Morgan Sindall Construction has been named by the University of Salford as the preferred bidder to build the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. The new Robotics Innovation Centre is part of the £2.5 billion Crescent masterplan, a 240-acre major regeneration scheme being delivered by the University, Salford City Council
HelloFresh signs lease for 230,384 sq ft distribution warehouse New production facility to enable UK growth for the world-leading meal kit company Prime location to provide access to 55.9 million consumers in four-hour drivetime1 The leading global provider of fresh food at home, HelloFresh, has leased 230,384 sq ft of
~ Company joins an elite group ~ Finning UK Ltd, exclusive dealer of Cat® equipment, has been awarded a prestigious gold standard employer award in acknowledgement of its continuous support for the armed forces community. The award highlights Finning as an exemplar within the industry sectors that it works including
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is
In response to the further easing of lockdown restrictions, HAE EHA (Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association) is to restart SafeHire Certification audits to help get the industry back on its feet – in line with recovery strategies of the UK governments and the Republic of Ireland. HAE EHA
JCB’s innovation recognised as vital step in transition to a low-carbon future as UK gears up for construction-led economic recovery The MacRobert Award is the UK’s most prestigious and longest running prize for engineering. The Royal Academy of Engineering has recently announced JCB’s electric digger (19C-1E) as the winner of
IWFM welcomes the draft Building Safety Bill and hopes this development will provide some comfort to those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. We believe the new statutory role of Building Safety Manager (BSM) is key to avoiding any repeat of such a tragedy and we are pleased to continue
Commercial real estate developer Network Space has become a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. The company, established in 1982, has its headquarters in Warrington and engages closely with stakeholder partners across the North. It has recently delivered award-winning and job creating schemes including Mere Grange at St Helens,
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named by the University of Salford as the preferred bidder to build the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. The new Robotics Innovation Centre is part of the £2.5 billion Crescent masterplan, a 240-acre major regeneration scheme being delivered by the University, Salford City Council and development partner, The English Cities Fund – a strategic joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England – aimed at driving economic and social prosperity for the whole of the city over the life of the 20-year programme, through the delivery of spaces where people can live, work, relax and innovate. The Centre will enable the University’s robotics and automation specialists to expand their work with SMEs around the country to provide solution development, design, testing and validation of digital innovation. Disciplines covered by the development will include the dynamic and growing sectors of robotics for intelligent infrastructure, digital automation and supply chain improvement, as well as health, wellbeing and integrated care technologies. It was announced earlier this year that the £13 million North of England Robotics Innovation Centre will be part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The project will deliver a new gateway building to the Innovation District and provides the University with a new and significant presence facing on to Frederick Road. The building is articulated with a z-shaped plan expressing a series of stacked laboratories in turn linked by a central feature stair representing the heart of the building. Externally a simple palette of materials is utilised ranging from precast concrete at lower levels to light perforated metal panels above. Construction work on the 22,580 square foot building is set to begin in early 2021. The close working relationship between the University and Morgan Sindall Construction has existed for a number of years. It was announced earlier this year that Morgan Sindall Construction is to build the £65 million Science, Engineering and Environmental Building (SEE Building) for the University, and since 2018 the partnership has been driven by a programme focused on enhancing the employability credentials of undergraduates, which looks to combine the latest academic understanding of industry trends and developments with real world experience and learning. This has been delivered through regular site visits, workshops and providing expert advice on project proposals for design, planning, costing and development to multi-disciplinary student teams. Shaun Jones, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Manchester, said: “The University of Salford’s masterplan reflects a bold vision both in terms of developing a transformational future for the city and by supporting the sectors that will drive the wider country forward. We’re proud to be part of that vision through our work delivering the SEE Building and now the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre. “Throughout the build programme, we plan to work closely with students, residents and community groups to ensure our growing presence on campus has benefits for the whole of Salford.” Georgina Harris, director of engineering at the University of Salford, said: “We are really excited about our new North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and the opportunity to work with Morgan Sindall Construction on its development. This new centre, that is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is to be the focus of our activities supporting local small to medium-sized enterprises in the development of their robotics and automation capabilities. “This facility could not be more timely as companies look to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on their industries by making use of new technologies. We are delighted that Morgan Sindall Construction will be working with us to help us realise our ambitions in research, supporting our local businesses and providing opportunities for our students.” Tony Skipper, masterplanner and director of 5plus architects said: “We are delighted to be moving this project forward with Morgan Sindall Construction and the University of Salford. It will be one of the first projects to be delivered by the University within Salford City’s new Innovation District, conceived under the Salford Crescent and University Masterplan and as such the project represents a new chapter in the regeneration of the wider area. “We now look forward to continuing our work with the School of Science, Engineering and Environment and the contracting team to deliver this new exemplary facility.”
