ConstructionNational
EVERTON’S NEW STADIUM CROWNED ROOFING PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The front cover of this issue is graced by the spectacular roof of Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, which was crowned Project of the Year at the UK Roofing Awards in May. That was on top of winning the Sheeting & Cladding category for roofing company Lindner Prater Ltd.
The UK Roofing Awards have become established as the ultimate accolade for roofing projects in the UK. The 16 roof category awards are joined by recognition for individuals in the Young Roofer, Health and Safety and Local Hero fields.
In October it’s off to Glasgow to celebrate Scotland’s finest.
Read the full story on pages 16-17.
9 Infrastructure strategy: govt seeks to fix the country
9 Consultancy body welcomes Industrial Strategy
11 HS2 viaduct deck is slid into place
12 Maintenance tool scoops award for crane company
12 Windfarm extensions underway in Scotland
13 Airport’s latest scheme completes two weeks ahead of schedule
13 Water Commission’s interim report identifies areas for improvement
14 Hoist & Winch performance reaches new heights in roof replacement project
15 Digital show marks 10 years of innovation
15 CLC announces partnership with London Build STREET FURNITURE 18 Street furniture: what the Romans did for us
Make sure your ideas fit those of the LA
The evolving landscape: how customisation is reshaping street furniture
Construction professionals urged to build awareness of water jetting at national expo
22 Scaffolding training body launches reforms
22 NASC supplier scheme gets Supplier Committee nod of approval
23 IPAF partners with cancer charity to raise research funds
23 Firm fined after worker falls through hole in roof
ACCESS & LIGHTNING PROTECTION
25 Regular maintenance is vital for a lightning protection system
25 Firm fined over steeplejack’s death
TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EDUCATION
26 Girls power to ICE triple success
26 Kirklees students shine at annual awards
27 Duchess of Gloucester visits Exeter College for Hub event
28 New City College is graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
28 Electrical student triumphs in national competition
29 CITB to invest £39m in its construction college sites
29 College expands Bicester campus to train more apprentices and support industry upskilling
31 Q&A with Kate Stephens, curriculum manager for construction at Capital City College
32 UK’s first hydrogen training centre opens at Fife College
32 Wessex Water’s Nathan scoops a brace of apprenticeship awards
33 FMB chief calls for more training on real-world simulations
33 Building the future – one apprentice at a time
35 Training boost gets backing from industry and providers
35 New name signals ‘new chapter’ for university
HOUSING
36 Home approvals hit new low, HBF finds
36 Council bulk buys homes to close affordability gap
37 It’s June, so it’s time for the Pride in the Job Quality Awards!
37 Housing ‘bank’ aims to deliver homes on a grand scale ENERGY EFFICIENCY
38 Standard will include solar, govt confirms
38 CIOB backs committee report on retrofitting MENTAL HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION
39 On-site yoga raises awareness of mental health
39 Support is there, but industry still suffers mental distress HERITAGE
40 Govt explains changes LPW Grant Scheme
40 20th-century Arthurian gem gets new roof
41 Lottery grant sees next phase of Nottingham’s Pugin restoration commence
41 Collaborative handbook supports retrofitting
LEGAL ISSUES IN CONSTRUCTION
42 Planning Bill now includes easing of infrastructure planning rules
42 Experts help pin the blame on rogue landlords
42 Ruling confirms liability for remediation
Constructive
comment
[IT’S NOT OFTEN this column shares its subject matter with a BBC politics podcast – in fact, it’s unprecedented, but nevertheless true in this issue.
I’m talking, of course, about the government’s parade of ‘strategies’, debated on Newscast on 26 June. Of interest to this publication were the Infrastructure Strategy and the Industrial Strategy. The Infrastructure Strategy came first. Chancellor Rachel Reeves billed it as ‘creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth’; but she would say that, wouldn’t she? The industry welcomed the document, generally. We hear from ICE and NFRC.
