Partner Housing, in association with Flagship Homes, celebrated the start of works on a new housing development in Necton, Norfolk; The £9.7 million development will see 73 new homes built, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties; Work is expected to finish on the site, called Tower
A new study from Juniper Research has found that the global value of the cellular IoT market will reach $61 billion by 2026; rising from $31 billion in 2022. It identified the growth of 5G and cellular LPWA (Low-power Wide Area) technologies as key to this 95% increase over the
· UKREiiF is a new annual event that will connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment · Conference speakers to include a host of senior figures from national and local government, as well as leading developers and
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, today announced it has begun speculatively developing a 575,000 sq ft logistics park at junction 28 of the M1 in the East Midlands. Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 will comprise two units of 345,000 sq ft and 230,000 sq ft, which
HS2 Station Construction Partner, MD JV are beginning a multi-year programme of procurement Hundreds of further supply chain opportunities will be available through the packages being tendered HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson: “HS2 has never just been about boosting transport – it’s also about driving business, creating long-lasting jobs and Building
The Chartered Institute of Building has responded to Friday figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Hew Edgar, Associate Director of Policy at CIOB, said: “We are pleased to see such positive figures for December, closing off a record year in output growth. However, new work cannot sustain growth
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “Last year saw yet more turbulence for UK construction, but the latest figures show that the industry ended 2021 on a real high. “The value of new orders rose by 9.2% between Q3 and Q4 to an impressive £13.3bn, which is the highest figure
James Latham, distributor of timber, panels and decorative surfaces (stand D55), today unveils its Futurebuild (March 1-3, Excel) activity which will showcase a suite of timber-based, sustainable construction and interiors options. James Latham’s stand will be subject to a “take-over” from Kiss House, the innovative homes company, and Passivhaus offsite-manufacturer.
This National Apprenticeship Week, a leading UK authority on asbestos training is urging employers to ensure asbestos awareness training is provided to all apprentices, to reduce the number of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases. Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to
Partner Housing, in association with Flagship Homes, celebrated the start of works on a new housing development in Necton, Norfolk; The £9.7 million development will see 73 new homes built, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties; Work is expected to finish on the site, called Tower Mill, in early 2024 United Living New Homes subsidiary Partner Construction and leading housing provider Flagship Homes held a ground-breaking ceremony this week to celebrate the start of works on the brand new £9.7 million Tower Mill housing development in Necton, Norfolk. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Frank Lincoln, Regional Managing Director of Partner Construction | United Living New Homes, and Tony Tann, Managing Director of Flagship Homes, to celebrate this milestone. On behalf of Flagship Homes, Partner Construction is creating 73 new homes on North Pickenham Road in Necton, delivering much-needed affordable housing for the local community. The residential development will feature a mix of two-bedroom bungalows, one-bedroom walk-up flats, and two, three-, and four-bedroom houses. Supported by Homes England funding, the properties are 100% affordable, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent ensuring genuine affordability for residents. The development is in a beautiful rural location and includes green open space, with landscaping plans to ensure the scheme looks attractive and in keeping with the surrounding area. This is one of two projects delivered in close partnership between Partner Construction and Flagship Homes, with a second scheme in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. The £8.4 million, 100% affordable development will create 53 new homes to provide much-needed new housing for the local area. Frank Lincoln said: “We are delighted to celebrate the start of construction works at Necton with a turf cutting ceremony. Working collaboratively with Flagship Homes, we look forward to delivering high-quality new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community. “We pride ourselves on supporting people with our affordable homes and employing a workforce on site that will be made up of local labour and contractors. With our homes, we are determined to ensure that the housing market better serves young first-time buyers and families on low to average incomes.” Tony Tann said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on this site in Necton with Partner Construction. The development following a competition within our Development Team is named “Tower Mill” to associate it with the local Mill and the Village and we see this as the start of its integration within the community. The development provides essential housing to the area while respecting the beautiful rural landscape. We’re building a mix of 73 Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties to make sure that many local people and families will have access to quality affordable housing. It’s fantastic to see this development underway and are pleased to have Partner Construction working with us to share in that vision and provide a huge housing boost to the area.” The new homes are due to be completed in early 2024. You can find out more by visiting www.flagship-group.co.uk, and @_FlagshipGroup on Twitter and Instagram.
