Building and Facilities News Issue 1002

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our January issue, where we dive into the latest advancements, practical insights, and groundbreaking innovations shaping the building and facilities industries.

Turn to page 8 for our spotlight feature on Mudfords, a proud member of the Stuart Canvas Group. Specialising in the wholesale import of textile-based products, Mudfords caters to the construction, building, and haulage industries while also excelling in the production of custom-made covers. This article highlights their impressive range of Heavy Duty Tarpaulins, Pallet Covers, and Debris Netting.

Smart Buildings Show Review 6

Smart Buildings Show 2024 took place on the 9th-10th October at ExCeL London. As the standout event in the smart buildings sector, the Smart Buildings Show once again demonstrated its capacity to draw a crowd, attracting 2,395 visitors from across the industry. Read our full review on page 6, and a feature from our Top Exhibitor: Allied Telesis.

Nicola Tromans Editor & Office Manager

line-up of property experts in the North of England, the Show also celebrated its 30th birthday. The exhibition attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, with over 240 exhibitors who gathered at HCC to present thousands of innovative products and services. Red our full review on page 10 or learn about our Top Exhibitors from the show from pages 11-13.

Other topics covered: Women in Building, Water Management, Building & Construction, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Roofing, Cladding & Insulation, Doors, Windows & Joinery.

The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Korniche, took place from 1-3 November 2024. Featuring its biggest ever

On the Cover

The Smart Buildings Show once again demonstrated its capacity to draw a crowd, attracting 2,395 visitors from across the industry.

Site Management 7-9

Mudfords focuses on wholesale importing of textile-based products for the construction, building, and haulage sectors.

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review 10-13

The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show was celebrating its 30th birthday. Building & Construction 18-21

Luceco provided a lighting design that met the brief of the consultant’s lighting requirements.

Share all news: info@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Yeoman Shield 2 & 26

Yeoman Shield, a leading provider of high-quality wall and door protection products, is pleased to offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to safeguard buildings from damage while enhancing both safety and aesthetics.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation 24-25

Sika®, a leader in innovative waterproofing solutions, proudly announces the launch of Sikalastic®-625 BMS.

Doors, Windows & Joinery 26-27

Bluerun has been manufacturing top quality, purpose made joinery for the domestic and commercial markets since 1972.

Bringing a new level of skin

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are pleased to announce PEVA UK as our Professional Skin Protection Company of the Month

Established in October 2024 by Managing Director, Rob Hand, its main headquarters in Sheffield serves as the main operational hub for its UK market presence.

“I joined the team as National Sales Manager to help grow PEVA UK and bring our products to more customers across the country,” said Darren Isherwood.

“PEVA UK operates in the professional skin protection industry, specialising in protective, cleansing, and restorative skin care products for industrial and professional use. As National Sales Manager, I oversee our market expansion and work closely with numerous industries to understand their specific skin protection needs.”

Primarily serving the manufacturing, construction, and hospitality sectors, and

particularly for people who are exposed to harsh chemicals, PEVA UK has a vast range of professional skin protection products including protective barrier creams, skin cleansing products, restorative skincare solutions, and a comprehensive range of dispensing systems designed for industrial environments.

PEVA UK’s versatile product range caters to both professionals in industrial environments and individual consumers, and are crafted with strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice standards in Velbert, Germany. All products are rigorously tested by the renowned dermatological institute Dermatest, ensuring and confirming its exceptional quality and reliability.

With a focus on industrial and consumer needs, PEVA UK delivers tailored products that address specific challenges more effectively than generic alternatives offered by competitors. To help reduce the number of plastic particles in wastewater, all PEVA UK products contain natural abrasives like walnut shell and corn cob meal. There are also fragrance-free and sensitive skin options available to suit different skin types.

With PEVA UK dispenser systems you can dispense skin protection, skin cleansing and skincare products hygienically and economically. Ideally matched for trouble free operation and economical dosing, PEVA UK has developed several dispenser systems that pay particular attention to user-friendliness and durability.

“Using such products shows our commitment to environmental protection, whilst offering competitive pricing compared to traditional solutions. Our products provide superior dirt removal compared to foam soaps, which often contain more air than cleaning agents. The foaming action occurs on your hands rather than in the dispenser, ensuring optimal dirt emulsification and removal. Our products significantly reduce bacteria compared to foam soaps, providing a more hygienic solution. All products are manufactured

under GMP standards and validated by independent dermatological reports,” added Darren.

PEVA ONE comes as one dispenser offering multiple opportunities. For this dispenser systems, a complete range of skin protection, skin cleansing and skincare products is available. PEVA ONE offers maximum hygiene thanks to bottles with integrated dosing pumps which are exchanged when the bottle is changed. Its compact and small size makes this dispenser suitable for both industrial and washroom use (available in black or white).

PEVAMAT CARE & CLEAN is a 1L dispenser system that is available as either a manual operation or touchless. Its slick and timeless design makes its attractive for both industrial and washroom use, and can be used with the complete range offer by PEVA UK (only available in white).

PEVA UK aims to make its skincare range as sustainable as possible, carefully selecting raw materials that are purchased as ‘mass balance’ quality and therefore coming from sustainable cultivation. We asked Darren what makes the company’s skin protection system ideal for British industries, and how does it address workplace hazards.

“We are proud to introduce our comprehensive skin protection

skin care technology to Britain

system to British industries, designed to prevent workplace hazards through a three-step approach. Our three-step skin protection approach ensures professionals maintain healthy skin even in challenging working conditions, significantly reducing the risk of occupational skin diseases and related safety hazards. We have comprehensive product information packages available, including detailed technical specifications and usage guidelines for each product in our range. For specific industry applications, we can create customised information packages tailored to each sector’s unique requirements.

Some of our most popular products include: PEVAPERM, a protective barrier cream that creates a shield against harsh workplace conditions before work, preventing harmful substances from penetrating the skin’s surface. During the workday, our environmentally conscious PEVAPLUS, PEVASTAR SOFT, and PEVAFOAM ECO cleansing products effectively remove industrial soils while being gentle on the skin, maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier. Our PEVALIND and PEVACARE UREA restorative care products work overnight to accelerate the skin’s natural regeneration process, helping repair and strengthen the skin barrier.”

PEVA UK’s Hero products offer the best in skincare for manual labour jobs with innovative solutions designed to safeguard skin health, especially at work. Offering solutions for before, during, and after work, PEVA UK has a proven skin protection plan for every worker.

Bringing 55 years of German skincare expertise to British professionals and consumers, its product range is designed to protect, cleanse, nurture and heal skin effectively. The company’s global reputation for excellence in service and reliability is now available to UK customers, and Darren explained PEVA UK’s first exciting new partnership with the RSH Group.

“We’ve recently partnered with our first key distributor, Sheffield-based Rubber Safety and Hygiene (RSH Group). They’re a fantastic fit for us as they’re already wellestablished in supplying industrial products, PPE, corporate clothing, and cleaning supplies. This partnership will help us expand our reach across British industries, and we look forward to forming other partnerships in the coming months.”

Rubber Safety Hygiene Ltd (RSH Group) is a family run wholesale company that was established in Sheffield in 1990. As a leading supplier of industrial products, since the beginning, RSH Group has evolved from being a Rubber Safety Hygiene to a Group of industrial, PPE, and janitorial companies. Its latest acquisition with PEVA UK has allowed the RSH Group to also expand into new areas of business.

Looking ahead, PEVA UK is excited to continue expanding and promoting its brand presence across the UK, and will be attending two major industry events this year.

“You can find us at the Cleaning Show in March at Stand J6, where we’ll be showcasing our innovative skin protection solutions and connecting with industry professionals. We’re particularly looking forward to discussing exciting distributor opportunities with potential partners and engaging with leaders in the field. Later in the year, we’ll also be exhibiting at Automechanika at the NEC

Birmingham from 3rd to 5th June,” said Darren.

If you are interested in scheduling a product demonstration or to see product samples, please contact Darren at: darren. isherwood@pevauk.co.uk

Alternatively, you can visit the website for more comprehensive information about PEVA UK’s products and services, and learn how its innovative skin protection solutions can benefit your workplace: https://pevauk.co.uk

Or connect on socials: www.instagram.com/peva.uk www.linkedin.com/company/peva-uk

Smart Buildings Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Smart Buildings Show celebrates hugely successful 2024 event

As the standout event in the smart buildings sector, the Smart Buildings Show once again demonstrated its capacity to draw a crowd, attracting 2,395 visitors from across the industry.

Taking place at ExCeL London from 9-10 October 2024, the two day event saw visitors flock to conference sessions hosted by prominent industry speakers and visit the stands of leading smart buildings vendors. With more than 90 industry exhibitors in attendance, the show provided the perfect opportunity to get close to the latest and greatest products currently making waves in the smart buildings market. The four

packed conference theatres demonstrated strong visitor appetite to hear more about key industry topics relating to energy management, controls and networks, IT and infrastructure, and management and proptech.

Ian Garmeson, Event Director, commented, “The popularity of this year’s event demonstrates the ever-growing interest in the industry and we’d like to thank all of our exhibitors, speakers and supporters for helping to make the show the leading event in the smart buildings arena. Attendances continue to grow and the show’s top industry billing has resulted in a record number of rebookings for next year.”

Neil Salt, an exhibitor and speaker for Forest Rock, commented, “Everything has been very positive – visitor numbers are

up, leads are up. The location is also great which makes a massive difference to us.” Anthony Dann from Trend Control Systems was equally positive and said, “Really good number of leads. This is our industry show.”

Smart Buildings Show connects visitors to the latest information and technology in the smart buildings industry. The Show gives visitors the information they need to arrive at an informed decision on how to make their buildings more economic for owners and more functional for occupiers.

Smart Buildings Show will return to ExCeL London from 15-16 October 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Allied Telesis. Further details can be found on this page.

https://smartbuildingsshow.com

Allied Telesis perfect for smart buildings

The market for smart buildings and the technology that enables them is extremely buoyant in the UK at present. As cities continue to grow, the demand for cleaner, greener and more efficient buildings has become a key enabler for the construction industry, landlords and clients. This has created an important differentiator for what is often one of the largest overheads a company will take on.

