Search Results for: business – Page 3
Ask acquires final plot at Manchester Business Park

Ask acquires final plot at Manchester Business Park

Ask Real Estate (Ask) has acquired the final 7.8 acre plot at Manchester Business Park close to Manchester Airport, from ARC.  The Manchester-based developer plans to build 9 prime last mile logistics units on the site, delivering circa 114,000 sq ft of space. The high-quality units will range in size

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The Momentum Group marks landmark year with 2025 insights on its responsible business initiatives

The Momentum Group marks landmark year with 2025 insights on its responsible business initiatives

Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has marked a standout year of progress with the release of its second Annual Momentum Contribute Report. Momentum Contribute underpins The Momentum Group’s business activities, and the report highlights a string of achievements that demonstrate the business’s commitment to people, places,

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Card reader for your business – how to choose?

Card reader for your business – how to choose?

Customer expectations are at an all-time high. As cashless payments become more prevalent, having the right card reader for your business is essential for streamlining transactions and improving the customer experience. Selecting the best card reader can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the

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Latest Issue
Issue 337 : Feb 2026

Search Results for: business – Page 3

Business Environments: The Unbelievable Costs of Poor Cleaning Practices

Business Environments: The Unbelievable Costs of Poor Cleaning Practices

For some businesses, cleaning is another item on the list to cross out. They don’t consider the long-term effects that poor practices may have on their operations. And in most cases, the cost is devastating and even unbelievable. Good cleaning shouldn’t be something you put off or do half-heartedly. Leaving behind dirt and debris can compromise your entire workspace. That’s why trusted companies like Georgia Facility Services come so highly recommended. They go beyond surface-level cleaning, delivering real results that protect your space, your staff, and your reputation. Want to know what sets them apart? Learn more about Georgia Facility Services and why they’re a top choice for smart, long-term cleaning solutions. Your customers, employees, and even building inspectors will notice the difference. In this article, we’ll dig into the real costs of neglecting proper cleaning and why it’s worth getting it right. Customer Dissatisfaction Whether returning or potential, customers are always watching. They see your products and hear your pitches. But other senses are at play because they can smell and see your premises. Do you have a reception with a handful of dust and mold stifling out? Or do your restrooms give off more than their fair share of stink? You might think doing enough compensates for everything, but you’re wrong. These spots and others deserve the ultimate cleaning attention. Remember, first impressions are lasting ones. A poorly cleaned business area says more than you imagine. Letting your staff and customers know you don’t care about cleanliness. Real Health and Safety Violations Most businesses are subject to regular health and safety inspections. When you fall foul of the rules, the cost could be too steep to handle. Things like poor hygiene and improper waste disposal can lead to significant fines. There are agencies that watch out for hygiene and safety standards, especially in public industries. Instead of facing risks like steep fines and shutdown, ensure improved cleaning standards. Poor Staff Morale If you thought only your customers would have issues, you’re wrong. Your staff or employees would likely frown at working in a dirty, poorly maintained environment. Their attitude can change to low motivation, poor attention to services, and more. Some of the employees even leave the job, citing poor treatment and consideration. What do your staff really want? They want to be proud of the place they work for. Feeling safe on the job starts with having the right tools and a comfortable, clean environment. That means spotless restrooms, high safety standards, and a space that shows you care. You’ll get fewer sick days, better productivity, and smooth operations. Damaged Reputation It’s a social media world, which means word spreads faster. Most times, it takes a single bad review, viral post, or video to get tongues wagging. The sad part? It could be a dent in your reputation or business credibility. With dirt, you can recover with proper cleaning practices. But it takes more effort to wipe stains off your business’s reputation. Before it gets to that state where your loyal customers leave, get busy. A team with experience can help to brush up on your business environment and spaces. Doing so will mean avoiding extra costs for PR fixes to your reputation. Open Invite to Pests and Extensive Damage It takes a little while before unclean spaces become open invitations to pests. Before you realize it, you’ve got more than dirty floors to deal with. Why not prevent such occurrences with cleaners that maintain a pristine environment? Roaches, termites, rats, and other pests will have a field day in a dirty space. If you have issues with waste, mold, and other dirt, get rid of them fast before you encounter issues that cost more to fix and handle. If you can, employ all necessary measures to maintain a spotless environment. That includes hiring experts who can perform various tasks, depending on the arrangement. Poorly Executed DIY In-house employees or DIY mechanisms may extend potential cleaning problems. This is the case with many small business owners. They imagine that they have people who could come in and mop. But that’s rarely enough. The truth is that professional cleaning is different from casual sweeping or mopping. Professionals come prepared to handle all kinds of cleaning needs. They will deal competently with high-touch surfaces that spread germs. Professionals apply industrial-strength disinfectants and follow strict schedules. They do this without causing a break in your team’s workflow and other processes. And this means you’ll save money and manpower as your team focuses on vital tasks. Conclusion Cleaning attracts some costs, but poor practices create new problems. You may end up spending too much to run your business. Faced with rent and other running costs, a dirty environment has huge financial implications. If you’re starting a new business, it’s a major pitfall to avoid. Some of the repercussions are discussed here. They include damage to your business’s reputation, low staff morale, and regulatory violations. Your best bet? Invest in a professional cleaning company for your business or commercial space. You’d be protecting people, property, inventories, profits, and your reputation. Georgia Facility Services is the best company to work with.

