The RIBA Construction Contracts and Law Report 2022 has been published, with the results showing that JCT continues to be the most widely used standard form contract provider in the UK construction industry. 59% of respondents indicated that JCT contracts were the forms that their organisation used most often, whilst
A new Affiliation Agreement between Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Wood Protection Association (WPA) has set the template for further consolidation of the timber industry, helping to drive the mass adoption of timber as a sustainable construction solution. TDUK has been formed from a merger between the Timber Trade
United Living Group, the provider of critical infrastructure and affordable housing, is pleased to announce it will return as the main sponsor of the Television for the Environment (Tve) Global Sustainability Film Awards 2022, a film competition recognising those whose films most powerfully portray solutions for sustainability. Previous shortlisted
There are various reasons why you may want to work as a tradesperson, including the opportunity to learn critical and practical skills that are constantly in demand. In fact, we have a veritable shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK, which is one of the reasons why we’re struggling to
Do you run a stockroom? If so, you’ve probably seen how simple it is for things to get out of hand, especially when it comes to its organization. Stockrooms are busy places, and it’s easy to brush things aside only to have them get lost or mixed up. This can
Thousands of people yearly are injured or die on construction sites around the country. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created more than 50 years ago to ensure as few incidents as possible. The purpose of this authority is to mandate safety standards for workplaces so
If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if
Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an
Having a contractor business is a great way to make a living. You can flex your creative muscles and your physical muscles and get to see your projects become a reality. You can experience all of that while bringing in big money. However, it’s also a business that comes with
New video shows extensive tunnelling work that will help relocate equipment and provide ventilation for the Northern line: HS2 Ltd continues to make progress at Euston, as work continues behind the hoardings to make way for Britain’s new high-speed railway. To create space for the new HS2 station, HS2’s station
The RIBA Construction Contracts and Law Report 2022 has been published, with the results showing that JCT continues to be the most widely used standard form contract provider in the UK construction industry. 59% of respondents indicated that JCT contracts were the forms that their organisation used most often, whilst 71% said that they had used a JCT contract over the last 12 months. When asked to give reasons for their choice of contract, respondents said of JCT: “industry standard and tested in the courts”, “fair, equitable and well understood”, “standard lump sum contract understood by the industry” and “simple and familiar”. The use of JCT contracts was particularly dominant in the sector of project value between £250,000 and £5m. The report also showed that the overall level of reported disputes within the industry was continuing to fall – from 44% in 2015, to 33% in 2018, to 27% this year. The importance of sustainability and collaboration were key themes. 43% of respondents were involved in one or more contracts that included ‘expected sustainable outcomes’ and 32% that included ‘measurable sustainability criteria’. 23% said that ‘operational performance criteria’ had become a contractual requirement, while 21% referenced ‘embodied carbon criteria’. Regarding collaboration, 57% of respondents said they adopted collaboration techniques on some or all projects, with almost a quarter adopting collaboration techniques on all projects. 63% said that collaboration techniques reduced the number of disputes, and 61% said they improved the delivery of the client’s objectives. JCT was the one of the first standard form contract authoring bodies to produce specific clauses relating to sustainability and collaborative working within its contract suite and in its guidance note, Building a Sustainable Future Together. The RIBA Contracts and Law Report 2022 survey was completed by over 950 clients, contractors and consultants throughout January and April 2022. It focused on projects over the previous 12 months. The report can be read and downloaded at https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/riba-construction-contracts-and-law-report-2022.
A new Affiliation Agreement between Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Wood Protection Association (WPA) has set the template for further consolidation of the timber industry, helping to drive the mass adoption of timber as a sustainable construction solution. TDUK has been formed from a merger between the Timber Trade Federation (TFF) and The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), creating the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK. TDUK now spans more than 1500 member businesses representing everything from Sawmill to Specifier. The WPA is the UK authority on wood protection and plays a lead role in influencing, developing and promoting technologies that enhance the performance and value of wood as a building material. Under the Affiliation Agreement, TDUK and WPA will continue to operate as independent membership organisations, but WPA will act as the TDUK’s centre of expertise on flame-retardant treatments, wood modification and preservation – providing the essential technical, quality assurance and support services under a united strategy to grow demand for added value treated timber products that can be trusted. The TDUK Affiliation Agreement with WPA is part of a bigger mission to align all wood and timber technical specification information under one roof. In so doing, TDUK aims to empower architects, designers, specifiers and engineers with the knowledge and confidence they need to use wood in their projects.