A new study from Juniper Research has found that the global value of the cellular IoT market will reach $61 billion by 2026; rising from $31 billion in 2022. It identified the growth of 5G and cellular LPWA (Low-power Wide Area) technologies as key to this 95% increase over the next four years. The new study, Cellular IoT: Strategies, Opportunities & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, predicted that, LPWA solutions, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, will be the fastest-growing cellular IoT technologies over the next four years. It anticipated that the low cost of both connectivity and hardware will drive adoption for remote monitoring in key verticals, such as agriculture, smart cities and manufacturing. In turn, LPWA connections are expected to grow 1,200% over the next four years. For more insights, download our free whitepaper: Three Important Cellular IoT Strategies for 2022. 2G and 3G Network Shutdowns to Drive LPWA The report urged operators to migrate IoT connections on legacy networks to networks that support LPWA technologies. It anticipated that demand from enterprises for low-cost monitoring technologies, enabled by LPWA networks, will increase as these legacy networks are shut off over the next four years. Research co-author Charles Bowman commented: “Operators must educate users on the suitability of LPWA as a replacement technology for legacy networks. However, many IoT networks cannot solely rely on LPWA technologies. More comprehensive technologies, such as 5G, must underpin IoT network architectures and work in tandem with LPWA technologies to maximise the value of IoT services.” 5G to Generate $9 Billion for the IoT Market by 2026 Conversely, the report predicted that 5G IoT services will generate $9 billion of revenue by 2026; rising from $800 million in 2021. This represents a growth of 1,000% over the next five years as 5G coverage expands and operators benefit from the increased number of 5G IoT connections. To capitalise on this growth, it recommended operators offer value-added services, such as network slicing and edge computing, to IoT users to maximise the value of 5G adoption.
· UKREiiF is a new annual event that will connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment · Conference speakers to include a host of senior figures from national and local government, as well as leading developers and investors · Awards to celebrate pioneers in the ESG agenda, including Net Zero Hero of the Year, Social Value & Inclusive Growth Creator of the Year and Net Zero Place of the Year Government Ministers, councils, combined authorities and regional bodies representing cities from across the UK and the country’s most dynamic economies have committed to exhibit at a conference and exhibition that aims to bring together public sector organisations with both domestic and international investors and developers. The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which takes place from 17-19 May in Leeds, is a new annual event that will connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the country. Confirmed keynote speakers include Lord Grimstone, Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade, Baroness Vere, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, John Flint, Chief Executive at UK Infrastructure Bank, and Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. Public sector bodies that have already thrown their weight behind the event include Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Midlands Engine, multiple London boroughs and Glasgow City Council, alongside Birmingham City Council, Belfast City Council, Hull and the Humber and York and North Yorkshire. Wolverhampton, Blackpool, Carlisle, Staffordshire, Bradford, Cornwall, and Fife councils, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Invest Newcastle, Western Gateway – which covers Cardiff, Bristol and Swansea – and Thames Estuary Growth Board have also signed up. Private sector representation is equally strong, with dozens of exhibitors already signed up including Knight Frank, CoStar, Englobe, LandTech, First Base, Capital & Centric, JLL, MEPC, Countryside, Faithful & Gould, Atkins, Tarmac, Queensberry, Thirteen Group, Delta Simons, Maber, E.ON and ERE Property. Regional location Taking place in Leeds City Centre, UKREiiF will be one of the only such events to take place outside London, highlighting the huge investment opportunities that are available right across England and the devolved nations. Keith Griffiths, Founder of Built Environment Networking, UKREiiF’s organiser, said: “Hosting UKREiiF in Leeds was the obvious choice. In addition to keeping costs and carbon lower, the central location means that UKREiiF is also as inclusive as possible for delegates throughout the country, cutting travel expenses and carbon footprints. “Further, the rich mix of exhibitors signed up so far is highly encouraging and underscores the high demand for this type of event. Clearly, both the public and private sectors are seeing UKREiiF