Demolition Hub Magazine - June/July 2025

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June/July 2025 | Issue #29

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CASE STUDIES: UK OK

British contractors showing us what they can do

TARGETED DEMOLITION

#1 for British, Irish & European Demolition

GROUND BREAKING

Welcome to issue #29 of Demolition Hub –Our first UK-centric edition. This issue marks a significant and exciting milestone for us here at Demolition Hub. With the launch of a brand new publication, DNA – Demolition North America, we are proud to present our first UK-centric issue, further sharpening our focus on the demolition industry across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

The creation of DNA allows us to offer dedicated, region-specific content to an audience we’ve grown to know well over the years thanks to our close ties with industry leaders, our involvement with both the NDA and DGA, and countless transatlantic conversations. Each DNA issue will be published between Demolition Hub editions, giving the global industry 12 issues a year of high-quality, territory-focused coverage.

What does this mean for you? A more tailored publication, celebrating the work, expertise and developments happening right here at home, while also keeping an eye on global best practice through a strong and independent North American counterpart. Personally, my boots are muddier than ever after a flurry of recent site visits and even my once-polished shoes are showing signs of wear after months on the road. Whether I’ve met you in your office, on site, or even down the pub, it’s been an absolute pleasure to connect with so many of you. From the beginning nearly five years ago our mission has been to get out, meet the people behind the projects and showcase your work. And what an inspiring journey it’s been so far.

Please keep the invitations coming. It’s clear you see value in our platform and its reach and we are, after all, your magazine.

In this issue, we’re proud to feature an insightful interview with Keith Lambourne, General Manager at OKB Attachments. We also spotlight the waste and recycling sector, with thanks to everyone who contributed to that feature, as well as sharing the latest news, case studies, and updates from across the industry.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.

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PUBLISHER

Ben Chambers ben@chambers.media 01903 952 648

EDITOR

Toby Wilsdon toby@chambers.media 01903 952 645

COLUMNISTS

Richard Dolman Terry Lloyd

We wish Howard Button a continued recovery

PHOTO CONTRIBUTOR Sky Revolutions

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Ben Chambers ben@chambers.media 01903 952 648

DESIGN

Joe Chambers joe@chambers.media

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Demolition

6 EVENTS

28

WASTE AND RECYCLING FEATURE

10

SUPPLIER TALK

Toby Wilsdon talks to Keith Lambourne, General Manager of OKB Attachments – the Silver Sponsor of the British Demolition Awards

18

CASE STUDIES

Freeley plays its part in the regeneration of Wirral with two local authority projects

Thompsons of Prudhoe brings down a 15-storey tower block to enable regeneration in the Walker area of Newcastle upon Tyne

Dorton Group closes a chapter for the Body Shop, as its distinctive pagoda-style headquarters meets a sustainable end

UK Construction Week review. All the news from the UK’s largest built environment event 50

News and views from those in the waste and recycling sector

• Windsor Waste Management

• British Metals Recycling Association

• CDE Group

• John F Hunt Regeneration

• Material Index

• Total Waste Management Ltd

• Maylarch, part of the M&M Group

44

OUT & ABOUT

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

All the news from the European Demolition Association

54 INDUSTRY

DIECI DP 120 T three-side dumper

Hyundai excavators first choice for Hawkes

Demolition

Komatsu Smart Construction reports ‘major’ product evolution and growth

Mawsley Machinery appointed as East Midlands Utility Dealer

FAYAT Group completes buyout of Mecalac Group

Rokbak ADTs power new water truck line

SUEZ amps up sustainability with Volvo L25 Electric

64

ASSOCIATIONS

DA: The German Demolition Association (Deutscher Abbruchverband) supports Cologne fire brigade in supplying children's fire safety educational materials

CEA: The CEA welcomes US-UK trade deal

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

NFDC: The federation looks ahead to a new era following the departure of CEO Duncan Rudall and President John Lynch

72

OPINION

Terry Lloyd of Paragon Bank checks in with the economy halfway through 2025

Richard Dolman of AR Demolition on the opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain

76

RECRUITMENT

The latest demolition jobs from Romax Solutions

events

UKCW London sets the agenda for built environment and returns to capital with record attendance

UK Construction Week (UKCW) London, the UK’s largest built environment event, celebrated its most successful edition to date when it returned to Excel London. The show welcomed record visitor numbers and featured a wealth of exclusive brands, an in-depth CPDaccredited education programme with over 160 hours of CPD credits, global exhibitors, and a range of innovative new features.

The biggest update to this year’s edition was the unveiling of two major new show features: HVAC+R and Onsite On Hire to showcase innovation:

HVAC+R, focused on the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sectors, was delivered in partnership with Datateam Business Media and supported by leading industry associations including the Building Engineering Services Association, Federation of Environmental Trade Associations, Heat Pump Association, and the Institute of Refrigeration. The event was supported by industry leaders Veissmann, Toshiba/Carrier Solutions UK, Sanha UK, Rex Nordic,

Trimair and Vulcan Industries.

Onsite On Hire, a showcase for cutting-edge plant, tool and ecohire solutions, made its London debut after a successful launch at UKCW Birmingham. Sponsored by Speedy Hire and supported by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the feature hosted over 30 top-tier hire companies and equipment suppliers including

Amorgard, Altrad Belle, Milwaukee Power Tools, Multiquip and Makita.

High-impact education and industry leadership

This year’s event placed a strong emphasis on Net Zero and industry transformation, with over 160 hours of CPD-accredited workshops and seminars, led by thought leaders including:

• Mark Reynolds, CEO, MACE

• Andrew Watkin, Transport and Estates Development Manager, Aston Villa FC

• Alan Heron, Director of Procurement, Places for People

• David Philp, Chair, CIOS Innovation Panel

• Kerry O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage, Blenheim Palace Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, said: “This year, UKCW London was more than just a hub for innovation and collaboration – it became a pivotal platform for shaping the future of the built environment.

It marked a bold and dynamic start to our 10th anniversary celebrations, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as we look ahead to UKCW Birmingham this autumn.”

Event highlights

• The Women in Construction networking event supported by The National Association of Women in Construction and Women in property championed diversity in the sector and attracted over 100 delegates to

“UKCW London has been a brilliant platform to bring our suppliers and customers together”

interact and share knowledge,

• More than 300 exhibitors showcased 7,000+ products, including leading names such as JCB, Sage, Kingspan, Hahn Plastics, Fisher Future Heat, Creagh Concrete, BRE Group and many more,

• The Sicilian Pavilion made a notable return, bringing a curated selection of high-end, family-owned interiors brands offering marble, decorative finishes, windows and flooring,

• The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces co-located with UK Construction Week for the first time offering visitors solutions for sustainable building materials with the UK’s largest showcase of natural stone.

Stand Awards honoured outstanding exhibition design and engagement..

• Best Space Only Stand: Sage

• Best Shell Scheme Stand: HSS Proservice

• Best Sustainability Initiative: Air Quality Improvement

• Best Marketing: BRE

Celebrating industry role models

Now in its eighth year, the Role Models Campaign recognised exceptional talent and commitment across the sector, with shortlists revealed in three new categories:

• Rising Star: Highlights included Emily Ray (Lorenc Design Associates), Rekiya Shodunke (Berkeley Homes), and Tegan Johnson (Charles Russell Speechlys LLP),

• Pioneer: Among the nominees were Issie Barrett-Kearns

events

(Veriforce CHAS), Joshua Cross (MV Kelly), and Carly Hughes (Immerse Safety),

• Icon: Standouts included Rob Charlton (Space Group), Jodie Sawyer (Tarmac) and Joanna Brooker (C2C Group).

Winners will be announced in October at UKCW Birmingham.

Exhibitor feedback

“UKCW London has been a brilliant platform to bring our suppliers and customers together. From eight exhibitors in Birmingham to over 20 in London, we’ve seen remarkable growth.”

Roisin O’Gara, PR and Events Manager, Speedy Hire

“This has been our most successful expo experience to date. The engagement and footfall have been exceptional.”

Will Jones, Event Lead, Octopus Energy

“We’ve connected with high-quality leads and decision-makers – exactly the outcome we hoped for.”

Adrian Wilson, UK Business Development Manager, Creagh Concrete

“The layout and design foster real engagement. It’s one of the bestorganised events we’ve attended, and our team is already following up on promising leads.”

Maximus Hammond, Fleet Sales, Toyota

Dates for the upcoming editions have now been confirmed:

• UKCW Birmingham: 30 September – 2 October 2025

• UKCW 2026 London: 12 – 14 May 2026

“We’ve connected with high-quality leads and decision-makers”

Registration is now open for UKCW Birmingham.

SUPPLIER TALK

Interviewee: Keith Lambourne

Role: General Manager

Company: OKB Attachments

Toby Wilsdon: Tell us about yourself.

Keith Lambourne: I grew up in South Africa and like most people in the area, I ended up doing an apprenticeship on the mines as a fitter and turner. Then I did my national service and when I came out, I didn’t want to go back to the mines, so I moved up to Johannesburg and started working for Montabert.

I had a British passport, so when I was 29 I decided to come back to the UK with my family. We came over in November and it was really cold. I’d brought an English Bull Terrier with us and he had to quarantine for six months. He got so cold that the people where he was boarding

bought him a woolly coat but he decided he’d rather eat it. English bull terriers are very strong, but extremely stupid.

I ended up working for IP Equipment Services, which was the Montabert importer at the time. I subsequently worked for Kinshofer for a year and then when Atlas Copco bought Krupp, they approached me and said, we’ve got no experience in heavy attachments, would you like to come on board? Why wouldn’t I? So I joined them.

I had various roles within Atlas Copco, becoming sales manager and eventually the business line manager for construction tools. And then when Epiroc and Atlas Copco split, I went to Epiroc and continued

my role there for close to 20 years in total. Since my early 20s, it’s always been attachments. I’ve done everything from service engineer to direct selling, to managing businesses. I know how it feels to be a dealer, but also what it’s like to work for the manufacturer. I’ve got good knowledge, but I wouldn’t propose that I know it all – anyone who does is a fool.

And now you’re with OKB. Tell us about that.

The OKB brand was initially built in Korea. William Coyle has been

bringing them into the UK for 12 years and he bought the name after a couple of years. Since then production has been focused in the far east.

Attachments is a very big hire industry, so stuff generally doesn’t get looked after by users as well as it should. I’ve known Will for quite a while and over the years he’s fed back problems he’s had with other brands into the design of his own OKB brand, so in essence, he’s designed the product range around the harsh environments we find in the UK and Ireland.

Will and I got together at the end of last year. He wanted to make the OKB brand better known so we sat down and discussed me coming on board to set up a dealer network. The clincher for me was when Will presented the figures of the total cost of ownership for different equipment and brands in the CES hire fleet. Not only were the OKB machines significantly cheaper, but running costs, downtime and everything else were lower too.

You’re always going to get someone who wants a big name brand, but if you buy an OKB breaker, you’re going to get as good a product for a significantly lower price. And everything is held in the UK; the machines themselves, the spare parts, the equipment are all stocked in the UK. With some brands, when you want to order something you could be looking at weeks, even months before you get your parts and that means your breaker or attachment is sitting on the ground doing nothing. With OKB, it’s there on the shelf, ready to go.

The more Will and I discussed this, the more I realised that premium brands are not the be all and end all – there’s definitely a place for the so-called cheaper brands. And the thing is, these brands have got better over the years. If you were to talk about breakers from the Asian market 10 or 15 years ago, you would have said they were rubbish. Nobody wanted to touch them. I had a conversation

three weeks ago with a guy who had one of our breakers running alongside one of the premium brands. And he said, “To be, fair, your breaker wasn’t any better, but by God it was certainly no worse either. And you’re 20% cheaper. Why wouldn’t I buy it?”

So what is the range of products?

We do breakers, we do selector grabs, pulverisers, concrete crackers, demolition and scrap shears. And we’ve just started bringing in a range of hydraulic compaction plates as well, so we can supply more or less everything the industry needs.

Where are you based and what’s the size of the operation?

At the moment, OKB is working in conjunction with Coyle Equipment, but they are two separate entities. Coyle Equipment has three depots, one in London, one in Bristol and one in Birmingham and we’ve got stock everywhere because space gets taken up very quickly. We’re looking to consolidate OKB’s stock

holding into one premises with it being distributed from there.