United Living Group, the provider of critical infrastructure and affordable housing, is pleased to announce it will return as the main sponsor of the Television for the Environment (Tve) Global Sustainability Film Awards 2022, a film competition recognising those whose films most powerfully portray solutions for sustainability. Previous shortlisted films include the World Wildlife Fund’s project to capture never-before-seen behaviours of basking sharks off the shores of Scotland using innovative camera technology. Another shortlisted film captured Breathe London, an ambitious project that measured and mapped Londoners’ daily exposure to air pollution using a network of advanced air pollution sensors. United Living has proudly sponsored the event for six years. The group is supporting its clients on their decarbonisation journey as well as setting its own net zero carbon and sustainability objectives. United Living has implemented a range of measures that prioritise sustainability, including commitments to reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2030, two decades ahead of the UK government’s existing target of Net Zero by 2050. Other measures include reducing avoidable waste to zero in the development process of all United Living Homes, as well as eliminating the use of single-use plastics by the same timeframe. All this whilst remaining focused on supporting a wholly diverse and inclusive environment. The Groups ethos is to continuously invest in its people through funded qualifications and trainee programmes, and in social value to leave a lasting positive legacy in the communities it serves. At the awards ceremony, a brief address will be given by CEO and Chairman of United Living, Neil Armstrong, on the importance of the Awards in spreading awareness of a more sustainable way of life, as well as the role organisations such as United Living must play in this endeavour. Neil Armstrong, CEO and Chairman, United Living Group, commented: “tve was founded on the very principle of supporting progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). United Living has embraced ESG targets which also align to the UNSDG. We are already on a journey, and have been for years as a responsible business, with sustainable priorities. We are proud and delighted to be able to put our shoulder behind the awards as the main sponsor for thesixth year. By doing so we can support tve in our own small way, in the fantastic work they are doing to highlight one of the most important issues we face as a society today. The stories the award ceremony celebrates, inspire further innovation and aid the global transition to a more sustainable future for us all.” Mei Sim Lai OBE DI, Chairperson of the tve Global Sustainability Film Awards, commented: “Tve is a charitable organisation which relies on the support of partners around the world to fulfil its mission of promoting sustainable development through film and other media. Were it not for the generous sponsorship of organisations such as United Living, we would not have the capacity or scope to hold such an event or attract and promote such a high quality of film entrants. The fact that the number of Award categories has continued to increase over the years, is a testament to the value of our partnership, and we hope that United Living Group and the GSFA can continue to go from strength to strength together”.
There are various reasons why you may want to work as a tradesperson, including the opportunity to learn critical and practical skills that are constantly in demand. In fact, we have a veritable shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK, which is one of the reasons why we’re struggling to build the requisite level of housing to meet demand. This is despite the fact that the number of women who work as tradespeople jumped from 15,000 in 2009 to 33,000 just 10 years later, and the influx of trained labourers from overseas. But what are the main benefits of working as a tradesperson? We’ve outlined three of the most prominent below: Enjoy a Varied Career As a tradesperson, you should note that no two days are ever the same. Even though you’ll have a defined skill with fixed parameters, the nature of the work that falls within your wheelhouse can be broad and varied. If you’re a plumber, for example, you may attend a residential home to fix a leaking faucet. The next day, you could find yourself installing a complete shower room at a gym, which is a far more complex and immersive challenge. This creates a certain level of interest and job satisfaction, particularly if you enjoy travelling to work in different places and meeting new people and customers on a regular basis. Over time, it can also help with the cultivation of brand-new skills or lead to the enhancement of existing knowledge and practical experience. Benefit from Constant Demand As we’ve already touched on, the UK is in the midst of an ongoing skills shortage in trades such as plumbing and electricians. This is not only leading to a scenario where the UK government is unable to deliver enough public or private sector housing on these shores, but it’s also leading to wider workforce shortages that impact on both residential and commercial projects. Because of this, there’s an almost constant demand for skilled tradespeople in the UK, both in terms of building new homes and maintaining those that already exist. In fact, tradespeople are crucial from the perspective of keeping businesses open and functional at all times, and qualifying as a plumber, electrician or plasterer almost guarantees a steady flow of work. Enjoy a Competitive Salary As a skilled job that’s in high demand, you can bank a competitive salary when working as a tradesperson. The imbalance between supply and demand in the most important trades has certainly seen the earning potential of tradespeople increase in recent times, particularly in relation to individual projects and those who work on an independent basis. Certainly, a self-employed tradesperson can make a relatively large amount of money in the current economy, so long as you can justify your costs and create a competitive price premium that the market can bear. This is an important consideration, as you don’t want to undervalue your skills or price yourself out of the market when compared to your competitors.