The same could be said for the Industrial Strategy. Although it ranged far beyond the construction industry, three of the eight sectors picked out for promotion have applications in the sector. ACE Group provide the industry viewpoint
• Despite all the strategies from government, there is little to cheer in terms of actual results. An interim report from the Water Commission recognises that the industry is in such a sorry state that only legislation will rectify the position. It identifies five areas where ‘major and ambitious change is needed’.
Even the housing sector – the government’s go-to subject when it wants to talk about its aspirations –is showing no sign of recovery. The House Building Federation has reported the worst number of starts in 20 years of reporting.
The shortage of housing is reflected in spiralling costs, and nowhere is that more evident than in London. To try and redress the balance Ealing Council has bought 180 properties on the private Berkeley Homes Green Quarter to offer as affordable housing.
• This is the time of year when some trade shows have recently taken place and others are making preparations for their autumn event. So we have a report on Digital Construction Week, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in early June – replete with a DeLorien copy ready to whisk people back to a predigital age – and a look forward to the Water Jetting Association’s WJA Trade Show in September. For those who see water jetting as having purely a cleaning function this show will prove an eye-opener
Further down the line, in November, the annual London Build Expo will be bringing the good and the great in the industry together to discuss everything construction in the capital.
• Back to the present and for as long as this publication has been in existence June has meant the announcement of the Pride in the Job Quality Awards by the National House Building Council (NHBC). The competition itself has been going for 45 years and is the only one that is dedicated to showcasing site managers – the people on site who make homes happen. We’ll be reporting on the progress of the competition through Regional Events to the Supreme Awards in London.
• Awards have been happening all over the country, from local awards for apprentices in Kirklees in West Yorkshire and Bridgwater and Taunton in Somerset – which saw a Wessex Water apprentice scoop two awards – to a national award for a ‘sparky’ in South Hampshire. Plus, all-girl teams carried off the top three prizes in the ICE’s ICE CityZen Award.
• The leading award in the roofing industry, the UK Roofing Awards, took place in May. The top prize, Roofing Project of the Year, went to Lindner Prater Ltd for the roof of Everton Football Club’s landmark new stadium. The stadium has attracted plaudits from all directions for different elements, but the spectacular roof literally tops them all. You can see for yourself on our front cover. q
Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National
INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY:
GOVT SEEKS TO FIX THE COUNTRY
[ THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF the government’s 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy prompted a response from a broad section of industry.
Launching the strategy on 19 June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Infrastructure is crucial to unlocking growth across the country; but for too long investment has been squeezed. Crumbling public buildings are a sign of the decay that has seeped into our everyday lives because of a total failure to plan and invest.
“We’re not just fixing buildings – we’re enhancing public services, improving lives and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth in communities throughout the UK. This will deliver the decade of national renewal we promised Britain, and fulfil our Plan for Change goals to kickstart economic growth, and build an NHS fit for the future.”
The reaction was broadly positive. Sam Gould, director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), said: “The 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy is a significant moment for the UK's infrastructure sector. It provides long term clarity and sets out the central role the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) will play in improving infrastructure delivery across the country.
“There are lots of positives to acknowledge, including a strong focus on maintenance and spatial planning that will consider environmental, infrastructure, industrial growth and housing needs in the round. It's also good to see additional clarity on private finance. These points echo many of the recommendations the ICE has been making for the past few years.
“The commitments to publish a credible pipeline and review the strategy, and report on progress every two years, indicates the appetite for delivery. However, to sustain progress the sector will need more information on private finance models, and more detail is needed on how the UK’s infrastructure will meet the demands of our changing climate.
“In between now and 2027, NISTA must focus on implementing this strategy and providing the detail needed on these points. There is a big job to do, but the strategy lays good foundations. The ICE looks forward to working with the government to build on them and deliver the UK’s social, economic and environmental goals.”
Speaking for the contractor side, the NFRC said: “While all specific project details are still to come, the long-term funding commitments offer a clearer and more stable outlook for contractors working on public buildings than has been available in some time. The focus on maintenance, safety and modernisation will hopefully result in sustained demand for roofing, cladding and related services.”