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Ask acquires final plot at Manchester Business Park

Ask acquires final plot at Manchester Business Park

Ask Real Estate (Ask) has acquired the final 7.8 acre plot at Manchester Business Park close to Manchester Airport, from ARC.  The Manchester-based developer plans to build 9 prime last mile logistics units on the site, delivering circa 114,000 sq ft of space. The high-quality units will range in size from 6,700 sq ft to 21,646 sq ft and will appeal to a range of businesses including those in hi-tech industries, aviation, logistics and warehousing. Situated in a prime South Manchester location with immediate access to the M56 and A555 the site will provide occupiers with excellent connectivity locally and regionally with global connections via Manchester Airport. The units will deliver the highest sustainability and smart credentials, will be BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and designed to be net zero in operation. The development of the final plot at Manchester Business Park will complete the Park. Commenting on the acquisition, which was funded by Ask using internal resources, Managing Director John Hughes said: “Manchester Business Park is in a highly prominent location, within Manchester Airport’s strategic employment site and the thriving North West ecosystem of technology, manufacturing, distribution and digital businesses. This is a prime location for developing high quality logistics and industrial facilities which will have exemplary sustainability credentials and superb connectivity through the airport and adjacent motorway networks.” The development sits at Junction 5 of the M56 alongside the £1bn MIX MANCHESTER development zone, for which a strategic regeneration framework has been approved to bring forward up to 2 million sq ft of advanced manufacturing space, R&D labs and office space as well as hotels, leisure facilities and public areas. John Hughes continues: “The South Manchester market is under supplied, particularly in the small to mid-sized sector of the logistics market. These new facilities will deliver much-needed space to complement the tech and R&D spaces being developed at MIX MANCHESTER.” Ask will undertake a public consultation on its plans this autumn and aims to submit a planning application for the proposed development in Q4, with an aim to start on site next year and deliver by summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Harworth Group and Broxtowe Borough Council support early-stage businesses in Bennerley

Harworth Group plc, a leading land and property regenerator of sustainable developments, and Broxtowe Borough Council are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of 13,680 sq ft of Industrial & Logistics (‘I&L’) employment space designed for start-ups and SMEs. The development, at Bennerley in Nottinghamshire, is funded by Kimberley Means Business, a funding facility from the UK Government1. Harworth will deliver five I&L units across two buildings, on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council, under a forward funding agreement. The appointed design and build contractor is Britcon. The occasion was marked at a recent groundbreaking ceremony, attended by members of the Harworth team alongside members and officers of Broxtowe Borough Council and Kimberley Town Council. The project received planning permission in February 2025, and the buildings are due to complete in 2026, with BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation and will meet the Council’s Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. Additional amenities will include the creation of a new access road, serving both the employment scheme and Friends of Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, alongside landscaping to improve connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from Shilo Way into the site. The employment units form part of the wider transformation of the former Bennerley Coal Disposal Point and surrounding land, with the potential to deliver up to 1.8 million sq ft of employment space, when complete, creating around 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs once fully operational. Stuart Ashton, Head of Strategic Planning at Harworth Group, commented: “The creation of these five units will provide much needed employment space for start-ups and SMEs, supporting early-stage business growth in the area. This marks an important milestone in the transformation of Bennerley, with our vision for the wider site focused around creating space that supports local employment opportunities and economic growth, whilst also benefiting the local environment. We look forward to continuing to develop our plans for the site in the months ahead.” Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, added: “I’m delighted to be able to get construction underway for these new business units as part of the Kimberley Means Business project. Providing spaces for local start-ups to establish themselves, and existing SMEs to grow and develop, the units will help to drive economic growth in the area. Together with the new Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, due to be completed in September, these new developments will create a new economic hub in the north of the Borough.” Matt Searston, Commercial Director at Britcon, added: “We are excited to have been awarded this contract and to be starting construction of this project at the Bennerley development, continuing our successful collaborative relationship with Harworth Group. This important strategic site presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality, sustainable employment space that will support long-term local employment and economic growth. Our focus is always on maximising opportunities for local employment and regional suppliers. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring this important development to life.” For more information on our vision for Bennerley, please visit: https://www.bennerleyemployment.co.uk/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Technological advancements to utilise when growing your construction business

