Insights from Tim Metcalfe, Keepmoat Scotland’s Regional Managing Director
Guide Post deal signals the way to new development
FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE CHANGING - IS YOUR PROJECT FUTURE-PROOFED?
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A New Horizon Takes Shape on Grimsby’s Skyline
St John Ambulance launches mental health campaign
Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Building Without Steps, by Gav Brown
Building Scotland’s Future: Insights from Tim Metcalfe
The launch of The Masonry Association of Great Britain
UK Timber Mix Shifts: Pine Imports on the Rise
Securing the future of sustainable living
A Tale of Victory for Story Decorating Group
Building Tensions, by Jonathan Pawlowski
SHERINGHAM LARGEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN DECADES NEARS COMPLETION
The biggest affordable housing development in Sheringham for decades is nearly complete.
Developer Flagship Homes, part of Bromford Flagship, is building 24 homes at the site, called West Wood, next to The Reef leisure centre.
Peter Waplington, senior project manager at Flagship Homes, said the roofs had now been finished on the final few homes, marking the project’s ‘topping out’.
Of the homes, 18 will be for affordable rent (up to 80% of market value, capped at Local Housing Allowance) and allocated to families on the local housing register, and managed by Flagship housing association Victory Homes. The other six will be available through Flagship’s part-rent, part-buy shared ownership scheme.
King’s Lynn-based construction firm EN Suiter & Sons is the principal contractor on the project, which also received grant funding from Homes England.
GUIDE POST DEAL SIGNALS THE WAY TO NEW DEVELOPMENT
A land deal has been completed that will pave the way for 111 new homes in Guide Post, South East Northumberland.
The acquisition, by Consett based housebuilder Amethyst Homes, means that the planning application can now be brought forward for the site, which is
located just off the A1068. It is part of a larger redevelopment area between the settlements of Choppington and Guide Post.
A minor amendment to the current approved planning permission has been submitted to the Local Planning Authority for the first phase amounting to 59 homes. The development, which will be known as The Woodlands, will see Amethyst build a mix of two, three and four bedroomed homes across this first phase of the development.
Work is planned to commence in the summer, with the first homes to be completed in spring 2026.
HOMES AT FORMER ODEON CINEMA SITE READY FOR CUSTOMERS
VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes has announced the completion of 18 new affordable homes at the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End, Portsmouth. This redevelopment project, completed in partnership with Imperial Homes, transforms a notable local site into muchneeded housing.
The scheme comprises 12 houses and 6 apartments, with 15 homes available for social rent and 3 for shared ownership. This project not only provides affordable housing but also repurposes the old, well-known local cinema site to benefit the community.
The site includes road names such as Picture House Mews and a flat block named Mather Court, after the cinema’s architect Andrew Mather, honouring its cinematic history.
WORK STARTS ON MAJOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN BRIDLINGTON
A major new affordable housing project on Springfield Avenue in Bridlington is now under construction.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s development includes 30 new council homes, comprising of 24, one-bedroom, apartments and six, two-bedroom apartments. The development is being built on behalf of the council by Hobson & Porter.
The scheme is being supported with a £2.25million grant from Homes England and £1million from the Hull and East Riding devolution settlement, in addition to funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s housing revenue account.
The project is due to complete in May 2026, and the homes will be allocated through the council’s housing allocations policy.
The development has been designed with energy efficiency in mind and sustainable energy technology is being built into all the homes, including air-source heat pumps and roof-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) panels, as
well as car parking spaces with EV charging points.
The outside spaces will include the planting of native trees and wildflower seeds, along with the installation of bat and bird boxes.
NEW HORIZON TAKES SHAPE ON GRIMSBY’S SKYLINE
Grimsby’s pioneering new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline.
Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered
by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East
Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund.
The site is being transformed by Hobson & Porter and is due to open this autumn. As part of the work, a series of Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed.
The middle part of the building sits at the heart of the development alongside the River Freshney and on a river wall which had to be rebuilt using a pontoon in the river to create a safe working platform. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair but it has been rebuilt, and work is now complete on its new roof structure.
In addition to the refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, the final piece of the scheme will see Hobson & Porter constructing a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA).
PROJECT NEWS
BARRATT & DAVID WILSON HOMES EXPANDS IN HIGHLAND LOCATIONS
FOLLOWING SOLD OUT SITES
With the demand to live across the Highlands on the rise, Barratt and David Wilson Homes has recently acquired three sites in and around Inverness. The new sites collectively offer a capacity for 838 homes, aiming to boost economic growth and meet the housing demand in the highly desirable region.
This includes a new coastal development in Delnies, Nairn where the award-winning housebuilder will deliver a variety of new home styles to meet different needs, including those looking to step on to the housing ladder, homes for growing families, and those looking to downsize.
The development, which benefits from looking out to the mouth of the Moray Firth and Black Isle will deliver 75 affordable homes, supporting the Highland Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.
Works have already started on the site, including the construction
of a new roundabout off the A96 to access the development, the wider masterplan area and the neighbouring site at Sandown. Long term plans include enhancing accessibility into Nairn for residents, providing dedicated safe routes for walking and cycling.
PARTNERSHIP IS BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS IN SHEFFIELD
Sheffield Housing Company (SHC), a joint venture development company between Sheffield City Council, Keepmoat and Great Places, has delivered muchneeded affordable properties at the popular Pennine Village site - located only two miles from the city centre.
The partnership, charged with delivering 2,300 properties on a total of 23 Sheffield sites by the end of 2026, has agreed the sale of homes to Great Places to add an affordable housing offer to this popular new development.
Great Places has acquired a mix of two, three and four bedroomed
properties - part-funded by Homes England - which have been let for affordable rent. Demand for the new homes was extremely high, and they are now fully occupied.
Pennine Village will feature 101 homes in total, all of which will benefit from the latest standards of design, including highly energy efficient cavity walls and photovoltaics which will help reduce homeowners’ energy bills.
In addition to the new homes, the development benefits from the recent introduction of the Sustainable urban Drainage Scheme (SuDS), at Manor Fields Park. It is designed to reduce flood
The homes will be located close to Ardersier and will support the wider investment in the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, which is expected to bring over 10,000 jobs to the local area, which substantially increases the need for a variety of new homes in the region.
At the beginning of the year, the housebuilder sold out its final homes at Ness Castle, southwest of Inverness city centre; Barratt Homes North Scotland has sold nearly 500 properties at the popular development and has invested heavily in the local area and community.
Following this success of Ness Castle, Barratt and David Wilson Homes recently purchased a site at nearby Ness Side for 138 homes, with a planning application to be submitted in late summer.
The housebuilder is also planning another development at Milton of Leys, Inverness.
Pending approval, the site will deliver 400 homes, providing a variety of homes to suit homebuyers alongside the provision of much needed affordable homes.
risk whilst creating an environment for both wildlife and Sheffield residents to enjoy.
The SuDS was delivered by SHC, in partnership with the Council’s Parks and Flood Management teams and The Green Estate Community Interest Companywhich manages the park on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
Completing Pennine Village will be a natural play park / area featuring wooden steps, artificial boulders, balance logs, a slide and cargo nets. All homes will be built and occupied by summer 2025.
Image by Kenny Mcleod
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BARRATT HOMES AND SAMH TO LEAD GROUNDBREAKING SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMME FOR SCOTTISH CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland has joined forces with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) to create a new suicide prevention training programme tailored to the Scottish construction industry.
Backed by £239,000 in funding from the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Industry Impact Fund, the initiative aims to equip companies and individuals with the tools to identify colleagues facing mental health challenges and provide meaningful support.
ST JOHN AMBULANCE LAUNCHES HI VIS STRESS VEST CAMPAIGN AND NEW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
St John Ambulance has launched a campaign to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but felt it too difficult to talk about.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland will combine with SAMH to create a bespoke training and resource programme designed specifically for the unique pressures faced by construction workers.
The construction industry has made significant strides in supporting workers’ mental health and wellbeing in recent years, however, challenges remain.
This initiative aims to break down the stigma around speaking up and
foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable seeking support when they need it.
To ensure the training meets industry needs, Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland and SAMH are inviting individuals from across the construction sector to share first-hand experience and participate in focus groups to help shape the content of the programme.
The training programme is scheduled to launch in Autumn 2025, following the ongoing development phase.
The programme and its resources will be available to individuals and companies across Scotland, ensuring the entire industry has access to help.
Such is the taboo around the topic that 71% of research respondents admitted to giving their employer a different reason, such as a physical illness, for taking time off for mental health. Nearly four in 10 would rather quit their job than tell someone at work.
The health charity has released the stark findings as it introduces a mental health first aid course that uses real-life scenarios to train workers to spot hidden signs, start difficult conversations and create workplaces where colleagues feel safe to share their problems.