HelloFresh signs lease for 230,384 sq ft distribution warehouse New production facility to enable UK growth for the world-leading meal kit company Prime location to provide access to 55.9 million consumers in four-hour drivetime1 The leading global provider of fresh food at home, HelloFresh, has leased 230,384 sq ft of high-quality logistics space at Goodman’s Nuneaton 230 development. Headquartered in Berlin, the company produces and delivers meal kits that allow consumers to cook home-made, healthy meals with no preparation, shopping or hassle. Its new Nuneaton site will become HelloFresh’s second UK production facility, supporting its continued success in the UK. With strong results in the market pre-COVID-19, the exponential growth of food deliveries during lockdown and a growing demand for fresh meals to enjoy at home has accelerated expansion. The location will receive produce and packaging from local and national suppliers, assembling the fresh ingredients in the meal kits and distributing these to consumers across the country. The site’s excellent connectivity, which places 55.9 million consumers within a four-hour drivetime, makes the location ideally suited to national fulfilment and fresh food delivery. HelloFresh delivered more than 280 million meals in 2019, reaching over four million customers in the last quarter. It is one of the largest players globally in the meal kit market, now operating in thirteen countries across three continents. It joins a number of leading retailers, manufacturers and third-party logistics providers at this established industrial and distribution hub – including supply chain specialists XPO and Unipart, automotive manufacturer Renault Trucks, and food and drink wholesaler Bestway. Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re proud to welcome HelloFresh to our Nuneaton 230 development. Its innovative business model leads the way in both the healthy home cooking and subscription service revolution and we’re pleased to be able support the growth of its UK production and fulfilment network.” In line with HelloFresh’s commitment to the highest quality fresh produce, the facility will provide frozen, chilled and ambient storage capacity, and highly flexible warehouse space to suit its production and packing methods. Nigel continued: “With the development now complete, we look forward to seeing HelloFresh benefit from the property’s best in class specification, combined with its excellent transport links and local employment opportunities. These include a large labour pool consisting of three million people within 20 miles of Nuneaton town centre, with Bermuda Park railway station directly serving the site and providing a great option for employees to travel to and from work.” Councillor Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, said: “We’re thrilled to see Goodman welcome HelloFresh to this prime logistics development at Bermuda Park, living up to its promise of delivering a quality space for business that takes advantage of our excellent connectivity. “The development supports our Transforming Nuneaton initiative with Warwickshire County Council, geared at driving economic growth, attracting additional investment and realising new business opportunities for the local area. We’re excited to see HelloFresh benefit from the rich employment opportunities and prime position of Bermuda Park.” 1 Source: Esri and Michael Bauer Research, 2019
~ Company joins an elite group ~ Finning UK Ltd, exclusive dealer of Cat® equipment, has been awarded a prestigious gold standard employer award in acknowledgement of its continuous support for the armed forces community. The award highlights Finning as an exemplar within the industry sectors that it works including construction, power generation, waste management and paving, by advocating support for the armed forces. The company joins an elite group of organisations that includes Microsoft, Greater Manchester Police and the Post Office who have been granted the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award by the Military of Defence, with the Secretary of State for Defence making the official announcement on July 30, 2020. The scheme, now in its seventh year, recognises those companies that support the armed forces by proactively demonstrating a forces-friendly approach as part of their recruitment process, as well as having distinct HR policies for employees that are military veterans, reservists, volunteers or family members of those serving in the armed forces. In addition, companies are recognised because of their efforts to advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community and encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme. Finning currently employs 27 military veterans and two reservists across its UK operations. Lisa Craddock, recruitment manager for Finning, submitted the nomination on behalf of the company. One of her team, Chris