Demolition Hub Magazine - August/September 2025

GROUND BREAKING

Welcome to Issue 30 of Demolition Hub Magazine, a milestone edition that not only highlights the best in the industry but also sets the stage for what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening: the British Demolition Awards 2025.

Now in its seventh year, the British Demolition Awards continues to grow in prestige and popularity. It remains the only open and dedicated event in the UK demolition calendar that celebrates the people, projects and innovation shaping our industry.

With nominations now closed and judging completed, we’re proud to give you a first taste of what’s in store, and we look forward to welcoming you all to what will be our biggest ceremony yet.

In celebration of Demolition Hub’s birthday, as we reach five years since we began this mammoth project in September 2020, we’ve decided to take a deeper dive into the heart of the sector with two standout interviews.

First, we feature an in-depth DEMOLITION DISCUSSION with industry stalwart John Woodward. John brings his usual frankness, insight and a touch of humour as he reflects on the current state of demolition, the challenges ahead and where he believes, the industry must adapt to stay resilient.

We also continue our SUPPLIER TALK series, this time speaking with Terry Elvin of Intelligent Fingerprinting. Terry shares how their innovative testing technology is changing site safety protocols and helping contractors make faster, smarter decisions.

As ever, we’re here to inform, champion and connect all corners of the demolition world, with a spotlight on the UK industry from contractors and suppliers to engineers and innovators.

Here’s to another 30 issues and celebrating demolition’s finest, with us, the number one magazine in the UK for

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PUBLISHER

Ben Chambers ben@chambers.media 01903 952 648

EDITOR

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COLUMNISTS

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Demolition Hub

National Demolition Association

The seventh annual British Demolition Awards: Celebrating excellence in demolition

Terry Elvin, Head of UK Sales at Intelligent Fingerprinting tells us how the company's fingerprint sweat analysis system is revolutionising drug and alcohol detection in safety critical workplaces

25 years of doing it right: Feature interview with owner and founder of Windsor Waste Management, Tony Windsor

With John Woodward, Founder and Consultant at C&D Engineering Consultants

Bringing down the house – Total Reclaims Demolition demolishes Loughborough University's Whitworth Tower

CASE STUDY

Brown and Mason's record-breaking simultaneous blowdown of eight cooling towers at Cottam Power Station in the East Midlands 30 CASE STUDY

DUST SUPPRESSION FEATURE

Dustboss: Choosing the best fog cannon Brendon Powerwashers Dustec DT 400 Casella Monitoring dust in demolition Odour and Dust Solutions Demolition dust suppression specialists

ROBOTIC DEMOLITION FEATURE

The Rise of the Machines

Brokk 130+: More power, more precision, more possibilities 34

Snapshots of Ben and the Demolition Hub team’s activities between issues

CITB champions inclusive recruitment through Mind the Gap project success

CEA and SDN partnership offers practical guidance on workforce skills and education Supporting ongoing professional development –NFDC is now CPD-accredited provider

Terry Lloyd of Paragon Bank: Working with the British Business Bank and SMEs to power smarter investment

Richard Dolman of AR Demolition: AI in Demolition – Disruption or the next frontier?

The seventh annual British Demolition Awards: Celebrating excellence in demolition

by Ben Chambers

Demolition Hub is proud to announce the return of the British Demolition Awards for its seventh consecutive year, taking place once again at the stunning Royal Leonardo Hotel, St Paul’s, London.

What began in 2018 as a niche celebration of the demolition sector has grown into the premier annual awards event for the industry bringing together contractors, engineers, consultants, OEMs, and stakeholders for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and connection. This year promises to be the biggest and most impactful yet.

Set for 5 September 2025, the British Demolition Awards remain committed to honouring the best in British demolition from technical

innovation and outstanding projects to health and safety excellence and individual achievement.

With award categories reflecting the full scope of the sector, the event continues to highlight the people and businesses shaping the future of demolition in the UK.

Judged by a respected panel of industry leaders, the awards uphold a standard of transparency, credibility, and industry relevance.

We are honoured to once again welcome our longstanding judges: Howard Button, Terry Quarmby and John Woodward, whose insight and integrity are invaluable to the selection process.

This year’s event will once

again run alongside the British Asbestos Awards, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the demolition and asbestos sectors and further strengthening the bridge between these closely aligned industries.

As always, we thank the hundreds of attendees, sponsors, and supporters who make this night possible. Your continued enthusiasm fuels our mission to #ChampionDemolition and ensure this vital industry gets the spotlight it deserves.

We look forward to welcoming you in September 2025 for a night of celebration, networking, and recognition.

Demolition Contractor of the Year 2024

Brown & Mason

Demolition Supplier of the Year 2024 Worsley Plant

Demolition Safety Innovation of the Year 2024

Fireward

Trainee/Apprentice of the Year 2024

Kayleigh Gerrietty, Brown & Mason

Demolition Waste Provider of the Year 2024

Windsor Waste Management

Environmental Innovation of the Year 2024

Cawarden

Demolition Project of the Year Under £1m 2024

Total Reclaims Demolition

Demolition Project of the Year Over £1m 2024

Rhodar

Demolition Person of the Year 2024 Inductee

Robin Powell

Former Chair NFDC Midlands and Welsh Regional and Managing Director of DSM Demolition Limited

Asbestos Pioneer 2024 Inductee

Liz Darlison MBE CEO Mesothelioma UK

International Personality 2024 Inductee

Scott Laird

Business Development Manager

Independence Demolition

SUPPLIER TALK

Interviewee: Terry Elvin

Role:

Head of UK Sales

Company: Intelligent Fingerprinting

What is your core message to our demolition contractor readership?

In safety-critical environments, ensuring that every team member is fit for duty is essential; not only to protect individuals and their colleagues, but also to safeguard the public, protect corporate assets and reduce liability.

In today’s world, where recreational drug and alcohol use is increasingly common, a clear and robust drug and alcohol policy is vital. To be effective, it must be actively and consistently enforced.

Traditional drug testing methods often fall short; they’re invasive, expensive and operationally inefficient, making it difficult for businesses to enforce compliance. That no longer needs to be the case. There is a better alternative.

Give us some background on Intelligent Fingerprinting. Founded in 2007 by chemistry Professor David Russell at the University of East Anglia (UEA), Intelligent Fingerprinting’s technology is built on pioneering research into detecting drugs and their metabolites in fingerprint sweat samples.

Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: INBS), we continue to innovate and expand our global reach. With a growing customer base of over 450 organisations across 24 countries and 18 distribution partners around the world, our patented technology helps businesses in safety-critical industries maintain compliance while promoting a culture of trust and respect. As we continue to grow, our commitment to progress and

accessibility remains at the core of everything we do.

How did you start out in the industry, what attracted you to it and how has your career developed?

I joined Intelligent Fingerprinting in June 2021, bringing 17 years of sales and sales management experience from the automotive industry, having worked with premium brands such as BMW and Aston Martin. After nearly two decades in corporate environments, I was ready for a new challenge – one where I could use my experience to drive meaningful change and add real value.

In large corporations, progress can be frustratingly slow. Bureaucracy often stifles innovation and the ability to pivot or influence direction is limited. So, when the opportunity to join Intelligent Fingerprinting arose, I did my due diligence and quickly recognised the immense potential of its platform technology. It was innovative, scalable and addressed real-world challenges across multiple sectors.

What truly resonated with me

though, was the mission: a solution that enhances workplace safety and ensures that the vast majority, those doing the right thing, make it home safely after a hard day’s work. The company was at a pivotal point in its growth journey, and I knew I had the background and experience to help drive the next phase forward.

Tell us about the services Intelligent Fingerprinting provides and your relationship with clients.

We are the manufacturer and supplier of our technology. We offer a simple, non-invasive, accurate and cost-effective solution that allows companies to bring workplace drug testing in-house. This plugand-play solution, combined with a comprehensive training and support programme, enables companies to take complete control of drug testing.

In the early years, just eight years ago, it wasn’t easy. Nobody wanted to be the test dummy. Growth took time; however, as our customer base expanded, household names across multiple sectors joined the fold. Once they could demonstrate success in their respective fields, our drug screening solution started making waves.

Much of our business comes from referrals, for example, Health and Safety or Human Resources

Managers moving jobs and taking our technology with them. We are becoming thought leaders in our space, and we utilise a multi-channel approach, including association memberships, industry forums, committee meetings, webinars, podcasts, social media and more to build our presence.

What makes Intelligent Fingerprinting different from its competitors?

Workplace drug testing, regardless of the collection method, typically follows the same principle: using lateral flow technology to detect drug metabolites in a biological sample, whether that’s urine, saliva, blood or sweat. However, Intelligent Fingerprinting differs in two fundamental areas.

Sample collection: Our method is completely non-invasive, requiring only a small sample of sweat from the fingertips. The process is rapid, taking less than one minute, and doesn’t require any specialist personnel or facilities. Common delays, such as “shy bladder” or nil-by-mouth protocols are avoided. It’s simple, discreet and practical.

Window of detection: Unlike traditional methods that may detect drug use from several days or even weeks ago, our system

detects drug use within the previous 16-24 hours. This allows employers to assess fitness for duty, rather than police lifestyle choices. As a result, our test provides a more relevant indication of recent use and potential impairment, helping employers better understand the immediate risk to their work environment.

Tell us about your team and working culture. What’s it like to work at Intelligent Fingerprinting?

At Intelligent Fingerprinting, we have a dynamic mix of people, personalities and backgrounds. We work hard to take on interesting challenges while maintaining a positive culture and work-life balance. Every day is different and like many organisations, we face the occasional bump in the road, but we tackle those together.

We’re focused on being one team, with one goal and one vision. No department can succeed in isolation; we all play a role in our collective success.

As we continue to grow, change is constant – new roles, evolving teams, greater complexity and volume and the need for increasingly streamlined processes. There’s always work to be done, but we have the ability to

adapt quickly and pivot with minimal red tape. Our senior leadership team is committed to empowering staff, supporting development and promoting from within.

How do you keep the workforce’s skills up to date and develop or share new skills?

We’re constantly working to upskill and develop our team – ensuring we continue to invest in our people. It’s definitely at the heart of what we do. As we promote from within whenever possible, development, from sharing knowledge and coaching each other, is so important. Employees also have the opportunity to take part in more formal training.

What are the most significant technological developments you have seen in your industry and what do you envisage will be the future game changers? How is AI impacting your business?

Workplace drug testing science remained largely unchanged for decades. It then evolved from traditional urine tests to saliva testing, and in the last 17 years to fingerprint sweat analysis.

Each method has added value, contributing to a more flexible and comprehensive approach.

Looking ahead, I believe the future lies in Point-of-Care diagnostics, both at home and in the workplace. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Early and accurate identification of potential health issues, before needing to visit a GP or hospital, could fundamentally transform how we manage wellbeing.

Artificial Intelligence, when applied thoughtfully, is a powerful tool that can accelerate transformative change. It’s important to embrace AI with care, ensuring the benefits are reinvested into society, not simply used to boost profits or cut jobs. By combining human expertise with AI, we can create a future with better work-life balance, improved mental health and fairer access to resources.