It hopes to kickstart these vital conversations by sharing limited edition “Hi Vis Stress Vests” with construction companies and celebrities including TV builder Tommy Walsh and construction entrepreneur Daniel Ashville Louisy. The back of each high-visibility jacket features a statement, such as “No-one will miss me when I’m gone”, to express some of the invisible mental distress that many builders don’t feel able to talk about.
The research of 500 construction workers also revealed nearly a third describe their current state as “struggling”, “overwhelmed” or
“suicidal”, while 82% say they’ve suffered with a mental health challenge at some point in their career in the trade.
Although nearly two-thirds of respondents agree it is healthier to share struggles about stress, anxiety or depression, nearly half think they’ll lose the trust and respect of their colleagues if they don’t put on a brave face. More than a fifth believe doing so would be letting the team down, a fifth are too embarrassed and 14% believe they’ll be laughed at.
However, more than half, 54%, of respondents said they would be more likely to share their problems if they had a trained mental health first aider on site. Six in 10 would like to see their employer do more to support mental health in their workplace.
Learn more here: sja.org.uk/hivis.
BUILDERS AVOID COSTLY REMEDIAL WORK WITH PVCU RENDER BEADS
By Daniel Leedham-Green, Managing Director at Renderplas
Render is a very visible exterior feature of a building and render beads are critical for achieving the perfect aesthetic finish. However, steel beads have made many structures look dated well before their time.
Most people will have seen the unsightly, rusty staining down some buildings. This is caused by steel render beads corroding due to moisture, salt or a reaction with chemicals in the render itself. While both stainless steel beads and galvanised steel beads can be affected in this way, the impact on galvanised steel beads tends to be much more severe.
Solving the problem often entails removing the entire render, cutting the steel beads out and starting again. Corrosion damage can become visible soon after construction is complete, damaging the reputation of developers and putting builders in the firing line for costly remedial work.
Unlike steel render beads, Renderplas PVCu beads do not require re-painting, offering a long-lasting finish
PVCu render beads suffer none of these limitations and offer a host of additional benefits besides. Consequently, they are becoming the go-to for the industry.
When it comes to a building’s facade, looks are everything. PVCu render beads do not rust, which eliminates any resulting exterior staining, helping to maintain a fresh aesthetic long after completion. Therefore, builders do not need to return to site to remove stained render. They greatly reduce fading too, as UV stabilised colours ensure a pleasing, long-lasting finish. Unlike metal counterparts, no re-painting is required. In the looks department, PVCu has the edge over steel.
Style is nothing without substance, and PVCu render beads are incredibly strong. End users can expect PVCu to easily outlast stainless steel designs; higher impact protection than steel also promotes this superior longevity.
Beads are critical for the overall durability of the render itself, and in this regard, PVCu excels. Its inherent flexibility helps to prevent cracking, greatly minimising the risk of remedial work. Furthermore, the fact that PVCu doesn’t corrode stymies water ingress into the render, providing greater protection. A ‘Y’ shape design featuring a narrow arrowhead arris also ensures better render thickness at a typically vulnerable area than folded metal beads, boosting the lifetime of the render.
PVCu render beads are so durable, that re-rendering can sometimes be conducted without chopping out the bead, which is highly unlikely with metal designs.
With the introduction of Part L building regulations and global efforts to lower emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects is of increasing importance.
Renderplas PVCu render beads provide an aesthetically pleasing finish
Renderplas PVCu render beads do not rust, avoiding exterior staining and subsequently eliminating the need for remedial work
PVCu render beads are an easy way to support this. Ultimately, choosing PVCu render beads over steel can contribute to a more sustainable structure.
Anyone who has worked with steel render beads would probably agree that PVCu offers a more user-friendly option too.
It would be easy to overlook the specification of render beads in a construction project, but it would prove to be a mistake. By choosing the best bead on the market, builders and developers can be sure their projects and reputation for quality stand the test of time.
Greens H2O Hire, the UKs favorite potable tanker company providing wholesome drinking water that can be used throughout many industries, this could include Festivals, Events, Construction, Manufacturing, Bespoke temporary water systems and Emergency water for life’s unplanned interruptions. We are a dedicated company and always try to exceed expectations. We provide a 24/7 service 365 days a year so no need to panic when you get a problem we are only a phone call away.
Greens H2O Hire, the UK's favourite potable tanker company providing wholesome drinking water for the festivals and events industry. We provide bespoke temporary water systems and emergency water for life's unplanned interruptions. We are a dedicated company and always try to exceed expectations. We provide a 24/7 service 365 days a year so no need to panic when you get a problem, we are only a phone call away!
Greens H2O Hire, the UKs favorite potable tanker company providing wholesome drinking water that can be used throughout many industries, this could include Festivals, Events, Construction, Manufacturing, Bespoke temporary water systems and Emergency water for life’s unplanned interruptions.
All of our road tankers and bowsers are cleaned & disinfected to a high standard and comply with the BS standard. Certificates and tanker sheets are readily available and are issued by our drivers upon delivery, all of our tankers carry water testing equipment to allow drivers to give on the spot readings for chlorine & turbidity.
We are a dedicated company and always try to exceed expectations. We provide a 24/7 service 365 days a year so no need to panic when you get a problem we are only a phone call away.
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MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: BREAKING THE SILENCE
The construction industry is known for its physically demanding nature, long working hours, and high-pressure environments. While these aspects are often discussed, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is mental health. The construction industry has a significant impact on the mental well-being of its workers, and it is time to break the silence surrounding this issue.
Construction workers face a unique set of challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. The physically demanding nature of the job, coupled with long hours and tight deadlines, can lead to chronic stress and fatigue. Additionally, the high-risk nature of the industry, with the potential for accidents and injuries, can create anxiety and fear among workers.
One of the main factors contributing to mental health issues in the construction industry is the prevailing culture of silence and stigma surrounding mental health. Traditionally, construction workers have been expected to be tough and resilient, often dismissing any signs of vulnerability. This culture discourages workers from seeking help or talking about their struggles, leading to a cycle of suffering in silence.
The consequences of neglecting mental health in the construction industry are significant. Studies have shown that construction workers are at a higher risk of developing mental
health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The suicide rate among construction workers is also alarmingly high, with studies showing the suicide rate for males in construction is 75% higher than the rate in the general population.
Recognising the importance of mental health in the construction industry is the first step towards addressing this issue. Employers need to create a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages open conversations about mental health. This can be achieved by implementing mental health awareness programs, providing training for managers and supervisors on how to identify and support workers who may be struggling, and offering access to mental health resources and counselling services.
Furthermore, it is crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry. This can be done by promoting mental health
awareness campaigns, sharing personal stories of construction workers who have overcome mental health challenges, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. By normalising conversations about mental health, workers will feel more comfortable seeking help and support when needed.
In addition to the efforts made by employers, individual workers also play a vital role in taking care of their mental well-being. It is essential for construction workers to prioritise self-care, such as getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals when needed. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise or hobbies, can also help alleviate the pressures of the job.
The construction industry has made significant strides in improving safety standards and physical well-being. It is now time to extend the same level of attention and care to mental health. By breaking the silence surrounding mental health in the construction industry, we can create a healthier and more supportive work environment for all workers.
In conclusion, mental health in the construction industry is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The physically demanding nature of the job, coupled with long hours and high-pressure environments, can take a toll on the mental wellbeing of workers. By fostering a culture of openness, support, and understanding, employers and workers can work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a safer and healthier industry for all.
If you would like to discuss this issue further, please get in touch with a construction specialist to discuss further.
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BUILDING WITHOUT STEPS: WHY UK HOMES COULD STALL AT THE STAIRCASE
By Gav Brown, Managing Director at Think Timber
According to recent research by Think Timber, a strategic partner to the timber staircase sector, the UK staircase industry faces a concerning capacity shortfall of almost one-quarter to meet the government’s housing target—to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. Think Timber gathered data from all the UK staircase manufacturers to compare current, maximum and required output to produce and supply 300,000 staircases annually, unveiling an alarming gap in the industry’s resources.
With the construction sector already handicapped by the lack of skilled labour, rising costs and industry politics, these findings indicate the goal is unlikely to come to fruition. While the government has attempted to respond to these issues by launching Skills England and investing £140 million into New Skills Hub—a programme which will deliver fast-track industry training—more systematic change is needed. Gav Brown (pictured), Managing Director at Think Timber, shares his insight on the industry data.
A staircase is one of the most essential elements in a home. Even though they’re used daily, stairs continue to be overlooked when discussing housing supply. By collaborating with other staircase manufacturers to calculate our industry’s capacity, it was quickly made clear how farfetched Labour’s goal truly is.
