Robust Growth and Ongoing Demand Forecasted for Warehousing Sector
A recent report commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and conducted by Savills reveals impressive growth within the warehousing sector, indicating sustained expansion and a continuous surge in demand. Since 2015, the sector has witnessed a remarkable 61% growth, with total warehousing space nearing the 700 million sq ft mark. Furthermore, the development of warehouses exceeding 1 million sq ft has surged by an astonishing 345% over the past decade, paralleled by an 813% increase in occupancy by online retailers. At the recent UKWA National Conference, the unveiled report underscores the pivotal role of warehousing in supply chains, the UK economy, and our daily lives, according to UKWA CEO Clare Bottle. It paints a vivid picture of sustained growth and the sector’s adaptability in response to evolving social and supply chain dynamics, including the surge in online shopping and nearshoring trends. Highlighting the growing significance of warehouses, the report asserts, “The role of the warehouse has never been more important, and the demand for warehouse space continues to rise.” Warehouses now serve as central hubs for supply chain activities, encompassing tasks traditionally handled by manufacturers and retailers, including managing returns, repairs, and recycling, thereby becoming integral to the circular economy. The escalating demand for warehouse space is driven by a confluence of factors, including the need for increased space, manpower, and technological advancements. Moreover, global geopolitical events have underscored the vulnerabilities of lengthy supply chains, prompting manufacturers to maintain higher inventory levels closer to consumer markets to enhance supply chain resilience. Consequently, there has been a surge in warehouse proliferation, accompanied by a trend towards larger warehouse units. Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) continue to dominate warehouse occupancy in 2024, with online retailers witnessing the most significant surge in occupancy. This underscores the necessity for strategically located warehouses near population centres and along motorway corridors to meet the escalating demands of online consumers. Geographically, there has been a notable shift, with the East Midlands retaining its position as the largest market for warehouse inventory, witnessing a 66% rise. However, other core markets, including the West Midlands, South East, Yorkshire, and the South West, have also experienced substantial growth. The North West, while exhibiting a comparatively lower growth rate of 41%, faces limitations in future growth due to inadequate allocated development land, as highlighted by Savills land supply data. Kevin Mofid, head of industrial & logistics research at Savills, remarks, “The growth of the UK logistics property market reflects its critical importance to manufacturing and retail supply chains. However, the changing geographical landscape poses challenges in meeting future demand.” In conclusion, Clare Bottle emphasises the acute shortage of high-quality buildings and development land, urging for government recognition and support for the warehousing sector’s vital role in the national economy. As the nation approaches a general election in 2024, it becomes imperative to effectively communicate the sector’s significance and advocate for necessary support and infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIAT publishes its recommendations for the next Government
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election, CIAT’s document focuses on three core issues; low carbon and retrofit, building safety, and skills shortages and recognition. The Institute is calling for greater collaboration within the sector to address these critical areas, to ensure that we can create sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities for future generations. CIAT President, Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: “We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.” The document can be accessed and downloaded here: https://architecturaltechnology.com/about/ciat-recommendations-improved-built-environment.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nominations are once again being sought for the annual AEMT Awards
Following the highly regarded 2023 awards ceremony in November of last year, the AEMT is delighted to announce that the nomination process for the 2024 awards programme is now officially open. Building on its past successes, the seventh outing of this sector specific awards scheme will again culminate in a gala presentation ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday 21st November at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Coventry. Centrally located for easy access from all over the UK, this venue will also play host to the supporting AEMT Conference – a ‘must attend event’ for all those in membership. The full programme will be announced during the summer, but its focus will again be on providing AEMT Members with help and guidance on a range of topics that will be of tangible value and relevance in the development their businesses. Then, during the evening, the AEMT Gala Awards Dinner will bring together the electrical and mechanical trades sector in a celebration of business and professional excellence. Personal endeavour, product innovation, skills training, engineering advancement and commercial acumen will once again be acknowledged and celebrated, in recognition of the achievements of both individuals and companies operating across the maintenance and repair arena. Industry wide engagement Operated by the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) the awards will again pay tribute to the skill, effort and