bdc magazine

AutoBoost: what is it?  And why do you need it?

Performance boosting feature wins another Archie for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks at this year’s Awards for Excellence When the Awards jury met to select the winners for this year’s Archies – the UKMHA’s Awards for Excellence – one particular feature intrigued them. It was AutoBoost on the Mitsubishi EDiA XL 4-5

Read More »

Tips for hiring water cart services

Before choosing a water tank provider, you should consider several factors. Upon making a decision, explore your options and locate an expert who can assist you. If you are seeking a water cart service for your home or business, these factors should be considered before selecting a provider. First, how

Read More »
jxvjldfgjdfl

GRAHAM begins work on M25 junction 28 upgrade

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has commenced work on an upgrade of the M25 junction 28 for National Highways. Junction 28 plays a major role in connecting the A12 and the M25, as well as providing access to Brentwood via the A1023. Up to 7,500 vehicles currently travel through the junction

Read More »

Property maintenance company shortlisted in top industry awards

Two employees at a Midlands housing association have been announced as finalists in a top awards scheme.  Joe Henshaw and Andy Hibbert – colleagues at Platform Property Care, a subsidiary of one of the UK’s largest housing associations, Platform Housing Group – have been shortlisted in The Team of the Year category in The 2022 Direct

Read More »

Platform Housing Group expands into Oxfordshire

Work has begun on a substantial housing development in Carterton in Oxfordshire that will see 200 homes provided for people to live in the area. Platform Housing Group have begun work at the site at Milestone Road which has been provided by West Oxfordshire District Council and will be developed

Read More »

EnviroBlok production rate increases by a third

Since the launch of net zero EnviroHoard™ in 2021, Panthera Group contracts for the sustainable site protection hoarding system now exceed 53% of all hoarding sales in the business; a figure that far outperforms predicted forecasts. This is no doubt assisted by the wider construction sector’s drive for net zero.

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

bdc magazine

AutoBoost: what is it?  And why do you need it?

Performance boosting feature wins another Archie for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks at this year’s Awards for Excellence When the Awards jury met to select the winners for this year’s Archies – the UKMHA’s Awards for Excellence – one particular feature intrigued them. It was AutoBoost on the Mitsubishi EDiA XL 4-5 tonne electric counterbalance truck.   So, what is it and what does it do? It’s one of a clutch of patent-pending design innovations that singled out the electric EDiA XL from its rivals and helped it scoop a deserved Archie. Put simply, AutoBoost senses when truck speed on an incline drops by more than 1.5km/hr. Then it automatically and seamlessly delivers the additional torque and acceleration to maintain normal progress. There’s no pause and no loss of momentum. In doing so, AutoBoost eliminates a common failing among competitor electric trucks: power drop-off on ramps and long inclines. It also overcomes one of the reasons why some sectors have been reluctant to make the switch from diesel. “In every demo, it is AutoBoost that seals the deal,” explains Ben Haseley, Managing Director of RDD, the sole UK distributor for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks. “As soon as it comes to a ramp, rivals start to slow right down but the EDiA XL just powers up. It’s been a key factor in the decision-making process across a broad sweep of industries previously committed to diesel including transport, logistics, drinks, timber, brick and block. “Customers who are looking for the ultimate performance also love the fact that AutoBoost can be programmed to instantly deliver maximum acceleration from the moment the accelerator pedal is depressed.”  Game-changing traction and greater storage density But that’s not the only reason the 4-5 tonne Mitsubishi EDiA XL stormed its way to an Archie. It’s just one in a series of features that make this truck the smoothest, strongest and quietest electric on the market. Developed for genuine indoor-outdoor performance in every conceivable application the EDiA XL features four-wheel steering along with another unique innovation: an electric differential lock. Together they deliver sure-footed traction and control, even in the most hostile environments. At the rear of the truck the wheels turn through a massive 100-degree lock to help deliver the smallest turning circle on the market – typically 500mm less than diesel models – to generate greater storage density. The most energy-efficient electric counterbalance in its 4-5 tonne class, EDiA XL works exceptionally long shifts. Available with a choice of battery types, when specified with lithium-ion batteries, it will work multi-shift operations, making it a genuine rival to diesel in terms on non-stop availability. Equipped with state-of-the art software to match performance characteristics to the operating conditions as well the individual operator, EDiA XL has been designed to inspire confidence, optimise safety and maximise throughput. “Every now and then a product comes along that stands head and shoulders above the rest,” says Ben Haseley. “That supremacy may only last a few years, but during that time, it’s the benchmark against which all others are judged. The Mitsubishi EDiA XL is that truck.” In selecting the EDiA XL as winner of the Environmental Product Award 2022, the jury was impressed by new technologies developed by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks that allow an electric truck to offer a green alternative to IC engine trucks in more demanding environments than ever before. For further information about EDiA XL, or to find out more about any product in the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, visit www.mitforklift.com or call the Mitsubishi Greenline on 0845 3713048

