Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

CONSTRUCTIONMAGUK.CO.UK

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: THE FEMALE FACES BEHIND CONSTRUCTION

Kier first Construction company to be awarded Social Value Quality Mark Level 2

ECORIGHT

LIME IN CONSTRUCTION TODAY

Elliott UK awarded the government contract to deliver new Covid-19 test centre facilities

BOSCH BITURBO

CORDED TOOL POWER AND PERFORMANCE – WITHOUT THE CORD

Schöck Isokorb for seafront Passive House Award Winner

Contents November 2020

04

Elliott UK awarded government contract to deliver Covid-19 test centre facilities

06

Government loses potential for ÂŁ15bn economic boost and job creation

08

Rising to the challenge: Sustainable commercial buildings

13

VAT Feature: Laying the foundations for growth with VAT understanding

15

Access All Areas: How Lightweight Composite Covers Are Making Drainage And Sewerage Access Safer

16

Amey joins forces with Rt Hon Justine Greening to boost social mobility

17

Battling on all fronts: Peter Johnson, chairman of Vivalda Group

18

Winvic Secures Contract with DSV to Construct Industrial Warehouse, Crossdock & Office Facilities at Mercia Park

20

SchĂśck Isokorb for seafront Passive House Award Winner

24

Amey welcomes 150 new employees as Highways England FM contract goes live

34

New Urban Oasis for Manchester by developer Salboy and Domis

40

Women in Construction Feature: The female faces behind construction

Front cover image by Peyman Farmani

Lapthorn Media Ltd 5-7 Ozengell Place, Eurokent Business Park, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6PB Tel: 01843 808 106 Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@constructionmaguk.co.uk Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@constructionmaguk.co.uk Features Editor Paul Attwood paul@constructionmaguk.co.uk

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Production/Design Laura Whitehead laura@constructionmaguk.co.uk Sales Executive Hannah Marshall hannah@constructionmaguk.co.uk Accounts Richard Lapthorn accounts@constructionmaguk.co.uk Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@constructionmaguk.co.uk Website Content Russel Goldsmith russel@lapthornmedia.co.uk Website: www.constructionmaguk.co.uk

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Construction UK Magazine however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 03

Latest News

ELLIOTT UK AWARDED THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT TO DELIVER NEW COVID-19 TEST CENTRE FACILITIES One of the UK’s leading modular build specialists is using its expertise gained during the global pandemic, to build new Covid-19 test centres across the UK, on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

With current Covid-19 test centres operating at maximum capacity across the UK, Elliott UK will deliver the new purposebuilt facilities to locations ranging from Keele in Staffordshire to Stirling in Scotland.

The primary aim is to construct the facilities at pace, to meet the government’s urgent need to provide additional critical testing.

At the heart of the project will be Elliott UK’s bespoke Moduflex solution - a unique modular accommodation facility that can

meet a wide range of accommodation and building design needs and prove essential to both testing and safeguarding the welfare of those involved.

The company will also be providing a queuing marquee, perimeter fencing and crowd barriers to ensure safety measures are firmly in place for both people being tested and staff on site. Workstations and lockers will also be supplied to provide employees with a safe place to store their belongings and prepare for their work on the frontline.

To keep safety at the forefront of the process, ramp entrances will be provided along with steps so that access is available for everyone who wishes to be tested.

Water tanks and generators will be given so that the sites can run constantly without the disruption of power failures.

Rebecca Lovelace

MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR CROWDFUND TO IMPROVE DIVERSITY IN CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Social enterprise, Building People, is crowdfunding to make the built environment more inclusive, with a platform that enables employers to widen their talent pools by connecting diverse talent to vacancies, information, activities and resources.

The initiative has received an overwhelming amount of support, with pledges from all areas of the sector, including BRE Group, The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants, Building Engineering Services Association and Hopkins Architects.

The crowdfunder will end on 16th November and Building People is inviting individuals and organisations to #joinin and be part of a movement for positive change.

There are many organisations and initiatives that help people from diverse backgrounds find and succeed in built environment careers, but no single place to bring together this multitude of opportunity.

04 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Latest News The experience gained through working with the NHS during the pandemic has been invaluable and a major factor in us being appointed to deliver these new testing centres. Our ability to deliver at speed and provide a bespoke building solution that meets the highest Covid-19 health and safety standards was also paramount.

Elliott UK already has extensive experience of supporting the NHS during the current pandemic. It has provided bespoke modular solutions to the NHS Nightingale Hospital in Birmingham, alongside ten units supplied to various hospitals across Greater Manchester.

Alex Mcfie-Hyland, national business development manager for Elliott UK, commented: “The experience gained through working with the NHS during the pandemic has been invaluable and a major factor in us being appointed to deliver these new testing centres. Our ability to deliver at speed and provide a bespoke building solution that meets the highest Covid-19 health and safety standards was also paramount.

“We’ve had to adapt our business model and building solutions to the pandemic, but this can only further enhance the support and expertise we’re giving to existing clients across a range of sectors and build projects. We hope the new emergency facilities will play a major role in providing increased testing to the hardest hit areas across the UK where it is needed the most.”

ARCO BECOMES CORE FUNDER TO NATIONAL EMERGENCIES TRUST WITH £250,000 DONATION UK safety expert Arco has joined forces with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), an independent charity that raises and distributes funds at speed during domestic crises, with a major donation to support their core funding. The NET’s recent Coronavirus Appeal has raised £94million to support people impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic UK-wide, including the isolated, shielding and vulnerable.

The quarter of a million-pound donation from Arco towards the NET’s core funding, will continue to enable the NET to activate appeals at speed when the worst happens, by preparing and building its fundraising strategies and networks, liaising with the Government and wider sector to ensure policies and processes reflect survivor needs, and collaborating with them to ensure collective and immediate support for survivors.

Lord Richard Dannatt, Chairman of the National Emergencies Trust, said, “We are delighted to welcome Arco to The National Emergencies Trust’s Patron’s Circle. Their support for our core activities is invaluable, enabling us to develop, prepare and grow so that when the next national disaster arises, we can be ready to launch an appeal at speed, getting vital funds out to those in urgent need. We are hugely grateful for their support.”

Emergencies require rapid response and the NET creates a shared point of reference so that the public can donate to one central organisation, to limit confusion and ensure people receive the help they need quickly. During its recent Coronavirus Appeal, the NET allocated £89million to Community Foundations and other national funding partners across the UK as fairly as possible. In turn, helping to respond to the inequalities faced by the most-at-risk groups in society.

Building People has developed a prototype platform in partnership with over 60 organisations that IS that single place, enabling the sharing of vacancies, resources, activities, knowledge and information.

Building People’s Founder, Rebecca Lovelace, explains:

I have been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received from all parts of the industry, particularly at this uncertain time, and this demonstrates the level of commitment to change.

“The crowdfund will enable us to expand our platform to more trades and professions, to grow our Network of Communities (organisations and initiatives that provide built environment careers support to women, BAME people, ex-military personnel, young people, LGBTQ+ people and ex-offenders) and work with these communities to integrate our ‘aggregating and connecting’ technology with their websites. Employers and individuals will be able to access wideranging industry activity in one simple place and more support will be given to the many organisations and initiatives that are doing incredible work with local and under-represented groups. Employers can more easily widen their talent pool and engage with diverse audiences; together we can make our industry more diverse, more inclusive and more innovative.”

To #joinin, please visit www.buildingpeople.org.uk/joinin

We believe safety is a fundamental human right.

This year’s emergency has had devastating repercussions for the welfare of our communities, and the NET can channel our determination to help in the best possible way. The £250,000 donation to the NET forms part of Arco’s commitment to support good causes each year. Arco is honoured to support the NET’s mission to help those affected by a national emergency at their time of greatest need.

Arco, now a ‘Core Funder’ and member of NET’s ‘Patrons Circle’, has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, operating as a key supplier to the NHS, ambulance services, local authorities, other public health bodies and critical industries. This year, Arco’s Community Panel also invited employees to apply for 42 one off grants of up to £1,000 on behalf of organisations and charities in their local communities that required vital support or funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in donations totalling £41,600 to support local community organisations.

David Evison, Managing Director of Arco, said, “We believe safety is a fundamental human right. This year’s emergency has had devastating repercussions for the welfare of our communities, and the NET can channel our determination to help in the best possible way. The £250,000 donation to the NET forms part of Arco’s commitment to support good causes each year. Arco is honoured to support the NET’s mission to help those affected by a national emergency at their time of greatest need.”

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 05

Latest News GOVERNMENT LOSES POTENTIAL FOR £15BN ECONOMIC BOOST AND JOB CREATION The Government must cut VAT on home improvement works to 5% to boost jobs and stimulate the economy. This is in response to the PMI data, published today, which shows that staffing numbers across the construction sector were in decline.

According to independent research conducted on behalf of more than 60 organisations including the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), cutting VAT to 5% for the period 2015 to 2020 would have generated an economic stimulus of £15.1bn and 95,480 extra jobs.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government must prioritise measures that create jobs in every community, and that will tackle climate change. Cutting VAT is an oven-ready fiscal policy that will help to generate billions in economic stimulus and tens of thousands of jobs across the UK. Local builders train almost three quarters (71%) of the industry’s apprentices, so supporting the repair, maintenance and improvement sector will help industry to train, train, train as well as build, build, build. Cutting VAT will also help us decarbonise our homes, as we know households prefer to do this as part of larger home improvement works.”

Dr Patrice Cairns, RICS Policy Manager said: “There is an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency within the UK’s building stock and retrofitting provides this opportunity. As the UK continues to spend more time at home, for our work as well as leisure, the benefits of green home improvements will continue to gather momentum. Government must use this unique opportunity to work with the professional expertise of industry and implement a holistic approach to retrofitting that will achieve significant carbon savings, both operational and embodied.”

Dr Cairns continues: “As the government begins to think about a strategy for rebuilding the economy in the wake of the COVID-induced recession, committing to a more sustainable stock of housing provides an opportunity both to kickstart business activity and focus on the green agenda. Government endorsing our call to reduce the VAT regime for home repairs, maintenance and improvement work would be a swift step in the right direction. Although the incentive to encourage retrofitting will carry an initial cost, it will be at least in part offset by the benefits associated with job creation, which will be much needed in the wake of the likely rise in unemployment as the furlough scheme concludes. It will also provide tangible long-term rewards both for the wider economy and individual households.”

HOUSEBUILDER DONATES £500 TO BEXLEY MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY A mental health charity which helps people to improve their wellbeing through art is to reopen its studios, thanks to support from Bellway London Partnerships.

The housebuilder has donated £500 to Centrepieces Mental Health Arts Project, which provides opportunities for adults with mental health issues to participate in art activities and exhibit their work.

The Bexley-based charity, which is run by volunteers, has been unable to host sessions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. But now, thanks to Bellway’s donation, the group will be able to reconfigure its studio spaces to meet coronavirus guidelines so it can reopen its doors to members.

Geoff Norris, Co-ordinator of Centrepieces Mental Health Arts Project, said: “Centrepieces has over 180 registered members and is generously run by our 30 volunteers. For over six months now, we have been running ‘Operation Art Lockdown’, a series of virtual art activities and exhibitions to encourage our members to keep creating art over the lockdown while we are unable to open our studios.

“We regularly work with the public to bring attention to mental health and work with local schools on mental health awareness which we have unfortunately been unable to do with the current restrictions. The money that Bellway has donated to us will help us reconfigure our studio spaces to align with coronavirus guidelines and allow us to open our doors once again.”

Centrepieces studios at The Lodge, also at Hall Place and Gardens, and its pop-up studios at Broadway, in Bexleyheath, are set to reopen to members in due course.

Bellway London Partnerships is a new division within the national housebuilder. It is currently redeveloping a former industrial site off Maiden Lane in Crayford into 35 affordable homes, including 20 apartments, 11 houses, two coach houses and two homes within a former barn conversion.

Bill Kenneally, Regional Director of Bellway London Partnerships, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on charities, limiting both their fundraising opportunities and the services they have been able to provide.

As a housebuilder which is committed to investing in local communities, we feel it is now more important than ever to support good causes doing valuable work in the areas in which we are building.

“Centrepieces provides a vital service to so many people in Bexley and we are pleased that our donation will enable the charity to reopen its studios so that its members can attend sessions in person once again.”

06 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Alimak TPL Transport Platforms Alimak’s TPL range of transport platforms are specifically designed for smaller construction projects with limited space & smaller payload capacity requirements.

The smallest option, the ALIMAK TPL 300, has a capacity of 300kg. It has dual functionality and can be used as either a transport platform or material hoist.

The largest option, the ALIMAK TPL 2000D, is twin masted with a payload capacity of 2,000kg. It can be fitted parallel or transversal to the façade. It can also be used as either a transport platform or material hoist.

www.alimak.co.uk

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Sustainable Building Feature

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS The Co-operative Group’s headquarters in Manchester exhibits world-class sustainability, with features such as exposed concrete that acts as a thermal sponge, a rainwater recycling system and a cogeneration combined heat and power (CHP) biofuel boiler. With sustainable commercial buildings on the rise, which eco-friendly features should designers invest in? Here Nick Cowley, managing director at aluminium building product supplier, Endurawood, explores the options.

In 2018, the business sector accounted for 18 per cent of overall UK carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With the race to combat climate change on, businesses are looking for ways to lower their environmental impact. With the building and construction industry accounting for almost 40 per cent of global emissions, building re-design is a good starting point. Fortunately, many sustainability changes also benefit a business’s bottom line.

Renewable energy systems Large commercial buildings can hold thousands of workers, and therefore require a large amount of heating and power. It’s important to put systems in place to save these resources where possible, and source them in a more sustainable way.

An impactful way to reduce the figure is to increase building efficiency.

Building managers should ensure all windows are rated A for efficiency.

Strategic placement of the windows can confer other benefits, such as increased daylight, which naturally warms rooms and further lowers the use of electricity.

An additional option is the installation of window films, which can add an extra layer of insulation and even reflect unwanted solar energy to reduce air cooling energy requirements.

External cladding can provide further insulation, while protecting the building from weather damage. Cladding can also be used for architectural enhancement, giving the building a sleek and unique look.

Green solutions Green roofs, also known as living roofs, involve covering flat or slightly-sloped roofs with a waterproof membrane and

then cultivating a layer of vegetation on top. The systems deliver an environmental benefit by removing CO2 from the surrounding air and lowering energy usage by adding extra building insulation.

Living roofs also present ecological benefits because they can provide a steppingstone habitat for wildlife. Business benefits include lower energy bills and increased soundproofing, with just twelve centimetres (cm) of substrate reducing sound by around 40 decibels (dB).

Additionally, a rain harvesting system can be fitted to the top of the building. Rain harvesting systems collect rainwater that falls into the gutter and transport it to a storage tank. The stored rainwater can be pumped out when needed, and used for various, non-potable uses such as flushing toilets. By incorporating rainwater into the building’s water supply, reliance on mains water supply can be reduced by around 40 per cent.

The UK Government’s most recent figures found that construction, demolition and excavation generated 62 per cent of waste in 2016. To combat this waste, sustainable buildings must be built using materials that have a lower environmental impact.

Building managers must ensure all equipment uses the most up to date technology, which can significantly increase efficiency. For example, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can absorb heat from the outside air, which is renewable, and use it to heat the internal building.

This heating method is highly efficient, with every one kilowatt (kW) of electricity supplied producing two to three kW of heat. The process can also provide air cooling and water heating depending on the model, and even work in minus temperatures.

Another way to source your own renewable energy is to install solar panels. Solar panels emit no carbon emissions and use zero water in operation. Installing solar panels has the additional benefit of lowering energy costs, as you aren’t subject to energy supplier prices. Producing your own solar energy can save between six to ten pence per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Extra insulation Energy usage by the UK commercial sector increased by 258 kilotonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe) between 2017 to 2018.

08 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Sustainable Buiding Feature

Eco building materials Embodied carbon is a significant concern in the construction industry, which is already renowned for its high levels of emissions.

And it’s not just carbon we should worry about, building materials can use glues and solvents that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC), which can form ozone and particulates in the atmosphere, as well as being harmful to human and animal health.

In addition, large volumes of building materials can go to waste, ending up in landfills. The UK Government’s most recent figures found that construction, demolition and excavation generated 62 per cent of waste in 2016. To combat this waste, sustainable buildings must be built using materials that have a lower environmental impact.

Widely recyclable materials, for example, are an ideal starting place for designers that require durable materials that are better from a recyclability standpoint.

Aluminium has one of the highest recycling rates of any metal, namely because its scrap still contains a high value. This means that used aluminium can be melted and reused, without diminishing its original

qualities. Furthermore, recycling aluminium only requires five per cent of the energy consumed during its initial creation, and recycling one tonne of the material saves 15,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, making excellent environmental and financial sense.

Endurawood is an aluminium building material that looks like wood, and can be used in a range of building applications, such as cladding, railings and enclosures.

We believe that greener is better, and use VOC free coatings and lead-free finishes in all our products. Endurawood’s weather resistance and superior durability means it will remain flawless for years to come, but when end of life arrives, it’s 100 per cent recyclable.

The Co-operative Group’s Manchester headquarters sets a shining example of sustainability, and with businesses becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, many are following in their footsteps. By incorporating features such as green roofs and solar panels, and using environmentally friendly building materials, commercial buildings can become more sustainable and work towards a greener future.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 09

Latest News

NEW CICV FORUM ANIMATION DELIVERS ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDANCE TO HELP KEEP SECTOR MOVING SAFELY The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has released the latest in its series of engaging COVID-19 animations – this time offering essential advice on how workers should travel to and from work safely.

As well as private vehicles, the animation also gives essential guidance on using public transport safely, including reminders to avoid rush hour, observe physical distancing, carry hand sanitiser and use contactless payments where possible.

Produced in response to sector feedback, the collective’s latest guidance outlines a range of practical measures that contractors can follow to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the virus among their colleagues, customer, friends and family.

Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association and Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group, said: “As the pandemic continues to affect us all, a number of contractors and operatives have requested additional clarification on travelling to and from work.

Featuring male and female characters, the animation reminds workers to travel alone if possible, to open windows and turn off air conditioning systems and to clean all touchable surfaces in cars or vans. If workers must share, it instructs them to wear a face covering and sit apart, and emphasises the importance of sharing with the same people on all journeys.

“This new messaging is designed to outline the dos and don’ts of commuting clearly and concisely, setting out the measures that we all must take to keep ourselves and others safe when we’re on the move. This new campaign continues to emphasise the Forum’s message that we’re all #RebuildingTogether and that

everyone must take personal responsibility to help protect themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.

“People not following this advice aren’t just putting themselves in danger – they’re also threatening the safety of their workmates, their customers and loved ones of all ages.”

Based on current safe operating guidance, the new animation is hosted on the Forum’s website and YouTube channel and, like previous information films, is also designed to be shared widely on social media.

Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Forum’s Communications sub-group, added: “Since the start of the CICV Forum, our animations have proved very popular and have been an extremely effective tool, helping us to deliver vital messaging to as wide an audience as possible.

“This new animation continues our focus on co-operation and collaboration to help get us through the next weeks and months. In everything we do, we will continue to remind everyone in the industry that they have an important part to play in Scotland’s recovery.”

10 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Latest News As the pandemic continues to affect us all, a number of contractors and operatives have requested additional clarification on travelling to and from work.

This new messaging is designed to outline the dos and don’ts of commuting clearly and concisely, setting out the measures that we all must take to keep ourselves and others safe when we’re on the move.

The latest campaign follows previous Forum animations which have outlined safety during domestic projects, guidance on returning to work safely, the importance of physical distancing outside work and giving contractors space to carry out essential work.

The Forum is also currently running a series of employment and commercial webinars to help industry professionals navigate COVID-19 issues such as redundancy and restructuring, late payments and the job support scheme.

Made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, the Forum was formed in March, since when it has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector.

Since the start of the CICV Forum, our animations have proved very popular and have been an extremely effective tool, helping us to deliver vital messaging to as wide an audience as possible. This new animation continues our focus on co-operation and collaboration to help get us through the next weeks and months. In everything we do, we will continue to remind everyone in the industry that they have an important part to play in Scotland’s recovery.

CAUTIOUS WELCOME FROM SELECT FOR DELAY TO NEW SMOKE ALARM RULES, BUT TRADE BODY WARNS OF NEED FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Scotland’s largest trade association, SELECT, has cautiously welcomed a proposed one-year delay to new rules on domestic smoke alarms – but says Holyrood needs to roll out a major awareness campaign on the rules in the meantime.

The campaigning body for the electrotechnical sector says it understands why First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to postpone the requirement that all homes should have linked heat and smoke alarms, as well carbon monoxide alarms where appropriate, until February 2022.

But it added that the issue remains a serious safety consideration and said that it was imperative that householders were made aware of the importance of professional installation so that they could plan ahead and get the precautions in place as soon as possible.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “We recognise that in the current climate, some homeowners may be reluctant to have tradespeople in their home to carry out any work that needs to be done.

“However, we also know that there was still a degree of uncertainty and misinformation among some homeowners, and more could have been done to raise awareness of the facts on a national level. Hopefully with the additional time we now have, that can be rectified with a clear government information campaign.”

Mr Wilson said that SELECT issued comprehensive guidance about the new regulations in November 2019, accompanied by a major media campaign and alerts to all its 1,250 member companies – information that’s still freely available on the SELECT website.

He said: “When this new legislation was initially proposed, we went to great lengths to disseminate the required information as widely as possible to the trade, our member companies and the general public. The information brochure that we produced on the issue was so popular that it had to be reprinted twice in response to demand and, before the recent announcement, we had been planning a reminder campaign to keep all interested parties up to speed.

“While such measures have contributed to the widespread discussion about these vital safety features, and helped the electrical industry stand ready, we accept that it is prudent to give homeowners more time to fully understand what needs to be done.”

The decision by the Scottish Government to enforce the installation of the linked alarms came in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London in June 2017, in which 72 people died. The new standard will cover all homes and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the work is carried out.

SELECT, which is in the final stages of a campaign in the Scottish Parliament for the professional recognition of electricians, also warned of the dangers of the new alarm installations being carried out by unqualified and unskilled people.

Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Safety is the paramount issue here and after Grenfell, fire safety is more vital than ever.

“A major survey carried out in 2018 showed that faulty electrical installations accounted for 7.1% of all fires in Scotland, and the damage caused to property by these fires cost in the region of £9.6million.

It is therefore of primary importance that electrical installation work is put in the hands of people who have successfully undertaken the rigorous training necessary to deal safely and competently with today’s complex electrotechnical infrastructure.

With positive input from the Scottish Government before the next deadline in February 2022, the sector is confident about helping to implement these important and potentially life-saving changes and significantly improving the safety of Scotland’s built estate.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 11

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We strongly believe that the Floodcheck® range of products (and associated services) can be deployed to properties all over the world, ensuring that they are safe from leaks or floods, providing one less stress for their owners.

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12 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

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VAT Feature

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH WITH VAT UNDERSTANDING If there is one skill you wouldn’t typically associate with the building or construction trade, it’s VAT expertise. Yet, for many construction companies, a failure to understand the nuances of VAT ratings is exposing them both to unnecessary risk of repayments, suspension conditions - even fines; it is also undermining longer-term client trust and business opportunity.

On the other hand, as Michele Harris, VAT Director, Bracey’s Accountants, explains, getting VAT right, from the outset of a project through to its conclusion, can save firms and clients significant amounts of money; ensure HMRC compliance and minimise the risk of investigations; and, moreover, build a solid foundation for future growth.

At risk Getting VAT right within the construction trade is a tricky business. From knowing which of the five different VAT rates (20% standard rate; 5% reduced rate; zero rate VAT; exempt; and outside the scope) applies to a particular project or part thereof, to correctly claiming expenses and knowing what you can reclaim against, the complexities are vast.

This complexity means that the industry is at high risk of HMRC investigations, due to the volume of jobs that are not standard rated. Add in the planned, albeit delayed, Reverse Charge VAT changes, which now look likely to come into force during 2021, and many construction companies will become repayment traders, making them even more likely to come under scrutiny.

Photo by Scott Graham

Getting VAT right within the construction trade is a tricky business. From knowing which of the five different VAT rates (20% standard rate; 5% reduced rate; zero rate VAT; exempt; and outside the scope) applies to a particular project or part thereof, to correctly claiming expenses and knowing what you can reclaim against, the complexities are vast.

Yet, few firms have the in-house expertise to ensure they are getting their calculations right and are therefore unlikely to be able to provide the necessary due diligence when the VAT man does come calling. Take, for example, the London-based sub-contractor who was told by their main contractor to charge VAT at 3.7% based on partial exemption calculations the main contractor had calculated. A mock inspection showed that the sub-contractor had no evidence of their own that this calculation was indeed correct. Yet if proven incorrect, then it would be the sub-contractor who is liable for the outstanding tax and / or penalty.

Beyond the basics At its most fundamental, therefore, being able to demonstrate that you’re charging the right rate – or have at least undertaken due diligence - is key to ensuring HMRC compliance.

Yet, having a better understanding of the nuances of VAT rates also provides opportunities for construction companies to build better, longer-term client relationships by adding value beyond the building work itself.

Let’s imagine that the construction company putting up a new building on a

school estate that was going to house an office space and a nursery – or the organisation creating an outbuilding connected by a covered walkway to its client’s main premises – had been able to suggest straightforward changes at the design stage, both would have been able to save their clients 20% VAT on the building work.

In the first example, removing the office and putting Key Stage 1 pupils, rather than the nursery, in the new building and removing the covered walkway in the second, would have changed the VAT rating of the buildings from 20% standard rate to 0%.

For organisations such as schools and charities, and indeed many private businesses – savings of 20% on a £250,000 expenditure, can make a huge difference – and one that is likely to stand the firm in good stead for potential repeat business and / or referral.

Trusted advisor Construction companies, mid-sized businesses in particular, are vulnerable to VAT inspections, with the risk only set to increase. Getting VAT right is complex, and many firms know that they struggle. Yet help from those who have been in the VAT world is available.

In some cases, it can be relatively straightforward to help clients with their funding. In other cases, it’s not so simple.

But in both cases, early input from a VAT expert can provide construction companies and their clients the necessary due diligence to ensure HMRC that you’ve got your declarations correct, whilst saving significant amounts of money, making yourself more competitive - and laying the foundation for a transparent and trusted advisory engagement.

Photo by Patrick Tomasso

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 13

Modular Construction Feature

Modular Construction and fire risks – considerations when using modern methods of construction Specialist construction lawyer Rebecca Harries-Williams discusses the potential pitfalls associated with modern methods of construction (MMC), particularly the risk of fire. Rebecca, a Senior Associate with national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, says modular construction can be an attractive prospect if the correct care is taken.

Earlier this year a hotel in Brae, on the Shetland Islands, was destroyed in its entirety when a fire broke out and the building burned down completely. Guests at The Moorfield Hotel were evacuated in the early hours and escaped uninjured but the hotel was lost. This was the second devastating fire in the Shetland Islands – in 2019, a blaze erupted at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, again destroying the building.

What both buildings had in common was that they had been constructed using modular components which had been shipped to the Shetland Islands and assembled on-site. Modular construction is a booming industry but one that is in its relative infancy in the construction world.

Modular methods of construction have been praised and encouraged as a way forwards for the construction industry to produce buildings more quickly, efficiently and at a lower cost.

With modular construction components are made in factories and assembled on site, this allows construction to be completed around 30% – 50% more quickly than traditional building methods. Many modular components also use eco-friendly materials, lowering the carbon footprint of the building.

Modular is an attractive option for developers, where a production line can create bespoke components for the end-user, in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Alongside modular construction, other initiatives in MMC, such as the use of timber framed buildings are being championed by the UK government as a way of creating low-cost, low carbon, sustainable buildings.

Many social housing providers have embraced modular construction as a way of providing affordable housing for residents in a quicker and more cost-effective manner than traditional building methods have allowed.

Whilst modular building and MMC provide a key role in solving the nation’s housing shortage and creating a sustainable construction industry, those involved in the procurement of modular components and MMC should be aware of the pitfalls and risks that can be associated with such methods of construction. Whilst the fires that broke out on the Shetland Islands are the source of investigations, it is clear that destruction of buildings on such a scale should never happen.

One theory mooted relates to the question of whether adequate fire cavity barriers were considered and installed as part of the

Modular is an attractive option for developers, where a production line can create bespoke components for the enduser, in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Alongside modular construction, other initiatives in MMC, such as the use of timber framed buildings are being championed by the UK government as a way of creating low-cost, low carbon, sustainable buildings.

Many social housing providers have embraced modular construction as a way of providing affordable housing for residents in a quicker and more cost-effective manner than traditional building methods have allowed.

With modular construction components are made in factories and assembled on site, this allows construction to be completed around 30% – 50% more quickly than traditional building methods.

14 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

construction of these buildings. In typical traditional construction, contractors will be aware of the need to ensure appropriate fire cavity barriers, designed to limit the spread of fire by introducing fire resistant material into cavities, sealing gaps within them and preventing the spread of fire. In modular construction however, thought needs to be given as to how the components fit together, and what cavities may be created as a result of the modules being joined together. If a flame enters a cavity between modular components, does the design of the modular building increase the risk of the spread of fire?

This issue may be further compounded where timber-framed construction is used as part of the modular process. Whilst cheaper and with a lower carbon footprint than steel framed buildings, timber framed buildings may be more susceptible to the effects of fire, both during the construction process and once the building is finished.

Timber framed buildings, when consumed by fire, have an increased risk of total structural collapse in a way that is not found in steelframed buildings.

Those involved in the provision of housing need not fear modular housing and MMC – instead parties should ensure that they give careful thought to mitigating any risks associated with these forms of construction.

Each party in the supply chain should consider what mechanisms can be put in place contractually to protect themselves if components go wrong, whether at the design stage, the production stage or the construction stage.

Early contractor involvement when building using modular methods can reduce risk and lead to better outcomes. It may be that the usual standard form contracts do not adequately deal with MMC and modular components – as such, parties should take legal advice early on in a project and consider what contractual mechanism is best placed to ensure that the question of risk allocation and defects is addressed.

Further and particularly in light of the Grenfell tragedy, those commissioning modular housing must ensure that any construction is compliant with all building regulations and fire safety. The new Fire Safety Bill will enact legislation which will create obligations and duties for housing providers, with the concept of the role of an ‘accountable person’ and the requirement to appoint building safety managers. In light of the forthcoming new legislation, housing providers should ensure that they consider how modular construction interacts with these new duties to prevent the disasters which destroy both buildings and lives.

For more information contact Rebecca at rebecca.harries-williams@clarkewillmott. com or visit www.clarkewillmott.com Left: Rebecca Harries-Williams

Corroded concrete infill covers being removed by a crane due to their weight

Lightweight retrofit 40 tonne load rated Fibrelite replacement

Access All Areas: How Lightweight Composite Covers Are Making Drainage And Sewerage Access Safer Accessibility is a pre-requisite for almost every drainage and sewerage application.

However, the weight of conventional heavy steel access covers can make removal and replacement time-consuming and cumbersome. While once steel or concrete were the only options, a new breed of composite cover is making the world beneath our feet more accessible than ever. As a result, drainage and sewerage companies across the globe are increasingly specifying composite covers where manual handling is key.

Designed by Fibrelite, the global leader in the manufacture and development of GRP composite manhole and trench covers,

the new, lightweight alternatives have an unrivalled strength to weight ratio, and provide the same load-bearing performance as their conventional counterparts. In fact, due to the lightweight properties of composite material, Fibrelite GRP access covers are approximately one third of the weight.

This makes them simpler and safer to install and manoeuvre by hand, and eliminates the need for specialised lifting equipment.

As David Holmes, Fibrelite’s Technical Director, explains: “Fibrelite are seeing an increasing number of enquiries for GRP custom cover solutions

in water and wastewater applications and more specifically in locations where there are manual handling concerns. Our design and manufacturing capabilities allow us to offer custom turnkey solutions that can replace failing metal and concrete covers in-situ thus eliminating the need for costly installations and extended site closures. The evidence is in the numbers, more than 5000 bespoke covers have been successfully installed in UK, Europe, US, even Antarctica”.

Traditional, heavy covers are also prone to corrosion, with sand and water ingress being a major problem for operators and site owners. In the long-term, this can lead to costly damages and the need for regular maintenance.

In contrast, GRP composite requires no maintenance and is resistant to corrosive materials – making it an ideal solution for many drainage and sewerage applications.

Furthermore, composite covers can be designed to fit almost any size, shape, aperture and load rating requirement – enabling effortless like-for-like replacement.

It is even possible to specify different colours and custom covers that feature a specific logo or branding.

This freedom and flexibility make GRP composites a natural fit for the demands of modern construction.

Fibrelite’s high performance composite covers can be custom designed to suit any specification in the company’s dedicated facilities in the UK, the US and South East Asia. A rapid design to delivery process, and a responsive local distribution network also guarantee fast turnaround times.

For more details on how and where Fibrelite covers are being adopted, visit their case studies page Custom Fibrelite covers have been installed in water treatment facilities around the globe – even in Antarctica (pictured)

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 15

Company News

NEW STORAGE DEPOT CREATED AS PART OF HULL EXPANSION A specialist haulage firm is expanding operations to provide storage facilities at their new depot in Hull.

Lymers Assist Ltd have built up an impressive reputation for their specialised work in transporting modular buildings across the UK. Now they are expanding operations by creating a new hub in Hull which incorporates a new secure storage facility on their newly acquired site off Rix Road.

As well as continuing to deliver their specialised haulage services, they are also providing facilities to store and stack trailers as well as modular buildings at their new two-acre site.

Managing Director Alex Lymer said: “We believe it is the right time to expand our operations and are delighted to open our new site in Hull.

We will be ideally placed to support the extensive modular building sector in the region. As well as continuing to provide transport solutions as we do now, we will also be able to offer storage solutions.

The new secure depot will be managed by Stuart Fitzpatrick who lives locally.

“It is great to have this new base in Hull,” said Stuart. “An increasing amount of our work is from this area, so it makes sense for us to have a permanent base here.”

AMEY JOINS FORCES WITH RT HON JUSTINE GREENING TO BOOST SOCIAL MOBILITY Former Education Secretary Justine Greening has visited members of Amey’s highways team at Staffordshire Western Access Route to see first-hand the work taking place to protect employment opportunities and boost social mobility.

Justine Greening set up the Social Mobility Pledge in 2018 to tackle Britain’s widespread lack of social mobility.

The visit, which took place last week (Thursday, November 29) marks the launch of the Pledge partnership with Amey which comes as recent research shows 80% of people are concerned

Plans are in place for the further development of services available at the site on Rix Road with recruitment of additional personnel expected.

“Hull is the place we want to be, and we think that we can offer something different but that is needed within the area.” said Alex.

Lymers Assist Ltd is one of the firms who were judged by the Road Haulage Association to having gong above and beyond to meet the challenges posed by Covid-19.

During lockdown, the firm played a vital role in delivering temporary modular buildings to hospitals and installing essential infrastructure.

16 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

that there will be fewer available job opportunities for young people nationwide over the next year* with separate analysis revealing some communities are already suffering from a lack of social mobility and are set to be hit hardest by the economic fallout following the coronavirus.** On Amey’s Staffordshire contract 82% of the workforce are local to the area, having been recruited through a number of unique programmes, including the open door scheme that focuses on helping people who face difficulties and barriers in finding work including people with

Company News Companies have been judged on how they responded to the immediate health crisis of COVID-19.

The challenge now, and one that Amey has stepped up to, is for Britain’s businesses to play their role in boosting opportunity and social mobility as part of our national recovery. boosting opportunity and social mobility as part of our national recovery.

“I’m looking forward to working with Amey on their Opportunity Action Plan. They are committed to making a difference and levelling up Britain. I hope many other businesses will follow their example.”

disabilities, mental health issues, exoffenders, children leaving care, school leavers, and graduates.

Justine Greening said: “As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many young people are seeing their life prospects drastically downgraded, with jobs and job offers disappearing. Meanwhile, massive demand for reskilling and career shifting support is building up.

“Well defined company purpose together with a strong culture and leadership have marked out those businesses which have taken the right decisions in response to the crisis, from those which have not.

Companies have been judged on how they responded to the immediate health crisis of COVID-19. The challenge now, and one that Amey has stepped up to, is for Britain’s businesses to play their role in

By signing the Pledge, Amey commits to enhancing opportunities by working with local schools; offering training and apprenticeships; and by adopting fair recruitment polices, something the Staffordshire highways contract is spearheading for Amey.

Amanda Fisher, CEO for Amey, said: “Covid-19 has negatively impacted young people across the UK, many of whom were already disadvantaged before the pandemic and are now seeking their first career opportunity during the most challenging time in a generation. That’s why we are investing in more than 50 opportunities through the Kickstart Scheme, supported internships, degree apprenticeships and our graduate scheme, and focusing our efforts on providing opportunities to people who face social and economic barriers. Signing up to the Social Mobility Pledge further highlights our commitment to supporting the government’s levelling up agenda and ensuring we have a positive impact in the communities in which we operate.”

The partnership between Justine Greening and Amey will include the development of an Opportunity Action Plan to level up Britain in the wake of COVID-19. The plan will share Amey’s work to level up opportunities within its business and its communities, so that other companies can implement tried and tested solutions. The plan will also set out how Amey plans to go further and play its role in Britain’s national recovery from COVID-19 amid warnings of a rise in youth unemployment.