So you’ll be supplying nationwide?

That’s my job at the moment. Finding a dealer is not the hardest thing to do. Finding a good dealer is very hard. It takes time, so patience is important. There are quite a few people who would like to be dealers for various ranges of products, but some would just put your name across their door and just wait for the phone to ring.

So far, we’ve set up dealers in the south-west of England, the southeast, in Wales and Scotland, so we’ve got a big gap in the middle. We look for people that are not already selling attachments, or who want to change supplier. We’d prefer people to sell our product exclusively, but we understand that we don’t do everything, so if they sell something that’s not in our range, then fine. Will also has good Irish connections who we’re talking to.

It’s not like selling direct to end users, where you’re busy all day,

every day, quoting and knocking on doors. You’re selling a whole package rather than just a product. You have to convince people of why your product would be a good synergy with their existing business and how you will be able to support them with good service. So it’s never decided on one meeting.

We’ve got a good product. It’s early days and I think our biggest challenge over the next year is to get people familiar with it. But once we’ve got good dealers on board and it’s their responsibility to do marketing too and ensure that it’s put on social media, we will support them with their local shows. We’ve got the guys in Wales doing the Royal Welsh, we’ve got guys in Scotland doing one next month, and then the Black Isle Show near Inverness later in the year.

We are very much doing this as a long term thing, rather than a quick fix to get turnover and get the brand name out there. We feel that through a dealer network you get good coverage, and better local

service for customers. Most good manufacturers do the same thing, because it works in the UK.

So, where are the products designed?

It’s done in the far east – we have the basic framework and they manufacture it. William will try the product out in his hire fleet and find out what works and what doesn’t work quite as he wanted it. He’ll then liaise with the manufacturer and tell them what he thinks could work better, they will adapt it and bring it back. We’ll trial it again, and once he’s happy with the product, it goes into production.

For example, Will has always insisted that the whole selector grab is made out of Hardox, so the whole thing is hard wearing. We’ve

seen a few brands that twist and bend, so we’ve eliminated that. We’ve also added covers over places where rebar has been getting in and scarring cylinders. The factory have been really good at adapting. It’s not like the big brands where it takes a long time to get things rectified. Our product is designed and produced for the UK hire market, so it will withstand the abuse it’s going to get as far as reasonably possible.

What are the most significant developments you’ve seen in the industry?

When I first started people took one look at hydraulic breakers and said: “I’m not putting that on my machine, it’ll shake it to bits,” which a long time ago, they did. We used to put big hydraulic accumulators

on the hydraulic supply to dampen the vibrations. Now it’s incorporated in the breaker. You’ve got breakers now that sense the material and hit accordingly. Power, productivity and efficiency within the breaker have improved dramatically and I would struggle to think of any demolition companies that don’t have breakers now. We are now starting to see significant changes in the other attachments, the crackers, the pulverisers and things like that. That used to be all done with mechanical machines, welded on the end of the booms, so the power generated was nowhere near as great as it is now. And production timescales are now faster as a result.

Long-reach machines with tools on the end can bring down big buildings quicker and demolition has changed accordingly. If they’ve got three months to do the job, it needs to be done, otherwise there are big penalties. So the right tool for the job, is essential.

These attachments will come on leaps and bounds in the future because of noise pollution. Breakers are still commonplace and I think always will be, but there are other ways to do things now that are quicker, quieter and more efficient. When selector grabs came on board, it was predominantly the waste industry that used them for loading and separating on a 20-tonne excavator. Now we see guys using eight-tonne excavators with a grab, which is more cost effective. Eight-

tonne excavators have come into their own and when it comes to selector grabs, that will be one of the biggest markets in the UK.

There’s not a demolition site that won’t have one or two selector grabs, they’re like a Swiss Army Knife – you see the guys cleaning the floors, bringing down small structures, sorting steel from concrete on site. We’ve got a very good selector grab in our range. Again, Will has put a lot of time in, making sure that we’ve got something that works in the UK.

Are there any big ideas that you see coming down the track?

all the time and you think, “How did we never think of that? It was so simple.” You’ve seen manufacturers trying different things over the years and it not quite working out. I think, they’ll work on the efficiency of the breakers, sensing materials, silent demolition tools, cutters and things like that.

Steel can only take so much and if you apply greater force to it, there’s going to be more distortion. If someone could produce a lighter material that is as strong or stronger than the Hardox we’ve already got… but not everything can be made out of the hardest material, these things have to have a certain amount of give in them otherwise they will just snap.

So it depends on developments elsewhere, such as new materials or fundamental technologies. Yes. There have been changes over the years, new materials have come in, especially on hydraulic breakers. When you look at wear bushes and working tools, new materials mean they last longer, don’t wear as quickly or snap as easily. And because the market has grown so much, production costs have gone down so companies are more profitable and can reinvest in product development.

What is your core message to our demolition contractor readership?

You don’t need to buy a premium product. The OKB range of attachments is as good as, and in some cases better than premium brands, at a significantly reduced price. Production will be the same and backup will more often than not

be better because everything is held locally.

We’ve got Coyle Equipment Services, who have probably the biggest hire fleet of attachments in the UK, as a dealer for the southeast. We can pull attachments out of there to back up our customers or end users who buy through our dealer network if necessary. We will have local dealers around the UK so backup supply will be quick – breakdowns can happen with any product, it’s just that OKB is in a position to react quicker and better than anyone else. I think that’s where we are particularly strong, our backup and service is phenomenal. Give us a go and see for yourselves. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Where do you see OKB Attachments in five or ten years?

As a company, I would say in five years’ time to have a good working dealer network across the UK and Ireland. And in 10 years, market leader.

And

yourself?

I run a karate club, that is my passion, it’s what I like to do. I can remember when my son was a small boy I would beat him. The tables have turned now – he competes for England. I’ve done martial arts for a long time and the hardest thing was accepting that you’re not young any more. You’re never going to be as good or as fast. It takes a while, but once you accept that… that’s what I like about karate, it’s for everybody.

So when I do retire from this industry, I suppose I’m going to do that full time. My son does the majority of the club, teaching and things, but he trains a lot. He competes abroad, so he’s not always about so I have to back him up. And I think the students like him more than me, because I’m a bit old school. I tend to shout a little more than he does – those who know me will know that is completely out of character!

Case study

Project: Hexham House, Walker, Newcastle

Structure: 15-storey block of flats

Contractor: Thompsons of Prudhoe Ltd

Client: Newcastle City Council

Completion date: March 2025

Future use: Residential

The demolition of Hexham House was part of Newcastle City Council’s plans for the regeneration of Walker and paves the way for up to 50 new affordable homes including some accessible properties. Full plans are still to be confirmed but the new homes will be built with energy efficiency in mind to help deliver cleaner, greener homes in the city. The development is crucial for the local community and contributes to the council’s broader urban regeneration goals.

The project is a standout example of value-based decision making, where safety, community impact and environmental considerations were prioritised above cost. Newcastle City Council’s definition of value focused on delivering a safe, disruptionfree project, ensuring no harm to local properties, minimising impact on stakeholders and maintaining community support. It established clear project goals for the delivery team to meet, which included:

• Reportable incident and accident-free project,

• No undue disruption to local stakeholders,

• No damage to adjacent and adjoining premises,

• No environmental incidents.

Initially, the plan was to demolish Hexham House using a mechanical high-reach demolition method. However, at the last moment, the application to close the adjacent road was refused as it served as the only access to the nearby health centre. This halt to the project led to a collaborative decisionmaking process with the council’s senior team. A comparative risk assessment was conducted and after evaluating the pros and cons of different demolition methods, the decision was made to proceed with a controlled blowdown. Thompsons’ extensive experience with successful blowdowns over the past four years played a key role in guiding the

decision.

The Thompsons team worked diligently to communicate with and manage a diverse range of 18 stakeholder groups including local shops and businesses, two community centres, three churches, a health centre, care home and 186 residential properties, minimising the impact upon them and ensuring everyone was informed and supported throughout the project.

The works also had the potential to impact two critical nearby properties – a Northern PowerGrid substation located six metres away and an occupied garage site just eight metres away. Significant emphasis was placed on minimising any potential damage to these properties and a collaborative approach was taken to ensure a safe and successful outcome for everyone involved. Careful engagement and clear communication were vital to ensure stakeholders were informed about the project’s hazards, control measures and evacuation procedures for the day of the blowdown.

A robust Quality Management Plan, developed specifically for this project but using a colour coded system from previous blowdowns, ensured the building was preweakened safely. Concerns over falling panels during the blowdown were addressed by developing a temporary tie-back system that secured the panels. This decision guaranteed the blowdown proceeded without incident, ensuring all project objectives were met safely and efficiently.

Despite a major incident in the

case study

city causing delays in the weeks leading up to the blowdown day, the team responded with sensitivity, balancing the need for community support with the project’s stability and safety. A two-week delay was agreed and the project team expertly reorganised logistics and re-engaged subcontractors and stakeholders without compromising on safety.

The demolition was executed with meticulous planning and execution. On blowdown day, residents were instructed to leave their homes two hours prior to the demolition. Despite extensive communication, 26 residents remained, some due to medical reasons, while others refused to leave. The decision was made to use infrared screening technology to track their locations inside their homes, enabling the team to monitor the situation closely. It was empowered to take immediate action if necessary and emergency services were ready to intervene. The residents who stayed in their homes were positioned in areas away from the blast and thankfully, all went according to plan.

The project became a memorable community event, with local kids competing to press the “big button”, live coverage on TV and radio and thousands of people gathering on the street. It was a day full of excitement and a moment many in the community will never forget.

The successful completion of the project contributes to the wider regeneration of Walker, clearing the site for the development of 50 new, affordable, energy-efficient homes, a vital part of the local community’s urban renewal goals.

Case study

Project: Wallasey Town Hall Annexes

Structure: Two steel and concrete office buildings

Site area: 1.2 acres

Contractor: Freeley

Scope of works: Demolition and site clearance of the north and south annexes, situated either side of Wallasey Town Hall

Client: Wirral Council

Start date: February 2024

Completion date: April 2024

Techniques: Floor-by-floor demolition and controlled mechanical demolition

Future use: Residential

Freeley paves the way for Wirral regeneration

Wirral Council appointed Freeley to demolish the town hall’s north and south annexes in Brighton Street as part of regeneration plans for the Seacombe area. The former office buildings had been vacant since 2020 and were subsequently declared surplus to the council’s requirements.

The annexes were situated on a busy main road close to homes, a leisure centre and a primary school, requiring meticulous planning to ensure safety and minimise disruption.

Stakeholder engagement and preparation

Before starting on site, the Freeley team worked closely with local stakeholders to establish strong communication channels. A prestart meeting was arranged with representatives from the school and leisure centre to discuss the project and measures to minimise disruption, including traffic and noise management.

Following the installation of site hoarding and footpath diversions, both buildings were stripped internally. Glazing was removed by carefully releasing window frames and drawing them inwards. On the upper floors, glass was placed into stillages and lifted to a rear window using an excavator. It was then transferred to a glass recycling skip in the car park.

Carefully controlled demolition

The phased demolition programme began with the south annexe, followed by the north. Most of the work was carried out using mechanical demolition. High reach excavators fitted with a selector grab attachment, ensured controlled and precise dismantling.

As part of the north annexe was close to residential properties, floor by floor demolition was required. Full height scaffolding and debris

netting was installed around the affected elevations to protect the surrounding area. Lifted onto the roof by crane, a robotic excavator with a breaker attachment was used to dismantle the roof structure and break down to the third floor.

Arisings were separated and sorted on site using mechanical grabs, before being loaded for safe disposal.

The ground floor slab and foundations were broken out using a hydraulic breaker and removed. Concrete masonry was crushed to produce 6F2 aggregate, which was then used to fill the basements and voids, supporting sustainability goals.

Dust, noise and vibration levels were continually monitored, and dust suppression measures put in place throughout the project.

Following demolition, the site was landscaped and secured ready for future development.

Community engagement

As part of its social value commitments, Freeley donated to several charities while on site, including Mid Wirral Crime Prevention Panel’s Friday Night Football, homeless charity Wirral Ark, and Wirral’s Homeless Angels, a community group supplying home cooked meals and support.

case study

The team also engaged with the local primary school to help educate nursery children on demolition and site safety. Youngsters got the chance to play with model machinery and visit the Wallasey demolition site to observe work in progress and ask questions.

Ready for the future

The project was completed on time and budget with no complaints from local residents and positive feedback from the client, design team and wider community.

The cleared site enables the Council to move forward with its ambitious regeneration programme. As well as bringing new buildings and infrastructure to the area, the plan will deliver economic growth, new homes and jobs over the coming years.

Commenting on the demolition, the Wirral Council leader said:

“Demolition of these annexes was long overdue. I’m pleased it was done on time, to budget and with as little impact on surrounding properties as possible. These sites are a key element in developing the Town Hall Quarter area and the wider Seacombe corridor, as well as helping in delivering much-needed new homes.”

Case study

Structure:

Three-storey 1920s brick school building

Contractor: Freeley

Scope of works: Demolition and site clearance

Client: Wirral Council

Start date: May 2025

Completion date: August 2025

Techniques: High reach demolition; floor-by-floor demolition under sheeted scaffolding using low-noise, low-vibration machinery

Completion date: March 2025

Future use: Residential

Freeley has commenced a key demolition project marking the first step in the £12 million regeneration of Liscard in Wirral. Following the demolition of a community centre and asbestos removal, the team is dismantling an early 20th century former school building. The clearance will

unlock the site for new housing as part of Wirral Council’s ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre.

To minimise disruption to local residents and maintain the highest safety standards, Freeley is using low-noise, low-vibration machinery and implementing dust suppression measures.

Sections of the building are only two or three metres away from occupied properties and so are being dismantled floor-byfloor under sheeted scaffolding for additional protection. The remainder of the structure will be mechanically demolished using high-reach excavators, while

Freeley kicks off £12m Liscard regeneration

20-tonne excavators will process and load the demolition arisings.

The project is also providing local employment opportunities, with one resident being hired on site as a full-time labourer / site operative after being out of employment since 2015. The position was filled in partnership with local charity Involve Northwest, which runs the ReachOut project. Commissioned by Wirral Council’s Economic Growth Service, ReachOut has been helping out of work Wirral residents find a job for almost 20 years.

Michael Freeley, Director at Freeley, commented: “We’re proud to be partnering with Wirral Council again to kickstart another significant regeneration project. As with all our work, the emphasis is on minimising disruption, ensuring the highest safety levels, promoting sustainability, and

engaging with the local community.

“We’re committed to reusing and recycling as many materials as possible through careful onsite segregation of demolition arisings. In line with our social value commitments, we’re working with local subcontractors and suppliers, and have recruited locally, helping one individual to move out of long-term unemployment.”

Councillor Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, added: “There is a real sense of momentum in the regeneration taking place across the borough, and this is an early but significant milestone in the plans for Liscard, and one which will also lead to the provision of much needed and affordable housing.

“The council will be continuing to work closely with local stakeholders, including Dame Angela Eagle MP for Wallasey, local councillors,

case study

community representatives and local businesses to ensure the plans for the town continue to progress.

“Our contractor Freeley has successfully worked with the council before on major demolition works at Seacombe and New Ferry, and I am pleased to see they are once again committed to completing this project with the respect and consideration for the people living and working nearby.”

Scheduled to complete in August 2025, the project is Freeley’s third with Wirral Council. The team has recently completed the demolition of multiple buildings in New Ferry, including a former Co-op store and premises along New Chester Road. In 2024, Freeley demolished the north and south annexes situated either side of Wallasey town hall in Brighton Street (see preceding case study).

UK - Shaping the Future, One Cut at a Time

Brokk Robotic Demolition

Aquajet Robotic Hydrodemolition

Cold Cutting in Volatile Areas Diamond Drilling & Concrete Cutting

Case study

Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex

Project

The Body Shop headquarters

Structure: Bespoke office building, steel concrete and brick

Site area: 3,000 m2

Contractor: Dorton Group

Scope of works: Soft strip/demolition including slabs and foundations. Crushing of aggregates and leave on site for onward use

Start date: May 2025

Completion date: Mid July 2025

Techniques: Traditional demolition with high reach machine

Future use: Retail

Recycling to the end: The Body Shop’s HQ bows out sustainably

The Body Shop HQ was an iconic building with its green tiled roof and pagoda style construction. The brainchild of Dame Anita Roddick, the building was designed with recycling at its heart using building products that lent themselves to ease of recycling and or re-use

The current recycling rate at the Dorton Group stands at 97.5%, which is expected to be achieved on this project. All aggregate is to be crushed on site and stockpiled for the onward new build contractor’s use. Dame Anita was a prominent environmental campaigner and prided herself and the company on producing ethical beauty products, even going so far as to promote the refilling of jars and containers by her clients who could bring them back for a refill at a discounted price.

The Body Shop HQ was a well-known and much-loved structure by the residents of Littlehampton for over 40 years. The company has now relocated to Brighton where Dame Anita opened her first shop 50 years ago.

Demolition Hub was delighted to be invited by Dorton Group to witness the ongoing demolition of the Body Shop’s former headquarters in Littlehampton, West Sussex, just down the coast from Brighton where the first outlet opened in 1976.

The unusual, pagoda-inspired building designed by a local architect in the early 1990s stands on the outskirts of the seaside town, where The Body Shop’s founder Dame Anita Roddick was born (in a bomb shelter) and grew up. Despite its landmark status and importance to the town, The Body Shop has now relocated its headquarters to marginally more conventional office buildings Brighton and London.

The site footprint is relatively tight, sandwiched between a busy road and warehouses, with car parks on the other two sides. Having signed in and donned the requisite PPE, we were taken on a walkaround, starting with a couple of Hitachi Zaxis excavators sitting on protective

matting to preserve the brick paving of the car park beneath.

On the demolition site-proper (the other side of the car park road markings), the project was roughly halfway complete. What had been a three-tiered building constructed around a courtyard with green-tiled roofs, imperial red eaves and apparently hardwood decorative woodwork (actually painted softwood), was now more of a horseshoe with sorted piles of concrete, structural steel and wood to the sides.

There was little to salvage from the building on heritage or sentimental grounds. Some of the painted green tiles had been given to a newly opened coffee shop down the road. A plaque had been salvaged and one or two mementos were given to former employees. And the tree that had been present in the courtyard was long gone. Less salubrious was a lone uncoupled toilet just visible on the second floor.

Following the soft strip, the team had removed the timber roof structure and proceeded to drop the floors and separate the light iron ceiling tiles from the concrete, rebar and structural steel, with the Dorton Recycling skips and Volvo truck standing ready to transport the materials to the company’s Sussex

“I absolutely loved working at The Body Shop in Littlehampton. It was a very special place and I will cherish the memories”

depot for recycling.

Chris Morgan, Site Manager, told us that the demolition of the building had been arranged with the prevailing wind off the sea in mind, moving around the courtyard in the lee of the southern part of the structure, with the final part acting as a windbreak.

Despite the weather threatening to make any additional water moot, Dorton was using a hose-fed Generac Mobile Powerjet to keep dust under control, while the wind necessitated adjusting its targeting to compensate for the drift. We watched as the Hitachi took a Prodem shear from BPH Attachments to the structural

steel, with its extra jaw power required to cut through parts of the framework that were two feet thick.

Iszara Morgan, an Ecommerce Manager at the Body Shop in Littlehampton for seven years said: “I absolutely loved working at The Body Shop in Littlehampton. It was a very special place and some of the people who worked there were very special too.

“I am extremely sad that the building is being demolished as I remember going there as a child on school trips and touring the factory and it being a part of Littlehampton’s heritage.

“I will miss Uncle Fred’s Diner

the most, but will cherish all the memories, hilarious times I had and unforgettable friends I made there.”

Hallway Properties, which owns the site, said redevelopment would transform the unused space with a vibrant mix of retailers, featuring clothing and food stores, offering convenience for surrounding communities as well as new local jobs and training opportunities.

Mark Harris, partner at Freeths, which is advising and leading on the planning process, said: “While it’s too early to announce the names involved, we can share that discussions are progressing with some of the UK’s most recognisable retailers.”

WASTE & RECYCLING FEATURE

Windsor Waste Management

Safe and reliable asbestos disposal services

When dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, safety and compliance are paramount.

Windsor Waste Management offers specialised asbestos disposal services designed to handle asbestos waste safely and efficiently. This service ensures that asbestos waste is managed in a way that protects both the environment and public health.

Why choose Windsor Waste for asbestos disposal?

With years of experience in hazardous waste management, Windsor Waste Management is a trusted name in the industry. Our team of professionals are trained to handle asbestos with the highest safety standards. This expertise ensures that your asbestos waste is managed correctly from collection to disposal.

Asbestos disposal is heavily regulated to prevent health risks associated with asbestos exposure. We ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Our asbestos disposal services meet the stringent requirements set by environmental and health authorities, giving you peace of mind that your asbestos waste is being handled legally and safely.

We understand that asbestos removal projects vary in size. Whether you are dealing with a small amount of asbestos waste from a residential property or a large volume from an industrial site, we have a range of services to meet your needs:

• Asbestos skip hire: Our skips are designed specifically for asbestos waste, ensuring safe containment and transport. Sizes range from 6-yard skips to 40-yard roros with open and closed options.

• Van collection: Our vans are specifically designed for the collection of smaller quantities of asbestos waste. Whether it’s fibrous asbestos or cementbonded asbestos, our service is perfect for projects where a full skip or large container isn’t necessary. This makes the service not only convenient but also more affordable.

• Waste transfer stations: We have two waste transfer stations located in Brentwood, Essex, and south Wales. Both are fully licensed and equipped to handle both fibrous and cement-bonded asbestos.

• Hazibag: Developed specifically for the fully compliant

containment and transportation of solid hazardous wastes, Hazibag offers substantial benefits over traditional containers such as drums, IBCs and wheeled bins.

• Safe, secure transportation: Transporting asbestos waste requires specialised equipment and protocols. Our fleet of vehicles is equipped to handle asbestos, ensuring that your waste is transported securely to licensed disposal facilities. We take every precaution to prevent any release of asbestos fibres during transit.

• Environmentally responsible disposal: At Windsor Waste Management, we are committed to environmentally responsible waste management. Once collected, asbestos waste is taken to a licensed disposal site where it is processed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. This commitment helps protect the environment and public health.

The asbestos skip hire process

1. Assessment and quote: Contact us to discuss your asbestos removal project. Our

team will assess your needs and provide a detailed quote for a service that matches your needs. We ensure transparency in pricing with no hidden costs.

2. Delivery of your service: We arrange for the prompt delivery of the asbestos skip to your site at a time that suits you –sometimes as early as the next day.

3. Safe loading: When loading the skip, it is important to follow safety guidelines to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. Our team can provide advice on safe packaging and loading practices.

4. Collection and Disposal: Our team will collect your asbestos waste and transport it to a licensed disposal facility. We handle all paperwork and regulatory compliance, making the process hassle-free for you.

Why proper asbestos disposal matters

Improper disposal of asbestos can have severe health implications. Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause serious respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma. By using a professional asbestos disposal service, you ensure that asbestos waste is handled safely, reducing the risk of exposure to these dangerous fibres.

Named “Waste Provider of the Year” at the British Demolition Awards for both 2023 and 2024, our commitment to safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal partner for your asbestos disposal needs.

559 966

British Metals Recycling Association

An agenda for change feature

Earlier this year, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) launched its An Agenda for Change.

Targeting key government ministers, the document highlights the UK metals recycling industry’s key asks that will make it easier for it to do business. These asks will support the industry to continue to enjoy free and fair trade, improve site safety and contribute to the UK’s net zero ambition.

While it may not first appear to be relevant to all sizes of business within the sector, due to the unique nature of the metals recycling supply chain pyramid, it could have a catastrophic trickledown effect on small businesses due to challenges faced by larger organisations.

With the BMRA’s goal to ensure all businesses in the sector continue to thrive, we take a look at each ask.

Supporting the global circular economy

The industry currently produces over four times the recycled metal demanded by UK manufacturers. As a result of this limited secondary metal manufacturing capacity, the UK has become one of the

leading exporters of recycled metal anywhere in the world.

Being able to export metal is critical to the viability of the UK metals recycling industry. BMRA is calling on government to recognise the benefits of free and fair trade for recycled materials, which exist as globalised commodities and to resist protectionist measures that would impede exports and create overcapacity.