Behind the scenes when building a home, on average, around 20 different suppliers, mostly SMEs, are needed to build one single house, all playing a crucial role in new housing development.
“Even though Think Timber’s research may only focus on the shortage of supply in the staircase industry, it certainly points to the wider difficulties within the housing supply chain as a whole.”
As the government pushes forward with its ambitious housing goals, rising costs—from increases in National Insurance employer contributions to the upcoming Building Safety Levy—will add thousands of pounds onto the total of building each new home, sending a ripple effect through the supply chain and piling pressure on SMEs, resulting in many being left behind.
With a shortage of skilled labour and constantly rising costs, many smaller businesses, like ours, are facing significant pressure. UK manufacturers, in particular, have been hit with input price inflation rising to a two-year high, leaving some businesses with no other solution but to stop production and shut down. And while the need for new homes is certainly real, and setting
an ambitious goal may feel like the solution, currently as an industry, it feels like we’re being set up to fail. Businesses are closing down, and no new entrants are replacing them—the industry supply chain is becoming narrower by the day.
If we were to receive sufficient support from the government, such as contract guarantees for SMEs or available grants for increasing workforces and training, this would enable the industry to not just meet the quantity but the quality of UK homes.
As the nation navigates its way through the housing crisis, the need for greater collaboration between the government and the smaller links within the supply chain is essential. This will ensure SMEs have the right support in place, creating a resilient supply chain and the delivery of highquality homes.
Nuaire provides affordable cooling for central London residential development
Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has had its MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems installed into the new Berkeley Oval Village mixed use development in central London.
103 MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems with Nuaire ducting are being installed into one bedroom apartments at Oval Village in an area called the Zone, which are available on a shared ownership basis. Compact in size, they are being installed within each apartment’s utility cupboards.
The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System, which is a cooling extension for the MRXBOX Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range, combines the heatexchanger coolth recovery of an MVHR system with the cooling effect provided by a DX coil. A wall-mounted room temperature sensor senses indoor temperatures and activates the cooling module automatically when necessary.
To find out more about Nuaire’s Hybrid Cooling System go to: www.nuaire.co.uk/product-listpage/mrxbox-hybrid-coolingsystem
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Domus Ventilation ducting to be manufactured with recycled plastic
UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation is proud to announce that its industry leading ventilation ducting will now be manufactured primarily from recycled plastic.
The company already uses 100% recycalate on its rectangular ducting and over 95% of its fittings use 100% High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) which comes from post-consumer recycled plastic. As part of the Genuit group, which has committed to have 62% of its ducting source material come from recycled plastics by 2025 where at all feasible, Domus Ventilation
has now progressed to manufacturing its entire ducting range primarily from recycled plastic. This will make Domus Ventilation ducting one of the lowest carbon choices on the market, without any detrimental impact on the quality of the product that Domus ducting is renowned for.
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DRAINAGE & PLUMBING
WATER USAGE WILL BE KEY IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The longer-term environmental impact of the UKs water deficit could cause further damage to the natural environment and could restrict future development. Combining the increasing Per Capital Consumption (PCC) with the UKs growing population means that by 2050 the UK water deficit is predicted to be 5000 mega litres per day.
Future water plans include transporting water across the country and building new reservoirs. However, 65% of the water deficit will have to be met by a reduction in consumption. To help achieve this, all major water companies have been set PCC reduction targets of up to 11%.
At the recent Waterwise Conference, Helen Wakenham, Director of Water, Environment Agency stated that water efficiency ‘should be embedded into the plans we have for housing’. She continued ‘if water efficiency is embedded in our homes and our products it becomes easy to do’.
Achieving PCC targets by building water efficient homes
OFWAT have recognised that water efficient homes are the key to reducing consumption and have established basic standards for new build homes. In all new properties, developers will be given financial rewards for designing in basic water conservation measures, known as the Common Environmental Incentive including low volume dual flush toilets, low flow taps and showers and water efficient washing machines and dishwashers. For achieving these standards developers will receive a rebate of £172 per property.
Groundbreaker – the high reward solution
“Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® has several flow modulation ranges are available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision, and all meet or exceed United Utilities required flow rate.”
Water companies have the option to introduce enhanced standards for additional incentives and United Utilities are amongst the first to embrace this.
From April 2025 additional financial incentives are available for the installation of a whole site flow regulator. These modulate the flow entering customer premises, so limiting the amount used by the customer. Without a degradation of service or any behavioural change, there is a ‘natural’ reduction in consumption. As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.
In any property with a meter Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® can be installed between the water meter and manifold in any water meter enclosure. So, meeting the enhanced incentive standard, and receiving the additional rebate of £100 for an outlay of a maximum of £30.
Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® has several flow modulation ranges are available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision, and all meet or exceed United Utilities required flow rate. As an added benefit, the Groundbreaker’s LoFlo Check Valve systems have the unique property of providing whole site protection against contamination by back flow (up to fluid category 2) as standard, so protecting the water network.
www.groundbreaker.co.uk
Steve Leigh is a Fellow of the Institute of Water and Managing Director of Groundbreaker Systems and was winner of the Home Builder Federation’s “Utility Individual of the Year for 2016”. Groundbreaker Systems won the HBF’s ‘Utility of the Year’ in 2018.
Groundbreaker Systems are 2023 winners of the Building & Facilities News as Company of the Year for Innovation in Sustainable Water Management.
BUILDING SCOTLAND’S FUTURE
Insights from Tim Metcalfe, Keepmoat Scotland’s Regional Managing Director
As Scotland faces rising housing demand and a renewed focus on sustainable, community-led development, Keepmoat Scotland has emerged as a driving force in the region’s transformation. Leading this momentum is Tim Metcalfe, who has overseen record-breaking delivery for the housebuilder north of the border.
In this edition of Builder UK, Tim shares how Keepmoat has gone from strength to strength, expanding from seven live developments to over ten by year-end. From flagship regeneration projects like NorthBridge in Glasgow to mixed-tenure sites in Glenrothes and Kilwinning, he reflects on the key milestones shaping Keepmoat’s growth in Scotland.
He also discusses why brownfield regeneration sits at the core of the company’s strategy, the challenges of unlocking complex urban sites, and how partnerships with local authorities are helping address the housing shortage. From embedding greener building standards to supporting apprenticeships and job creation, Tim offers an inside look at how Keepmoat is not just building homes—but creating communities designed to thrive.
Tim, you’ve overseen recordbreaking delivery for Keepmoat Scotland. What have been the key milestones and projects driving this growth?
Keepmoat has been building homes in Scotland for over a decade and is now poised for further expansion, mirroring the success of our regions south of the border.
With a strong land pipeline, we’re on track to grow from seven live developments to over ten by the end of the year. Key projects include NorthBridge in Glasgow, where we’re delivering 246 units across two phases. We’ve also recently launched show homes at Archerview in Kilwinning and at Westwood Park in Glenrothes, where we’re working with Fife Council to deliver 420 mixedtenure homes.
Keepmoat is well known for regenerating brownfield land. Why is this such a central part of your approach in Scotland?
Brownfield land plays a vital role in tackling Scotland’s housing needs.
These previously developed sites often occupy prime locations, close to existing amenities and transport links.
By regenerating brownfield land, we’re not only addressing the housing shortage but also helping to revitalise communities, support biodiversity, and create jobs. Crucially, these sites give us the chance to remediate contamination, improving the environment and creating healthier places to live.
“Brownfield land plays a vital role in tackling Scotland’s housing needs. These previously developed sites often occupy prime locations, close to existing amenities and transport links.”
At Keepmoat, we’re committed to delivering high-quality homes that support thriving, well-connected communities.
Your NorthBridge site in Glasgow is one of your flagship developments. What sets it apart?
NorthBridge in Sighthill is one of the largest regeneration projects outside London. Keepmoat is delivering more than 1,000 new homes as part of this award-winning initiative.
This development is transforming disused brownfield land into a modern urban neighbourhood, reconnecting north Glasgow with the city centre via a landmark pedestrian bridge over the M8. The new bridge allows residents to walk to the city centre in under 15 minutes.
NorthBridge embodies our vision for urban regeneration— sustainable, well-designed housing
that strengthens local communities and infrastructure.
How do you balance delivering high volumes with maintaining quality and sustainability?
It’s a balance we specialise in. Meeting housing demand at scale is vital, but so is ensuring the homes we deliver are sustainable and high-quality.
Our homes are designed for modern living— with flexible layouts, green spaces, and energy-efficient features such as solar panels and air source heat pumps. This not only helps residents lower their energy bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Through our partnership model, we can deliver well-connected, green, and liveable neighbourhoods that align with evolving needs.
What role do regional developers like Keepmoat play in helping local authorities meet housing targets?
Scotland’s growing housing need presents a real opportunity for regional developers like Keepmoat. We’ve strengthened our regional team and invested in land to support long-term growth.