Speaking for NISTA, its CEO Becky Wood said: “This investment is a welcome part of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and will help us to address some of the challenges that our key public services have faced over recent years.
“Strategic preventative maintenance based on longer-term plans is a more effective approach than making decisions in the absence of certainty about the future – and will ensure our vital public services remain resilient and fit for purpose.
“By approaching replacement and maintenance of our infrastructure in an informed and systematic way, we can target interventions effectively and plan properly for the future.” q
CONSULTANCY BODY WELCOMES INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
[ACE GROUP, the membership organisation for Britain’s engineering and consultancy sector, has welcomed the launch of the government’s Industrial Strategy: which has recognised the UK’s world-renowned capabilities in infrastructure, sustainability and the built environment.
The 10-year strategy, published on 23 June, identifies eight high-growth industrial sectors. Each has a Sector Plan associated with it. They include Clean Energy Industries, Digital and Technologies and Professional and Business Services.
From setting new global standards in net zero construction and biodiversity net gain to delivering complex infrastructure projects across five continents, British consultancy and engineering firms continue to punch well above their weight, exporting intellectual capital and technical excellence that shapes cities, systems and societies across the globe.
Kate Kennings, CEO of ACE Group – which comprises both the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) – said: “It is hugely welcome that professional services are recognised as a growth sector in the new Industrial Strategy. As a component of that, the UK’s engineering and consultancy sectors are quietly indispensable.
“Our sector has made huge strides to meet the aims outlined in the strategy, to be the world’s most trusted advisers to global industry. We provide not just design and delivery, but strategic thinking, governance frameworks and innovation: in short, the tools and trust needed to build future economies.
“Following last week’s Infrastructure Strategy and today’s £100m investment in engineering skills, alongside 65,000 new courses in engineering and digital, investors now have greater certainty and a clearer framework to drive business growth across the UK.
“We welcome the strategy’s ambition to harness British excellence. What’s vital now is ensuring continuity, not just in policy but in procurement, skills investment and export support. We have the knowledge, the networks and the track record. Let’s now turn that into delivery.”
Emma Schloes, chair of ACE Group’s Emerging Professional Network, added: “Today’s announcement marks a pivotal step in strengthening the UK’s industrial base. The investment in engineering skills, including the investment of £100m, sends a clear signal that government recognises the critical role of talent in driving innovation and long-term productivity.
For emerging professionals, this strategy offers not just opportunity, but confidence in a future built on technical excellence and sustained industrial ambition.” q
HS2 VIADUCT DECK IS SLID INTO PLACE
[OVER THREE DAYS in June engineers from HS2 carefully slid into place a 1,300-tonne viaduct deck near the Northants village of Thorpe Mandeville. The steel and concrete deck of the Lower Thorpe viaduct –which stretches for 220m – was assembled to one side before being slid into position, reaching the north abutment on 20 June.
Set into a valley, the viaduct will carry high-speed trains across Banbury Lane and help manage flood risk by ensuring that rainwater can continue to run off into existing watercourses. Made of a distinctive russet-coloured weathering steel, it has been designed to help match the natural tones of the surrounding countryside.
During the slide, special pads covered in PTFE – the material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – were used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the five concrete piers.
Lower Thorpe is the last of five viaducts being built using the technique by HS2’s main works contractor responsible for the central section of the new railway, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – working with specialists at Eiffage Metal.
With the steelwork now in position engineers can begin the next stage of the operation: lowering the deck 60cm onto the permanent bearings before work on the concrete deck and parapets can begin.
HS2 project manager Sam Arrowsmith said: “It’s great to see the viaduct deck in position and I’d like the thank everyone who’s helped get us to where we are today. The slide may only have taken three days, but it was the culmination of four years of work – developing the design, completing the groundworks and the piers and assembling the enormous steelwork.”
HS2 Ltd’s CEO Mark Wild is resetting the project to make sure it can be delivered to the lowest reasonable cost. While this work is on-going HS2 and its contractors continue to make progress on the civil engineering, such as viaducts, earthworks, stations and tunnels.