Extending producer responsibility

At present the metals recycling industry is having to incur costs throughout its supply chain that should be the responsibility of manufacturers including increasing amounts of hazardous waste. The disposal of these hazardous wastes is currently met by the recycler, not the producer.

BMRA is calling on government to work with industry to support additional growth in treatment facilities for hazardous and persistent organic pollutant (POPs) wastes. BMRA also seeks establishment of a new Defraled working group with related

industries to work collaboratively to encourage eco-design. Comprised of manufacturers, recyclers and academics, its two main objectives should be to design-out hazardous and POPs and resist the use of alternative harmful substitutes and ensuring harmonisation in similar product types across borders.

Empowering a net zero future

UK electricity prices currently act as a deterrent to electrification by pushing up the costs of doing business and putting UK recyclers at a competitive disadvantage when compared to their European counterparts.

In order for metals recycling businesses to switch to cleaner energy and decarbonise, an ambitious government could lower electricity costs across the entire metals value chain.

BMRA is calling on government to add the metals recycling industry to the list of key industries that will benefit from its British Industry Supercharger and to support the BMRA’s initiative, the Scrap-Steel Working Group, which aims to facilitate technological innovation

between metal recyclers and steelmakers – ensuring that all flat and long steel products’ material mix can consist of 100% recycled metal.

Preparing for a battery future

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery containing waste streams are already presenting challenges for operators in the metals recycling industry. Li-ion batteries are highly combustible, particularly when damaged or defective. It is estimated that over 1,200 fires in the waste industry are caused by Li-ion batteries each year, with damaging environmental impacts, including harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere and contamination of fire-fighting waters.

BMRA is calling on government to prioritise the introduction of separate kerbside collection of batteries and small WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) by local authorities, with costs

covered by revised Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.

Embedding green in public sector procurement

BMRA is calling on government to introduce new green procurement rules for the public sector, setting out minimum recycled content requirements for new infrastructure projects.

BMRA also wants government to explore the feasibility for setting mandatory recycled content levels for semi and finished steels, to further encourage the uptake of recycled material.

Developing a deposit return scheme

A flat-rate Deposit Return Scheme model is unfit for purpose as it incentivises plastic consumption over steel and aluminium cans. Research has suggested that such

a policy could lead to hundreds of millions of extra plastic bottles being produced.

By comparison, variable rate deposit return schemes have seen far higher rates of recycling. Under the so-called Nordic Model, a varying deposit is levied on drinks containers based on their size and material, rather than a flat rate. BMRA is calling on government to introduce a variable-rate deposit return scheme.

Metals recycling industry facts

• An industry worth £7 billion,

• Over 2,000 businesses,

• Employs over 15,000 people,

• Trades and processes over 11.5 million tonnes of metal a year,

• Exports 70-80% of metal a year.

feature

CDE Group

Circular economy boost for north-east as MGL Group invests

in CDE

waste recycling plant

One of the largest privately-owned civil engineering and demolition companies in the north of England has announced a strategic investment in a new construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant, designed and engineered by wet processing experts CDE.

In a region with increasingly limited primary sand and gravel resources, a long-term strategy to ensure a consistent supply of sustainably sourced construction materials is critical to meet increasing demand.

To help meet the needs of the local market, family-owned and operated business MGL Group has revealed plans for a new 160 tonnes per hour C&D waste recycling plant to be commissioned at the group’s recycling facility at Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Newcastle contains very small pockets of known sand and gravel deposits, most of which are of low quality and are poorly located, making their extraction impractical and the environmental impact of such activities unacceptable.

Mark Davison, Joint Chief Executive of MGL Group, said: “We aim to enhance our waste management capabilities by diverting high-value material from landfill and returning that quality recycled sand and aggregate to good use in the construction industry. CDE impressed us with their expertise and deep understanding of our needs, instilling real confidence in us with their commitment to engineering a solution that will help us strengthen our own environmental commitments and deliver even greater social value for the north-east.”

Between 2019 and 2021, sales of recycled aggregates rose by

approximately 21% across Tyne and Wear with a three-year average of 324,000 tonnes.

Mark added: “Recycling and reusing materials will achieve significant carbon savings. It will help us to greatly reduce our overall carbon footprint and it will play an instrumental role on our pathway to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

According to data from the 2019 Aggregate Minerals Survey for England and Wales, the northeast consumed 7.5 million tonnes of primary aggregate compared to sales totalling 7.3 million tonnes, making the region a net importer of mineral resources.

CDE Business Development Manager, Mike Bibby said: “In a region where the availability of natural reserves is in decline, it is becoming increasingly evident that we need to adapt a circular approach to C&D waste to channel back into the industry as much available material as possible. Yes,

that means having to process more and more challenging material, however CDE’s proven waste recycling solutions are up to the task.

“The solution we have engineered for MGL Group will support the business to reduce its reliance on virgin sand and aggregate while ensuring a steady supply of materials to the industry, and it will help the business to produce those materials closer to source to minimise haulage costs.”

John F Hunt Regeneration

Zero to landfill – the case for circular remediation has never been clearer

The UK government’s 2025 consultation on Landfill Tax reform marks a significant shift in waste policy, particularly for developers delivering brownfield land schemes. The reforms are aimed at accelerating the transition to a circular economy, reducing reliance on landfill, meaning the financial case for circular remediation has never been clearer.

From dual rates to a single tax by 2030

Currently, Landfill Tax is applied at two rates: a standard rate of £126.15 per tonne and a lower rate of £4.05 per tonne, typically for inert materials such as uncontaminated soils. The government now proposes phasing out the lower rate entirely by 2030,

with an escalator applied over time. By increasing the cost of disposing of inert materials, the reform seeks to drive greater investment in recycling and reuse technologies.

For developers, this will significantly change the cost model of brownfield remediation, particularly where bulk earthworks and disposal of marginally contaminated soils are involved. Disposal to landfill will become a last resort and on-site treatment or beneficial reuse will need to be prioritised.

Qualifying fines and exemptions tightened

The widely criticised Qualifying Fines Regime will be removed by April 2027. All fines – such as

those arising from screening or soil washing – will default to the standard tax rate unless explicitly covered by the Qualifying Materials Order. Additionally, exemptions commonly used to dispose of waste in quarries under disposal permits will be withdrawn, further closing historic loopholes.

This will require more rigorous waste classification and tighter control of subcontracted waste carriers. Developers will need to review remediation strategies early in project design to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Implications for project design and procurement

The reform introduces both a risk and an opportunity. Developers

who continue to rely on traditional landfill models will face rising costs and growing scrutiny. Conversely, those embracing in-situ remediation, recovery led design and integrated waste planning will be wellpositioned to deliver sustainable and commercially viable schemes.

Early engagement with an experienced environmental consultants and a competent remediation contractor will be essential to assess site-specific constraints and identify suitable onsite treatment options.

Traditional disposal routes become less viable

As the lower rate of Landfill Tax is phased out and exemptions are tightened, traditional disposal routes such as bulk excavating and disposing off-site become less viable as they drive up:

• Landfill Tax exposure

• Haulage and gate fees

• Carbon emissions

• HGV movements, causing nuisance and risk

In short, “muck away” removes value from site and replaces it with cost, programme delays and regulatory scrutiny. Developers will need to rethink their approach to remediation and waste management, prioritising early engagement, on-site treatment and material reuse wherever possible. Engaging with environmental consultants and remediation specialists at viability and design

stage will be key to selecting appropriate techniques and avoiding unnecessary cost or delay.

The John F Hunt approach

At John F Hunt Regeneration, we deliver a smarter, leaner approach: zero to landfill. It’s a method that not only cuts costs and de-risks projects but also aligns with ESG and planning expectations across the UK development sector.

Circular economy thinking

We focus on retaining, reusing and repurposing materials within the red line boundary. Our teams use:

• Material Management Plans (MMPs) under CL:AIRE’s Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP),

• Recovery permits to legally and safely repurpose qualifying materials,

• On-site treatment for reengineering, stabilisation, and contamination control. From crushed concrete that is used for certified road capping, to remediated soils employed in engineered fill and retaining structures, every retained tonne reduces cost and enhances ESG.

What SiLC and CL:AIRE recommend

The Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) register and CL:AIRE both advocate early involvement of qualified professionals to manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance and make technically robust reuse decisions. We support this

by embedding Qualified Persons (QPs) and SiLCs in our remediation team – providing clear audit trails and independent verification from feasibility through to validation.

Financial relevance for clients

A typical brownfield site generating 15,000 tonnes of surplus material could face disposal costs of over £2 million by 2025. Our approach mitigates that exposure, often converting waste into verified development materials. That means:

• Reduced abnormal costs,

• Improved development viability,

• Shorter programmes and fewer third-party dependencies,

• Stronger planning and ESG narratives.

A strategic advantage

Zero to landfill is not a premium service – it’s the new baseline for value-led, risk-smart land development. Choosing a skilled enabling works contractor who can navigate regulatory frameworks, value engineer reuse solutions and optimise material flows is no longer optional – it’s commercial advantage. Those who plan ahead will be best placed to mitigate rising costs, ensure compliance and maintain programme certainty in an evolving policy landscape. If you’re still budgeting for muck away, it might be time to rethink the numbers.

feature

Material Index

Back to the future: Is deconstruction the new demolition?

Demolition has always had a Robin Hood streak. A good site manager might pull out copper, lead and Cat B kit, sell it on and buy the team a round. What has changed is the scale and speed that salvage can now be captured, valued and sold.

Material Index is a London-based platform, operating in the UK and Australia, that turns the old “gut and grab” into a data-led business line. We scan a building, generate an audit report and list anything valuable on our verified resale exchange.

Contractors such as Wates, General Demolition and Colemans already use the service either as a pay-per-project package or under licence for their own regeneration work.

The profit behind the skip

• Win work

Clients, from pension funds to universities, now add 5-10% weighting for circular-economy plans in tenders. Show them a guaranteed resale route and you jump up the pecking order,

• Save time

Our surveys turn floor-by-floor clipboards into a half-day scan. Estimators receive images, quantities and weights in a PDFready export,

• Make more money

Adds an extra revenue stream (2-7% of project value on urban offices). On a recent London office strip-out we placed 4,000 m³ of cork insulation before demo day. This generated six-figure revenue for the client that would otherwise have gone to landfill. It also cuts skip, haulage and landfill tax,

• Meet client pressure If you can buy a re-warrantied BMW or a refurbished iPhone online, why shouldn’t a developer buy ready-tested Cat A ceilings? The market is shifting, early movers set the price.

What does “digital first” look like on site?

• Audit – Our digital platform catalogues sites rapidly –15,000 m² in a day,

• Brokering – Items are listed on our exchange and our team finds buyers for you,

• Guarantees – Sale agreed ahead of deconstruction,

• No disruption – We work with your timeline to agree dropdead dates,

• Deconstruction – Pick-ups aligned to programme,

• Collection – Buyer collects and the value returns to client.

Why it’s not tree-hugging

We love rebar as much as anyone. We just hate waste. Think of Deconstruct UK cutting facades into lego-blocks so architects can re-stack them. Think of Manchester’s high-rise cut-and-carve jobs leading the world in complexity. This is Britain exporting know-how.

Futureproofing

Within five years we expect HM Treasury to trial VAT relief on verified reused materials. Insurance underwriters will follow with warranties for reused steel and facades. Contractors who have digital passports and resale partners in place will bank those margins first.

Straight answers for busy demolition contractors

• Will this slow my programme?

The audit adds about 3% to softstrip time but typically returns 2–7% extra margin, so you finish richer, not later.

• Do I need a warehouse to store reclaimed kit?

No – 95% of lots are sold on a just-in-time pickup model; buyers collect from site within your standard working hours.

• Who signs off the structural steel and M&E for reuse? We mostly sell to trade partners who take the liability once collection is sorted.

• Is the learning curve painful?

A Material Index rep shadows your first job; after that it’s a two-hour online refresher for new estimators or site agents.

• How do I explain this to a risk-averse client?

Show them that tender portals now award 5–10 % weighting for circular-economy KPIs – reuse wins bids, full stop.

Next time you price a job, contact us using the details below and we will:

• Run a no-cost project check within 24 hours,

• Estimate your resale upside,

• Show you how an audit slots into your existing soft-strip plan.

