Fire & Evacuation Services Ltd
Waking Watch | Evacuation Management | Training
Trusted Experts in Fire Safety
Fire & Evacuation Services Ltd are UK-wide Emergency Response Specialists, proudly led by operational Firefighters with decades of real-world experience. We are pioneers in professionalising Waking Watch and Evacuation Management – services we have delivered to the highest standard since being among the first commissioned for the Grenfell response in 2017. That pivotal moment fuels our commitment to ensuring people feel protected, informed, and secure.
What Is a Waking Watch?
Waking Watch is a critical fire safety strategy for buildings identified as high risk, often due to cladding or other serious fire safety concerns. It involves trained personnel conducting continuous patrols of all internal floors and external perimeters to detect fire hazards, raise alarms, and lead safe evacuations. At F&ES, we provide a trusted, reassuring presence where it’s needed most – offering fast response and expert evacuation co-ordination until permanent fire safety measures are in place.
What Our Wardens Do
Our professional Wardens deliver 24/7 Waking Watch and Evacuation Management. They monitor escape routes, assist vulnerable residents, log patrols via NFC tags, and produce daily safety reports. In an emergency, they call 999, coordinate evacuation, and support Fire & Rescue Services on arrival. They also conduct fire drills, maintain compliance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, manage the Premises Information Box, and deliver site-specific evacuation plans, including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). Their presence brings immediate reassurance and long-term risk reduction.
Accredited Training Services
We are an approved training provider delivering hands-on, practical courses that build life-saving skills and confidence. Led by industry experts –former Firefighters, Paramedics, and Health & Safety professionals – our courses include:
◆ Fire Safety Awareness
◆ Fire Warden
◆ Manual Handling
◆ Emergency First Aid at Work
◆ First Aid at Work
◆ Evacuation Management
Training is available nationwide, at your location or one of our dedicated UK training centres.
Why Choose F&ES?
Because we’re not just responders – we’re protectors, educators, and trusted partners in fire safety. Whether you’re safeguarding a building, planning for emergencies, or training your team, we deliver the expertise you need.
Editor’s Comments
Welcome to our July issue, where we dive into the latest advancements, practical insights, and groundbreaking innovations shaping the building and facilities industries.
Congratulations to Synergie Training, our Construction and Infrastructure Training Company of the Month. Featured on page 16, the article highlights the company’s range of new Building Safety Act training courses, targeted at increasing understanding of The Act and the secondary legislation improving construction competency and
meeting safety obligations.
On page 14, we have a full review of the fourth edition of The Workplace Event, that was held from 8-10 April 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. This year’s event once again proved to be a catalyst for change –empowering attendees with the tools, insights, and connections to reimagine the future of work.
Construction 4-5
O’Reilly Precast is a leading provider of offsite precast concrete systems across the UK and Ireland, specialising in the design, manufacture, and installation of structural frames.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning 10-11
For over 25 years, Fridgenius has been dedicated to manufacturing and supplying the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet to national and international distributors and partners.
Water Management 12-13
The new technology smart meters need a better environment than the traditional hole in the ground.
The Workplace Event 14
The fourth edition was held from 8-10 April 2025 at the NEC Birmingham.
One of our Top Exhibitors from the event was Corsaidi Fitness, who
Nicola Yoxall Editor & Office Manager
showcased their innovative approach to health and wellness and presented a talk on how senior leadership can best utilise in-office gyms. This is a great article with all the information needed for those looking to create and design your own corporate gym.
Other topics covered: Fire Safety, Construction, Facilities & Estate Management, Cleaning & Hygiene, Lighting & Electrical, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Water Management, Project Management, Building Products & Services, Health & Safety.
Share all news:
nicolayoxall@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk
On the Cover
Fusion21 6
New legislation, like the Building Safety Act (BSA 2022), means responsibility to ensure building compliance has grown, and the need to get building safety right cannot be underestimated. At Fusion21, our Building Safety and Compliance Framework is here to help.
Company of the Month 16
Founded in 2009, Synergie Training has established itself as a leading provider of construction and infrastructure training.
Building Products & Services 18-19
Zest Wall Panels, part of Swish Building Products, has announced an extension to its range with the launch of its new contemporary Acoustic Wall Panels.
O’Reilly Precast: Offsite construction for smarter school building
O’Reilly Precast is a leading provider of offsite precast concrete systems across the UK and Ireland, specialising in the design, manufacture, and installation of structural frames for schools, special needs units (SNUs), & education facilities.
With over 90 years of experience, the company has developed a proven model for delivering walls, floors, stairs, lift shafts, and architectural finishes, all factoryproduced and delivered to site for fast, safe assembly.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are now central to public procurement frameworks. O’Reilly Precast’s offsite approach helps reduce programme times, minimise disruption to live campuses, and improve quality through factorycontrolled production.
Recent education projects include SEN units, modular classrooms, and full precast school buildings across Ireland and the UK. All elements are designed in-house using 3D modelling software, ensuring accuracy and coordination from planning to completion.
With a focus on reliability, precision, & safety, O’Reilly Precast continues to support contractors, architects, and public bodies in delivering smarter, faster and more sustainable educational buildings.
Contact T +44 (0)121 630 3498 sales@oreillyprecast.co.uk www.oreillyprecast.co.uk
Refurbishment & Renovation
West Fraser CaberDek can now weather the storm for longer
Already widely used across the construction industry to create floors, terraces and flat roofs which will withstand wet weather for up to seven weeks before being permanently protected, West Fraser’s genuinely rugged CaberDek boards have now been granted BBA approval for a significantly longer, 60 day period.
The upgrade is predicted to see even more contractors and developers switching to the high performance product in preference to standard alternatives such as OSB and even marine grade plywood. The upgrade has come about as West Fraser has listened to the views of its end users and own product development teams regarding CaberDek’s potential.
Meeting BS EN312: part 5 standards, CaberDek provides a secure working surface with its robust non-slip film that will withstand impacts, punctures, and tears common on construction sites. For optimal bonding, CaberFix D4 adhesive is recommended for secure the flooring to joists and sealing the tongue and groove joints, as well as around exposed edges.
When used with CaberFix tape, it protects against spilled plaster, paint and the weather; while for use in the harshest winter conditions, CaberFix X-treme Tape can withstand the most severe temperatures.
For further information, call 01786 812921 or visit: https://uk.westfraser.com
92% IRR hidden in ‘Boring’ buildings: New report shows retrofit sweet spot beyond flagship projects
A new report from Building Atlas, ‘The Beauty in ‘Boring’ Buildings: the business case for retrofit beyond flagship assets’, reveals that retrofitting everyday commercial properties – often overlooked in favour of high-profile, flagship projects – can generate extraordinary returns. The company’s proprietary analysis uncovered retrofit opportunities in socalled ‘boring’ buildings delivering Internal Rates of Return (IRR) as high as 92%, far surpassing returns typically seen in iconic projects.