How do you see the outlook for the diagnostics sector and the industries you supply?

My opinion is that, since time began, people have always sought out a stimulant. For the majority, it’s a

healthy balance, whether it be the gym, hobbies, social activity, clubs, or family. However, as today’s society needs to navigate heightened pressures, a proportion of people will inevitably turn to recreational drugs and alcohol. While the aim may be to mask their struggles, it’s a coping strategy that comes with significant risk. Therefore, the need for testing to ensure workplace safety is more important than ever and the health and wellbeing of employees will be a long-term necessity across all industries.

I believe the diagnostics sector will continue to grow rapidly, delivering Point-of-Care screening, enabling the identification of a range of markers that can offer informative insights to health.

Do you have any notable projects in progress or planning?

Our current focus is on obtaining clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for our Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System. This is a key milestone in our plan to launch commercially in the United States later this year. The US serves as

the largest drug screening market in the world and presents huge opportunities for our business.

What measures is Intelligent Fingerprinting taking in regard to the climate crisis and sustainability?

As a medical device manufacturing company, we are committed to protecting the environment and evaluating the impact that our organisational services can have.

Our other concerns are the Health and Safety of the workforce and the potential impact of the manufacturing processes on the environment. In January 2017, we instigated a review of manufacturing methods and analysed energy performances, identifying and correcting inefficiencies, leading to reduced energy consumption and material wastage.

We actively promote recycling internally and amongst our customers and suppliers. We seek continual improvement of our environmental performance and compliance with all relevant legislation, achieved through continuous monitoring and attention

to detail. The objectives under our environmental policy are as follows: Reduce the carbon footprint of the business,

Reduce energy consumption, Minimise the production of all types of waste, especially paper, Encourage the reuse and recycling of materials if possible and responsibly dispose of unavoidable waste, Raise awareness of environmental issues and promote good standard practice.

The management team is committed to continuously improving its performance by regularly reviewing its environmental impact.

How do you envisage Intelligent Fingerprinting in five to ten years?

Our parent company, Intelligent Bio Solutions, is committed to developing pain-free, non-invasive solutions that improve the quality of life. While our Intelligent Fingerprinting technology is already transforming drug testing, its potential extends far beyond its current applications.

In five to ten years, I see Intelligent Fingerprinting becoming a versatile platform capable of supporting multiple areas of healthcare and wellbeing. Its adaptability could enable breakthrough solutions in sports medicine, fertility and hormone management and even the early detection of critical conditions such as cancer. By broadening its use in these critical fields, the technology could play a significant role in improving diagnostic speed, reducing patient discomfort and supporting better health outcomes worldwide. Our long-term vision is to be recognised as a trusted global brand for non-invasive testing, bringing greater accessibility, efficiency and dignity to healthcare and workplace screening alike.

And how about you?

I love working for Intelligent Fingerprinting. The team is great; it feels like a family. I truly believe in our technology and I’m particularly excited about the future, so I plan to be here for many years to come. I am excited to develop my team and myself and see where the future

PRODUCTS

Product Name:

Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Testing Solution

Tell us about your key demolition-relevant product.

Our product is a complete drug testing solution that encompasses an on-site drug screening system that allows companies to take control of the implementation of their drug and alcohol policy and run drug testing inhouse. It has been designed from the ground up to overcome some of the challenges experienced with more traditional drug screening methods, such as requiring specialised staff and facilities, long wait times for results and invasion of privacy. We also have a confirmatory test and a back-to-lab procedure, as well as an alcohol testing product. Together, these create a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing solution.

Outline the key functions of the product and how it works.

Let’s keep it simple, because it is. We collect a small sample of sweat from a donor’s fingertips. Each finger is pressed onto an absorbent pad inside a tamper-evident cartridge, taking about five seconds per finger. The cartridge is then inserted into a highly sensitive reader, which detects whether a specified drug metabolite is present in the sample. The collection process takes less than one minute and the results are available within ten minutes. For bigger groups, our batch testing function allows up to six donors to be screened within 20 minutes, which is a game changer for large organisations.

As with all screening methods, we also offer a UKAS-accredited laboratory confirmation service, to provide a legally defensible evidential result when needed.

How is it critical for demolition contractors?

Drug and alcohol testing is a critical part of maintaining a safe workforce

and workplace. Without a system in place, there’s no deterrent. Essentially, it sends the message that recreational drug use is tolerated, which significantly increases risk.

We believe our solution is the most cost-effective, least invasive and fastest option available. It is practical, scalable and purpose-designed for busy, safety-critical environments like demolition. By enabling reliable and

consistent testing, it helps reduce downtime, supports compliance and ultimately protects both people and the bottom line.

Can you quantify any of these benefits?

For us, it’s all about operational efficiency and scalability. Our system requires no preliminary steps, no facility preparation and there are no delays due to shy bladder or nilby-mouth protocols. It’s available on-site, ready to be used when needed, so you don’t need to wait for a third party to arrive. This

enables companies to be proactive rather than reactive, creating an active deterrent. Together, these benefits lead to significant cost savings and help shift employee behaviour and decision-making over time.

How have you found take-up among demolition contractors?

We work with some of the biggest names in construction, residential builders and highway infrastructure. Adoption continues to grow as the challenges around drug and alcohol testing are similar across all safetycritical industries. Demolition is no different and we’re actively working to raise awareness and expand our presence in this space.

Have you had any feedback?

We consistently receive positive feedback on how our technology has transformed companies’ approach to drug and alcohol testing. Much of it comes from those carrying out the testing, who tell us how well the process is received by the donors providing their samples. We’re keen to work collaboratively with our clients to demonstrate how our system supports workplace safety and wellbeing.

AND FINALLY

Who do you most admire?

I’m most inspired by people who have faced and overcome extreme adversity. In today’s fast-moving and often challenging world, navigating life is not easy. Doing so, while also living with prejudice, physical or mental health challenges, autism, neurodivergence or other obstacles, is nothing short of remarkable. These individuals are, in many ways, the quiet heroes of our society: resilient, courageous and deeply inspiring.

What do you do for fun?

I love the outdoors: walking, running, paddleboarding, camping, skiing and golf. I’m currently converting a VW T6 campervan!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My alarm! Just joking – providing for my family and supporting my team to deliver on our vision, goals and aspirations.

What’s your bucket list activity?

Travelling is at the top of my bucket list. I never travelled in my earlier years (apart from regular holidays), so it’s my mission to start now!

I’m planning to travel the North Coast 500 in my van, and also to visit South America, Scandinavia and Indonesia.

What would you do for a company excursion, money no object?

I would organise something extreme, encouraging our team to get out of their comfort zone, because I believe that’s the only way you grow professionally and personally. Since money is no object, I’d make sure it’s in an incredible location with a bit of luxury included... I might get in trouble otherwise!

Be or do? Which represents you best?

100% DO. I am a fixer by nature, always looking at what I can influence to create better outcomes. It’s the way I am wired; however, it’s not without its challenges. I admire those who can just BE at times, but I believe the trick is striking a balance of both.

25 years of doing it right: The story of Windsor Waste Management

Feature interview with owner and founder, Tony Windsor

From painting skips as a teenager to founding one of the UK’s leading asbestos disposal companies, Tony Windsor’s journey has been anything but conventional. As Windsor Waste Management celebrates 25 years in business, we sat down with Tony to reflect on the personal story behind the business, the evolution of the company, and what lies ahead.

Who: Windsor Waste Management, founded by Tony Windsor, What: A specialist waste management company, known for market- leading asbestos collection and disposal services and comprehensive support for demolition and construction sectors,

When: Founded in 2000; celebrating 25 years in September 2025, Where: Headquartered in Brentwood, Essex, with service coverage across the UK,

Why: Built to set a new standard in asbestos and hazardous waste disposal – putting compliance, speed and customer service first,

Fleet: 11 trucks, 3 vans, Employees: 37 and growing.

A truck and endless ambition “I think I always knew waste would be in my future,” says Tony Windsor, sitting in the Brentwood office that now houses the headquarters of Windsor Waste Management. “It was in the family. I was 14 or 15 when I started painting skips and sweeping the yard at my family’s company. Before I could even drive a car, I was behind the wheel of a skip lorry disposing asbestos into landfill.”

Tony’s early experience was steeped in waste, both literally and professionally. By 16, he was working full time in the family firm, covering sales, depot management, and holiday cover. But it wasn’t until his mid-twenties that the idea of building something of his own really took root.

“I tried a few things. I stayed for A-Levels, worked as a trainee

at Redbridge Council, tried to buy into another business, but none of it stuck. Eventually, I sold my first house to raise enough to buy a truck and five asbestos bins. I had just £5,000 left in working capital. That’s when Windsor Waste Management officially began.”

25 Years of Windsor Waste Management

2000 – Windsor Waste Management is founded with a single truck and five bins,

2003 – Moves into first yard and office in Rainham, Essex, 2008 – Purchases Zest Recycle (then WCRS),

2012 – Moves to larger premises in Brentwood, consolidating teams under one roof, 2014 – Acquired global patent of ARI Global Technologies introducing cutting-edge asbestos vitrification technology, 2015 – Partnership with Hazibag to provide UN-Approved asbestos packaging,

2021 – Zest Recycle rebrands and becomes a leading sustainability-led waste solutions provider, 2023 & 2024 – Windsor Waste Management named “Waste Provider of the Year” at the British Demolition Awards, 2025 – Celebrating 25 years in business, now employing 37 people and operating a fleet of 14 vehicles.

The British Museum job: Where it all changed

Every great business has a turning point, and for Windsor Waste Management, it came in the form of a chance visit to a former contact.

“I was going door to door looking for work and popped in to see someone I knew. Turns out he’d been let down by another contractor and needed waste cleared twice a day from the British Museum. I told him I’d check with “the office” – which didn’t exist – and came back to say we could help.”

The job was a wait-and-load, twice a day every day, for a month. “It ended up being two bins a day. That

single contract earned us £15,000 in 30 days. It gave me breathing room to reinvest, buy more bins, and take the next step.”

The fleet quickly grew to five trucks and drivers and it became clear the business needed to adapt. What started as Tony handing his sister, Faye a bag of paperwork on Saturday mornings became a fulltime invoicing operation run from the back of a car and a conservatory until it was time to find proper premises.

Specialist asbestos disposal services

From the start, Windsor Waste Management has specialised in asbestos disposal, and remains the UK’s market leader in this complex field. Over time, the company has evolved into a trusted partner for demolition contractors and licensed asbestos removal contractors (LARCs), working across large-scale infrastructure and construction projects. Today, Windsor Waste Management provides a comprehensive portfolio of services, including:

• Asbestos collection and disposal: Nationwide service with expert guidance on compliant packaging, consignment and documentation,

• Hazardous waste management: Including problematic waste streams,

• On-site services: Skips and rollon/roll-off (RoRo) bins delivered directly to demolition sites with trained ADR drivers,

• Waste transfer stations: Asbestos waste transfer stations in England and Wales. Compliance and safety underpin every service Windsor Waste Management offers. The company holds all the necessary permits, insurances and accreditations, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management) and the latest Cyber Essentials certification.

“Everything we do is built on compliance,” says Tony. “That’s why we’re trusted by some of the biggest names in the demolition and asbestos removal industry. We don’t cut corners, and that gives our customers peace of mind.”

Setting the standard in asbestos disposal

Windsor Waste Management quickly carved out a reputation in the demolition and asbestos industry as the go-to provider for compliant and reliable asbestos waste services.

“At the time, the industry wasn’t as professionalised as it is now,” Tony reflects. “Anyone that could take waste from A to B could start a company, but that was changing. I

wanted Windsor Waste Management to stand out as a company that did things properly – compliantly and efficiently.”

This ethos was baked into the branding from the start. “I’ve been asked where the tick in the Windsor ‘W’ came from. It was a symbol to show we were ticking the right boxes when others weren’t.”

Culture, people, and persistence

From a one-man operation to a team of over 30, Windsor Waste Management has grown, but Tony is quick to point out that growth hasn’t always been smooth.

“There have been some hard years. The 2008 recession hit just after we bought Zest Recycle. That was brutal. But we dug in, diversified, and came out stronger. The pandemic, fuel price spikes, legislation changes… we’ve seen it all.”

What’s kept the company going

is its culture. “We’re still a family-run business. We care about our people, our customers, and doing the job right.”

The team has also grown with the business. Faye, who once photocopied waste tickets at the post office, is still deeply involved and longstanding team members have moved into leadership roles. “We’ve always promoted from within and looked after each other. That matters.”

Looking forward

Celebrating 25 years is a story of grit, hard work and strong values. From paying a driver in five hamlet cigars each week just to get a lift to work, to becoming one of the most recognised names in the industry, Tony Windsor’s journey shows what can be achieved with determination and belief in doing things the right way.

This milestone marks more than two decades of dedication, growth

and loyalty. It’s a moment to thank the people who’ve been part of the journey, the customers who’ve trusted the business, and the team who continue to carry the company forward.

So what’s next? “We’re investing in people, technology and services,” Tony says. “There’s still so much we can do with asbestos and hazardous waste in the global market. But we’re also looking at how we can continue raising the bar for service and compliance.”

The business remains firmly rooted in its specialist expertise, but with eyes firmly fixed on what’s next, one thing’s for sure – Windsor Waste Management is here to stay. Here’s to 25 years of Windsor Waste Management, and to everything still to come.

Nationwide experts in Asbestos, Fire & Legionella compliance –from surveys to removals, delivered to the highest standards.

We use cutting-edge technology to provide fast, efficient, and accurate compliance services.

DEMOLITION DISCUSSION

Interviewee: John Woodward

Role: Consultant

Company: C&D Engineering Consultants

What’s your earliest demolition memory?

I suppose it would be talking with my Dad, who was in The Royal Engineers in the Far East in WW2, telling me how they used to blow bridges crossing the Irrawaddy river in what was Borneo to try to halt the Japanese advance.

My first UK demolition memory is working for Doyle demolition at Castle Vale in Birmingham when Ron Hull Demolition turned up on the same estate with a high reach machine painted to look like a giraffe! I had never seen a high reach, let alone one that looked like a prehistoric giraffe.

How did you start out in the demolition industry?

I was working as a freelance civil engineer and noticed an advertisement in the Birmingham Post for an engineer required by Doyle Demolition Limited for a demolition project in Castle Vale for six weeks and I fancied a change so applied for the job. I liked the job, and Doyle liked me as I knew my way around a Bill of Quantities and where there was opportunity to claim additional costs. The six weeks turned into four years.

What attracted you to it?

Demolition is varied, rarely are two jobs the same so it gives me a buzz to be doing something different and going somewhere different every week.

How has your career progressed to where you are now?

Once I started with Doyle I was determined to learn. Duncan Rudall says, “Every day is a school day” and he is correct, so I was assessed for my initial CCDO Demolition Card (it was done by face-to-face interview then with John Law) and I passed the Top Man assessment.

I was then reassessed a few months later for Supervisor and passed that before being one of the first ten people in the UK to sit the NDTG Demolition Manager course and exam in Nottingham with people like Jim and John Connell, which was an experience in itself as the night before the exam we went into the city for “a couple of drinks” to then find that none of us could remember the name of our hotel or where it was! Luckily the taxi driver taking us home managed to decipher “It’s a place called the Indian, the sign has got a bow and arrow on it” as The Bowman Hotel and got us home safely, albeit with us a little hungover the next day.

Were there any particular milestones?

Yes, many. Starting at Doyle, working at Scudder then for the late Ross

Turner at Detech Environmental where I started to learn the estimating side of the business as well as the more complex techniques. IDE Past President Vernon Watson was there at the time as H&S Manager, and he taught me that risk assessment and a paper trail is key to successful projects. During my time at Detech I sat and passed the exam for IDE Membership. Following Detech I moved to become Managing Director of Loxley Dismantling Limited in Rotherham where we became specialists in large scale industrial demolition.

Tell us about the journey to consultancy.

Loxley Dismantling was owned by Webfell Group and was a profitable company, whereas Webfell was not, so any money Loxley made was quickly transferred into Webfell to help with main group cashflow. I found this difficult as MD and decided that I would leave and take a position at Thorne Demolition with Alex Mellor. On the day I left Webfell, I opened the door on my way out to two smartly dressed gentlemen with briefcases, who turned out to be the receivers coming into Webfell.

The job with Thorne didn’t work out for me so I handed in my notice and decided that I would “test the water” as a demolition trainer and consultant and that is how C&D Consultancy was started.

Has your career been a logical progression or were there any sidesteps?

I would say it has been logical and planned by me sitting various exams to prove my competence not only in demolition but in construction and other trades that are useful for me to do my job. For example, I am still, to this day, a Member of the European Federation of Explosive Engineers. I am immensely proud to have been elected as President of the Institute of Demolition Engineers and to have since been awarded Honorary Fellowship of the institute.

Tell us about C&D and its evolution.

C&D started when I left Loxley and we grew each year taking on staff as required for the increasing workload until we opened regional offices in Liverpool, London and Glasgow so that we had a presence in the cities where we were busiest.

I recruited Mike Kehoe, who now owns C&D, to manage the more complex sites in London as I was, at the time working on the demolition of numerous towerblocks in Scotland whilst working as a consultant on a ship salvage project in Alexandria.

When I owned C&D we were one of the leading demolition trainers in the UK. I wrote and delivered the NDTG Demolition Manager Course for example, whilst also being extremely busy with towerblock demolitions, inner city London projects and smaller, less complex contracts around the UK.

When I decided I wanted to slow down I mentioned to Mike that I wanted to sell C&D and we worked out an arrangement that meant Mike could take it over as a management buyout and that is how it passed over to his leadership.

Since Mike became owner, the name has changed slightly, it is now C&D Engineering Consultants, and the customer base has changed considerably to include major clients throughout the UK and into the Middle East.

The company has gone from strength to strength under Mike’s ownership and I now am only involved in specific projects where a previous client may ask for my involvement, or the complexity of the projects needs my experience. I often say I am now “like the fine china – only brought out for special occasions”.

What about the team and working culture, then and now and how this reflects your values?

C&D was founded to be honest, straightforward to deal with, reliable

and knowledgeable and that still applies today. If we are appointed we give our best at all times and that is reflected in the fact that C&D have won a number of awards at The World Demolition Awards over the years plus I was delighted to have won Outstanding Contribution and Man of the Year awards from the NFDC and I am the only demolition engineer to have won Construction Manager of the Year Award from the Institute of Construction Management.

Is there a fundamental company philosophy or ethic?

Work hard, meet deadlines and play golf occasionally in the summer and watch Everton in the winter.

What’s it like to work there?

Excellent. Since C&D was formed, we have never had an employee hand in their notice and leave. Employees have been asked to leave though! Work is complex and tough but very enjoyable.

As a demolition engineer, what kind of projects did you work on most frequently?

I would have to say multi storey structures or towerblocks as I have been involved in over 150 in my career, including the tallest concrete and tallest steel blocks in the UK.

What were your specialisms?

I think I was a good organiser, probably as I am a list maker and I try to see into the future and imagine what could be an issue and how we can resolve that issue if it arises. Mike and I both use the words “What if?” more than any other words in the English language.

And as a consultant, what is your go-to project or situation?

Any project where the client is uncomfortable because he feels that his team’s knowledge base is insufficient. We can come in for a few hours or for a whole project just to add experience and peace of mind.

“If

it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production”

Pete Seeger

What are the standout projects from your career?

• The explosive demolition of Red Road, Glasgow for Safedem, the largest asbestos job in Europe at the time and the tallest steel structures ever demolished in the UK inside the largest exclusion zone ever in the UK,

• The salvage of the MS Jolly Amarantto which ran aground three miles outside Alexandria harbour,

• The use of the Despe Top Down way system with Safedem to demolish “The Gallowgate Twins” in Glasgow, the tallest concrete tower blocks in the UK, which resulted in Safedem, Despe and C&D winning the World Demolition Award for Collaboration.

Why are they special?

Each of them was a “first of its kind”. Every demolition job brings a unique challenge and that is why the industry is such a great one to be involved with.

What experience did you take away from them?

Involve the teams from day one and keep them informed and remember that everyone, including the sentries on the day of the blowdown, is part of that team. When President Kennedy visited NASA in 1962, he met a gentleman with a mop and bucket in his hand. “What job do you do here?” said Kennedy, and the man replied “I am helping to put a man on the moon, Mr President.”

How do you gain business? Does your reputation precede you?

More than 80% of the business is repeat business with the balance coming from recommendation. I think C&D are known for quality work  and consultants with knowledge that we are willing to share.

Has your role in the associations affected this?

Possibly. I think the fact that we

have been in the press on a regular basis and we both speak at seminars around the world helps to keep the profile high.

So tell us about your various industry leadership roles. I was President of The Institute of Demolition Engineers and am still involved with the institute events even now. I have been involved in guidance notes for the industry over the years and am still active with work on the UK Explosive Demolition Guidance at present with William Sinclair of Safedem and Mike Kehoe and I have recently finished as a committee member for the EDA Explosive Demolition Guidance published in July.

Have you always been a collaborator and leader, working in the broader industry beyond your own interests?

I am passionate about certain charities and try to help them whenever I can by trying to bring my organisational skills to bear and new ideas.

How do you see the role of associations and how do they relate to each other?

All of the organisations have roles to play, and they should, and must work closer than they do. We all want everyone in our industry to go home safe at the end of the day.

Tell us about any your attitude to and experience of training in the demolition industry. My personal view is the card scheme is too expensive for the average working man, as are some of the industry courses. The IDE President Adrian McLean and Mike Kehoe have implemented a monthly IDE Education talk that is free to join and is a great learning experience and other organisations could learn from it. The NFDC is currently running seminars around the UK with the HSE to educate clients as to their legal duties when carrying out demolition and they appear to be well received.

Operative training needs to be changed in my opinion as it is too much classroom based these days. We need to do training needs analysis for all courses to identify knowledge gaps and remove them. A good example of this is the Asbestos Awareness annual refresher, which some people have done over 25 times in their career so we need to make it interesting, up to date and relevant. Rather than telling them the Egyptians knew about asbestos, show the strange places that asbestos has been found and how they could be exposed.

I am not a fan of multi choice question papers as the answer is on the sheet. I would like to see knowledge proven in an interview or in the work environment. NVQs address this issue but they are

far too expensive for the average person with no grants available to the self-employed.

What about the availability of labour? Is there a good pool of potential new recruits and are they armed with the right skills?

The industry is struggling to recruit as it is not perceived as a nice job. I spend a lot of time in schools at career fairs explaining how demolition is a great career, but it is still below footballer, pop star and social media influencer on the list of desirable jobs!

What can we do to attract young people into the industry or address other labour supply issues?

Offer cheaper courses through colleges. Years ago an asbestos awareness course was £75, whereas now it is £150 plus, and trainer rates have not gone up; the extra cost is card fees but the average person on benefits cannot find the money to get a CCDO card and get a job. Reduce the costs and we increase the amount of people joining the industry.

Tell us about any engagement C&D has had in the community. C&D are extremely active in supporting local small community projects and charities, but we choose to do that work without publicity.

How do you see demolition in relation to the climate crisis and sustainability?

The demolition industry recycles about 95% of all arisings from projects so it is very good from a sustainability viewpoint but what we must do is push for “end of life” plans for new buildings as some products used today, like blown foams for example, cannot be recycled so currently we are being asked to be greener than Kermit the Frog whilst developers use materials that have no recognised route to end of life and just end up in landfill. Good

examples of this are wind turbine blades and solar panels.

Is this something you would like to be consulted on, and what advice would you be giving?

Not necessarily but we are able to help when required. Look at “cradle to cradle” but consider “can it be recycled” and how and “is there an alternative”.

What are the biggest technological developments you have seen in the industry and what do you envisage will be the future game changers?

Explosive cutting charges, OilQuicktype attachment changing equipment, and super high reach machines.

In the future, I envisage more robotic machines at larger sizes, new techniques on tower block demolition, better cutting charges in explosive demolition and new attachments to make work easier.

Do you foresee different demands on contractors in the medium term?

Timeframes will be reduced on projects and I personally believe that clients need to do more work at tender stage to identify the hazards on a project before a start is made on site.

You spoke several years ago of taking more of a backseat role. How’s that going then?

Great, I am spending more time with my wife Jill, more time fishing and working on charity fundraising.

Are there any projects or types of jobs you’d still like to be involved with?

Anything large or small where Mike Kehoe thinks my experience will add value to the project.

And what about you in a few years?

Hopefully still here. My Mum is 96 and it would be nice to reach that age.

AND FINALLY

Who/what would you be in an alternative life?

Italian Lakes tour guide

Who is your favourite artist? Not one but a genre of music –Northern Soul

What’s your favourite food/ cuisine?

Probably Mediterranean grilled meats and salad

What’s your tipple of choice?

A cloudy, fruity pale ale and then a robust red wine

305 0909

Case study

Site: Whitworth Tower, Loughborough University

Scope of works: Demolition to just below ground using robotic demolition for floors 10 to 3 and mechanical demolition for the remainder. Basement to be punched for drainage and backfilled with imported crush material. Making good surrounding area

Structure: 10-storey reinforced in-situ concrete frame construction with basement

Contractor: Total Reclaims Demolition

Client: Loughborough University

Start date: March 2024

Completion date: August 2024

In-house personnel

• Lead contracts manager,

• Support Contracts Manager,

• HS&E Manager,

• QS,

• Liaison Officer

• Training Coordinator

• CCDO Site Manager

• Ten CCDO Site Operatives

• Two CPCS Operators

• Four Banksmen

Equipment

• Two Brokk robotic demolition units

• One skid steer loader

• One mobile crane

• One 30-tonne demolition-spec excavator

• One 20-tonne demolition-spec excavator

Specialist subcontractors

• Scaffolding,

• Asbestos removal,

• Hoarding,

• Crane.

The demolition of the 10-storey Whitworth Tower is a key component of the future development of Loughborough University’s student village, enabling the university to enhance the accommodation it offers students, improving the appearance of the campus and reducing the site’s environmental impact.

The brief stipulated the

demolition of the Whitworth Building to just below the ground level using robotic demolition for the top seven floors and mechanical demolition for the remainder.

The basement, including external retaining walls and foundations was to remain in place with the walls to be a minimum of 300 mm below finished level. Following this, the basement was to be punched for drainage and backfilled with imported crush material.

The project required careful preplanning of the demolition phase to minimise disturbance to university users and accommodation facilities within the student village. To achieve this, we set up and controlled an extremely fluid communicative and collaborative approach due to the surrounding constraints and site conditions.

The works involved enabling works including protection of adjacent Energy Hub service runs, installation of 2.4-m protective hoarding, traffic management controls and strip out works of the existing building to permit further structural and design surveys.

Works involved

• Installation of live University segregation measures –personnel/traffic;

• Installation of protection

scaffold / road plates etc. to protect multi-million-pound Service Hub runs / ducting;

• Installation of monaflex protective sheeting, noise reduction tarpaulin and ply deflection barriers to scaffold to optimise safety and nuisance containment;

• Extensive asbestos removal phase;

• Soft strip of internal items including salvage of items for reuse;

• Reassessment of structural elements by demolition engineer following soft strip to confirm propping design/ dismantling methodologies;

• Installation of at-source damping down controls;

• Installation of noise, dust and vibration monitors;

• Installation of designed props to aid structural stability;

• Preparation of drop zones (former lift shaft) for removal of demolition arisings during top-down reduction operations;

• Reduction of top seven floors utilising Brokk robotic demolition units to eliminate to identified structures;

• Mechanical demolition to abutting low rise and remaining three storeys;

• Basement clearance, puncturing and backfill with certified materials;

• Waste removal and site clearance;

• All controls relevant to the site constraints installed / introduced including working adjacent to university thoroughfares;

• Working around university exams and other quiet periods;

• Drop zone creation/control;

• Eco-barrier containment.

Logistics constraints

This was a logistically challenging project sited within a live university and residential student village environment with a new service

hub located adjacent to the site. Surrounding highways were highly trafficked by university users and surrounding occupants.

Our logistics plans were created collaboratively to ensure that our deliveries/movements did not impact on the local area and university operation including key exam and event dates.

Structural constraints

The structure required top-down demolition by robotic demolition techniques down to third floor to ensure full protection of the surrounding environment. Due to this back propping to floors to ensure structural integrity due to floor weighting etc. was maintained.

Total Reclaims Demolition’s in-house demolition engineers prepared and updated RAMS throughout the works to ensure immediate continuity of works.

Environmental constraints

Control of noise, dust and vibration was a prime client requirement due to the locality of the site within the occupied University Village environment. Controls introduced to manage included:

• At-source dust containment –fine mist water spray fitted to demolition excavators,

• Dust-Boss-type fine mist mobile spray units,

• Spray misting units fixed to MEWPs to remove the requirement for personnel to be contained within the exclusion/buffer zones,

• Monaflex and acoustics barriers secured to demolition spec scaffold as a further containment measure,

• Programming of works outside of key university dates,

• Positioning of combined environmental monitoring station, which monitors noise, dust and vibration with live

feedback/triggers so practices can be stopped and reviewed on trigger exceedance,

• Appointment of a site-based Environmental Champion whose role it is to ensure that best practices are observed and to monitor triggers, complaints and the like.

Asbestos containment

We appointed our pre-approved preferred licensed asbestos removal subcontractor and their involvement within our Demolition Design Team ensured that all information/locations were known, understood, designed and programmed efficiently. We were able to enhance their programme with pre-asbestos soft-strip operations to allow clearways to their required working areas etc.

Nuisance containment

We adopted an extensive damping down and monitoring regime, supplemented by the installation of acoustic barriers and on-site night and weekend working for sensitive elevations, reducing nuisance

issues and improved safety for university users.

Working with an extensive multi-stakeholder team

Our committed involvement and fluid response ensured works were planned, agreed and approved in a timely manner and where change occurred it was controlled swiftly to ensure ultimate service delivery.

Client value savings

Our close collaboration and communication regime set up with the client team enabled us to work as one team and resulted in:

• Budget monitoring,

• Suggestions and implementation of contract savings,

• Flexibility on programming to prevent disturbance to key university dates,

• Flexibility of resourcing – manpower/machinery/ subcontractors,

• University/TRD/ subcontractors thus ensuring immediate communication / collaboration.

Case study

Project: Cottam Power Station cooling towers

Structure: Eight 114m concrete cooling towers

Contractor: Brown & Mason

Client: EDF

Start date (Cottam): August 2021

Completion Date (Cottam): 2026

Start date (cooling towers): June 2024

Completion date (cooling towers): 2026

Techniques: Controlled explosive demolition, asbestos removal, mechanical demolition, materials processing

Blowdown date: 14 August 2025

Brown & Mason sets Guinness World Records™ title with historic cooling tower demolition

Brown & Mason, one of the UK’s leading decommissioning and demolition specialists, has officially secured the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most cooling towers demolished with controlled explosives simultaneously.

The record-breaking feat was achieved at Cottam Power Station in Nottinghamshire, where the Brown & Mason team expertly brought down the eight massive cooling towers of the former coalfired station in a single, precisely coordinated explosive event.

This landmark demolition was another step in the nation’s commitment to net zero energy, executed with meticulous planning, detailed modelling, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Months of preparation came together in a single, unforgettable moment, setting a new benchmark for the global demolition industry.

“Controlled explosive demolition is all about precision, not power,” said Rikki Isgar, Explosive Demolition Manager at Brown & Mason.

“Bringing down eight towers together meant modelling every movement, understanding every force, and executing flawlessly. There’s no second chance in this kind of work, and this achievement is a testament to the skill and dedication of the whole team.”

Brown & Mason’s role at Cottam builds on decades of delivering landmark industrial dismantling

projects both in the UK and abroad. Whether dismantling assets pieceby-piece or bringing down colossal structures in seconds, the company combines engineering mastery with operational excellence to consistently deliver results that are safe, efficient, and spectacular.

The achievement at Cottam is more than a record – it’s a powerful demonstration of innovation, precision, and leadership in the global demolition industry.

Copyright Information

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, and ‘Record Holder’ Logo © 2025 Guinness World Records Limited.

DUST SUPPRESSION FEATURE

Dustboss

Choosing the best fog cannon for demolition by Michael Kelley, President BossTek

Demolition is a dusty business. Staff can hose down concrete supports, brick walls, etc. with water, but once heavy equipment hits them, airborne dust plumes are released that can travel for miles. The same applies to moving, separating and storing material. Demolition companies have figured out that hoses don’t stop airborne dust. Most companies choose mist cannons because they capture dust at the point of emission and pull it

Fog Cannons vs 1 ¾” Hose

to the ground before it can travel across the site line.

Atomised mist vs. hoses

Droplets need to be roughly the same size as the particulates to effectively capture them, otherwise, the droplet is propelled away. To extend the reach, cannons use a booster pump that electronically increases pressure instead of relying solely on water pressure, thus reducing the amount of water

needed. Conversely, hoses require more labour and a much larger volume of water, often leading to excessive standing water and runoff. Because of the volume and pressure needed to propel water over long distances, hoses produce large droplets that saturate the area.

Considerations when choosing a fog cannon

Here are some factors that help

Average airborne dust particle size = 2.5 to 200 microns Fog Cannon Hose

Droplet size

microns

Coverage

to 5 football fields Up to 2 football fields Water usage: gallons per minute (GPM)

to 39 GPM

to 500 GPM Environmentally friendly

demolition contractors decide which fog cannon fits their needs:

• Project size and scale: A fog cannon’s reach should match the relative size of the active area on the site. For example, an excavator taking down a building with a front loader assisting could require just a single mid-sized cannon.

• Water consumption and availability: Access to hydrants can be limited or non-existent. Long stretches of hose make the placement precarious. The longer the hose, the lower the pressure at the nozzle, reducing reach. Regardless, hydrants release 75–100 GPM of water to hoses, which can lead to excessive pooling and runoff, in violation of some permits.

• Environment and location: High-reach excavators generate dust that can travel long distances, often high in the air.

• Power Source: Access to energy can be a challenge. Some cannons come with their own power sources on the same trailer.

What are my fog cannon options?

The throw distance and coverage area of the units are determined by the power of the fan and the length/size of the barrel; if the cannon is mounted on a tower or high on a truck and the amount of power provided for optimum performance is an additional consideration.

• Indoor mist cannons: Performing indoor demolition on structures containing asbestos, drywall, and other materials that release potentially hazardous dust emissions can be done either by hand or using mini-excavators

or both. Smaller industrial misters like the DustBoss® DB-10 or the DustBoss® Atom are compact and easy to manoeuvre by hand. Delivering a cone of mist 10 m, the DB10 provides excellent indoor dust suppression. For larger interior demolition projects, the DustBoss Atom is a fanless model.

• Small outdoor mist cannons: Urban or suburban demolition can have site lines that are tight and close to the public. These projects often feature multilevel buildings, so the vertical reach of the unit should be taken into consideration. The DustBoss Atom is suitable for small outdoor sites due to its strong pressurised stream that reaches 30 m.

• Mid-sized outdoor mist cannons: Many contractors choose the multi-purpose DustBoss® DB-30 for projects such as hospitals, apartment buildings, etc. The DB-30 has a cone reach of 30 m and a coverage area of up to 2,880 m2 when equipped with oscillation.

• Large outdoor mist cannons: Major demolition projects like airports and supermalls can be measured in square kilometres of treeless area. Along with strategically placed small or mid-sized units for storage piles and active zones, demolition contractors working at this level often employ one or two large cannons to create a mist barrier against particulates. For greater coverage and reach, the most popular cannon is the DustBoss® DB-60. The DB-60 has a cone reach of 60 m and a coverage area of up to 11,600 m2 when equipped with oscillation.

No more complaints, no more waste, no more labour Paying someone to stand with a hose in proximity to falling material and moving machinery is expensive, wasteful, and dangerous. The ROI for mist cannons comes through lowering labour costs, reducing community complaints and minimising dust violations.

https://bosstek.com

Brendon Powerwashers

Dustec DT 400

Product description

The Dustec DT 400 is a lightweight, mobile dust- and odour-suppression unit designed and patented by Brendon Powerwashers. At around 51 kg and with compact dimensions (900 × 830 × 970 mm), it’s easily manoeuvrable on-site yet durable for harsh environments, including construction, demolition, waste treatment, and asbestos removal.

How it works

This system pairs with standard cold water power washers rated from 100 to 250 bar and flow rates between 12–25 L/min. It uses highpressure atomisation, delivered through a single nozzle, to generate a fine air driven mist capable of suppressing airborne dust and odours efficiently. Impressively, 60% of the water is employed to generate the air flow, while the rest gets atomised and discharged. Drive

water can be recycled – fed back into the washer – or safely disposed of.

Operational flexibility

One of the DT 400’s standout features is its power-free operation – it requires no electrical supply. It can operate up to 75 metres away from the power washer, making it well-suited for dynamic site conditions. The mist launch angle is adjustable and switching between dust and odour control requires only a single nozzle change.

Environmental and safety profile

This patented water-powered fan design ensures precise water usage, minimising waste. Its relatively quiet operation and no reliance on electrical power reduce emissions and noise pollution. Due to the design, the atomised water is much safer than conventional high

pressure jets for operators and surrounding personnel.

Air flow and mounting options

For sites requiring prolonged or integrated suppression, the DT 400 can be mounted to Brendon’s BBW Bowserwashers via a bolt on rear configuration (model DT 400BM), delivering runtimes in excess of three hours on one tank full.

Typical applications

• Construction and demolition sites,

• Recycling and mining operations,

• Wastewater treatment facilities,

• Indoor removal of asbestos,

• General odour control challenges.

www.powerwashers.co.uk

sales@powerwashers.co.uk 01984 624 500

Casella Monitoring dust in demolition

by Tim Turney Global Marketing Manager

Demolition sites by nature are fraught with potential hazards if not controlled adequately, not least the unseen hazard of airborne dust. Dusts generated on site have been found to cause serious, long-latency respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, silicosis and emphysema. The dangers of fine dust particles, particularly Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) are becoming increasingly known to those working and employing in construction, healthcare, demolition, renovation and other industrial sectors.

Due to the long-latency of the conditions that RCS causes, it is unknown exactly how many deaths a year can be attributed to the dust but an estimated 500 people die per year in the construction industry as a result of RCS.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations set out the requirements for employers to adequately control exposure to all materials in the workplace that may cause harm to employees.

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are defined as the maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous material that an employee can be legally exposed to, with limits set for each

hazardous material at a level to minimise harm to anyone working that may be exposed.

Dusts

Dust produced from demolition activities vary by the constituent elements that make up the materials being broken down or destroyed – mainly, concrete, brick and stone, which when disturbed release tiny particles of dust into the air. From these materials, dangerous dusts include silica, and other harmful substances.

Dust can harm workers, the surrounding communities and cause environmental impact on water supplies and local ecosystems. The latter can result in costly fines due to non-compliance so monitoring of the dust escaping sites is imperative for employers.

Personal monitoring

The foremost concern for employers is the welfare of staff. Like any industrial working environment, once a potential risk has been identified, a risk assessment is conducted to conclude the nature and level of the risk present.

Risk assessments should be conducted routinely to identify the physical and chemical agents and the level at which they are present through objective measurement of dust present.

Dusts, for example, require a personal air sampling pump with an appropriate collection filter within a sampling head. Respirable dusts require a cyclone head to draw air through, making use of centrifugal force to allow smaller only respirable particles to pass through onto the filter for subsequent analysis.

Before starting sampling, the entire sample train needs to be calibrated with a representative sample media, this process should be repeated at the end of the day to ensure there has been no major

deviation in flow rate.

Once calibrated, the pump is attached to the worker with the inlet placed in their breathing zone. The pump should be left running to collect a sample over the time prescribed by the method, and the concentration calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average, which the WELs are based on.

Environmental monitoring

Remote boundary monitoring at the edges of the site, set up at strategic points that consider wind direction and activity location ensures companies remain compliant with regulatory limits and are not at risk of action from the local authorities. In densely populated cities site monitoring is of great benefit to the neighbourhood. For example, in London, construction and demolition activity is responsible for up to 15% of air pollution.

Monitoring units come in a variety of solutions, with some dedicated to individual hazards and others combining hazards to provide a comprehensive idea of emissions and risks. Site managers are increasingly favouring systems that offer combined results for ease or deployment, management of data as well as their cost effectiveness.

Many modern boundary monitoring devices are designed to be energy-efficient, often powered by solar panels, which makes them adhere to sustainability goals and easy to maintain in remote or offgrid construction sites.

Inlets for any real-time dust measurements should also be 1.5 to four metres above the ground and must be unobstructed, because any object between the source and the dust monitor can shield particles from entering the device causing measurement inaccuracies. Control measures such as dust suppression (for silica as well as other dusts) may be an

option or necessary to prevent exposure of those around site or people surrounding the site.

Dust suppression

Dust suppression systems exist in a variety of forms – for silica dust, it is widely accepted that water solutions are often the best for dust control. Water is sprayed towards the source of the dust during operation of the machinery or tool. To be totally effective a continuous stream is necessary as grinding, cutting and demolition will surpass the damp surface and generate dust. Using this on any materials on site that may contain silica, if practicable, can reduce the amount of RCS emitted into the air.

For medium to heavy duty dust, standard water misting is preferred but fan assisted misting could be required when fine water particles are required to be dispersed across a large area.

When it comes to dust suppression, the health of the worker and public should be employers’ number one concern, not least because COSHH regulations stipulate that it is a duty to adequately protect these groups. Besides this, excessive dust on site can damage equipment and reduce visibility which increases other risks and can increase maintenance costs.

Silica is an especially dangerous hazard that causes progressive illnesses meaning that measures to monitor and control the dust should be implemented with the highest consideration. If you are unsure about an effective dust monitoring and control process, consult an expert.

Odour & Dust Solutions

Demolition dust suppression specialists

Odour & Dust Solutions (ODS) delivers advanced dust and odour control systems for challenging industrial environments, with expertise in demolition operations. Demolition sites generate significant airborne dust, which can impact worker health, regulatory compliance and project timelines. ODS mitigates these risks through targeted dust suppression and monitoring strategies.

Tailored dust suppression solutions for demolition

Every demolition project is unique so ODS offers a versatile range of systems and supply models designed for both large-scale and highly targeted demolition dust control, with equipment available for purchase or short and longterm hire or bespoke builds.

Dust cannons trailers

We offer these industrial-grade misting units for wide-area dust suppression during material breakdown, including trailer mounted units with water tanks and power on board or static units if there is water and power available. These are easily moved around sites with forklift pockets.

Atomiser trailer systems

Including mobile rotary atomisers, these produce ultra-fine droplets for efficient dust capture, with mobile options ideal for dynamic work zones. They can distribute perfumed neutraliser in Fresh linen, Cherry, Lemon, Berry and Apple. Delivered in 25 litre or 1,000-litre IBC.

Portavac

Large Industrial vacuum units ideal for cleaning and uplift of debris, skip unloading collection bin and HEPA filtration.

Regulatory compliance and safety

ODS supports compliance with UK Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, particularly silica dust

Other applications for demolition

• BMair – Cab pressure systems to protect your operators from dust in the cab,

• Flexxaire – Reversing fans for diesel engines, keeping radiators clean and clear of dust.

Proven industry expertise

• Over a decade of service in demolition, waste management and quarrying,

• Team experience exceeding 15 years in odour and dust control across the UK,

• Integrated solutions for dust, odour and remediation, enabling contractors to manage multiple environmental concerns with a single provider.

HSP SITE SUPPLIES

Your “One Stop Shop”

ABOUT US

At HSP Site Supplies Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a true one stop shop for the Decontamination, Asbestos Removal, Demolition and Construction industries

From specialist decontamination products manufactured in-house equipment, to everyday tools, consumables, and plant hire, we deliver everything you need, all under one roof

Whether it’s servicing plant and equipment, supplying site essentials, or providing bespoke decontamination solutions, we ’ re here to keep your projects running smoothly.