Every crushed oak door or mangled luminaire is money left in the skip. Material Index has completed over 120 projects in the past 12 months, handling over 600 material loads. Working with British Land, Related Argent, Derwent London, General Demolition, Wates, Landsec and more, we have increased material reuse rates by a factor of 10, from an industry average of 2% to 19%.

Total Waste Management Ltd

Supporting the demolition industry through metal recycling

The demolition industry is a key player in the construction lifecycle, responsible for dismantling structures and making way for new developments. With the sector producing vast quantities of waste – particularly metals – it faces both challenges and opportunities in managing materials sustainably. This is where Total

Waste Management Ltd (TWM Ltd) steps in, offering innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions tailored to meet the specific recycling needs of demolition projects.

The role of metal recycling in demolition Demolition activities generate

significant amounts of scrap metal, including steel beams, copper wiring, aluminium siding and cast iron piping. These materials, if not properly managed, can become environmental liabilities and add unnecessary cost burdens. Conversely, when effectively recycled, metals can yield substantial financial returns and drastically

reduce a project’s environmental impact.

Recycling metal also contributes to the circular economy by reintroducing valuable materials back into the supply chain. It reduces the demand for virgin metal extraction, which is both energyintensive and environmentally damaging. By working with a specialist like TWM Ltd, demolition contractors can unlock these benefits while ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations.

How Total Waste Management adds value

• Comprehensive on-site services: TWM Ltd provides tailored on-site waste management solutions for demolition sites. This includes the provision of skips, rollon/roll-off containers, and specialised storage units for different grades of metals. Their team works closely with site managers to streamline collection processes, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

• Material segregation and grading: Proper segregation of metals is essential for maximizing recycling value. TWM Ltd offers expert guidance and training to on-site personnel for identifying and sorting different types of metal waste. It also supplies colour-coded containers and signage to make segregation intuitive and efficient, reducing contamination and increasing the resale value of recycled metals.

• State-of-the-art processing facilities: Once collected, the scrap metals are transported to TWM Ltd’s advanced recycling facilities. Here, materials are weighed, sorted and processed using the latest technologies,

such as magnetic separation and shredding. These facilities ensure that metals are recycled to the highest industry standards, ready to be reused in manufacturing and construction.

• Transparent reporting and documentation: Regulatory compliance and sustainability reporting are increasingly important in the construction and demolition sectors. TWM Ltd provides clients with detailed waste audit reports, including the quantity and type of metals recycled, carbon savings, and financial returns. This transparency helps contractors meet ISO standards, achieve BREEAM credits, and demonstrate environmental responsibility to clients and stakeholders.

• Financial and environmental benefits: By diverting metals from landfill and ensuring they are sold back into the supply chain, TWM Ltd helps demolition firms generate revenue from what would otherwise be waste. In addition to these direct financial gains, metal recycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing metals from virgin ores, thus supporting contractors’ sustainability goals.

• Flexible contracts and nationwide coverage: Total Waste Management Ltd understands the dynamic nature of demolition projects. It offers flexible service contracts tailored to project timelines and scope and its nationwide coverage ensures consistent service delivery whether the project is in a city centre or a rural location.

Supporting a sustainable future

The UK government continues to place increasing pressure on

industries to reduce waste and carbon emissions. With demolition accounting for a large proportion of construction waste, the sector must adopt more sustainable practices. Partnering with a professional waste management company like TWM Ltd not only helps demolition contractors meet regulatory requirements but also aligns them with national sustainability objectives.

TWM Ltd is committed to continuous innovation in recycling and waste reduction. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and skilled personnel, the company stays at the forefront of the waste management sector. Their proactive approach ensures that clients in the demolition industry can not only keep up with regulations but lead the charge towards a greener future.

The partnership between the demolition industry and waste management professionals is crucial to creating a more sustainable construction ecosystem. Total Waste Management Ltd provides the expertise, infrastructure and service flexibility that demolition contractors need to turn metal waste into valuable resources.

Through careful planning, efficient collection, and high-quality recycling, TWM Ltd empowers demolition firms to operate more sustainably, profitably, and responsibly.

Maylarch, part of the M&M Group

Record recycling rates announced by Oxfordshire environmental and waste management experts

An award-winning waste management group that prioritises sustainability has announced record recycling rates across its services.

Demolition contractor Maylarch, part of The M&M Group, diverted more than 99% of its waste from landfill in the last 12 months while M&M Waste Solutions – the group’s skip hire, man and van and waste management brand – recycled more than 97 per cent of materials.

In total 29,679 tonnes of waste, equivalent to the weight of 2,120 double decker buses, has been diverted from landfill and processed for onward recycling by Maylarch in the last year.

And Maylarch’s Annual Waste Report for the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) shows its recycling performance is continually improving.

Over the past three years, its projects have achieved diversion from landfill rates of 95% in 2022, 97% in 2023 and 98% in 2024.

Rob Fluckiger, Group Managing Director, said the group’s recycling rates represent a fantastic achievement in the region’s efforts to enhance sustainable behaviours:

“Our processing plants deal with a huge range of materials, so to reach a 97% recycling rate across the group is a positive step forwards. Public awareness of the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment, the economy, our health and everyday life is growing year on year.

“We are continually investing in our processes, our plant and people to ensure we remain at the forefront of technology and can continue to enhance our environmental performance. We are committed to sustainability and creating a healthier, safer, and more

sustainable environment for our and future generations.”

M&M Waste Solutions meanwhile also achieved strong waste recovery rates in the last year. More than 97% of the 112,000 tonnes processed through M&M’s facility was diverted from landfill. Materials were recycled accounted for over 59% of waste whilst the balance was sent to the local Energy Recovery Facility to create energy for Oxfordshire homes.

Materials collected cover commercial, industrial, household and building waste with items destined for landfill instead processed through M&M’s Waste Transfer Station and Materials Recycling Facility in Cassington, Oxfordshire.

Waste is segregated through our materials recovery facility with hardcore recycled and crushed for the construction industry, metals sent to scrap metal merchants and woods shredded for biomass or board manufacturing. Paper,

cardboard and glass are repurposed into recycled products and plastic is resold to commercial outlets globally.

Rob added: “We pride our operation on sustainable excellence, innovation and integrity through partnerships built on trust and transparency. Waste management processes have advanced significantly since our first year trading more than 50 years ago.

To record 99% and 97% recycling rates across our Maylarch and M&M operations is a huge achievement.

“It represents a collective commitment to be at the forefront of creating a sustainable future for Oxfordshire and our county’s surrounds by minimising a historical reliance on landfill by embracing modern technologies.”

Feature feature

Where there’s muck, there’s brass

but there’s also a reputation to manage

There aren’t many industries as essential, or as old, as waste management. From the earliest days of urban civilisation, we’ve needed to deal with what we discard. And while the sector has evolved significantly with modern technologies and regulatory frameworks, it faces ongoing challenges – particularly in managing its corporate reputation.

by Dean Enon, Director at Catalyst PR

Every household, business and public body generates waste, and dealing with it properly is a national concern. The ongoing industrial disputes in Birmingham highlight this, and we read that this could drag on until as late as December this year.

And in recent years, the spotlight has intensified, not just on how waste is collected and disposed of, but on the environmental, social and economic footprint of the entire sector.

DEFRA’s recent target that residual waste must not exceed 287 kg per person by 2042 (a 50% reduction from 2019 levels) is a signal of intent. The waste sector is no longer just about clearing up mess; it’s about being seen to lead on sustainability, circular economy initiatives and carbon reduction.

Further legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds manufacturers accountable for their waste produced and encourages a focus on decreasing excess waste materials, Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and the consistent collections reforms, reinforce that transparency, traceability and trust are more necessary than ever.

Reputational challenges are everywhere

Despite the industry’s critical role, waste has historically battled

negative perceptions. From accusations of fly-tipping, poor recycling rates and mismanaged landfill, to unscrupulous operators involved in illegal dumping or misreporting tonnages. This doesn’t help build or maintain a reputation that’s had its knocks over the years, and as always, a handful of negative cases can tarnish the reputation of the whole sector.

Media exposés showing plastic waste shipped overseas (resulting in fines of £870,000) or reports of litter ending up in rivers contribute to a picture of negligence. And now, in the age of social media, isolated incidents can go viral, which damages brand trust and stakeholder confidence.

Professionalising the public face of waste

Many businesses in the waste sector have deep operational expertise, with teams laserfocused on compliance, efficiency and logistics. But these strengths need to be matched by professional communications and there are many examples of this happening. Reputation is no longer built solely on performance – it requires visibility, clarity and proactive engagement with the public, policymakers, clients and communities.

The most forward-thinking waste companies are taking ownership of this. They’re celebrating their

–

carbon savings and sharing stories that humanise their workforce. They are also investing in employee engagement, living wage policies and diversity to reflect the values of the communities they serve.

Likewise, technological advancements are now helping forward-thinking initiatives, such as smart bins to use AI to identify and categorise waste and distinguish between landfill and recyclable waste.

And other sectors are doing their bit too, because ironically it’s not necessarily the waste sector generating waste, rather it’s managing it. The circular economy is being adopted by many in the fashion industry, particularly as today’s Gen Z and Millennial consumers are looking at a product’s journey and sustainability, and aligning to brands with a similar ethos to them.

Collaboration is key to credibility

Like many, the waste industry is also adopting collaboration. Industry groups such as CIWM, ESA, and WRAP are already encouraging

Feature feature

standards and best practices, but real reputational change happens when organisations embrace this collectively.

This means aligning corporate communications with sector-wide campaigns, ensuring consistent messaging on environmental goals and being honest about real-life challenges.

Preparation prevents reputational pain

Waste businesses should treat their communication plans with the same rigour as their compliance procedures, to meet challenges head on. That means:

• Having a designated Crisis Communications Team (CMT) and clear escalation procedures,

• Training spokespeople to deal with media enquiries or public scrutiny,

• Running regular scenario

planning exercises, or “reputational fire drills” to test readiness.

A CMT is critical in ensuring crises are met with readiness, that key messages are agreed and information is disseminated to the right people, at the right time. For instance, if a recycling facility has a fire, if a waste collection route is disrupted, or if an accusation arises, the speed and clarity of the response will define the reputational outcome.

The best reputations aren’t built by hiding issues, they’re built by addressing them head-on. In an era where the public expects instant access to information, openness and accountability are the foundations for trust. Waste companies that are honest about where materials go, how they’re processed and what improvements are being made will always win more respect than those

who stay silent or evasive.

Social media, newsletters, town hall events, ESG reports and customer updates can all help build that bridge between business and stakeholder.

There’s an opportunity now for the waste sector to shift public perception. No longer seen as the ‘dirty’ side of the economy, it can become a central pillar in the UK’s journey to net zero and sustainable resource use.

By embracing professionalism, transparency and strategic communications, waste management companies can not only protect their own reputations but elevate the industry as a whole.

Yes, where there’s muck there’s brass. But for businesses that manage their reputation wisely, there’s also credibility, trust and long-term commercial resilience.

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

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

Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition Association

EDA welcomes PROMOVE DEMOLITION

We are excited to announce that PROMOVE DEMOLITION has joined the European Demolition Association as a new member.

Founded in 1989, PROMOVE has long been a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of hydraulic breakers, pulverisers, grabs and other demolition equipment.

What sets PROMOVE apart is its commitment to quality. All of its components are produced in-house, using cutting-edge CNC machinery and high-tech processes that ensure precision and a flawless finish. This dedication to advanced technology is at the core of their mission to deliver topperforming, reliable products that

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meet the highest standards when demolition calls. Seriousness and professionalism are key aspects of achieving its mission.

At PROMOVE, customer satisfaction is a top priority. It continually invests in research and development to improve the performance and durability of its products, ensuring that it remains a trusted partner for demolition professionals worldwide.

By joining the EDA, PROMOVE further strengthens its leadership in the demolition sector and we’re thrilled to have them as part of our growing community.

www.promovedemolition.com

Managing F-Gases: EDI publishes a practical guide for professionals

As part of our shared commitment to safer and more sustainable practices, we are pleased to share that the European Decontamination Institute, EDI, has just published a new technical guide focused on fluorinated gases in insulation foams.

These gases, CFCs, HFCs and PFCs, were widely used in construction materials until the significant damage they cause to the ozone layer and their contribution to global warming became known.

Nowadays, European regulations ban their production and use. However, the gases can remain for three or four decades in the foams that were produced before 1995.

The guide, launched in May 2025, was developed by EDI’s Working Group on Hazardous Substances and offers clear, insights – how

to identify where F-gases may be present, test for them and safely manage their removal and treatment.

Aimed at professionals working with insulation and hazardous materials, the guide is available free of charge on EDI’s website (www.decontaminationinstitute.org) by completing a short form.

We encourage our network to

take advantage of this important resource and stay informed about best practices in decontamination.

If you are interested, read the guide Fluorinated Gases in insulation foams and complement its lecture with EDA’s guides.

www.europeandemolition.org/ library

Guide on Urban Regeneration and Demolition Footprint

The EDA is launching our new Guide on Urban Regeneration and Footprint on our website. With this publication, we aim to change the way demolition is perceived, highlighting its essential role in creating more sustainable, resilient and functional urban spaces. Discover everything about its launch.

The guide was made in the Urban Regeneration Working Group and it explores how demolition can support urban regeneration, contribute to the circular economy and reduce environmental impact through the reuse and recycling of materials.

Divided into three main sections, it will cover the strategic importance of demolition, its

environmental, social, and economic impacts, and the concept of embodied carbon.

We have designed this guide for public administrations, developers, architects, urban planners and all professionals involved in construction and sustainability. With that in mind, it also includes practical recommendations to ensure that demolition contractors are properly integrated into projects.

If you are interested in learning more about this and other guides, make sure to visit the EDA library and learn more about EDA Working Groups.

www.europeandemolition.org/library

EDA publishes its new guide about Explosive Demolition

EDA is pleased to announce the publication of its new guide on Explosive Demolition, which will be available online and hard copy. The document explores these particular demolition methods and how to make the most of them.

Made in the Explosive Working Group, this practical guide is designed to support clients such as property owners and managers in understanding when explosive demolition is appropriate and how it can be implemented responsibly. In addition, it explains the process in clear, accessible language and outlines the key steps and considerations to ensure safety and effectiveness.

With this publication, EDA aims to promote best practices and informed decision-making in the use of explosive techniques within the demolition industry. The guide is a valuable resource for anyone involved in planning or overseeing large and complex demolition projects. It will be accessible online and hard copy during the EDA Annual Convention 2025.

If you are interested in learning more about this and other guides, make sure to visit EDA library and learn more about EDA Working Groups.

www.europeandemolition.org/library

LEKATECH Electric Hammer revolutionises impact hammer technology with linear electric motor

LEKATECH OY, the Finnish technology company that is a member of the EDA, is revolutionising the impact hammer market with its groundbreaking electric hammer based on patented linear electric motor technology. This innovation enhances energy efficiency in earthmoving and mining operations, supporting a green transition.

Developed over years of research, the electric hammer disrupts the traditional hydraulic market by catering to urban and mining environments, especially when integrated with electric carrier machines.

The LEKATECH Electric Hammer achieves a 70% increase in energy efficiency compared to hydraulic

counterparts and provides twice the impact energy of similar-sized hydraulic hammers. It offers programmable features for flexibility and digital development.

By eliminating the need for oil, it reduces oil consumption by 98%, significantly lowering environmental impact. The hammer integrates seamlessly with electric machinery, allowing for up to 70% energy savings in overall equipment consumption. This technology is poised to transform the breaking industry globally.

Get in touch with LEKATECH and all EDA members by reading the complete EDA members list.

www.europeandemolition.

Hazardous Substances Working Group to be

The EDI Hazardous Substances Working Group will be reactivated after summer with the aim of publishing a monographic guide about asbestos.

Asbestos is one of the most common substances that can be found in building constructions and it was commonly used until relatively recently. With that in mind, the guide How to decontaminate Asbestos will be launched at the end of the year.

If you are an EDI member and

are interested in participating in this publication, contact EDI Secretariat info@decontaminationinstitute.org and they will offer you more information about it and about the publication of the document.

Join the Hazardous Substances Working Group and get to know all EDI Working Groups.

www.decontaminationinstitute. org/groups

Attend the Contamination and Land Remediation Expo

The Contamination and Land Remediation Expo (CLR Expo) returns in 2025 as the premier event for professionals across the geoenvironmental sectors. It will take place in Birmingham from 17 to 18 September.

Whether you are a contractor, environmental consultant, engineer, policy maker or an industry newcomer, CLR offers the perfect platform to connect with global innovators, discover the latest

trends and source groundbreaking solutions for sustainable land development.

With over 3,000 attendees in 2024, CLR 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever, featuring cutting-edge solutions, live demonstrations, expert-led sessions, lucrative investment opportunities and crucial insights to elevate your operation that may interest the EDI community.

Learn more about CLR 2025 and

register to attend. Also, get in touch with this and other EDI activities.

www.ess-expo.co.uk/clr

DIECI DP 120 T three-side dumper: the ideal vehicle for construction sites, mines and tunnels

The new DIECI DP 120 T three-side dumper simplifies every movement and speeds up material transport in complex environments like construction sites, mines and tunnels. Unveiled at Bauma 2025, it marks a significant addition to the Dieci construction range.

Through its ongoing collaboration with industry professionals and dealers on five continents, Dieci has created a new generation of work vehicles known for their manoeuvrability, user-friendliness and generous load capacity.

The new 120 T dumper offers a versatile solution for loading and transporting heavy materials, and is designed for intensive use in confined construction sites, mines, and tunnels.

Three-side dumper technical

specifications: advanced technology and mobility, combined with operator comfort and safety

The DP 120 T is a compact yet powerful dumper, built to perform in tight spaces without compromising on performance or load capacity.

Main specifications

• Dimensions: 5,600 mm x 2,340 mm x 3,140 mm

• Dump bed capacity: 5.3 m3 180° rotation for unloading on three sides

• Load capacity: 10.5 t

• Engine: 100 kW

• Proportional hydraulic system for accurate tipping

• Inching pedal for slow, controlled advancement

These features make the DP 120 T the ideal machine for challenging environments, such as tunnels,

construction sites and narrow passageways, where precision is crucial.

Onboard equipment

The operator benefits from features designed to maximise ergonomics, safety and visibility throughout every operational stage.

• Reversible steering with controls positioned on the dump bed side,

• Ergonomic cab with ROPS-FOPS certification,

• Dual 7” monitor in the cab functioning as rear-view system,

• Adjustable seat with integrated safety belts,

• Air conditioning and heating,

• LED work lights. These elements ensure a safe, comfortable and productive work environment, even under the most

challenging conditions.

Drive systems

• The DIECI dumper is not only tough, it is also equipped with cutting-edge systems for mobility on rough terrain and manoeuvrability in confined spaces.

• All-wheel drive ensures stability and control on uneven ground

• Three steering modes: 4-wheel, crab, and 2-wheel

• Hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, for smooth and precise handling

Functionality, transport and agile manoeuvring

DIECI’s new three-side dumper is designed for agile movement in tight spaces, ensuring speed and operational efficiency. Its compact

dimensions (440 mm x 2340 mm), paired with a high load capacity, allow for swift material transport, handling and removal, even in narrow alleyways, tunnels, confined spaces and mines.

Alongside the key advantages shared with other models in the range — such as manoeuvrability, stability and responsiveness — the 180° rotating bed offers the possibility of unloading on 3 sides.

This makes loading and unloading operations easier and more practical for the operator, even with heavy materials, significantly reducing work time and safety concerns.

The DIECI Dumper range has been expanded with a model that offers a broad spectrum of applications, providing businesses operating in unconventional environments with advanced solutions in terms of

speed, safety and performance.

Dumper for hire: ease of use and optimal performance

Like all DIECI vehicles, the new three-side model offers rental operators a user-friendly solution with outstanding performance. In fact, this vehicle is straightforward and intuitive to use; requires no prior training, making it ready for immediate use on-site; and can be operated without a category C licence.

With the new three-side dumper, DIECI delivers a high-performance vehicle to the rental market, ideal for maximising site efficiency and boosting productivity.

Hyundai excavators first choice for Hawkes Demolition

With plant hire, demolition, earthworks and transport divisions, including sweeper and tipper hire, Hawkes Group has created a onestop-shop for customers that require reliable construction machinery on a nationwide basis. Working across commercial, industrial and residential sectors, the Ketteringbased company has recently added two Hyundai Construction Equipment HX220AL crawler excavators to its rapidly growing fleet of equipment.

Reece Hawkes, Managing Director of Hawkes Demolition said: “Hawkes Demolition purchased its first Hyundai excavator in 2018 and the brand has been a consistent part of our fleet ever since. We operate 34 Hyundai excavators across the business, currently ranging from 13 tonnes to 30 tonnes. That number continues to grow, as we expand our operations and invest in reliable, well-supported equipment.”

The company’s fleet also includes a range of mobile crushing and screening equipment, along with smaller non-operated machinery, like rollers, site dumpers and an extensive line-up of attachments. All of the firm’s Hyundai machines have been provided by local dealer Willowbrook Plant.

Hawkes Demolition was formed in 2015 and the business boasts an experienced team of operators, supervisors and management, capable of handling a wide range of demolition projects. That includes the professional removal of hazardous waste, such as asbestos and old fuel tanks. The group also has a bulk earthworks business, equipped to design and deliver a variety of earthworks projects, with support from the transport division.

Reece Hawkes continued: “Most recently, we’ve added two new HX220ALs to our fleet of excavators. Hyundai has always delivered a strong balance of performance and value, which has been a key factor in our continued investment.”

The HX220AL is a 22-tonne conventional tailswing crawler excavator, powered by a 129 kW Cummins B6.7 Stage V diesel engine. Equally at home in construction, earthmoving and demolition work, the A-Series machine benefits from Electronic Pump Flow Control (EPFC) hydraulics, providing the operator with maximum controllability.

All Hyundai A-Series crawler excavators feature a comfortable cab, with automatic climate control and an air suspended seat, that can be heated as an option. The

machines benefit from Hyundai’s Hi-Mate telematic system, which helps customers to see, in real-time, how their equipment is performing. The system also provides remote diagnosis and positioning information.

Hawkes Group is continuing to invest to meet the needs of customers in all areas of the business. With such a strong relationship with Hyundai and Willowbrook, the company is now expanding into other machine categories.

“We’ve placed an order for the first Hyundai dozer to enter the UK through our dealer Willowbrook Plant. It will be joining our contracting division,” said Mr Hawkes.

Hawkes Group is a trusted partner for many contractors, delivering a reliable, professional service across the country. Part of that commitment to customers is the provision of the best equipment available, which for excavators, and now dozers, means Hyundai.

www.hyundai-ce.eu

www.willowbrookplant.com

www.hawkesgroup.co.uk

Komatsu Smart Construction reports ‘major’ product evolution and growth

Smart Construction, the digital arm of Japanese machinery manufacturer Komatsu, has reported a 44% adoption increase in its software as a service (SaaS) technology from FY2023 to FY2024, highlighting a rising demand for software in construction.

The business, which creates solutions to improve productivity and efficiencies across mixed construction sectors, also doubled its headcount and announced its excavator guidance products are now compatible with industryleading tilt rotators brands.

A key driver of Komatsu Smart Construction’s growth has been its focus on improving and refining its already popular technologies. Following a 30% increase in users across its Remote product, the brand has announced a license for the cloud-based solution will be included as standard with all purchases of Komatsu-branded guidance and control systems, including the newly released PC220LCi-12 dubbed “the most advanced” excavator ever.

Smart Construction’s Remote solution allows users to access and control both Komatsu and non-Komatsu machine guidance and control system monitors

remotely. Bart Vingerhoets, Senior Commercial Manager at Komatsu Smart Construction explains: “We’re proud to work with as many people as possible across the industry to develop our tools to be even more effective. Our users don’t just use our tools, they shape them.

“As European construction continues to embrace digital transformation, we’re committed to accelerating that progress and making jobsite management more sustainable, connected and accessible than ever.

“The last financial year has been pivotal for the team, with our investment into advancing our own tools growing and multiple new editions of solutions launching, we’re extremely proud of our achievements.”

Additional product development successes from the brand include the relaunch of its pivotal drone surveying assistance solution, Edge, now in its second major hardware edition since the launch, and its seventh version of software.

Edge uses a custom-built AI algorithm to automatically remove buildings, equipment and vegetation from the 3D point cloud it processes from the drone footage, delivering a

clear, accurate, 3D representation of the site.