Do you run a stockroom? If so, you’ve probably seen how simple it is for things to get out of hand, especially when it comes to its organization. Stockrooms are busy places, and it’s easy to brush things aside only to have them get lost or mixed up. This can make it harder for workers to find items and could even lead to you losing money if you cannot keep track of your inventory. To design an orderly space, check out this article. Below you’ll discover a few ways you can effortlessly arrange your stockroom. 6 Tips for Organizing Your Stockroom Rely on Buckets and Bins Some stockrooms make the mistake of simply placing their items on shelves rather than putting them into containers. While this isn’t always possible for some things, smaller items could get pushed around into nearby objects. If there are openings in the shelves, they could fall through. Buckets and bins will avert this by helping keep everything in one place. You’ll also want to label them to keep things together. You might also consider color-coding the containers. For instance, green buckets indicate clothing, while red means electronics. This will aid you in finding things much faster. Make sure, though, that your items properly fit inside the containers. Those that are too big or small could make it harder to find goods. Don’t Forget Vertical Space Many stockrooms rely on horizontal space, but it’s important to think vertically too. With vertical space, you can build things up, not just sideways. This ensures that you’re using all areas to their fullest potential. While you can stack containers vertically, try carousels and racks. This way, you can easily reach items without needing to take down bins. Carousels also let you electronically move items up and down so workers can grab them quickly and safely. Be sure, though, that there is plenty of space for workers or machinery to access these vertically-placed items. If the shelves are too close or bordered by a wall, it will make it much more difficult to retrieve things. Use Forklifts This device is a great way to transport your inventory, especially heavy and large loads, efficiently. Forklifts can lift inventory and transport it to designated areas. They can also reach high spaces so that you can rely on vertical space. To better aid, you, contemplate investing in pallet forks. These slide in place over the current ones but extend them slightly so you can lift larger loads than your current forks allow. Pallet extensions are made of high-quality steel that can be custom fitted. For best results, you’ll want those that measure 42-48 inches long. Adjust the Layout It might be worth considering altering the stockroom’s layout if you notice it’s hard to get around certain areas or reach specific goods. For example, if the room’s center is crowded with shelves, it might be worth moving them out toward the wall. On the other hand, if you find that certain products are extremely popular, moving them all to a specific section closest to your loading dock might be beneficial. Invest in Good Lighting It might be surprising to learn that lighting can play a major role in your stockroom’s organization. Unfortunately, poorly lit areas can often get overlooked, leading to them accumulating debris over time. Besides this, some items might get lost. To prevent this, high-quality lights are essential. Most of the time, LEDs are ideal because they’re brighter and also energy-efficient, so they can run for hours without significantly increasing your energy bill. In addition, despite being brighter, they have less glare, preventing workers from getting headaches or eye strain due to the reflection. You can install traditional light bulbs around the stockroom and task lights. A great perk of some task lights is that their bulbs can be adjusted at various angles so you can shine lights into corners, shelves, and other hard-to-see areas without needing to install multiple sets. Use an Inventory App These apps are designed to help you keep close track of your goods. You can refer to it to monitor quantities to know when it’s time to restock. Some even provide statistics to see which items are doing great and others not. By using one, you’ll find that it will be much easier to keep track of the inventory and know what is performing well. Better yet, you can give your workers access to the app so they can update it in real-time or provide notes on certain items. Keeping a stockroom organized can be tricky, especially if you do a lot of business. However, by keeping this information in mind, you can create an efficient space to work in.