WHY CHOOSE US ?

Our expertise is trusted across multiple industries, with HSP holding an asbestos ancillary licence and membership of ACAD and ARCA, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance

Choose HSP Site Supplies Ltd for reliability, innovation, and complete peace of mind

DEMOLITION ROBOTS FEATURE

The

rise of the machines – from hazard zones to city centres, demolition robots are changing the game

Once regarded as specialist equipment for niche projects, demolition robots have now established themselves as essential tools in the contractor’s arsenal. Compact, versatile and increasingly powerful, these remote-controlled or semi-autonomous machines are redefining what is possible on sites where traditional methods may be too hazardous, slow or impractical.

Demolition robots are used across a wide range of applications, from concrete breaking in structurally compromised buildings to selective demolition in confined spaces such as factories, office blocks and transport hubs. Their compact footprints allow them to access sites through standard doorways or up staircases, while their tracked mobility ensures stability and manoeuvrability on challenging surfaces.

Operators remain safely at a distance, often with full 360-degree visibility via cameras and sensors, removing them from immediate danger in environments where noise, vibration, dust, heat, toxic

substances or structural instability pose significant risks.

Genesis of the robots

The origins of demolition robots can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Scandinavian manufacturers began developing remote-controlled machines for work in hazardous areas such as steel plants and nuclear facilities. These evolved in response to the demands of construction and demolition, with improvements in hydraulics, materials, control systems and power sources. Today’s models can be electrically, battery or diesel powered, with interchangeable attachments enabling them to break concrete, crush masonry, cut steel, drill, excavate or even handle waste – all with a single carrier.

Robota means work

One of the most significant benefits is robots’ ability to work in environments unsuitable for manual labour or larger plant. They can operate on floors with limited load-bearing capacity, in tunnels and basements with restricted

ventilation, or in locations where noise and vibration must be kept to a minimum. Their precision and control also make them ideal for selective demolition, where valuable materials need to be preserved for reuse or recycling.

Demolition robots also bring measurable gains in productivity. A compact robot with the right attachment can outperform a crew of manual workers using handheld breakers, delivering consistent results with less fatigue, downtime or risk of injury. Their ability to work continuously, often with quick changeovers between tasks, can shorten timelines and reduce costs.

As our cities become denser and regulations around safety, noise, emissions and recycling grow more stringent, the role of demolition robots is set to expand further. Far from replacing human expertise, they are tools that extend the capability of skilled operators –allowing them to work faster, safer and smarter in some of the most challenging environments demolition has to offer.

Brokk 130+ More power, more precision, more possibilities

A

whole new robot setting a whole new standard

The Brokk 130+ is built from the ground up to deliver more power, enhanced durability, and unmatched precision. With an optimised hydraulic powertrain, a reinforced structure, and the intelligence of Brokk SmartPower+, it takes compact demolition to the next level.

Unleashing

more power

The Brokk 130+ is designed for maximum efficiency and force. Thanks to an optimised hydraulic powertrain, it delivers greater breaking power with the same energy input, setting

a new benchmark in demolition. Every movement is more controlled, every action more powerful and every task more productive. This means less energy waste, higher output, and unmatched demolition performance – all in a compact powerhouse.

• 40–60% increase in production

– Greater efficiency with enhanced hydraulic output, delivering more force without increased energy consumption.

• Optimised power conversion

– Less energy waste, more productivity.

• New motor, pump, and hydraulic valve – Engineered for peak performance.

A breaker built for impact Power needs precision and the BHB 175 is designed to perfectly match the Brokk 130+. With 20% more hitting force and 40% higher impact frequency, it maximises breaking efficiency and productivity. Engineered specifically for the Brokk 130+, the BHB 175 ensures seamless integration, delivering consistent, high-performance results.

• 20% more hitting force –Increased demolition power.

• 40% higher impact frequency –Faster, more effective breaking.

• Optimised hydraulic effect –designed for maximum performance with the Brokk 130+

Brokk SmartPower+ –Intelligence meets performance

With Brokk SmartPower+, the Brokk 130+ optimises power distribution to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Every function, from hydraulic control to energy flow, is intelligently managed to maximise output while protecting key components. The system adjusts in real time, preventing overloads, reducing unnecessary wear, and increasing uptime. More precision, more responsiveness, and more control – allowing operators to work smarter, faster, and with greater

and the intelligence of Brokk SmartPower+, the Brokk 130+ sets a new standard.

“With the Brokk 130+, we are taking demolition power and efficiency to the next level,” said Martin Krupicka, CEO of Brokk Group. “By re-engineering the powertrain and introducing a brandnew breaker, we’ve developed a robot that delivers greater hitting force, a higher impact frequency, and unmatched performance – all without increasing its size. This marks a significant leap forward in the capabilities of remote-controlled

Key innovations of the Brokk 130+

• More power – A new benchmark in demolition

A redesigned hydraulic powertrain provides greater force with the same energy input, increasing overall efficiency and productivity.

• BHB 175 breaker –Engineered for impact

Paired with the powerful Brokk 130+, the new BHB 175 delivers 20% more hitting force and 40% higher impact frequency, enabling greater demolition power with every blow.

Brokk SmartPower+ –Intelligence meets performance

Optimised power distribution ensures maximum output with minimal energy waste, while intelligent system adjustments protect key components, improving reliability and longevity. Designed to handle the toughest jobs, the Brokk 130+ represents a bold step forward, combining more power, smarter technology, and greater efficiency to redefine remote-controlled demolition.

Snapshots of Ben and the Demolition Hub team’s activities between issues

OUT and ABOUT

Snapshots of Ben and the Demolition Hub team’s activities between issues

OUT and ABOUT

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

STUCCHI joins the European Demolition Association

STUCCHI S.p.A., a global leader in the design and production of hydraulic quick couplings, is now a member of the EDA. With over 60 years of experience in the fluid power industry, STUCCHI brings to the association a unique combination of engineering expertise, product innovation, and deep knowledge of hydraulic connection systems used in harsh and high-demand applications, such as demolition, construction, mining, and heavy equipment.

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Pagazzano, Italy, STUCCHI has grown into an internationally recognised brand. The company operates through a global network of distributors and six wholly owned subsidiaries located in the USA, China, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and India, ensuring proximity to key markets and customers across five continents. This international footprint enables Stucchi to combine a global vision with local support, delivering timely solutions tailored to each region’s operational challenges.

STUCCHI offers a comprehensive range of flat-face quick couplings, threaded couplings, multi-coupling plates, and custom-engineered solutions for hydraulic, pneumatic, and fluid transfer systems. The product portfolio includes: Flat face quick couplings to reduce fluid loss and contamination, multi-coupling systems (GR and DP series) for simultaneous line connections and screw-to-connect flat face couplings (such as VT RoT-lock) for extreme pressure and pulse conditions

These solutions are widely used on demolition machines, hydraulic breakers, pulverisers, and quick-attachment systems, where durability, reliability, and efficiency are critical.

“We are honoured to join the EDA and share our knowledge with a network of professionals who, like us, are committed to safety, performance, and innovation in demolition,” says Sergio Assi, Marketing & Business Development Manager at STUCCHI S.p.A Stucchi is a member of the EDA.

GRUPO MITRE: the world’s first demolition company to certify as a B Corp is proud to be recertified

B Corp Certification recognises companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

In 2020, Grupo Mitre, Argentina’s leading demolition company, became the first demolition firm in the world to earn this certification. Today, it celebrates its recertification, renewing its commitment to lead a triple-impact business model in the industry.

Why is GRUPO MITRE is a tripleimpact company?

Environmental impact: It recovers over 90% of Construction and

Demolition Waste (CDW), reusing it on-site or processing it at its recycling plant – the first privately owned, fully integrated CDW recycling facility in Argentina. Its projects are certified carbon-neutral, offsetting CO2 emissions through reforestation initiatives and providing certificates to clients.

Social impact: It doubles the industry average of women in operational roles and over 60% of its team comes from vulnerable backgrounds with barriers to formal employment. The company also supports employees through programmes that help them

complete their secondary education.

Grupo Mitre proves that demolition can drive the circular economy and social inclusion, building a future where purpose and performance go hand in hand. Grupo Mitre is an EDA member.

Brown and Mason commits to Shetland’s Dales Voe decommissioning site

Brown and Mason, one of Europe’s largest demolition and dismantling companies, has committed to the UK offshore decommissioning sector through a new partnership with Peterson Energy Logistics at the Dales Voe site, Lerwick Harbour.

With over 60 years of experience in the heavy industrial sector, Brown and Mason aims to support largescale decommissioning projects in the North Sea. The Shetland location offers deep-water access, a strong local supply chain and one of the UK’s most capable quaysides –making it ideal for handling complex offshore dismantling work.

Richard Brown, UK Operations Director at Brown and Mason, said: “We are confident in the scale of opportunity and Dales Voe being the ideal location to launch our

diversification into the offshore sector. As leaders in heavy industrial dismantling, and trusted partners of the energy sector, we are excited to bring our significant expertise to support this market. We are committed to working with the local supply chain, alongside our in-house experts and established partner Peterson Energy Logistics.”

Brown and Mason is currently applying to take over the SEPA site operating

permit and is actively pursuing decommissioning projects.

Peterson, with a 20-year Shetland presence, brings deep logistical and engineering experience to the partnership.

Brown and Mason is an EDA member.

TSCHERNING achieves record results and surpasses DKK 1 billion in revenue

Danish construction company TSCHERNING has reported the best financial results in its 50-year history. For the 2024/25 financial year, the company achieved a turnover of DKK 839 million and a profit before tax of DKK 37.2 million – a 48% increase compared to the previous year.

“We have won several significant projects, which have helped create the foundation for this year’s results. In addition, we see significant growth in our activities within construction site services, operations, and logistics, as well as CO2–reducing solutions,” said Søren Tscherning, owner and CEO.

Including results from its sister

companies Total Diamanten A/S and Gravmand A/S, the Tscherning Group achieved a combined turnover of DKK 1 billion and a profit before tax of DKK 46.2 million, marking the group’s strongest performance to date.

TSCHERNING continues to see rising demand for sustainable practices: “We have a clear ambition to show the way for a green transition in construction,”

added Søren Tscherning. “Caring for people and the environment can go hand in hand with a healthy bottom line. And we must continue on the responsible path.”

TSCHERNING is an EDA member

MBI unveils its new Demolition Grapple at “Launch Big Things” event

At the exclusive Launch Big Things event hosted at SENNEBOGEN’s headquarters in Straubing, MBI unveiled its brand-new Demolition Grapple (XMG) to an international audience of industry professionals.

During a live demonstration, the attachment showcased its full potential when mounted on a demolition machine, proving its strength, precision, and versatility in action.

Developed through MBI’s ongoing commitment to innovation, the new grapple is engineered to meet the evolving needs of urban demolition sites. It features a reinforced structure, high-efficiency cylinders, and optimised geometry for fast and accurate sorting, loading and handling of materials.

The event highlighted the strong partnership between MBI and SENNEBOGEN – leaders in their respective fields – working together to deliver integrated, highperformance solutions for modern demolition operations.

With this new addition to its product range, MBI further strengthens its offering for the demolition sector, reaffirming its position as a key

European player in the design and manufacture of hydraulic attachments for demolition and recycling.

MBI and SENNEBOGEN are members of the EDA.

Latvian company NEXT LEVEL DEMOLITION dismantles grain elevator in Lithuania

Next Level Demolition, a member of the European Demolition Association, has carried out the demolition of a particularly complex Soviet-era structure in Lithuania – a grain elevator in Marijampolė. More than 60 years old, the structure was part of a production complex.

Rihards Muižnieks, board member of “NEXT LEVEL DEMOLITION”, says that this was one of the most technically challenging projects the company has faced in recent years.

“The object to be demolished was more than 40 metres high and in the immediate vicinity was a building that needed to be preserved, which required special precision in the execution of the work,” says Muižnieks. To complete the task, a Volvo 700 was used – the only demolition excavator in the Baltics currently designed specifically for such tall structures.

The demolition process was organised in several stages, starting with the delivery of the equipment to site. “To ensure safe transport, we delivered the more than 90-tonne demolisher on three heavyweight trailers in partially disassembled state,” explains Muižnieks.

“Several thousand tonnes of debris were disposed of in the project – some of it will be recycled and reused, while the rest in accordance to the regulations

will be taken to waste management sites.

Taking into account the growing demand for high-rise demolition solutions in the Baltic region, the company continues to expand beyond Latvia’s borders.

“Immediately after the Marijampole site, the excavator-demolisher has already gone to the next site in Lithuania,” adds Muižnieks.

Next Level Demolition is an EDA member.

The Belgian GROUPE JEAN NONET joins EDA

The European Demolition Association is pleased to announce that GROUPE JEAN NONET, a leading Belgian demolition company, has joined its growing network of members.

For over 45 years, GROUPE JEAN NONET has specialised in precision demolition, delivering efficient and technically demanding deconstruction projects across Belgium.

The company is recognised for its commitment to meeting client objectives on time,

minimising site disturbances and carefully recycling demolition materials. Its areas of expertise include the dismantling of buildings and urban infrastructure, bridges and locks, water towers, large antennas, and industrial complexes, as well as military structures.

As a new EDA member, GROUPE JEAN NONET brings valuable experience and reinforces the association’s commitment to advancing best practices and innovation in the

demolition industry across Europe.

Groupe Jean Nonet is a member of the EDA.

PEDMEDE is involved in the DISCOVER Project to advance circularity in construction and demolition sector

As part of its commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in the demolition industry, PEDMEDE, the Panhellenic Association of Engineers Contractors of Public Works and a valued member of the European Demolition Association, is actively participating in the DISCOVER project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on enhancing circularity and resource efficiency in the construction and demolition sector.

In collaboration with other EDA members, PEDMEDE is working to identify real-world challenges and

opportunities through targeted industry research. As part of this effort, the project team has launched a short online survey aimed at demolition and construction companies across Europe.

The goal of the survey is to collect insights into current industry practices, barriers to circularity, and

potential areas for improvement. The findings will directly contribute to shaping future strategies and solutions that better align with industry needs.

The survey is available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility across the EU.

PEDMEDE is an EDA member.

NFDC celebrates the first of many intelligent demolition planning seminars across the UK

Following the success of its 2024 seminar series, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), has commenced the first of its NFDC Talks: Intelligent Demolition Planning seminars for 2025.

These free-to-attend sessions are tailored to provide the critical knowledge required to plan safe, compliant and successful demolition projects. Developed in collaboration with key industry bodies, the seminars will support clients tendering demolition works and will highlight essential safety and contractual considerations. These seminars are ideal for construction

professionals, project managers, developers, and anyone involved in procuring demolition services.

Whether you’re tendering a major development or overseeing preconstruction planning, the NFDC Talks sessions are designed to support informed decision-making and reduce project risk.

The first seminar of 2025 was held in Manchester on 19 June, with Edinburgh’s session taking place on 10 July. The seminars welcomed a room full of built environment stakeholders from senior leaders to supply chain specialists.

Attendees heard insightful presentations by the NFDC, HSE and IDE, covering key themes of early engagement between construction contractors and demolition

organisations, as well as strategies for delivering safer, more effective project outcomes.

The next event will be held on 16 October at the Royal Lancaster, London, followed by Birmingham on 23 October and Belfast on 19 November.

Registration is now open. For full details and to reserve your place, visit: NFDC Talks – Intelligent Demolition Planning Seminars.

The NFDC is a member of the EDA.

HYDRARAM launches the HCC-180V: the world’s heaviest concrete crusher for extreme demolition challenges

Hydraram has delivered its very first HCC-180V concrete crusher to a customer in Germany. This colossal tool, weighing approximately 18,000 kg, has been engineered for the most demanding demolition jobs. As the largest model in the HCC series, it is designed for excavators from 120 to 200 tonnes.

With a jaw opening of 2,824 mm and a jaw depth of 1,045 mm, the HCC-180V is built to take down power plants, heavy industrial concrete structures, bunkers and other massive constructions. Equipped with two powerful HeavyDuty cylinders and a Power-Up speed valve, it delivers both raw

power and fast cycle times. The 360° hydraulic rotation ensures optimal positioning and maximum efficiency on site.

Delivery: June 2025

Project: Large-scale demolition site in Germany

Technical Specifications –HCC-180V

• Weight: approx. 18,000 kg

• Carrier class: for excavators from 120 to 200 tonnes

• Total height: 3,635 mm

• Jaw opening: 2,824 mm

• Jaw depth: 1,045 mm

• Rotation: 360° hydraulic

• Cylinders: 2 Heavy-Duty cylinders with Power-Up speed valve

With the introduction of the HCC180V, Hydraram once again sets new standards in heavy-duty demolition tools.

HYDRARAM is an EDA member.

New INDECO IDC primary demolition jaw

Specifically designed for primary demolition work on reinforced concrete structures, INDECO’s IDC jaw is a very large attachment (3,350 mm long by 610 mm wide) whose design was studied to optimise the weight (7,200 kg) to power ratio for precise and efficient operation under all conditions and even at great heights. Here are a few of its main features:

• A maximum jaw opening (1,800 mm) which is larger than that of similar rival products of the same class,

• Two large cylinders, made to a unique Indeco design, which provide the necessary force (350 bar) in every jobsite condition, fitted with long-life seals that can

withstand up to 700 bar,

• Full 360° hydraulic rotation, with dual motor and protection valve, which provides better demolition in all logistic conditions and always an optimal grip.

The innovative interchangeable teeth system INDECOBITE TM (Patent Pending), which speeds up maintenance operations and reduces machine downtime;

The regeneration valve, which makes the jaw open (3–4 seconds) and close (5–7 seconds) faster under no-load conditions, shortening work cycles and increasing productivity.

The first of a new family in the Indeco product range, the IDC primary demolition jaw will soon be working on a major job demolishing

CEA and SDN partnership offers practical guidance on workforce skills and education

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association) has partnered with the Strategic Development Network (SDN) to help its members navigate the changing education and skills landscape in England. This collaboration is a direct response to conversations with CEA members. It aims to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: the growing skills gap, as highlighted in the CEA Manifesto.

Attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce lies at the heart of every successful business. But for many in the construction equipment industry, particularly SMEs, knowing where to start can be difficult. England’s education system has undergone significant changes in recent years, making it a challenging landscape to navigate. From A Levels and T Levels to apprenticeships, further education, higher education and employer-led pathways, the landscape is often seen as complex and challenging to access.

Businesses that engage early with the next generation of talent can gain a clear advantage. Recruitment becomes more focused and efficient. Existing employees can benefit from flexible reskilling or upskilling opportunities. Companies can take a more proactive approach to growth, supported by a workforce that is well-equipped to meet future challenges. In fact, 73% of SMEs agree that better understanding and involvement in recruitment and training make them more agile.

To support employers across the sector, the Education Landscape

programme provides clear and accessible resources that break down complexity and outline where and how businesses can engage. The guide, written in plain English, provides a concise overview of how the system works and identifies the key touchpoints for employers. It also includes a practical Index, summarising the different schemes and activities businesses may wish to get involved with, along with the business benefits and commitments required for each. The aim is to give employers the confidence to act. The resources are free to use and specifically designed to support SMEs across England. Future talent already exists within local schools, colleges, and universities – and these resources demonstrate how businesses can connect with that pipeline in practical and relevant ways, regardless of their size or location.

Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), said: “We know from our members that the skills gap is one of the biggest challenges they face. The Education Landscape, developed in partnership with the Strategic Development Network, is a direct response to that. It simplifies a complex system and provides businesses of all sizes with the tools to engage – whether through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or working with local schools. By helping our members connect with future talent, we’re supporting both immediate workforce needs and long-term resilience across the sector.”

To bring the guide to life, the CEA has also shared success stories from member companies that are already working with the education system in various ways. These include Webtec’s work promoting engineering to young people through the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, and RSP Suction Excavators’ award-winning apprentice Joel Gardener. Xwatch Safety Solutions has shared the career journey of Max Harris, who progressed from graduate to design engineer, while Miller has highlighted the impact of its first welder and robot programmer apprentice, Nathan Rogerson.

These real-world examples reflect a wide range of approaches – from early outreach in primary schools, to graduate development schemes and technical apprenticeships. They demonstrate that, regardless of a business’s size, there are meaningful ways to engage with education and build the workforce of the future.

The Education Landscape is now available to all CEA members, offering a valuable starting point for businesses looking to strengthen their skills pipeline, improve recruitment and prepare for future growth.

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Run Smarter Demolition.

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Time, materials, equipment, waste tracking and compliance in one dashboard

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Customizable and trackable forms, certification tracking and bilingual training videos

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Save $80K+ Annually Proven ROI per office.

profile associations

Supporting industry ongoing professional development – NFDC is now CPD-accredited provider

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is proud to announce its official listing as an accredited provider on the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification Service website.

The CPD Register is a globally recognised platform that enables professionals across multiple sectors to identify trusted, highquality career development opportunities.

The NFDC’s inclusion on this register strengthens the visibility and credibility of its educational contributions within the built environment, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the demolition and construction industries.

Raising standards through accredited learning

As a CPD-accredited provider, the NFDC is committed to delivering relevant, impactful and industryspecific training and seminars, including:

• Industry-related seminars with a broader scope to address current challenges and innovations,

• Member-focused training programmes designed to support ongoing professional growth.

Attendance at an NFDC CPDaccredited training session will count towards CPD points, supporting both career development and progression within the demolition and wider construction sectors.

Engaging in CPD ensures that individuals and organisations remain current, competitive and compliant within their field. The benefits include:

• A more skilled and knowledgeable workforce,

• Clearer career development pathways for employees,

• Greater credibility through NFDC-recognised training,

• Alignment with industry best practices, standards and regulations.

https://demolition-nfdc.com

CITB champions inclusive recruitment through Mind the Gap project success

Project creates 170 job opportunities for people with convictions, generating £3.5m social value

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released the outcome of the independent social impact study evaluating the successfully delivered ‘Mind the Gap’ programme. The programme was designed to open new pathways into construction for individuals with convictions – helping to address the sector’s skills shortage while supporting social mobility.

The original programme launched in 2017 and was led by BeOnsite, which was established by Lendlease in 2007 as a dedicated, not-for-profit company. The project tackled two pressing challenges: ensuring sustained job creation in construction and the need to reduce reoffending.

Over three years, the £720,000 investment created positive service

interventions and support for employers, the criminal justice system, currently serving prisoners and ex-offenders across England. Mind the Gap engaged with 400 employers and 795 candidates, resulting in 172 job opportunities and 75 sustained employment outcomes – exceeding its original targets.

The independent social valuation of the project suggests that Mind the Gap created £3,536,000 of social value between 2017 and 2020 by helping prison leavers into jobs and reducing reoffending, both helping to reduce reliance on public finances. The report’s key finding stated that the programme was successful in demonstrating the value of this cohort as a source of workers while delivering significant

social value to the government and other stakeholders in the process.

People employed through the programme reported a range of changes they had experienced as a result of the programme, including improved personal wellbeing, relationships, and technical skills. Employees specifically identified the development of work skills, financial literacy training and provision of support networks as key elements of the Mind the Gap programme that helped them into employment.

The project’s success lies in its collaborative approach, working across the criminal justice system and construction employers to design, test and deliver long-term training and support. It demonstrated that by improving recruitment methods and tapping into a broader, more diverse

talent pool, employers can not only meet their workforce needs but also contribute to meaningful societal change.

Jessica Mellor-Clark, Head of BeOnsite, said: “The power of collaboration was the secret to Mind the Gap’s success. We’re proud to have brought together government, business, statutory bodies and third sector organisations to create lasting change.”

Mind the Gap also helped lay the groundwork for the Ministry of Justice’s New Futures Network, launched in 2018 to connect prisons with employers and fill local skills gaps. CITB’s project lead, BeOnsite, played a key role in promoting the project through employer and prison events and roundtables.

CITB’s Construction Workforce

Outlook 2025-29 revealed that the industry requires an additional 47,860 workers per year to meet forecasted demand, so a wide range of solutions are required to fill this gap.

Adrian Beckingham, Strategy and Policy Director at CITB, said: “The construction industry has an array of opportunities for people from all sorts of backgrounds. By creating new routes into the industry for people with convictions, we’re not only helping individuals rebuild their lives – we’re also helping employers access untapped talent.

“Mind the Gap is a powerful example of the multitude of solutions we need to consider to address the skills shortage while improving people’s lives, and it will help inform other projects we work

on and, in turn, government policy. With almost a third of construction employers citing skills shortages as a key challenge, it’s vital we broaden our recruitment horizons and build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society.”

As CITB continues to support the construction industry in building a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce, the lessons from Mind the Gap will inform future initiatives aimed at improving recruitment practices and expanding access to opportunity.

To read the full social impact study and find out more about the Mind the Gap programme, please visit the CITB website.

www.citb.co.uk

How we’re working with the British Business Bank and SMEs to power smarter investment

by Terry Lloyd – Head of Vendor in the SME Lending division at Paragon

Bank

The demolition and construction sectors are no strangers to transformation. Whether it’s adapting to new environmental standards, embracing modern technologies or navigating the ever-changing economic and political landscape, businesses in our industry are constantly evolving. At Paragon Bank, we’re proud to be playing a part in that evolution through our involvement in the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS).

Designed to support small businesses by providing increased access to finance, Paragon has now been allocated a total of £55 million through the GGS – helping over 300 SMEs across the UK with the capital they need to grow, modernise and compete effectively.

Important to note is what truly sets the GGS apart: flexibility. Unlike traditional finance, which typically focuses on hard assets like machinery or vehicles, GGSbacked funding can be used for a wider range of investments, including soft assets and operational improvements which are critical to the day-to-day running of a modern demolition business.

As a few examples, we’re seeing firms use this funding to improve their business infrastructure with upgrades such as enhanced security fencing, CCTV systems and office refurbishments –investments that improve safety, security and operational processes. Others are installing solar panels and EV charging points, aligning with the industry’s push toward

sustainability whilst also offering reduced long-term energy costs. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”, but strategic upgrades that can make a real difference to competitiveness and compliance. The scheme also supports working capital for growth including hiring skilled labour or investing in training and accreditations. In a sector where project timelines and payment cycles can be unpredictable, this kind of financial flexibility is invaluable.

At Paragon, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing demolition firms. Our team works closely with customers to tailor funding solutions that reflect the realities of their operations – whether that’s financing a new welfare unit, upgrading site facilities or supporting expansion into new regions.

Working with the British Business Bank, we’re enabling businesses to invest in the future, take on larger projects and build resilience in a competitive market. With the scheme running until March 2026, there’s still time for firms to benefit, which is why we’re urging businesses who believe they could benefit to get in touch sooner rather than later. At Paragon, we’re ready to help businesses unlock their potential.

Omega Environmental Services: The Power Station Power-House in Asbestos Removal

With decades of proven expertise, Omega Environmental Services has solidified its reputation as the go-to specialist for asbestos removal in power stations across the UK.

Our extensive portfolio of completed projects demonstrates our commitment to excellence, safety, and efficiency in undertaking some of the most complex asbestos removal tasks in the industry. With a total project value exceeding £100m+, Omega Environmental Services has consistently delivered exceptional results whilst prioritising safety and compliance with industry standards. Our capabilities and proven track record make us the “Power Station Power-House” in asbestos removal.

profile opinion

AI in Demolition: Disruption or the next frontier?

by Richard Dolman – Managing Director, AR Demolition

Artificial intelligence has rapidly shifted from a futuristic buzzword to a transformative force across nearly every industry – and demolition is no exception. While it may seem that our sector, with its heavy machinery, is far removed from the world of algorithms and automation, the truth is that AI is already changing the way we plan, price and deliver projects.

As demolition contractors, we’re in the business of precision, risk management and efficiency. These are exactly the areas where AI excels. The question isn’t whether AI will impact our industry – it already is doing so. The question is whether we’re ready to harness it for competitive advantage.

Let’s start with surveying and site analysis. Drone technology, powered by AI-driven image recognition, now allows us to capture high-resolution data of structures and terrain in minutes. These scans can be used to generate 3D models, assess structural risk, and even predict

the safest and most cost-effective demolition sequence – all before a single tool hits the ground.

AI is also revolutionising tendering and project estimation. By analysing historical project data, machine learning algorithms can provide predictive insights on labour hours, material yields, recycling revenue, and even likely programme delays. This reduces guesswork, improves bid accuracy, and helps us win more work with confidence.

Safety, the cornerstone of our industry, also stands to benefit immensely. AI-powered CCTV and wearable tech can monitor real-time site conditions and worker behaviour, flagging risks like proximity to plant, unsafe movements or fatigue before accidents happen. This proactive approach could redefine how we deliver on our duty of care.

However, embracing AI doesn’t mean replacing people – it means empowering them. AI handles

repetitive or complex data analysis so our teams can focus on strategy, leadership and innovation. The key is upskilling: training our workforce to use these tools effectively, while keeping the human touch where it matters most – judgement, communication and adaptability.

Of course, AI brings challenges too: data security and the need for robust digital infrastructure. But these are not reasons to hesitate – they are reasons to lead. The firms that engage now, experiment early and scale intelligently will be the ones shaping the future of our industry.

Demolition has always been about more than knocking things down. It’s about making way for the new. AI is the new frontier – and it’s ours to claim.

If

01277 225 428

We manage a wide range of non-hazardous waste, including bricks, concrete, metals, plastics, timber and soil, with safe and efficient disposal

We provide a nationwide 24/7 asbestos disposal service with enclosed skips from 16 to 40 yards, plus a convenient van collection option for smaller jobs where a skip isn’t require

A family-run business with over 46 years of industry experience – no job too big or too small

At G J Bowmer (Waste Disposal) Ltd, we’re proud to recycle 100% of all domestic and commercial waste, with nothing sent to landfill

Members of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association since 1988

recruitment

Since being established in 2012, Romax Solutions has set a high standard when it comes to recruitment. Finding the best candidates is our driven desire and passion, we aim to meet the recruitment needs of a diverse range of clients within the construction industry. Being based just outside of London gives us easy access to service all clients throughout Essex, London, Kent and surrounding areas while also having the capabilities to support and service nationwide projects and clients.

With a depth of knowledge, our experienced and trusted staff are on hand to deliver a bespoke service to each and every client, supplying reliable and talented staff of all levels both nationally and locally. Romax Solutions

is fully accredited by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the National Federation of Demolition Contractors. These accreditations have enabled us to work alongside other NFDC members to meet their scope of needs on multiple projects. These projects range from small scale strip outs to large scale power station decommissions.

We are also always keen to add new talent to our current pool of candidates nationwide. These include those from management level downwards, including skilled demolition operatives and even those just starting out their demolition careers. We work effortlessly to ensure all candidates are fit for purpose, including using accredited training providers to upskill our operatives.

CCDO Operative

(Cat B Non-licensed asbestos removal)

Wandsworth, south-west London

Role: CCDO Operative with Cat B, for demolition works

Rate: £17 – £19 p/h

Requirements:

• CCDO Green/Red qualification

• Cat B Non-licensed asbestos removal

• Full PPE

• Minimum of two years’ experience in demolition

• Good timekeeping and willingness to work

What we offer:

• Ability to work through CIS / self-employed

• Weekly payments

• Assistance in regard to progression within construction

• Ongoing labourer work for the right candidate

For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353

Romax Solutions provides long term work for the right candidates depending on reliability and willingness to work.

CCDO Operatives

Oxford Circus, central London

Role: CCDO Operatives, work involves demolition, soft strip, long term works.

Rate: £16 – £18 p/h

Requirements:

• CCDO Green/Red Card

• Full PPE

• Minimum of two years’ experience within construction as a CCDO

• Good timekeeping and willingness to work

What we offer:

• Ability to work through CIS / self-employed

• Weekly payments

• Assistance in regard to progression within construction

• Ongoing work for the right candidate

For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353

360 Operator (D90) Victoria, south-west London

Role: 360 Operator (D90) required for a demolition breaking works

Rate: £21 – £22 p/h

Requirements:

• Blue CPCS (NVQ Level 2) + D90 ticket

• Full PPE

• Minimum of three years’ experience as a 360 Operator and in demolition

• Good timekeeping and willingness to work What we offer:

• Ability to work through CIS / self-employed

• Weekly payments

• Assistance in regard to progression within construction

• Ongoing work for the right candidate

For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353

Romax Solutions provides long term work for the right candidates depending on reliability and willingness to work.

CCDO Burner Shoreditch, east London

Role: CCDO Burner for burning works taking down structural steel works

Rate: £20 – £22 p/h

Requirements:

• CCDO/ CSCS card

• Oxy Fuel Cutting qualification

• Full PPE

• Minimum of three years’ experience within construction as a CCDO Burner

• Good timekeeping and willingness to work

What we offer:

• Ability to work through CIS / self-employed

• Weekly payments

• Assistance in regard to progression within construction

• Ongoing labourer work for the right candidate

For more information and to work on this project please contact the account manager of this specific job on 07557 196 353