The tool processes high quality and precise data from the job site, providing the user with a direct way of calculating job site progress quickly and identifying any challenges or unforeseen considerations.

Bart adds: “At Komatsu Smart Construction, we’re also prioritising partnerships, connecting with other technology to create truly brand agnostic solutions that support the whole industry. Last year the team launched a new version of the Smart Construction Fleet solution, overhauling the user interface and upgrading the algorithms to improve accuracy and user experience.”

Komatsu Smart Construction solutions are available through a community of distributors, which is continuously growing, meaning the brand can gain access to unbiased customer feedback and use it to shape future upgrades.

Mawsley Machinery appointed as East Midlands Utility Dealer

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd (MKL) is pleased to announce the appointment of a dealer to cover a portion of the south-eastern East Midlands area – Mawsley Machinery Ltd. Covering all LE, NN, and CV postcodes plus MK40 – MK45, Mawsley will be offering Komatsu Utility mini and midi crawler and wheeled excavators.

Brian Graham, MKL Managing Director said: “We are delighted to add Mawsley Machinery Ltd to our growing list of local Utility Dealers. With 44 years of experience in construction and established support network, Mawsley are ideally placed to supply Komatsu machines to their local market.”

Keith Pearce, Managing Director

at Mawsley said: ”We are excited to work with Marubeni-Komatsu to supply Komatsu excavators to our customers and look forward to the benefits this will bring to all.”

Mawsley Machinery Ltd was established in 1981, located on the outskirts of Northampton to supply the growing construction industry with new and used equipment.

Since then Mawsley has grown into a large well trusted machinery and parts dealership. A growing export department ships quality used machinery worldwide on a regular basis; combining a variety of export services from selling to shipping.

The parts department provides a large selection of spare parts

and other fast moving parts and consumables. An experienced parts team are on hand to help with any enquiry. A team of manufacturertrained engineers are able to offer a variety of service packages, inspections, DPF cleaning, technical information and refurbishment and painting of all types of machinery.

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd has been the sole distributor of Komatsu construction and utility equipment in the United Kingdom since 1972. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marubeni Group.

[left to right: Rob Wilmott, MKL Regional Sales Manager, Leon Geoghegan, Mawsley Sales Manager, and Luca Proietti, Mawsley Area Sales Manager

FAYAT Group completes buyout of Mecalac Group

FAYAT Group has acquired a 100% stake in the Mecalac Group, which offers a wide range of compact and innovative construction equipment for urban worksites: excavators, loaders, dumpers and backhoe loaders, with production units in France, Germany, the UK and Turkey.

The Mecalac Group has joined Fayat Road Equipment Division, a world leader in road-building equipment, and will strengthen this Division's offerings, particularly for urban projects, by providing innovative and sustainable solutions worldwide. The Division now has 29 production sites in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

FAYAT Group – a family business with many years of experience in the civil works construction equipment sector – can offer the Mecalac Group the support it needs to remain a stable and reliable partner for its

clients worldwide now and in the long term.

Within the Group, Mecalac will retain its autonomy, like the Division's other brands, offering its clients high-end technological solutions marketed under the Mecalac brand. Mecalac will collaborate with other FAYAT Group entities to develop technologies of the future and its distribution network, so that it can keep offering our clients the best solutions and enable them to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Jean-Claude Fayat, President of FAYAT Group, said: “This acquisition is a fantastic opportunity for FAYAT Group and its customers. Mecalac is a highly recognised brand and an innovative player in the urban construction equipment market.

“Mecalac will play a strategic role in our Group and we are committed

to ensuring the development of its product range. We will be using its expertise and technologies to complement our existing ranges, so as to keep developing equipment that meets our clients' specific needs, particularly on urban worksites.”

From dirt movers to dust busters: Rokbak ADTs power new water truck line

As job sites grow in size and environmental regulations tighten, the need for adaptable, heavyduty equipment is clearer than ever. That’s where a new venture between Hydex and Hills Machinery is stepping in with a solution that pairs proven articulated hauler performance with serious dust suppression capability.

At the core is a new water truck range. Rokbak RA30 and RA40 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) are being upfitted with highperformance water tanks to be deployed across quarries, mines and infrastructure projects under the Hydex banner.

A platform built for more

The RA30 and RA40 are no strangers to tough jobsite conditions. Built in Motherwell, Scotland and part of

the Volvo Group, Rokbak trucks are engineered for power, control and reliability in the harshest off-road environments.

However, their latest application showcases a new kind of versatility. The RA30, with its 275-KW engine, now carries a 23,000 litre water tank, while the 330-kW RA40 is matched with a 34,000-litre tank –both equipped with advanced spray and pumping systems for highperformance water distribution.

“This is about using a proven platform to meet a pressing and growing need,” says Robert Franklin, Director of Sales – Americas at Rokbak. “The RA30 and RA40 give contractors the power, manoeuvrability and durability they need in a base machine – and now, with this adaptation, we’re showing just how far that platform can go.”

A partnership with practical purpose

The idea to repurpose articulated haulers as water trucks came from the ground up – quite literally. Hills Machinery, a long-time Rokbak dealer, saw firsthand how contractors were searching for tough, reliable machines that could do more than haul.

“We work with Rokbak on a daily basis and believe those to be the best two trucks to outfit these tanks with,” says Jim Hills, president of Hills Machinery and Hydex.

“But we also recognise that some contractors will want to keep their fleet standardised so we’re happy to work with everyone to solve their dust suppression and water access needs.”

Hydex is supporting the rollout through Hills’ existing dealership

network, with upfitting taking place at a joint facility in Seattle, and distribution coordinated through Hill’s location in North Carolina.

Each truck is backed by Hills Machinery’s Uptime Operations service, which includes lifecycle fleet management, real-time equipment monitoring and pre-stocked replacement parts – minimising downtime as trucks hit job sites.

Engineered to adapt

The tanks themselves are engineered to meet demanding performance specs. Water is shot from an Elkhart water cannon to distances of over 65 m, while operators can adjust flow to 1,200, 1,800 or 2,400 litres per minute. Multiple spray bars and nozzles –including vertical, side, front bumper

and rear dribble – offer complete customisation depending on site needs.

A rear-mounted electric hose reel, Berkeley hydraulic water pump and optional suction system for drawing water from lakes or reservoirs round out the functionality.

“These tanks are serious pieces of equipment in their own right,” says Jim. “But what makes them truly effective is the machine underneath – the Rokbak hauler that keeps everything moving and delivers the power, even in the roughest terrain.”

Meeting the moment

Dust suppression isn’t just a job site concern – it’s a growing regulatory issue in many jurisdictions. Add to that the increasing size and activity level of quarries and mines, and the

demand for large-capacity, off-road water trucks is rising fast.

With their articulated frame, powerful drivetrains and operatorfriendly design, Rokbak trucks offer a more robust and stable solution than conventional rigid-frame water trucks – especially when off-road capability is a must.

As Hydex scales production and more water trucks hit the field, all eyes will be on how this versatile solution might open the door for further adaptations of the Rokbak platform. From fuel and lubrication service units to emergency response and haul support, the articulated hauler’s future may be even more diverse than its past.

“We’re just getting started,” Jim says. “When you’ve got a reliable chassis and a clear market need, the opportunities are endless.”

rokbak.com

industry

SUEZ amps up sustainability with Volvo L25 Electric

baling.

In

SUEZ and SMT GB are driving sustainability forward by introducing a Volvo L25 Electric compact wheel loader at SUEZ’s Bodmin materials recycling facility in Cornwall. This collaboration is a step toward revolutionising the company’s waste and recycling sites across Great Britain. SUEZ aims to go beyond net-zero to become carbon positive by 2040, eliminating more carbon than it produces. Integrating electric plant and fleet vehicles into daily operations is one of many initiatives propelling the company towards this ambitious goal.

During a major site redevelopment, SUEZ identified the L25 Electric as a potential asset, allowing ample time for a

comprehensive quoting and order process with SMT GB. This process, typically taking three to six months, was supported by SMT GB’s Craig Howard from the initial quote to final delivery. During this period, additional consultancy was provided to SUEZ to advise the team on the most suitable charging solution for their operational requirements.

Following a successful trial at the sister site in Redruth, confidence in the L25 Electric’s performance grew, ensuring its seamless integration at the Bodmin facility. The loader has now been in operation for eight months, efficiently handling tasks such as pushing loose soft mixed paper onto feed conveyors, fluffing materials, and preparing them for

Recycling facilities are often noisy and odorous environments, making the L25 Electric a welcome addition. Its minimal noise and zero tailpipe emissions contribute to a quieter, safer, and cleaner workspace for site personnel.

To accommodate the L25 Electric, the site required only minor infrastructure changes, including upgrading an existing 3-Phase 400V socket to a 32A connector for the external 17-kW fast charging. Shaun Sisterson, SMT GB’s Electromobility Business Manager, played a vital role in supporting both SUEZ and internal teams to facilitate a smooth transition to electric machinery.

Site Manager Ian Broad praised the L25 Electric’s integration, stating: “The electric machine has seamlessly fitted into our operations. As we operate in two shifts, we run the machine in the morning, fast charge it during the lunch break, and then

a commitment to sustainability, SUEZ has introduced the Volvo L25 Electric compact wheel loader at its waste and recycling facility in Bodmin. The L25 Electric is part of a company-wide drive towards cleaner, safer and more efficient daily operation

continue operations until the end of the shift. We then slow charge it overnight.”

The Volvo CE L25 Electric also increases operator safety through excellent all-round visibility from its spacious cab, and minimal noise production which mitigates noise pollution on site, facilitating clearer communication. In addition to this, utilising an electric machine on site, in comparison to a fuel-powered machine, benefits operator health thanks to zero harmful fumes being released into the workspace.

The handover process was wellcoordinated, ensuring operators were comfortable with the switch from diesel to electric. SMT GB's demonstrator, Shaun Geer, led training sessions, helping machine operators adapt and optimise productivity levels. Previously, two diesel-powered machines handled the same tasks, but the Volvo L25

Electric has significantly improved efficiency by reducing downtime associated with refuelling and AdBlue usage. Additionally, operators have found pre-start checks to be quicker and more straightforward than with diesel models, allowing for a more streamlined start to each shift.

Since the successful deployment of the L25 Electric at Bodmin, SUEZ has continued to explore additional electric machine integrations across its facilities, including a request for a similar machine at a sister site undergoing redevelopment.

Following the success of the initial machine, SMT GB anticipates further opportunities for larger Volvo electric machinery such as the L120 Electric and L90 Electric, at this site and other SUEZ locations. SMT GB offers a comprehensive range of solutions for the waste and recycling sector, including the

Volvo EW240 tethered Electric Material Handler. Additionally, the McCloskey Environmental range of shredders, screeners and trommels – now available through AGGPRO, recently acquired by SMT GB –supports various waste and recycling applications.

With a strong focus on sustainability, SMT GB is dedicated to supporting customers on their electrification journey. From conducting site simulations to offering the IQ-accredited EcoOperator programme, SMT GB remains engaged with NetZero focused sites like SUEZ’s to continuously improve operational efficiency and provide cutting-edge sustainable machinery solutions for the future.

www.suez.co.uk www.smt.network/gb

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.

profile associations

The NFDC looks ahead: Strengthening the team for a stronger tomorrow

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is entering a new and promising phase in its long-standing legacy. The organisation views change as a valuable opportunity to reflect and re-energise its purpose. The recent departure of CEO Duncan Rudall has provided a timely moment to reassess the Federation’s structure and priorities, enabling the development of a strengthened path forward.

This period of transition has led to the creation of a refined strategic roadmap, one that aligns with the evolving needs of the demolition industry. The NFDC remains dedicated to its mission –to represent the matters that will shape the future of demolition and ensure continuous improvement within the sector. Its core priorities, Safety, Skills and Training, Wellbeing, Sustainability and Community, remain central to all its initiatives.

In line with this renewed strategic focus and with its members at the centre of all activity, the NFDC announces the appointment of Brian Carroll as Strategic Membership Officer.

Brian Carroll brings extensive experience in demolition, equipment, training and leadership. He has worked closely with the NFDC and the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) for several years, promoting industry development, inclusion and outreach.