Read More »

Tips for hiring water cart services

Before choosing a water tank provider, you should consider several factors. Upon making a decision, explore your options and locate an expert who can assist you. If you are seeking a water cart service for your home or business, these factors should be considered before selecting a provider. First, how much water do you need? Second, what type of vehicle will work best for your needs? Third, how often will you need the service? Fourth, what accessories will you need? Estimate the average daily use for your appliances to determine how much water you need. Once you have calculated this amount, multiply it by the number of days in a week. That figure is how many gallons of water you’ll need per day. Finally, divide that figure by the size of your vehicle. When purchasing water trucks, remember a few things: Verify that your vendor is licensed and insured. Ensure you understand the service agreement and the services included. Be sure to ask questions before hiring their services. Different types of carts:     The different cart options include 1,000 liters, 1,200 liters, 3,500 liters, 4,500 liters, 5,000 liters, etc. The 1000 and 1200 litres have high-pressure 2-inch pumps of 20 meters in length and several other features for fair usage. The 3,500 litres comes with a pump, batter sprays, rear hoses, and accessories. The 4500-litre tank is the next step up from the 3,500-liter size. Some of the application of these carts includes dust suppression, watering the plants, or anyone who wants to have a lot of water on hand. The rear spray works excellent if you aim for dust suppression. They are compact, comfortable and user-friendly. The 5,000 litres cart includes a powerful turbo diesel engine and helps with automatic transmission. The side spray, rear spray, and dribble bar provide excellent service. Check the different options and select based on your needs. Benefits of Water cart renting services A water cart rental can save you money, which is one of its many benefits. Renting it can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing all the necessary equipment if you require a large amount of water for your business or construction project. Another benefit is that it can save you time. If you have to transport water from one location to another, it can take a lot of time to set up and then take down all equipment. Renting can help you save time by having everything ready when needed. Renting a water tank can also help you stay organised. When you have all your equipment in one place, it is easier to keep track of everything and ensure everything is where it needs to be. This can help you avoid losing important items or forgetting to bring something essential when needed. Payment Methods: The water delivery service can be paid for in various ways. Cash, checks, and major credit cards are all accepted payment methods. Suppose you need help determining which payment method is best for you. You can ask the company that brings you water. They will be glad to help you figure out how to pay for your service in the best way. Conclusion: Cart services are becoming increasingly popular. And for a good reason. These services are convenient, efficient, and relatively affordable. A service that offers carts in good condition and meets safety standards must be selected first. There are ample options in the market; opt for the one that best suits your needs. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »

Real estate marketing and 3D visualization tools: the reason and advantages

Construction companies that had a thoughtful and long-term strategy focused on the consumer, and even before the onset of the pandemic moved communication and business processes online, now found themselves one step ahead of those developers who were caught off guard by the crisis. However, it is too early to relax. It depends on how the marketing promotion of companies and their facilities works during the crisis, who will occupy the leading positions in the market, and who will go down to the bottom of the ranking and stay there for the next number of years. The younger millennial audience is more likely to be influenced by digital marketing in newer channels such as social media and social networking platforms than marketing through traditional channels. This generation values ​​social queues and images shared by friends more. For this reason, high-quality images that can be shared online or embedded in videos can be a very valuable marketing tool! There’s a reason that serious digital marketing campaigns have been built around some of the most expensive properties in the world, developers of which opted for 3D services. As marketing is all about creating emotions and adding some flare, 3D Visualization by Visengine https://visengine.com/3d-visualisation/ will definitely help you make the desired impact.  Why market real estate projects with 3D visualization? This is not only the perfect way to communicate your idea but also allows us to eliminate problems before they occur in reality. With the continuous development of 3D visualization technology, people are paying more and more attention to this solution. Especially in the real estate industry, 3D architectural tours have become a marketing trend, allowing customers to roam freely around a building in the form of a 3D animation before investing. Not only is it more intuitive than a traditional image, but it also gives customers an immersive experience with a photorealistic 3D tour of the facility. For those projects that are under development or ready for construction, the 3D architectural tours break the imagination by combining 3D modeling, music, animation, and 3D visualization with the viewer and space to experience a virtual tour of the building. Advantages of 3D Architectural Tours for Real Estate Marketing 1. Enhance the visual effect Once the 3D architectural visualization and animation are complete, it can be played on the real estate sales floor so that customers can experience the visual effect at first glance when they walk through the door. Vivid video highlights the real estate’s benefits, and dynamic sound grabs viewers’ attention. From the moment customers enter the hall, virtual video marketing is completed. 2. Better understanding 2G architectural plans are difficult to understand, even when rendered with still CGI, which is unable to keep up with customer requirements. 3D architectural tours have an advantage over a 2D floor plan as they allow clients to fully understand the design and, more importantly, the layout. 3D visualization and animation can integrate scattered text and, finally, sound and image information in a video. What’s more, 3D step-by-step technology plays an essential role in stimulating the desire of customers to buy by intuitively providing a panoramic view of the real state, including general architectural features, geographical location, surrounding facilities, transportation network, etc. 3. Online and offline promotion In the age of the Internet, businesses can display 3D architectural projects on their website for long-term investment, rental, and evaluation activities. Bright and intuitive animation effect, combined with dynamic music, enhances the impact of promotion online and offline. 4. Interactive form, better experience With a 3D architectural step-by-step guide, 3D walkthrough companies can use a dynamic interactive way to study the future architecture or urban area comprehensively. Through interaction, the overall effect will be more vivid. The 3D step-by-step function allows the audience to walk freely and watch the “building roaming,” bringing an incomparable sense of reality and the scene to the target audience and letting them feel on the stage so that the customers can better understand the spatial planning and design. 5. Emotional Connection The company’s 3D architectural management strives to foster greater human interaction and connection in the form of storytelling, which is realized through 3D photorealistic rendering, excellent camera composition, and the use of music, style, and theme. The company’s 3D step-by-step animation asks for more information and a step-by-step guide before starting to create excitement among its target customers and shareholders. Compared to non-emotional content, high-value content easily creates an emotional connection with the viewer, which is 28% more likely to be shared online. 6. Increase conversions What is the basic standard for a marketing campaign? The answer is the conversion rate, which is the key to measuring the success of every marketing plan. Based on 3D animated instructions, more and more leads can be converted into customers to provide presets. Additionally, recent research indicates that 71% of marketers seem to find video content easier to convert, and the industry average conversion rate for websites using video is 4.8%. Therefore, video content is considered an important part of the marketing strategy. 7. Presentation The 3D architectural review is a means of demonstrating the proposed project, thanks to its higher form of content. Only by realistically capturing every detail and layout, engagement, and precise fashion can they bring an architectural design to life. With the help of intuitive services, such as 3D streaming services, you can find that this type of video content is sure to satisfy potential buyers and investors. 8. Accessibility A potential buyer prefers to view 3D tours online, which is effective in removing obstacles and doubts in viewing a fully built space before making an investment. In addition, customers are available to view your site online 24/7 if necessary, helping you reach people all over the world for business. 9. Competitive edge How to stand out in an industry full of fierce competition? One of the best things a business can do is find a competitive advantage that can set you apart from the crowd. In terms of 3D walkthroughs,

Read More »
jxvjldfgjdfl

GRAHAM begins work on M25 junction 28 upgrade

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has commenced work on an upgrade of the M25 junction 28 for National Highways. Junction 28 plays a major role in connecting the A12 and the M25, as well as providing access to Brentwood via the A1023. Up to 7,500 vehicles currently travel through the junction roundabout every hour at peak times, which is already operating at capacity, with motorists regularly experiencing congestion and delays. GRAHAM’s work involves the creation of a two-lane loop road with a hard shoulder for traffic travelling from the M25 northbound carriageway anti-clockwise onto the A12 eastbound carriageway towards Essex. This will include the construction of new bridges to take the loop road over or under the other road links and the Weald Brook, along with new signage and changes to the landscape. GRAHAM’s project team will also change the position of the A12’s eastbound exit slip road and the M25’s anti-clockwise entry slip road to allow for the new loop road. In addition, work will involve widening the M25 anti-clockwise carriageway to provide more space for traffic leaving the A12 heading eastbound. The majority of the construction work will take place off the road network, with the new loop road and links being almost fully completed before any work takes place that will impact drivers.  Work on the scheme is expected to take 36 months, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2025. Discussing the scheme, GRAHAM Highways Director, Dave Brown, said: “We are pleased to have begun work on the upgrade of the M25’s junction 28. “National Highways is a valued and longstanding client for GRAHAM, and this scheme will play a major role in improving journey times for those travelling on one of the country’s busiest junctions. Dave added: “We’ll be delivering the project with a collaborative and safety-led approach, working as part of an integrated team with National Highways to ensure the upgrade is completed with disruption to motorists minimised as much as possible.” National Highways project manager Zach Pepper said: “These improvements will provide safer journeys for thousands of drivers, cyclists and walkers who use this route every day as part of our wider investment to enhance capacity at this vital junction. “Improving the flow of traffic and allowing more capacity on the exit slip roads will provide a safer and more integrated network for everyone. There will also be less likelihood of traffic queuing back onto the M25 once this upgrade and reconfiguration of the junction is complete.”

