‘There are no others like us’. The Okarno brand creates a common sense of purpose, energy, and enthusiasm, whilst capturing the company’s unique approach to supply chain logistics. Jason Smith adds: “Our new brand has been well received in the market as we continue to look for ways to exceed customer expectations, deliver best-in-class and provide a unique service that makes life easier for them.” Okarno provides a unique service by combining market-leading trade brands and delivering them directly through three service offerings. Customers can choose from single pallets, mixed pallet loads, through to small parcels. Okarno delivers to customers of all shapes and sizes and tailors its offering to match the needs of independent merchants, national retailers and online stockists. As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Okarno is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050 and has already made significant steps towards this goal. This also aligns with Saint Gobain’s purpose – Making the world a better home and supporting the vision of being the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. To find out more about Okarno and how its sustainable supply chain partnerships can benefit your business, visit: www.okarno.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is the key to success. Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility, a construction company, or any other industry that relies on cutting materials, having the right cutting equipment can make a significant difference in your productivity and bottom line. Investing in high-quality cutting tools not only saves time and money but also ensures precise and consistent results. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of cutting equipment available and how to choose the best ones for your business needs. Understanding The Types Of Cutting Equipment When it comes to cutting equipment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different materials and applications require different tools. Here are some of the most common types of cutting equipment, like those from Milestone Equipment, you should be familiar with: 1. Shears and Scissors Shears and scissors are among the most basic and versatile cutting tools available. While household scissors are designed for cutting paper and lightweight materials, industrial shears are heavy-duty tools that can cut through thicker materials like metal sheets, rubber, and even plastics. Shears come in various designs, such as straight shears, curved shears, and aviation snips, each tailored for specific cutting applications. The advantages of shears and scissors include their portability, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements. However, they’re best suited for cutting thin materials and may not be practical for thicker or harder materials. 2. Band Saws Band saws are powerful cutting machines that use a continuous loop of toothed metal blades to cut through a wide range of materials. They’re commonly used in metalworking, woodworking, and construction industries. Band saws come in different sizes and configurations, from small benchtop models to large freestanding machines. One of the main advantages of band saws is their versatility. They can cut straight lines, curves, and intricate shapes with precision. Band saws are also capable of cutting thick materials, making them suitable for various applications. However, they require proper blade selection and adjustment for optimal performance. 3. Plasma Cutters Plasma cutters are advanced cutting tools that use a high-energy plasma arc to cut through electrically conductive materials like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. They work by ionizing the gas and creating a powerful stream of plasma that can melt and cut through metal with incredible precision. Plasma cutters are known for their ability to make intricate cuts and cut through thick materials with ease. They’re commonly used in metalworking, fabrication, and construction industries. However, plasma cutters require specialized knowledge and safety precautions due to the high temperatures and electrical hazards involved. 4. Laser Cutters Laser cutters are highly precise cutting machines that use a focused laser beam to cut through materials. They’re commonly used for cutting flat materials like metal, wood, acrylic, and fabric but can also be used for engraving and marking. Laser cutters offer several advantages, including high accuracy, minimal material waste, and the ability to create intricate designs and patterns. They’re particularly useful in industries that require precise and complex cuts, such as aerospace, automotive, and sign-making. However, laser cutters can be more expensive than other cutting equipment and may have limitations in terms of the thickness of materials they can cut. 5. Water Jet Cutters Water jet cutters are cutting machines that use a high-pressure stream of water mixed with an abrasive material to cut through various materials, including metal, stone, and glass. They work by focusing a narrow stream of water and abrasive particles to cut through materials with precision and minimal heat generation. Water jet cutters are known for their ability to cut complex shapes and patterns with high accuracy, even in thick and hard materials. They’re commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction, where precise cutting is essential. One of the advantages of water jet cutters is their ability to cut materials without causing heat-related distortions or material degradation. However, they require a consistent supply of water and abrasive materials, which can increase operating costs. Factors To Consider When Choosing Cutting Equipment To ensure you make the right investment, consider these factors when choosing cutting equipment for your business: 1. Material Type Choosing the right cutting equipment for your business starts with understanding the materials you’ll be working with. Different cutting tools are designed to handle specific materials effectively. For example, shears and scissors are best suited for thin materials like paper, fabrics, or thin metal sheets, while plasma cutters are designed for cutting through thick, electrically conductive metals like steel and aluminum. Mismatching the cutting equipment with the material can lead to poor cut quality, excessive wear and tear, or even safety hazards. 