The technology that runs these buildings is critical to this enablement and helps those involved to move from reactive to proactive decision making. This in turn helps to drive cost and CO2 reduction, optimise space, air quality and temperature among other

factors. Though historically in the IT space a typical sweat period for technology may only be 3-5 years; real estate owners are looking to make decisions that they will live with for potentially 20+ years, so the CAPEX and OPEX associated with this technology is critical.

Allied Telesis has a technology stack which is perfect for this market, with an end-to-end portfolio of products and solutions optimised to hit these metrics. With Japanese ethos for build quality, industry standard command language and all the tools required for self-healing plus integration with a large eco-system of connected devices, we have become the logical partner for networking.

The Smart Buildings Show is the highlight in the calendar for attendees of all disciplines across the industry, bringing together everyone that is looking for valuable insights in this important market. As an exhibitor for the last

4 years we have gained so much from the show, engaging not only with clients but visitors from a whole myriad of industries that are there to learn and gain a vital edge over their competition. We have participated in the conference and speaker elements along with our partners and generated leads that we would never have found otherwise. Visitors are able to engage with our demonstrations and get a first-hand experience of our products directly on our stand.

This year we were honoured to receive recognition from Building and Facilities News for our activity in this space; collecting the award for Networking Solutions Company of the Year, a special privilege for myself personally and the team in the UK at Allied Telesis International. We have won a great deal of prestigious projects and grown our business and reputation by over 200% in a single year. For this we would like to thank all our customers and partners that have helped to deliver this achievement.

Contact: Chris Dyke, Sales Director UK & Ireland M +44 (0)7813 087901 chris_dyke@alliedtelesis.com

UK’s first 5.5 star rated NABERS UK building completes

The 150,000ft2 net zero carbon workplace at 11 Belgrave Road in London Victoria has completed. Developed by global real estate development, investment management and advisory group, Quadrum Global, the awardwinning, £50 million construction value scheme is the first in the UK to achieve a NABERS UK Design for Performance 5.5-star rating for building efficiency.

The project, designed by Eric Parry Architects, provides 108,000ft2 of Grade A office accommodation along with 14,000ft2 of communal spaces and best-in-class facilities, including a 3,300ft2 café and 4,600ft2 gym. It prioritises occupier experience and wellbeing

throughout and was one of only six buildings to pre-certify for WELL Platinum.

13,000ft2 of exceptional green space is seamlessly woven throughout and includes a 2,600ft2 private garden at ground floor as well as spacious indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, a private terrace on the sixth and multiple terraces on the seventh floor, plus a rooftop platform offering 360 degree views over London. There is storage for 178 bikes, 5 star spa-style changing rooms with 19 showers, and 177 smart lockers.

11 Belgrave meets the highest sustainability and wellbeing credentials. In regenerating the site, it retained 35% of the existing fabric to reduce embodied carbon. It achieved a BREEAM Outstanding Rating, putting it in the top 1% of BREEAM assessed buildings, and is net zero carbon in construction and operation, surpassing the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge target by 38%.

www.quadrumglobal.com

SIOR Foundation awards $22,000 grant

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) Foundation has awarded a $22,000 grant to Kyiv School of Development (KSD), the school of professional real estate development, to train at least 100 reconstruction specialists to help rebuild Ukraine.

SIOR is the leading global association for real estate brokers and the SIOR Foundation is made up of real estate leaders from within the organisation, with a purpose to give back to the sector by supporting initiatives that Educate, Enhance, and Expand the commercial real estate community. It promotes best practices, responsible and sustainable development, and helps educate the next generation.

than 450 managers, owners of real estate development and construction companies, project managers, architects and other market specialists have graduated from this educational institution. Kyiv School of Development seeks to form an active community to change the rules of the market, as well as to educate specialists with the world standard values who create modern and progressive development projects.

KSD, in the city centre of Kyiv, is a school focused on real estate development and construction management. Since 2017, more

A new ‘Recovery Manager’ programme has now been developed by KSD to train property professionals in the reconstruction of Ukraine, regenerating towns and villages damaged by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Funded by the SIOR Foundation, it will provide free of charge training for at least 100 reconstruction specialists.

www.sior.com

Site Management

An Aladdin’s Cave of building products

Founded nearly 200 years ago in 1832 by ropemaker John Horace Mudford, who pioneered hand-spun hemp, the company has a rich history. In 2018, Mudfords became part of the Stuart Canvas Group, a leading UK supplier of sports grounds and industrial covers.

As a member of the Stuart Canvas Group, Mudfords focuses on wholesale importing of textile-based products for the construction, building, and haulage sectors, as well as manufacturing bespoke covers. Now operating from new premises in Sheffield, the Yorkshirebased team benefits from expanded warehouse storage facilities for its comprehensive product range. Known for its exceptional customer service, Mudfords fosters long-term relationships and consistently delivers premium products.

Mudfords is a well trusted leader in the industry and offers an extensive range of tarpaulins, hessian and jute sheets, nets, straps and slings, ropes, cords and sandbags. These products have versatile uses that are particularly useful during the winter months when the weather can be very unpredictable.

Mudfords pallet covers are ideal for use in winter by because they are designed to provide insulation and robust protection from environmental elements, dust and debris. They also ensure the stabilisation of the pallets, and are a great investment to enhance the integrity, safety, and organisation of materials, making them a practical choice for any construction or transport operation.

protective qualities for wind, rain and UV. They can also retain heat when used to enclose workspaces, reducing heat loss and keeping the area warmer for workers and temperaturesensitive materials.

What’s more, their heavy-duty nature means they can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use, offering a cost-effective solution for longterm projects. They are also great for security purposes, as they can obscure valuable equipment and materials from view, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.

edges are a bonus. Excellent value for money.”

“Flexible and robust material that is easy to handle. I purchased mine to cover an iW trailer and I’m delighted. Highly recommended.”

“Perfect for covering a small boat, extremely thick and will be long lasting.”

Mudfords Heavy Duty Tarpaulin 610gsm are available in green or blue and manufactured from a sturdy durable PVC coated polyester. The tarpaulins are available in a range of sizes from 3.5m x 2.75m all the way up to 10m x 6m making the product ideal for all round use.

The tarpaulins come complete with eyelets every 4 feet and ropes with reinforced corners making them flexible to cater to more than one job. The product is incredibly versatile but is mainly used for Trailer Covers, Machine Protection and Camping Sheets.

Some areas of the UK have been hit hard with high levels of flooding due to excessive rain fall over the last few months. A great way to combat any potential flooding is to use sandbags. Mudfords has three varieties to choose from: Hessian; Polypropylene; and Rotproof.

Polypropylene are a cheaper choice and more catered towards light-weight use and equipped with anti-rotting protection for durability. However, Rotproof hessian sandbags are a better option for some merchants as the water intake is very minimal. They are traditionally used to assist in the prevention of flooding, and can be used with tarpaulins to help waterproof and seal sandbag barriers.

Mudfords pallet covers are typically made from durable, waterproof materials that protect pallets and their contents from rain, snow, and ice, which are common during winter months. As well as being reusable and ideal for multiple uses, they are made from durable 140gsm lightweight PE material. Each cover comes complete with metal eyelets on all corners, hemmed bottoms, sealed seams, and are available in three different sizes: Small – 1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 500(H) mm, Medium –1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 1,000(H) mm, and X Large – 1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 2,000(H) mm.

Another excellent choice for construction companies during the winter are heavy-duty tarpaulins. Their durable, versatile, and have

Mudfords also has a 150gsm heavyduty tarpaulin which is a great waterproof cover for many uses. It comes complete with eyelets all round and is ideally used for Garden Furniture, General Industry, Haystacks, and Mechanical Equipment.

The Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins have earned a reputation for excellence, consistently receiving 5-star ratings from satisfied customers. Here are three glowing reviews:

“The tarpaulin arrived within days of ordering. It’s very well made, and the ropes along the

Debris Netting is an ecofriendly solution for controlling dust and debris, ideal for construction and scaffolding. It minimises pollution, maintains a cleaner work environment, and provides protection against wind, rain, and weather. Available in various colours for site visibility, each 50m roll comes in 2m or 3m widths, with durable polyethylene material and eyelets for easy installation. What’s more, its compact packaging also reduces environmental impact during shipping.

info@mudfords.co.uk https://mudfords.co.uk

Pallet Covers

Debris Netting

Heavy Duty Tarpaulins

Agricultural Machinery Covers, Tarpaulins, Brick Nets, Large & Small Trailer Covers, Bungee Cords, Curtain Siders, Hessian Rolls, Lifting Slings, Sandbags, Load Straps, PVC Sheets, Roll-On Covers & Nets, Ropes, Skip Nets

The UK’s best show for anyone looking to create their dream home

History was made when the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) opened its doors for the Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Korniche, from 1-3 November 2024. The show, which featured the biggest ever line-up of property experts in the North of England, was celebrating its 30th birthday.

The exhibition attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, bringing an approximate economic impact of £450,000 to the spa town.

Since the first event took place in 1994, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show has attracted visitors with a combined project spend of £150 billion and has sold enough exhibition space to fill Wembley Stadium 200 times. Totalling all the show days from the past 30 years, the event has run for over 450 days.

87% of the Harrogate show visitors had a project on the go or will have in the next 12 months; on average they spent nearly four hours at the show and over half (54%) say that the Homebuilding & Renovating Show was the only show they visit.

Over 240 exhibitors gathered at HCC to present thousands of innovative products and services to enable visitors to see, touch and compare the latest advances to bring their projects together. Bespoke one-toone advice was on offer from the panel of show experts with 15 minute consultations available to book in the Advice Centre.

In addition, a series of seminars and masterclasses in the Seminar and Masterclass Theatres from a collection of leading property experts imparted knowledge and expertise by covering a range of topics including: a comprehensive guide to home solar installation; VAT for selfbuilders; mastering build costs; how heat

pumps work, and much more.