Technological advancements to utilise when growing your construction business

Within this digital revolution we have seen banking go online and businesses turn to AI to answer phone calls. This is also relevant for the American construction industry. Technology has reshaped how projects are planned, build and delivered. In 2025, US construction spending is projected to top $2.15 trillion – and digital tools like AI, drones and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are as key to this growth as cement mixers and cranes. For example, drones that were once a novelty gadget and now being credited with boosting industry safety standards by 55% and improving measurement accuracy by 61%. And companies that use commercial property prospecting tools are pulling ahead of those stuck in the old ways of relying on word-of-mouth. Industry experts predict that firms that are slow to adapt to the new high-tech world will be edged out. Current Technological Advancements We’re already a long way from relying on a labourer with a shovel. BIM is now the foundation of all digital build planning in America. It’s the standard tech that underpins workflows and integrates with new tools like drones and AI analysis. Drones themselves have become standard tools for surveys, inspections and progress tracking, while autonomous robotic excavators often move earth without an on-board operator. AI isn’t just for call-centres and Google. It’s common in construction too. It provides expert help with scheduling, quality control and risk management. Competition now often hinges on how constructors use tech, not just on their craftsmanship. How Tech Is Adapted for Construction Traditional construction tools endure dust, bad weather, uneven terrain and work in areas that may have low connectivity. The new generation of tools must do the same. That’s why tech like drones must be made much more rugged for construction use. Digital systems are often operated through Cloud platforms to allow offline work anywhere. This allows robotic systems to operator, for example, autonomous bulldozers and tractors. Amongst this heavy-duty tech, it’s data that is the vital fuel. Information from sensors, AI and BIM systems feed into platforms that optimize the use of materials and construction timetables. Companies also use data to improve their bidding processes, reduce waste and improve safety. That’s why, in recent one survey, 95% of large US contractors admitted to now using at least one digital tool. Trending Tech Driving Results AI-powered safety is the latest use of construction tech. It involves a system of live feeds that flag hazards instantly. Advanced companies are also using augmented reality systems to overlay blueprints onto live views. It is claimed this results in a 25% fall in reworking projects. Many excavating operations are using robotics too. The machines themselves are fitted with autonomous systems to operate with no human on board at all hours even in the harshest conditions. As these uses of AI and automation grow, sustainability remains another target. Digital tools can model a constructor’s energy use and guide a more eco-friendly sourcing of materials. Tech like this is providing faster builds, safer sites and better margins. Embracing the Digital Age for Growth So, in 2025, going digital is key for companies whose clients require speed, safety and precision. That’s why AI investment is surging in the construction world – it is forecast to grow from $4.9 billion in 2025 to $22.7 billion by 2032. In this multi-trillion-dollar market, digital-first firms are increasingly expected to win more work – and build better long-term businesses. Conclusion – Building the Future Like much of the commercial world, the US construction sector has been transforming fast. Unlike other industries, digital advancements are not replacing talent and hard work and is instead a set of tools to empower it. The tech in this age is being used to boost speed, safety and profitability. Companies that are using these technologies are gaining ground thanks to the lowering of costs, faster deliveries and much happier clients. The digital revolution when it comes to construction businesses is underway and the future is likely to be built by those who best embrace the change.