2. Cutting Capacity The cutting capacity of the equipment is another critical factor to consider. This refers to the maximum thickness and size of materials the cutting tool can handle without straining or compromising precision. For instance, if you frequently need to cut thick metal plates or large pieces of wood, a heavy-duty band saw or plasma cutter with a higher cutting capacity would be more suitable than a smaller, less powerful machine. Choosing equipment with insufficient cutting capacity can lead to inefficient operations, increased downtime, and potential safety risks. 3. Precision and Accuracy Depending on your application, you may require cutting equipment that can deliver extremely precise and accurate cuts. Industries like aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing often demand tight tolerances and intricate designs. In such cases, laser cutters and water jet cutters are excellent choices due to their high precision and ability to create complex shapes and patterns with minimal material waste. 4. Speed and Efficiency If your business has high-volume cutting needs, prioritizing equipment that can cut quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality is crucial. Factors like cutting speed, feed rate, and automated material handling can significantly impact productivity. For example, a high-speed plasma cutter or a computerized numerical control (CNC) cutting machine may be more suitable for high-volume applications compared to manual cutting tools. 5. Cost and Maintenance While high-end cutting equipment can be a significant investment, it’s essential
One Vision Housing celebrates success as Conway Point development in Birkenhead receives high commendation at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards. Located just a two-minute walk from Birkenhead town centre, the development is home to 46 Rent to Buy apartments that have created opportunities for local people to get onto the property ladder. The YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards’ judging panel said: “We are pleased to recognise Conway Point as highly commended in the Best Affordable Housing Scheme category.” “One Vision Housing’s commitment to a fabric-first approach with this development displays a progressive strategy which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. The scheme also helps to address a very pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the local area, offering residents an opportunity to secure a place in the community they call home.” they added. One Vision Housing provides over 13.6k homes across the North West and as part of The Sovini Group, is delivering over 1,000 high quality affordable homes across the next five years through its integrated supply chain. Built on brownfield land by Sovini Construction, Conway Point was designed with modern living in mind by Condy Lofthouse Architects and was constructed using a ‘fabric first’ approach that focuses on the reduction of energy consumption, through thermal efficiency and running costs. Apartments all feature environmentally efficient specifications, supplied by local independent building merchant, Sovini Trade Supplies, including toilets, taps, showers, and light fittings, contributing towards the Group’s net-zero carbon commitment. Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing at The Sovini Group said: “Our Conway Point development has delivered our [The Sovini] Group’s vision of a better future, as we created opportunities and changed lives by helping local people take their first step into home ownership. We are grateful to the judges for recognising this impact and look forward to seeing our customers thrive in their homes for years to come.” In addition to delivering 46 new affordable homes, The Conway Point development generated £2.3m in social value, £1.2m in economic value and £70k in environmental value. James Flannery, Director of Construction and Land said: “We are thrilled that our Conway Point development has been highly commended at the YM Liverpool Property and Business Awards for its energy efficient design, as we continue to embrace renewable technologies with an environmentally friendly approach to construction.” “Building a better future for One Vision Housing’s customers by creating sustainable social impact and transforming local communities has and will continue to be central to all our operations.” he added. To learn more about The Sovini Group’s integrated supply chain, please visit sovini.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After hearing about the damage the North Nottinghamshire based animal rescue centre incurred during recent storms, local construction specialists PermaGroup, Mercial Garden Products Ltd, C Toyne & Son and Prism Construction joined forces to contribute to the rebuilding and repairs, providing materials, expertise and labour. Noting the extensive repairs required to fix the centre, which was already 20 years old and had now started to leak, the quick-thinking suppliers and contractors rallied to provide the necessary materials to re-weatherproof the roof, equivalent to thousands of pounds of labour and supplies. From putting out an appeal to completion of the repairs, the project took no more than 18 days. Lee Moore, specialist products manager at PermaGroup, said: “We were more than happy to aid BARK when we heard about its unfortunate turn of luck during the storm. The work the team is doing is massively important and as part of the local community, we wanted to help. “Now, the dogs staying in BARK’s care get to enjoy a whole new roof that’s warm, dry and will last a lifetime. The project just goes to show how easily and how quickly different businesses can work together when something as important as rescue pups are at stake.” Canine champions BARK have been rescuing animals since 2005, when founders Elaine and Darren Shaw took in their first pound dogs to save them from being put down. Almost two decades on, they’ve saved hundreds of animals internationally, helping them thrive and find new homes. Emily Beatson, marketing manager at Mercia Garden Products Ltd, said: “When we saw Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels needed help after the recent localised flooding, it was impossible not to want to help. At Mercia Garden Products, employees of ours have rescued dogs from BARK and given them lifelong homes, so we know firsthand the wonderful work they do with limited funding. “The rescue required quality roofing materials to ensure the longevity of its kennels as well as timber for the structure itself. We were able to supply the timber for the kennel rebuild and knowing that our long-standing supplier PermaGroup’s EPDM would be the ideal solution, we called on the team for support. We are so grateful to Lee and PermaGroup for their generosity towards this cause.” To donate or adopt one of the animals from BARK, visit its website here: https://www.barkonline.co.uk/home To learn more about PermaGroup and its work, visit its website here: www.permaroof.