Thousands of people yearly are injured or die on construction sites around the country. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created more than 50 years ago to ensure as few incidents as possible. The purpose of this authority is to mandate safety standards for workplaces so that employees can go to work in the safest environment possible, whether in a quiet office or a bustling construction site. By its very nature, construction is a dangerous industry. Heavy equipment, sharp objects, tripping hazards, heights, and any hazardous situations could occur. The OSHA provides regulations and standards to minimize and mitigate those risks to protect workers. Here is a basic overview of OSHA regulations relating to construction sites. Heights and Fall Prevention As you can imagine, working from heights is very common on construction sites and presents a unique set of risks. As a result, OSHA has several guidelines about safely working from heights to keep workers and the general public safe. For instance, scaffolding must be able to hold four times its weight safely. On top of that, it must have guardrails and toeboards to prevent falling over. The OSHA also has guidelines for working near power lines which can pose a severe risk to someone working from heights. They also have safety standards for every type of ladder used on a site. This includes how to secure them properly and how to climb on and off of them. Stairways on construction sites must have proper hand and guardrails and be debris-free. Nothing can be stored on stairways, including at the top and the bottom. If a stairway gets wet, it must be cleaned immediately to prevent slips and falls. Electrocution Electrocution is another major cause of injury and death on construction sites. Therefore, workers must be conscientious when dealing with any appliances or exposed wiring while on the job. As part of their guidelines, OSHA mandates that no worker can access or work on electrical circuits and outlets until the power is cut and the ground wires are attached. Also, any damaged wiring has to be replaced immediately. This includes power cords. Tools that require electricity to operate must be inspected regularly. If a possible defect is concerned, it must be repaired or disposed of immediately. Do not use a tool that may have frayed or damaged electrical components. Any equipment, including ladders and materials, must be at least 10 feet away from electrical power lines. Communication Communication among construction workers is a big part of OSHA’s safety guidelines. This means that workers must talk and communicate with each other, and management must make sure that all employees have safety training and reminders. In addition, there must always be an MSDS data sheet on-site if dangerous chemicals are present. It must be easily and quickly accessible by anyone on the site, not just management. Any possible hazards on the job site must be efficiently communicated to workers. For example, upon discovering an unsafe condition, or a chemical, management must let everyone know about the danger and provide the steps to avoid it. Waste Management Loose waste can be a dangerous component of any construction site. The OSHA has several guidelines to make sure that removing waste to keep the job site safe and clean is done properly. For example, if you work more than 20 feet from the ground, any material waste you produce must be dropped to the ground using an enclosed slide or a similar implement. If you are dropping waste through the floor to the level below, the drop zone area must be marked and blocked off to prevent someone from walking underneath. In addition, using disposal equipment will make disposal more efficient and safer for workers. For example, self dumping hoppers can hold a large amount of waste, are moved easily using a forklift or other lifting equipment, and can be emptied without requiring human hands to touch the disposed of material. Personal Protective Equipment Employers are responsible for making sure that all employees have the right personal protective equipment for their jobs. Every job has different risks, but some common basics are required. This includes protection from head injuries by wearing a hard hat while on the job site. In addition, debris can fall from above, or a worker could trip and fall. If working with heavy machinery, operators must also have proper hearing protection to avoid hearing loss over time. All workers should have protective work boots or shoes; some may even need leg and shin padding for their work. Due to the risk of flying debris, sparks, and wood chips, all workers must have eye protection in the form of goggles, shields, or both. Safety is paramount. If your staff isn’t safe on the job, there will be injuries, productivity issues, and staffing problems. Besides, it looks unprofessional to any partners, clients, or the general public that might be interested in what you are doing. So ensure you keep your workers safe with the OSHA’s guidelines and regulations.