BATTLING ON ALL FRONTS Peter Johnson, chairman of cladding supplier Vivalda Group, reflects on a challenging year for the facades market.

Having grappled with the three biggest strategic challenges we’d ever faced in one go – the construction recession, Brexit and the post-Grenfell period – we thought things could only get better in 2020. Alas it was not to be.

If we thought these choppy waters were bad enough, cue the arrival of Covid-19 and the impact it’s had on the global economy.

However, while no one could ever say it’s been easy, the challenges posed by the virus have brought out the best in people with our nine UK branches using new technology (such as Zoom and Teams) to stay in touch with contractors to maintain the flow of cladding to site.

Thankfully, our sector has not been as badly affected by lockdown measures as others within UK plc. Certainly, the government’s remediation fund of £1.6bn has helped maintain activity in the cladding sector, while ongoing public finance initiatives have helped us to not just to keep the tills ringing, but also put us in with a fighting chance of achieving a new record in sales for the full year. We also salute construction industry leaders such as main contractors and the merchant sector for maintaining prompt payment terms, enabling liquidity to flow through to sub-contractors.

In each of the previous three recessions I’ve experienced, the industry’s first reaction has been to put the cheque book in the safe and throw away the key. Not this time though.

Looking towards 2021, we are upbeat about the future. It’s likely that the government’s post-Covid economic strategy will involve significant infrastructure investment, including schools, hospitals and housing. Meanwhile we continue to invest in the growing off-site fabrication market, with new CNC routers, saws and turret punches, as well as new premises in the UK and Ireland.

Life is still tough in the medium-term – and we don’t need another lockdown - but with a healthy net cash pile providing insulation from the cold economic winds, we remain positive and ready for the upturn.

Ten percent of FTSE 100 companies are now working on an Opportunity Action Plan to support social mobility and protect opportunity as part of the national recovery

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 17

Company News WINVIC SECURES CONTRACT WITH DSV TO CONSTRUCT INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE, CROSSDOCK AND OFFICE FACILITIES AT MERCIA PARK Global transport and logistics company DSV has engaged Winvic Construction Ltd – a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects – to design, construct and partially fit out its new industrial facility at Mercia Park in North West Leicestershire. The Winvic team started on site last week and the project is due to reach practical completion at the end of August 2021.

The industrial scheme comprises three buildings and has 34 dock levellers: • A 358,000 sq ft steel-framed warehouse containing three mezzanine floors and two single-storey hub offices totalling 4,360 sq ft • A 112,000 sq ft cross-dock terminal that contains a 7,050 sq ft single-storey hub office • A 35,660 sq ft three-storey office building

staircase. The external works package includes 381,700 sq ft yard space plus car parking for 406 vehicles, and the programme contains all drainage, retaining wall and hard and soft landscaping works.

The project’s progress can be followed via the timelapse cameras streamed on Winvic Live.

This news follows the announcement last month that Winvic was appointed

by IM Properties to undertake the civils and infrastructure works at the 238acre employment park, which is located adjacent to junction 11 of the M42.

Furthermore, the project has been selected as the first of two schemes where the Computer-Vision-SMART technology will be developed; AI enabled cameras will be placed around the site and operatives will receive alerts via an app to warn them of nearby hazards to health and safety in real-time.

Winvic Construction Director, Rob Bull, said: “We’re naturally very pleased that DSV witnessed our client-first approach through our relationship with IM Properties and the vast civils and infrastructure delivery at Mercia Park, and also recognised Winvic as

Winvic will be fitting out all of the office spaces to a high quality and the large stand-alone office building meets DSV’s global design standard. Prominent design features include a glass lift, wood panelled walls in an oak finish and a feature

18 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

the leading main contractor in the sector that gets the job done right.

“The project is slightly unusual for an industrial project as the facility comprises multiple buildings with multiple storeys. These will be erected simultaneously and our expert team is confident of meeting the programme as well as DSV’s high expectations.”

Brian Winther Almind, Executive Vice President, Group Property at DSV, added: “The new Mercia Park campus in North West Leicestershire is an important new site to DSV as it will become home to all three of our business units, DSV Roads, DSV Solutions and DSV Air and Sea. Our previous collaborations with Winvic have been extremely successful, so we’re looking forward to our ongoing partnership and the strengthening of our relationship through the construction of these modern and efficient facilities at Mercia Park.”

One of Winvic’s 2020/2021 cohort of Year In Industry students – Elliot Smith – has been assigned to the DSV industrial warehouse scheme as a Trainee Site Engineer and Winvic’s VR Developer Morgan Hambling who is a construction management student will be working on site as part of a three-month placement.

DON’T CRACK UP No Crack Caulk, newly launched under Bond Its’ Superheros Brand, is a water resistant, high quality decorators caulk that prevents craze cracking when painted. This white, solvent-free, water-based sealant is highly flexible, with a joint movement capability up to 12.5% and can be overpainted within 1 hour.

With excellent gap-filling properties this hard wearing Caulk contains a fungicide to retard mould growth and is suitable for use on both interior and exterior jobs.

Adheres to most surfaces without the use of a primer and is non-corrosive to metals. It is more resistant to movement than most standard caulks and is longer lasting. Perfect for sealing around window frames, architraves,cornices PVC profile trim & cladding, plasterboard joints and for sealing cracks and gaps in plaster, brickwork, concrete, skirting boards and walls.

For more information on Bond It contact our Sales Team on 01422 315300 or visit www.bonditgroup.com.

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Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 19

Front view of the apartments: “Dug Wilders Photography”

SCHÖCK ISOKORB FOR SEAFRONT PASSIVE HOUSE AWARD WINNER Seaton Beach Apartments in Devon is the first UK multi-residential development to be certified as passive house plus.

Some claim that passive house standard is easier to achieve with simpler, box-like forms, resulting in finished buildings being aesthetically limited – but this is certainly not the case here. A little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks, has enabled generous sea-facing balconies with sweeping curves to create a striking finish.

Seaton may be a traditional Devon The Isokorb used on the project

seaside resort town, but there is nothing traditional about the eye-catching new passive house development right on the seafront. Seaton Beach Apartments is an innovative, award-winning, new development of seven luxury two-bedroom beachfront apartments, complete with a three bedroom penthouse – and is the first multi-residential development in the UK to be certified as passive house plus.

Which means it is not only able to meet the ultra-low energy fabric requirement, but also generates renewable energy. The project can also boast ‘best sustainable

residential development in the UK’ from the International Property Awards.

Initially though, the original architectural design was not to passive house standard.

However, the developer recognised that the south-facing orientation and form factor would make it possible to reach the necessary standard. Architects Gale and Snowden, who have helped stimulate the trend for larger scale passive house projects in the region, were brought in at this point to develop the initial detailed designs and oversee the construction. The ground floor is concrete, with a monolithic clay block construction used from the first to third floors and timber frame for the penthouse.

Combined with high-performance external render and internal plaster, the result is an entirely mineral hygroscopic wall buildup, which helps to regulate humidity and provide a healthy and comfortable internal environment.

Uses 90% less energy than a typical new build Other features of the construction include low electromagnetic field wiring arrangements and a highly efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Complete with an exhaust air heat pump for hot water supply.

20 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

An array of PV panels on the roof yield an annual 14,234 kWh, resulting in the building generating more energy than it uses. There is a constant supply of silently circulated filtered fresh air within the triple glazed, airtight construction. And 90 per cent less energy used than in a typical new build.

All factors which have contributed to the building achieving the stringent passive house plus target.

Passive house standard is easier to achieve with simpler, box-like forms and finished buildings are often considered aesthetically limited and rather prosaic.

However, with Seaton Beach Apartments, a little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck Isokorb thermally broken balcony connectors defies this notion. The potentially unexciting building now features large sea-facing balconies with generous curves. The detailing of these balconies is critical though, if thermal bridging is to be minimised and the building’s energy performance not compromised.

The Isokorb is a technically advanced solution Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks are installed where the balconies meet the clay block structure, as ineffectual insulation at these cantilever connectivity points will result in local heat loss. This means more energy is required to maintain the building’s internal temperature. Low internal surface temperatures around the thermal bridge can also cause condensation, leading to structural integrity problems with absorbent insulation products and the potentially serious occurrence of mould growth. The Schöck Isokorb is one of the most technically advanced countermeasures against thermal bridging.

It not only thermally separates components

from one another, but acts in a structural design capacity as well. The product type used here has an innovative HTE Compact compression module made of highdensity micro-fibre reinforced concrete and transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces with cantilever balconies, or positive field moments combined with shear forces.

Enormous freedom of design As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck is able to offer planners complete construction dependability and almost limitless freedom of design with the options available in its Isokorb product range. There are solutions for concrete-to-concrete, concrete-tosteel, steel-to-steel, a thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) which must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb. All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and the NHBC. They also offer LABC Registration and have independent BBA Certification.

The Schöck Isokorb is one of the most technically advanced countermeasures against thermal bridging. It not only thermally separates components from one another, but acts in a structural design capacity as well.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software, contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www.schoeck.co.uk

Close up of the balconies: “Dug Wilders Photography”

The wide sweeping balconies: “Dug Wilders Photography”

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 21

People On The Move

AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLANS FOR PERTH BASED DIATECH AS TWO KEY APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED Perth based Diatech, one of the UK’s premium diamond blade and core drill suppliers to the construction industry, has appointed two new staff members as it looks to expand its operations in London and the South East to help achieve its ambitious growth plans of £8 million turnover by 2022.

The family run business, established in 1994 by entrepreneur Jeremy Burgess, is well known within the industry for the quality of its blades and drills and their distinctive pink colour, which have been ruthlessly tested by Scotland’s challenging

ADAIR APPOINTS DIRECTOR TO PROJECT MONITORING TEAM Chartered surveyor and construction consultancy firm Adair Limited, has made a senior appointment with Richard Payne BSc QS MBA MRICS joining as the consultancy’s new Director, Project Monitoring with effect from 2nd November 2020.

With over 30 years’ in the real estate industry, Richard’s unique experience within the sector extends to roles in both construction consultancy and development funding with a proven track record in real estate investment.

Richard’s previous role was as Development Director at Oblix Capital, where he looked after all Development lending and all direct clients including bridging for direct clients.

geology. Creating less dust, less vibration, and with an increased longevity, Diatech blades mean less down time, more productivity and less potential for any HSE issues.

Counting engineering and building contractors, precast concrete manufacturers, specialist drilling contractors and utility companies among their customers, the team of eleven are equally as well known for the excellent level of customer care they provide.

The company, which has seen significant success in the UK, has recently hired two new employees to help it achieve its significant growth plans. With twenty-five years of global sales experience under his belt, Peter Waggott joins the company as Sales Manager with a brief to develop and grow the sales team at Diatech, whilst also taking on the role of Business Development Manager in the Perth and Inverness areas.

Rosie Jones joins the company as Business Development Manager from CTD Tiles and

will be responsible for the development of new business in Fife, Edinburgh, The Borders, Glasgow and the West Coast.

With one team member already working remotely in Swindon, Diatech has plans to increase its presence in London and the South East and will be making key appointments in the coming months.

Coupled with this, is the launch of a new e-commerce website, www.diatechuk.com, making it even easier for customers to buy their supplies direct from the company.

Jeremy Burgess, founder and MD of Diatech, commented: “This is a really exciting time for the business as we take on new staff and look to grow our business, both within Scotland and further afield, but with a real focus on London and the South East.

“We have ambitions to become the UK’s number one premium diamond blade and core drill supplier, and with our new staff members and strengthened team I have every reason to believe we can achieve this goal.”

This is a really exciting time for the business as we take on new staff and look to grow our business, both within Scotland and further afield, but with a real focus on London and the South East. We have ambitions to become the UK’s number one premium diamond blade and core drill supplier, and with our new staff members and strengthened team I have every reason to believe we can achieve this goal.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said “Adair is a strong business with considerable opportunities and capabilities to expand its project monitoring offering. I am looking forward to getting to know the business, the team and delivering a consistently high quality service to our client portfolio.”.

Justin Sullivan, Founder & CEO at Adair added “It is a pleasure to welcome Richard on board. He brings extensive knowledge coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the development lending market at a time when Adair is going from strength to strength”.

Adair currently delivers project monitoring services on a diverse range of developments across the UK.

22 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

People On The Move

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LAND & WATER SERVICES CELEBRATES LANDMARK COMPANY ANNIVERSARY Land & Water Services is celebrating the landmark work anniversary of its Managing Director, Adrian Gascoyne, after he has played an important role in the leading wet civil engineering firms’ success and growth over the past 21 years.

Adrian joined the company back in 1999, at a pivotal moment when the business heads of Land & Water Group were deciding strategically how its companies would interact and develop. Since then, Adrian has played an intrinsic role in laying the foundations, and continuing the legacy, for how the Group operates today.

From his initial role as Commercial Manager to his swift move to Group Commercial Director in 2001, Adrian has showed commitment towards the company’s commercial excellence, coproject managing the implementation of an entire new reporting system for the Group and helping to implement the

construction industry’s ground-breaking “Partnering Contracts”, which has helped develop open relationships with larger clients.

navigate choppy waters and emerge stronger and we are proud to have him at the helm in these uncertain times and we hope for many years to come.

Today, Adrian is Managing Director of Land & Water Services, a role where he has built a strong senior management team and introduced more strategic planning which has seen the company grow into the robust business it is today, able to face the challenges of today, whatever they may be.

He has been the voice of nurturing young talent, supporting the enrolment of apprentices to the Land & Water team, and has been committed in creating a better workplace for all through his strong, ‘stay calm’ leadership.

It is in these times that Adrian’s resolve has truly come to light. His ability to be resilient and remain calm and considered under pressure has helped the group

Adrian Gascoyne

FIRST MEMBER OF SOCOTEC’S GROUND INVESTIGATION TEAM GRADUATES FROM INTERNAL DRILLING ACADEMY Congratulations are in order for a member of SOCOTEC’s Ground Investigation team, who has achieved a Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling (Lead Driller Cable Percussion).

The qualification will enable him to further advance his career within the ground investigation sector, as well as ensuring he is working to the highest industry standards.

Peter Dougherty is the first in the team to achieve this award through the Drilling Academy, SOCOTEC’s internal training and assessment centre which aims to produce a high calibre drilling team with professional standards.

The Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling is the standard recognised qualification for land drillers in the UK. To achieve this, Peter was assessed according to the following criteria:

• The ability to display both skill and knowledge to pass eight modules relating to drill rig operation, health and safety, site reinstatement and service location • Repeatable performance shown over a minimum of two site visits by their assessor • Production of supporting evidence, including photos, videos and site paperwork (permits etc).

Peter Dougherty

Whether they are an entry level trainee driller, an experienced lead driller or beyond, the Drilling Academy provides clear career progression for SOCOTEC’s drilling staff.

The Academy is made up of two assessors and one internal verifier, ensuring that every qualification can be achieved entirely in-house.

SOCOTEC can provide the Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling along four different pathways, including Lead Driller Rotary, Lead Driller Cable Percussion, Lead Driller Dynamic Sampling and Drilling Support Operative. In 2021, the Academy also aims to deliver the Level 3 Advanced Driller qualification to staff.

Within his role, Peter is responsible for the safe execution of drilling instructions, including sample recovery, testing regimes, instrument installation and borehole reinstatement.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 23

People On The Move BRITPLAS TARGETS FURTHER GROWTH WITH APPOINTMENT OF SALES AND ESTIMATING DIRECTOR Warrington-based commercial glazing contractor Britplas has appointed Ben Woodward to the new position of sales and estimating director.

Ben, who has been with the business since 2015 and previously led the preconstruction and estimating department, will be responsible for the overall sales strategy for the Britplas Group, heading up the sales and estimating teams and leading new business development.

Having doubled its turnover over the last five years to some £27m, Britplas carries out the design, manufacture and installation of glazed façades to large commercial developments throughout the UK and also supplies a specialist patented window to the mental health sector.

Current commercial projects include the £250m Kampus mixed use development in Manchester City Centre and the new Edinburgh St James Quarter for main contractor Laing O’Rourke.

The new role will oversee the sales functions of both the commercial and healthcare divisions of the business for the first time.

Ben commented “I am delighted to be stepping up to the position of sales and estimating director. Despite what has been a challenging year for most businesses, we have a firm strategy in place supported by an excellent team and I am looking forward to the next stage of our development.”

AMEY WELCOMES 150 EMPLOYEES AS HIGHWAYS ENGLAND FM CONTRACT GOES LIVE November 2nd marked day one for over 150 new employees who joined Amey’s Secure Infrastructure business, as part of a five-year contract awarded

by Highways England. The contract will provide facilities and asset management across Highways England’s extensive and growing operational estate.

The £40 million contract will see Amey provide maintenance, cleaning, project and asset management across 41 Highways England sites.

The Amey team will have responsibility for maintaining sites that ensure the safe running of the highways network across England, such as regional operational centres, traffic officer outstations and highway maintenance depots. These require regular maintenance to ensure this vital public service is kept running 24/7.

The new contract will create 12 new roles and, in line with Amey’s social

Ben Woodward

value commitment, will be delivered in partnership with a supply chain made up of local SMEs, as well as using sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.

Amey is also introducing a number of digital solutions to help Highways England to optimise their assets.

The ‘Concept’ CAFM solution provided by FSI will give Amey and Highways England real-time access to the latest information - enabling continuous improvement in services, faster responses and better decision-making.

A bespoke SMS text and online platform will allow Highways England employees and building users to quickly contactAmey’s customer service centre to report any potential issues or repairs on-site.

Andy Voase, Director of FM, Amey Secure Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted today to welcome over 150 employees to Amey who have started work on our new Highways England Total Facilities Management contract.

“Every day, Highways England, their people and supply chain play a critical role in ensuring the road network across England is kept safe and operational for the millions of people and businesses who rely on it. So, a well-maintained estate is vital to their work and employee safety and wellbeing.

“We look forward to building a strong partnership which will see our dedicated team delivering operational excellence, evidenced through: live management information linked to asset history, improved sustainability and social value, our commitment to investing in our people, and looking at ways to work more efficiently and safely.”

24 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Supporting Independents The IPG is the largest and fastest growing membership group in its sector, it provides independent plumbing/heating stores and bathroom showrooms with access to improved purchasing terms from manufacturers and distributors, alongside marketing and business services.

Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, the group that was founded in 2013 has an established network of over 200 carefully selected member locations nationwide, all enjoying a support network like none other, to stand together and be stronger.

So, what difference does The IPG make to small businesses trying to compete?

Chris Kania, Managing Director at Gills Plumbing & Heating in Welwyn Garden City commented; “ The IPG made my business competitive. They levelled the playing field by giving us the resources to compete whilst still maintaining the values and operating practices of an independent business.�

Working with many brands from across the plumbing, heating and bathroom sector, the collective buying power of the group enables members to save money and enjoy the very best terms and benefits available.

All the suppliers that The IPG work with are listed on their industry leading portal, members one stop shop for anything group related.

The IPG made my business competitive. They levelled the playing field by giving us the resources to compete whilst still maintaining the values and operating practices of an independent business.

Members can benefit from a professionally designed website when they join the group, and this can be upgraded to an IPG E-commerce solution. Member websites have made a massive difference to stores ability to sell during the pandemic.

The IPG brand encourages the plumber, installer, and homeowner to choose an IPG member above the competition. Through various marketing channels they have created a powerful brand message; if you visit an IPG member, alongside unrivalled service and unbiased, honest advice, your shopping basket is likely to be cheaper!

At its core, The IPG is determined to bring independent businesses together, and in turn, give their members customers the opportunity to buy the best brands locally at great prices.

Website: www.the-ipg.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 25

BOSCH BITURBO CORDED TOOL POWER AND PERFORMANCE – WITHOUT THE CORD Trade professionals can work much more easily and efficiently without the inconvenience of power cords, but are cordless tools powerful enough for your more challenging tasks? Thanks to the BITURBO 18V range from Bosch Professional, the answer is yes.

BITURBO cordless technology is revolutionising the workplace with power and performance equal to that of mains-powered tools rated up to 1800W. BITURBO products can replace large angle grinders, saws and rotary hammers, for example, in jobs once thought to be beyond the reach of battery-powered equipment.

Bosch describes BITURBO as its most innovative and powerful range of 18V cordless power tools yet.

That’s really saying something, when you consider the reputation of its products to date. To understand the significance of this advance, and its benefits, let’s take a closer look at what BITURBO is, how it works and what it achieves.

Feel the Extreme BITURBO tools offer revolutionary performance levels that give the feeling of extreme power. As the name BITURBO suggests, they combine two key elements to turbocharge the user’s working life: a high-performance brushless motor and the highpowered Bosch ProCORE18V Professional Battery System. Importantly, these two parts are designed to work together in a way that maximises each other’s performance.

Brushless motors start with major advantages over traditional DC units, whose brushes generate friction and heat. This reduces energy efficiency and power, wears out the brushes – which then need to be regularly replaced – and ultimately damages the motor itself. A brushless motor is more efficient and powerful, gives a longer runtime per charge, needs virtually no maintenance and has up to twice the lifespan.

The BITURBO brushless motor boosts power even further by maximising airflow to reduce resistance, and using a high-strength neodymium magnet (the strongest commercially available) to provide the necessary magnetic field.

A New Dimension of Power To unleash the full potential of that motor, it is teamed with an 8Ah or 12Ah ProCORE18V battery.

These advanced batteries drive and maintain the higher levels of current needed for power-intensive applications. As well as extra power, they offer longer runtime and lifetime.

include Bosch connectivity modules, allowing functionality such as remote adjustment and data transmission, and most of them feature onboard interactive displays. There are also electronic safety systems, like Kickback Control. Some examples of the products are shown here.

Bosch GBH 18V-45 C Professional BITURBO Rotary Hammer

By the same token, the BITURBO motor’s qualities bring out the ProCORE18V battery’s full potential.

A tool powered by one ProCORE18V battery can perform equally to some competitors using two batteries – which add significantly to a tool’s overall size and weight. Highly compact size is yet another benefit of the ProCORE18V system.

ProCORE18V batteries feature Bosch Coolpack 2.0 technology, with intelligent heat management which maximises efficiency – for greater power and runtime – and prevents damage from overheating – for longer life.

Ultimate Performance.

Maximum Freedom.

Importantly, BITURBO tools and ProCORE18V batteries are part of the Bosch Professional 18V System, which ensures 100% compatibility. It means that any Bosch Professional 18V tool, battery or charger added to your collection since 2008 can be used with any other. There’s no need to buy and carry different batteries and chargers for each one.

It should be noted, however, that BITURBO tools and ProCORE18V will only give their absolute best when used together.

For highest charging performance, look for the Bosch GAL 18V-160 C Professional Charger – the world’s fastest 18V charger. With a 16A maximum current it will, for instance, charge an 8.0Ah ProcCORE18V battery from 0 to 80% in 32 minutes.

Its many convenient functions include Bluetooth connectivity, enabling battery checks and charging mode selection via smartphone.

Top-class, heavyduty all-rounder for concrete drilling and chiselling Bosch GKS 18V-68 GC Professional BITURBO Hand-held Circular Saw Quicker than a corded saw – blending top performance with great flexibility Bosch GKT 18V-52 GC Professional BITURBO Plunge Saw Outstandingly compact with superior mobility and performance Bosch GCM 18V-216 C Professional BITURBO Mitre Saw Corded power, compact size, classleading cutting depth and unmatched application range Bosch GWX 18V-15 SC Professional BITURBO Angle Grinder High performance and high specification including X-LOCK keyless accessorychange system

The BITURBO Range As you would expect from any Bosch Professional product, BITURBO tools are built to a high quality for professionals who take a pride in their work and their equipment. In addition to their exceptional power, they offer lightweight design for easy handling and control. Their high specifications

Of course, compared to normal products the BITURBO tools aren’t cheap – but they are costeffective. You will immediately save time and energy on every job, and in the longer term their extended tool and battery life will mean less spending on replacements. Visit https://www.bosch-professional. com/gb/en/biturbo/ to find out more, and watch out for new BITURBO product releases in the coming months.

Company News

GLEEDS REPORT REVEALS IMPACTS OF COVID-19 Research from international property and construction consultancy Gleeds has revealed the ways in which Covid-19 is changing the face of the construction industry. The business’ Autumn Market Report surveys main contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and colleagues operating in the UK construction market.

It found that two thirds of contractors will seek to incorporate modern methods of construction (MMC) on future projects as a direct result of the pandemic, with 35% reporting an increase in the use of MMC during 2020.

A reduction in manpower would be particularly useful in addressing the fears of the 30% of respondents who are concerned that implementing Covid-19 safe distancing measures will be more difficult during the winter months. Some sites had been using marquees or similar over the summer in a bid to extend usable outside space, however these solutions will be unviable in poor weather. It follows, therefore, that there may be a further impact upon productivity, with many in the industry believing that site output will not reach 100% until social distancing is fully relaxed and labour on site is at full capacity.

smarter, more collaborative procurement to achieve better project outcomes.

Almost all of the contractors questioned (94%), suggest that the implementation of required social distancing measures will lead to delays in project completion, with 10% believing that delivery schedules could be delayed by over 20%. This could explain the desire to expedite the adoption of MMC on future schemes which would not only help to improve the quality and predictability of delivery, but also potentially reduce the need for the presence of a considerable labour force on site.

One positive to emerge from the pandemic is the apparent commitment to more collaborative ways of working. 71% of respondents from Gleeds’ previous Market Report thought that a more adversarial approach to contracts was inevitable going forward. That figure has dropped by 30% this time round, with only 41% of respondents noticing a more adversarial attitude over the quarter. It would appear that many in the industry are taking a longer-term view, recognising the importance of supply chain stability and

“Despite best efforts, construction programmes have inevitably been extended due to the impact of COVID-19 and contractors are having to find alternative ways of working in response to social distancing measures, which may be tested during the winter months. As we move forwards, the buildings we construct today will embody the resilience demonstrated during the pandemic. Flexible for adaptation to alternative uses, innovative in design from the outset, and future-proofed with the needs of their occupants at the heart.”

Douglas McCormick, Executive Chairman at Gleeds UK, said of the findings: “Over the past seven months there has been a conscious, collaborative drive to keep things moving. Our research shows that the construction industry has stood firm in the face of adversity, ensuring cost-efficient shut-down and reopening of sites; turning to innovative construction approaches, such as modern methods of construction (MMC); and maximising the use of digital tools, supporting revised site health and safety procedures.

STEVE WEBB AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS 2020 MILNE MEDAL Steve Webb, Director of Webb Yates Engineers, has been awarded this year’s prestigious Milne Medal by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).

Steve was awarded the medal for his creative approach to engineering, which has been applied to a number of innovative projects across the globe.

Examples include futuristic skyscraper and Scandinavia’s tallest building Turning Torso in Malmo, Sweden, and the well-publicised residential scheme Barrett’s Grove in London, which was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2017.

28 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Webb Yates Engineer’s pioneering approach to innovation and sustainability has been driven by Steve, who has encouraged – in particular – rethinking the choice and role of materials in construction. This has resulted in using non-conventional materials, from cast iron to cork and from inflatables to stone, to achieve structures with less impact on the environment and lower carbon emissions.

He and the practice are increasingly known for advocating novel material combinations that improve design, construction and sustainability performance, such as the pioneering

Company News It is a great honour to have the commitment to quality and innovation that shapes our work across the practice recognised by my peers. At Webb Yates we strive to design environmentally-conscious structures that are both elegant and considered in their use of materials.

We want to design buildings that are good for society and even make people happy, but how much does morality and the creation of happiness influence our work, and how hard should we really think about the wider impacts of what we do? combination of stone and concrete used at 15 Clerkenwell Close, designed by leading architect Amin Taha.

Steve said: “It is a great honour to have the commitment to quality and innovation that shapes our work across the practice recognised by my peers. At Webb Yates we strive to design environmentally-conscious structures that are both elegant and considered in their use of materials.”

The Milne Medal is awarded annually and recognises an individual engineer for “excellence in structural design, both in the overall concept and in the attention to detail in their work.” It is named in recognition of the late Bob Milne who served for many years as the Honorary Secretary of the IABSE British Group.

Ian Firth, Chair of the British Group, said “The Milne Medal is highly sought after and is one of the few awards to celebrate individual rather than corporate design achievement. Steve is a worthy winner and his work highlights just what can be achieved by thinking outside the box with real engineering skill and expertise.”

Steve is the 16th winner of the Milne Medal and joins an elite group of eminent structural engineers around the world.

On 10 November at 6pm, Steve will receive his award and deliver a lecture entitled ‘Wood, stone, moral calculus and big picture thinking’.

He will explore how issues of sustainability have been poorly addressed by the built environment industry over centuries, and how a fresh approach to materials could result in improved design and construction, all the while minimising the impact on the environment.

Steve said: “We want to design buildings that are good for society and even make people happy, but how much does morality and the creation of happiness influence our work, and how hard should we really think about the wider impacts of what we do?”

100TH COMPLETION FOR MANCHESTER HOUSE BUILDER AND NEW JOBS ON THE WAY Manchester-based Hollins Homes is celebrating after reaching its 100th completion, following continued business growth and an increased demand for homes due to the stamp duty holiday.

House builder Hollins Homes builds with traditional values and a common sense approach and since it was formed by Mark Chadwick in 2015, it has delivered 100 homes across three developments in Lancashire and Shropshire.

The company, and its development arm Hollins Strategic Land, works closely with chartered landscape architect and environmental planner, Influence, and credits the firm for enabling its success with its specialist expertise on planning applications, planning appeals and landscape and visuals matters.

With Hollins Homes now active on three further sites across the country, and further schemes in the pipeline for 2021 and beyond, it is planning to expand its site teams with at least two new hires per site going forward.

The 100th completion took place on its Whitchurch development - ‘The Orchards’ in Shropshire and was the final home to sell on the 50-home scheme.

From the outset, Hollins Homes has been bold in its approach and successful in offering a quality product for home owners. Its first scheme in 2015 was in Fulwood, Lancashire, and at 24 homes was a significant development for a new house builder.

Based on King Street in Manchester, Hollins Homes has an active pipeline of schemes and ambitious delivery targets of 55 homes delivered by April 2021, 100 in April 2022 and 150 by April 2023.

Managing director Mark Chadwick, said: “Reaching this milestone is a real joy and testament to the whole team’s dedication to crafting quality homes, that are centred around our customers and the surrounding environment. Following many years in development, when I started Hollins Homes just five years ago, it was very much based on a desire to create homes that buyers were proud of, and our focus on personalisation of properties to the customer and carefully creating welcoming new communities is what has enabled the company to thrive.

“We have a number of exciting developments in various stages across the country and it is the team at Influence that has really enabled much of our progress. We have worked with them from the outset and its landscape and planning expertise and sound counsel are invaluable to us, and they are a key partner of Hollins Homes.

“We are looking forward to the next chapter; delivering desirable and well-placed homes and welcoming new members to our team.”

Hollins Homes has experienced good sales throughout but has seen numbers rise due to the additional desire to move during the current stamp duty holiday.

The company now has active developments in Shropshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire and is continuing to assess new modern methods of construction, to deliver homes more efficiently and sustainably.

Managing director of landscape architecture firm Influence, Sara Boland, said: “Hollins Homes has quickly become a leader in creating sought-after homes and what it has achieved in five years is impressive. Our work for Hollins Strategic Land and Hollins Homes is an allround service and encompasses the full suite of our services; from outline planning applications, landscape and visual matters, planning appeals through to discharging the landscape reserve matters and conditions.

“In particular, the projects in Lancashire have cemented the wider relationship between us and Hollins Strategic Land, as we originally acted to support the planning applications - which ultimately led to the success on the detail of the schemes. Our work complements that of Hollins Homes and enables it to deliver good levels of public open space, new wildlife corridors and good connectivity that enhances the communities they create. We are pleased to be on this journey with Hollins Homes and to be working together on projects for years to come.”

Influence operate across the UK from offices in London and Nottinghamshire and provide specialist landscape architecture, urban design, environment planning and expert witness services.

Myself and the team are proud of what we have achieved and to hand over our 100th home to a happy customer was wonderful.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 29

Events and Awards News KIER FIRST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO BE AWARDED SOCIAL VALUE QUALITY MARK LEVEL 2 Kier Construction has become the first construction organisation in the UK to be awarded the Social Value Quality Mark Level 2. The Quality Mark recognises distinction in values-led business that benefits customers, communities and the planet. It is one of the most rigorously tested standards of its kind in the UK. In 2018 Kier was the first construction services business to achieve Social Value Quality Mark Level 1. To gain the Quality Mark, Kier needed to demonstrate evidence of a clear process for the strategic and operational management of Social Value. This included reporting against its Social Value Pledges, a positive influence on its stakeholders, and the accurate reporting of its impact and value across thematic areas, including value to the local economy.

The Quality Mark also required the organisation to prove ethical decision-making and positive supply chain engagement through an independent audit undertaken by the SVQM team.

Level 2 takes this commitment further by demonstrating how we have been delivering on our plans to deliver the pledges we made to achieve Level 1. Through a process of audit across 10 of our projects representing each of our regions we were able to create and measure social value through our work to support: • Skills and employment • Work experience for young people • Local charities and valued causes • Local partners and supply chain • Social enterprises • Well-being in our staff and communities we work in.

Richard Davis, Kier Construction Director, said: “We are proud and delighted to confirm that we have now achieved Social Value Quality Mark Level 2. We saw the importance of needing to go further and show that we are meeting the commitments we have made as a business.

Wanting to leave a positive footprint wherever we work is in the DNA of the business and our people and this award clearly demonstrates this.”

Richard Dickins, MD of Social Value Quality Mark, said: “Today’s consumers increasingly make their decisions based on how companies treat their staff, the environment and the society in which they operate.

Through the Quality Mark we build and recognise the highest standards in values-led business.

This award recognises Kier’s outstanding commitment to create, report and embed social value within the fabric of their organisation. They demonstrated 137 positive outcomes to achieve Level 2 recognition – a great result. We are delighted to remain their social value partner as they move through up through the levels.

FORTERRA COLLEAGUE WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN MICROLISE DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 A Forterra HGV driver, who has been working with the company for more than 50 years, has won the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Microlise Driver of The Year Awards 2020.

Garry Bellamy was just 15 when he joined the Transport Department of London Brick Company (now part of Forterra) as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer.

He passed his HGV driving test and became part of a team responsible for going out to vehicles that needed repairing or recovering. In 1981, Garry took the opportunity to become a fulltime delivery driver and has remained one ever since.

Garry has experienced a lot of change during his 39-year driving career and has worked to continuously improve and upgrade his skills. When he first started driving, trucks were equipped with little more than a crash gearbox and a steering wheel, while today’s technology plays a central role with telematics, driving style analysis, and engine management systems underpinning life on the road.

“The Microlise Driver of the Year Awards uncover fantastic drivers who have stories that highlight the sheer hard work, dedication and single-minded professionalism that is needed to excel in this industry,” said Chief Executive of Microlise, Nadeem Raza.

Garry was pleasantly surprised to win the award. “My boss asked if I minded being put forward for the award and I said it was fine.

Then I forgot about it really. One day he said, ‘I’ve got something for you’ and told me I’d won! It’s nice to have the recognition, but I didn’t know what to say at the time - I was amazed.

I’ve never been one to try and impress - I just let things roll by. But I enjoy the work and I find it easy now. Nothing is a problem for me, I enjoy just getting on and doing it. I’m gearing towards retirement now and I’m worried I’m going to get bored! It’s kept me in a decent way of life. I’ve had good times with good mates, and I’ll look back fondly on my career.

30 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

RRN319038 Applications ApplicationUK Engineering QP.indd 18/02/2019 14:04:52 CM1120012 Engineering QP.indd 11 09/11/2020 Construction Magazine - November 2020 3111:03:55

Project News

HENRY BROTHERS MIDLANDS HANDS OVER NEW TEACHING BLOCK AT THE CARLTON ACADEMY Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has handed over a new £2.7m teaching block at The Carlton Academy in Nottingham.

project at Carlton Academy. The new facilities are first class and I am sure they will benefit the students enormously in their learning.

The two-storey extension features ten new classrooms on the first floor, with a drama studio, Sixth Form Study Centre, first aid room, toilets, changing facilities, and storage rooms on the ground floor.

“This project was on a very tight site, in a residential area, and I am proud of the way that Henry Brothers and others in the team successfully overcame these challenges during the construction phase to build this important and much-welcomed extension for the school.”

Built for Carlton Academy, part of Redhill Academy Trust, and funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, the project also included additional car parking and a new external social space.

The design and build development was project managed by Pulse, with CPMG Architects the architect, Tunstall Smith King the consulting engineers and William Saunders the principal designer.

Ian Taylor, managing director of contractor Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “As specialists in the building of educational facilities, it’s been exciting for Henry Brothers Midlands to have been part of the team on this

During the build phase on the steeply sloping site, some 2500m3 of earth was removed – enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Richard Pierpoint, Executive Head Teacher at The Carlton Academy, said: “We were delighted to secure the funding for this much needed facility and have worked in an outstanding partnership with the contractor.

The new building sees the school able to meet the growing demand for secondary school places from within its catchment. As a growing, but still average size secondary school, we will continue to offer something very special for our students, both in terms

of world class facilities, aligned to other significant investments in science and sport, as well as remaining able to know and support every child through their journey with us.”

Dan Mason, Senior Consultant at Pulse Consult, said: “The Carlton Academy School Key Stage 3-5 teaching block has been an outstanding project to be involved in and will provide an excellent facility for the school moving forwards. Pulse were appointed to provide project management, contract administration and cost consultancy services for the project.

All of the members of the client and project team deserve a great deal of credit for what has been achieved, particularly given the challenges that everyone has faced during this year. The team from Henry Brothers have been a pleasure to work with and should be proud of the finished product that has been delivered..

FINAL HOMES NEARING COMPLETION AT ROCHFORD DEVELOPMENT Construction work is coming to an end on a development of 112 homes in Rochford.

Bellway is putting the finishing touches to the final properties at Eastbury Park, a collection of two, three, four and fivebedroom homes, off Hall Road.

There are now just five homes remaining for sale at the site, all of which are due to be completed in the coming months.

Emma Hamlett, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We have seen high demand for the homes at Eastbury Park, with interest from a wide range of buyers.

“The development’s semi-rural location on the edge of town has appealed to those looking for more space in a peaceful setting, while the fact that Rochford railway station is just a 10-minute walk away has proved a big draw for commuters.

“The final properties available for sale are all spacious five-bedroom houses with enough room for families and for those working from

home. The introduction of the stamp duty holiday means that buyers of these homes will save £15,000 in stamp duty as long as they complete their purchase by 31 March next year, so we are expecting demand for these homes to be particularly high.

“Eastbury Park has delivered a variety of much-needed and high-quality housing for the Rochford area and we are looking forward to completing construction work on the final homes in the coming months.”

Prices for the homes still available at Eastbury Park range from £625,995 for The Warwick, a three-storey house with

32 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

an open-plan kitchen and breakfast area, a separate dining room, and living room, to The Eaton which is priced from £646,995 and includes two en suite bathrooms to bedrooms one and two, again spread across three storeys, to £883,993 for The Saffron, a three-storey executive home with five double bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen/family area, dual aspect dining room, and separate living room, which includes over 3,000 sq ft of internal space.

Eastbury Park is part of a wider development of 495 new homes being delivered on land north of Hall Road, to the west of the town centre.

Project News The pupils and staff can now benefit from a contained drama studio, additional classrooms and a car parking area, which has allowed the school to increase its capacity from 900 to 1,200 pupils..

KIER TO DELIVER £5M PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY AT GAYTON FOR NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL Kier has been appointed by Norfolk County Council to deliver a brand new £5m Gayton Primary School and Nursery. The works will be delivered through the Norfolk County Council Framework and the project will be designed and Project Managed by Norfolk Property Services.

“All of the members of the client and project team deserve a great deal of credit for what has been achieved, particularly given the challenges that everyone has faced during this year. The team from Henry Brothers have been a pleasure to work with and should be proud of the finished product that has been delivered.”

Alex Walker, associate group leader for CPMG Architects, said: “We’re pleased to have worked alongside Henry Brothers to expand Carlton Academy to ensure the school can maximise the educational use of every available space to provide top quality education. The pupils and staff can now benefit from a contained drama studio, additional classrooms and a car parking area, which has allowed the school to increase its capacity from 900 to 1,200 pupils.”

Henry Brothers Midlands, which is based in Beeston, undertook a number of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities during the 45-week build period, including talks about career opportunities in construction and the sponsorship of the school’s football kit.

The new purpose designed, single storey 1600m2 primary and nursery facilities will relocate the existing Gayton Primary School to a larger site, increasing capacity from 139 to 210 school places. The new school will comprise seven classrooms and group rooms, with a central library and resource area and a multi-purpose hall. The nursery building will provide two children’s rooms, associated toilets and nappy change, along with a shared kitchen area, storage and administration areas.

Kier is starting on site in autumn 2020 and the project is due to complete in winter 2021.

Mark Dady, managing director at Kier Regional Building Eastern, commented, “This project will provide much needed additional school places in the area for years to come and we’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver it.

“We have a wealth of experience in providing highest quality education facilities for Norfolk.”

This appointment builds on the expertise Kier have in the sector and its recent work with Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Property Services at Hethersett Primary school. In September, it completed works on the brand-new White House Farm Primary School in Sprowston, creating an additional 420 primary school places in the area.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 33

Project News

NEW URBAN OASIS FOR MANCHESTER Developer Salboy and its contracting arm Domis, have started construction of a new 500 home urban village on the edge of Manchester.

The £120million development is on a swoop of land bounded by the River Irwell that was once the site of Manchester Racecourse and more latterly the University of Salford student village.

It is a legacy development for Salboy co-founder Fred Done, who worked at the Racecourse in its heyday and who went on to found BetFred, the most successful independent bookmakers in the UK. Designed by Calderpeel Architects the contemporary housing will be arranged in neighbourly courtyards with a central village green providing more than three acres of landscaped open space for residents including toddler and junior play areas. The emphasis will be on walking and cycling rather than cars with Manchester

city centre a 15-minute bike ride away and easily accessed by public transport.

The first phase of development will bring 157 family homes, offering 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms with prices starting from £199,500. The Government’s Help to Buy scheme is available to help people make the step into home ownership and the first homes are scheduled to be complete by next spring.

Simon Ismail, who co-founded Salboy with Fred, said: “This is a location with huge personal history to us both and we want to create a very special place to live.

“It will be a place for people who work in the city but want a home to own with more space to enjoy and nature on the doorstep.

“It is exciting to be releasing the first homes for sale and being able to share the vision of Castle Irwell and for people to be able to be part of the next stage of its history.”

Castle Irwell sits just 15 minutes from Manchester city centre on the edge of Kersal Vale Country Park and wetlands offering nature within reach of the city.

The site’s only remaining building – the locally listed Turnstile Building on Cromwell Road – is being restored and converted to create a spacious marketing suite and buyers will be allocated personal appointments to view the site plan and many different house options while learning more about the history of the site.

The first reservations are now being taken with 20 properties reserved within the first week of the on-line launch.

Simon added: “Few people realise that there is the natural diversity and wildlife of the urban wetlands and the woods of Kersal Vale so close to the economic centres of Salford and Manchester.

Castle Irwell will be a contemporary new village, well designed, high quality housing where as much thought has been given to the surroundings and how people want to live now as the house design, with flexible space inside and lots of green space outside.

“This type of housing so close to the city centre will allow young professionals to move out a little bit and put down roots and start a family in lovely surroundings without having to compromise with a massive commute.”

34 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

HIGH QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PAINT FINISHES There’s a growing interest in environmentally friendly paints, but you don’t have to sacrifice performance or looks for environmental benefits.

Harmful ingredients Conventional, acrylic based paints contain two potentially harmful components: volatile or-ganic compounds (VOCs) and acrylic softeners. Both escape into the atmosphere during painting and for many years after application, contributing to greenhouse gases.

These toxic ingredients can also find their way into drains and groundwater when washing out brushes and disposing of paint tins in landfill.

As well as being harmful to the environment, they can cause chest complaints, aggravate allergies and cause sick building syndrome.

Acrylic based paints can also adversely affect walls. It is now widely recognized that they prevent a wall from breathing, which can lead to moisture damage such as blown plaster.

Sustainable specification High levels of VOCs generally are associated with oil based paints, but they are found to varying degrees even in water based paints. The EU limit for paints to be classed as mini-mal VOC is 30g/L. However, this is relatively high compared to the value that environmental-ists recommend and which can be found among a new breed of environmentally friendly paints. It is advisable to seek out those containing a maximum of just 0.5g/L VOC. The easiest way to ensure you’re creating a sustainable, environmentally sound specification is to check the paint is EU Ecolabel approved. This stringent standard covers every aspect of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal.

The environmentally aware specification for Overhill Cottage included Claypaint in Donkey Ride on the kitchen walls and Marbles on the ceiling.

Earthborn paints have achieved this demanding standard. Made without oils or acrylics, they are virtually VOC free and highly breathable. That means they do not give off any toxic emissions, so are much better for the environment as well as the health of building occupants. The breathability means moisture can permeate out through the paint, preventing damage to walls and significantly reducing their maintenance lifecycle.

Aesthetics and performance You do not need to sacrifice quality or aesthetics for environmental benefits. Earthborn’s carefully selected ingredients and technologically advanced manufacturing processes create stylish, high performance products that are safer to use and sound for the environment.

Claypaint, for example, is a unique, clay based emulsion that is highly breathable, covers exceptionally well and gives a distinctive, ultra matt finish. More commonly used on plastered walls, it works equally well on timber substrates.

Specifying for sustainability, Downs Merrifield chose Ecopro Matt Emulsion for this new build home. Here, white walls pick up a warm glow from the timber stairs, doors and flooring. (Photo courtesy: Rob Boltman Photography and Downs Merrifield architects)

The Ecopro trade paint range features matt and low sheen water based emulsions, and an eggshell. Their unique formulations cover well and are durable. Eggshell’s smooth, flexible finish allows wood to breathe and will not fade or discolour with time.

The Ecopro Silicate Masonry System is a highly durable, long lasting alternative to limewash and conventional masonry paints.

It bonds with underlying materials to create a water and weather resistant barrier that is also highly breathable. Ideal for stone, harling, brick, concrete or render, there are 24 standard colours, giving a classic matt finish that will not yellow with time.

Ecopro emulsions and eggshell are available in the full BS4800 colour range, while Claypaint has a signature palette of 72 inspirational shades and 5 new additions in the Earth Collection. Earthborn can be ordered from the website and bespoke colours can be developed through Earthborn’s nationwide network of stockists earthbornpaints.co.uk

Winner of two Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards, the restoration of two miners’ cottages by Design Storey called for Claypaint on the rough sawn timber panelling and Ecopro Matt Emulsion on plastered walls. (Photo courtesy: Design Storey)

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 35

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Project News BELLWAY ACQUIRES LAND TO DELIVER A FURTHER 21 NEW HOMES IN HOO ST WERBURGH Bellway has completed the purchase on a parcel of land where it will deliver an additional 21 homes in Hoo St Werburgh.

The 1.16-acre site, known as Hillcrest, sits to the south of Ratcliffe Highway in the Medway village. It is located next to Bellway’s 232-home Nightingale Rise development.

Full planning permission has been granted by Medway Council for Bellway to build 21 homes on the site.

This will include 16 private houses and five affordable homes at the development, which will form the second phase of Nightingale Rise.

Bellway will build a mix of two and three-bedroom homes on the land. A new access road via Martinsyde Grove will be created to link the two phases of development.

Dan Merriman, Land Director for Bellway Kent, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement for Bellway to deliver the next phase of new housing in Hoo St Werburgh. This will represent a high quality extension of our existing development in the village. The next phase of Nightingale Rise will provide a further 21 new homes to the area, as well as attractive landscaping throughout the site and existing hedgerows will be retained. With planning permission already secured on the next phase and the legal purchase of the land complete, we are now looking forward to progressing with construction work on the new housing.”

Bellway and neighbouring developer Ashberry Homes have together provided around £2.3 million in contributions towards infrastructure for Hoo. The two developers also built the brand new Peninsula Bowls Club pavilion as a gesture of goodwill to the patrons of the club. It opened in 2019.

The first phase of Nightingale Rise includes one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and fourbedroom houses. Prices currently start from £177,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £376,995 for a three-bedroom house.

KIER COMPLETES HAT-TRICK OF DFE PROJECTS IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND Kier has handed over a hat-trick of buildings in the North East of England to the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the Government’s Priority School Building Programme which is rebuilding or refurbishing school buildings in the very worst condition across the country.

Phase one of Bishop Barrington School was the first project to be handed over and Kier completed a new teaching block situated within the middle of an existing building.

Kier will continue on-site to deliver phase two of the works which will include the demolition of the old school building, then completion of the remaining external works The second project was St Benet Biscop in Northumberland, this was a classroom extension and sports

block for 1100 children and 200 staff. The works took place in a live environment and all activities were planned to allow the school to remain operational throughout.

The final handover was the completion of Toner Avenue Primary School in Hebburn and this was a new build for South Tyneside Council and the DfE. Kier has completed the demolition of the existing building, as well as hard and soft landscaping including the car parking.

Dan Doherty, Regional Director for Kier Regional Building Northern, said:

The handover of these crucial projects on time showcases our dedication and commitment to delivering throughout COVID-19. The site teams have continued to work throughout and have delivered these projects whilst adhering to the Construction Leadership Council’s Site Operating Procedures which are based on the UK Government’s instructions. We look forward to them being used and positively benefitting the lives of pupils that attend the schools for years to come.

Kier is currently delivering a number of educational schemes across the UK for the DfE and on average, it hands over more than one school project a week.

38 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

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Women in Construction Feature

THE FEMALE FACES BEHIND CONSTRUCTION The construction industry is among the largest industries in the UK. According to the Office of National Statistics, construction output increases year on year.