sheer dedication of the people and businesses serving this important sector of industry. With the support of our invaluable sponsors, well deserved industry-wide recognition will be given to those businesses, who are excelling in their commercial endeavours, and in many cases going far beyond the call of duty, in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of plant and equipment within our critical manufacturing, commercial and utility sectors. Award categories The following nine categories make up the 2024 awards programme: – Call for nominations Entries are being sought for any company, product, application, or individual involved in the supply, installation, service, maintenance and repair of industrial machinery, such as electric motors, drives, pumps, fans, gearboxes, generators, transformers, switchgear, and ancillary equipment. Individuals can put forward entries for themselves and their own company, or they can nominate others that they know merit recognition. The online entry process couldn’t be easier, so anyone wishing to play their part in highlighting engineering excellence should visit the AEMT Awards website – www.aemtawards.com. Closing date for entries In keeping with the programme schedule in previous years, the closing date for all entries has been set as 5.00pm on Friday 6th September 2024, so for those wanting industry-wide recognition for a job well done, be it for product innovation or project management, for application know-how, or service and repair, they should make a note of this key date. It is free of charge to enter the awards, but the promotional value associated with being selected as a finalist is worth many hundreds of pounds. And for those individuals and companies fortunate enough to be announced as one of the nine winners during the charged atmosphere of the gala awards dinner, the promotional benefit is even greater. So, what have you got to lose? Just 20 minutes spent completing the online entry form, providing the information and details that you have at your disposal, and which presents and supports your business and professional endeavours, could make you a winner in your industry’s awards programme; the gravitas and promotional exposure for which is both valuable and enduring. Further details For more information, visit the website www.aemtawards.com or contact the awards programme producers, Touchwave Media, by phone on 07785 290034 or by email at andrew@touchwavemedia.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TDUK partners with Carrefour du Bois – Europe’s largest timber trade show
Timber Development UK (TDUK), the UK’s largest trade association for the timber supply chain, is partnering with Carrefour International du Bois, the largest timber trade show in Europe, to offer VIP networking opportunities. Under the terms of the partnership TDUK will be offering limited-edition VIP Tickets (free for TDUK members) to the conference, taking place from 28-30 May 2024 in Nantes, France. These VIP Tickets allow members to benefit from special networking opportunities, access to the VIP/Press Lounge with free coffee and soft drinks, and an invitation to the closing Gala Drinks Networking event. Speaking about the partnership, TDUK CEO David Hopkins, said: “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Carrefour International du Bois this year. Europe is the UK’s main source of supply for all timber products and Carrefour attracts the widest range of companies covering all product bases. “TDUK acts as a window into the UK market for overseas suppliers, so we are looking forward to the networking opportunities this brings to both sides. These relationships are crucial, and we look forward to seeing many members there.” David will be a key speaker at the Carrefour International du Bois session “Timber Architecture and Global Trends” on Tuesday 29 May alongside speakers from across France. During the session he will outline of the UK Government’s “Timber in Construction Roadmap” as well as a new publication from TDUK, Timber Policy, a comparative study of policies across Europe which aim to encourage a greater use of timber in construction. Carrefour du Bois is the largest timber trade show in Europe, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of international visitors over three days in Nantes, France from 28-30 May 2024. Tickets to join TDUK at Carrefour International du Bois as a VIP delegate are very limited, so book your place – for free – now if you wish to join. TDUK Members can apply for these limited-edition VIP Tickets here. To learn more about Carrefour du Bois click here: www.timbershow.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire union warns government of Grenfell-style risk over weak high-rise evacuation policy
The union representing the overwhelming majority of firefighters has slammed new government guidance on building evacuation, saying that failings have left residents vulnerable to further Grenfell-style tragedies. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended in October 2019 that the government develop guidelines for the evacuation of high-rise buildings. It finally published these in February 2024, more than four years later. Now, in a letter to Home Secretary James Cleverly, Fire Brigades Union leader Matt Wrack said it was a “disgrace” that it had taken so long and described the guidance as containing “little of real substance”. The guidance was based on live tests of an evacuation conducted by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), but these did not take place on anything like the scale of Grenfell Tower. They also did not use smoke. The letter describes the guidance as a “tick-box exercise” which “adds almost nothing to improve evacuation policy for high rise buildings”. Commenting on the letter, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “This evacuation guidance is too little and too late. Nearly seven years on since the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, very little has changed on the regulations covering this critical area of safety. “The Home Office has left residents in high rise flats vulnerable to a repeat of the Grenfell Fire tragedy. Ministers have engaged in what looks like a tick-box exercise to evacuation guidelines for people’s homes. “The Grenfell Tower fire was a tragedy created by politicians and big business. For decades, the profits of developers were prioritised over human life. Cutting corners on regulation, funding and firefighters’ health and safety will not keep people safe. “It may only be a matter of time before we face another tragedy, unless there is a dramatic policy shift. Ministers must wake up, and listen to the voices of firefighters and residents.” THE FULL LETTER CAN BE SEEN HERE — CLICK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIOB Report Reveals Construction Industry’s Reluctance to Hire People with Criminal Convictions
Negative stigma and a lack of proper training opportunities are blocking many people with criminal records from earning a second chance at life within the construction industry, a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report has revealed. The report, called Building Opportunity: Employing People with Criminal Convictions in Construction, shows individuals with a criminal record face significant barriers to gaining employment within the industry including perceived risk to the business by employers and fears about business reputation. It urges the Government to break down barriers and provide more accessible training opportunities to improve individual’s employability and ease the skills shortage in the construction industry. Statistics show nearly 75 per cent of people leaving prison are still without work six months after their release. CIOB says breaking down barriers would lower unemployment amongst people with criminal convictions. Meanwhile, the Government estimates the current cost of re-offending is approximately £18 billion per year. Niamh Evans, Policy and Public Affairs Officer North at CIOB, said more people within the industry should consider an open-minded approach to hiring people looking for a fresh start, adding: “Construction companies across the UK are facing a labour shortage and there is an untapped market of potential candidates waiting to be unearthed. “However, negative stigma and a lack of access to proper training for people in prison means there are many people missing out on a second chance at life. “Companies can proactively show they are willing to consider applicants with a criminal record by making this known on their website and teaming up with organisations that support people with criminal convictions to find work. “While there are some training opportunities available for people with criminal convictions, we would like to see improved access to give more candidates a chance to develop their skills ahead of a rewarding career within construction.” CIOB’s research shows just 25 per cent of construction managers surveyed* would consider hiring a person with an unspent criminal conviction – despite the sector facing a significant labour crisis. Thirty-two per cent of respondents said they would not consider hiring someone with an unspent criminal conviction while 43 per cent said they might. More than 12 million people in the UK currently have a criminal record with hundreds of thousands of convictions remaining unspent – so candidates must declare their convictions when applying for a job. Some survey respondents said they would not hire people with criminal convictions due to the lack of trust in an individual’s behaviour and concerns over existing employees’ safety, particularly in a high-risk environment like a construction site. Despite this CIOB’s report highlights how some construction companies have already enjoyed success through hiring people with criminal convictions and specifically showcases how one large construction company and one much smaller one, are being proactive in this area. They include Williams Homes, based in Bala, Wales, which has taken on several recruits through its work with HMP Berwyn. Owain Williams, joint managing director, added: “Our initiative to provide work experience and training to individuals in our local prison has been incredibly successful. We have gained loyal workers and we have been able to tailor our supply chain to meet the company’s needs, whilst giving back to the community. “Everyone working in the prison academy and on site through temporary release receives a high standard of training. Our colleagues and clients have all supported and embraced the project as it allows us to make an immense difference to the lives of people leaving custody by broadening their career opportunities. “As we have had such a positive experience with this initiative, we are now exploring how to scale up this work and employ more people following their release from prison.” It is estimated 225,000 additional construction workers will be needed to meet demand by 2027, according to data from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Demand for construction work is likely to increase in the years ahead with significant plans for the regeneration of the built environment in the UK, particularly with the Government’s flagship levelling up agenda and political focus on delivering a faster rate of housebuilding. CIOB obtained its data through a survey of more than 130 construction companies across the UK. To read the report in full, visit: www.ciob.org/industry/research/criminal-convictions-employment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals