Building and Facilities News Issue 1004

Builders love SISALWOOL™

Sisaltech began trading in 2014 initially producing and selling sisal geotextiles for environmental applications. After several years of product development, SISALWOOL™ was born in 2020. What began as a fervent belief in creating a better world has blossomed into a small yet passionate company dedicated to revolutionising the construction industry.

In the late 2000s, John Ferguson embarked on a journey to educate small-scale farmers in East Africa on climate change mitigation. This endeavour led him to the remarkable sisal plant – a drought-resistant fibre crop with a forgotten legacy in construction. The possibilities inherent in sisal inspired and sparked innovation.

Through meticulous craftsmanship, Sisaltech has crafted one of the market’s lowest carbon, highest-quality sustainable thermal insulation products. Sisal is entirely unique because it is a highly sustainable fibre source, is easy to grow organically, and is dried naturally under the African sun offering a new and ideal frontier for insulation materials.

SISALWOOL™ is a genius blend of Sisal and Wool. By combining all the incredible benefits of natural fibres with sisal, Sistaltech have created a product boasting superior structural qualities, redefining insulation excellence!

“Wool on its own has excellent thermal and acoustic properties, blending wool with sisal fibres gives the insulation rigidity which means it can be friction fitted into timber frames, eves, under floors walls, and attics, providing exceptional energy efficiency. It is easy to cut and also resistant to moths, it also ensures long-lasting performance which we back up with a 25-year guarantee giving our customers peace of mind. SISALWOOL™ natural fibre insulation is breathable, making it suitable for retrofitting older buildings.

We are also very proud of our sustainable best practices. We contribute to the circular economy by sourcing our sisal fibre from recycled coffee sacks from coffee roasters in Edinburgh which would otherwise end up in landfill,” stated Jamie Wilson, Marketing Manager.

Based in Midlothian Innovation Centre, Roslin, Sisaltech has won numerous awards for SISALWOOL™ including the Product Scotland Award at the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.

SISALWOOL™ is the ideal low carbon natural fibre building insultation that can be used within and for a number of applications and specialist industries. SISALWOOL™ Breathable Insulation offers a transformative solution for spaces that require efficient moisture management with natural fibres that create a breathable barrier, allowing air to circulate while affectively regulating moisture.

What’s more, SISALWOOL™ has been praised for its acoustic dampening excellence. Whilst

transforming spaces into tranquil havens, SISALWOOL™ surpasses traditional options in the realm of sound management. Its exceptional sound absorption diminishes echoes and unwanted noises, and is perfect for offices and theatres because its sound dampening properties adapt perfectly to elevate and enhance every space.

Unlike some traditional options, SISALWOOL™ doesn’t just absorb sound; it elevates acoustic experiences sustainably. Its unmatched natural aesthetics add a natural touch of elegance to any space, with a peace of mind that you’re also choosing an eco-friendly option delivering exceptional sonic serenity.

The SISALWOOL™ collection includes SISALWOOL™ Batts that come in two thicknesses, 100mm and 50mm and are 1.2m length with a width of 570mm or 370mm, and SISALWOOL™ Loftroll which is a roll 3m long and comes in widths of 500mm and 570mm.

Ideal for homeowners, architects, and installers, SISALWOOL™ is set to revolutionise sustainable building practices, especially as it has just secured an £800,000 investment. This funding from Tricapital Angels and Scottish Enterprise will allow the company to advance its innovative wool-based insulation technology, bringing natural, renewable, and high-performance solutions to the forefront of the construction industry.

Already listed at B&Q, this investment will allow Sisaltech to continue in its growth phase as it plans to scale up its operations to a European level.

“We are very excited to be entering a growth period after the investment. We will continue to increase our market share with plans to expand into Europe,” stated Jamie.

For more information, please see below: T 0131 510 9296

info@sisaltech.com

https://www.sisalwool.com

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our March issue, where we dive into the latest advancements, practical insights, and ground-breaking innovations shaping the building and facilities industries.

On page 4, we have a full preview of The Fire Safety Event 2025 that returns to the NEC Birmingham from 8th-10th April. Education is always at the centre of the Fire Safety Event, so this year expect sessions on topics covering industry best practices, safety regulations, the future of fire safety, and how due diligence can build a safe environment. We also have a list of our Top

The Fire Safety Event Preview 4-8

Exhibitors at the show from pages 5-8.

Here at Building & Facilities News, we are committed to showcasing the latest innovations and industry-defining products. On pages 12-13, we highlight Fridgenius, the recipient of our Innovation Award, for its ground-breaking creation – the Solenoid Valve Magnet. In this feature, we explore what the product is, its applications, and how it has emerged as a pioneering solution, specifically designed to operate solenoid valves within a powerless system.

Nicola Tromans Editor & Office Manager

On page 2, we feature Sisaltech as our Thermal Insulation Company of the Month. Through meticulous craftsmanship, Sisaltech has crafted one of the market’s lowest carbon, highest-quality sustainable thermal insulation products – SISALWOOL™. In this piece, we focus on what makes the product so unique, and delve into the company’s sustainable best practices.

Other topics covered: Lighting & Electrical, Fire Safety, Cleaning & Hygiene, Building & Construction, Doors & Windows, Green News, Women in Building, Roofing, Health & Safety, Drainage & Plumbing.

News to share?

info@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

On the Cover

The FSE event was launched in 2016 and has exponentially grown as a true advocate for fire safety, education, and training.

Lighting & Electrical 9

CBG Light Perceptions were appointed to devise a new lighting scheme to align with the new design to the famed Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Cleaning & Hygiene 10

Maintaining hygiene throughout the entire food and beverage production process, from processing to packaging, is crucial for minimising contamination risks.

Doors &

Windows

15 Bluerun Ltd have been manufacturing top quality, purpose made joinery since 1972.

Hochiki 7

For over 100 years, Japanese manufacturer Hochiki has led the way in the design and manufacture of innovative life safety solutions. It’s leading edge commercial and industrial fire detection and emergency lighting products have acquired global acceptance as the benchmark for high-integrity and long-term reliability.

Women in Building 19

Women have a hard time in the male-dominated technology sector and are taken less seriously as Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at Lutz-Jesco explains.

The Health & Safety Event Preview 20-21

The Health & Safety Event will return bigger and better than ever on 8th-10th April 2025 at the NEC Birmingham.

The Fire Safety Event 2025 – NEC Birmingham

The leading Fire Safety Event is scheduled to return to the NEC Birmingham from 8th-10th April 2025. The event is dedicated to supporting fire safety professionals in achieving and maintaining the highest fire safety standards. It will feature suppliers and manufacturers who will showcase their extensive range of products.

The FSE event was launched in 2016 and has exponentially grown as a true advocate for fire safety, education, and training. With an expected footfall of over 12,000 visitors, multiple seminars, and live demonstrations, the FSE looks to provide a more comprehensive and detailed program that supports and promotes stronger fire safety.

The FSE provides an environment where the latest advances and knowledge of fire safety can be accessed, however the greatest opportunities lie in networking. In previous events, the chance to mix and learn from other professionals in the industrial, commercial, and public sectors was invaluable and the FSE recognised this. At the end of each day of the 2025 event, visitors, partners, and exhibitors will congregate in the Networking Café to share knowledge, experience and work via the Connect+ Live hosted meetings program. This program will

foster interactions with digital and online activities to encourage stronger knowledge share in an informal background.

Education is at the centre of the Fire Safety Event. Delegates can attend the three separate theatres within the event that offer CPD accredited education delivered by experts in fire safety management. The agenda offers seminars based on three facets of fire safety that delegates will find invaluable.

The Fire Safety Leaders’ Summit brings industry leaders together to discuss the products, innovations, safety standards, and compliance regulations that are essential to modern Fire Safety. There will be sessions such as how to shape the future of fire safety, how due diligence can build a safe environment and residential personal emergency evacuation plans.

The Innovation and Compliance Theatre will focus on industry best practices, standards, and fire safety regulations. Compliance is key to fire safety, and this is shown in sessions that look at subjects such as how are compliant products certificated within the smoke protection industry, domestic fire safety hidden truths, and how to build a safer environment.

The Passive Fire Conference addresses the fire safety measures that are integral to a built environment and general passive fire protection topics. These will include subjects such as fire safety products, installation and inspection of fire safety equipment, and the design and digital innovations that are changing the management of fire safety.

The Exhibition Zone will have over 250 exhibitors who will promote products and solutions in Fire Safety and give an opportunity for delegates to engage in networking with other professionals. The exhibitors offer a unique perspective on differing but essential aspects of fire safety.