The demand for skilled professionals in the housebuilding sector is also ever growing and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that the industry will need to find 157,000 new recruits by 2021.

With the UK government setting a target of building 300,000 new homes a year, it is even more important to make the industry more attractive for young people, including females.

Construction UK Magazine spoke with some of the ladies who work for Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd about how they got into the industry.

The construction industry has become an inclusive sector and more and more women are choosing a long term, successful career in construction. Sylvia Wheatcroft, 34, is Logistics Manager for the company, she says: “The industry is now more diverse, there are no barriers for senior positions, and it seems more companies are looking for a greater diversity within the workplace”.

How to Get into the Industry Apprenticeships - Apprentices do a mixture of hands on work experience on the construction sites as well as written assignments which include attending college/training sessions whilst still getting paid.

Colleges and University - Investigate college courses if you’re interested in more hands-on roles, for example labouring, carpentry, bricklaying, electrical and plumbing. If you’re looking for a managerial role such as Site Manager, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Building Surveyor and Surveying Technician then a university course could be the answer you’re looking for. Many UK colleges and Universities offer

40 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

courses within construction. If you already work full time, then evening courses or the Open University are an excellent idea.

Daniela Perciog, 35, joined the team as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, she now works full time as a Brickwork Quantity Surveyor.

Daniela chose to attend University on a part time basis to allow her to get a fulltime job in the construction industry while studying for her degree. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Commercial Management (Quantity Surveying) and MCIOB (Member of the Chartered Institute of Building). She comments: “This was the best thing that could happen to me, building my experience on construction sites whilst studying for my degree”.

Take as much opportunity as you can to be out and about As for many starting a new career can be daunting and the more time spent on site the greater the understanding of how the job is built. Take the opportunity to attend client meetings with senior members, this will increase your confidence and help build your skillset.

Have resilience, set your boundaries early and stick to them As we know the construction industry is a predominantly male environment

Women in Construction Feature The industry is now more diverse, there are no barriers for senior positions, and it seems more companies are looking for a greater diversity within the workplace.

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This is an extremely varied industry and offers something for everyone – from carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers and plumbers, to surveyors, engineers and project managers. The wide variety of roles and projects creates many opportunities to progress and workers are regularly presented with opportunities to learn new skills and move up the ladder into different roles.

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If you’re on a construction-related degree, join a professional body such as Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Take as much opportunity as you can to be out on the construction sites, on the job insight will give you real in-depth understanding of a build Have resilience, set your boundaries early and stick to them Take the opportunity to learn all the new skills on offer in the construction industry, never be afraid to expand your knowledge and skillset

Top Tips for Women Looking to Get into the Construction Industry

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Take the time to complete the right courses, the skills and knowledge you will learn will help you progress your career

and for ladies embarking on a career in construction, the best quality to have is resilience. Daniela comments: “We all know that the construction industry is a maledominated industry and from experience, as soon as you can prove that you know what you’re talking about, you gain respect from the entire workforce. I also believe that it’s important to set boundaries early and stick to them.”

Join a professional body Working in construction industry allows you to learn a variety of skills that you can apply to your day-to-day and offers great opportunity to progress and develop your career. If you’re on a construction-related degree, you can choose to join Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The professional body you join will depend on what you study and in which field you hope to work once you have graduated. So, if you are interested in construction you should go for it! The roles on offer can appeal to so many skills from architects, surveyors, site managers, Health and Safety and the list can continue.

Dovile Jokimciute, 35, is a Health, Safety & Environment Manager, she is very happy to see more ladies proudly joining this industry and hopes to encourage this growth. She comments: “Times are changing, including old habits and mindsets. Women should not fear.

They should follow their dreams”.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 41

HERITAGE & REGENERATION – HOW TO BALANCE RENEWAL WITH SENSE OF PLACE Daniel Dodds, Principal Heritage Consultant for AB Heritage Ltd looks at some of the issues that developers and other stakeholders should consider when factoring in heritage works as part of urban regeneration schemes.

Lockside Mill, repurposed.

Greater Manchester

Government Planning reforms that came into force this Autumn, include changes to permitted development rights to allow for Permission in Principle on land earmarked for renewal and growth and changes to allow upwards extension to existing buildings.

The Government plans to retain protection for heritage and archaeology under provisions within the planning process.

Crucially these protections will ensure that heritage buildings remain a key pillar in the development of new vibrant spaces in our cities, towns, and villages.

But within a scheme, what does heritage management mean for developers, and what services are available to help manage cherished community assets?

Local Character and a Sense of Place Many towns in the country have suffered economically since post industrialisation.

This led in many cases to significant adverse changes in demand for space in key historic buildings such as former mills, warehouses, and wharves. Town centres also suffered with a severe drop in footfall on our High Streets. Despite these privations, a great many of our historic buildings survive and remain cherished landmarks within their communities, providing local character and unique sense of place.

The very best modern urban developments have repurposed older buildings alongside new builds, to present bold new visions and sense of place for communities to share into the future.

A key message from developers of successful regeneration schemes is to build a highly skilled and motivated team of experts early in the process, that can effectively communicate the vision of the development to all stakeholders – be they financiers or local authority stakeholders.

Urban regeneration projects should bring the local communities on board. Seeking the views and desires of what the host community would like from regeneration, can provide designers with innovative ideas of how existing heritage buildings can be incorporated within exciting new schemes.

Schemes that gather the ideas and vision of a wide range of stakeholders will inevitably be stronger for it, producing developments that create and enhance a sense of place.

Re-purposing for Sense of Place The ability to successfully re-purpose older buildings for modern, sustainable purposes can be key to their long-term viability and can add to the economic life and social cohesion of a place.

Bristol development which has responded well to the adjacent historic buildings

42 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

Daniel Dodds When designing wider plans, consider whether your regeneration plans avoid standalone ‘nice’ historic buildings being conserved but within an island of inappropriate development, isolated from any real context and community purpose.

The Ritz Cinema in Wallsend (below) is a great example of sympathetic development, where an important Art Deco Cinema that had come to the end of its commercial life as a cinema and bingo hall was converted into a Wetherspoon’s Pub utilising the

The Bull, Birmingh in unrelat

An Overview of Available Heritage Services for Planning A range of professional assessments and reports is available for developers to suit various planning requirements. An overview of some standard reports is given below.

An Archaeology Desk Based Assessment focuses mainly on assessing the below ground archaeological factors associated with a development, providing a clear and impartial assessment of the potential impact associated with a development and how best to avoid them. These are undertaken to inform a planning application, or as an information gathering tool to help advise on site design and layout.

The Eldon Centre Newcastle where new development echoes the lines of the existing buildings and works well in setting

Heritage Statements are required for Listed Building Consent Applications and to support applications affecting Conservation Areas, the setting of Listed Buildings and other surviving heritage assets.

These reports establish the history and development of a building or site, to better understand the historic significance of such features and allow the most effective design works to take place to help achieve planning consent.

impressive historic character of the building itself along with adjacent properties to really boost the attractiveness of the development, while creating a more impressive streetscape.

Historic buildings can and should be used to inform and encourage rejuvenation of wider areas around them, bringing economic and social benefits to the host community.

Re-purposing for the Environment Studies have shown that demolition and clearance requires the expenditure of resources and causes the release of carbon that is locked within old buildings at a cost to the environment. By re-purposing, developers can utilise the materials and design that has already been established

Gun Quarter, ham, 1800s historic pub ted modern streetscape

and can add environmental value by bringing modern technologies to bear that will further decrease the carbon footprint of a development.

Heritage Factors within Regeneration Planning The planning system attaches ‘great weight’ to the conservation of designated heritage assets, including of their settings. Heritage setting is an amalgamation of several factors and considerations including: • Urban grain • Skylines • Massing • Streetscape and character • Material palette • Surrounding heritage assets Successful regeneration schemes will need to consider the points above as a matter of course.

By including an experienced Heritage Consultant within the project team, these issues and others can be addressed and turned into design strengths.

A Detailed Heritage Settings Assessment These are typically required for larger developments which have the potential to impact the setting of a number of heritage assets in the vicinity of the site, such as housing developments or infrastructure projects. By understanding specific factors related to the historic setting of a site it is possible to assess potential impacts and benefits associated with a proposed development at the earliest possible stage, allowing heritage consultants to guide planning works to a successful conclusion.

An Historic Building Recording Survey is used as a tool to understand a structure’s historic significance and development over time. There are four levels of survey as set out in Historic England’s guidance document Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice (2016).

These range from a high-level and scene setting appraisal (Level 1), through to a highly detailed / measured survey of the building (Level 4). Whichever level of survey is required for your project they all play a specific role in assessing, managing and recording the structure as part of the redevelopment of a site. Your Heritage Consultant will help guide you on the most appropriate level for your needs.

To ensure appropriate and high quality heritage work is completed, Developers should always commission a professional commercial archaeology consultancy who is a registered organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

Operating across the UK, AB Heritage helps clients to manage historic environment project risk as part of successful developments. www.abheritage.co.uk

Call 03333 440 206.

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 43

Latest News MAJOR CITY CENTRE REGENERATION PLANS SUBMITTED TO WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL One of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers has submitted a planning application for 370 new homes in the heart of Wolverhampton’s historic Canalside Quarter.

The £65M proposal directed by North West-based Placefirst is for a transformational residential scheme, to be located close to Wolverhampton’s new £150m transport Interchange on land off Lower Horseley Fields in the city centre.

We can’t quite believe Tommy has volunteered to run more than two marathons in one session and I’m so proud that the rest of the Powerday team are really coming together to support him in this challenge, from our Joint MD, Liam Kearney cycling 106km over the weekend to our Health and Safety Manager, Shaun Howard running 20km. Everyone’s really doing their part. Ardmore is a loyal client of ours and we’re delighted to work with them in a fun way to raise money for a very worthy charity.

The ambitious scheme, which will include the sensitive restoration of heritage canal side properties, is designed by award-winning architecture practice jmarchitects.

The development will deliver the first phase of a canal side community as part of a major regeneration project in the area, providing a mix of townhouses and new build apartments across five acres of brownfield land.

Placefirst has worked collaboratively with the City of Wolverhampton Council and undertook an online public consultation ahead of submission. Discussions have also taken place with the Canal and River Trust and West Midlands Combined Authority. WSP is acting as planning consultant.

The proposed development will regenerate this historic canalside location, creating a new promenade, public open spaces, landscaping and the restoration of listed buildings. New pedestrian access to the canal towpath will be provided.

David Mawson, chief executive for Placefirst commented: “With having delivered major regeneration schemes in the north of England, we’re really excited that our first proposed development in the Midlands will be transformational for such a prominent heritage location.

“The vision for this Canalside development is more than new build homes, as our focus is on opening up the canal for public use and creating a thriving community in the heart of the city centre.

We’ve worked closely with the local council and engaged the local community to propose what we feel will be a stunning waterside residential scheme that will unearth the true potential of this historic brownfield site, close to Wolverhampton’s newly opened transport interchange.

POWERDAY AND ARDMORE CREATE PUDSEY SKIP FOR CHILDREN IN NEED Powerday, the leading, family-owned waste management and recycling business, has collaborated with one of the largest family-owned construction businesses in the UK, Ardmore Group, to decorate a skip in honour of Children in Need mascot, Pudsey. The exclusive skip will be situated at the company’s Old War Office site in Westminster, London. All revenue generated from the skip will be donated to Children in Need, with additional donations made to the charity by both companies.

Bernard Byrne, Director at Ardmore Group, commented: “Children in Need does a fantastic job raising money for disadvantaged children around the UK and this year it is even more important for us all to come together and support such a fantastic cause. We’re proud to be partnering with Powerday and giving the Pudsey skip a home at our The Old War Office site.”

Edward Crossan, Vice Chairman of Powerday, added: “We can’t quite believe Tommy has volunteered to run more than two marathons in one session and I’m so proud that the rest of the Powerday team are really coming together to support him in this challenge, from our Joint MD, Liam Kearney cycling 106km over the weekend to our Health and Safety Manager, Shaun Howard running 20km. Everyone’s really doing their part. Ardmore is a loyal client of ours and we’re delighted to work with them in a fun way to raise money for a very worthy charity.”

In addition, Powerday’s Head of Finance, Tommy Leigh, is today single-handedly running 100km along with our Business Development Manager, Eamon Davitt doing the same distance but cycling – the equivalent of running between the company’s five sites. Waiting for them in the office will be the rest of the Powerday team who are aiming to double the distance between all their combined individual efforts by Friday.

For more information on Powerday’s efforts to support Children in Need 2020 and to make a donation, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Powerday-ChildrenInNeed

44 Construction UK Magazine - November 2020

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