If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if you put in the work. Then, you’ll have the ultimate hangout space in your backyard. Add Plants Give the space life by adding plants to some of the bare spots on your deck. For example, consider installing some planters around the edges, placing large pots near the posts, and getting some hanging baskets if possible. Depending on your gardening capabilities, you should plant various flower breeds around the deck to showcase an array of colors. However, stick with leafy plants, succulents, and bushes if you want a simple look with low maintenance. Decorations Customizing with outdoor decorations turns a house into a home, and you can upgrade your deck by showcasing your style. First, if you have outdoor furniture, get some cute pillows. Then, get some hanging decor for the railings. If you have difficulty finding decor for your deck, hobby stores usually offer it in just about any style. However, you can also order online to save money and expand your options. Restain the Wood Over time, the color of your deck will fade to grey. Additionally, parts of it may turn an unsightly, slimy green from excess moisture and algae buildup. So if your deck looks a little dull, it may be time to power wash and restain it to look brand new. Install a Pergola Pergolas are wooden lattice structures that provide shade without completely blocking the sunlight. Installing one will give your deck a unique creative style that simultaneously provides comfort. To make the ultimate hang-out spot under the pergola, you’ll need some comfortable furniture, pillows, and an outdoor rug. Then, hang a string of lights around the perimeter to create a relaxing vibe at nighttime. Expand Your Deck Adding another level can create extra space if your deck is too small for your needs. So whether you’re seeking a private place to relax, more room to party, or a spot to build an outdoor kitchen, adding another level to your deck creates endless potential. However, this task is meant for professionals who know how to maintain your deck’s structural integrity while building. Deck builders in Harford County, MD, can safely create the deck of your dreams. Therefore, you can ease your mind knowing that you won’t sacrifice quality. Add Some Lights Lighting plays an essential role in setting the mood. So if you wish to switch up the vibe on your deck, you should switch up the lighting. This upgrade can be enough to totally transform the space, creating a fun place to hang out on summer nights. The trend is to use strings of lights above the deck space, but you should also consider bug-repelling torches, candles, and even lamps on each post. Additionally, get creative with the lighting by finding decorations that double as lamps. Install a Bar Having a bar at home can make your house the go-to for every get-together. First, you’ll need a counter with plenty of storage underneath and another behind the bar to display alcohol. Then, get a few barstools to complete it. Finally, consider adding a few beer taps if you want to go the extra mile. Screens Several types of screens can serve as valuable upgrades for your deck. For example, a small, wooden privacy structure can also serve as a place for climbing plants to grow, adding to your deck’s visual appeal. On the other hand, adding a bug screen around the deck can turn the space into a sunroom, so you can still relax outside without worrying about pests or the elements ruining the area. Plus, this can double as a privacy screen, allowing you to relax without interruption from neighbors. Multipurpose Storage If your deck is cluttered with random junk, it may be time for a clean-up. Once you’ve gone through your things, set them aside and build some multipurpose storage units. For instance, you could build benches with a lifting seat. Or you can use a microwave cart with drawers to hold gardening supplies and act as a display for your favorite plants. Conclusion Your deck space holds much potential, and your home may not feel complete if you aren’t using it to its fullest advantage. So implementing some of these upgrades can totally transform the area into the perfect hangout spot. Ensure that you conduct adequate research before starting a DIY project and hire a contractor when you’re not qualified to complete the task safely.
Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an online quiz. Then, objectively look at your space and consider all of the elements that cannot be changed, such as location, size, and natural lighting. Then, have fun getting inspired by researching your style and finding elements you can incorporate into your home’s interior. Invest in Your Furniture Nothing says shabby like bad furniture. But, conversely, nothing says luxury like high-end furniture pieces. Of course, choosing custom-made furniture is an excellent choice, and the best option is to purchase an entire set and build the rest of your home décor around that. But even if you can only afford one piece, make sure you aren’t buying inexpensive, cheaply made furniture pieces. There are many advantages to purchasing custom-made furniture. However, when trying to achieve a luxurious look, you will want to coordinate quality, craftsmanship, and design with colors and textures that suit your style. Custom Amish furniture in Katy, TX makes it simple to get exactly what you need and want for your home interior. This furniture is built to last, and the timeless designs are intrinsically luxurious. You can have just the right pieces built for you, using the right colors, finishes, and materials for your space. Cut the Clutter If you want to achieve a luxurious home interior, clutter has no place in it. However, if you are trying to decorate, removing all the clutter before you even start is a good idea. If your clutter is items that you use every day, it is possible that you need more storage space. When you are custom-made furniture, see if you can increase your storage space by incorporating more drawers and cabinets, perhaps by having some drawers built into your sofa, for instance. This will make it easy to have those everyday items within reach without them becoming distractions to your luxurious home décor. Let in the Light Wherever it is possible, let some light in. Sometimes, window coverings are used to create privacy and block much-needed light. If you can change your window dressings to maintain privacy but let in light, you will find that letting some light in makes your rooms less drab and automatically seem more luxurious. Say Yes to Color If you are trying to achieve a luxury look, it doesn’t mean you have to stick with neutral colors. You can still use color, but you will want to pay attention to the tone you are trying to set. Bold colors like deep reds create energy and evoke confidence, while soft tones make you feel relaxed. It doesn’t matter if you choose a color for your sofa or throw pillows on it. You will want to use complementary colors in all areas where you add color to your interior. You can also try using color on an accent wall to set a tone and add interest to your home’s interior. Focus on Mixing Rather than focusing on matching patterns and design elements, try