Hochiki has been world-class leaders in fire safety for over 100 years. The company has led the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge product solutions, and its innovative commercial and industrial life safety products and systems have garnered worldwide attention. Hochiki are the benchmark for reliability and integrity within fire detection, emergency lighting and leak technology.

BLE Smoke & Fire Curtains have manufactured smoke and fire curtains for over 30 years. The curtains are designed prevent smoke inhalation and control the spread of fire within the workplace, ensuring safe extraction of personnel.

The Fire and Evacuation Services (F&ES) was established in 2021 and operates within the UK and internationally as a private fire service. Staffed by operational firefighters, the service was developed to assist in fire safety needs in events and businesses. To become business compliant in fire safety, F&ES offer courses in becoming a workplace fire warden and additional courses for fire extinguisher training.

For more information, please see below: T +44 (0)20 8947 9177 info@firesafetyevent.com www.firesafetyevent.com

Real firefighters, real experience: The future of waking watch & evacuation management

Fire & Evacuation Services is a private fire service offering a range of comprehensive training and fire safety solutions to businesses around the UK. The in-house team come from a background of frontline fire-fighting expertise, including Fire Officers and Incident Commanders, with over a century of combined collective firefighting experience.

Introducing Waking Watch – an early warning system designed to ensure residents have adequate time to safely evacuate the buildings in question. Waking Watch is a method of safety patrolling by highly trained personnel across all floors and the external perimeter for 24 hours a day. In the event of a fire, the staff can raise the alarm quickly with the emergency services and commence evacuation management, to ensure the safe exit of all residents.

Fire safety has become a critical focus in reinforced building standards, particularly in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous companies have emerged offering Waking Watch services. However, most of these providers are security firms that lack the hands-on experience and expertise that only professional firefighters can offer.

Fire & Evacuation Services’ team consists of experienced Firefighters with over 100 years of

combined frontline experience – actively responding to and operating inside burning buildings. This unparalleled expertise sets them apart, as no other company in the industry can match their level of firsthand knowledge and situational awareness.

The question then becomes: If you’re investing in a Waking Watch, why wouldn’t you choose a team with real, life-saving experience inside burning buildings?

Fire & Evacuation Services has a trusted Evacuation Management system that involves wardens conducting 24 hour waking watch patrols to ensure communal areas are kept clear from any obstructions and combustible items.

Some other responsibilities of the fire wardens include monitoring escape routes and fire exits to check they are kept clear at all times, logging patrols with NFC tags, being present for all planned fire drills, completing daily reports with logged fire safety findings, complying with Premises Information Box and the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and in the event of a fire, co-ordinating simultaneous

Protecting the unprotected

Since 2012, UK-based Ciqurix has been at the forefront of designing, developing, and manufacturing revolutionary video-based fire detection systems. Boasting a global network, Ciqurix’s video flame detection products excel in high-risk and complex environments where traditional fire detection systems fail – such as waste and recycling sites, large open spaces like warehouses, extreme low temperature environments, outdoor facilities and more.

The company aims to develop fire products that revolutionise global safety standards, providing solutions to long term shortcomings in detection speed and reliability. Ciqurix products are designed for seamless integration with current hardware, eliminating the need for costly overhauls while

significantly reducing response times. With simplicity at its core, these versatile solutions work indoors and outdoors, across short or long distances, without requiring complex integration.

One of its most prolific products is the CORE video flame detection system. The team behind the design of CORE, headed by Ciqurix Chief Technical Officer Matt Bates, has recently been named as finalists for the Outstanding Product/ Innovation award at the Fire Resilience Excellence Awards 2025 that will take place alongside The Fire Safety Event in April this year. This recognition underscores the ground-breaking impact of CORE, reinforcing Ciqurix’s position as an innovator in fire detection technology.

Ciqurix CORE systems provide primary fire detection using a dual sensor detector, and is designed to be compliant to UK fire standard BS5839-1:2017, using fire-rated cabling, and operate from an internal battery supply for over 24 hours. The company also produces the FLEX system, a CCTV system with advanced supplemental fire detection capabilities.

With its long range, versatility and reliability, the CORE system is able to bring video flame detection to sites where airborne particulates (waste management, heavy industry), high ceilings (warehouses, commercial buildings),

evacuations and liaising with residents, especially vulnerable residents to evacuate the building safely.

Adam Harper, Operations Director of Fire & Evacuation Services added, “We are Firefighters and we are proud to pioneer the role of Evacuation Management and professionalise what an organisation can expect from a waking watch. Our mission is to ensure reassurance and trust to residents and vulnerable people through active fire safety and evacuation management.”

Fire & Evacuation Services will be showcasing its Waking Watch and Evacuation Management Services at The Fire Safety Event 2025 at STAND: 4/N23.

For more information, please see below: T 01535 357153 info@fireandevacuationservices.co.uk https://www.fireandevacuationservices.co.uk

high airflow (outdoor environments like airports and construction)and extremes of temperature (industrial cold storage) cause smoke and heat detection to struggle. The vital regulatory compliance of the Ciqurix offering means that the company has broken new ground and is changing the fire detection landscape for good.

By bridging the gap where traditional fire detection systems fall short, Ciqurix’s video flame detection technology is setting a new benchmark in fire safety. Visit us at The Fire Safety Event 2025, STAND 4/H95, to experience the future of fire detection.

For more information, please see below: T 01803 467300 sales@ciqurix.com https://www.ciqurix.com

The Fire Safety Event Preview

Bull Products to showcase safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2025

Bull Products, a leading provider of fire, safety, and access control solutions for the construction industry and other applications, will be showcasing its range of safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event held at the NEC Birmingham from 8th-10th April 2025 on STAND 4/G20.

At the Fire Safety Event 2025, Bull Products will demonstrate its position as one provider for fire safety, site safety and access control solutions. Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, explains the significance of this approach, “By working with one provider, companies can significantly reduce procurement costs, streamline training requirements, and enhance overall efficiency. Our integrated safety ecosystem ensures instant and reliable communication between fire alarms, site safety systems, and workforce management tools, thereby enhancing site security and operational efficiency.”

cloud-based platform is centred around three core software modules: Workforce Management, Online Induction, and Delivery Management. By supplying valuable data about individual or networked sites, SITEGATE is designed to streamline operations, enhance security, calculate carbon footprint, and optimise time and cost efficiencies for construction and development projects of all sizes. It integrates seamlessly with Bull Products’ SITENET and SITEPROTECT ranges, providing real-time data to enhance site security and improve operations.

Visitors to Bull Products’ stand will have the opportunity to see firsthand how its comprehensive range of temporary fire detection and alarm system solutions can provide unparalleled site safety. All of the fire detection and alarm systems on display bear the Made In Britain collective mark, an elemental part of Bull Products’ pledge to a more sustainable future.

high-rise structures to subsurface rail projects. The SITENET range is built on a combination of radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing patented wireless mesh technology with multipath network redundancy utilising innovative channel hopping technology. Bull Products is the only provider offering an EN 54 certified 100% wireless fire detection and alarm solution for both internal and external temporary environments.

Bull Products developed the Fire 360° service, which handles the intricacies of fire safety on construction sites. This service provides Fire Risk Assessments, site surveys, customer support, order processing and asset management, which includes the collection and servicing and cleaning of equipment. This supports efficient site operations and helps customers meet their carbon reduction targets.

The SITEGATE wireless workforce management and access control solution will be on display at the event. SITEGATE is a cloud-based workforce management and access control system that includes turnstiles for controlled site access. The

The SITENET fire detection and alarm system is an EN 54 certified and 100% wireless solution renowned for its reliability and efficiency and is ideal for any construction site application, from

BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains

Established in 1946 as Simpkin Machin, BLE was founded in the late 1980’s. The company shifted from industrial lagging to producing fixed fire curtains and later expanded into automatic fire and smoke curtains in the 1990’s.

The BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains are designed to operate separately or together based on what an individual building requires. They are put in place to give residents, visitors and workers more time to evacuate the building. Alternatively, a fire curtain ensures complete fire separation between building zones and often protects open stairways for safe escape.

Though safety is the common goal, there are notable differences. Each curtain is made from dissimilar materials and evaluated with specific safety ratings in mind. A smoke curtain is intended solely for smoke exposure, whilst a fire curtain is meant to withstand higher temperatures associated with direct exposure to fire. This is why fire curtains are

built to be exceptionally durable and withstand temperatures up to 1,100oC and up to 4hrs.

BLE fire curtains offer top-tier fire resistance and containment properties, easily fitting into any fire safety system. Approved to the highest international standards, the modular fire curtains suit all building layouts. Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 certification, each curtain undergoes rigorous testing to meet BS, EN, and UL standards, ensuring global design compatibility. The gravity fail-safe deployment has a high technical specification and includes features that integrate with building management systems, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for smoke and fire control.

BLE provides a world-renowned service, although active curtains are discreet and not immediately noticeable, you can find BLE smoke and fire curtains in hundreds of airports, shopping centres, theatres, businesses, and museums worldwide.

For more information about Bull Products and its comprehensive safety solutions, please visit STAND 4/G20 at The Fire Safety Event or visit: www.bullproducts.co.uk

Notable mentions of major projects over the years are the NEC building itself, the Grade 1 listed building of the National Museum in Edinburgh, train and metro stations in Warsaw and Delhi, Cape Canaveral and Space X facilities, one-of-akind buildings like the U.S. Embassy in London, the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina and lastly, the tallest man-made structure ever made known as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Discover how BLE can enhance your fire safety, we will be exhibiting at The Fire Safety Event 2025, STAND 4/F107, and we’d love to see you! Contact T +44 (0)1142 514703 enquiries@blecurtains.com www.ble-smokeandfirecurtains.com

Hochiki’s century of expertise showcased at the Fire Safety Event 2025

The Fire Safety Event 2025, a cornerstone of the professional calendar, once again promises to deliver a comprehensive showcase of cuttingedge fire detection and suppression technologies. Taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, the show is expected to draw well over 12,000 fire safety professionals, including fire safety officers, building managers, architects, engineers, and other key stakeholders.

Renowned for fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange of knowledge and the exploration of emerging trends, visitors to the event will enjoy a programme rich in insightful seminars, expert-led discussions, and live demonstrations.

For over a century, Hochiki has maintained a position at the forefront of fire safety manufacturing across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, consistently setting industry standards and pioneering innovative solutions. This enduring success is attributed to their unwavering commitment to customer engagement, particularly at events such as The Fire Safety Event. Their dedication to quality, reliability, and technological advancement has garnered them a globally recognised reputation. “We understand that fire safety extends beyond mere products; it’s fundamentally about safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” explains Martin Green, Commercial Training and Support Manager at Hochiki Europe. “Consequently, we invest heavily in research and development, continuously striving to create solutions that are

not only highly effective but also user-friendly in terms of installation, maintenance, and operation.”

February marked the first anniversary of the Hochiki Training Academy, a state-of-the-art platform that underscores the company’s dedication to education and professional development within the fire safety sector. “We firmly believe that comprehensive training is paramount for ensuring the effective implementation and maintenance of fire safety systems,” Martin continues. “Our training facilities at Hochiki HQ, coupled with our online Training Academy, provide hands-on, practical training covering a broad spectrum of topics, from product installation and commissioning to system design and maintenance. By equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, we empower them to create safer environments for all.” The academy’s success in its inaugural year highlights the industry’s demand for high-quality education and reinforces Hochiki’s commitment to supporting the development of fire safety professionals.

Visitors to The Fire Safety Event will have the opportunity to learn more about the online Training Academy platform, with the option to sign up for courses. Martin and the UK and European team will be there to answer any questions about training with Hochiki as well as showcase a range of innovative solutions, including the Latitude fire control system, Ekho hybrid wireless devices, and the newly launched FIREscape Nepto Emergency lighting system. Attendees can also participate in a prize draw for Amazon vouchers.

“The Fire Safety Event transcends a typical trade show; it’s a vital opportunity to connect with the broader fire safety community, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions that will have a tangible impact,” Martin emphasises. “We believe that through collective effort, we can create a safer world for everyone.”

Hochiki extends an invitation to all attendees of The Fire Safety Event at Birmingham’s NEC to visit their STAND, J65 in Hall 4, to explore their latest products, learn about their training programmes, and discuss their fire safety requirements this April.

To learn more about the Hochiki Training Academy head to the website.

https://www.hochikitrainingacademy.com

The Fire Safety Event Preview

Solving evacuation and access challenges for PRM: Evaccess’s comprehensive solutions and expertise

What happens if an evacuation is upstairs, or the issue is with general access? And to those individuals that must abandon their wheelchair, and then cannot continue onward travel independently, once outside?

These are just some of the disadvantages that Evaccess has researched and experienced from clients in the market of Evacuation Chairs. Incorporated in 2008, Evaccess has developed a key range of products including Evacuation Chairs, Stair Climbers and additional products to help solve this issue and to help individuals and organisations

Energy & Power

become more aware of the complex issues surrounding evacuation and access for PRM.

Its large variation of working solutions enables wheelchairs, both manual and powered, to ascend and descend stairs. These solutions are designed for emergencies when lifts break-down or when access for evacuation involves down spiral staircases, narrow staircases, or even outdoor terrain. Aswell as largely helping the individual, the range of Evaccess powered chairs also reduce the risk of injury for assisting parties and reduce the pressure on the Fire Service in an emergency.

In partnership with Antano, Bartels, and Sunwa, the Evaccess team – led by joint directors Greg and Julia – brings extensive experience, passion, and empathy to helping individuals with reduced mobility (PRM) find the right equipment for their needs. With a deep understanding of lifts, evacuation chairs, and stair climbers, engineers Dave and Craig enhance the company’s offerings through their expertise and technical knowledge.

Whether you are a building owner, facilities management company, educational establishment or an individual, Evaccess has the expert knowledge of

Powering Progress: Star Power’s tailored support for Richmond upon Thames College’s engineering facilities

Project overview

Beard Construction, engaged to develop new and existing engineering facilities at Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC), required a dependable temporary power solution. Initially contracted to support building commissioning works, the project scope expanded to include operational power for the college’s engineering department due to delays from a statutory authority. This development reinforced Beard Construction’s confidence in Star Power, establishing the company as their first-choice provider.

Challenge

A statutory authority delay jeopardised the commissioning of two educational buildings, critical for the new term. This setback necessitated a responsive and reliable temporary power solution to bridge the gap and maintain progress.

Solution

Following a detailed site survey, the Star Power team provided a tailored power solution, including: s Primary generator installation: A high-capacity generator was

installed to meet the engineering department’s initial power requirements.

s Backup power supply: An additional generator was provided to ensure redundancy and safeguard against potential disruptions.

s Comprehensive support: Star Power’s proactive approach facilitated a seamless transition and dependable power supply for both the commissioning and operational stages.

For more information about Star Power’s temporary power solutions, please contact Star Power or visit our website: https://star-power.co.uk

all the equipment in its range to meet a wide range of needs. Its consultancy services include product demos, tailored solutions, site surveys and much more. On a regular basis, Evaccess work with companies to provide advice on Disability Access and Egress, Inclusion, The Equality Act, and Fire Evacuation.

Evaccess also offer training on the use of their Evac Chairs and Stair Climbers through two types of certified training: Operator Training and their Train the Trainer course. Both courses are fully certified, and feature hands-on training sessions on your site.

Evaccess will be exhibiting at The Fire Safety Event 2025 at STAND: 4/L30.

For more information or to check out their product range, please see below: T 0121 444 3690 info@evaccess.uk https://evaccess.uk

Danfoss Power Solutions launches Editron EM-PMI375 690-volt electric motor

Danfoss Power Solutions announced the launch of its Editron EM-PMI375 690-volt electric motor. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI375 functions as both a motor and a generator. It is designed to work with the Editron EC-C1700B inverter, offering a system solution for 690-V AC and 1,050-V DC applications such as winches, cranes, marine vessels, and mining and material handling machinery.

The Danfoss Editron EM-PMI375 690-V electric motor is in the same shape and form as the EM-PMI375 500-V motor, with the same robustness, longevity, and standardised options. Like its 500-V counterpart, the EM-PMI375 690-V motor is smaller, lighter,

and more efficient than conventional products on the market, offering up to 96% efficiency throughout its operating range. Developed especially for demanding applications, the motor features a compact and robust aluminum frame structure with an ingress protection rating of IP67.

The EM-PMI375 690-V motor features a higher maximum operational altitude of 3,000 meters, made possible by housing design optimization. The design of the EM-PMI375 500-V motor was also optimised, increasing its nominal altitude rating from 1,000 meters to 4,000 meters.

All models feature a speed range of up to 4,000rpm. The motors are liquid cooled with low coolant flow requirements.

Visit the high-voltage multipurpose motors webpage to learn more about the EM-PMI375 690-V and other Danfoss Editron electric motors.

https://www.danfoss.com/en

Lucent Lighting offers unrivalled performance with new sustainable Oculus Mini luminaire

Lucent Lighting is offering unrivalled quality and lighting performance while demonstrating its commitment to circular economy practices and carbon neutrality through the launch of its new sustainable luminaire – Oculus Mini.

Oculus Mini is a highly efficient, recessed Eyeball downlight which acts as the ideal solution for interior ceiling applications in high-end spaces, including hotel lobbies, retail establishments, and luxury residential accommodations.

The full tool-less adjustability and rotatability in all directions allow users to customise the product to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring optimal performance and convenience in various settings. It also features a range of beam options, including SuperSpot, High Efficacy, and WarmDim. Oculus Mini can be used to create bespoke ambient lighting for each individual space.

Time is saved during easy installation, as Oculus Mini features tool-less installation, adjustments and maintenance. A high IP rating for kitchen, bathroom and fire-rated

applications ensures its durability to withstand different environments and prevent the need for regular ongoing maintenance.

Oculus Mini is available in a variety of trim and trimless mounting options which blend seamlessly into all ceiling surfaces and aesthetics, from plastered ceilings to wood and stone.

Custom RAL painted finishes and brushed antique brass and bronze, polished chrome, brass and nickel, complete the high-end aesthetic; these multiple finish options provide an option which can meet the overall design and aesthetic of any project.

https://www.lucent-lighting.com

CBG Light Perceptions lead lighting upgrade to St Paul’s Cathedral

As part of works to install new safety railings to the famed Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral, CBG Light Perceptions were appointed to devise a new lighting scheme to align with the new design.

St Paul’s is recognised across the globe, it is an Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. Found on Ludgate Hill – the highest point of the City of London –the architecturally beautiful cathedral was built by Sir Christopher Wren. It serves as a protected example of the unequivocal English Baroque Style.

The Whispering Gallery sits 30 metres above the crossing of the nave. It is a circular walkway along the base of the cathedral’s dome structure, with views to the floor below and along the entire length of the Cathedral.

The original lighting design was the work of Speirs Major Light

Architecture. Dating back 25 years, the scheme was a combination of cold cathode tubes, dimmed halogen lighting and metal halide fixtures, which were common technologies of their time. The re-engineering of the design by CBG is part of a larger programme to upgrade the interior lighting of St Paul’s to more energy efficient light sources.

https://cbgc.com

Cleaning & Hygiene Flowcrete takes on Hygiene at Foodex 2025

Maintaining hygiene throughout the entire food and beverage production process, from processing to packaging, is crucial for minimising contamination risks. A rigorous cleaning regimen must be implemented and followed meticulously, ensuring regular and thorough cleaning with the appropriate tools and training for all staff members.

A comprehensive training program can educate facility staff on the various contamination risks that could arise from inadequate cleanliness and improper practices. This education reassures managers, customers, and end users that the food products are safe for consumption.

Flowfresh, an antibacterial flooring solution from Flowcrete is made with the food and beverage industry in mind. This flooring solution can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria through silver ions that attack bacteria and viruses on the floor’s surface. Chemical resistance is also a key factor for this flooring, meaning that it can withstand dropped produce,

as well as cleaning chemicals that may be used across the facility. In addition to antibacterial properties, Flowcrete’s Flowfresh HF has an impressive anti-slip profile that is especially useful in wet processing areas.

Minimising the risk of listeria from the outset is crucial for maintaining a contamination-free environment. Once an area is contaminated, the pathogen can spread via insects, staff clothing, or aerosolisation from improper cleaning. Given the impact that any form of contamination can have on food and beverage facilities, addressing the root causes of contamination is essential.

We look forward to seeing you at Foodex 2025!

https://www.flowcrete.eu

Meet Jangro AI Beta: The smart cleaning assistant

Jangro, the UK & Europe’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, is thrilled to unveil Jangro AI Beta. This revolutionary virtual assistant is designed to provide instant support for all cleaning and hygiene needs.

Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Jangro AI Beta is available 24/7, offering efficient and accurate assistance whenever it is needed. The first AI chat feature available on the platform is dedicated to carpet maintenance, with lots more to follow.

Users can interact with this intelligent virtual assistant to get practical advice on the best techniques for cleaning various carpet fibres, along with product recommendations and trouble-shooting tips. This smart tool offers instant, reliable guidance to help keep carpets looking their best and make their maintenance easier than ever.

Jangro is set to expand this stateof-the-art feature across other areas of its business. Whether customers are seeking product information, placing an order, using its online Learning Management Solution (LMS), or needing expert

advice, Jangro AI Beta will be able to assist.

Jo Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, comments, “At Jangro, we are committed to applying cuttingedge technology to enhance our customers’ experience. The introduction of Jangro AI Beta marks a significant step forward in providing instant, reliable support, initially for all carpet care needs. We are excited to expand this innovative feature across other areas of our business, ensuring that we offer our customers the very best possible assistance, anytime they need it.”

For more information, please visit: www.jangro.net/resources/jangroai. For help with carpet care, interact with Jangro AI Beta at: https://carpet-ai.jangro.net

The biggest show yet!

Highways UK is the flagship event for the people and organisations involved in the planning, designing, building, operating and futureproofing of the UK’s road network. It was held at the NEC, Birmingham from 16th-17th October 2024, and included a multi-stream conference combined with a major exhibition.

Highways UK is not a trade show, but is positioned to be the thought leadership destination for UK road infrastructure development. It attracted a uniquely high level and large number of people responsible for the planning, developing, managing, maintaining, and future-proofing of the nation’s roads networks.

The free-to-attend exhibition hosted over 375 exhibitors from across the globe. Attendees, professionals and exhibitors were able to exchange ideas whilst using the event to help build their brands, form friendships and partnerships, and grow their professional network.

The event had an impressive line-up of senior industry leaders from across the private and public sectors, who gave seminars and talks

covering a range of topics designed to explore the future, and uncover new opportunities within the industry. Such topics included the future of road investment, technology and innovation, update on project pipelines, and reaching net-zero roads at pace.

The Big Thinking Stage showcased some industry thought-leaders who tackled the difficult conversations across transportation infrastructure. Topics included EDI, air quality, skills, health and safety and suicide prevention.

The Local Authority Theatre covered topics such as funding models, active travel, best-practice collaboration, carbon management and network resilience. With support from LCRIG and ADEPT, local authorities and collaborative partners came together to share the true impact of government investment and debated how best to tackle industry wide challenges on a local level.

Of course, cutting-edge technologies and policies for future-proofing road infrastructure and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain is one of the biggest challenges currently being faced in the industry right now. Topics covered at Connected Highways included the implementation

of cyber security strategies, data collation and management, lean and agile operations and 5G, connectivity and AI.

A spokesperson from Mott MacDonald described the event as “the largest they have attended since the event’s founding.” This was a fantastic plaudit from a company that has been exhibiting regularly for the past 10 years, which more than highlighted the event's significance.

The Event also had its own dedicated networking app that allowed attendees to connect with industry experts throughout.

Highways UK returns to Birmingham’s NEC this year from 15th-16th October 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Soluform. Further details can be found on this page.

https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/ highways-uk/index.stm

First choice for landscape edging

At Kinley, we have developed our range through years of collaborating with inspiring architects and landscape designers, combined with understanding the challenges that contractors and installation specialists face.

With one of the most comprehensive landscape edging ranges in the industry, there is always a perfect solution for defining every landscape surface.

Promoting sustainability in materials and our supply chain, Kinley’s landscape edging ensures low maintenance and cost benefits across its long lifespan. Kinley is also renowned for its discreet and smart design, as well as easy installation –crucial for keeping projects running on-time and to budget.

Aluminium is the first choice for landscape edging. Its strength, flexibility, durability and lightness

contribute to simple, easy installation with minimal maintenance. With easy manual formation, you can create endless lines, curves and gradients for a fully bespoke landscape design.

All Kinley aluminium edging is made from a minimum of 80% recycled aluminium which is 100% recyclable material.

Our steel edging, also 100% recyclable, has rightfully earned loyalty among specifiers and contractors. The high performance, high grade steels have excellent corrosion resistance and are incredibly hardwearing for a long life expectancy.

Kinley is here to support designers, specifiers and installers every step of the way with an enthusiastic team that is slightly obsessed with delivering exceptional customer service.

T +44 (0)1580 830688 sales@kinley.co.uk www.kinley.co.uk

Fridgenius recognised for

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are pleased to feature Fridgenius as the winner of our Innovation Award for its groundbreaking product, the Solenoid Valve Magnet

For over 25 years, Fridgenius has been committed to manufacturing and supplying National and International Distributors & Partners with the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet. Initially established by entrepreneur businessman David Slydel, the company is now run by his son Chris Slydel who stated, “The last 24 months have been a great time for Fridgenius, gaining new customers and partners, also winning SME UK Enterprise Award and Innovation & Excellence Awards.”