Our partnership model allows us to collaborate closely with local authorities and housing associations, delivering homes across tenures and ensuring developments are tailored to local demand.
Continued >>>>
Brownfield sites are central to your strategy but often challenging. What obstacles have you encountered?
Brownfield sites can be complex. While they’re often in areas of high demand, the cost and difficulty of remediation can make some schemes unviable without grant support.
Additionally, the planning system has become increasingly challenging in recent years. However, the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduced in March aims to streamline decision-making, boost delivery, and support critical infrastructure projects.
Social value is clearly important to Keepmoat. How are you creating local opportunities through your Scottish projects?
We place a strong emphasis on community benefit. Across our Scottish developments in 2024, we’ve delivered a number of apprenticeships and work-based training opportunities.
At NorthBridge, for example, we have a dedicated community benefits programme which includes apprenticeships, work placements, college partnerships, and support for local charities. These initiatives are sometimes formalised through
planning agreements, but often they’re driven by our own ethos of doing the right thing.
How is Keepmoat shaping resilient communities that support long-term wellbeing?
We take a placemaking-led approach, ensuring our developments offer more than just housing. Green spaces, transport links, and nearby amenities are all integral to how we design and deliver homes.
Our goal is to build communities with a strong sense of identity and belonging. We work closely with local partners to deliver homes that are affordable, sustainable, and reflect the way people live today.
With low-carbon housing now a top priority, how are you embedding greener solutions into your projects?
We’re proud to be leading the way. In England, we were the first major housebuilder to deliver homes built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard for private sale.
In Scotland, all new developments incorporate features like solar panels, EV charging points, and—going forward—air source heat pumps. These technologies are helping us futureproof our homes and reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re proud to be leading the way. In England, we were the first major housebuilder to deliver homes built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard for private sale.”
Finally, what’s next for Keepmoat Scotland? Any upcoming developments you’re particularly excited about?
We’ve got some exciting projects coming forward. In the months ahead, we’ll be adding 134 new homes in Cumbernauld, through a partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, and continuing our success at Shotts with a further 295 units.
We’re looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide high-quality, mixed-tenure homes across Scotland.
To find out more about Keepmoat Scotland’s live sites, visit: www.keepmoat.com
THE LAUNCH OF THE MASONRY ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN: UNITING THE UK MASONRY INDUSTRY WITH A STRONGER VOICE AND CUTTING-EDGE TRAINING
The biggest affordable housing development in Sheringham for decades is nearly complete.
Developer Flagship Homes, part of Bromford Flagship, is building 24 homes at the site, called West Wood, next to The Reef leisure centre.
Peter Waplington, senior project manager at Flagship Homes, said the roofs had now been finished on the final few homes, marking the project’s ‘topping out’.
Of the homes, 18 will be for affordable rent (up to 80% of market value, capped at Local Housing Allowance) and allocated to families on the local housing register, and managed by Flagship housing association Victory Homes. The other six will be available through Flagship’s part-rent, part-buy shared ownership scheme.
King’s Lynn-based construction firm EN Suiter & Sons is the principal contractor on the project, which also received grant funding from Homes England.
APPG FOR SME HOUSEBUILDERS WELCOMES PROPOSED GOVERNMENT AMENDMENTS TO PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
The Government’s newly published proposed amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill mark a positive step toward a planning system that is truly fit for purpose and capable of unlocking the full potential of small and medium-sized housebuilders across the UK.
Sarah Edwards MP, Chair of the APPG for SME Housebuilders, said: “SME builders are absolutely vital to meeting our housing needs, but for too long they’ve been held back by a system skewed in favour of volume developers. But this is only the beginning, we need to go further to help unlock local land parcels and to boost skills and training. We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with ministers to ensure the final legislation delivers meaningful, lasting change.”
These proposed reforms represent significant progress in creating a more supportive,
flexible environment for SMEs by accelerating infrastructure delivery, reducing planning delays and costs, enabling dynamic local engagement, and boosting pipeline certainty.
Edwin de Silva, APPG Secretariat and founder of the Regional & Bespoke Developers Forum, added: “This is a welcome moment for SME developers who’ve kept building through some of the toughest market conditions in decades. The proposed amendments represent a key step forward – recognition that SMEs are not only resilient but essential to hitting the UK’s housing targets.”
Edwin De Silva emphasised that unlocking SME potential could double their housing output in the next two to three years. With the right framework, SMEs could contribute 60,000 homes annually – playing a transformative role in delivering the government’s 1.5 million homes ambition.
PLUMBING AND HEATING PROFESSION
REMAINS STABLE DESPITE GROWING UNCERTAINTY IN THE UK ECONOMY
Confidence in the plumbing and heating profession has dipped slightly, but the industry appears to be remaining stable, as businesses persevere in the face of wider UK financial and economic uncertainty, the latest State of Trade report from the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) has revealed.
Demand for plumbing and heating professionals remains steady, with 44% of businesses feeling confident or very confident about the year ahead. The data suggests that stability in trading conditions persist, but there are underlying concerns about future financial prospects on the back of the
underwhelming Spring Statement and ongoing global economic uncertainty.
The Q1 2025 report also highlighted additional challenges influencing current sentiment across the profession:
• Only 28% of businesses expect to increase staffing in the next six months
• 69% report low availability of skilled professionals in their area
• Only 22% are likely to recruit an apprentice in the coming year
The State of Trade survey was conducted between 24 and 31 March 2025, with responses sought
from more than 700 plumbing and heating member businesses and more than 50 affiliate and partner organisations of the Federation.
FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE CHANGING – IS YOUR PROJECT FUTURE-PROOFED?
The UK’s fire safety landscape is rapidly changing, and for those in construction, future-proofing is essential.
With regulatory updates already in effect and more arriving in 2025, it’s critical that specifiers, developers, and contractors understand how compliance today can influence risk, cost, and project viability down the line, especially when the government estimates remediation work across all affected blocks could cost up to £15 billion, much of which falls back on developers and building owners.
A Higher Bar for Materials
Following amendments to Approved Document B, materials used in external walls of buildings over 11 meters must meet a minimum fire classification of A2-s1-d0 or better. This classification, under the BS EN 13501-1 Euroclass system, ensures materials are non-combustible, produce minimal smoke and don’t emit flaming droplets during a fire.
Joe Ragdale, external wall insulation expert and director of Wetherby Wall Systems, says this marks a turning point for fire compliance, “The minimum legal requirement has shifted, but industry best practice is pushing even further.
“Designers and contractors need to focus on whole system performance, not just the material label, to ensure projects remain compliant and resilient for years to come.”
BS 476 has begun phasing out, with full transition to European EN standards by September 2029, placing more emphasis on direct product testing and system integrity.
Why Projects Still Fall Short
Despite these changes, many buildings are still behind. As of October 2024, only 30% of high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding had completed remediation, and many more had yet to be identified. Overlooked elements like balconies, plant rooms, and below DPC zones are often left out of fire safety assessments.
“We see this gap regularly in retrofit projects,” Ragdale explains. “There’s a tendency to focus on what’s most visible, like cladding, while neglecting junctions and base details that are just as critical to fire and moisture performance.”
Future-Proofing Through Design
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter accountability for Principal Designers and Contractors, including proof of competence. With long-term liability a real concern, designing with future compliance in mind is not only safer, it’s smarter.
“The cost of non-compliance isn’t just legal, it’s reputational and financial. Projects designed to meet only today’s standards may fall short in just a few years. Thinking ahead can protect both the building and your bottom line.”
Final Thoughts
Future-proofing a construction project means more than following current rules, it means anticipating where fire safety is heading. By prioritising tested systems, adopting non-combustible materials, and understanding the new regulatory responsibilities, the construction industry can avoid costly remediation, protect reputations and most importantly, deliver safer buildings.
SUSTAINABLE PAINTER AND DECORATOR CALI DECOR ON TARGET TO ACHIEVE £1M TURNOVER IN THE YEAR TO DECEMBER 2025
Lanarkshire-based painting and decorating business, Cali Decor, is on track to record sales of £1m in the calendar year to 31 December.
The twelve strong business, which was founded by managing director, Chris Meechan, in February 2024 and began trading in July, and has just recruited experienced sector professional, Mark Pullar as Operations Director, focuses on the use of
sustainable materials and a commitment to greener options.
A recent member of the Scottish Decorators Federation, the company has also introduced a policy of re-cycling paint pots and using high quality paintbrushes which, it believes last longer and reduce waste.
Mr Meechan, 34, a qualified surveyor who has held senior roles within Scotland’s painting and decorating sector, is a firm advocate of apprenticeship recruitment and training and, in addition to one fourth year apprentice, has recently hired a first-year apprentice, Mark Govan, from Motherwell.
CHP PARTNERS WITH NEWARCH HOMES TO DELIVER 220 AFFORDABLE HOMES ACROSS ESSEX
Essex-based housing association CHP is delighted to announce a new, long-term partnership with NewArch Homes.
NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund, has bought 220 homes from CHP, 59 of which are from its development pipeline. The remaining 161 are already tenanted. The homes are a mix
of affordable rent and shared ownership.
Housing management services will be provided by CHP, who will continue to deliver a full complement of housing management services, ranging from tenant on-boarding, tenancy management, building compliance, defect management, maintenance, and void management. As such, there will be no change to services for its customers.
HOUSEBUILDER DELIVERS MORE THAN 1,500 HOMES AND CREATES 703 JOBS ACROSS HULL
Through an ongoing partnership with Hull City Council, top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, has delivered more than 1,500 quality new homes in the city since 2015, including 207 affordable homes.
Working to support the local authority’s Hull Citywide Developer Partnership (HCDP), the housebuilder has most recently celebrated completion at its Amy Johnson development, a 485-strong housing regeneration project designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community.
Keepmoat has transformed the former Amy Johnson School site to support the HCDP initiative, which aims to deliver approximately 4,000 mixed-tenure homes in Hull over a 13-year period.
Through its partnership with the council, the housebuilder has delivered a total of 1,526 homes over the last 11 years, created 57 apprenticeships, 703 local jobs and delivered construction career events and talks to more than 2,000 young people.
The partnership has also seen the housebuilder transform 73 acres of brownfield land and invest more than £123,134 in community donations to support local groups across the Hull region.
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MARKEL DIRECT ANNOUNCE THE THREE WINNERS OF THE NATION’S A* TRADES APPRENTICE AWARD 2025
Three apprentices, all coming from different skilled trades and areas of the UK, have been announced as winners of The Nation’s A* Trades Apprentice Award 2025.
The award, run by Markel Direct, the specialist tradespeople insurer, aims to celebrate the outstanding work trades apprentices all over the UK are doing within their workplace, whilst also highlighting the important role apprentices play in the future of the construction industry.
After careful consideration, the three winners were selected by a judging
panel of Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, James Wilson, Marketing Manager of Festool, and Robin Clevett, carpenter and host of the Carpentry Show on Fix Radio.
The winners of The Nation’s A* Trades Apprentice Award 2025 are:
Chris Wilson (pictured below left), an apprentice carpenter and joiner from Birmingham, was nominated by his employer, Rafael Rose James of RRJ Carpentry and Joinery Ltd. After receiving the award, Chris commented: “I felt very honoured and privileged knowing that Rafael thinks
of me in high regards, and it makes me feel like all my hard work has been recognised.”.
Gabbi Day (pictured below center), a roofing apprentice from Chesterfield, was nominated by her employer Philip Dalton, managing director of Dalton Roofing. Gabbi shared that being nominated was a massive achievement for her, and how winning the development package is going to help her progress at work, especially as it is difficult to know and purchase the tools you often need as an apprentice.
Ben Mills (pictured below right), a mature plumbing apprentice at Warwickshire College, received a nomination from his college mentor, Amanda Bodycote, who shared: “As a mature student, Ben has faced challenges along the way, however, he has always made time to support his peers, being the person which everyone looks to for guidance.”
TALENTED SLATERS AND TILERS PUT TO THE TEST AS SKILLBUILD REGIONAL HEATS COMMENCE
The nation’s biggest trade and crafts skills competition for young people returns, and the SkillBuild 2025 regional heats are off to a promising start. NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is proud to continue our support by leading the roofing element of the competition.
Seven competitors will compete in the first regional heat, held at SIMIAN Risk, with over 40 others waiting to tackle the challenge in the following heats, set to take place at Dundee and Angus College, Exeter College, Preston College, Newcastle College, and Leeds College of Building.
Each heat will be held under the expert eye of the judging team, which is made up of three experienced roofers–Bob Coutts, Andy Rowlands, and Matt Timby—who will be looking for quality craftsmanship, accuracy, technical abilities, time management, problemsolving, and skills working under pressure.
Eight finalists will be chosen to compete nationally in the finals, which will be held in November and attract large crowds to see the competition unfold.
YEAR 9 GIRLS TRY BRICKLAYING AND PLASTERING AT EVENT TO INSPIRE CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION
Female pupils from Lancashire schools tried their hands at bricklaying, plastering, carpentry and joinery at an event aimed at inspiring them to consider careers in the construction industry.
A total of 30 Year Nine girls took part in the event, which was organised by the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) and hosted by Preston College.
The girls attend Archbishop Temple Church of England High School and Christ the King Catholic High School in Preston, and Garstang Community Academy.
The ‘Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Construction’ event showcased a number of trades and featured talks by females who are successfully pursuing their careers in what remains a male-dominated industry.
“The speakers were Hope Doran, a trainee quantity surveyor at VINCI Building, and Clare Hedingham, head of property at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.”
Latest industry figures show that around 340,000 women are currently employed in the sector, representing approximately 15 per cent of the UK’s construction workforce. In manual trades, just one per cent of workers are female, and only seven per cent of executive roles in construction are held by women.
Recruiting females to the industry is seen as a key way to bridge the skills gap in the sector, with an estimated 250,000 additional workers required by 2027.
1 IN 4 TEENAGERS BELIEVE THEY AREN’T TAUGHT ENOUGH ABOUT TRADE CAREERS
Skilled trades are facing continual labour shortages thanks to skills gaps and an ageing workforce. Housebuilding and improving infrastructure are some of the key points to Labour’s growth strategy, hoping to build 1.5 million homes by 2029. This is creating a stark reality; there just aren’t enough workers to get the job done.
Specialist metal supplier, metals4U, conducted a survey to answer why we are facing this bleak challenge, and what we can do to improve the outlook of the UK’s future in skilled trades.
Speaking to 500 young people aged 14-17, the survey delved into what career sectors young people are most interested in, and why they might not be considering trade roles.
The survey uncovered that one in four young people don’t believe they are taught enough about career opportunities in trade. Following this, the survey also revealed that 28% of teenagers wouldn’t feel comfortable in a role like this. Only 8% of teens say they are interested in a career in construction or a trade, falling behind other sectors.
The Government plans to have up to 60,000 more engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters trained by 2029, hoping to tackle the skills shortages and inspire the next generation into the construction industry.
Organisations Charity are also working to create a brighter future for this sector, founded by two women in the industry, Ore Projects focuses on supporting marginalised groups to learn skills in a safe and inclusive environment, and facilitates lots of different groups at risk of not being employed. Yorkshire Children’s Charity also have programmes aimed at shedding light on these issues, offering construction workshops so young people can learn more about the industry.
SWANTEST: SPECIALIST ENGINEERING FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS
Swantest is a specialist company that offers a complete package of services for complex projects within the construction, demolition and civil engineering industries.
Through its team of multi-disciplined engineers, they can provide with load capacity tests, geotechnical tests, balcony and barrier tests, anchor and fixing tests, welding inspections, preloading and torque loading, structural surveys and investigation, structural alterations and strengthening and hydraulic lifting and jacking. Swantest can also conduct ongoing monitoring and inspections where necessary.
Swantest is part of Swanton Consulting Ltd, a temporary works design consultancy, and also possesses in-house capability for complex design solutions.
For more information visit: www.swantest.co.uk
Specialist Solutions for Complex Projects
Swantest is a specialist company providing structural testing, investigation, remedial and strengthening solutions for complex projects. We are a team of multi-disciplined engineers who can provide a wide range of specialist site services to the construction, demolition and civil engineering industry.
We specialise in:
•Load capacity tests
•Geotechnical tests
•Balcony & barrier tests
•Anchor & tests
•Weld inspections
•Nondestructive Testing
•Bespoke Testing
•Structural surveys & investigation
•3D Point cloud surveys
•Structural alterations & strengthening
•Hydraulic lifting & jacking
•Preloading & torque loading
•Concrete repair & remediation
•Composite solutions
When it comes to site solutions, we want to provide our clients with a complete package of works. Therefore, Swantest can carry out all required elements for any complex project. Including initial site investigation and surveys, structural testing, subsequent remedial and strengthening solutions and design works if required. We can also provide ongoing monitoring and inspections where necessary.
Swantest are part of a specialist temporary works design consultancy; Swanton Consulting Ltd. This gives us the advantage of having capability to carry out complex design solutions in house. We are UKAS accredited and have been working with industry leaders providing a wide range of specialist solutions for complex projcets.
For more information call us on 0370 950 7707
Website: www.swantest.co.uk Email: info@swantest.co.uk 52-54 St. John Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 4HF
UK TIMBER MIX SHIFTS: PINE IMPORTS ON THE RISE
The UK construction industry is undergoing a subtle but notable shift in its timber supply chain, as pine takes a larger share of the imported timber mix. This change comes not from a shortage of material, but from evolving market dynamics across Europe.
European sawmills have been facing significant disruptions with recent
Bark Beetle infestations, geopolitical shifts, and changes in forest management priorities, resulting in temporary closures of certain production lines. These disruptions have particularly impacted the availability of European Whitewood (Spruce).
As Chief Executive Dave Hopkins for Timber Development UK (TDUK) explains, “Spruce has traditionally been preferred for use in construction projects due to its visual appeal and smooth finish. However, market changes are causing us to see a higher proportion of Pine imports.”
While the shift in species may be surprising to some in the trade,
experts are reassuring stakeholders that the quality and performance of the timber remains consistent. Pine— specifically European Redwood—has exactly the same strength grading as Spruce.
As put by Dave, “It’s important that merchants and contractors understand that Pine has exactly the same strength grading as Spruce, and so while it may be slightly different visually, it can be used for C16, C24 and TR26 applications in the same way as Spruce without concern. Merchants can be confident that each piece of structural timber will meet the strength class performance stamped on the piece – whether they are Pine or Spruce.”
The UK construction sector depends heavily on coniferous timber, with around 65% of demand met through imports. Spruce and Pine are the dominant species, and the recent uptick in Pine availability is more of a balancing act than a red flag.
Timber Development UK has issued a Trade Note to reassure its members that this does not mean there is a shortage of timber available to the UK, but simply that the mix of species being imported is changing.
This shift could bring advantages in certain areas, for example, in garden and exterior applications such as decking and cladding, Pine is better suited to absorb preservative treatments. This makes it more suitable than Spruce for achieving Use Class 3 and Use Class 4 performance levels. In fact, Spruce requires incision to be effective for ground contact applications in Use Class 4, whereas Pine absorbs treatments more readily.
Dave continued to emphasise the importance of communication in this transition: “We have not yet seen any major change in the overall volume of timber being imported to the UK, it is simply the mix of timber species that is changing, and by ensuring they choose the correct strength-graded timber, merchants and builders can remain confident in their timber products.”
TDUK members looking for more detailed information can consult the Trade Note titled ‘Update on Changing Log Supplies’ via the organisation’s website at: www.timberdevelopment.uk.
SECURING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Enhanced security at Greenwich’s net-zero housing development
In a recent partnership aimed at boosting both security and visual appeal, Jacksons Fencing was tasked with providing a bespoke fencing solution for a new housing development in Gilbourne Road, Greenwich. This development, which features 15 net-zero council homes, was designed with sustainability and energy efficiency at its core, using eco-friendly materials and advanced energysaving technologies.
Located in London, where environmental standards are continuously evolving, the project posed a unique challenge. The developer required a solution that would harmonise with the modern, minimalist design of the homes while fulfilling the practical need for perimeter security. With this in mind, expertise was used to design and install high quality metal railings that met the project’s rigorous standards for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Secure, sustainable, and stylish
The challenge for this project was clear: protect residents and maintain environmental integrity without compromising the design principles of the net-zero homes. The solution? Sentry® Residential metal railings and Barbican Imperial® vertical bar railings were installed
to deliver a functional, aesthetically pleasing fencing solution that met all the project’s diverse needs. These metal railing systems are designed to seamlessly blend with the surroundings, enhance the visual appeal of the properties, and provide long-lasting security.
The team worked closely with the developers to understand the specific requirements of the site and the needs of the residents. The result was a sophisticated, low maintenance metal railing system that incorporated durable materials while aligning with the sustainability goals of the development.
Where durability and design meet
The net-zero homes in the development are constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency, featuring solar panels, triple glazing, air source heat pumps, and sustainable building materials. Designed to offer low running costs and minimal maintenance, every aspect of the project was carefully planned to uphold sustainability.
The metal railings installed were not only designed to meet these eco-friendly standards but also seamlessly integrated with the homes’ green credentials.
The metal railings define property boundaries while supporting urban greening efforts. Their low height and open design allow foliage to grow naturally, enhancing green spaces. With a galvanised steel construction and corrosion-resistant powder coating, the railings offer durability and excellent rust protection. This long-lasting solution, backed by a 25 year guarantee, meets the sustainability goals of the development while complementing the net-zero homes’ modern aesthetic.
Long-term security with a low environmental impact
Commenting on this successful project, Peter Jackson, Managing Director at Jacksons Fencing, expressed, “At Jacksons Fencing, we understand that developments like these net-zero homes require security solutions that not only offer protection but also complement the modern, sustainable design.
“Our metal railings provide durability, security, and an aesthetic that enhances the homes’ environmental credentials. We’re proud to have contributed to this project, supporting the development’s commitment to both sustainability and safety with a long-lasting, high quality fencing solution.”
For further information about the project, click here.
CALA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR TWO CHARITIES IN 150TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Major UK homebuilder Cala has announced its continued support of Samaritans and a new partnership with Lighthouse, the construction charity.
This will be Cala’s sixth year of support for Samaritans, with the team aiming to reach a milestone £1million in fundraising and donations to the charity since 2020. The partnership launched following Samaritans’ call for better mental and emotional health support for middleaged men. The risk of suicide is significantly higher than the national UK average for males who work in the construction sector.
Over the past five years, the award-winning partnership has had a significant impact, with over £806,000 raised through corporate donations and fundraising efforts by Cala employees, suppliers and subcontractors. This is the equivalent of the amount it costs for Samaritans to respond to 80,000 calls for help. Last year alone, Cala’s total donations helped to recruit and train 1,449 new Samaritans listening volunteers.
The housebuilder has now also become a Company
Supporter for Lighthouse, pledging £50,000 to the organisation, which is dedicated to the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. As part of the partnership, Cala’s 250-strong site management team can receive bespoke mental health awareness training, reinforcing the homebuilder’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of its construction team.
Additionally, all Cala employees and subcontractor colleagues will have access to Lighthouse’s Wellbeing Academy for free mental health and wellbeing training. The charity will host #MakeItVisible site tours across a number of the housebuilder’s construction sites, during which teams from Lighthouse deliver sessions and promote the invaluable support services they provide.
The charity’s trained Mental Health First Aiders with firsthand industry experience provide direct support to the workforce, fostering wellbeing and potentially saving lives.
The announcement comes as Cala celebrates its 150th anniversary.
SQUIRE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BAND OF BUILDERS CHARITY AS
ASSOCIATE SUPPORTERS
Squire, one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected padlock manufacturers, is pleased to announce its support for the Band of Builders charity.
As an Associate Supporter, Squire looks forward to being able to support Band of Builders’ upcoming projects, donating high-quality security solutions and helping to transform homeowners’ security.
Band of Builders is known across the UK for its incredible work transforming the lives of tradespeople and their families through practical projects - from adapting homes to making essential repairs for those affected by illness or injury. The charity brings together volunteers from all corners of the building trade to carry out these lifechanging projects.
Now in its ninth year, Band of Builders has completed over 30 projects with an estimated value of over £1million. In addition to physical support, Band of Builders also provides financial aid and wellbeing support to those struggling with mental health.
Squire will be supporting upcoming Band of Builders projects by donating products to help secure work sites, tools and materials.
To learn more about the work Band of Builders, visit: www.bandofbuilders.org
Squire CEO John Squire (left) with Band of Builders’ Andy Taylor (right)
JOIN CITY & GUILDS - A GLOBAL LEADER IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Join City & Guilds as an Associate and help shape the future of your industry with your expertise!
As a leader in qualifications, education, and training in the Construction sector, City & Guilds is seeking experienced industry professionals to join our Associate team.
Our Associate roles are diverse, offering exciting opportunities to collaborate with others while contributing to the development of your sector.
These roles not only allow you to give back to your industry but also help you enhance your own skills and experience.
With flexible options available, you can easily fit this role around your
RESOURCE PLANNING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: IS IT TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM?
By Chris Dalton, co-founder and CEO of operational ERP software developer jobmate
Operators and suppliers in the construction and plant equipment industry are fast becoming aware of the benefits associated with using an efficient ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, but they can be forgiven for not fully understanding how to select a solution that best fits their business model.
In broad terms, an ERP system should ensure increased productivity by automating all key business processes while providing management insight, control and agility. The system should embrace reporting, IT requirements, accounting, eCommerce, labour, purchasing, HR and cost control, forecasting and job planning. Most importantly, it should be a NativeCloud SaaS where the operating system and data are in the cloud, allowing them to be simply integrated through APIs with other software, plus fully cyber-secure by being hosted in a reputable cloud software service.
So, how do you choose and what sets operational ERP apart from standard ERP systems?