Read More »
Aggregate Industries to put sustainability in the driving seat at Highways UK

Aggregate Industries to put sustainability in the driving seat at Highways UK

Aggregate Industries will be showcasing its wide range of green construction material innovations and vast expertise in the road surfacing sector at the Highways UK 2022 exhibition as it continues in its mission to fast-track sustainability in the future of construction.   Taking place on 2nd – 3rd November at the NEC, Birmingham the Highways UK exhibition brings together all key stakeholders responsible for planning, developing, managing, maintaining, and future-proofing the nation’s road networks. Since launching in 2015, it has quickly become the most popular annual event in the industry’s calendar.  Located at stand G11, Aggregate Industries’ Surfacing Solutions senior leadership team will be on hand during the two days to discuss the business’ wide range of innovative sustainable road surfacing solutions, along with the business’ renowned contracting services.  Key green innovations set to be discussed at Aggregate Industries stand include SuperLow-Carbon – the industry’s first biogenic asphalt – along with Foamix, which uses up to 95% recycled or reclaimed products in the mix design. Visitors will also get insight on the business’ warm mix asphalt range, now available as standard, providing a more sustainable solution for surfacing applications.  “We’re thrilled to be returning to Highways UK this year where we will be showcasing our full scope of sustainable solutions designed for the sector,” said Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for Surfacing Solutions at Aggregate Industries. “Greener highways may be high on the list as Britain looks to its net zero future, but it still faces some important challenges. One of the most pressing of these is transitioning to credible low-carbon solutions that deliver the same structural integrity as traditional ones while delivering on wider net zero aims. Adding further complexity is the challenge of tight deadlines, restricted budgets and economic uncertainty. As we see it, our job is to make easier work of this shift by not just developing innovations to meet the future challenge, but the expertise to deliver them at scale and pace.”  For Aggregate Industries it isn’t just about helping the industry building greener now but inspiring and empowering the next generation. This is seen as, as part of the show’s Exhibitors’ Trail; the business will host three groups of local school children who will learn more about carbon reduction in construction and the wide variety of job opportunities available through Aggregate Industries’ apprenticeship scheme. Alongside this, the children, as with all attendees, will get a chance to take part in the ‘Carbon Conundrum’ game which involves creating a road scheme and being awarded a traffic light rating on carbon and social value.  As a key event sponsor, the company’s Sustainability Director, Kirstin McCarthy will also be hosting an expert talk at the event entitled ‘Transition to Net Zero’ covering the latest sustainable construction solutions and processes on the market and the role they can play in accelerating the net zero trajectory.   Talking of the show, Kirstin adds: “Drawing on our rich legacy of working on some of the biggest road surfacing projects in Britain, we continue to invest heavily in developing and delivering the innovation needed to enable a greener highways future. Highways UK offers the ideal platform to demonstrate our ever-expanding portfolio and provide expert consultancy, and we look forward to meeting as many attendees as possible.”  Aggregate Industries’ expert ‘Transition to Net Zero’ speaker slot will take place on 2nd November at 2.50pm.   To find out more visit www.highways.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information on Aggregate Industries’ Surfacing Solutions visit www.aggregate.com  

Read More »