It is imperative that engineers can operate valves in a plant or system manually if there is a fault, where power is not available, or which hasn’t yet been wired-up or have been recently decommissioned and the power subsequently removed.

Suitable for usage in refrigeration, air-conditioning, water, oil and gas installations, the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet from Fridgenius

features a compact design and a high usability application that has already been widely praised by engineers across the HVAC industry.

What makes it so unique however, is its design which is similar to the design of a cotton reel, and when placed on a solenoid valve (with coil removed), it causes the armature to open and close. It can also be used effortlessly to recover refrigerant from a plant which has already been decommission and power removed. Furthermore, in urgent emergencies, when the solenoid valve coil fails, it is a lifesaver by keeping the system functioning, until a replacement coil is sourced and installed.

Engineers must be able to manually operate valves in a plant or system in the event of a fault, a power outage, or when the system is not yet wired or has

been recently decommissioned with power removed. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet from Fridgenius provides a reliable solution, making it an essential tool for any HVAC/R service engineer.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is a pioneer product: chiefly designed to solve the conundrum of operating solenoid valves, within a powerless system. The ergonomics are flawless: with its compact design and foolproof usability, it’s easy to see why it has such universal appeal.

“A service engineer received a call from a milk processing plant saying

Chris Slydel, Managing Director at Fridgenius Ltd

excellence in innovation

that the plant was warming-up. He found that the solenoid coil had burned out and by using the Fridgenius Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet, he was able to run it permanently –setting it to cut-out under pressure. This saved 14,000 Litres of milk!” –Refrigerator Engineer review.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet range consists of five sizes:

During the current cost-of-living crisis, businesses want to minimise downtime and keep production moving as much as possible. The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is a lifesaver in these instances, supporting many hard-working companies in reaching production targets.

If you require specific requirements, Fridgenius can manufacture to your specific needs, including colour and branding/logo printing. What’s more, there are no regulatory requirements when using a Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is available through their network of worldwide distributors

10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, and 24mm. Each magnet is pocket sized and easy to operate. The small tool with a big attraction is designed to convert electrically operated solenoid valves into handoperated valves.

It can be used during testing and troubleshooting or manually activating and controlling direct solenoid valves, a pilot-operated 2-way solenoid valve, a 3-way reclaim valve, or a 4-way reversing valve.

Fridgenius Ltd has created a ‘superb product’ in the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet. With ground-breaking products like the Solenoid Valve Magnet, Fridgenius continues to push the boundaries of innovation. We are proud to celebrate their success with our Innovation Award.

For further information, please see below: T 02381 550189 enquiries@fridgenius.com www.fridgenius.com

Doors & Windows News

Layer up your space with Folding Doors

With modern folding door applications, homeowners no longer need to choose between open plan living and high energy bills, says David Knollman of Brio UK.

The winter months bring with them a period of cosy family nights, sprawling holiday parties and fun festive gatherings. During this time, folding door applications can play an important role in homes by enhancing the style of living environments and creating open-plan communal spaces that remain prepared for any occasion.

However, as the festive guests arrive, so too does the cold weather. The extended UK winter can often see a drop in temperature from December to February and sees homes fighting a rise in energy bills in the process. During the cold snap, homeowners can become increasingly conscious of heating their homes, which can be inflated further when needing to heat large, open plan spaces. Where folding door systems facilitate the use of these spaces, choosing the right door system may also offer a host of thermal efficiency benefits, allowing homes to become less reliant on heating during the wintertime.

Be open to closing space

Thermal insulation is essential to any building project and refers to the products, materials or techniques that help to minimise the transfer of heat between two spaces. When the cold hits, buildings become reliant on these design features to stabilise internal temperature – usually by limiting the flow of heat and therefore reducing the energy needed to heat multiple rooms.

For more information, please visit: www.briouk.com

Openings Studio’s asset tagging functionality enables comprehensive doorset lifecycle management

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is highlighting the asset tagging functionality of its Openings Studio BIM software solution, enabling the golden thread of information from a product’s specification right through manufacture, installation and ongoing maintenance.

Openings Studio is a cloud based, custom configuration tool for the creation, visualisation, modification, and management of door openings. It is uniquely integrated with the building model as part of a live and dynamic environment. Every door logged in Openings Studio is automatically assigned a unique asset tag, which can be affixed to the door as either a QR code or RFID Tag, enabling direct access to the door details, including installation, inspection, and service history.

The asset tag functionality enables direct access from the Mobile App

to information such as product specification, hardware schedule, product information, inspection reports, digital images, and change management tracking.

About Openings Studio™

Openings Studio™ Building Information

Modelling (BIM) Software provides access to complete doorset information at all stages from product concept to product care. The Openings Studio Mobile App allows users to manage buildings as a holistic system, and design, build and maintain openings for their entire life cycle.

For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit: https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en, or to learn more about Openings Studio, go to: https://www.assaabloy. com/group/en/about-us/our-solutions/ openings-studio

A special partnership

As Sternfenster continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Glazpart is delighted the company is part of the award-winning Glazpartners programme.

As one of the UK market leaders in fenestration for over five decades, Sternfenster manufactures a unique and high quality range of uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.

Operating from an 80,000 square metre state of the art factory in Lincoln, Sternfenster ensures every window and door goes through a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure installers, builders and homeowners have products that are up there with the best available in the UK.

To maintain its levels of excellence, Sternfenster relies on strong supplier relationships who can deliver the right products and on time. One such relationship is with Glazpart who have supplied Sternfenster with the Link Vent range for the last five years.

The Link Vent range comes in sizes include 5,000, 4,000 and 2,500 EQA (Equivalent Area – the measure of the vents air flow performance) and the products are designed to fully comply with building regulations, Approved Document F1 (means of ventilation).

https://glazpart.com

https://www.sternfenster.com

Callum Starkey: Youth career development with ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is highlighting its commitment to youth development by recognising the growth and contributions of one of its team members, Callum Starkey, a Quantity Surveyor within the commercial team (pictured).

After discovering an interest in engineering during his school years, Callum took on a civil engineering apprenticeship with a construction company. While working on-site, he found himself drawn to the field of quantity surveying, in which he decided to transfer universities and complete his degree in this area.

Callum joined the ASSA ABLOY family in July 2023, and now manages

the commercial aspects of various doorset specification projects, ensuring they are all delivered on time and within budget. He works closely with contracts managers, participates in progress meetings, and monitors projects to ensure their success.

The opportunity to manage and coordinate projects from start to finish, each with unique requirements, has allowed him to develop a broad skill set and deepen his expertise in the field.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions recognises that investing in the next generation is crucial for sustaining innovation and leadership in the industry, by providing a supportive environment, opportunities for

hands-on experience, and pathways for career progression.

Whether through apprenticeships, mentorship programmes, or global mobility opportunities, ASSA ABLOY ensures that its emerging leaders are equipped with the skills, confidence and vision necessary to drive the company forward. The focus on youth development and capability expansion allows the company to strengthen its dynamic workforce to meet the demands of the industry.

To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Door Group and the range of products and services it provides, please go to: https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en

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!

Innovative, aspirational, design-led

In 1947, Bertil Svedberg was working for a pumping and heating company in Stockholm.

Coming from a small village 350km away, Svedvurg found the environment of Stockholm to be technically inspiring which then prompted him to found the company Elektroborg AB, and within Elektroborg went on to found Cibes Lift UK. From the small beginnings of a lift company in Sweden, Cibes Lift Group now offers sales and service in over 70 countries with production facilities in Sweden, United States and China.

Founded in 2004, Cibes is one of the main suppliers of home, goods, platform, and cabin style lifts, which offer a tailored solution in the public, private, commercial, and home sectors. Cibes lift installations are designed to be delivered and installed in ready-made modules. This ensures that delivery and installation is fast-tracked and creates minimal structural impact.

Based in London and Loughborough, Cibes offers sales and installation teams that provide both pre and post installation support for all their products. However, it is in the home lift market, that Cibes has made its strong position felt. With an aging population, the attraction of home lifts has become an increasingly desirable proposition and whilst there may be a viewpoint that they can be bulky, noisy, and environmentally unfriendly, Cibes is challenging this perception.

With its individual design, the lifts are easy to install and come in a range of colours, to match décor

and flooring. The manufacturing capability of the lifts means that they can be constructed as small as just over one metre square and can carry up to anywhere between 300 and 1,000kg and with the right design, can become a centrepiece of any home, adding value to the property. Lift installation may be seen as a reaction to a long-standing illness or an accident, however many people look to install a home lift as a long-term security option for the future.