as valuable opportunity to come together for mutual benefit and for the good of the country.” Strong conference agenda and high-level speakers In addition to showcasing investment opportunities to investors, developers and house builders, UKREiiF’s conference agenda will address key themes, including the UK’s net zero target, social value and inclusive growth, the future of real estate and building better communities. Griffiths added: “At the heart of the show’s reason for being is improved outcomes for all people. That means promoting social value as well as environmental sustainability in real estate, as well as breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in all its forms in the real estate industry.” The conference will also hear from leading lights in local government, including Andrew Kerr OBE, Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council, Marvin Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, and Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive, Cardiff Capital Region, Jo Dally, Director, Western Gateway and Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader, Glasgow City Council. The agenda is also replete with influential figures from central government and national agencies, including Nick Harris, Chief Executive of National Highways, and Dr Janet Young, Chief Property Officer of the UK Government, as well as Gareth Rhys Williams, Government Chief Commercial Officer in the Cabinet Office, and Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England. On the private sector side, meanwhile, speakers include Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability at British Land, Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive Officer at the Harworth Group, Katie Kopec, International Director at JLL, Jennie Coleville, Head of ESG and Sustainability at Landsec, and Jennie Daly, Group Operations Director at Taylor Wimpey. Heads of leading occupiers include Dr Kath Mackay, Director at Bruntwood Life Sciences, and Andy Williams, Vice President, UK Strategy, at AstraZeneca. Awards to celebrate environmental and social sustainability As well as hosting the conference and exhibition, the event will also include an awards dinner on the evening of Tuesday 17th May. The awards feature categories specifically dedicated to celebrating pioneers in the ESG agenda, including Net Zero Hero of the Year, Social Value & Inclusive Growth Creator of the Year and Net Zero Place of the Year The event is being sponsored by the Department for International Trade and Government Property Function, signifying that UKREiiF is already seen as a key industry event by ministers and officials working at the heart of HM Government. Private sector partners include JLL, the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and MX Insurance. UKREiiF’s organisers are confident that the event will see more than 5,000 in person attendees, over 250 speakers across 14 stages, in excess of 100 exhibitors and at least 50 fringe events. For more information visit www.ukreiif.com
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, today announced it has begun speculatively developing a 575,000 sq ft logistics park at junction 28 of the M1 in the East Midlands. Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 will comprise two units of 345,000 sq ft and 230,000 sq ft, which are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year and will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. The 345,000 sq ft facility will benefit from 15m clear internal height, 32 dock doors, 4 level access, 291 car parking spaces, including electric charging points for cars and vans and 49 HGV spaces. The 230,000 sq ft facility will benefit from 15m clear internal height, 22 dock doors, 3 level access, 260 car parking spaces and 41 HGV spaces. Buckingham Group Contracting has been appointed main contractor on site. Junction 28 of the M1 is an important logistics location in the East Midlands, as it is almost equidistant between Birmingham and Manchester, the UK’s second and third largest cities, and offers the ability to easily serve from the Midlands to Yorkshire. The park lies to the east of the junction, fronting the A38, which links it directly to Birmingham via Derby. The M1 link puts both Sheffield and Nottingham within easy reach. Andy Preston, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This is a key logistics location in the UK, as 71% of the UK can be reached within a 4.5-hour HGV journey. The park can serve as a centre for same day e-fulfilment operations or as a national and regional distribution hub. “We are excited to be bringing forward Grade-A buildings in a supply-starved market and we are already having conversations with potential occupiers, struggling to find suitable existing buildings”. Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 is part of Panattoni’s commitment to a significant speculative development programme in the UK in response to strong demand from occupiers for immediately available space. Letting agents are FHP and CBRE.