To maximise the efficiency of the home, there was also a series of eco-energyfocused sessions from specialists, enabling visitors to achieve their home energy goals.

The show returns next year to Harrogate’s Convention Centre from 31 October-2 November 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s Harrogate show, listed here in alphabetical order: Aquacut, The Bradclad Group, FAKRO, Kudos Interior Design, Rampart Construction, Sisaltech & 369 Construction Universe Goup. Further details can be found on this page and the next four. But the Homebuilding & Renovating show is held seven times throughout the year (see website for details) and the next show is at Birmingham’s NEC from 20-23 March 2025.

https://harrogate.homebuildingshow.co.uk www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review – Top

Better fit a FAKRO

At FAKRO, we are known for our knowledge, trusted for our expertise, and celebrated for our innovative solutions that redefine the standards of architectural design and construction. From our advanced roof windows to our highly rated loft ladders, every FAKRO product embodies our commitment to quality, functionality, and security. With a dedicated team of experts ready to support you at every step, FAKRO is simply a better fit for your next project.

Our roof windows are at the forefront of innovation, offering intelligent features designed to enhance both performance and convenience. For instance, we strategically position easy-reach handles lower on the window frame, enabling the placement of windows higher in a room. This thoughtful

design floods interiors with natural light while ensuring accessibility. The V40p automatic air inlet optimises the flow of fresh air, maintaining a healthy indoor environment while minimising heat loss. Furthermore, our pioneering topSafe anti-burglary system delivers an elevated level of security, giving you peace of mind without compromising style.

Beyond our product innovations, we provide unmatched contractor support to streamline your project from start to finish. Our knowledgeable specification managers offer tailored assistance with design, costing, advanced scheduling, and technical guidance. Whether you need detailed CAD resources or access to our RIBA-accredited CPD program, we are equipped to empower your vision and help you achieve exceptional results.

At FAKRO, we understand that every detail matters. That’s why we offer an inspirational range of colours and designs to ensure our solutions integrate seamlessly into your architectural plans. It’s also why our loft ladders combine ease of use with robust construction, delivering reliability every time you step on them.

We pride ourselves on being

more than just a supplier – we are a partner in your success. Our focus on combining unrivalled security, exceptional performance, and forward-thinking design is what makes FAKRO the perfect choice for any project. Whether you’re seeking innovative ways to brighten a space, improve ventilation, or ensure security, FAKRO delivers solutions that exceed expectations.

Discover the FAKRO difference for yourself. With our expertise, innovative features, and steadfast support, FAKRO is the partner you can rely on to bring your vision to life. For your next project, make the better choice.

Better fit a FAKRO.

www.fakro.co.uk www.linkedin.com/company/fakro-gb-ltd www.instagram.com/fakrogb www.youtube.com/@fakrogb997

Proseam from The Bradclad Group

Proseam is a standing seam panel system based on the well established principle of long strip metal roofing. It was launched in response to the growing demand for fully supported metal roofing in the UK –especially in the residential sector.

Panels are factory produced in a variety of materials and finishes, and in different widths. They are typically laid onto a ventilated plywood deck as part of a trussed rafter system, or perhaps a SIPS modular construction. A breathable separation membrane is laid between the metal panel and timber deck.

The standard Proseam panel is of a ‘Snaplock’ type design, where individual

panels are secured to the roof by means of a stainless-steel clip. Adjacent panels are fitted or ‘snapped’ in place with a soft hammer or mallet. No additional seaming or ‘zipping’ of panels is necessary.

Proseam panels are manufactured in 3000 series aluminium alloy, with a PVDF paint system. The aluminium is coil coated on modern high speed lines and comes with a 30 year warranty.

Flashings and trims to complete the perimeter detailing of the roof are offered in the same material, ensuring full colour matching of all external roof components.

Working in conjunction with leading manufacturers of light weight flexible solar modules, Bradclad can offer a fully integrated solar roof system – Proseam Energi-Roof. Individual modules are laminated on to Proseam panels in the factory under

controlled conditions. The result is a unique roof panel system which turns the building into a power station.

T 0191 233 6318 enquiries@bradclad.com www.bradclad.com

Proseam Energi-Roof in Anthracite, Minster precinct York

Proseam roof on barn conversion, Peak District

369 Construction Universe Group: Helping you build and develop with confidence

At 369 CUG, we help everyday people, business owners, and developers turn their building and property dreams into reality. Whether you’re looking for a plot of land, a property to renovate, or starting a new build, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our approach ensures you maximise opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve real results, making us the go-to choice for anyone looking to build or develop.

What we do

Building or developing can feel overwhelming, but with our help, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve designed a simple process to make everything straightforward and stress-free:

1. Find Your Land or Property – Whether you’re searching for a plot of land or a property to renovate, we’ll help you find the perfect opportunity to start your journey.

2. Plan and Build – From renovations to new builds, we create a strategy that’s tailored to your unique needs and goals.

3. Complete and Succeed – We work with you to ensure everything is finished to the highest standards, helping you reach your goals efficiently and effectively.

Results-driven success

We don’t just teach – you’ll see real, measurable results. Our step-by-step system is built on years of experience, and we estimate that we help our clients avoid wasting an average of £52,000 on a £400,000 project, based on industry statistics. Our approach delivers not only education but also tangible financial savings and benefits. By steering clear of common pitfalls and making smart decisions, our clients achieve more without overspending. Check out our testimonials to see the results for yourself!

Why choose 369 CUG?

s Tailored Support – Every project is unique, so we provide solutions that are designed specifically for your needs.

s The Complete Package – From finding the right property to completing your build, we’re with you at every stage.

s Build Confidence – We give you the skills, mindset, and focus to take control of your project and succeed.

s Maximise Opportunities – Whether you’re building your dream home or developing for profit, we ensure you get the most out of your investment.

The obvious choice

If you’re looking to build your own home or become a successful developer – whether through renovations or new builds – working with us is a no-brainer. Our proven process, combined with our hands-on support, ensures your project is completed with confidence and success.

Ready to build?

Let’s turn your vision into reality. Visit: www.369cug.com or email us at: info@369cug.com to find out how we can help.

Educate. Empower. Prosper. Building smarter, together.

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review –

Aquacut relocates to state-of-the-art Warrington facility

We’re excited to announce the completion of our move to a brand-new facility in central Warrington! This significant investment represents a major step forward for Aquacut, allowing us to expand our services, increase efficiency, and continue delivering the highest quality craftsmanship to our clients.

Our new premises is equipped with cutting-edge Ferrari & Cigarini machinery, enabling us to offer an even wider range of services, including tile cutting, bullnosing, step treads, cladding, and brick slip cutting. Whether it’s precise profiling or bespoke fabrication, we now have the tools to take on even more complex and creative projects.

two advanced waterjet machines capable of CNC cutting on almost any material. To further enhance our operations, we’ve implemented a Dal Prete water filtration system, allowing us to recycle water and reduce waste as part of our commitment to sustainability.

This move marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Aquacut, and we’re ready to tackle your next project. Contact us today to see how we can help your project!

Kudos Interior Design has over 28 years of experience in the Commercial & Residential Interior Design industry, we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to tackle any project, intimate or large scale.

From the first idea to the final touches, we’re all about bringing your vision to life and delivering something truly special.

Our team are a fun mix of quirky, animal-loving, confectionery guzzling, creative spirits who aren’t afraid to voice our bonkers yet thought through wonderfulness. We get excited about space and totally obsess over the details.

Let us bring that spark and a touch of our playful energy into your home or workplace. We promise it will be a design journey you won't forget!

In addition, we’ve relocated our

T 01565 344860 sales@aquacut.co.uk

T 0113 521 3777 hello@kudosid.com www.kudosid.com

Embracing sustainability with Sisalwool Natural Fibre Insulation

The construction industry is at a turning point, where the push for sustainability meets the demand for high-performance materials.

Sisalwool Natural Fibre Insulation is leading the charge, offering a solution that combines exceptional performance with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.

A greener alternative

Versatility

Sisalwool is crafted from renewable natural fibres, making it a standout alternative to synthetic insulation materials. Its composition not only supports sustainability but also provides superior thermal and acoustic insulation. By reducing energy consumption, Sisalwool helps buildings comply with stringent energy efficiency standards while lowering utility costs – a win for both the environment and your bottom line.

Safe and healthy spaces

Unlike traditional insulation options, Sisalwool is non-toxic and safe to handle. It contributes

to healthier indoor air quality by avoiding the harmful chemicals often found in synthetic materials. For facilities managers and homeowners alike, this means peace of mind and a healthier living or working environment.

and performance

Sisalwool’s versatility is one of its key strengths. It can be used across a wide range of applications, including walls, roofs, and floors. Whether you’re retrofitting an older building or designing a state-of-theart facility, Sisalwool adapts to your needs while maintaining its excellent performance. Its flexible and durable nature simplifies installation, saving both time and labour costs.

A commitment to the environment

In an era where sustainability is nonnegotiable, Sisalwool’s biodegradability and recyclability set it apart. It aligns seamlessly with circular economy principles, reducing waste and supporting long-term

environmental goals. By choosing Sisalwool, you're making a conscious decision to reduce the ecological footprint of your projects.

Recognised excellence

Sisalwool’s contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. As the proud winner of the Product Scotland award at the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, Sisalwool is recognised as a pioneer in sustainable building solutions. This accolade underscores its innovative approach and unwavering dedication to eco-friendly practices.

The future of insulation

The construction industry has a vital role to play in addressing climate change. With Sisalwool Natural Fibre Insulation, you can build better, healthier, and more sustainable spaces without compromising on performance. Let’s work together to create a future where buildings are not just structures but a testament to our commitment to the planet.

Choose Sisalwool – because building sustainably is building smart.