Cibes offers a choice of lifts based on the needs of the individual. Platform lifts are designed as a ‘hold to run.’ This means that the user needs to press on the direction button and keep it depressed for the length of the journey, in comparison the cabin lift functions as a ‘one touch’ button, like those found in shopping or commercial centres.

One of the most popular platform lifts by Cibes is the A5000. The standard size can accommodate wheelchair users or a pushchair and possesses several advantages for installations in office buildings, flats, leisure facilities, supermarkets, or private homes. The lift has a possible eight different platform sizes available and up to a weight limit of 400kg, with customisable options available. The A5000 platform also has a lifecycle of 25 years and is 91% recyclable.

Another best-seller is the C1 Pure, the world’s only screw-driven cabin lift with stylish sliding doors and a one-touch control system. The cabin ceiling is tailored to durable and green LED technology, whilst retaining smart and energy saving programming. Dependant on the client, the entire cabin lift system is available in glass to bring as much natural light into the rooms.

Cibes prides itself over its manufacturing capabilities and options available to the customer. All Cibes lifts are made in-house and can therefore have more flexibility in design specifications. This

has led to a sharp rise in ‘black as standard’ lifts as most lift companies have a white standard policy and additional colours that equates to more cost. The issue with ‘white as standard’ is that the lift can look too industrial, especially in the home or even office buildings.

For the future, sustainability is a key factor for Cibes. The sustainable business growth employed by Cibes, is to have policies that are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Integrating sustainability within the business strategy framework is believed to be key to future success as the business models will change. The aim for 2025, is to reduce emissions by 30% compared to a 2021 baseline. Electricity and vehicles, still account for 94% of the emissions, so more ways are being investigated to find a greener alternative.

For more information, please see below: T 0800 085 0269 info@cibeslift.co.uk https://cibeslift.com/en-gb

Building Products & Services

Matt Scott to head up StudioHIVE Architects

Bristol-based StudioHIVE Architects has appointed Matt Scott as its new director and head of studio (pictured).

Matt Scott joins the firm after a career spent in architecture, urban design and masterplanning with some of Bristol’s best-known firms.

These include Ferguson Mann Architects, where he led work on the creation of Bristol’s most successful mixed use creative industries hub at The Paintworks and had a key role in Lakeshore by Urban Splash, which was responsible for Lakeshore, the residential regeneration of the former Imperial Tobacco headquarters.

As architecture lead at LDA Design his focus was on placemaking, combining architecture, landscape and masterplanning. His last position was as an associate with Portishead-based Thrive Architects, working on residential projects of all sizes.

The practice – sister company to bespoke property developer StudioHIVE – is currently involved with the high profile urban regeneration project at Silverthorne Lane, part of the major Temple Quay Enterprise Zone near Bristol’s Temple Meads station.

The 12-acre mixed use site features new offices and student accommodation, plus 430 new build to rent homes and workspace, in partnership with Atlas Land and Singapore-based construction and civil engineering specialist, Woh Hup.

StudioHIVE and StudioHIVE Architects are also involved in other mixed use schemes including the development of Westonsuper-Mare RFC, transforming the site and providing new facilities for the rugby club, together with a new purpose-built NHS health centre and pharmacy, with a new clubhouse proposed in the second phase; and the proposed transformation of the former Battleaxes pub in Wraxall, North Somerset, into new offices, which will provide a new home for StudioHIVE and the StudioHIVE Architects studio, a co-working hub, a licensed cafe/farm shop and a small number of high quality sustainable homes.

Contact https://www.architecturebystudiohive.co.uk

McLaren Construction commences £12.8 million industrial scheme at Manchester Airport

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has announced the start of works on a significant new project, ‘B4,’ at one of the UK’s largest and busiest airports.

Valued at £12,844,105.00, the development on the World Freight Terminal at Manchester Airport marks a crucial addition to its infrastructure.

Delivered on behalf of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the project follows a previous phase of works for the client, at the World Freight Terminal development to the west of Manchester Airport, which concentrated on the build of a 100,000 sq. ft warehouse sub-divided into three commercial units, with internal office spaces.

B4 involves the design and construction of a state-of-theart industrial unit, complete with office space, external works, and meticulous landscaping. Spanning 92,000 square feet, the facility will serve as prime industrial and logistics space within the boundaries of airport security.

With a 50-week completion target, McLaren Construction Midlands and North will oversee all aspects of construction, including associated access roads and sustainable landscaping features.

To find out more about McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd, please visit: www.mclarengroup.com

CITB seeks Independent Member for Industry Funding Committee

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is inviting experienced construction professionals, particularly from small or medium-sized businesses, to join the Industry Funding Committee as an Independent Member for a four-year commitment. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about modernising construction, funding, skills, and training.

The successful applicant will assist the Committee in overseeing CITB’s funding investment, ensuring Levy funding is used effectively and sustainably. Reporting to the CITB Board and chaired by Trustee Holly Price, the Committee develops funding strategies aligned with the Board’s priorities, monitors the impact of CITB funding, and provides recommendations for future investments.

The Committee, with delegated authority from the Board, can authorise industry funding up to £5 million per project.

To best serve the industry, the Committee seeks a diverse range of representatives from across the construction sector. It is looking for individuals who are well-versed in the current skills and training requirements of the industry and are passionate about using the Levy to drive the skills agenda forward in a positive, innovative way.

Please visit the CITB committee vacancies webpage: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/ jobs-at-citb/committee-vacancies/?utm_ source=medianotice&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=ifc

For more information, please visit: www.citb.co.uk

Lutz-Jesco on International Women’s Day

Women, go for it! The technology sector needs more woman engineers

Women have a hard time in the male-dominated technology sector and are taken less seriously. This is a media and societal misrepresentation that urgently needs to be addressed. In a time in which industry faces a shortage of young talent, it is vital that women are not discouraged from pursuing a career in this area. This is the view of Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at the pump and dosing specialist Lutz-Jesco in Wertheim, speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“I have to work twice as hard to be accepted,” “I can’t afford to make any mistakes, otherwise everyone will think that women aren’t cut out for this job;” “I need to adapt and make sure I don’t stand out too much.” The list of misconceptions that hinder women who would like to work in the male-dominated technology sector industry is long. However, the reality is usually much more progressive, stresses Lisa Kagerbauer, who has worked since 2020 as an engineer at LutzJesco, a specialist manufacturer of industrial pump technology and dosing systems based in Wertheim in Baden-Württemberg. “From an early age, women are presented with a rather distorted picture of life by the media and society that doesn’t match reality in most cases,” says Kagerbauer.

“The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my experience.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, her positive experience began during her studies, when she

shared a flat with two male fellow students. “We supported each other, and gender never even came into it,” recalls the 32-year-old. She also did not experience any prejudice or discrimination at university. “I studied under two woman professors who were highly competent and recognised as valued experts in their fields.” What about her transition to employment? Here too, gender was not an issue. “As a woman fresh out of university, I was appreciated and supported from the very beginning.” Many older colleagues were impressed by her passion for technology and didn’t hesitate to share their knowledge and experience with her. “The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my reality. What counts is performance, not gender.”

“It is vital to Germany’s future that more women contribute their potential to the technology sector.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, in times in which young talent is at a premium, it is important that women also enter the technology sector. However, women remain under-represented in this area. Figures from the Federal Statistical Office show that the proportion of women employed in technical research and development in 2023 amounted to just 18%. “In my opinion, it is vital for

Lending a helping hand in all female design and build project

A leading Northamptonbased asbestos management consultancy is supporting an all-female design and build project, by providing skilled women to complete vital tasks on-site.

To mark Women in Construction Week from 2nd-8th March, Acorn Analytical Services is shining a spotlight on the pioneering project by Kat Parsons and her wife Fiona, which sees a full-scale renovation and extension of a family home, using only female tradespeople.

The duo, both environmental consultants, bought a house in Ipswich three years ago and decided to refurbish the building themselves, as well as add an extension.

Kat, who now works in diversity and inclusion, recalls, “My wife and I are quite handy and enjoy getting our hands dirty. The plan was a full renovation as the owner before us had been here 70 years and the

house needed a lot of work.”

Having worked in construction for more than 20 years, Kat and Fiona are used to male dominated teams and have experienced numerous challenges for women on construction sites, including ill-fitting PPE and ill-equipped temporary toilets.

Kat found Acorn Analytical Services by accident through LinkedIn. She contacted head of commercial Sian Stone and was amazed by the speedy service.

The build is expected to be finished this summer. Kat and Fiona will then complete the interior.