As well as similar installation techniques, the five viaducts share a novel ‘double composite’ structure which uses significantly less carbonintensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design. Instead of using solid pre-stressed concrete beams to form the spans between
the viaduct piers, the hollow structure is based around steel beams along the side, with layers of reinforced concrete on the top and bottom to create a stronger and more efficient span.
That helps cut the carbon footprint of the viaducts by between 39% and 59% in comparison to a traditional approach using pre-stressed concrete beams lifted into place with a crane. It also allows for longer spans and shallower beams.
EKFB’s technical director Janice McKenna explained: “The strategic design approach applied to these double composite structures has been a game-changer in how we’re building these viaducts. The double composite solution can be applied to multiple structures in different locations, and we have five across EKFB’s 50-mile route that are all well into construction.
“The philosophy was to design the viaducts with architectural input to ‘blend’ the structures into their respective landscapes and reduce the visual impact on the environment. We also required a solution that offered specific delivery benefits, too: from saving embedded carbon in the materials we use to enhancing productivity on site and reducing safety risk.”
Once complete, the viaduct will carry high-speed trains between London and the West Midlands, improving journeys between the UK’s two largest cities and freeing up space on the existing main line for more freight and local services.
The other four double composite viaducts – Wendover Wean, Small Dean, Westbury and Turweston – are all at a later stage of construction. The most advanced is at Westbury, near Brackley, where engineers are now working on the concrete deck on top of the beam which will carry the track and parapets.
That is being created using a cantilever formwork traveller, which is effectively a mould that allows engineers to quickly and efficiently pour each of the eight spans individually. Once a concrete pour is completed, winches pull the traveller forward to complete the next section.
That reduces the number of pours, eliminates the need for cranes and makes the process more efficient and cost-effective. The lighter, easier-to-install traveller also improves safety by providing better access for operatives, reducing the risk of accidents. q
MAINTENANCE TOOL SCOOPS AWARD FOR CRANE COMPANY
[AINSCOUGH CRANE HIRE has been honoured for innovative workplace safety designs that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their operations. The national hire firm won the MSD Risk Reduction through Design Award 2024/25, sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF). The award was presented at CIEHF’s annual awards ceremony on 28 April.
Ainscough Crane Hire developed a specialised brake and hub assembly tool set that eliminates the need for workers to manually handle heavy components weighing up to 52kg during crane maintenance. Previously, plant fitters had to adopt awkward postures in restricted spaces beneath crane wheel arches, placing significant stress on their lower backs.
“Taking the strain out of crane maintenance has been a priority for us,” said an Ainscough Crane Hire spokesperson. Our maintenance and engineering colleagues collaborated to design a solution that eliminates the need to handle brake and hub assembly components.”
The citation reads: “As there were no ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions, maintenance and engineering colleagues collaborated to design a tool set, fitted to a standard floor crane, that could eliminate the need to handle brake and hub assembly components.”
A worker at the firm added: “The new tools mean brake inspections are much easier to carry out. There is no need to lift the
heavy drums by hand, which previously took two people.”
Iris Mynott from CIEHF commented: “Through these recognitions we highlight the impactful contributions of businesses in advancing workplace safety. Congratulations to our winners and all the entrants for their dedication to ergonomic improvements.” q
WINDFARM EXTENSIONS UNDERWAY IN SCOTLAND
[CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY on the extensions to ScottishPower Renewables’ Arecleoch and Kilgallioch windfarms, enhancing the energy capacity and environmental enrichment of both sites.
The approved extensions will add 13 additional turbines to South Ayrshire’s Arecleoch Windfarm, while Kilgallioch Windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway will see an additional nine turbines, boosting capacity to almost 485MW: enough to power the equivalent of over 300,000 homes.
To date the local communities have benefited from almost £16m in funding contributions, with that anticipated to increase to up to £31.4m across the lifespan of both windfarms.