T 0131 510 9296 info@sisaltech.com www.sisalwool.com

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Rampart Construction: Second generation builders for the 21st Century

This Yorkshire-based company has extensive experience dealing with all the needs of the customer. With over a century of experience across the team, Rampart can fulfil customer requirements from enquiries about personal home repairs to construction of new builds, Rampart can manage it all.

Why choose Rampart Construction?

There are any number of building companies in the marketplace, so it is a fair question as to why pick one over another. The reason Rampart stands above its competitors is a combination of three factors: Value, Services and Quality.

Each of these aspects can have inherent issues within a successful building relationship, however Rampart addresses each of these head on.

Value

Everyone wants the best value for money for their building needs and this is where Rampart Construction shines. Rampart is committed to supplying builders who are honest and efficient and strive to achieve the highest standards in their fields. Supplying a bespoke consultation

Women in Building

Services

service for all clients, project managers to oversee all aspects of the build, an insurance backed warranty from the NHBC, employer and public liability insurance and with professional indemnity insurance any client will feel their building needs are being fully supported.

In today’s modern world, it is essential that companies supply a full range of services for their clients’ ever-changing needs and Rampart shows that they are up for the challenge. The range of services from Rampart is second to none. Rampart can supply experts in property repair, brickwork services, renovations, building services and home extensions.

Rampart Construction can show that they can meet any customer requirement. From initial enquiry to signing off on the build, Rampart can support their client’s construction needs with planning and forethought.

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions champions women in construction

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, through its brands British Gypsum and Isover, has released an all new episode of its Building Better series, focusing on the role of women in the construction industry. The second episode explores how the construction industry is evolving, with women making significant strides in a traditionally maledominated sector, emphasising how progress marks the beginning of the journey towards achieving true gender equality in construction.

Highlighting the importance of this latest episode, Rachel Kelly, Head of Brand at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, said, “Diverse teams

are vital for driving innovation and achieving long-term success in the industry. By championing opportunities for women in construction, we can build a more inclusive workforce that strengthens the sector’s resilience and unlocks its full potential to build better communities for future generations.”

This second episode of the Building Better series highlights stories from women across the construction sector and illustrates efforts to create more inclusive roles where individuals can impact the future of the built environment and enhance workforce diversity. The episode also spotlights some of the fantastic women making a huge difference, such as those from the ‘I Am a Housebuilder’ initiative, which is represented by inspirational figures such as Sophie Horgan, Director of Horgan Homes and Xuan Meng, Founder of Cosy Hauz.

To watch the full episode, visit: www.saint-gobain.co.uk/buildingbetter-hub, or to explore the episode in chapters, head over to the Building Better YouTube channel and click subscribe to keep up to date.

Quality

Having value for money and supplying service needs are essential aspects to any build but without a quality stamp any build is incomplete. Every quotation supplied by Rampart Construction has a guarantee of workmanship beside it and that coupled with a project manager overseeing the build, will put any clients’ fears to rest. For added piece of mind, it is worth noting that Rampart Construction is a part of the Federation of Master Builders plus having the Trustmark stamp of approval as being Government Endorsed Quality. Additionally, Rampart holds construction and management degrees, NVQ’s 1-4 in all trades, CSCS and SMSTS cards and are trained to Pasma standards.

Rampart Construction can help take the clients’ journey from inception to conclusion with minimal issues due to their high level of experience and diligence. Rampart Construction strive to make sure that every job is on budget, on time, every time.

M 07949 267054

Info@rampartcl.co.uk

www.rampartcl.co.uk

DIG VR aims to change its culture and gender parity

New research, commissioned by DIG VR, reveals more than half (58%) of women admit they don’t have any understanding of the construction industry, and two thirds (66%) think there should be more education on this within schools.

From the new research, half of women (50%) reveal they have been subjected to wolf whistling and ogling from a construction site, bringing attention to further education and providing positive experiences to encourage a change in culture and gender disparity of women in the construction industry.

created an authentic and immersive light-simulation VR excavator game with realistic controls for the Meta Quest VR headset, DIG VR.

With companies such as Women into Construction (WiC) who ceased trading on 15th August 2024 after changing the face of construction, to ensure the legacy of WiC continues, video game publisher Wired Productions and award-winning developer Just Add Water have

By leveraging the power of virtual reality, the realistic controls and manoeuverability in the game can be used as an introduction and tool to create a love of excavating, encouraging, and inspiring a younger and diverse generation including men and women in a realistic yet fun, safe and costeffective entry to the construction industry, despite the perception and experiences overshadowing it.

View the Announcement (www. youtube.com/watch?v=2OTX8tfQPM) and Features (www.youtube. com/watch?v=vQSAJpwk2DY) trailers for an insight into the realism of DIG VR: https://digvrgame.com

Women in Building

Unlocking wealth

The landscape of wealth in the UK is evolving rapidly, with women playing an increasingly prominent role. Women now comprise about 46% of Britain's millionaires, growing by 11% annually, according to Reuters. With 25 female billionaires in the UK and more women advancing into senior roles, their financial influence is rising. However, despite this increasing clout, investment in real estate debt remains an under-explored avenue for many women. Indeed, less than a third of real estate investors are women according to online recruitment firm, Zippia, despite the fact that they represent 39% of global employment in the sector (according to McKinsey & Co).

Looking at real estate more specifically, investing in real estate debt opportunities offers distinct advantages in terms of capital preservation and growth. With potentially more efficient returns compared to stocks or shares and without the burdens of property management, investment in real estate debt is a compelling opportunity.

Investment in property debt strategies, particularly through investment platforms, offers flexibility that suits women juggling careers, family, and personal goals. For instance, the ASK model allows investors to choose opportunities aligning with their risk appetite, time availability, and financial goals. This model provides control over investment choices, offering empowerment often missing in traditional investment vehicles.

In conclusion, the real estate debt market is a relatively unknown asset class often assumed to be reserved for institutional investors not individuals, but it offers a unique blend of control, flexibility, and efficiency that resonates with individual investors. As women’s financial power continues to rise, so should their presence in this market. www.askpartners.co.uk

‘Help us promote construction as career for women’

A leading Midlands housebuilder is calling for more to be done to encourage girls and women to consider a career in construction as a new mentoring scheme gets under way.

Sophie Horgan (pictured), director of Horgan Homes, said schools, colleges and the industry needed to change the narrative around construction to increase the number of females in the industry and avoid a huge waste of potential talent.

Sophie is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ female leaders in construction, spearheading the I Am A Housebuilder campaign launched by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME housebuilders. The campaign sees women wanting to go into construction matched with female mentors.

She said, “By far the biggest problem we have in recruiting women is that so many are still not aware that construction is a career path that is open to them. It is still assumed that building is something that boys do, and we really need everyone to work together to change that. There is no trade or profession in the construction industry that women can’t do as well as men, if they are given the chance. And the choice of career within the industry is vast, from the hands-on trades like bricklaying, plumbing and electrician to the associated professions like project manager, surveyor and architect. I am delighted that the I Am A Housebuilder campaign group has now launched a mentoring scheme to support women in the industry, but we also need to lay the foundations much earlier in the education system if we are to have those women to mentor.”

www.horganhomes.co.uk

Women of the Year Game Changer

Elior UK is proud to announce that Tanya EdnanLaperouse OBE, co-founder of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, has been recognised with the Women of the Year Game Changer Award at Women of the Year 2024 Lunch & Awards, Monday 7th October, at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. She was awarded in honour of her exceptional contributions to improving food safety and advocating for people living with allergies.

Recognising Tanya’s transformative impact on the industry, a coalition of companies have come together to sponsor the Game Changer Award. In addition to Elior UK, caterers including Compass, Aramark, BaxterStorey, and CH&Co, as well as key suppliers such as Delice de France and Around Noon supported the award. This unprecedented collaboration underscores the catering community’s unified commitment to supporting Tanya’s mission to improve food safety and to honour her incredible achievements.

Catherine Roe, CEO of Elior UK and a member of the Women of the Year Board, spearheaded the nomination of Tanya for this award. She said, “At Elior, we’ve seen first-hand how challenging it was for the catering industry to adapt to the requirements of Natasha's Law. Tanya’s determination has transformed not just regulations, but attitudes toward food safety, educating both businesses and the public on the importance of clear labelling.”

Tanya’s campaigning for better food labelling laws following the tragic loss of her daughter to a severe allergic reaction, led to the implementation of Natasha’s Law in 2021. This legislation requires food businesses to display full ingredient lists and allergen information on all prepackaged food, significantly enhancing safety and confidence for millions of people with allergies across the UK.

www.elior.co.uk

Winners announced for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2024

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the winners for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, which celebrates and honours the outstanding individuals within the sector, took place on 30 September at Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel at the start of UK Construction Week. The Awards Ceremony was hosted by National Federation of Builders, and showcased the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone.

The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction were also unveiled at the awards

CITB, said, “Congratulations to our award winners and to all of those who were shortlisted for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We are delighted to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry.

“The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while inspiring others and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. We are proud to showcase those who are leading in our industry and hope to see more even more applicants next year.”

www.citb.co.uk

with the UK’s Most Influential Overall accolade awarded to Katherine Evans from Bold as Brass. Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, England at

Changing water

“By 2050 the UK water deficit is anticipated to be 4,017 mega litres per day,” was the stark announcement at the National Water Framework Consultation launch in January 2022

Since then, all water companies have been developing plans to upgrade the UK’s water supply to meet this demand and reduce current usage levels, ie. Per Capital Consumption (PCC) to 110 litres per day from its current average of over 150 litres per day.

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage. Thames Water has recorded post installation savings of 12-17%, and located many previously unidentified leaks. Following multiple trials, all water companies are now working on plans for advanced metering infrastructure, where all new connections or meters use the latest generation of smart meters.

New meter locations, underground no longer works

The issues raised in the early trials has led much of the UK water industry to recognise that the most effective methods of installing the advanced metering infrastructure is to locate the meter above ground.

The use of the Groundbreaker water management system co-locates the water

meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, alongside gas and electric meters. It has the advantage of providing a better environment for smart technology over traditional underground boundary boxes and the additional benefits of readability for the consumer as well as extended signal transmission and easy meter exchange.

Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with ‘Water Safe’ initiatives.

The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system future proofs the network and minimises the risk of developing leaks. The position of the meter allows for a joint free water supply, eliminating joints in the water supply pipe maintains the integrity of the supply pipe. The use of an uninterrupted supply has been recognised as best practice by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.

Steve Leigh, Managing Director of Groundbreaker, commented, “Portsmouth Water has demanded surface mounted meter housings as the standard required for all new properties for over 15 years. Working with them we have established the effectiveness and reliability of Groundbreaker.” He continued, “With the need to maximise the effectiveness of smart metering programmes, I can’t see that there is a viable alternative – putting smart technology in a hole in the ground just does not work.”

Water efficient homes

While smart meters can go some way towards achieving PCC reductions, alone

The NRv2 LoFlo®

The inline LoFlo® alternative to the NRv2

The NRv2 LoFlo®

infrastructure

they will not achieve the target level of 110 litres per day.

Recently announced policies by United Utilities have recognised that water efficient homes are the key. As part of their new Environmental Incentives Scheme, all new properties developers will be encouraged to install water conservation measures requiring an output of 14 litres a minute or less.

One of the elements of this is the installation of a flow regulator within the water supply system. Flow regulators modulate the rate at which water enters customer premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the volume of water used by customers even when ‘variable use’ appliances (ie. showers, taps, hosepipes) are used.

‘Over supply’ of water, ie. water flow rates that are higher than required to provide an adequate supply, results in waste of water. Running taps when brushing teeth, showering, or rinsing cups uses more water than necessary. Installing flow regulation devices has been proven to reduce consumption and are an accepted water efficiency measure.

Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads and tap flow restrictors are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but fittings these come at a price, even in smaller properties.

The alternative, and now a recommended method for achieving water consumption reduction, is whole site flow reduction. Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s LoFlo® to the water supply, regulates the level of flow entering customer premises –regardless of network pressure. As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service.

More importantly, flow regulators do not require any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet, they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.

As an added benefit, the Groundbreaker’s LoFlo® has the unique property of providing

whole site protection against contamination of water services from private water pipes by back flow (up to fluid category 2) as standard – the only products available that can offer this facility.

Groundbreaker supplies two variations of its flow regulators. In properties with a meter Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® can be installed between the water meter and manifold in any underground or surface mounted water meter enclosure. This means

s Steve Leigh is a Fellow of the Institute of Water and Managing Director of Groundbreaker Systems and was winner of the Home Builder Federation’s ‘Utility Individual of the Year for 2016’.

s Groundbreaker Systems won the HBF’s ‘Utility of the Year’ in 2018.

s Groundbreaker Systems are 2023 winners of the Building & Facilities News Company of the Year for Innovation in Sustainable Water Management.

fitting does not interfere with occupier. Entry to the premises is not required. It is an easy, low-cost intervention that can be introduced without expensive excavation or retrospective work.

For properties that are not metered, the new addition to the range is the LoFlo Inline. This is fitted on the main water supply pipe, normally just after the main stop tap.

Achieving targets

Although it is recognised that improvements to the vast UK water network cannot be achieved overnight, the new policies being introduced by our major water companies will take UK water usage towards the targets required to maintain a secure supply and work towards UK Net Zero targets.

For further details, please contact Groundbreaker Systems at: www.groundbreaker.co.uk

The NRv2 LoFlo® in the Groundbreaker box

The Grounbreaker box fitted on a new build site

Building & Construction

Luceco provides perfect fit at Glasgow offices

After previous work on a different floor of 2 West Regent Street in Glasgow, Luceco partnered with local contractors, Electrical Solutions (Scotland) Ltd, to provide a lighting design that met the brief of the consultant’s lighting requirements.

Piecing together the puzzle

The biggest challenge that had to be faced was the unconventional luminaire cut-out size, measured at 1,200 x 300mm. Chris Bryant, Group Managing Director of Electrical Solutions (Scotland) explains, “We needed to

provide a cost effective lighting solution to fit into a non-standard suspended ceiling, that resulted in a comfortable, well-lit commercial working space while also reducing future running costs.

“We had worked with Luceco on a previous floor in this building, so we knew that they would be able to help us find a solution.”

Finding the perfect fit

To fit the non-standard ceiling requirement, Grahame Scott, Luceco’s Project Manager,

NEOVYNTM enables PVC customers to produce low carbon products

NEOVYNTM offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint that is 37% lower than the European industry average for suspension PVC, reduced to 1.3kg CO2 per kg PVC. Customers using this will be able to lower their scope 3 emissions and develop sustainable downstream products.

The first delivery of NEOVYNTM was made to Freefoam to meet the growing demand for lower carbon products from their own customers, and will be used in Freefoam’s new sustainable PVC-UE cladding. PVC-UE benefits from an average lifespan of 35 years and can be recycled up to 10 times without loss of quality or performance – making this material ideally suited to promote sustainability in building and construction.

Wouter Bleukx, INEOS Inovyn Business Manager, commented, “NEOVYNTM demonstrates our commitment to providing industry leadership

towards the reduction of CO2 in PVC. It helps our customers to reduce their own scope 3 emissions and enables them to market lower carbon applications.”

“INEOS Inovyn and Freefoam Building Products share a commitment to providing market leading innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability.”

NEOVYNTM will be progressively available from different INEOS Inovyn production sites using access to renewable energy sources, which includes local hydroelectric power from Norway, electricity from North Sea wind turbines in Antwerp and our solar energy in Jemeppe, combined with the use of low carbon hydrogen and the developments in electrification technology.

www.inovyn.com www.ineos.com

ECD Architects hired for retrofit project

Award-winning sustainable design specialists, ECD Architects, have been contracted by Skipton Building Society to undertake an innovative retrofitting project, which aims to showcase the benefits of home energy efficiency to the building society’s members.

Retrofitting an average UK home can save residents hundreds of pounds per year and this unique project, on a 1930s residential property, owned by Skipton and adjacent to its head office, will demonstrate such a transformation on a threebedroom detached house.

ECD Architects has retrofitted thousands of homes across the UK, enabling them to become more energy efficient and this considerable expertise will be used for The Regent Road Retrofitting Project. ECD, alongside other contractors, will

transform the current EPC rated D property into an energy-efficient home, with a goal rating of EPC B, with the primary focus of providing UK homeowners and landlords with practical insights and guidance for retrofitting their own properties as cost effectively as possible. This is particularly timely, given the UK government’s recent mandate that rental properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030.

Leeds Beckett and Leeds universities will collect high-quality data and insights on the building’s energy performance, to quantify ECD’s low environmental impact designs. Members of the public can follow @retrofittingregentroad on Instagram for updates on the project. www.ecda.co.uk

suggested using Luceco’s LuxPanel Extra lighting, a recessed panel fitting from the commercial range.

The LuxPanel Extra is a slimline backlit LED panel with TPa rated diffusers, long life drivers, and IP65 protected options. Backlit LED panels mount the modules to the back of the panel’s body, allowing for direct downward distribution from the modules themselves. Due to the direct light, there is no requirement for an LGP. This allows a backlit panel to offer increased performance in terms of lumen per watt and balanced light distribution.

Installation is achieved easily and efficiently with a plug and play ENEC approved loop in-out driver and rear safety wire suspension points.

Contact www.luceco.com/uk

Building for a greener tomorrow

Sustainable construction is more than just building green infrastructure. It’s about designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a way that minimises their environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle. This requires a holistic approach that considers factors such as materials sourcing, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.

One of the key challenges facing the industry is the need to balance sustainability with affordability. While sustainable building materials and technologies can sometimes have higher upfront costs, their long-term benefits, such as reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance expenses, can offset these initial investments and cannot be disputed.

Another challenge is the lack of standardised metrics and guidelines for measuring sustainability. This can make it difficult for building owners and developers to compare options and make informed decisions. Developing a common framework for assessing sustainability can help to drive innovation and promote best practices.

At Duraproducts, we believe Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are essential tools for our sustainability journey. Since receiving these certifications in 2023, we’ve been able to expand our business further into Europe, thanks to the standardised assessment of our products’ environmental performance and impacts throughout their lifecycle. It’s also been encouraging to see a growing demand from architects, engineers, and designers for EPDs and LCAs, as they too recognise the importance of measuring and mitigating the whole-life carbon footprint of their projects.

www.duraproducts.co.uk

Building & Construction

UK’s largest independent supplier of aluminium roadways

Davis Trackhire is the UK’s largest independent supplier of aluminium Trackway and is owned and operated by brothers Travis and Blake Davis. With more than 200 years’ combined operations experience throughout the company, we operate a full UK wide service and we aim to supply the very best equipment with a first class customer service.

Founded in 2010 from humble beginnings with just 200 second-hand aluminium Trackway panels (found in a scrapyard!) and a second-hand Volvo truck with rearmounted crane, the company has since grown into one of the UK’s most professional and trusted suppliers of portable aluminium roadway and related ground protection services. Offering a full UK-wide installation and removal service from our depots in Scotland and England using our fleet of 14 bespoke installation vehicles (with a further two on order and expected on the road in Spring 2025), we boast a total stockholding of 15,000 heavy duty aluminium roadway panels. This is complimented by a further 2,000 heavy duty composite panels and 6,000 medium duty ground protection mats, taking our total stock to over 140,000m² – enough to cover the playing surface of Wembley Stadium 20 times over!

With Travis & Blake being from an events background, it was fitting that one of the company’s first and biggest success stories to date was securing the contract to supply ground protection for the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. After quickly branching out into more industrial sectors the company now actively supplies their products and services to other major sectors including Rail, Transmission, Construction, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical, Renewable Energy and Film and TV.

With our team of seven Project Supervisors, all of whom are also ALLMI certified Lift Supervisors, covering the length and breadth of the UK we assess every site individually to determine the right type and amount of equipment required to achieve our customer’s goal. All of our Project Supervisors have progressed through the industry from the ground up, boasting over 150 combined years of portable roadway experience between them. Their roles include conducting in-depth site surveys, producing site-specific risk assessments and lift plans, carrying out site audits and supervising installation crews where required.