His involvement in the Breaking Down Barriers initiative, particularly through training in prisons and leading the trailblazer

apprenticeship, demonstrates a strong commitment to social impact and education within the industry. His work has included managing two successful Demo Expo events for which Brian was awarded the Man of the Year for supporting the NFDC in 2018. He has had an active membership in the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), including a term on its Council of Management.

In his new role, Brian will support regional engagement, represent both the NFDC and NDTG on external platforms and contribute to industry forums, helping to reinforce the Federation’s ongoing commitment to member engagement and visibility.

The Federation continues to be governed by the NFDC National Council and President Adrian Corrigan, a well-respected industry figure who will maintain strategic oversight and continuity. Supporting this leadership is Chief Financial Officer Lesley Ransome, whose decade of dedicated service ensures operational cohesion and excellence. Their leadership is further enhanced by the contribution of the broader professional team, whose skills and dedication underpin NFDC’s day-to-day success and long-term ambitions.

Collectively, this team will ensure that the NFDC continues to serve as the leading voice of the UK demolition industry, advancing its mission and remaining focused on the values that define the Federation.

The NFDC also extends sincere gratitude to Duncan Rudall for

his service and leadership as CEO. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Federation’s recent journey and the organisation acknowledges his professionalism, dedication and impact on the demolition sector.

The NFDC reaffirms its commitment to lead with integrity, engage meaningfully with its members, and support the future of demolition through thoughtful, strategic action.

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is the leading voice in UK demolition, the owner of the CCDO (Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives) card scheme and the body responsible for raising industry standards since 1941.

The National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) is the UK demolition industry’s top training provider for CCDO and specialist demolition skills training courses. NDTG also advises and supports demolition employers with training needs analyses and claiming grants and funding.

https://demolition-nfdc.com

John Lynch’s presidency marked a transformative era for the NFDC as leadership passes to Adrian Corrigan

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) proudly reflects on the impactful presidency of John Lynch, whose term concluded in March 2025. Over his two-year tenure, Lynch championed unity, innovation and progress, leaving behind a Federation that is stronger, more inclusive and future-ready.

Lynch’s leadership was defined by a clear vision, to bring regions together and foster a unified, forward-thinking Federation. His efforts resulted in a reinvigorated sense of community across the NFDC and laid the groundwork for long-term resilience and member engagement.

One of the standout achievements during Lynch’s presidency was the successful relocation to Resurgam House in Hemel Hempstead. Officially opened by Sir Mike Penning MP, the new headquarters signified both operational growth and a new era for the Federation.

Under Lynch’s guidance, the NFDC delivered two memorable international conventions in Ireland and Rome, providing opportunities for members to reconnect, collaborate and celebrate the industry’s progress. These events further solidified the Federation’s role as a connector within the UK demolition sector and beyond.

His tenure also prioritised social responsibility, most notably through the “Breaking Down Barriers” programme. This initiative, aimed at supporting ex-offenders and prison leavers, provided vital training

and pathways into the demolition workforce. The programme not only addressed labour shortages but also reshaped industry perceptions by promoting inclusion and second chances.

Another major success was the modernisation of the NFDC’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, revised for the first time in nearly two decades. This foundational update ensured the Federation remained agile and aligned with the demands of a modern construction environment.

During his presidency, Lynch also encouraged a closer working relationship with the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), recognising its importance to the demolition industry as a whole. This commitment was reflected in the revised Articles of Association, which now recommend that any new member joining the Federation should have at least one member of their staff registered as an IDE member or equivalent.

Additionally, Lynch led the expansion of the NFDC Talks seminar series, offering valuable industry insight on intelligent demolition planning. The events received widespread support, continuing to impact professionals across the construction supply chain in 2025 and beyond.

Since concluding his presidency,

John Lynch has been appointed Chairman of the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG). In this new role, he is spearheading efforts to make high-quality demolition training accessible to all NDTG members and non-members alike. His vision includes expanding inclusion programs for ex-offenders and reinforcing the NDTG’s mission to educate, skill and uplift the workforce across the industry.

These efforts aim to make demolition a respected, attainable career for a broader range of individuals.

As the NFDC welcomed Adrian Corrigan as its new President, the Federation expresses deep appreciation for the legacy John Lynch leaves behind. His presidency exemplified service, foresight and compassion, qualities that will continue to influence the Federation’s direction under new leadership.

https://demolition-nfdc.com

profile associations

DA supports fire brigade in fire safety education for children

Children are curious, especially when it comes to fire. However, incorrect behaviour with this exciting element can easily lead to life-threatening situations.

The German Demolition Association (DA) therefore supports the Cologne fire brigade with materials that deal with the topic of fire prevention for primary school children.

Children memorise facts best when playing or drawing, which is exactly where the Cologne fire brigade comes in and distributes free, child-friendly colouring and workbooks for fire safety education in primary schools.

The German Demolition Association considers fire prevention to be an important topic and is therefore supporting the Cologne fire brigade by purchasing such colouring and workbooks and child finder stickers.

The stickers are attached to the children’s bedroom door and guide the emergency services to the youngest members of the family in an emergency. Specifically, children at OGS Langemaß No. 21 in CologneMülheim were equipped with the colouring book.

Thanks to the support of many local companies, the workbooks can be distributed to primary school children free of charge, a commitment that the DA was very happy to support.

Support for the safety of children

The memorable information, instructive tasks and well thought out illustrations in the new fire safety book from the KIM publishing group in Detmold were developed in close collaboration with fire safety experts from fire brigades and educationalists. By working through the book at home or at school, children can demonstrably better understand and deepen the fire safety awareness and instructions for correct behaviour.

Additional digital content such as videos or learning success checks, which are available using the latest augmented reality (AR) technology and a free app make the colouring book and workbook a memorable experience.

www.verlagsgruppe-kim.de

CEA welcomes steel tariff removal in new US-UK trade deal

Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), said:

“The announcement of a new USUK trade deal is a significant step forward for UK industry. The removal of tariffs on British steel is a major win for the construction equipment sector, where steel remains central to manufacturing. Cutting these costs will ease pressure on supply chains, support investment and help protect skilled jobs. Tariffs on steel and aluminium have now been

reduced to zero – a vital change that will benefit a wide range of UK manufacturers.

“US tariffs on UK automotives have also been slashed from 27.5% to 10%, applying to a quota of 100,000 UK cars – almost the total the UK exported to the US last year. This agreement not only protects British jobs but also provides stability and growth opportunities for our exporters.

“Tariffs are damaging – no one wins in a trade war. This deal sends a strong message about the value of open, rules-based trade, and we welcome the swift conclusion. Uncertainty is always damaging, and this move brings much needed clarity for business.

“Clarity on rules of origin will be vital – many UK manufacturers rely on global supply chains, and we need to ensure that this deal works in practice, not just on paper.

“We will also be watching closely what kind of deals are struck with

China and Europe. Future arrangements must ensure UK manufacturers are not left at a disadvantage when competing globally.

“What matters now is delivery. Our members will be looking for detail on how quickly the deal takes effect and how it supports the wider industrial base. The CEA will continue to work with government to ensure that construction equipment is front of mind in any future trade discussions.

“This deal, coming on the back of trade agreements with India and the European Union, and interest rate cuts from the Bank of England, represents a strong week for UK industry.

“These developments together send a positive signal for jobs, investment and longer-term economic stability – all of which are vital for confidence across the construction equipment sector. We look forward to working through the details.”

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A mid-year mixed picture checkpoint for construction

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

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025. The past six months have flown by and, as always, the construction and demolition world hasn’t stood still. From legislative shifts to surprisingly mild weather and trade developments, change is the one thing that remains a constant in our industry. And so far, this year has felt like a bit of a mixed bag.

One of the biggest developments has been the rise in employers’ National Insurance Contributions. From April, the rate jumped from 13.8% to 15%, and the salary threshold dropped too. That’s added some serious pressure, particularly for smaller firms already juggling rising material costs and wage inflation. Across the industry, we’re starting to see businesses slow down hiring or try to offset costs elsewhere, which risks putting the brakes on some projects later in the year if this continues, at a time when building is more critically needed than ever.

Worse yet, construction industry experienced the highest number of insolvencies in the 12 months

to January 2025, with 4,031 cases, making up 17% of all industry insolvencies. In February alone, 367 construction firms entered insolvency, marking a 20% increase from the previous month and the highest figure recorded since mid2024. These figures highlight the ongoing financial pressures many in our industry face.

That said, there are positives to be found – latest construction output figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a modest but steady uptick in activity. Figures released in May revealed that monthly construction output increased by approximately 0.5% in March, driven by a growth in both new work and repair and maintenance.

Better yet, total construction new orders grew by over 26% (£2,447 million) in the first quarter of 2025 compared with quarter 4 last year, a growth which came mainly from infrastructure and private industrial new work.

There’s no doubt that the milder, drier spring we all enjoyed played a part, enabling firms to maintain momentum across residential and commercial projects, with fewer weather-related delays leading to more efficient scheduling and project timelines – a rare win in our often weather-dependent world.

Much like the first six months, global developments will continue to shape and impact our industry throughout the second half of the year. There’s a lot of chatter about new trade agreements with the US, EU and Asia-Pacific countries – and if those deals land, they could open up exciting export opportunities,

especially in manufacturing, tech and green construction solutions.

Yet I’d be remiss not to acknowledge a growing concern among many of us in the industry –the creeping ‘brain drain’ trend, whereby more and more skilled UK construction workers are taking their skills overseas, particularly to places like Saudi Arabia, where big scale projects and even bigger salaries are proving too tempting to resist for many. It’s a reminder that if we are to ensure the sector’s long-term success, we need to do more at home to retain and reward talent and keep our workforce feeling valued and invested in.

Despite these challenges, our sector is persistently forward-looking and I continue to be inspired by the industry leaders’ determination to collaborate on the solutions. Events such as Plantworx, which returns this year with another impressive lineup of thought leaders and pioneers, provide a valuable opportunity to showcase cutting edge technologies, as well as share best practice and forge trusted connections. I always find these gatherings reinforce our sector’s commitment to innovation and progress.

In an ever-evolving environment, one thing is clear: construction and demolition businesses remains as resilient and committed to getting the job done as ever. As we power into the second half of 2025, that’s something to feel genuinely positive about.

Biodiversity net gain: A new era of responsibility – and opportunity – for demolition contractors

by Richard

Dolman – Managing Director, AR Demolition

The UK’s introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in 2024 marked a significant shift in how land development is approached – and it’s a change that the demolition and enabling works sector must embrace, not resist.

BNG requires that developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. While this is often perceived as a challenge for developers and planners, it’s also an enormous opportunity for us as demolition professionals. As the first boots on the ground, we have a critical role to play in setting the stage for biodiversity gains and supporting our clients’ compliance efforts right from the outset.

Traditionally, demolition has been seen as the act of taking away – clearing space, removing risk, and enabling what comes next. But in the age of BNG, our remit is expanding. We now have a seat at the table in discussions about ecology, sustainability and long-term land stewardship. The question we must all ask is, how can we as contractors add ecological value even during the clearance phase?

One answer lies in early engagement. By working closely with clients, ecologists and planning consultants at the pre-demolition stage, we can identify opportunities to preserve and enhance habitats. This might mean timing works to avoid nesting seasons, protecting mature trees, or even integrating temporary habitat enhancements during site preparation.

Furthermore, soft-strip and deconstruction methodologies can be adapted to salvage not just materials, but ecological value. Protecting green spaces, hedgerows or soil that otherwise may have been part of the demolition process with a rich seed bank, instead contributes directly to net gain calculations.

We’re already seeing clients turn to us for guidance on how demolition activities can support their BNG strategies. That demand will only grow. Contractors who can speak the language of biodiversity metrics, understand habitat baselining and suggest practical ways to reduce ecological impact will be seen as trusted, strategic partners –not just suppliers.

There is also a broader business

opportunity here. Some of the larger enabling works packages now include elements of ecological reinstatement, such as installing log piles for invertebrates, bat roosts, or rewilded buffer zones. These are tasks that we can integrate into our scope of works with the right training and partnerships.

To fully realise the benefits of BNG, the industry must invest in upskilling – both in ecological literacy and in sustainable site practices. This is not a tick-box exercise; it is a cultural shift that rewards proactive, environmentally responsible contractors.

BNG is not just a regulatory requirement – it’s an invitation for us to lead from the front, demonstrate our value beyond demolition and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable built environment.

Let’s accept that invitation together.

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