HS2 Station Construction Partner, MD JV are beginning a multi-year programme of procurement Hundreds of further supply chain opportunities will be available through the packages being tendered HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson: “HS2 has never just been about boosting transport – it’s also about driving business, creating long-lasting jobs and Building Back Better HS2’s Station Construction Partner for Euston station, a joint venture between Mace and Dragados (MD JV), is ramping up procurement this month, as it starts to offer packages worth over £500 million to help deliver HS2’s brand-new station at Euston. This represents the start of a multi-year programme of procurement to support development and delivery of the HS2 scheme. The contracts include the procurement for the construction of the main substructure at the station, which will involve packages for pilling, earthworks and reinforced concrete. In addition, MD JV is also looking to secure a subcontractor to deliver the main systems and mechanical and electrical and plumbing (MEP) packages for the station. These Tier 2 contract packages will result in many other contracts flowing through the supply chain, giving opportunities to businesses large and small to participate in delivering HS2. This just one of the areas in which the HS2 project will be providing long-term work for businesses, providing stability and opportunities for growth. HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 has never just been about boosting transport – it’s also about driving business, creating long-lasting jobs and Building Back Better from the pandemic. “This major investment shows we’re delivering on our promises to improve transport across the nation while providing opportunities for business and boosting the economy.” Andy Swift, HS2 Project Client for Euston, said: “Our work to deliver HS2’s London terminus station at Euston will really ramp up over the next few years. We have been preparing the area for the construction of the new station, which will transform the Euston area, including delivering improved connections with the London Underground. “We encourage businesses big and small to bid for these packages, and we are proud of the role that HS2 is playing in helping boost the UK economy after covid.” MD JV took over the HS2 station site in 2020 and has already completed pilling for the west wall of the station. Hundreds of jobs have already been supported on the project, and it is projected that these new contracts will support the 3,000 jobs that will be filled at peak to construct HS2’s Euston station. Paul Leighton, Deputy Delivery Director, Mace Dragados JV, said: “Given the scale of the task at Euston, we’re in no doubt as to how important our supply chain is to our success. We’re looking for our suppliers to not only provide us with skilled team members that will help us grow in size and capability, but to bring ideas and innovations that will help us set standards in the industry. We’re excited to see the wider impacts of our procurement activities too, with opportunities for suppliers across the country helping to feed into the national levelling-up agenda.” Mace Dragados will publish the majority of the opportunities for Euston Station on its dedicated CompeteFor website https://www.competefor.com/macedragados
The Chartered Institute of Building has responded to Friday figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Hew Edgar, Associate Director of Policy at CIOB, said: “We are pleased to see such positive figures for December, closing off a record year in output growth. However, new work cannot sustain growth alone, many parts of the industry have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels due to several underlying issues holding the construction industry back, such as cost of materials, labour shortages and ability to transport goods to and from sites to name a few. It is clear that intervention is needed at a government level to provide industry with the support it needs, and reassurance that they explore all avenues that could ease the pressure caused by factory closures, encourage new talent to enter the construction industry, and providing the industry with a steady pipeline of work through investment of public new work which contributed very little to this month’s output.” The figures released on Friday (11 February 2022) showed a slight uptick of 2 per cent in December 2021 compared to the previous month, with infrastructure work continuing to prove a reliable source of growth in December as has been the case for the past three years. Both infrastructure and private new housing were the only new work sectors where the level of output in December was above their Covid-19 February 2020 levels. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the increase in private new housing is because of businesses pushing work to finish before the end of the year and easing of certain construction products will likely have helped. For public work, new housing has seen a small increase in December of 7 per cent which offsets the decline in new work starting in other public areas which dropped by 7 per cent compared to November. Looking back on the year-on-year change in construction output, we see that the total construction output for 2021 has increased by almost 13 per cent compared to the previous year. This is the largest increase since annual records began, indicating that construction has continued to bounce back from the pandemic. However, many sectors have not yet returned to the levels of output pre-pandemic in February 2020 and so although output has increased by a large amount, it still isn’t at ‘normal’ levels. New work is a good temperature check on how the construction industry is currently performing. New orders for commercial work have increased by 14 per cent in Q4 of 2021 in the wake of continued laxing in Covid-19 restrictions boosting optimism from construction investment firms. However, there is a real risk to the completion of projects as the costs of materials continue to rise with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) releasing data showing that costs rose by almost 23 per cent into late 2021. Alongside this, the shortages of skilled workers continues to worsen as the ONS recently reported that construction vacancies rose by 43 per cent from Q2 to Q3 2021 and we have recently seen the London Mayor, call for a temporary visa scheme for builders to tackle the shortage of workers. In October 2021, the ONS released data on the productivity in the construction industry which saw a trend of businesses moving away from purchasing materials and more towards purchasing services to minimise the impact we are seeing on the rise of costs for both people and goods. This trend is expected to continue if there is no intervention.