The health, safety and welfare of our staff and clients is paramount to every aspect of the work that we undertake. As our installation crews work out on the road Monday to Friday, often in remote areas and at the mercy of the elements, in 2016 we invested in our first truck-mounted welfare unit, situated behind the cab of the installation vehicle and containing a toilet, sink, shower and drying room in addition to kitchen facilities within the cab itself. After quickly seeing an increase in productivity, this was quickly rolled out across the rest of the fleet, making Davis Trackhire the first and only company in the Portable Roadway industry to have full welfare facilities on all installation vehicles – saving our clients vital expenditure on on-site welfare.

In May 2023, Davis Trackhire was contracted to undertake a particularly complex and high-profile project – to provide a loadbearing temporary access across the playing

surface at Liverpool Football Club as a platform for two 300-ton mobile cranes and two 600-ton crawler cranes to facilitate the removal the old roof section of the Anfield Road Stand. Using a team of 14 men, four installation vehicles, two forklift trucks and 1,375 aluminium panels, a double-element temporary roadway system was installed over a membrane underlay from one end of the pitch to the other, placing the bottom layer of panels flat-side down to eliminate any corrugation markings penetrating the pitch surface.

In December 2023, Davis Trackhire introduced a new out-of-cab remote driving system to one of our installation vehicles, allowing the driver/operator to manoeuvre the vehicle from outside the cab using a remote control. Safety features include a rear-mounted monitor, cameras, and sensors detecting anything moving around the vehicle at three-metre & 1.5-metre distances to help create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of injury by negating the need for the driver to climbing and out the vehicle cab many times a day, while also increasing site efficiency by up to 30%.

T 01698 352751

info@davistrackhire.com www.davistrackhire.com

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd specialises in highquality service duct sealing systems for utility services and watertight seals, offering a high level of expertise to developers and specifiers for sealing against water and gas ingress around service entries in basements and high-rise buildings.

Service Sealing Solutions is the sole UK distributor for the sealing industry’s top pioneering manufacturers: DOYMA and HKD.

With over 50 years of experience, DOYMA compile both their knowledge and skill into their seal range, to create effective, but simple solutions to meet all watertight service sealing requirements. DOYMA products provide the highest level of safety when sealing buildings where pipes and electrical cables pass through.

DOYMA stands on the front line when it comes to the development of innovative, practical solutions for sealing and fire systems. Their goal is to create safe building penetrations for pipes and cables that seal off fire, gas and water. The rubber mouldings are what ensure the gas and watertight features.

Here at Service Sealing Solutions, we supply HKD service seals throughout the whole of the UK. HKD, now owned by DOYMA, manufactures a wide range of pipe sealing systems and service conduits – which is forever growing. All seals in the range are guaranteed to withstand up to 4 bars of pressure! Also available in varying sizes and shapes for different access points.

HKD systems have a sealing solution for service conduits cast into concrete without the sleeves. HKD service conduits are supplied ready for use, requiring no site preparation work prior to installation. With options such as KE Socketless service conduits, KG Wall Ducts and Floor Ducts, together with KG Twin Sockets for installation in pump sumps and where suitability for thin-walled concrete structures is vital.

For more information, please call us on 01952 510050 or visit www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk or email sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

A cradle to grave renewable energy solution

It is estimated that around 40% of carbon emissions come from commercial heating alone and as the UK moves towards achieving net zero status by 2050, finding more sustainable ways to heat premises should be at the top of the list for businesses and organisations now we are halfway towards this important target.

Large heat pumps are increasingly being used for commercial and other non-domestic premises including schools, public sector buildings, shops and offices.

Commercial heat pumps can deliver significant energy savings. According to data from real-world projects, well-designed heat pump systems can reduce energy consumption for heating, especially when integration into building management systems has been carefully planned.

These savings can be even greater when other renewable power sources like solar panels.

There are, of course, challenges to overcome due to larger buildings having greater energy demands and, in many cases, ageing infrastructure. Retrofitting renewable energy heat pump systems into existing commercial/non-domestic buildings requires a detailed assessment of the current energy performance, fabric and heating and cooling systems.

And that’s where Go Geothermal comes in.

Whether its large commercial offices in city centres, new residential developments in the suburbs or local authority offices, our commercial renewable energy heat pump technology can heat and cool all kind of buildings.

A well-performing commercial Ground Source Heat Pump like the ones we supply can achieve efficiencies of 400%, providing 4kWh of heat energy for every 1kW of electricity.

Our leading heat pump solutions include the CTC Professional Range. This enables solutions on ground source from light commercial to a large industrial or residential

development scale, starting at 50kW and rising through to a massive 1.8MW.

Boasting excellent functionality for customers and installers, the range comes with the highest energy efficient ratings, coupled with a whole host of smart, innovative features.

Coming with a ‘made in Sweden’ quality guarantee, our commercial Ground Source Heat Pumps will improve your property’s energy performance and BREAM scores, reduce your energy bills and demonstrate your sustainability to customers and stakeholders with a low-carbon heating system.

But we don’t just supply the heat pumps.

We routinely work with architects on new build projects and existing buildings to provide expert energy efficiency planning and guidance and assist with commissioning all air pump heating systems, as well as providing ongoing technical advice and support.

So, if you are a developer, housebuilder, facilities manager, or anyone else in charge of commercial and non-domestic premises, then we have the bespoke cradle to grave solution just for you.

Contact T 01388 720228 sales@gogeothermal.co.uk www.gogeothermal.co.uk

Robust and reliable heating solutions

The InstallerSHOW

2024 at the NEC Birmingham was an impressive gathering of industry professionals, and Trianco made a strong impact with its stand. Known for its robust and reliable heating solutions, Trianco demonstrated its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Trianco showcased a variety of their latest products, focusing on energy efficiency and renewable heating solutions. Key product highlights included:

s Activair R290 Heat Pumps – The Activair range of high temperature air source heat pumps underscore Trianco’s dedication to innovative renewable energy solutions. Available in 5, 9, 15 and 22kW single phase outputs, each unit is remotely connected and monitored by Trianco, saving installers time when commissioning but also giving piece of mind that should there be any problems the heat pump settings can be adjusted remotely without need for an engineer to attend. For installers

fitting under the ECO4 scheme, the Activair R290 heat pumps also attract a 25% innovation uplift making this range a high quality and cost effective solution.

s Activair Indoor Heat Pumps – The new range of Activair Indoor Heat Pumps are another innovative product showcased by Trianco. Ideal for apartments or properties without the space or appropriate permissions to site an outdoor unit. Available in 5 or 7kW output with flexibility to purchase a standalone heat pump or heat pump with matching domestic hot water unit in either a horizontal or vertical configuration and no need for any external unit.

with enhanced energy efficiency and smart controls. Visitors appreciated the compact design and ease of installation, making it an attractive option for modern homes and retrofits without gas.

One of the most commendable aspects of Trianco’s presence at the Installer Show was their clear focus on sustainability, positioning Trianco as a forward-thinking company in the heating industry. The emphasis on renewable energy solutions aligns with global trends toward greener living.

s Aztec Electric Boilers – Trianco’s long standing Aztec range of electric boilers was a significant draw, particularly the updated versions

Trianco’s presence at the InstallerSHOW 2024 was a resounding success. They effectively showcased their range of innovative and ecofriendly heating solutions while also providing valuable insights into the future of home heating. The combination of high-quality products, knowledgeable staff, and a strong commitment to sustainability made Trianco one of the standout exhibitors at this year’s show.

For those in the heating and plumbing industry, Trianco’s offerings continue to represent a reliable and forward-looking choice.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet

solves the problem of operating a solenoid valve when a system is without power.

The Small Tool with a Big Attraction

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is a tool that converts Electrically Operated Solenoid Valves into handoperated valves.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet assists during the installation, recovery of refrigerants, and commissioning and decommissioning of plant and machinery.

This enables service engineers to operate solenoid valves manually in refrigeration, air conditioning, water, oil, gas, and fuel installations.

The magnet is the same shape and size as a large cotton reel.

When placed onto a valve stem (with the coil removed), it causes the armature to open or close.

New focus on Roofing and Net Zero

New dedicated areas for roofing and Net Zero have been announced for the UK’s largest built environment event, UK Construction Week (UKCW), with an impressive line-up of expert speakers dissecting their respective sectors’ most important topics across three days of debate and discussion.

Responding to visitor and exhibitor demand, UKCW (NEC, October 1-3) welcomed a new co-located Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Expo, which showcased over 50 exhibitors, the latest solutions, and engage in thought leadership and celebrate the roofing, cladding and insulation industry. Speakers included representatives from Tata Steel Building Systems, Vector Leak Consultants and Wates Construction.

The new expo connected tier one contractors, suppliers and the wider industry and aims to foster collaboration, exchange innovations and cultivate unparalleled business prospects. Confirmed key partners included the NFRC, Raise the Roof and National Federation of Builders.

Ubbink UK, Harvey Roofing Products, Impervious Waterproofing are just some of the newly announced exhibitors that joined already confirmed names including SIG, Easy-Trim, Etex, Danosa, Elevate, Don & Low, SWISSPEARL, G&B, BRIMENT, CROMAR, CEDRAL and Rubberseal.

www.ukconstructionweek.com

Experts predict a housing crisis as leaks prove homes are not weatherproof

As the UK’s weather becomes more extreme due to climate change, one housing expert is predicting homeowners will be left with more than leaky windows if homes are not made watertight.

Recent reports from the Met Office highlight the UK’s shifting climate patterns. The last few decades have been wetter and stormier, with annual rainfall increasing by 13% above the 1991-2020 average. Winter windstorms and intense rainfall events are also projected to rise, posing significant challenges to home durability.