While flagship retrofits such as London’s 7 Air Street and Leeds’ Greenhouse have been celebrated for their ambition and innovation, the report argues that they are important, but unique examples that are difficult to replicate across the UK’s commercial building stock. According to Building Atlas, the true climate
and financial opportunity lies across the 77.8% of UK commercial buildings currently facing stranded asset risk –suburban offices, mid-century retail, and regional warehouses.
Key findings from the report include:
s A Building Atlas analysis of a subset of GP practices across Greater London identified retrofit projects delivering 351 tonnes of CO2 savings per year – the equivalent of taking 250 cars off the road – with a payback period of just 1-2 years and an IRR between 46% and 92%.
s Flagship projects often exhibit diminishing marginal returns – with the final 10% of carbon reductions consuming up to 40% of budgets.
s While high-cost, low-impact retrofits can capture the public imagination, Building Atlas finds that the ‘boring’ lower-cost, high-impact retrofits are what’s needed
to get the built environment on track to decarbonise.
s 90% of carbon savings can typically be achieved at just 60-70% of the cost of pursuing BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ ratings, according to UK Green Building Council research cited in the report.
Building Atlas argues for a tiered retrofit strategy, prioritising fast, scalable interventions such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and intelligent energy controls –particularly across the UK’s 29 million ageing non-domestic and domestic buildings.
The report serves as a call to action for real estate investors, owners, and policymakers to redirect capital and retrofit business cases toward high-volume, scalable retrofit measures: maximising carbon reduction per pound spent while protecting portfolios from future regulatory and financial risk.
Contact: Olga Khroustaleva T +44 (0)20 4572 6525 hello@buildingatlas.io www.buildingatlas.io
Facilities & Estate Management
The human touch: Our experts along with a robust procurement framework can help you achieve safe buildings and 100% compliance
New legislation, like the Building Safety Act (BSA 2022), means responsibility to ensure building compliance has grown, and the need to get building safety right cannot be underestimated.
At Fusion21, our Building Safety and Compliance Framework is here to help, and this renewed framework, coupled with our human approach, is what sets us apart.
You’re in safe hands. Beyond our procurement frameworks, we select contractors from a network of carefully vetted, qualified, and trusted suppliers. Crucially, our procurement team are not box tickers in shiny suits. They are technical experts, and many have been gas engineers, electricians, joiners, or housing professionals themselves.
“Our new generation of the Building Safety and Compliance Framework enables members to benefit from a fast route to market, flexible call-off options, and social value you can see. Keen to reflect changing landscapes, the framework also offers a new lot dedicated to sprinkler and mist systems, along with delivering social value you can see. Let our people help your people – and get you from 99.8% to 100%.”
Suitable for all building types across the public sector, the framework supports our members to manage and maintain safe buildings and addresses the challenges the new BSA 2022 legislation brings.
For housing providers, compliance never stops. Systems may cover 99.8% of compliance, but it’s the final 0.2% that takes the most effort, and often, it comes down to people.
Procurement isn’t just red tape – it’s a route to real-world outcomes. It sets the stage for success or failure, and we’re here to do the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivery.
Peter Beck, Framework Manager (Building Safety and Compliance), said, “At Fusion21, we believe the golden key to full compliance is human connection. We work with the best suppliers, and in addition, our team has walked in your shoes and brings that insight to every framework we create.
Besseges secures BGF investment to drive growth
Besseges, an active fire protection and facilities management business for the retail, commercial and education sectors, has secured a significant investment from BGF, one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland.
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Dukinfield, Manchester, Besseges has a heritage in installing fire sprinkler systems. In 2022, the business was acquired by CEO David Prendergast and non executive director Graham Norfolk and has delivered significant growth since then with headcount expanding from five to 60 in that period. Besseges has also expanded its service offering to include: fire protection installation, fire protection service & maintenance, and facilities maintenance across HVAC, commercial heating and plumbing equipment, and electrical systems. The funding from BGF will allow the business to continue its organic growth and consider strategic M&A as it grows from its North West and Midlands heartlands to providing a nationwide service.
Commenting on the deal, David Prendergast, CEO, said, “The active fire protection market is growing & Besseges is well-placed as one of a small number of LPCB Level 4 providers of commercial fire sprinkler systems. This allows us to provide an end-to-end offering across design, supply, installation service & maintenance, & brings additional reputational benefits which give us a competitive advantage. Our facilities management business (Besseges FM) has seen phenomenal growth since its launch 18 months ago. Our commitment to offering a ‘best in class service’ from both businesses has seen our market share grow month-on-month, our strategy is quite simple – we deliver on our promises.”
www.bgf.co.uk
Supporting the housing, local authority, education, NHS, and blue light sectors, we specialise in efficient and impactful public sector procurement. To date, we’ve saved our 1,100 members £380 million, created over 13,550 employment outcomes, and generated more than £200 million in social impact.
Our Lifts Framework, along with our Heating, Renewables and Electricals Framework, is also available to members, completing our ‘big six’ offer covering Asbestos, Fire Safety, Legionella, Gas, Electrics, and Lifts.
More details about our Building, Safety and Compliance Framework can be found at: www.fusion21.co.uk/solutions-bsc
Avison Young’s new senior appointments
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.
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. At Pennycuick Collins, she led a team of ten as
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 BuildTo-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
Head of Client Accounting.
CAFM Maintenance Management Software
Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective solution for task facilities management. 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.
Cleaning & Hygiene
Closed-loop hull cleaning is a regulatory imperative
The shipping industry faces mounting regulatory pressure to mitigate the transfer of invasive species via hull biofouling. The global detrimental impacts of sea vomit (Didemnum vexillum) is just one stark example of the damage caused by unmanaged hull fouling. The solution is clear: closed-loop hull cleaning must become an industry standard, writes Abigail Robinson, Vice President of Sustainability at ECOsubsea, applauding the IMO's recent decisive action to align regulations with operational best practices.
The spread of invasive species via ship hulls is not a new concern for shipping and regulators. While most industry stakeholders recognise the risks posed by biofouling – from increased drag and fuel consumption to environmental degradation and potential regulatory penalties – there remains a significant regulatory gap. Unlike ballast water, which is now subject to international
regulations, hull biofouling remains under-regulated despite profound implications for both vessel performance and marine ecosystems.
In-water hull cleaning introduces additional pollution risks. Many antifouling coatings work by leaching heavy metal-based toxins to deter biofouling growth. These products are typically polymer based and a large source of micro-plastic pollution into the ocean over time. It is estimated that marine coatings release over 210,000 tons of micro-plastic annually in the EU alone.
Hull cleaning exacerbates the problems as friction increases the release of both toxins and plastic. Even gentle, non-capture cleaning methods contribute to local contamination, exposing ports to heavy metals and micro-plastics due to the very nature of coating design.
Contact www.ECOsubsea.com
BCIS reveals five-year maintenance, cleaning and energy forecast
Maintenance costs, as measured by the BCIS All-in Maintenance Cost Indices, are set to rise 17% by 4Q 2029, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Cleaning costs, mainly driven by labour costs, are expected to rise by 27.5% over the forecast period, while BCIS expects energy prices to fall by 6% over the same period.
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said, “The repair and maintenance sector faces a multitude of challenges, from increasing obligations to maintain safe environments to the impact of ongoing economic pressures and uncertainty. Increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions and the National Living and Minimum Wage from April will have a significant effect on payroll expenses. As with the rest of construction, the sector is also constrained by skilled labour shortages.”
Repair and maintenance output rose by 8.5% in 2024, outperforming new work output, which was down by 5.3% on 2023. Public housing repair and maintenance increased 14.2%, while private housing rose by 7%. Non-housing repair and maintenance increased by 8.5% annually. BCIS forecasts repair and maintenance output will grow by 8.2% over the next five years.
Dr Crosthwaite added, “We expect growth to slow over the forecast period. Public spending is still highly constrained and will likely impact the growth of public housing, public non-housing and infrastructure repair and maintenance. Private non-housing repair and maintenance output is likely to be affected by rising costs, with economic uncertainty pushing asset owners into postponing routine maintenance and causing further delays and backlogs.”
www.bcis.co.uk
Historic tramline columns & lanterns restored to former glory
Located in the regency market town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Prestbury Road is a site rich in history. Once home to tramlines that operated for three decades until 1931, today, the road is recognised as a conservation area, retaining four of the original columns and brackets that previously carried tram power lines, which are now used for street lighting.
Recognising the importance of preserving these historical features, Gloucestershire County Council set up a special fund and, working closely with highways contractor, Milestone Infrastructure, appointed outdoor lighting manufacturer and
restoration specialist DW Windsor to undertake the remedial work at its UK factory.
The restoration process began with the careful removal of each column from the site. The DW Windsor team meticulously stripped and cleaned each column before applying a durable Glass-Flake root coating to the base. The entire column assembly was then sealed and treated with a high-specification paint system in RAL 6027 Light Green, the chosen colour scheme for Cheltenham. This coating ensures long-term protection against corrosion, water ingress, and rust.
The brackets were also chemically stripped back to their galvanised surfaces and repainted using the same paint in RAL 6027 Light Green. This process, carried out in a controlled factory environment, ensured that the paint was properly applied around the intricate scrollwork and clamping assemblies, leaving no areas untreated.
www.dwwindsor.com
Vinod Pillai announced as a product judge
Studio Lumen is proud to announce that Vinod Pillai - Design Director, has been selected as a product judge for the 2025 Light Middle East Awards. The event, widely acclaimed within the lighting industry, honours remarkable achievements in lighting design, manufacturing and integration across the Middle East.
The 2025 Light Middle East Awards aim to spotlight significant contributions to the industry by celebrating the innovations and talents that are shaping the future of lighting and building technology. The event is set to recognise individuals, products, projects, and companies who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical prowess, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting design and technology.
Vinod has been instrumental in leading numerous high-profile projects, combining aesthetics with functionality to create immersive and outstanding lighting experiences.
Vinod stated, “It is an honour to be part of the Light Middle East Awards, which celebrates the best in the industry and also encourages the exchange of ideas and innovations that will drive the future of lighting technology. I look forward to reviewing the groundbreaking products that will be showcased this year.”
Vinod Pillai, with his extensive experience and innovative approach to lighting design, is a fitting addition to the panel of judges. As Design Director of Studio Lumen,
Nominations for the 2025 awards are open until the 13th of September 2024 with the winners being announced on the 16th of January 2025 at a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony. Light Middle East goes beyond a typical awards program, sparking the development of future innovations that will continue to brighten the world with sustainable and inventive solutions.
Contact https://studiolumen.co
Great British Lighting is a specialist lighting manufacturer with a reputation and portfolio established over the last 100 years. Our work is primarily in the manufacture of decorative light fittings for Public Buildings, Cathedral, Museums and Theatres and International Theme Parks: from one-off reproductions to large scale manufacture. All items are manufactured and assembled at their premises in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
With an archive of over 35,000 products, drawings and specifications, Great British Lighting can reproduce almost any luminaire from the last century and earlier, employing the latest CAD technology coupled with traditional craft skills. Great British Lighting also offers bespoke metalwork service producing high quality items such as balustrade, ecclesiastical fittings and door furniture.
Great British Lighting offer a comprehensive cleaning and restoration service, working sensitively on conservation projects to bring lighting and metalwork back to its original glory.
Town Hall.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Panasonic’s sustainable heat pumps power the National Wool Museum
Panasonic recently provided a large air to water heat pump system to the National Wool Museum, located in a large remote site based in SouthWest Wales. Looking to achieve net zero, the National Wool Museum reached out to M&E contracting and installation company FP Hurley, who specified four Panasonic Aquarea 30 kW TCAP M Series units, a first-of-itskind installation in the UK.
Replacing the old gas-fired boilers, to make the old museum building more energy efficient, the National Wool Museum sourced funding from the Welsh government via a grant that supports a more sustainable heating system. The initial site visit revealed the system must fit within a limited outdoor space and additionally, the building was found to be surrounded by residential neighbouring properties, meaning the new system needed to be quiet to prevent disturbance. FP Hurley specified four Panasonic Aquarea 30 kW M Series units that could meet the capacity required to easily connect to existing internal infrastructure as well as deliver space-saving and efficient
Interiors
heating to all the internal areas of the museum. Selecting the hightemperature T-CAP technology with simple plug-and-play connection capabilities helped to streamline the project. The Panasonic M series units were easily able to integrate with the museum’s existing radiators, to deliver a high-water outlet temperature of up to 75°C and work in outdoor temperatures as low as -25°C. The units use R290, a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02, ensuring the system is more sustainable.
www.aircon.panasonic.eu www.fphurley.co.uk https://museum.wales/wool
Klima-Therm wins top ACR News award
Leading air conditioning, heating and air movement product supplier Klima-Therm has won the prestigious Commercial Air Source Heat Pump of the Year Award in the ACR News Awards for the Rhoss POKER290, a pioneering new range of hightemperature, low-GWP aircooled reversible heat pumps. The victory was announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on April 10th.