Are you thinking, “I have heard of ERP, but I am confused by the many providers who each offer a different suite of services.”
The acronym ERP stands for:
• Enterprise – The business
• Resource – The employees, products, suppliers and assets of the business
• Planning – The planning of the work and services the business offers
Or put simply, it’s all about controlling every key aspect of your business through one operational software.
However, ERP is not to be confused with financial and CRM packages, which the common definition of ERP often creeps into. Buyer beware!
Traditionally, ERP has been the domain of large businesses. It can be expensive, inflexible, customised to a particular business requirement, and not always user-friendly—most likely because its user interface model is drawn from a spreadsheet design. These ERPs are often known as ‘onprem’, which operate on a company’s own hardware/network infrastructure. Mobile ability is also limited or nonexistent as it requires special devices, not just an everyday Android or Apple mobile phone or tablet.
The software used is ‘compromised’, with feature modules that serve a purpose but were never Best-inClass; hence, businesses may be liable to underperform by using adequate yet not wholly applicable or integrable software. The systems can be expensive to maintain and have high initial development costs, implementation fees and licences.
Moving up to the native-cloud
The evolution of ERP systems from traditional on-prem to SaaS nativecloud-based (operating software and data are in the cloud), particularly with the advent of Native Cloud hosting (AWS and Microsoft Azure), has significantly expanded ERP software’s reach through flexibility and lower costs for medium and smaller sized businesses.
This shift initially drove an app market based on singular features, but now, more complex Native Cloud ERP systems are available. Their advent is bringing down prices and
improving accessibility through PWA (Progressive Web Application) to mobile Apps, which provides greater accessibility, control and cost reduction.
The key advantage of Native Cloud over on-prem software is that you can easily connect to other software through APIs while benefiting from a flexible and multi-functional solution. Plus, it brings the peace of mind that comes with being virtually impervious to cyber-attack.
Ultimately, your operational ERP system is your business’s “beating heart”; it is the engine that collects financial data and manages jobs, data, suppliers, stock, customers, and deliveries while keeping admin’ time and costs down.
“Above all, it can give you visibility, information control, and the freedom to manage and grow your business more effectively.”
So, if now is the time to select an efficient operational ERP system for your business, invest plenty of time in researching the market. Remember to look for native cloud systems that match or simply customise your way of working through integrations or customisation.
The site safety tool that plugs into Procore.
NEW LEADERSHIP AS MPS AND PEERS RALLY BEHIND SME HOUSEBUILDERS TO HELP BUILD 1.5M HOMES
During the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders inaugural meeting, Mike Wood MP, Lord Snape and Lord Austin were appointed officers and Sarah Edwards, MP for Tamworth, has been appointed as its new Chair, the first woman to hold the position. Sarah also sits on the Business and Trade Select Committee.
The APPG will provide a dedicated forum for MPs, Peers, industry leaders, and policymakers to
address the challenges facing small and mediumsized housebuilders and support their crucial role in addressing the housing shortage in the UK.
The Group builds on the success of previous initiatives, including the I Am a Housebuilder programme, which has provided mentorship and support for women entering the industry with the objective of increasing diversity and helping to tackle the skills shortage.
James Haldron, Commercial Director Croudace North Thames
CROUDACE HOMES APPOINTS COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR TO SUPPORT BUSINESS GROWTH
Housebuilder Croudace Homes has appointed its second Commercial Director in just three months, as it looks to strengthen its commercial function to meet ambitious 10-year growth plans announced last year.
James Haldron was appointed Commercial Director for Croudace’s North Thames region following a 20-year career to date that has seen him rise through the ranks from quantity surveyor apprentice to his current role.
James completed his apprenticeship with a main contractor, where he stayed for 12 years, before leaving to join Lovell as a senior quantity surveyor. James then moved to Kier Living as a Managing Quantity Surveyor was promoted to Commercial Director after several years with the business.
To find out more about Croudace Homes, visit croudacehomes.co.uk.
WORKWEAR MASCOT® WORKWEAR DESIGNED FOR WOMEN
All jobs and professions come with their own needs and place different demands on their workwear and footwear. MASCOT offers workwear for various segments and professions, giving you the opportunity to select workwear to suit a specific task or industry. At MASCOT you’ll find products in a range of different fabrics and materials, each with their own properties, a range of fits, and boasting an array of various features and details.
Because workwear isn’t just for men
For many women who work with trades, construction, and industry, it can be a challenge to find functional workwear that matches the demands for durability, wear resistance and fit. MASCOT has a wide selection of workwear and safety workwear for women that meets all these demands. Especially the assortment of work trousers designed to give women the best comfort and freedom of movement throughout the working day.
Clothes that fit great, feels great, and tends to be used the most. One of the goals from MASCOT is to create a professional’s “favourite workwear”, and that’s part of the reason why MASCOT has so many ranges, styles, and sizes – for women! You’ll find jackets, gilets, jumpers, t-shirts and polo shirts, trousers, skirts and shorts specifically made for women.
The trousers, skirts and shorts come a Diamond fit – to give an even more precise fit!
If there is a difference of more than 20 cm between waist and hip measurements, ladies’ trousers with a DIAMOND fit are the ones for you.
Although the fit and design of MASCOT’s work trousers for women is different, it doesn’t mean that we have compromised on functionality. With the ladies’ trousers you get front pockets, back pockets, holster pockets and special pockets for rulers and mobile phone, as you already know from MASCOT’s additional assortment. Also, supplement the modern work trousers for women with accessories such as a belt, hammer holders or kneepads depending on your needs.
Your favourite workwear is long lasting
Products that last are not just practical and financially beneficial for the users of workwear, they are also of enormous benefit to the environment. When the fabrics, seams and colours in workwear are long-lasting, and when users do not need to buy new workwear often, then we can avoid unnecessary consumption of resources. The MASCOT® CUSTOMIZED range contains multiple products that are made from recycled materials – often in their primary material – which have a wear resistance on a par with products made from non-recycled materials.
STREAMLINE YOUR ORDERING OF WORKWEAR
MASCOT is more than the highest quality products. In addition to the industry’s widest range and high delivery reliability, you get simple and efficient online ordering, customised logo solutions and fast delivery.
SIMON ACRES GROUP SUPPORTS INSTALLERFUTURES AT INSTALLERSHOW 2025
Simon Acres Group Limited is bringing its expertise in talent acquisition and apprenticeships to this year’s InstallerSHOW, from 24th to 26th June at the NEC, Birmingham.
The group is sponsoring InstallerFUTURES, which is a dedicated student and apprentice programme at InstallerSHOW aiming to provide a structured and meaningful visit to the show for the next generation.
InstallerFUTURES has a dedicated stand (4B24), and recruitment specialists from Simon Acres Group will be on hand to provide advice and guidance on both apprenticeships and recruitment.
The ultimate goal for the group is to work towards improving the skills shortage within the KBB and construction industries.
They will be filming content on and around the stand throughout the exhibition to focus on the topic of apprenticeships, bringing insights on how employers can nurture fresh talent, bring diverse perspectives and address the shortage of talented individuals within these industries. The videos will be shared during and after the exhibition for companies
to use as resources to help with the long-term development of apprentices and young professionals entering the sector.
Simon Acres will take part in a panel discussion on the InstallerFUTURES stand, at 12:30 on Tuesday 24th June, where he will be discussing ‘how to get into the construction sector’. As a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, Simon will share invaluable insights into the best ways to build a successful career in the construction sector.
In addition, Jordan Burns, Group Sales Director, Simon Acres Group, will be leading a talk on the same InstallerFUTURES stand, at 14:45 on Thursday 26th June.
During the session, Jordan will focus on outlining his own personal experience navigating the apprenticeship process and how to build a career from this starting point.
Jordan will also showcase the docuseries project that Simon Acres Group is currently working on, in collaboration with Adroit Services, to document the entire journey of hiring and developing apprentices.
For further information visit: simonacres.co.uk
A TALE OF VICTORY FOR STORY DECORATING GROUP
Story Decorating Group, based in Carlisle and Salford rose to victory on Saturday, 5th April when they were crowned Supreme Winners at the prestigious Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards 2024 in Bristol.
The awards celebrated ambition, innovation, collaboration and technical prowess within the commercial decorating
sector, attracting over 200 entries from some of the UK and Ireland’s premier decorating enterprises.
31 companies were selected as finalists across six categories. Story Decorating Group was shortlisted within the Commercial and Industrial category for their work at Haymarket Square in Edinburgh, before later clinching the overall winners title on the night.
Jordan Burns, Group Sales Director, Simon Acres Group
Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group
The Simon Acres Group team at InstallerSHOW 2024
ESSEX HOUSING AWARDS RETURNS TO SPOTLIGHT HOUSING EXCELLENCE
At the Building New Communities Conference the highly anticipated Essex Housing Awards, in association with Birketts, have launched with the aim to celebrate the progress and innovations in the Essex housing sector.