Property maintenance company shortlisted in top industry awards

Two employees at a Midlands housing association have been announced as finalists in a top awards scheme.  Joe Henshaw and Andy Hibbert – colleagues at Platform Property Care, a subsidiary of one of the UK’s largest housing associations, Platform Housing Group – have been shortlisted in The Team of the Year category in The 2022 Direct Works Award.  The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony in Manchester on Monday 14 November.  Lee Duty, Head of Programme at Platform Property Care said : “Following our merger, there was a huge amount of work to do and staff to recruit in order to create one accredited and compliant team.  It was at this time that Joe and Andy both stepped forward to – not only continue carry out their roles as qualifying supervisors – but support those in our other localities which were not as well served.”  Their dedication and commitment has resulted in achieving the following in the short timescale of three months:  Consistent inspection of all electricians;  Introduction of relevant software across the board to ensure consistency and remove the paper trail;  Provide relevant recommendations and improvements for all electricians;  Develop a performance database for all electrical work;  Compliance with NICEIC criteria, which confirms competence when undertaking electrical work.  Lee concluded : “We are so proud of both Joe and Andy and how they have gone above and beyond in their roles, ensuring that we are now moving forward as one robust and compliant organisation.  Well done both! We wish them all the luck at the forthcoming awards evening!”  Direct Works acts as the leading voice for specialists in social housing maintenance; its awards scheme provides an opportunity for colleagues to recognise and reward each other on a national scale.   Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »

RUK: ‘Wind power could save UK households nearly £250 a year’

Wind farms awarded contracts over the last 7 years by the UK Government to generate clean power will save each household nearly £250 per year, compared to the cost of generating electricity from gas at this winter’s prices, according to an analysis by RenewableUK.  The analysis showed that the 19 gigawatts (GW) of wind farm capacity which have won Contracts for Difference (CfDs) so far will generate 93 terawatt hours (TWh) by the time power stations come online in 2027.  This represents 30% of annual UK electricity generation at present and is enough to power nearly 25 million homes a year.  RenewableUK said that costs have fallen sharply over the past seven years, with the latest round of offshore wind projects coming in 70% cheaper than those awarded contracts in 2015 –  making offshore wind the cheapest source of new power in the UK. Wind farms supported by CfDs will generate 93TWh at a total cost of £5bn.  The equivalent cost of getting that electricity from gas would be around £26bn at current prices, according to RenewableUK – something they claim represents a saving to consumers of over £20bn, with every UK household benefitting by £246 a year.  The renewable energy trade association is now urging the Government to accelerate the roll-out of new renewables to avoid future gas crises for consumers.  “Our analysis shows that the faster we can grow wind energy in the UK, the more consumers will save,” RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said.  “To do that, we need a stable framework for investment so that companies are confident they will make a return. There is a global race for renewable investment and I want the UK to be the most attractive place in the world to invest in wind so that bill payers and the wider economy benefit fully from cheap, renewable power.  He added that cross-party support has been “central to the success of renewables over the past decade”, and that “MPs can be confident that consumers are benefiting from CfDs for wind farms which have paid back over £500m in the last twelve months alone”.  “Wind energy can cut bills for consumers quicker than other large-scale technologies and I look forward to working with Rishi Sunak so that industry can speed up the roll-out of cheaper, home-grown energy,” McGrail said. 

Read More »

GMI Construction Group recognised by Siemens Mobility with two supplier awards

GMI Construction Group has been recognised by Siemens Mobility for its excellence after receiving two honours in its 2022 Supplier Awards. The independent company, which is delivering a £40m contract to build Siemens Mobility’s new 247,676 sq. ft. train manufacturing facility at Goole, East Yorkshire, was presented with the ‘Working Together as One’ and ‘Responsible & Sustainable Procurement’ awards. Covering five categories, the awards honour those suppliers making significant contributions to Siemens Mobility’s success with their outstanding performance. GMI Construction Group is lead contractor on the £200m rail manufacturing facility, which incorporates manufacturing and commissioning buildings, warehouses, offices and stabling sidings. In addition, it is constructing 4.5km of rail track to link the facility to the main railway line. Its commitment to using local suppliers, an emphasis on employment skills and education, as well as an outstanding record of project delivery was key to the Yorkshire-based firm securing the contract. The facility, which will create 700 new jobs, together with a further 250 roles in the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities, will establish Goole as a centre of excellence for rail technology within the UK. The first trains to be manufactured there will be state-of-the-art Tube trains for London’s Piccadilly line. Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director, Rolling Stock and Customer Services for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “Congratulations to GMI Construction for these awards, which recognise the excellent progress being made in delivering our facility in Goole and the strong sustainability credentials of this industry-leading development. “Working so closely and collaboratively with a construction contractor based in Yorkshire reflects our commitment to a local and national supply chain. “That commitment applies to the Goole project and across all our UK operations. We’re proud that around 90% of our spend in the UK is with UK-based suppliers.” Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, said: “It’s gratifying to know that GMI’s founding principles of partnership, trust, and delivering on quality have been recognised by Siemens Mobility in the form of these two awards. “Throughout our time on this project we have worked closely with Siemens Mobility together with our delivery partners to ensure this flagship development is delivered in an effective and efficient manner.” Andrew Hurcombe, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director Yorkshire, added: “Sustainability is at the heart of our business. Working in partnership with Mace Group, we have recorded and managed the amount of carbon generated as part of the construction of this facility. “This has allowed us to introduce a range of sustainable initiatives, for example the development of concrete slabs that don’t require steel rebar reinforcement.  Such initiatives, together with carbon offsetting measures, has allowed us to achieve a development with exceptional sustainability credentials. “These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of our team on this site.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »

Platform Housing Group expands into Oxfordshire

Work has begun on a substantial housing development in Carterton in Oxfordshire that will see 200 homes provided for people to live in the area. Platform Housing Group have begun work at the site at Milestone Road which has been provided by West Oxfordshire District Council and will be developed by United Living. It represents the group’s largest site in the area to date and the continuation of their strong start of their strategic partnership with Homes England. Over the next four years, the new homes will be made available through Platform’s different affordable options. 105 of the homes will be available to rent, 12 as rent to buy and 83 through the increasingly popular shared ownership scheme. This allows people to purchase a share of their home and then pay a rent on the rest with the option to increase that share up to 100%. Amongst those visiting the site was MP for Witney and West Oxford Robert Courts who said, “It was a pleasure to visit the site in Carterton which will provide much needed affordable homes for local people. It was encouraging to see work getting underway and useful to learn more about how this development will benefit local people and the wider area in Carterton. I look forward to following progress closely.” Group Chief Executive of Platform Elizabeth Froude said, “It’s been fantastic to see the site today where we’ll be able to provide much needed affordable housing for the area. We look forward to offering people real opportunities to live in the area and even buy a home that is quality and affordable. With 200 different homes, we are delighted to be offering such a large site for our partners at West Oxfordshire District Council who have been fully committed to these options to help with the growth of the area. I’d also like to thank our developers United Living and Homes England for their help in delivering this development.” Carl Rylett Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Development at West Oxfordshire District Council said, “It’s good to see this site come forward for development; affordable housing is greatly needed in West Oxfordshire. We identified the site through the Council’s Local Plan, and granted planning permission in 2020. We are fully committed as a council to bringing forward sites for affordable housing development, and this development will make a real difference to the community.” Neil Farmery, Construction Director, United Living New Homes, said: “We are delighted to have started building work at Milestone Road. Working collaboratively with Platform Housing Group, we look forward to delivering high-quality, affordable new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community.” The diginitaries took in a site tour as part of the visit today and got to find out how much the development will benefit people in the area from members of Platform’s communities department, who spoke about the services and support they give their customers. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »

EnviroBlok production rate increases by a third

Since the launch of net zero EnviroHoard™ in 2021, Panthera Group contracts for the sustainable site protection hoarding system now exceed 53% of all hoarding sales in the business; a figure that far outperforms predicted forecasts. This is no doubt assisted by the wider construction sector’s drive for net zero. As a result, the in-house production of patent-pending EnviroBlok™ has increased by over a third and Panthera Group has not only recruited additional production staff, but has had to procure additional steel moulds to meet demand. The unique, low carbon block integrates 50% GGBS providing a saving in CO2 of 194 kg / m³ compared to CEMI concrete. It is produced to Panthera’s specification by Hanson Concrete and poured into unique moulds designed by Neal James, Managing Director of Panthera. The blocks are one element of the vertical integration strategy pioneered by Neal who wanted to take control of as many areas of production as possible to ensure quality and stock levels. Despite global economic challenges, the company’s order book for its EnviroHoard™ system is surpassing all expectations. “A combination of new projects and the switch from timber hoarding to EnviroHoard™ has driven demand of the systems low carbon 800kg support block. This is now a full-time operation at Panthera Group and so we are delighted to welcome, Kieran and Harry, who have joined the company to supports its manufacturing of EnviroBlok. With unique fixings inherent in the design, this is a skilled role and one that assures a quality product. I am delighted our focus on sustainable hoarding is having a real impact across the construction industry.”

Read More »