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The Momentum Group marks landmark year with 2025 insights on its responsible business initiatives

The Momentum Group marks landmark year with 2025 insights on its responsible business initiatives

Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has marked a standout year of progress with the release of its second Annual Momentum Contribute Report. Momentum Contribute underpins The Momentum Group’s business activities, and the report highlights a string of achievements that demonstrate the business’s commitment to people, places, the planet and professionalism, including: Chris Bliss, Co-founder and Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “This year, we’ve made significant strides in both social and environmental impact, from becoming a B Corp certified business, to being recognised as one of the best places to work. These achievements are not just milestones, but markers on our path to becoming an even more responsible and sustainable business. Looking ahead, we’re committed to doing more – including launching our Carbon Reduction Plan and the Momentum Group Academy next year.” Health, safety and well-being also remained a cornerstone of Momentum’s approach. Guided by its ‘Safe First’ principle, the Group reported: Chris Renshaw, Co-founder and Director of The Momentum Group, added: “Safe First is not just a motto – it’s embedded in how we operate. These results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to keeping our people and partners safe and continually raising the bar, and underscore The Momentum Group’s growth and dedication to driving positive impact across all areas of the business.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Card reader for your business – how to choose?

Card reader for your business – how to choose?

Customer expectations are at an all-time high. As cashless payments become more prevalent, having the right card reader for your business is essential for streamlining transactions and improving the customer experience. Selecting the best card reader can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right card reader to meet your business needs. Understanding the Different Types of Card Readers There are several types of card readers available on the market, each designed to suit different business needs. The most common types include countertop card readers, mobile card readers, and integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems. Countertop card readers are typically used in brick-and-mortar stores where transactions happen at a fixed point, such as a retail counter. These card readers offer stability and reliability, making them ideal for businesses that deal with high transaction volumes. Mobile card readers are compact and portable, allowing businesses to accept payments on the go. These card readers connect to a smartphone or tablet, making them a great option for businesses like food trucks, pop-up shops, or service providers that need to process payments in different locations. Integrated POS systems combine hardware and software, offering a comprehensive solution for managing transactions, inventory, and customer data. These systems are perfect for businesses looking to integrate their payment processing with other operational aspects, such as stock management or customer loyalty programs. It’s important to assess the nature of your business and its specific needs before deciding on the type of card reader that will best support your operations. Features to Consider When Choosing a Card Reader When selecting a card reader, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure it aligns with your business requirements. Here are the main features you should look for: Making The Final Decision Selecting the right card reader for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs. While affordability is often a key factor, it’s essential to look beyond the initial cost and focus on the long-term benefits. A high-quality, feature-rich card reader can improve the overall efficiency of your business and make transactions smoother for both you and your customers. When choosing a card reader, consider your business’s size, the volume of transactions, and your mobility requirements. Look for a solution that fits your business model, supports multiple payment methods, and offers a user-friendly experience. Providers like Clover have flexible, integrated solutions designed to meet the demands of modern businesses, helping you stay ahead of the competition. With the right card reader, you can ensure that your business stays connected, efficient, and prepared for the future.

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Tackling late payments: How construction businesses can improve cash flow management

Tackling late payments: How construction businesses can improve cash flow management