The Awards will be brought together in partnership with the Essex Developers Group (EDG), the South Essex Housing Group (SEHG), and the Essex Housing Officers Group (EHOG).
The event will showcase the best housing schemes, projects and partnerships across the county. This year there are twelve categories open for entry, with a closing deadline of Friday, 27 June.
Find all twelve award categories below:
1. Small Housing Schemes (1-24 homes)
2. Medium Housing Schemes (25-100 homes)
3. Large Housing Schemes (101+ homes)
4. Excellence in Design and Placemaking
5. Excellence in Construction Skills
6. Climate Action –Decarbonisation Retrofit
7. Climate Action –Decarbonisation New Build
8. Meeting Housing Need –Specialist Housing
9. Meeting Housing Need – Homelessness
10. Smart Working
11. Housing and Development Professional of the Year
12. The Mo Slade Rising Star Award
The awards emphasise the most important themes in the housing industry, reflecting popular categories from previous years. Once nominations are received, a panel of expert judges composed of housing practitioners and advisors from both the public and private sectors will review each entry, determining the winners for each category. Participants will then come together at an evening ceremony to announce this year’s winners.
The awards are open to nominations from builders, housing associations, local authorities, contractors, agents, and voluntary sector organisations delivering housing services in Essex. Besides the awards, each entrant benefits from the platform by providing them with recognition for their contributions.
www.housingessex.org/ essex-housing-awards-2025
BROMFORD FLAGSHIP AWARDED TOP G1/V1 REGULATORY RATINGS FOLLOWING MERGER
Bromford Flagship has received the highest possible governance and viability ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing, following the formal completion of the merger between Bromford Housing Group and Flagship Housing Group earlier this year.
In its interim regulatory judgement the regulator confirmed a G1 rating for governance and a V1 rating for financial viability. These top-tier ratings reflect the regulator’s assessment that Bromford Flagship has robust governance arrangements in place, complies fully with the Governance and Financial Viability Standard, and possesses the financial strength to manage a wide range of adverse scenarios.
“The
G1/V1 outcome signals confidence in Bromford Flagship’s ability to maintain compliance and deliver on an ambitious long-term strategy.”
This positions Bromford Flagship to deliver 2,000 new homes every year for the next 30 years, with an ambition that 50% will be at social rent – making the organisation the largest builder of new social homes. This aligns with national housing ambitions and supporting the organisation’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis at scale.
Receiving top regulatory ratings reaffirms Bromford Flagship’s capacity to balance financial resilience with social impact, ensuring that its growth is underpinned by strong governance and a clear focus on long-term value for residents.
UNDERFLOOR HEATING BEST PRACTICES FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
In recent years underfloor heating has become a very popular hidden home heating solution, due to its exceptional efficiency and the luxurious, even comfort it offers. When starting on the design of your underfloor heating system, it is critical to adhere to several best practices to ensure not only optimal performance but also the longevity of the system.
Design
First and foremost, detailed planning and design are crucial. Accurately determining the heating requirements is a vital step, necessitating a thorough understanding of various factors such as the building’s insulation levels (heat loss), the suitability of floor coverings being selected, and the expected patterns of use in each area. A carefully designed system ensures uniform heat distribution across the floor, thereby eliminating any cold
spots that could detract from the overall comfort of the environment.
Selecting, suitable quality components is another critical aspect of the design process. It is essential to invest in top-quality pipes and manifolds, as these components need to withstand the demands of the heating system over many years to come.
Moreover, opting for a floor covering with excellent thermal conductivity, such as ceramic tiles or natural stone, can significantly boost the system’s efficiency. These materials are known for their superior ability to conduct and retain heat compared to alternatives like thick carpeting, which can impede heat transfer.
Control
In terms of controlling underfloor heating, the integration of ‘smart’ thermostats specifically designed for underfloor heating is highly recommended. These advanced thermostats offer precise temperature regulation and can be programmed to align with the occupants’ daily routines as well as working in harmony with different heat sources, thus optimising energy efficiency.
For instance, the system can be set to lower temperatures during the night or when the property is unoccupied, effectively reducing energy consumption. Implementing zoning strategies further enhances efficiency by allowing different areas of the home to be heated
according to specific requirements, such as maintaining a warmer living room while minimizing heating in infrequently used guest rooms.
“By adhering to these best practices, an underfloor heating system can consistently deliver efficient and enduring warmth to any home or building, enhancing the comfort and satisfaction of its occupants while also contributing to energy conservation - a significant advantage in today’s environmentally conscious world.”
Protect
Maintaining water quality within underfloor heating systems is pivotal for preserving efficiency and preventing potential damage. Regular maintenance should include checking for leaks, ensuring the system is properly sealed, and treating the water to prevent the buildup of limescale and corrosion. Being a low temperature system, underfloor heating is more susceptible to biofouling than traditional high temperature emitters and therefore a suitable biocide should be added to prevent blockages and biologically induced corrosion within the whole heating system. The inclusion of a filter is a prudent investment, as it can capture impurities like rust and debris, and make servicing the system water easier, thereby extending the lifespan of the system and maintaining its operational efficiency.
Complete underfloor heating solutions
Benefits of UFH
� Supports “Greener” low temperature heating
� Energy Efficient, added cost saving control
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� Healthy, cleaner, safer living environment
Systems for all projects
� New build to renovation, domestic to commercial
� Traditional screed to low-level overlay
� Smart heating and cooling controls
� Approved partner network for one-stop-shop solutions
Roth Touchline® SL
– S stands for Smart, L stands for Life
The system that meets future demands for better living comfort and well-being
New improved Roth Touchline® SL
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Why choose Roth?
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Living full of energy
Jonathan Pawlowski, Partner at Howard Kennedy LLP
BUILDING TENSIONS
By Jonathan Pawlowski, Partner at Howard Kennedy LLP
offering some future reassurance to struggling developers.
Regulatory requirements
There is no getting away from the growing and complex building regulations and planning laws which impact most developments. It can take months before the shovels and boots hit the ground, and the upfront costs are increasing.
Adding extended periods of time to projects is a real financial burden, and given it is imperative these processes are followed to the letter, cutting corners in the hopes to cut costs is not an option. As a result, some simply can’t survive.
Profit margins versus world events
The construction industry in the UK is facing several underlying tensions currently, not only due to economic instability, but social, regulatory and environmental uncertainty, too.
These factors are understandably causing a period of unrest for the sector, leaving those within it uncertain about the trajectory of their trade, and whether they will be next in the long line of disputes and financial woes. Whilst issues vary, there are some key trends I have been noticing reappearing day-to-day.
The labour shortage
One of the most prominent examples has come to light with the advent of Brexit. There has been a loss of labour from EU citizens, and combined with the ageing workforce, contractors are having difficulty employing skilled workers. At the same time, there is a huge demand for new homes and the upgrade of the country’s infrastructure, which obviously has become a struggle to fulfil. However, there is simply no quick fix to this problem.
Whilst the Government has announced plans to invest £600 million over the next four years to
train the next generation of engineers, brickies, sparkies and chippies, it won’t be until 2029 until we start reaping the benefits - leaving the sector in limbo for at least another few years.
“The construction industry has been impacted by a number of shocks over the last few years, COVID-19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and now trade tariffs.”
Sustainability
On the sustainability side, the push for net-zero carbon and sustainable buildings challenges the traditional methods of construction; resulting in costs misaligning with financial savings goals that most developers are keen to achieve this year.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite adoption of green technologies not moving as fast as some would like, the goal to create environmentally friendly buildings is creating growth opportunities for those who are embracing change,
The construction industry has been impacted by a number of shocks over the last few years, COVID-19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and now trade tariffs. The supply chain, which we used to take for granted, is far from secure. All these events have caused delays to projects, increased costs, lowered profit margins, and insolvencies. Developers have been known to stop paying their contractors as projects near completion and then launching multiple adjudications based on unmeritorious claims, with the aim of pushing contractors in liquidation. The industry is crying out for collaborative working, and slowly but surely this is gaining traction.
Costs pressures versus quality and safety
This has always been a tension within the construction industry. Whether the project is in the public or private domain, there is always a push for cost savings. The impact of this is now well and truly out in the open. In a post-Grenfell world, property owners are investigating the performance of their buildings and the rise in legal disputes over defects will keep many construction lawyers busy until their retirement. We have already seen the collapse of an insurance company and the odds are high that numerous construction companies defending these claims will follow suit. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to work out how this will end.
Sustainable Aggregates Without Compromise
Why choose between cost, quality, and sustainability when you can have all three?