mixing them. The trick is to use only a few different types of patterns, mix them with solids, coordinate them by using colors and repeat them at different scales to add visual interest. You can achieve very good results by following a few simple rules for mixing patterns. Go With Textures Adding different textures can be done in many ways. Everything from adding stenciled patterns to your ceiling to putting a sherpa throw on your sofa can increase the visual appeal of your interior. You can find different textures in every area of your design, from the type of furniture you choose to the window coverings. Stone and concrete can be important textural elements, as well as macramé or rattan. Both hanging and potted plants can contribute to the variety of textures in a room. Look everywhere for opportunities to add texture in a way that represents your style and maintains the luxurious flow of your interior. Upgrade your Fixtures Whether it is a simple light fixture or a major appliance like a refrigerator, upgrading your fixtures and appliances can greatly impact your home interior. Even just changing out knobs and faucets can create a more luxurious look. When it comes to lighting, pay attention to how a light fixture looks and how it illuminates a room. Determine where you want the light to shine, and get a fixture that puts the light where you want it to. Make a Statement with Art It’s hard to achieve a perfect luxury home interior without using art to make a statement. You have a lot of options to choose from. You can choose groupings of framed art, a large focus piece to call attention to the center of your room, or a deluxe sculpture that perfectly defines your style. Bas relief and hanging sculptures are also popular choices. Whatever type of art you choose to make a statement, it should be bold enough to set the tone for the entire room. Also, everything else must support the statement without being a distraction.
Having a contractor business is a great way to make a living. You can flex your creative muscles and your physical muscles and get to see your projects become a reality. You can experience all of that while bringing in big money. However, it’s also a business that comes with a lot of stress in many ways. You have to worry about deadlines, client demands, staffing, and anything else that comes with owning and running a business. Beyond that, there is getting clients in the first place. Without clients, there is no business, so you must keep bringing them in. For a commercial contracting company, that means bidding on jobs and getting your brand out in the community. If you never win bids, you will never bring in revenue. However, winning bids is not just about having the lowest one. Here are some tips on landing jobs at a commercial contracting company. Market Your Business Effectively You will need to invest in marketing and promotion. When potential commercial clients decide to undertake a project, you want your brand to be one of the first to come to mind. You can certainly invest in broadcast media advertising, such as television and radio. However, social media and digital advertising might get you more bang for your buck. Since contracting businesses tend to work in a local area, you can target advertising to people and companies near you. You should also put yourself on a platform such as LinkedIn to create a network in the business and contracting communities so that more people know who you are and your brand values. They will be more trusting of your business if they see the face and person behind it. Post regularly about industry updates and what your company has been doing. You can also use search engine optimization (SEO) as a strategy. This means that you are setting up your website to appear on the first page of search engine rankings for certain search parameters. For example, when someone googles “contractor” and your city, you want your brand to show up there. You will get more organic traffic from people already looking for the services you offer. Networking When commercial clients want a project done, they need to know that their contractor will do it professionally, competently, safely, and with an attention to detail. They also want it to come in on budget and within an appropriate timeline. The best way for potential clients to trust you is through personal connections. As the owner of a contracting company, you need to get yourself out there. Attend Chamber of Commerce functions, show up at charity events and make yourself seen in the community. Even if you don’t meet a single person who is a decision-maker at a company, those you meet will have friends, family, and other connections. Knowing people in person will give them a better sense of your personality and how you run your business. If they can trust you as a person, they will be more likely to go to bat for you with the people who make final decisions on bids and service providers. Get All Your Ducks in a Row The other way you can get prospective clients to trust your business is by making sure that you have protected it properly. As a commercial contractor, you can join professional organizations, get certifications and licenses, and present a squeaky clean image to the world. You should also have insurance in place that protects your business, your clients, and the general public. When choosing a contractor, businesses and commercial clients will check to make sure that your employees are bonded and that you have all of the requisite certifications. Don’t try to get away from these. Invest in making your business look strong and reputable, and clients will be more likely to sign with you. Be Organized A red flag for a prospective client is a contractor that misses deadlines or meetings or doesn’t have information when requested. You must always be organized and on the ball, or else you might miss opportunities. If you bid too late, you will most likely be automatically taken out of the running. If organization is not your skill, hire someone to do it for you. Not only will it help with getting new jobs, but it will also help with your employees. A disorganized company will miss pay dates and make mistakes. This will annoy your staff and potentially cause issues keeping people. Have a Bidding Strategy When you bid, you need to have a strategy. Some contractors like to quote everything down to the last penny, and some like to use round numbers, like $10,000. However, while rounding numbers makes it simpler, a client may question that. Are you rounding $80,000 up to $100,000? They don’t know, so you will need to be very close if you are rounding. Your strategy will have to balance the desire to get everything into your bid that the client wants but at the lowest price possible. But even then, you will need to be mindful of how much profit you are taking in. In general, if you do good work for a decent price, even if it’s not the lowest, you should be able to convince clients to sign with you. Now that you have these tips, you are ready to start bringing in clients. Remember, if you provide great workmanship and build a great network, you can bring in revenue and build the commercial contracting business you’ve dreamed of.