Clarke who is himself a military veteran, helped with the application. Clarke joined the army in 1999, eventually being promoted to Lance Corporal working as a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer where he repaired armoured vehicles. He left the service in 2007 and after working for a number of plant and HGV companies, joined Finning in 2012 to work as a repair rebuild engineer at the company’s Llantrisant depot in Wales. “As a former member of the armed forces it’s very important that employers are recognised for the ways in which they provide support to the armed forces communities,” explained Chris Clarke, “I nominated Finning for the scheme because I’ve seen first-hand it’s unwavering commitment and support for those coming out of the military to work as a civilian, which can be a real challenge. Finning has recognised my potential and given me many opportunities that I didn’t have in other civilian jobs, allowing me to learn skills and challenge my abilities.” “This is a tremendous honour for Finning and is a testament to the company going the extra mile to support our armed services,” said David Primrose, Managing Director of Finning UK. “Finning has always had a good relationship with the military and is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The gold award emphasises our respect for all of the armed forces as well as their families and the wider community. Our support highlights the contribution of former service personnel and volunteers and we’re proud to play an active role during and after their service to our country.” Phillip Sinclair, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Military of Defence said: “I am pleased to confirm that Finning UK Ltd has been awarded Gold level recognition for the fantastic support and advocacy the company displays for the Armed Forces Community. I am delighted for Finning, having been a part of that journey and look forward tremendously to an ongoing business relationship. Welcome to the Gold Alumni!” This year’s 127 award winners join a group of 226 winners from previous years bringing the total to 353 organisations who can share their knowledge and experience on the benefits of employing those from the Armed Forces community.
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is part of the framework’s strategic plan to deliver 140,000 more trains every year by 2024. The framework runs for five years and can be extendable for a further three. The contract wins will see GRAHAM deliver works at Stocks Overbridge and the River Avon Evesham bridge and Kelston Park. Stocks Overbridge is a single span elliptical masonry road over rail arch structure between Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire. The project will involve the demolition of existing masonry arch to be replaced with a new superstructure which will be installed by GRAHAM’s project team over the course of three 30-hour rail possessions. River Avon Evesham bridge is a two-span rail underbridge spanning the river. The work involves structural repairs to both abutments and the central pier and scour protection works in the river with associated works. The second project at Kelston Park, which comprises a 1.75-mile-long embankment that is situated on the flood plain of the River Avon, is to install a cantilevering kingpost wall at the toe of the embankment on both sides of the railway. Network Rail’s Western route stretches from London Paddington to Penzance, through Bristol and up to the boundaries with Wales, Worcester and Basingstoke. It has re-organised into a Route-based delivery organisation, fully focused on customer outcomes. It is seeking to work with organisations that have the right culture, behaviours and ethics and are committed to delivering a safer, sustainable, better performing and more efficient railway. Leo Martin, Managing Director for the civil engineering division at GRAHAM, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded our first two schemes on the CP6 Western Framework and are determined to ensure they are delivered successfully in every respect to demonstrate our capabilities further in the rail sector. “Both GRAHAM and Network Rail are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace, one which recognises and respects differences between people and facilitates a culture which embraces innovation and change and where collaborative working practices are passed down through the entire supply chain, generating mutual benefit to the industry as a whole.” Leo added: “These contracts will build on the great work we have achieved so far on the Crossrail project and enhance our presence in the West of England on the back of our work at Marsh Barton in Exeter. They also provide the opportunity to develop our rail team further and increase our profile with Network Rail which is an important and very valued customer for GRAHAM.” Works will commence at both projects in August this year.