For more details, please visit: www.all-female-build.co.uk and all_female_renovation on Instagram for daily updates.

To find out more about Acorn Analytical Services, please visit: www.acorn-as.com

Germany’s future that more well-qualified young women bring their potential to the technology sector,” says Ms Kagerbauer. She has the following tip for women interested in the field: “Be confident and follow your own path. The men are usually on your side. Be confident in salary negotiations. Make realistic demands and never sell yourself short.”

Lisa Kagerbauer helped her older brother with maths, even when she was still at nursery school Lisa Kagerbauer’s enthusiasm for technology and the natural sciences developed at an early age, and she started helping her brother with his maths homework even when she was at nursery school. “I have always been fascinated by the fact that maths works as a kind of universal language with unerring logic,” recalls Kagerbauer. After leaving school, she studied process engineering and chemical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). She specialised in food process engineering and completed her master’s degree with a focus on rheology, researching the flow characteristics of milk foam. “I made and smelled milk foam every day for half a year. Since then, I take my coffee black,” Kagerbauer laughs. She started work as an engineer at Lutz-Jesco in 2020. In the system and process technology department, she and her team develop water treatment systems for industry and sewage treatment plants. “I love working in an informal atmosphere with great colleagues. It suits me much better than the anonymity of a large corporation.” She only missed the exciting nightlife of the big city for a while. Now, she appreciates the peace and quiet of the countryside. “I have settled in and don't want to leave.”

T +49 5130 5802-0 https://www.lutz-jesco.com/en

Women in Construction Anglia invites construction leaders to return to the classroom

Construction leaders have gone back to school – spending a day in the classroom at West Suffolk College to see how the next generation learn their trade.

Students were joined by company directors, managers and leaders from across the construction sector, as part of the Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) event.

Clare Friel, founder of Women in Construction Anglia, said the back to school day, which took place on Wednesday February 12th, was a huge success.

She said, “It was great to be able to invite construction leaders into the college, giving them a glimpse of life in the classroom and to speak with students about their training.”

“It’s important we are able to give students, particularly women, the opportunity to meet industry leaders and inspire them as they begin their career in the sector.”

The classroom experience is an offshoot of the Women in Construction Anglia West Suffolk College Student Takeover Lunch, on March 14th, which will see those who attended return to the college to speak about their experiences.

For more on Women in Construction Anglia and the upcoming student takeover, please see: www. womeninconstructionanglia.com

The Health & Safety Event to reunite

13,000+ health & safety professionals

The Health & Safety Event will return bigger and better than ever on 8th-10th April 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. This large-scale event will reunite the entire health and safety sector, featuring a wide range of exhibitors, valuable networking opportunities, and CPD-accredited content.

The latest and innovative products and services across the industry will be showcased, with 350+ exhibitors providing visitors the chance to find out what’s new on the market and source new suppliers. Exhibitors will include Draeger, JSP, Mascot Workwear, Milwaukee, Portwest, RS, Skechers, U-Power and many more.

Over the course of three days, attendees will have access to 60+ hours of free CPD-accredited content across multiple theatres, alongside live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities.

CPD accredited content

The Keynote Theatre (supported by IOSH) is the main stage at The Health & Safety Event will welcome key industry speakers who will be providing the latest news and updates as well as regulations, guidance, and training within the health and safety industry.

Visit the Practical Safety Theatre (sponsored by Cromwell) to hear from the experts on how to create a safe and compliant working environment. Gain the practical tools and knowledge to protect you and your employees from danger, whilst

helping to look after the future of your business or organisation.

Our Knowledge Exchange Theatre (sponsored by Arco and supported by HSM) will feature a series of sessions covering the challenges faced by health and safety professionals and practitioners. Hear from industry experts who are making a difference in the workplace and safety culture.

A popular theatre is The Driver Safety Theatre (in partnership with Driving for Better Business). Hear from leading experts share a series of presentations and panel discussions covering legislation updates, driver fatigue, distraction, staff culture, vehicle safety and much more.

Finally, our Lone Worker Safety Live will be bring bite-size interactive sessions, experts, and those with practical experience will share their knowledge to bring you best practice ways to manage the key issues of wellbeing, safety, and security for lone and remote workers.

Industry partnerships

In partnership with British Safety Industry Federation and their Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, this dedicated trail will help visitors navigate around the show to meet BSIF members who have signed a binding contract to offer safety equipment and services that meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations, and are appropriately marked.

The event is continually backed by the leading associations in the sector including the British Safety Industry Federation, NEBOSH and UK Asbestos Training Association and more.

Co-located events

The Health and Safety Event 2025 will be colocated with The Security Event, The Fire Safety Event, The Workplace Event, and the National Cyber Security Show. Access all shows with just one pass.

Find out more and register for your free pass at: www.healthandsafetyevent.com

Roofing News

Blenheim Palace raises the roof with ground-breaking £10.4 million restoration project

Blenheim Palace, one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, has unveiled its most ambitious restoration project to date, the major repair of the roof of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This monumental £10.4 million undertaking aims to preserve Britain’s Greatest Palace’s historic architecture and safeguard its heritage for future generations. Alongside the works commencing in January 2025, Blenheim Palace is introducing unique visitor experiences that provide exclusive access to previously unseen areas of the Estate.

The project will focus on the complete restoration of a substantial section of the Palace roof, enhancing the resilience of the structure against the elements and ensuring its longevity. The works will be carried out by DBR Ltd, specialists in quality historic building conservation to maintain the authenticity of the 18thcentury masterpiece.

Fire Safety

The roof project is necessary due to water penetration of the roof of the Great Hall, in the Heights (formerly the servants’ quarters) and in the Saloon. Over time water has saturated the timbers below, (which are also infested with Death Watch Beetle) and is causing damage to the priceless ceiling fresco by Sir James Thornhill, which is of international importance. The painting depicts the Duke of Marlborough kneeling to Britannia, proffering a plan of the Battle of Blenheim.

More details about the upcoming experiences will be revealed soon.

To find out more about the roof restoration project, please visit: www.blenheimpalace.com/ restoration and for information on the new visitor experiences for 2025, visit: www.blenheimpalace.com/ whats-on/events/new-for-2025

For more information on the appointed contractors, please visit: www.dbrlimited.com

The Social Hub opens new €150 million Florence hub

Hybrid hospitality pioneer The Social Hub on February 1st opened a stunning new €150 million hub Florence – complete with the city’s largest rooftop garden with an Olympic length swimming pool.

The 80,000m² The Social Hub Belfiore is located in the San Jacopino district, close to the historic centre. It joins The Social Hub Lavagnini as the company’s second Florence property and is the latest step in the group’s belief in Italy and its commitment to contributing to the development of the Tuscan city.

The stunning new hub will prove a big draw for international

visitors for business and leisure, and includes a 550-room, fourstar hotel featuring a 7,000m² rooftop with a public garden and an Olympic-length swimming pool; Tuscany’s largest coworking space with capacity for 500 professionals; and premium conference facilities for more than 300 guests. Other amenities include a gym, a shopping boulevard and additional public spaces.

To enquire about bookings at The Social Hub Belfiore, please visit: thesocialhub.co/florencebelfiore. For more information on The Social Hub, visit: thesocialhub.co

Drainage & Plumbing News

Instantor launches ‘Discovery Days’ at its state-of-the-art testing facility

Manufacturer of superior plumbing products, Instantor is welcoming installers to its brand new testing and training centre based in Santry, Dublin. Its first Discovery Day took place on 5th September 2024 with nine UK installers plus representatives from InstallerSHOW in attendance. Providing a unique insight into Instantor’s products, culture and values, as well as valuable training sessions, the Discovery

Days are part of Instantor’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership with trade professionals.

The Discovery Days begin with a brief introduction to Instantor and the wider Sanbra Group, which Instantor is part of. Guests are then given a behindthe-scenes tour of the new visitor centre and testing lab to learn how products are designed, engineered and exhaustively tested.

Bottling business toasts new floor

Kemtile, a division of Stonhard, has delivered a singlesource drainage and flooring solution for Thomas Hardy Group, a family-owned bottling and packaging business.

The company has production facilities both in Warrington and Kendal, where they package beers, ciders, soft drinks, juices and tonic water for a number of blue-chip companies.

A multi-national brewing business referred Kemtile to Thomas Hardy Group, referencing their experience with Kemtile delivering ‘fit for purpose’ drainage and flooring solutions on their sites and complimenting their quality of materials, workmanship, and overall professionalism.