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, is supporting eleven organisations across the UK to investigate how quantum computing could benefit key industrial sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, and engineering. The Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) assists companies in trialling novel use cases, to demonstrate the potential for quantum technology to transform critical parts of the UK economy. The programme results will soon be shared with broader industry to promote a deeper understanding of quantum’s commercial applications. Marking a paradigm shift for the participants, the programme’s focus extends beyond theoretical understandings of quantum technology, to successfully investigate illustrations of real-world business applications for leading corporations including Arup, Airbus and the Port of Dover. These industrial applications range from Frazer Nash demonstrating the potential of quantum computers to optimise the UK energy grid to meet demand for electricity, to Tees-Valley-based SeerBI building a quantum machine learning model to predict shipments that were at risk of late arrival. Rolls-Royce aims to build small, autonomous nuclear reactors that could operate safely in remote mining colonies, the moon and on Mars. During the programme, the company used data from the Fukushima nuclear event to investigate the feasibility of a quantum machine learning model to quickly identify potentially hazardous situations; enabling the reactor to operate safely and be shut down if necessary, with minimum human involvement. Delivered in partnership with Riverlane and ORCA Computing, QTAP provides participating companies with access to the ORCA PT-1 quantum photonic computer, a team of quantum experts and ongoing technical support, establishing a first-of-its-kind commercially neutral ecosystem for businesses interested in quantum technology. Paving the way for ongoing industrial collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the participating companies, Digital Catapult’s programme exemplifies the value of a community committed to exploring industrial applications of quantum, as the technology evolves. Digital Catapult and partners supported triaging and framing relevant use cases, delivering education and training on theoretical and practical aspects of quantum computing and providing ongoing technological assistance, as well as enabling opportunities for knowledge sharing between participants. This has increased the quantum readiness of leading UK companies and SMEs, such as Oxford Sigma, Neptune New Space and UKAEA, empowering them to embrace quantum technology, as new use cases emerge and capabilities increase. The programme has three streams: two on optimisation and quantum machine learning with ORCA Computing, involving simulating and running small-scale industrial challenges on the ORCA PT-1 quantum computer. The fault-tolerant stream, delivered with Riverlane, investigates the Quantum Singular Value Transformation, an algorithm that will run on the large, fault-tolerant quantum computers available in the future. During a demonstration day, participating companies including DNV Services UK Ltd, and Bahut tested their challenge on the ORCA PT-1 quantum computer, as part of the optimisation stream. The quantum computer successfully solved industrial problems, demonstrating the potential to solve more complex and sophisticated challenges in the future. Director of Innovation Practice at Digital Catapult, Katy Ho said: “The remarkable success achieved on QTAP underscores the increasing interest in quantum computing within industry. From its inception to the showcase, participating companies have consistently shown commitment to enhancing their understanding of quantum technology. At Digital Catapult, our mission is to demonstrate the value of embracing quantum-enabled solutions, and this programme will undoubtedly sharpen participating companies’ competitive edge, as quantum computers evolve and present substantial commercial opportunity.” Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder, and CEO of ORCA Computing comments: “The results of the QTAP programme have been impressive. Participating companies have showcased exceptional dedication and commitment to exploring use cases that not only enable them to explore the potential of quantum computing technology for their businesses but also help drive progress in key sectors. For ORCA, partnering with Digital Catapult, industry experts and leading UK companies in the programme has enabled us to understand how near-term quantum devices can enhance a wide range of business use cases across different industries.” Jonathon Adams, Assistant Chief Engineer at Rolls-Royce said: “The Novel Nuclear team at Rolls-Royce is very future focussed, seeking to develop revolutionary new technologies and explore energy efficient applications for nuclear power on Earth and in Space. Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, will be an enabler for this over the next 15 years. It’s important that we develop an understanding of how and when we can adopt this technology. “The Digital Catapult Quantum Technology Access Programme has been a timely boost to this effort, and I’m delighted that Chris completed the programme, including using an actual quantum computer for a machine learning test case relevant to the nuclear industry.”Owain Brennan, CEO of SeerBI said: “The QTAP programme has proved invaluable for our team so far, we have been able to pick up new skills and interact with technology which at the start of the programme we didn’t even know existed. Applying this technology to our problem area of logistics and on time delivery classification using quantum binary classification opened our eyes to a different way of looking at problems, we would like to give out thanks to the digital catapult team for their support and Orca Computing for access to their systems and SDK throughout the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