The POKER290, which features silent, brushless EC axial fans and other state-of-the-art components, is designed to produce exceptionally high-water temperatures and a wide span of operational limits.
It features high efficiency scroll hermetic compressors and natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly R290 (propane) refrigerant gas which has a GWP of less than 1, so it produces no harmful greenhouse gas emissions and there are no onerous F-gas requirements.
Roberto Mallozzi, managing director of Klima-Therm, said, "We are incredibly proud to have won the Commercial Air Source Heat Pump Award for the Rhoss POKER 290. This achievement is a testament to the expertise, hard work, and dedication of our talented workforce and the engineers at Rhoss. Their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence has enabled us to introduce a product that sets new standards in energy efficiency and eco-friendliness."
www.klima-therm.co.uk
New Wall Protection catalogue from Gradus showcases revamped colour options
Gradus is delighted to announce the launch of a new 2025 edition of its Wall Protection brochure, featuring a host of new colour options for its leading SureProtect Pure® hygienic wall cladding.
The new resource showcases the extensive range of solutions Gradus offer for healthcare, education, industry, and retail environments, which help to enhance aesthetics while protecting internal walls, corners and doors from damage.
Brontie Bennett, Marketing Product Manager at Gradus, said, “With the launch of our updated brochure and an expanded palette of colour options, we're offering even more versatile wall protection solutions.
“At Gradus, we’re committed to enhancing spaces with wall protection that delivers both safety and hygiene, without sacrificing design. This new catalogue showcases what we’re able to achieve when we work closely alongside architects and specifiers.”
New for 2025, Gradus introduces 14 new smooth satin finish colours to the SureProtect Pure® range. From the subtle greys of ‘Dove’ and ‘Rhino’ to the aquatic hues of ‘Ocean’ and ‘Marine’, the new additions build upon an already extensive suite of colours, providing a shade for every design scheme.
Whether it’s for healthcare, education or industry, SureProtect Pure® offers a hygienic, durable and impact resistant wall protection solution, which creates an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria while protecting the walls underneath from damage.
Specifying SureProtect Pure®, along with Gradus’ comprehensive range of wall protection solutions including SureProtect Endure® and SureProtect Design®, is a straightforward process designed with specifiers in mind.
To further streamline specification, all of Gradus’ wall protection products are readily available on NBS Source as BIM Objects. This allows architects, designers, and contractors to easily browse,
identify and integrate the most suitable wall protection systems into their project plans with confidence.
All of Gradus’ Wall Protection ranges have been reviewed by the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling to assess their usability within dementia-inclusive environments. Each product’s page in the brochure describes their compatibility and recommended uses in these types of environments.
With over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing, supply and installation of wall protection systems in the UK, Gradus know a thing or two about choosing the right products for a range of sectors.
As experts in wall protection, Gradus ensure all products are designed in-line with Building Regulations and the latest national standards.
Whether it’s support selecting a wall protection product, or help identifying a trusted installer, Gradus can help. Their expert in-house installation team provides national coverage, and all hold the relevant qualifications, including NEBOSH, IOSH, SMSTS or SSSTS.
Download your copy of the 2025 Wall Protection brochure at: www.gradus.com – to request a physical copy of the brochure, request samples or speak with the Gradus team, please call 01625 428922 or email: imail@gradus.com
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Essential HVAC tool
For over 25 years, Fridgenius has been dedicated to manufacturing and supplying the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet to national and international distributors and partners. The past 24 months have been particularly successful, with the company expanding its customer base, forging new partnerships, and earning recognition through the SME UK Enterprise Award and several other Innovation & Excellence Awards.
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 been widely praised by engineers across the HVAC industry.
One review from a Refrigerator Engineer stated, “A service engineer received a call from a milk processing plant saying 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!”
enabling the armature to open and close. It can also be used effortlessly to recover refrigerant from decommissioned systems where power has already been removed. Additionally, in urgent situations where a solenoid valve coil has failed, it serves as a vital temporary solution, keeping the system operational until a replacement coil can be sourced and installed.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet from Fridgenius offers a dependable, practical solution – making it an essential tool for any HVAC/R service engineer. This pioneering product was specifically developed to address the challenge of operating solenoid valves in systems without power. With its compact size, ergonomic design, and simple operation, it’s easy to see why it has earned widespread acclaim.
The range includes five pocketsized models: 10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, and 24mm. Each is engineered for ease of use, allowing electrically operated solenoid valves to be quickly and effectively converted into hand-operated valves – proving that this small tool has a truly powerful impact.
operated 2-way solenoid valves, 3-way reclaim valves, and 4-way reversing valves.
The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is ideal for businesses looking to minimise downtime and maintain continuous production. If you have specific requirements, Fridgenius can customise the magnets to meet your needs – including colour options and branding/logo printing. Best of all, there are no regulatory requirements for this product.
T 02381 550189 enquiries@fridgenius.com www.fridgenius.com
Its unique and innovative design – resembling a cotton reel – allows it to be placed directly onto a solenoid valve (with the coil removed),
It can also be used for testing and troubleshooting, or for manually activating and controlling direct solenoid valves, pilot-
The Small Tool with a Big Attraction
The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is a tool that converts Electrically Operated Solenoid Valves into hand-operated valves.
The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet assists during the installation, recovery of refrigerants, and commissioning and decommissioning of plant and machinery.
When placed onto a valve stem (with the coil removed), it causes the armature to open or close. The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet solves
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.
Water Management What’s Smart about burying
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%.
However, existing infrastructure does not provide the best environment for this new technology.
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.
Would
meters need a better environment than the traditional hole in the ground.
The issues raised in the early trials has led much of the UK water industry to recognise that the new technology
Experience has shown that the most effective method of installing the advanced metering infrastructure is to locate the meter above ground.
The Groundbreaker water management
system co-locates the water meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, alongside gas and electric meters, providing a perfect location for high technology meters.
In addition to providing a better environment for the meter, locating the meter above ground has the additional
burying a Smart Meter?
benefits of readability for the consumer, extended signal transmission and easy meter exchange.
While developers see the short-term advantage of lower unit costs for traditional boundary boxes, the ongoing costs of reading meters and maintaining supplies can be higher for supply and housing management.
Future proofing the network
Above ground meter housings do have a higher unit cost than traditional boundary boxes. However, when factoring in installation cost the differential is under £15 per unit and that’s before considering the long-term reliability of boundary boxes.
The House Builders Federation have determined that 53% of underground installations require re-work.
With an average repair cost of £268.27, the average re-work cost per boundary box installed is approaching £150.
These failures lead to leakage and water waste. WRc estimates 1 in 600 property connections suffer from leakage. Working on a predicted 90 day repair timeline, this leads to an estimated loss of 36m2
By comparison the Groundbreaker System has no recorded re-work costs, where the unit was correctly installed – future proofing the network and minimising the risk of re-work and developing future leaks.
Designing out leak paths
A leak on a pipe joint upstream of the water meter results in lost revenue to the water provider as well as the loss of a precious resource.
With Boundary boxes there is a lack of visibility of this leakage and requires assessments of losses from water meter data and investigations in the field to listen for leakage.
The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management has the additional benefit of allowing for an unjointed water supply, hence maintaining the integrity of the supply.
The use of an uninterrupted supply has been recognised as best practice
by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation. This minimises the risk of future leakage on the service pipe.
Steve Leigh, Managing Director of Groundbreaker, commented, “Portsmouth Water have 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.”
So for future proofing water supply and reducing management costs of water supply, working with developers to install above ground meters is the long term solution.
Groundbreaker supporting water’s smart meter roll out
The Workplace Event Review – Top Exhibitors
A record-breaking showcase of innovation, insight, and leadership
The fourth edition of The Workplace Event, held from 8-10 April 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, welcomed 7,564 workplace and facilities management professionals through its doors. As a hub of forward-thinking content and practical innovation, this year’s event once again proved to be a catalyst for change – empowering attendees with the tools, insights, and connections to reimagine the future of work.
With 122 leading industry exhibitors, the show offered a vibrant showcase of workplace and FM solutions aimed at enhancing strategy, productivity, and employee experience. Located at the heart of the UK, The Workplace Event combined interactive features, powerful thought leadership, and real-world applications to become a go-to destination for workplace professionals nationwide.
A standout new feature for 2025 was the launch of the Cleaning Innovation Hub, powered by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). This immersive space placed the spotlight firmly on the future of cleaning and FM, with live demos from leading suppliers and inspiring sessions revealing how innovation is redefining hygiene, sustainability, and efficiency in today’s workplace. Across all three days, it proved a must-visit destination for anyone looking to stay ahead of industry trends and tech.
Also making waves was the debut of the Collaboration Zone, sponsored by Logovisual – a buzzing hub of fresh thinking and shared ideas. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, the space tackled some of the industry’s most pressing themes, from mental health and sustainability to digital transformation. Attendees were encouraged to connect, co-create, and challenge convention, ultimately championing a more resilient and forward-focused workplace culture.
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) played a central role in this year’s programme, hosting high-impact sessions within the Workplace Leaders Summit Panel discussions included: s ‘Creating a Thriving Workplace: Supporting Veterans in FM for Stronger Wellbeing & Culture’ s ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Workspaces – Outlook 2025: Advantage WFM? Insights from a Business and Economic Perspective’
Innovative fitness in the office
Corsaidi Fitness recently exhibited at this year's Workplace Event. Showcasing their innovative approach to health and wellness and presenting a talk on how senior leadership can best utilise their in-office gyms.
Corsaidi Fitness designs and manages corporate gyms built to enhance employee benefits, reduce healthcare costs and promote health and wellness. Headed by co-founders Hash and Jason, Corsaidi Fitness aims to give client’s employees the best health and wellness services, accessible at their convenience, to save businesses money and increase productivity.
Corsaidi Fitness commitment to overall health and wellness extends beyond the gym floor too. Providing personalised nutrition programs based on technology-led health monitoring, designed by inhouse nutritionists. Corsaidi also brings its expertise directly into the workplace by offering at-desk posture advice, company-wide challenges and special events such as mental health awareness seminars, women's health specialists and on-site physiotherapists.
IWFM also hosted a dedicated lounge, offering a collaborative space for members from its regions and special interest groups to connect, share knowledge, and build lasting relationships.
Coming up next on the calendar is one of the most anticipated events in the industry, The Workplace Leaders Top 50 celebration. Taking place on 16 July 2025, the event returna to the Hurlingham Club in London. This flagship gathering will unite the brightest minds and boldest voices in workplace and facilities management, from established leaders to rising stars.
The Workplace Event returns next year to Birmingham’s NEC from 28-30 April 2026. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Corsaidi Fitness. Further details can be found on this page. www.theworkplaceevent.com
Employing a unique design and development philosophy, Corsaidi Fitness creates bespoke facilities unique to the needs of their clients. By gaining a deep understanding of client’s businesses, values and employee demographics; Corsaidi Fitness fully integrates these insights into its design. Using over 20 years of expertise in the fitness industry to deliver unique concepts that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire.
After constructing a client's gym or wellness facility, Corsaidi Fitness hires only the most qualified fitness professionals to manage it. All Corsaidi’s employees receive regular and comprehensive CIMSPA-accredited training to deliver exceptional fitness classes, personal training and advice to gym members. Resulting in a team that engages with members daily, supporting them to build confidence and achieve their fitness goals.
One of Corsaidi Fitness’ core values is consistently evolving to the ever-changing needs of its members. By constantly
reviewing the market, and researching advancements in fitness training, the company ensures it is always on the cutting edge of fitness developments. With all Corsaidi’s fitness professionals, regardless of experience, undergoing CIPD training and qualifications to maintain the highest standards.
Corsaidi Fitness gyms offer more than just a workout. By working in tandem with clients, Corsaidi Fitness can elevate in-office fitness facilities, bringing the best out of employees across the country and promoting health and wellness in the workplace.
For more on Corsaidi Fitness, see below: M 07432 567616 M 07736 312817 info@corsaidifitness.com www.corsaidifitness.com
Homebuilding & Renoating Show Review – Top
The UK’s best show for anyone looking to create their dream home
For professionals and homeowners looking to turn their living areas into individualised havens, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 20-23 March 2025, is a crucial occasion.
The Homebuilding & Renovating Show has been the mainstay for people who are enthusiastic about home renovation for more than thirty years.
With a long history of introducing attendees to professionals in the field, the 2025 edition carried on this custom by providing a thorough platform for education, networking, and learning about the newest developments in home building and design.
The Show takes great pride in offering masterclasses and seminars that are incredibly educational. The basics of selfbuilding as well as sophisticated energysaving techniques are covered.
These workshops aim to give participants the skills they need to confidently handle the challenges of do-it-yourself projects.
At the show’s Advice Centre, visitors could have an experienced planner or architect look over remodelling plans. Here, professionals offered individualised, unbiased advice to help visitors polish their concepts and overcome any obstacles they may encounter.
With hundreds of exhibitors in one location, the show provided a significantly better experience for comparing services, finding new products, and sourcing materials. The exhibition hall was a gold mine of ideas and workable solutions, featuring everything from innovative kitchen designs to environmentally friendly construction materials.
Premium goods and services were surprisingly affordable for attendees thanks to special show offers. These agreements could greatly lessen the project’s financial burden, enabling visitors to more efficiently allocate resources.
In addition to the material resources, the show cultivated a community of people who share similar interests. Finding support and gaining insights during a homebuilding or renovation journey can be greatly facilitated by interacting with other attendees, exchanging stories, and forming relationships.
The show returns next year to Birmingham’s NEC from 19-22 March 2026. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s Birmingham show, listed here in alphabetical order: Glazing Deluxe. Further details can be found on this page. But the Homebuilding & Renovating show is held seven times throughout the year (see website for details) and the next show is at Surrey’s Sandown Park from 27-28 June 2025.
https://national.homebuildingshow.co.uk www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
Construction & Infrastructure Training Company of the Month
Leading in learning and development
In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are pleased to feature Synergie Training as our Construction & Infrastructure Training Company of the Month.
Founded in 2009, Synergie Training has established itself as a leading provider of construction and infrastructure training. Trusted by major industry players such as HS2, Balfour Beatty, Scottish Power, National Grid, and Severn Trent Water, it partners with large construction firms, infrastructure providers, local authorities, and housing associations to support the management of property portfolios and ensure regulatory compliance.
Think Eleven Ltd developed SkillStation, a platform that is used by organisations to assess, track, and manage employee competency including safety-critical environments. This new addition to the TTC Group will only enhance TTC’s future plans as it looks to expand into new verticals and deliver solutions to its clients.
There have also been major changes in the industry since Grenfell that Synergie has had to overcome, such as the introduction of the Building Safety Act and revisions to other regulations. Recently, a Netflix documentary highlighted these changes, along with the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator, prompting government interventions aimed at enhancing effectiveness.
To help businesses navigate the complexities of the legislation, Synergie has launched a range of new Building Safety Act training courses, targeted at increasing understanding of The Act and the secondary legislation improving construction competency and meeting safety obligations.
With over 15 years of experience and a network of more than 50 expert trainers, Synergie delivers accredited training across a wide range of subjects, including CDM Regulations, the Building Safety Act (BSA), Temporary Works, and NEC Contracts. These training courses are specifically tailored to white-collar professionals, focusing on roles involving compliance, safety, and project management rather than hands-on, trade-based instruction.
Last year, Synergie Training experienced significant transformation following its acquisition by the TTC Group, a leading competency management specialist serving multiple sectors. This strategic move allowed Synergie to centralise its back-office operations at TTC’s Head Office in Telford. It also expanded Synergie’s presence in regulated training markets and enhanced its course delivery options—whether online via MS Teams and Zoom, in-person at client sites, or at regional training venues.
TTC Group has also recently acquired Think Eleven Ltd, a specialist international provider of competency management software and services. This acquisition comes only 18 months after that of Synergie Training, and reinforces TTC’s commitment to helping organisations across diverse regulated sectors.
Synergie is amongst the first to offer accredited training on the Building Safety Act, enabling its clients to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. The Building Safety Act Training course helps professionals manage compliance and safety in high-risk buildings under UK legislation. From one-day primers to two-day APSaccredited deep dives, this range of courses are targeted at dutyholder roles such as Health & Safety Directors, Company Directors, Designers, Structural Engineers, Project Managers of construction companies, architects and housebuilders.
such as slides, handouts, & additional resources.
Each course is thoughtfully tailored to suit a range of experience levels and professional backgrounds, ensuring relevance across the board. Real-life case studies and breakout sessions reinforce key lessons, while the balance between theory and practical application keeps learners actively involved.
What’s more, the structured content not only maintains engagement but also boosts confidence and deepens understanding of regulations, best practices, and compliance in participants' respective roles. Many attendees have recommended the training to colleagues and have expressed interest in taking further courses, underlining the lasting value and impact of Synergie’s offerings.
Currently, Synergie Training is experiencing strong growth, and is keen to continue expanding its sales team and recruiting additional trainers to meet rising demand. To further solidify its position as the UK’s market leader in Building Safety Act (BSA) training, the company is actively developing new courses, including a dedicated Principal Contractor programme.
Beyond BSA, Synergie is also broadening its portfolio with additional courses aligned to its IEMA accreditation, focusing on environmental sustainability. In parallel, it aims to grow its presence in the renewables sector by expanding training offerings related to both onshore and offshore wind, supporting the industry's transition to a greener future.
Through offering courses and training on subjects like this, Synergie is helping to build a robust safety culture within the industry, that will effectively help companies to improve recordkeeping, have greater clarity around roles, and establish proactive risk management solutions to ultimately safeguard all building users.
From AI in Construction to Oil and Gas Training, NEC3 & NEC4 Training, and many more, Synergie’s vast range of Training courses are highly regarded for their ability to deliver engaging, accessible, and practical learning experiences. Participants consistently highlight the clarity with which complex concepts are explained, supported by well-prepared materials
T 01463 227580
enquiries@synergietraining.co.uk www.synergietraining.co.uk
Golding and Octopus Real Estate complete
transfer of 180 homes
Maidstone-based Golding Homes (Golding) has finalised the transfer of 180 affordable homes to NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by a fund managed by Octopus Real Estate, a leading UK specialist real estate investor and lender.
Located in Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Wealden, the mix of 111 affordable rent, 68 shared ownership and 1 leasehold houses and flats are all between 2 and 6 years old. Housing management services will now be delivered by Southern Housing.
Today’s news is the first major deployment by the Octopus Affordable Housing Strategy, which aims to accelerate the much-needed delivery of quality, affordable homes in the UK. By both funding the construction of new housing and making strategic acquisitions of highquality existing stock, the strategy works to increase the total capital available for the supply of affordable housing.
With the capital raised through its first close in December now committed and a significant element now fully invested, the strategy has demonstrated its ability to deploy funds efficiently and quickly, into high-quality homes with reputable partners, to help address a key societal challenge.
www.goldinghomes.org.uk
Project Management
Fun, safe and creative soft play
With over 40 years of experience in children’s play, Playcraft have established themselves as the premier soft play provider and industry expert in this rapidly growing sector.
Playcraft design, manufacture, install and maintain innovative trampoline parks, adventure play areas, inflatable parks, Ninja Warrior courses and more for the indoor leisure industry worldwide.
Playcraft has developed a global reputation for creative design and product quality with an unrivalled turn key service. Priding themselves on inclusivity, Playcraft’s designs incorporate elements like wheelchair-friendly areas and sensory zones to aid neurodiverse children.
All Playcraft’s products are manufactured at its headquarters in South Wales and it is one of the only companies in the market who can design, manufacture and install multiple facilities. By producing every component of its
External
soft play installations, Playcraft can guarantee the highest quality with safety at the core.