Roof Maker, a leader in innovative rooflight solutions, is raising these concerns around the effect of climate change in the wake of properties being left flooded during huge storms in recent

days. In addition, windows are letting water in due to age, poor installation, rotten seals and rotten overhangs (which help water drain away from a property).

Roofs also deliver several issues, from broken tiles disintegrating seals on rooflights. Roof Maker is addressing some of these challenges with its Luxlite® framed rooflight. It offers a durable yet stylish solution against driving rain, storms and wet weather as unlike frameless rooflights, which may sacrifice weather resistance for aesthetics, Luxlite® combines sleek, modern design with robust construction. The result is a product that looks great yet also protects against the elements.

www.roof-maker.co.uk

Sikalastic®-625 BMS

Sika®, a leader in innovative waterproofing solutions, proudly announces the launch of Sikalastic®-625 BMS, an advanced polyurethane liquid applied membrane (LAM) for flat roofs, incorporating sustainable chemical innovation. This product reduces carbon footprint by over 35%, representing a step toward a more sustainable construction industry and seamlessly blending high performance with environmental responsibility.

In the construction chemicals industry, embodied carbon within the product accounts for a large portion of climate impact. One of the biggest challenges in transitioning to a sustainable industry is incorporating renewable, lowemissions raw materials without compromising performance. This is particularly important for critical functions like weather resistant flat roofing. Sika has overcome this challenge with

the innovative Sikalastic®-625 BMS, which incorporates biomass balanced content and bio-based solvents while retaining all the versatility, reliability, and ease of use of the current Sikalastic® product range.

Customer needs and market demands have always driven the evolution of Sika’s products. Sikalastic®-625 BMS exemplifies this commitment by providing a flexible, seamless roof waterproofing solution that combines advanced technology with renewable materials.

This single component, cold applied, moisturetriggered liquid polyurethane membrane rapidly cures to form a robust, weather-resistant barrier, providing the outstanding performance customers require with the added benefits of a reduced carbon footprint, low odour, and improved safety.

www.sika.co.uk/Sikalastic625BMS

Versatile Powerdeck® F PIR Board

Tapered insulation’s increasing popularity in flat roof projects is a triumph of design and manufacturing innovation. It means complex applications of whatever size and shape can be carried out, resulting in a time and cost-effective roof installation that achieves regulation thermal performance and offers long-term protection against the elements.

It is crucial that tapered insulation’s flexibility factor in respect of design has

not compromised its primary function, which is to direct rainwater to specifically-appointed outlets to keep a roof warm and dry. Winter can be a particularly testing time for roofs, particularly those containing unrecognised faults. Between October 2023 and March 2024, the UK suffered its second wettest winter since records began, with climate change being partly attributed to the cold seasons becoming warmer and wetter. Therefore, it’s vital buildings are equipped with a flat roof that is expertly designed and

contains materials capable of withstanding the climatical shift.

Tapered insulation is suitable for any design requiring a fall to perimeter gutters, valley gutters, outlets and a range of nonstandard details. When designed to achieve a minimum 1.80 fall in accordance with BS 6229:2018 (flat roofing best practice), tapered insulation provides effective rainwater run-off. This is essential to preventing issues with ponding which left untreated, will add additional weight to a roof that could cause it to bow and sag.

To discover how Powerdeck® F can help your next roofing project, visit: www. recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/powerdeck-f

Doors, Windows & Joinery

Yeoman Shield delivers premium wall & door protection solutions

Yeoman Shield, a leading provider of high-quality wall and door protection products, is pleased to offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to safeguard buildings from damage while enhancing both safety and aesthetics. With a focus on durability and performance, Yeoman Shield’s wall protection systems are ideal for environments across healthcare, education, hospitality, and commercial sectors.

In addition to our extensive wall and door protection products, Yeoman Shield specialises in fire door services, ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations. Our fire doors are designed to offer reliable protection, helping to mitigate fire risks and improve safety for

building occupants. Our expert team is highly experienced in the supply, installation, and maintenance of fire doors, delivering tailored solutions

for both new builds and refurbishments.

Yeoman Shield offers flexible options to meet customer needs, with products available for supply only, or as part of a full turn-key service that includes professional installation. Whether you’re looking to protect walls, doors, or enhance fire safety compliance, we provide a seamless and hasslefree service from start to finish. Our installation team ensures that all systems are fitted to the highest standards, guaranteeing long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

For more on wall protection, door protection or fire door services, call 0113 279 5854 or visit: www.yeomanshield.com or: info@yeomanshield.com

Climadoor launches nationwide approved installer scheme

Derby-based Climadoor, a leading manufacturer of internal and external doors, is proud to announce the launch of its new Approved Installer Scheme.

The initiative has been launched to connect customers with a trusted network of professional installers, ensuring every door is fitted with precision and expertise to match the consistent high standards expected of their products.

The programme is designed to simplify the customer journey, pairing top-quality doors with a top-quality installation service. Customers buying from Climadoor’s product range can now access a finely curated directory of certified professionals, with each installer in the programme vetted to meet Climadoor’s exacting standards –guaranteeing superior workmanship and customer

satisfaction.

Not only that, but with the cost of living biting at the heels of many tradespeople in recent times, it’s proven to be a great way to share opportunities with other businesses, not just locally but across the UK too.

It’s hoped the scheme will help alleviate the common challenges of finding reliable tradespeople, particularly for specialised products like bifold and sliding doors, which can prove challenging to fit if you’re not familiar with them. With Climadoor’s Approved Installer Scheme, it’s hoped customers can confidently entrust their installation needs to skilled professionals.

www.climadoor.co.uk/approved-installers

Seamless Integration enhances home security and aesthetics

DoorBird has revolutionised home entrance security with the integration of Kwikset Halo series locks directly into the DoorBird app. This innovative feature allows residents to unlock their doors effortlessly while on a DoorBird call with a visitor, eliminating the need to switch between apps for door access. Recognising the importance of privacy and security, this integration offers customers the choice of premium door stations over less secure alternatives, which may compromise user data. Additionally, DoorBird’s design philosophy emphasises elegance, ensuring that both the Halo lock and DoorBird station complement each other perfectly in terms of technology and aesthetics, enhancing the beauty of any home without the clutter of inferior gadgets. Experience the future

of home security, where functionality meets sophistication.

Kwikset is the leading residential lock manufacturer, making homeowners feel safe since 1946. The company’s unwavering commitment to meeting homeowners’ needs has inspired its innovative lock portfolio that includes patented SmartKey Security deadbolts, patented SecureScreen touchscreen locks, keyless entry combination locks, connected home technology, Bluetooth-enabled Aura, Wi-Fi enabled Halo, door hardware with Microban antimicrobial product protection and a wide variety of styles and finishes. Interior and exterior door products provide customers with the quality, technology, durability and style they want while

Glazpart enjoys triple glazing debate

Glazpart, the leading glazing components manufacturer, enjoyed the Glazing Summit in October and participated in a panel debate on the hot topic of triple glazing.

The debate took place at Glazing Summit, Edgbaston in Birmingham on 17th October and was titled ‘The Triple Glazing Dilemma: Is the industry up for the challenge?’

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director, represented the glazing components sector on the panel along with other panellists, including Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Solar Fabrications and Mark Gajda, REHAU, Head of Technical Services and Certification and Chair of GGF Systems House Group.

Dean Bradley commented, “Triple glazing has its advantages and disadvantages, but for installers the questions are multiple. Firstly, there’s understanding the compliance with regulations should it become a compulsory measure at some point in the future. Secondly, is the companies’ capability and what they have to do to compete. There’s a lot to debate and many factors to consider, but the one thing that is certain is that triple glazing is not going away and if anything, it is likely to increase over the next decade.”

Triple glazing does have its environmental and economic benefits for homeowners but there are issues in the supply chain and in particular at the installation end.

www.glazpart.com

guaranteeing the highest level of security.

Bird Home Automation GmbH develops and manufactures IP-based video door intercoms, access control devices, indoor stations, and accessories under the DoorBird brand. The company’s headquarters and production plant are in Berlin, Germany, with sales offices in San Francisco (CA) and Jacksonville (FL), USA. The smart home products are made in Germany according to the highest quality and security standards and are installed worldwide.

Contact www.kwikset.com www.doorbird.com

Quality, custom made joinery

Whether you are looking for a one-off custom made gate, a staircase, or a production run of doors and windows for a new housing development, or a new interior for your pub, restaurant or office, we can deliver exactly what you are looking for.

We have been manufacturing top quality, purpose made joinery for the domestic and commercial markets since 1972. In our 7,000 square foot factory we can manufacture in hard or softwoods, and veneered & painted panels. We have a modern spray paint and lacquer facility, enabling products to leave the factory in a fully finished state.

No article is too big or too small: In the past we’ve supplied items as small as a 1m length of moulding; but maybe the most unusual article we’ve produced is 10m high oak hardwood catapult for a castle!

Facilities & Estate Management

Deepki: A decade of innovative solutions

Over the past decade, Deepki, the most trusted ESG solution for real estate, has enhanced not only its product offering, but also its approach to prioritising actions that impact and improve sustainability in real estate.

Expanding on its cutting-edge capabilities to identify energy and water conservation measures through buildings’ interval data, Deepki has enhanced its platform with a new Investment Plan feature, which delivers high-impact decarbonisation and virtual retrofitting solutions.

The module accelerates the decarbonisation of real estate assets by helping commercial real estate owners, investors and users to identify and prioritise profitable investments at asset, fund and portfolio levels and to simulate the impact

System integrations are a major pain point

During the BESA Annual Conference in April 2024, SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance specifications, found through a virtual poll that 67% of facilities management professionals are affected by issues relating to FM technology. Almost half cited system integration as a particular pain point within their business. When FM systems are unable to integrate with SFG20 and content must be imported manually, it often results in out-of-date and incomplete data.

Over half of those polled cited adhering to a maintenance standard as their most pressing issue. Facility managers said that they struggle to keep on top of the quantity of updates to the SFG20 standard, in response to an ever-changing legislative landscape.