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “Last year saw yet more turbulence for UK construction, but the latest figures show that the industry ended 2021 on a real high. “The value of new orders rose by 9.2% between Q3 and Q4 to an impressive £13.3bn, which is the highest figure in over four years, since Q3 in 2017. “It also represents a 35% increase year-on-year, up from £9.9bn in Q4 2020, showing a real surge in momentum. “The infrastructure sector drove the largest rise in new orders; at the end of 2021, the value of new orders rose by 23% from £1.7bn to £2.1bn. “The private industrial sector also performed well and reported the second most significant increase (22% – up to £1.9bn). “They still have some way to go to catch the highest value sector though, with private commercial construction rising 14% to remain in the lead (£3.8bn). “Not all sectors saw growth, however, with housing in particular having a slow end to the year. The value of new public housing projects dropped by 19%, from £426m down to £345m, and private housing was also down (-0.4%, down to £3.7bn). “As well as variation between sectors, the figures also contrast dramatically across the UK. By far the largest increase was seen in the North East of England, where the value of new orders trebled (200%) from £575m to £1.7bn. “In London, the value fell by 15%, but at £3.8bn, the capital remains top of the list for regions. “Overall, the new data shows that UK construction is in a really positive place. With expensive new orders being placed all over the country, it’s a clear display of confidence in the industry. “Hopefully this trend will continue into 2022.” For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/
James Latham, distributor of timber, panels and decorative surfaces (stand D55), today unveils its Futurebuild (March 1-3, Excel) activity which will showcase a suite of timber-based, sustainable construction and interiors options. James Latham’s stand will be subject to a “take-over” from Kiss House, the innovative homes company, and Passivhaus offsite-manufacturer. Central to the experience will be two 3 x 3 x 3 m sections from the Kiss House residential construction system which visitors can explore in their own time, and that will double as a seminar space. Bespoke tours will be available of this innovative and sustainable building system which has the potential to improve the quality and performance of residential housing. Experts will be on hand to outline the latest sustainable developments in timber and surfacing. The panel of specialists will include manufacturers Accsys Technologies and WISA along with Kiss House designers. In addition, the James Latham team will be on hand to showcase its innovative carbon impact calculator. Both carbon footprint and biogenic carbon content are now shown on key James Latham documentation such as quotations, delivery notes and invoices, meaning users can fully understand the carbon impact of the products they choose. The distributor will also be celebrating some of the most exciting, sustainable surfacing and timber options on the market, including: Accoya – a FSC modified timber, developed by Accsys Technologies, with properties that match those of the best tropical hardwoods Finish Line Cladding Collection – a Latham’s exclusive with 12 unique colour options including the highly contemporary Slate Grey, Apricot and Charcoal finishes WISA Birch Premium Plywood – made from Finnish Birch this offers a beautiful light look with good strength properties, it’s a good base for lacquering, varnishing and staining Garnica Ultralight Poplar Plywood – an ultralight sandwich panel with XPS core, made from 100% European poplar from sustainable plantations. Its light-coloured faces and premium quality internal sheets make it ideal for painting and laminating/film coating. Garnica Duraply Poplar Plywood Panels – these offer exceptional durability due to an innovative ply-to-ply treatment which delivers fungi and insect resistance even under the most adverse weather conditions. The panel’s core and faces are made from sustainable European poplar. This is a Marine Plywood alternative with a great environmental story Valchromat MDF panels – engineered coloured wood, a wood fibre panel which is coloured throughout and offers high physical performance. The fibres are individually impregnated with organic dyes and chemically bonded by specifically developed resins. Commenting on James Latham’s Futurebuild experience, Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing, says “The climate crisis is the biggest challenge facing us, and so we’re using Futurebuild to focus on three key things. Firstly, sustainable innovation, with Kiss House bringing to life just what is possible to achieve on the low carbon front using timber to create wonderful homes. Secondly, we’re celebrating the very real materials innovation that is afoot within timber and surfacing. Lastly, to build more sustainably, data is absolutely fundamental and so we’re using Futurebuild as a way to introduce our carbon calculator to visitors.” He added, “We wanted to collaborate with Kiss House as its broadly wood-based solution uses several grades of timber to produce high-quality, very-low embodied carbon homes. This perfectly illustrates how important timber will be in ensuring a sustainable built-environment, along with how this most traditional of materials is increasingly being used as a lynchpin element to very real innovation.” You can find James Latham at stand D55. The distributor is also part of the Futurebuild Innovation trail which consists of 14 specially selected, future-focused exhibitors.
This National Apprenticeship Week, a leading UK authority on asbestos training is urging employers to ensure asbestos awareness training is provided to all apprentices, to reduce the number of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases. Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing deadly asbestos related diseases than older workers. Providing apprentices with key information about asbestos at an early stage will enable them to challenge poor work practices and protect themselves. Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), urged: “With the death toll from asbestos exposure over 5000 per year, UKATA is calling on all employers of apprentices working in trades, to ensure asbestos awareness training is conducted as soon as possible.” Apprentice electricians, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, heating and ventilation engineers, painters and decorators are just some of the 1.3 million tradespeople that are at risk from exposure to the killer building material. And the facts are startling: Asbestos kills around 20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths (www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/tradesperson.htm) Electricians are almost 16 times more likely than the general population to develop the killer lung disease mesothelioma in their lifetime. (Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case-control study.) Asbestos exposure kills 4 plumbers every week (Health & Safety Executive) The UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world. The risk is highest in people who were exposed to asbestos before age 30. (Institute of Cancer Research) Despite the well-publicised health risks posed by asbestos, a 2017 survey conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of 500 tradespeople showed that less than a third were aware of the correct ways to deal with and handle asbestos in the workplace. Craig explained: “It’s never too early to provide asbestos awareness training to your workforce. The statistics show that the earlier in a person’s career they receive the appropriate training, then the better protected they are against developing asbestos related cancers in later life. “A half day awareness course could prevent them from contracting a deadly disease and also ensure they don’t expose others to the dangers of asbestos.” For employers whose apprentices are yet to receive asbestos awareness training, UKATA advises that they access UKATA approved asbestos awareness training, either with a local provider or online. “Asbestos awareness training is low cost and readily available. I urge all employers to book their apprentices on these half-day courses and provide them with a safe foundation for a long and safe career within the construction industry,” added Craig. UKATA approved asbestos awareness courses are available both online and in training centres throughout the UK. Alternatively, the training provider may deliver on site. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call our team on 01246 824437.
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to end the country’s reliance of gas were inadequate and lacked clear direction. With domestic heating constituting 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions and gas currently warming 86% of homes, the company is highlighting the need for effective, innovative technologies that can make an instant impact. “The issue of how we are going to decarbonise heating for new and existing residential building stock is not a new one,” explains Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “Yet as the recent comments from the BEIS select committee demonstrates, there is currently an unacceptable gap between good thought and good practice. Though the Government’s Heating and Buildings Strategy lays out welcome steps, including the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme, this pot is too small to make a meaningful difference. “The adoption of heat pumps and district heating systems at scale is a clear and obvious solution that can be adopted in the here-and-now. But in order for these technologies to be as impactful as possible, the Government needs to expand the rollout of low-carbon and waste heat networks. Only by doing so can we fulfil the enormous potential of these transformative technologies in the UK.” Beyond expanding the scope of existing schemes, Steve is advocating for a review of energy subsidies on electricity bills, which would make heat pumps more attractive to end users currently on mains gas. Since the closure of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, there are also very limited funding options for private commercial buildings to transition from fossil fuels to these more sustainable options. “As highlighted by the various trade associations, while the need for action is clear absolutist moves such as shifting policy costs onto gas bills could create further price spikes that could badly affect UK households,” Steve concludes. “As such, policy needs to be carefully enacted to level the playing field between gas and other solutions and ensure this necessary transition is as cost-effective as possible. “While a nuanced approach is clearly required in the medium-to-long term, the end goal is clear – a national energy mix that is sustainable and not hostage to spiralling fuel costs. District heating and heat pump technologies offer the best way forward in this regard.” For more information on REHAU’s low carbon district heating solutions, visit: www.rehau.co.uk/districtheating