New video shows extensive tunnelling work that will help relocate equipment and provide ventilation for the Northern line: HS2 Ltd continues to make progress at Euston, as work continues behind the hoardings to make way for Britain’s new high-speed railway. To create space for the new HS2 station, HS2’s station contractor, Mace Dragados JV (MDjv), has excavated a 20-metre deep ‘box’ that will be home to a new Traction Substation (TSS). Traction substations are used to convert electrical power to a form suitable for a rail system. This TSS will enable the relocation of equipment needed to provide services and ventilation for the safe operation of the Northern Line at Euston. Connecting this highly-secure new Traction Substation – dubbed the ‘sugar cube’ due to its eye-catching white tiled exterior – to the London Underground network is a 90-metre long – as long as the Statue of Liberty laid down – 6.5-metre wide tunnel running under the HS2 construction site. The work to construct the tunnel took 16 months and saw the MDJV team sink a 20-metre deep shaft before carving out the underground passage and coating it with a primary sprayed concrete lining (SCL). After applying waterproofing, the team reinforced the tunnel with steel and concrete to give it the strength and structure needed ahead of the construction of the HS2 Station that will be taking place above it. MDjv, supported by its principal sub-contractors Cementation Skanska, Careys and JGL, brought forward innovations to improve the environmental credentials of the works. Redesigning the tunnel to lower the carbon impact during construction – through reduced material and water use, a reduction in vehicle movements, and a lower energy consumption – resulted in an overall carbon saving of 140 tonnes, while efforts to reuse material already on site resulted in over 1,000 fewer lorry movements and an associated saving of 76 tonnes carbon dioxide from vehicle emissions. Andy Swift, Euston Project Client for HS2 Ltd said: “Our Euston team has been working hard behind the hoardings at Euston to create the space required for us to build HS2’s new Euston station, as well as a better connected London Underground station. The progress to date has been great, moving the existing underground infrastructure, with seamless collaboration between contractors and stakeholders, with a focus on minimising community disruption.” Throughout the tunnelling works, the shaft has been enclosed by an acoustic shed, designed to reduce noise impact on the community and businesses nearby. This enabled 24 hour working which was required to meet the demands of the programme. Rob Williams, Senior Project Manager for the Traction Substation at Mace Dragados joint venture said: “The progress we’ve made at the Traction Substation has been the by-product of fantastic collaborative working between HS2, Mace Dragados, our supply chain partners and critical external stakeholders, including TfL. Our one-team approach has allowed us to build a culture and leverage the expertise needed to deliver this complex and highly constrained project, which is essential for the construction of the new HS2 station at Euston.” Lorena Naylor, Lead Sponsor at Transport for London, said: “Our team has been working closely with HS2 on the relocation of our traction substation to make space for the new HS2 station at Euston. We are also working with HS2 to ensure the heritage features from the original building, including the oxblood tiles from 1907, are salvaged and re-used at other stations such as Oxford Circus. Alongside the new traction substation here, HS2 will deliver a capacity upgrade to Euston underground station ticket hall as well as a new bus station.” With the tunnelling and excavation works at the site now complete, the team will be working to construct the below and above ground structures for the new Traction Substation, before fitting it out with the necessary equipment and connecting it to the Northern line. The building will have three storeys below ground and four above. Once the new structure is complete, the existing TSS on Melton Street will be demolished. The building, opened in 1907, was once an entrance and exit to what Londoner’s now know as the Northern line, and was designed by the Architect Leslie Green. In 1914 changes to the Underground at Euston meant that the building was no longer used as a ticket office and entrance but was used to house ventilation equipment for the underground. HS2 will be carefully removing some of the iconic historic features and tiles donating these for reuse and heritage displays.