Playcraft also offers free help and advice when setting up new soft play ventures. From business plans and planning applications; to finance and insurance, Playcraft is there for every step of the process. Leveraging their years of experience to find the right solution for any client.
For more on Playcraft, see below: T 01792 422818
help@softplay-manufacturer.com www.playcraft.wales
Works & Buildings
Shou Sugi Ban®: Adding timeless style to every exterior
Perfectly blending with other building materials, charred timber cladding is the exterior finish of choice for contemporary builds and heritage renovations.
Timber is recognised as a sustainable, thermally insulating and beautiful building material. Yet, as a natural product, it needs protection from the elements.
Exterior Solutions Ltd looked to the Japanese timber preservation technique, yakisugi. This controlled charring process increases biological resistance which includes:
s Minimising the effect of UV light, which causes weathering & fading in untreated timbers
s Limiting water ingress to reduce expansion, contraction & warping
s Preventing deterioration caused by insects, mould & fungi
The result is a low-maintenance exterior timber cladding. Having mastered this art, Exterior Solutions Ltd developed the Shou Sugi Ban® range. For over a decade, the specialist team has handcrafted
responsibly-sourced timbers in their Buckinghamshire workshop. From light, smooth brushed, to the traditional black crackled texture, this cladding offers the ideal finish to any build.
To ensure compliance with UK & EU building regulations, Exterior Solutions Ltd applies a treatment. Independently tested, Shou Sugi Ban® is certified as a fire-rated timber.
Specified by architects for urban & rural developments, this premium cladding is a market-leading product.
T 01494 711800
https://exterior.supplies/charredtimber-cladding
Building Products & Services
Zest unveils new range of Acoustic Wall Panels
Zest Wall Panels, part of Swish Building Products, has announced an extension to its range with the launch of its new contemporary Acoustic Wall Panels.
Manufactured with real wood veneers and rigid, fully recycled plastic backing, these stylish slatted wall panels are specifically designed to absorb noise and improve sound quality.
With the real wood veneer covering all three sides of each slat, these panels are beautiful from every angle. They are available in four timeless shades, Washed Oak, Oiled Oak, Ash Grey, and Contemporary Oak, allowing them to blend seamlessly into any style of interior design. Available as single panels and standing 2.6m high,
Zest Acoustic Wall Panels are easy to install and ideally suited to both modern and older properties and any size and shape of space.
“An increase in customer demand for a
Updated SterlingOSB Zero CPD from West Fraser
West Fraser has produced a new CPD presentation which highlights the features and benefits of the ever-popular SterlingOSB Zero panel and its variations. Available on RIBA’s CPD website, the video, with narration, begins with learning aims and ends with learning outcomes.
The different types of SterlingOSB Zero – OSB3, T&G and PrimedPlus – are clearly described, alongside their benefits and details of how each is made. Applications of SterlingOSB Zero are explained
– roofing, flooring, timber frame – while real-life case studies are picture-captioned.
The presentation also highlights West Fraser’s certification; CEmarked, BBA-approved, FSC® (C012533). It also explains how builders and developers can adhere to building regulations, with SterlingOSB Zero, including sound, structural and energy.
David Connacher, Marketing Manager concludes, “We have developed an interesting, easy-to-understand CPD which encompasses all you need to know; we identify what OSB is, understand the performance and credentials against competitive materials, recognise the environmental benefits, and study the recommended applications of each variant.”
For further information, call 01786 812921 or visit: https://uk.westfraser.com
quality product, together with a desire to extend our range led us to create our new Zest Acoustic Wall panels,” explains Brian Neville, National Account Manager at Zest.
“Our aim is to offer a high specification wall panel which beautifully combines style, substance, and sustainability. With their stylish looks, industry leading acoustic qualities, and enviable sustainability credentials, we believe we have achieved this with our acoustic wall panels.”
Further information about Zest's new premium Acoustic Wall Panels can be found at: https://zestwallpanels.co.uk/wallpanels/acoustic-wall-panels or by calling 01827 317200.
Sync Energy unveils ‘Flow’
Sync Energy, part of the Luceco Group, has launched ‘Flow’, a nextgeneration, fully integrated home energy system that unites hybrid inverters, modular battery storage, solar power diverters, and EV chargers, all intelligently connected via the intuitive Sync Energy app.
With an increasing focus on energy independence and smarter sustainability, Sync Energy Flow arrives as a flexible, future-ready ecosystem for residential energy management, ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects.
One connected System, total control At the heart of the Sync Energy Flow range is a modular platform built for scalability and simplicity, available as individual components or in pre-bundled all-in-one kits for ease, all brought together in one easy to use app.
stackable. These enable real-time solar use, battery integration, and grid import/export.
s Modular Battery Storage is available in 5.12kWh battery packs, expandable up to 35.84kWh, offering 90% depth of discharge using advanced LiFePO4 technology, renowned for safety, long lifespan.
Key System Components: s Hybrid Inverters available in 3.6kW or 6kW, wall-mountable or
s Solar Power Diverters intelligently redirect surplus solar generation to prevent wastage, ideal for water heating, boosting self-consumption.
s Combined with EV Chargers for the full package, including the ultraslim, wall-integrated Link Charger for discreet, socketed charging, or the customisable Wall Charger 2, available in socketed or tethered, both offering dynamic 7.4kW charging with OCPP 1.6J compatibility and no earth rod required.
https://sync.energy/flow
Recycled plastic educational furniture maintenance-free outdoor classroom products
Using Recycled Plastic Wood and Recycled Mixed Plastic Lumber collected from UK Homes and Businesses – Eco friendly and Sustainable
Recycled plastic lumber or recycled plastic wood, is made from taking your waste plastic and processing it for reuse. 66% less energy is needed than is required in production of virgin plastic, and it releases a whopping 250% less carbon dioxide.
We turn this recycled plastic into aesthetically pleasing, useful products, for the general public, construction companies, local authorities, educational institutions and hospitals all over the world.
All our products are recycled as well as being recyclable. This is the ideal of recycling. It’s a closed loop.
All the plastic products we use as consumers should be capable of recycling indefinitely making for a sustainable future for our children and a cleaner less toxic environment.
In some cases we also re-use rather than recycle. For example, we have a Recycled Plastic Compost Tumbler/Compost Bin – appropriately named, ‘The Compost Creator’. For this we reuse a food grade plastic drum previously used to transport food products.
Reuse is vastly superior to simply recycling There is no significant consumption of energy, as there is no manufacturing process involving heavy
use of energy. We just drill a few holes in the drum and clean it up as best we can.
Compost Bin, Raised Beds, Garden Planters, 2 and 3 Seater Garden Benches, Sports Benches, Play Dens, and other Outdoor Classroom products are not flimsy and light, but robust and solid enough not to blow away in a gale.