Kemtile was briefed by the Thomas Hardy Engineering team to provide a hard-wearing flooring solution suitable for use around a new canning line. The line was to be installed at their Warrington site, providing an

all-important hygienic finish that is hardwearing, easy to clean, and would help impress future clients.

The Kemtile team successfully completed the work over three months including the installation of 1,200m2 of Stonhard’s Stonclad UR and Stonclad UF systems. Stonclad UR and UF are both heavyduty polyurethane flooring systems specifically designed to provide high levels of hygiene and chemical resistance to product spillages and caustic cleaning solutions.

Kemtile has a long-established reputation for supplying high-quality, fit-for-purpose drainage and flooring solutions to the food and drink sector. Drawing upon their expertise and track record of delivering solutions in the packaging and bottling industry, Kemtile is a one-stop-shop choice for companies looking for single-source solutions.

https://kemtile.co.uk

Beyond this, installers are then able to get hands on with Instantor’s market-leading products with training sessions held by the experienced in-house team. This includes competency training on Instantor’s press fittings and multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe, plus its copper press systems for both gas and water applications. Upon completion of the training, the installers are presented with personalised competency ID cards.

For more information on Instantor, or if you are interested in attending a future Discovery Day, please call: 0121 737 2515 or email: sales@instantor.co.uk. You can also visit the website: https://instantor.co.uk

Testing and training facilities revamped at National Lift Tower

A leading Training and Research Centre located in the world’s tallest drainage testing installation, The National Lift Tower, in Northampton, has undergone a major refurbishment in a bid to improve and enhance the state-of-the-art facility.

The Training and Research Centre serves as a hub for innovation in high-rise plumbing systems. It is run by fluid management solutions company, Aliaxis UK, which is utilising its vast experience to maximise the training potential and enhance the learning outcomes for the wider industry.

The site offers a range of capabilities essential for advancing high-rise building solutions, helping to test drainage, waste, and ventilation systems, including gravity drainage and hot and cold solutions.

As part of the revamp, the Training and Research Centre has been upgraded to facilitate hands-on practical training, as well as CPDs on active drainage ventilation delivered by industry experts.

Built by the Express Lift Company, the structure, previously called the Express Lift Tower, was used as a lifttesting tower. It was commissioned in 1978 and officially opened in 1982, and has been a Grade II Listed Building since 1997.

For further information about Aliaxis’ Training and Research Centre, please visit: aliaxis.co.uk

Re-formulated Everfree Organic Drain Clearer –Maximum professional strength for all plumbers

Wiseman Industries Ltd, a leading UK chemical manufacturer, is proud to announce its Re-formulated ‘Everfree’ Organic Drain Clearer. In response to the UK’s Poisons Licence, Wiseman’s R&D team has developed a unique formulation, a revolutionary organic drain clearer that combines professional-grade strength with environmental responsibility that does not require hazard labelling yet delivers an unparalled powerful performance.

Everfree Organic Drain Clearer’s innovative formula and professional strength rapidly breaks down a wide range of common blockage materials, including organic

matter and washing powder residues. Its quick-acting nature, means that drains can be cleared in minutes, without the need for rodding, saving time and effort on the job for plumbing professionals.

Everfree Organic Drain Clearer sets a new standard in the plumbing industry. Unlike many traditional drain cleaners that use harsh chemicals, Wiseman’s re-formulation ensures that all plumbers can tackle even the toughest blockages without compromising on legal compliance or environmental safety. Unlike many traditional drain cleaners, Everfree is 100% biodegradable and septic tank friendly.

Everfree Organic Drain Clearer can be used both internally and externally making it suitable for most scenarios. Additionally, it can be used as part of a planned maintenance system to prevent blockages and keep drains flowing smoothly. These unique features position Everfree as a professional-grade drain cleaner that balances powerful performance with environmental responsibility, setting it apart in the market of drain cleaning solutions.

Available in 1litre & 2.5litres.

For more information, please email: sales@wisemanind.com or visit: https://www.wisemanind.com

Facilities & Estate Management

Mainteno: Smart Maintenance Software that scales with you

Mainteno is the CMMS and CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) solution designed with practicality in mind. Having proved itself in a diverse range of businesses and organisations, Mainteno can also revolutionise the way you track your assets and manage your daily tasks.

Designed by Redro, a company that has extensive experience in maintenance management software, providing solutions that optimise and streamline maintenance operations for businesses. With its advanced platform, users can efficiently manage and track maintenance activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed promptly and effectively to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Redro’s expertise in the field ensures that clients receive a robust and reliable system tailored to meet the unique needs of their specific industries.

Mainteno has been described as the next revolution in maintenance management software and offers an intuitive dashboard that centralises all relevant data, streamlining facilities management. Users can efficiently handle maintenance scheduling, fault repair reporting, asset tracking, and general task management. Additional features include creating checklists, invoicing, managing quotes and contractor, and providing contractor support.

Mainteno is the complete, cost-effective solution software that is extremely diverse and adaptable for many industries and facilities including retail, leisure, hospitality, office management, logistics, construction, healthcare, or the charity sector.

Integrating Mainteno into your business operations paves the way for efficient, cost-effective maintenance management. Designed with practicality in mind, Mainteno is extremely easy to use and can be learned within minutes, and best of all, it comes with no set-up fees and no lengthy contracts!

What’s so good about Mainteno is that the system scales with your business, ensuring it continues to meet your maintenance management requirements as you grow. Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective solution for task facilities management and provides reliable customer support to assist you with any issues or questions. Additionally, the platform ensures your data is secure with advanced security measures, giving you peace of mind.

In a nut-shell, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day laborious maintenance tasks of any organisation. Whilst keeping everyone in the loop and up-todate, Mainteno gives you total control of your organisations assets whilst seamlessly tracking all communication and documentation in one place.

For more information, or to request a free trial, please see below: T 020 8798 3713 sales@redro.co.uk www.mainteno.com

Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective solution for task facilities

Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost any organisation. Our award-winning CAFM software keeps everyone in the loop and archives all your communication and documentation in one place. For total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.

Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving your organisation time and money.

Usability made affordable

Mainteno is the CMMS and CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) solution designed with practicality in mind. The interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned in minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon.

Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag – so our customers are often surprised to learn just how affordable Mainteno is. No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts and a free two-week trial* all mean that the system starts paying for itself straight away.

*for eligible customers

SFMI 2024 assessments reveal FM leaders are reaching the point where Sustainability Really Pays

The Sustainable Facilities Management Index (SFMI) has released its 2024 audit findings in its latest report ‘FM Leaders Reach the Point Where Sustainability Really Pays.’ The results reveal a critical shift in the sector: sustainability initiatives are now delivering tangible internal value and driving significant external revenue opportunities.

Congratulations to all SFMI Partners for 2024 – Amey, Arcus FM, BAM FM, Churchill Group, EMCOR UK, Equans, Mitie, Optima Facility, Skanska and VINCI Facilities – and to the joint winners for 2024, Mitie and VINCI Facilities.

As ESG priorities take centre stage, FM providers are witnessing the rewards of their commitments. However, challenges remain, including a shortage of sustainability skills and expertise at senior levels. The SFMI report emphasises the

importance of overcoming these hurdles to ensure continued growth and innovation in the sector.

The SFMI 2024 report showcases how forward-thinking FM providers can achieve sustainability goals while unlocking substantial commercial value.

Download the full report here: https://www.acclaro-advisory. com/sfmi/insights/report-fmleaders-reach-the-point-wheresustainability-really-pays

https://www.acclaro-advisory.com/ sfmi

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions receives Excellence in Quality commendation at VINCI

Facilities Supply Chain awards

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is honoured to have been highly commended in the Excellence in Quality category at the VINCI Facilities Supply Chain Awards, recognising its exceptional door service, maintenance, and repair provision at the iconic London Stadium.

Photo caption L-R: Kieron O’Leary – Account Director (VINCI), Jade Healey –Administrator (ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions), Diane Oakley – Key Account Manager (ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions), Joel Adu – Commercial Assistant (VINCI) & Matt King – Operations Manager –Government East (VINCI)

This prestigious award celebrates suppliers who ‘showcase their excellence in quality and performance, delivering right first time every time.’ The commendation was particularly meaningful as it coincided with World Quality Week, reinforcing ASSA ABLOY’s unwavering commitment to quality.

Situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic

Park, London Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor venue. ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions is responsible for the maintenance of 575 personnel doors and 71 roller shutter doors, ensuring their functionality and safety in a high-pressure, live-event environment.

The company delivers routine maintenance twice a year, supplies replacement doors as required, and provides emergency call-out support to minimise disruptions that could impact live events.

To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions and the range of products and services it provides, please go to: https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en