With changes to regulations and legislation being commonplace within the industry, ensuring work is being carried out to the latest standard is of utmost importance.

In response to these findings and the challenges Facilities Managers face, SFG20 is introducing its Digital Partner Programme. The programme has been created to support companies that have integrated their facilities management systems into SFG20’s new software solution, Facilities-iQ. This new software solution allows users to create maintenance plans, tailor them to site-specific requirements, receive notifications when the standard is updated and then choose when to implement those updates. With this brand-new integration, SFG20 content seamlessly flows into other FM systems such as CAFM, CMMS and IWMS for operational activity.

www.sfg20.co.uk/digital-partner-programme

of different investments, thereby integrating datadriven CapEx decisions into their investment plans.

With real estate accounting for over a third of all GHG emissions, asset owners and property managers are under increasing pressure from investors and regulators who want to see the decarbonisation of real estate portfolios in line with net zero targets by 2050. As a result, they must provide auditable data and propose a pathway of actions that will see them meet these sustainability goals.

thermodynamic behaviour of buildings. By adopting a portfolio level approach, clients can reduce the cost of auditing individual buildings and sequence actions that yield economic benefits through bulk procurement and coordinated efforts.

This full-portfolio approach also saves time by identifying retrofit action plans with the highest ROI, while projecting the risk of stranding based upon different scenarios, thus helping clients to prioritise the best investment opportunities.

The Investment Plan feature relies on Deepki’s AI-enhanced engine, which models the

Contact www.deepki.com

Avison Young strengthens

Global real estate firm

Avison Young UK has announced a series of senior appointments in its Real Estate, Facilities, and Infrastructure Management (REFIM) Business Group. These new hires reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing delivery service and driving innovation across its operations.

Derick Jackson has been appointed as Regional Head of London and Southeast, Real Estate Management, to lead the team, while continuing in his role as Head of National Clients. Jackson has been at Avison Young for 25 years and until recently led management teams across the Northeast and Scotland regions from the Newcastle office.

Helen Ewles has been appointed as Regional Head for the Northeast and Scotland. With 17 years at Avison Young, Ewles managed a range of properties and played a key role in the East Pilgrim Street redevelopment in Newcastle.

Heather Hill joins the firm as Head of Transitions,

with over 23 years of experience in property management and finance. Hill previously worked for Cushman & Wakefield, where she managed transitions of servicecharged properties.

Brian Reeves has been appointed as Director, Occupier Facilities Management, bringing 26 years of experience across a diverse range of sectors. Previously, Reeves held senior roles at EMI, The Design Museum, CBRE, and leading UK wide FM services across L&G’s Build-To-Rent sector.

James Callow and Martin McGrath join the firm as Regional Workplace Experience Managers. Callow has been appointed to the North, bringing a wealth of experience with over seven years in property management. McGrath has been appointed to the South, with over 13 years of experience at Nuffield Health, where he held senior roles in customer experience, operational management, and service delivery.

www.avisonyoung.co.uk

The optimal office chair

Swedish-owned global furniture manufacturer and supplier AJ Products have developed their first office chair, the HURRAY, to create a future ergonomic icon. Designed and built to optimise comfort and support while being fully sustainable. Every part is recyclable, and its high-quality components can be replaced if needed, making it an environmentally responsible choice. The new HURRAY chair is set to become a loyal office companion with an extensive lifespan.

By collaborating with the Italian manufacturer, Linea Fabbrica – specialists in form and function, and ergonomics experts to fully research the anatomy and fundamentals of sitting, AJ Products’ HURRAY chair integrates relevant, user-friendly features, a comfortable seating experience and an appealing design.

simple to adjust, allowing for maximum comfort for everyone. Importantly, we wanted to create a sound long-term investment through our seven year guarantee and ensure all parts are fully recyclable. We hope our HURRAY chair will become a modern icon in time.”

The HURRAY chair’s unique tapered upper back design allows full shoulder movement, promoting better blood circulation. The backrest shape follows the natural S-curve of the spine, providing extra support. Plus, it can be adjusted to offer support where it’s most needed, ensuring a comfortable seating experience.

Helen Beebe said of the new HURRAY chair, “Our goal in designing our first office chair was to create an optimal ergonomic office chair for the future. With many offices now sharing desk space, the HURRAY chair also needed to be

The new HURRAY benefits from quick and straightforward adjustments to ensure proper posture. Two levers control the mechanism to allow for optimum sitting positions and correct alignment for knees with a 4D adjustable armrest to allow tense shoulder and neck muscles to relax.

www.ajproducts.co.uk

Fortis Vision is BSF Champion

As a result of their active commitment to a journey of continuous improvement in building safety leadership and culture, Fortis Vision has become the most recent organisation to be awarded Building a Safer Future Champion status.

The firm – founded in 2018 and with offices based in Durham, Essex, Bristol and Bedfordshire – are a nationwide refurbishment contractor. Having successfully completed both of the two Champion assessment modules (‘Leadership and Culture’ and ‘Corroborating Elements’) to the required minimum standard, Fortis Vision have received detailed insight and extensive information and tools to assist them in making improvements to their building safety policies and processes, along with in-depth analysis and external validation of their current position.

in completing the assessment, and highly encourage other organisations working in the built environment sector to follow their lead and apply for the process.”

Nikki Todd, Managing Director of Fortis Vision, commented, “Fortis Vision are extremely proud to have achieved BSF Champion Status. This Champion status signifies that we are committed to continuously improving our building safety policies and procedures to ensure that these remain fully embedded within the organisation.”

Building a Safer Future (BSF) is a non-profit organisation committed to raising standards in building safety and supporting required culture change in the built environment industry.

New DuPont™ Tyvek® 500 HP coverall

Steve Elliott, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented, “I am delighted to congratulate Fortis Vision on their new BSF Champion status. I applaud their accomplishment

Companies can apply to participate in the BSF Champions programme by visiting the Building a Safer Future website at: www. buildingasaferfuture.org.uk and completing the application form, or alternatively they can email: alexander.caller@buildingasaferfuture.org.uk

Partnership between RoSPA and Veriforce CHAS

CHAS members to benefit from streamlined entry to RoSPA’s prestigious awards, in one of the most significant changes to the scheme in years.

RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has announced a landmark partnership with Veriforce CHAS, the trusted compliance and risk management specialist, significantly simplifying the pathway for CHAS members to achieve RoSPA’s globally recognised Health and Safety Awards. This strategic collaboration, one of the most significant in RoSPA’s recent awards history, was signed in an official ceremony at the House of Lords, with key leaders from both organisations present, including RoSPA Life President Lord Jordan, RoSPA CEO Rebecca Hickman, and Veriforce CHAS representatives CEO Colby Lane and Managing Director, Ian McKinnon.

credentials to streamline the RoSPA Awards entry process – removing the need for duplication and saving time while maintaining RoSPA’s rigorous standards for excellence. For CHAS members, this means a reduced number of questions and less evidence required when applying for the prestigious RoSPA Achievement Awards.

CHAS members applying for the Achievement Award can now access RoSPA’s prestigious accolade via a streamlined process, where evidence previously submitted for CHAS certification is recognised, reducing duplication. Those aiming for higher award levels, such as Silver or Gold, will still need to follow RoSPA’s full assessment criteria but will benefit from reduced documentation requirements.

DuPont has launched the DuPont Tyvek® 500 HP Model TY178 coverall, an unique patent-pending solution to address the challenge of supporting the protection workers using safety harnesses from exposure to chemical particles, light liquids, or aerosols. Designed to be worn over a fullbody harness, the innovative garment allows workers to access and deploy multiple D-Rings of the harness. Compatible with a variety of full-body harness models, Tyvek® 500 HP may significantly improve personal protection for workers in a wide variety of applications, including painting, cleaning, and building maintenance.

Commenting on the launch, Chloé Caux-Wetherell, EMEA Marketing Manager at DuPont Personal Protection, explains, “Protecting workers from multiple hazards can be challenging. We identified that health & safety professionals often found it difficult to provide adequate personal protection to people working at height because existing garments can impede the deployment of the safety harness or make them uncomfortable to wear due to the bunching of coverall material under the harness. Tyvek® 500 HP is our solution: a garment that is compatible with a wide range of safety harness models, can offer adequate protection to workers and helps preserve the longevity of the full-body harness worn underneath.”

According to OSHA and Frost & Sullivan’s 2022 market report, fall protection is the single most frequently cited safety violation and 36% of injuries resulting from a fall from height are attributable to exposure to chemicals or hazardous substances. Tyvek® 500 HP offers a unique solution because it is worn over the safety harness – helps protecting both the wearer and the harness itself from exposure to chemical particles, light liquids, or aerosols in the environment.

The partnership will allow Veriforce CHAS members to leverage their existing compliance

For more information on how Veriforce CHAS members can apply for the RoSPA Awards, visit: www.rospa.com/awards

www.dupont.co.uk/products/dupont-tyvek-500hp-ty0178swhhp.html

International Safety Awards open for 2025

British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards 2025 are now open for applications.

The International Safety Awards are an internationallyrecognised accolade for health, safety and wellbeing excellence and this year will be the 67th year they have taken place. The awards recognise an organisation’s commitment to excellent standards of health, safety and wellbeing management.

Launching the 2025 International Safety Awards, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, Mike

Robinson said, “British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards are rightly seen by companies, teams, and individuals as a pinnacle of achievement and recognition in protecting and enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of workers.

“We are delighted to introduce four new awards this year, acknowledging the strides that organisations are making around health and safety in a time of climate crisis, as well as highlighting our desire to recognise leading women in the health, safety and wellbeing profession.

“I would encourage all organisations and leaders around the world who are proud of their track record to put themselves forward for an award.”

Last year, 1,124 organisations of all sizes, types and sectors won an International Safety Award.

Winners included businesses from the UK, Africa, Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East. A full list of 2024’s winners can be found here

The closing date for applications is 3 February 2025 and the results will be announced on 14 March 2025.

To apply go to: www.britsafe.org/p/internationalsafety-awards-application