Simon Shaw, Head of Property and Construction, Duncan & Toplis Cash flow issues can present themselves in any industry, but few are as exposed as the construction sector with every project juggling multiple costs. Here, tight deadlines, long supply chains and vast project timelines can cause stumbling blocks for businesses and developers. For example, delays in receiving payments from clients can lead to reduced reserves, which in turn can lead to a lack of funds to buy materials, pay employees and cope with unexpected issues like soil problems or hidden utilities. And the chances of this having a knock on effect on the overall delivery of the project are high. Construction businesses are frequently tasked with fronting a lot of the project cost before an invoice has even been sent to the customer. As a result, effective cash flow management is a critical element of running a successful project in the sector. Failure to do your due diligence when it comes to cash flow can be catastrophic – not just for the project you are working on, but for your business future as a whole. Late payments can reduce the opportunity to secure future contracts, and it also threatens project completion. Ensuring that all relevant parties are paid on time should be an absolute priority for construction businesses – but it is important to understand why. Why is cash flow important in construction? In construction, cash flow takes on a particular importance, with multiple areas of funding required to balance a project smoothly. These costs include paying for labour, subcontractors, material deliveries and permits, and all of these overheads can be due at different stages of the development process, so need to be allocated and managed as part of the project plan early on. Most construction projects rely on finances from external sources such as lenders or investors, and over the last few years there have been consistent concerns around inflation spikes that drive the price of projects up. This makes costing a development even more difficult, and can result in problems if late payments are made to disrupt your cash flow. Lenders can impose penalties if they don’t see returns on their investment in suitable time, and interest costs can soon see your final bill skyrocket beyond initial expectations, putting the overall project in jeopardy. Monitoring cash flow also enables you to flag any potential risks that could arise in upcoming projects, prepare for smoother outcomes in the future and ultimately grow your business. Common cash flow issues in construction Problems around cash flow can be rife in construction if you are not savvy early on, and they can take on many different forms. High upfront costs is an early hurdle to overcome when mapping out a construction project, as contractors and developers are often asked to provide significant payments towards labour and equipment before a spade has even entered the ground. This can set you on the wrong foot immediately if not handled correctly and promptly, and create further issues down the road. Some of these issues can be out of your control, such as delayed payments from clients. This is why it is important to ensure your cash flow management includes reserves to anticipate and prepare for delayed income. Late payments can affect project timelines, but can also affect the funding of your project on a day-to-day basis, with subcontractors to pay, equipment to buy and hire, and deliveries to order. How you can improve cash flow For every obstacle to overcome with cash flow, there are solutions you can adopt to mitigate and minimise the risk. It is important that all parties to the contract understand and acknowledge the agreed payment terms, as well as details around approval and appeals processes, and terms outlining when final payment will be made. Another administrative change that proves effective is setting up a clear schedule for invoicing, so paperwork does not delay your positive cash flow. Don’t be afraid to charge for late payments; as this can easily derail your project. Effective cash flow management is the cornerstone of any successful business regardless of industry. While the construction of a building is your responsibility in this industry, it cannot be achieved without strategic planning around cash flow and the management of funds coming in and out of the business’ pot. Put simply, if there are cash flow problems within your construction business, it will inevitably impact your ability to complete the project, pay your employees and operate as a successful, profitable company in the sector. Duncan & Toplis provides accounting and business services to property and construction companies across the UK. To learn more about how we can help with cash flow management, and many other business challenges, visit www.duncantoplis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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More New Units Coming At Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington As Steelwork Goes Up

More New Units Coming At Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington As Steelwork Goes Up

After the terrific success of the first phase of development at Stud Brook Business Park, Clowes Developments are now cracking on with their contractors Roe Developments with the next phase of smaller units ranging from circa 3,000 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft. Benefitting from terrific prominence and visibility off the new Castle Donington bypass and set next to a trading Starbucks and Sainsbury’s Convenience Store, the units should be ready for occupation early in 2026 and would suit occupiers looking for trade counter, warehouse or industrial space.  One of the few small new build schemes that is progressing throughout the East Midlands at present, the second phase of Stud Brook follows on from the development of nine new warehouse/industrial units on the site, where over two-thirds of the site was let prior to practical completion. Interest in the smaller units is already strong and occupiers are encouraged to register their interest with the agents who would be delighted to show them around as small units of this quality rarely come to the market, particularly with such prominence and accessibility whilst sitting in a prime location equally distant between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and within moments of the M1 motorway and A50. To see the progress on site, Clowes have installed live cameras which can be accessed via https://clowes-studbrook.co.uk/ providing moment by moment progress on the site, highlighting the quality of build and location. Agents for the scheme are Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants and Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors, and Tim Gilbertson commented: “It’s great to see smaller units being constructed in such a prime location in the East Midlands.  With main road prominence and visibility, these would be ideal for trade counter use or industrial/warehouse purposes.  I can’t remember the last time such a prime location was offered for smaller units so hopefully they will be snapped up quickly”. Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors added: “As Tim says, good quality space in such a prime position almost never comes to market, so it really is great to see our clients developing out here and helping smaller business owners take advantage of a fantastic location”. For full information on the scheme and availability, please do contact either FHP Property Consultants (0115 950 7577) or NG Chartered Surveyors (0115 958 8599). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments Begins Construction of New Trade Counter Units at Stud Brook Business Park

Clowes Developments Begins Construction of New Trade Counter Units at Stud Brook Business Park