In response to the further easing of lockdown restrictions, HAE EHA (Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association) is to restart SafeHire Certification audits to help get the industry back on its feet – in line with recovery strategies of the UK governments and the Republic of Ireland. HAE EHA took the decision to resume safety audits as construction workers and those involved in the hire sector make their way back to work, though to address members’ concerns a ‘Point of Work Risk Assessment’ will be conducted to ensure that there is an agreed and safe method of conducting the audit process. During the coronavirus pandemic, HAE EHA had provided a three-month extension to members who’s SafeHire Certification had expired or was about to expire. Now that many businesses in the tool, plant and equipment hire sector are reopening their operations for customers, the team at HAE EHA is urging members to book dates for audits as the service resumes as near to normal as possible. The trade association’s Director of Certification Services, Carl Bartlett, acknowledged that things will have to be done differently for the foreseeable future but the need to provide the safest possible working environments when hire operations reopen is crucial for a sector that plays such a vital role in the wider UK economy. He added: “In order that we continue to support our members to maintain the highest of standards in the hire and rental industry we are recommencing our audit services from July. We will of course observe any safety requirements implemented within an organisation and communicate these to our team whilst conducting the desktop and site audits.” In response to the interruption of services due to Covid-19 the association has been hosting webinars and produced updated practical guidance for hire centres which can be accessed through the HAE EHA website. HAE’s SafeHire Certification Scheme was formalised into a private standard by the British Standards Institute, and HAE is now working to raise awareness of the SafeHire scheme at local and national governmental levels. In order for hire firms to achieve certification, participation in the SafeHire scheme requires that businesses are inspected annually and everything from paperwork, day-to-day operations, staff training and environment is checked for continued compliance with the scheme’s rigorous standards. SafeHire Certification allows customers to approach event, tool and plant hire companies with confidence, as it proves a firm’s competence in upholding high standards in health, safety, environment and quality of equipment as well as a well-trained workforce to support customers as fully as possible. For more information visit www.hae.org.uk
JCB’s innovation recognised as vital step in transition to a low-carbon future as UK gears up for construction-led economic recovery The MacRobert Award is the UK’s most prestigious and longest running prize for engineering. The Royal Academy of Engineering has recently announced JCB’s electric digger (19C-1E) as the winner of the 2020 MacRobert Award, the most prestigious prize for UK engineering innovation. The winning team receive a £50,000 prize and a gold medal. The 19C-1E excavator is the world’s first volume-produced fully electric digger and with it, JCB has shown it is possible to make powerful construction machinery without an internal combustion engine. To date, the current fleet has saved the equivalent of 15,100kg in CO2 emissions across 5,616 hours of work, but if used across the global construction sector, which contributes 39% of all carbon emissions, these savings could reach billions of tonnes. JCB’s winning team are; Tim Burnhope FREng, Chief Innovation Officer, Bob Womersley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Lee Harper, Chief Engineer – Electrified Machines, Lee Milward, Design Manager, and Corey Smith, Test and Development Manager. The announcement is especially timely following the Prime Minister’s commitment to putting building and construction at the centre of the government’s plan for the UK’s economic recovery. As well as significantly reducing carbon emissions, the electric digger has zero exhaust emissions and very low noise levels. This combination makes it much better suited than traditional construction vehicles to operating inside buildings or in areas where noise must be kept to a minimum, for example near hospitals and schools. JCB, the iconic British brand and world leader in the manufacture of construction and agricultural equipment, launched the digger in 2019 and has already sold hundreds of the machines. The MacRobert Award judges lauded JCB for demonstrating the utility of electric machines in a construction setting and the potential for future innovation to boost sustainability in the sector. The hope is that this entry could do for the construction sector what the double MacRobert Award winner Johnson Matthey did for the motor industry with the catalytic converter, which has stopped hundreds of millions of tonnes of pollution from entering the atmosphere. Professor Sir Richard Friend FREng FRS, Chair of the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award judging panel, said: “JCB’s electric digger is a huge engineering achievement. The team has developed all parts of the electric propulsion system to deliver system performance that matches real customer requirements. This is a huge achievement in itself, but the additional benefits of zero exhaust emissions and much lower noise has lifted the 19C-1E excavator to a new level. The digger is more than a great bit of engineering, however. It has the power to be the catalyst for change in an industry that is responsible for around 10% of all of the UK’s carbon emissions.” JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “To win one of the world’s most respected engineering prizes is an outstanding endorsement for JCB’s electrification team, who have achieved so much in applying a science which was new to our business. JCB’s electric mini excavator will contribute to a zero carbon future and help make the world more sustainable. It’s a huge honour for our contribution to be recognised in this way.” JCB’s electric