Both recycling plastic as well as reusing it keeps large amounts of plastic waste out of expensive and now difficult to find landfill. This results in a lower carbon footprint and reduced human contribution to global warming and climate change.
Recycled Mixed Plastic Lumber, recycled HDPE and recycled polystyrene (which is the primary waste plastic in our recycled plastic wood or recycled plastic timber) are what we make all our products out of.
These, often brightly coloured, Recycled plastic products are extremely durable and attractive. They will maintain their appearance for many years to come.
Our highly acclaimed Compost Tumbler, or
If you would like to pay us a visit you will be very welcome.
Our manufacturing unit is in Burnley, Lancashire. We deliver nationwide, but you may be nearby and can pop in to see us. Best to call 01282 861325 first though. We’re close enough for a visit if you are in Nelson, Foulridge, Lane Bottom, Colne, Bradford, Clitheroe, Accrington, Blackburn, Keighley, Newchurch, Preston, Rochdale, Huddersfield, Shipley, Dewsbury, Castleford, Harrogate, Wakefield, Darwen, Leyland, Halifax, Bacup, Hebden Bridge, Barnoldswick, and West Yorkshire. Manchester or Bolton are a stone’s throw away. Come and see our showroom and view these elegant recycled plastic products close up.
Our plastic wood will amaze you. This recycled plastic looks and feels like genuine wood but is superior in design and quality to traditional wood lumber or timber products.
See Eco-Table and Bench Outdoor Furniture Set: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdixaIBHYs Please visit: www.kedeleducation.co.uk
The Zero Maintenance Alternative to Wood
• 100% recycled and recyclable
• Impervious to fungi, algae, insects
• Never rots, splinters or cracks
• Graffiti resistant
• UV Protected
• Eco-friendly and low carbon
• 100% maintenance free
• Lasts a lifetime
Health & Safety News
Protecting people and the planet
PULSAR® and Morgan Sindall share well-earned reputations for focusing on people, performance and positive change. Where personal safety is paramount to the construction industry and its workforce, PULSAR® has supplied high performance, hi-visibility protective clothing to the talented teams at Morgan Sindall Construction for almost a decade, keeping site-based individuals protected in their place of work.
Though with innovation, comes change. And following a successful period of development and testing, PULSAR® launched its signature Life collection in 2023, a range of environmentally responsible, hi-visibility garments designed with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified fabrics and materials. With durability, inclusivity and circularity at the forefront of its design, the Life collection is helping conscious adopters
New data reveals escalating cost of inaction
A new report has shed light on the growing financial and operational crisis facing NHS estates, with new data revealing that delaying vital healthcare infrastructure projects can increase costs by over 140% in a decade. This reinforces the urgent need for decisive action.
Five years ago, it was noted that a three-year delay in NHS estates projects could spike costs by more than 40%. However, recent challenges – including a global pandemic, economic turmoil and geopolitical tensions – have exacerbated these risks. The maintenance backlog for NHS facilities has doubled in the past decade, with high-risk backlog items skyrocketing by 500%.
According to an in-depth study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the required investment to eliminate the NHS England maintenance backlog has soared from £5.5 billion in 2013-14 to a staggering £12.5 billion in 2022-23. This underscores the immense financial burden that delays impose on the healthcare system.
The period from March 2020 to March 2024 saw dramatic increases in building material costs, with pre-cast concrete up by 85%, insulating materials by 58% and metal doors and windows by 53%. These rising costs further stress the importance of timely investments.
To read the report Deliver or Delay? The Escalating Cost of Inaction on NHS trusts and GP estates, visit: www.primeplc.com/insights/deliver-ordelay-the-escalating-cost-of-inaction-on-nhstrusts-and-gp-estates
reduce the environmental impact of PPE whilst supporting wearer comfort and safety with its practical designs. With this in mind, Morgan Sindall Construction was eager to become the first construction company to put the new PULSAR® Life collection through its paces.
As part of a company-wide workwear upgrade in December 2023, PULSAR® supplied 1,400 Morgan Sindall Construction wearers with Life Collection garments, including reversible puffer jackets, stretch combat trousers, insulated parkas and brand new breathable, class 4 waterproof shell jackets and overtrousers, each conforming to the EN ISO:20471 standard. The range incorporates environmentally responsible recycled polyester, nominated recycled linings, trims and Bluesign approved treatments and is further assisting Morgan Sindall Construction in reducing waste streams across the business, where the company has already diverted 96.7% of construction waste from landfill in the past 12 months.
Contact www.pulsaruk.com www.morgansindallconstruction.com
‘Monty and Molly’ air quality monitors from EarthSense
EarthSense, the air quality expert, today announced that it is working with Cheltenham Borough Council to evidence the impact of air quality initiatives such as the ‘Care for our Air’ campaign, currently in place across Cheltenham, and to help educate local schoolchildren about the impact of air pollution. The two ZephyrÒ air quality monitors, which have been named ‘Monty’ and ‘Molly’, are supplied by EarthSense and owned by the Council. They are touring schools around Cheltenham and surrounding areas, as part of the Council’s Care for our Air educational campaign.
The Care for our Air project aims to raise awareness of air pollution and support schools in
reducing pollution at their gates. Monty and Molly have been installed at eight local schools to date, providing detailed air quality measurements every 15 minutes of NO2, NO, O3, PM1, PM2.5, PM10. The data is viewable on EarthSense’s MyAir® air quality platform where teachers, children and parents can log on to see the real-time air quality data plus additional meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, wind and rain to provide additional context. So far, over 3,000 schoolchildren have attended workshops on the effects of air pollution and the Council is targeting around 20 schools to get involved with the campaign.
www.earthsense.co.uk
Selco introduces health check scheme for colleagues
One of the UK’s leading builders merchants has launched a new pilot scheme to offer free ‘MOT’ health checks for its staff and potentially help them avoid serious illness.
Selco Builders Warehouse has introduced health screenings for colleagues based at its central Support Centre in Wythall, near Birmingham.
Dozens of colleagues have already taken advantage of the scheme – which is run in conjunction with health and wellbeing specialists Westfield Health – in the opening two days of activity.
There are plans in place to extend the offering to Selco’s entire workforce of nearly 3,000 people across 75 branches around the UK if the trial proves successful.
The programme has been launched to coincide with Know Your Numbers Week, the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.
Sally Kerr, HR Director at Selco, said, “Ensuring we have a team of engaged and healthy colleagues is a key priority for us at Selco and these health checks are the latest important initiative in us delivering on that.
“It’s vital that everyone keeps on top of their physical health and wellbeing with regular checks, but it’s not always easy to achieve and making health appointments is something which often gets put on the backburner due to other pressures.”
Contact www.selcobw.com