Clowes Developments, in partnership with contractor Roe Developments, has commenced enabling works for the next phase of Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington. The project will deliver five new trade counter, warehouse, and industrial units ranging in size from 3,229 sq ft to 4,606 sq ft, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. Located on Plot 1, the units will be built around the fully operational Starbucks Drive-Thru, which sits prominently at the entrance of the business park and offers excellent access and ample central parking. The site is also adjacent to a newly opened Sainsbury’s Local, further enhancing the location’s appeal. Designed primarily for trade counter operators, the new units are part of a strategic expansion of the park. Occupier announcements are expected in the coming months. Roe Developments has been appointed as the main contractor and will deliver the scheme under a 30-week build programme. Units are scheduled for handover around Christmas 2025, with occupiers anticipated to begin trading in the New Year. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, commented: “We’re excited to move forward with the next phase at Stud Brook Business Park. The development has seen strong demand from trade operators since its launch, and Plot 1 represents a key opportunity to build on that momentum. With its prime location and excellent amenities, this phase is set to attract high-quality occupiers. Our ongoing collaboration with IMA Architects and local stakeholders ensures the scheme supports both commercial needs and the broader Castle Donington community.” Potential trade counter occupiers are invited to contact the site’s agents directly via Richard Sutton richards@ng-cs.com 07977 121 340 and Tim Gilbertson tim@fhp.co.uk 07887 787 893. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beyond crime prevention: how CCTV safeguards employees and enhances business reputation

Beyond crime prevention: how CCTV safeguards employees and enhances business reputation

CCTV is often seen as a tool to deter theft and vandalism but its role on construction sites is far more powerful and wide-reaching. From improving health and safety compliance to supporting project management and protecting a company’s reputation, CCTV is fast becoming an essential part of modern site operations. Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities, believes it’s time to change the conversation around surveillance. He said: “CCTV is the ultimate double protection tool. Yes, it helps prevent crime, but it also plays a critical role in keeping employees safe, managing projects more efficiently and even reducing insurance costs. It’s a vital asset for any construction site.” Here are seven ways CCTV is transforming construction site safety and operations: 1. Boosting health and safety compliance When workers know they’re being monitored they’re more likely to follow safety protocols such as wearing five-point PPE. Some modern CCTV systems even use AI to detect whether workers are wearing hard hats and high-vis gear, sending real-time alerts to site managers if they’re not. This proactive approach helps reduce accidents and ensures compliance with HSE regulations. 2. Using public address systems to prevent unsafe behaviour Many CCTV towers are now equipped with public address systems that allow site managers to issue live or automated warnings. If someone is seen entering a restricted area or not following safety procedures, a quick announcement can stop the behaviour immediately before it leads to an incident. 3. Reviewing incidents to learn and improve In the event of an accident, CCTV footage provides a clear, unbiased record of what happened. This can be used to investigate the cause, identify areas for improvement and prevent similar incidents in the future. It also helps protect businesses from false claims and provides support to resolve genuine claims. 4. Reducing insurance premiums and managing claims Insurers increasingly recognise the value of CCTV in reducing risk, so sites with comprehensive surveillance systems may benefit from lower premiums. In the event of a claim, having footage can speed up investigations and reduce liability, saving time and money, as well as mitigating the risk of reputational damage. 5. Protecting children and the public from harm Construction sites can be tempting playgrounds for children, especially during school holidays. CCTV with thermal imaging and AI detection can identify intruders, even in low light, and trigger alarms or public address warnings to prevent accidents. This not only protects lives but also shields companies from legal issues, protecting their reputation. 6. Improving project management and delivery coordination CCTV isn’t just for safety. It’s a powerful project management tool. Off-site project managers can monitor progress remotely, check whether key milestones have been met and ensure that materials have been delivered and installed on time. This visibility helps keep projects on track and stakeholders informed. 7. Ensuring compliance with delivery conditions Planning permissions often come with strict conditions around delivery times and access routes. CCTV allows site managers to monitor and record all deliveries, ensuring compliance and providing evidence in the event of complaints. For example, if a lorry blocks a neighbour’s driveway, footage can quickly identify the issue and help resolve it. Paul added: “Tragically the Health and Safety Executive reported 51 people died in the construction industry between 2023-2024 at the end of last year. “And every year we read of a several devastating instances where children die after entering a construction site. “Employing CCTV to monitor site safety and prevent accidents is just one of the important defences construction sites should deploy to keep their employees and members of the public safe.” For more information, visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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