digger was selected by the MacRobert Award judging panel in competition with the other shortlisted finalists: the all-electric I-PACE sports utility vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover and ecoSMRT® liquid natural gas reliquification technology from Babcock’s LGE business. The MacRobert Award is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering with support from the Worshipful Company of Engineers. Since 1969 it has recognised engineering achievements that demonstrate outstanding innovation, tangible societal benefit and proven commercial success. The first award in 1969 was made jointly for two iconic innovations: to Rolls-Royce for the Pegasus engine used in the Harrier jump jet, and to Freeman, Fox and Partners for aerodynamic deck design of the Severn Bridge. Other former winning innovations include: Allowing doctors to see inside the human body with the CT scanner invented at EMI (1972 MacRobert Award winner). Raising one of the world’s largest structures – the Millennium Dome, now the O2, engineered by Buro Happold (1999 MacRobert Award winner). Creating a computer the size of a credit card – Raspberry Pi (2017 MacRobert Award winner). Diagnosing cancer through a simple breath test – the ReCIVA breath biopsy developed by Owlstone Medical (2018 MacRobert Award winner). MacRobert Award winners are chosen by an expert panel of Academy Fellows, who have vast experience across engineering industry and academia. This year’s MacRobert Award will be marked by a debate ‘Powering net zero Britain – the current ideas’ – a MacRobert Award discussion presented by the Royal Academy of Engineering To mark the 51st year of the MacRobert Award, the most prestigious prize for UK engineering innovation, the Royal Academy of Engineering is assembling an expert panel to discuss how British engineers can apply their creativity to decarbonise our homes, travel and workplaces while creating jobs and a better environment for all over the next 30 years. Chaired by Helen Czerski, physicist and presenter, the panel will include: Professor Sir Richard Friend FREng FRS, Chair of the MacRobert Award judges Dervilla Mitchell CBE FREng, Chair of the National Engineering Policy Centre’s Net Zero emissions working group. Tim Burnhope FREng, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at JCB Dr Enass Abo-Hamed, co-founder and CEO of energy storage firm H2GO Power.
IWFM welcomes the draft Building Safety Bill and hopes this development will provide some comfort to those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. We believe the new statutory role of Building Safety Manager (BSM) is key to avoiding any repeat of such a tragedy and we are pleased to continue to help with developing the competence framework for the role. The importance of the BSM in ensuring the safety of buildings and the people occupying them cannot be understated. Where previously there often was a lack of both clarity on who was responsible for building safety and competence to ensure that safety, a BSM with oversight should ensure that all of the updated safety requirements are met, residents have a clear point of contact, and lives are protected. We urge facilities managers to engage with the Bill and provide feedback to us via: policy@iwfm.org.uk. Professionals in FM will be at the front-line of this Bill’s implementation, being those most likely to be assigned or hired to the BSM role; it is therefore critical that our profession is knowledgeable of the contents and its implications for the future of building and people safety. We must never face a repeat of that tragic night and, while there is still work to do, we are much closer to that goal with this draft Bill. Further information: The BSM can be an individual or organisation whose principal role is to support the Accountable Person in the day-to-day management of fire and structural safety in the building. In either circumstance, the individual or a nominated individual must have the competence (or skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours) to carry out the statutory functions. The skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours are not detailed in the draft Building Safety Bill, which is a high level Bill; instead, the detail of the competences will be outlined in future statutory guidance and a Publicly Available Specification.
Commercial real estate developer Network Space has become a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. The company, established in 1982, has its headquarters in Warrington and engages closely with stakeholder partners across the North. It has recently delivered award-winning and job creating schemes including Mere Grange at St Helens, Vector 31 in South Yorkshire and the Tameside Wellness Centre at Denton, Greater Manchester. Network Space Director Catherine Chilvers is also a Board member of the Local Enterprise Partnership that is advising on built environment issues and economic growth across the Liverpool City Region. The Northern Powerhouse Partnership Programme aims to boost the North’s economy through investment in skills, innovation, transport and culture. Network Space joins almost 400 businesses, civic bodies and charities based across the North of England which have joined the Government-led initiative. Network Space Chairman, Richard Ainscough, said: “Network Space is about delivering exceptional places and spaces for people to work. Over the last decade, we have helped champion and regenerate many urban areas that has struggled to attract inward investment. “These schemes have attracted global names back to the region, as well as providing long term jobs and opportunities. Our values and ambition align perfectly with the Northern Powerhouse and so we are delighted to be part of this wider business initiative.” The Northern Powerhouse is currently building on a £3.4bn Local Growth Fund investment to create world-class places where people want to live, work, visit and invest. It aims to boosting the local economy by investing in skills, innovation, transport and culture, as well as devolving significant powers and budgets to directly elected mayors to ensure decisions in the North are made by the North.