Ross Galbraith, onshore construction and operations director at ScottishPower Renewables, commented: “Both Arecleoch and Kilgallioch windfarms have been integral to the renewable energy landscape in Scotland, generating enough electricity to power over 300,000 homes while delivering long-term community benefits.
“We’re proud to have invested around £200m across both projects to contribute to the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 plan, support local communities, jobs and supply chain opportunities, and enhance the environment and biodiversity at these sites.”
Arecleoch’s extension includes 34 hectares of peatland restoration on a previously forested site. A further 25 hectares of peatland have been restored at Kilgallioch, which will undergo significant restoration within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation – improving habitat resilience and restoring natural hydrology.
Construction is led by Farrans, principal contractor for both sites.
Patrick Murray, regional director of Scotland for Farrans, said: “We are pleased to be back on site at Kilgallioch and Arecleoch, two wind farms that Farrans has had a long history of working on with our client ScottishPower Renewables.
“These extensions will support Scotland to grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets. We are looking forward to working alongside our local supply chain, the neighbouring community and our client to deliver this project safely and on programme.” q
AIRPORT’S LATEST SCHEME COMPLETES TWO WEEKS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
[THE £12.8m B4 industrial scheme at Manchester Airport has been completed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North – two weeks earlier than scheduled.
A milestone in the wider transformation of the World Freight Terminal at the airport, which is being delivered in partnership with long-standing client Columbia Threadneedle Investments, B4 comprises a 92,000 sq ft high-spec industrial and logistics unit with integral office space, external works and landscaping, situated within airport security boundaries at one of the UK’s most important logistics hubs.
The building has been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC A+, aligning with McLaren’s commitment to delivering highly-sustainable, future-proofed facilities.
The scheme is the latest in a series of developments McLaren Construction Midlands and North has delivered for Columbia Threadneedle at the World Freight Terminal. Previous developments include Dnata City North – a £30m, 145,000 sq ft facility – and B401, an £11.2m project comprising three new warehouse units ranging in size from 21,594 to 84,098 sq ft.
working within the unique logistical and security constraints of the live airport environment.
Collaborating with key stakeholders including Manchester Airport Group (MAG) Utilities, McLaren co-ordinated complex planning to minimise disruption to airport operations during the 50-week programme.
Recycled materials from previous demolition works were used during construction, and careful attention was paid to environmental and ecological impacts – particularly in areas adjacent to sites of special scientific interest. The landscaping has also been tailored to support biodiversity and align with the scheme’s BREEAM objectives.
The firm’s regional director Luke Arnold commented: “B4 represents another major step forward in the long-term regeneration of the World Freight Terminal. With several successful projects now complete at Manchester Airport, our team has developed a strong understanding of
“We’re also delighted to have completed the scheme two weeks earlier than planned and we will continue our close collaboration with Columbia Threadneedle Investments, building on our trusted partnership and shared vision for creating high-quality, sustainable industrial infrastructure in this key location.”
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a leading global asset management group that continues to play a key role in reshaping Manchester Airport’s logistics landscape through strategic investment in high-quality, sustainable developments.
The completion of B4 strengthens Manchester Airport’s position as a gateway for Northern freight distribution and further enhances the World Freight Terminal’s offer to businesses seeking best-in-class industrial accommodation with unparalleled connectivity. q
WATER COMMISSION’S INTERIM REPORT IDENTIFIES AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
[THE UK’S Independent Water Commission has published an interim report ahead of its final report later in the summer.
Sir Jon Cunliffe, chair of the Commission, set out five areas where he believes wide-ranging and fundamental change is needed to reset the water sector in England & Wales. They are:
• Strategic direction and planning
• Legislative framework
• Regulatory reform
• Company structures, ownership,
• governance and management
• Infrastructure and asset health
The findings are informed by the Commission’s Call for Evidence, which ran from 27 February to 23 April and received more than 50,000 responses from the public, campaigners, industry, the regulators and many others.
Sir Jon Cunliffe said: “There is no simple, single change, no matter how radical, that will
deliver the fundamental reset that is needed for the water sector.
“We have heard of deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures over the years –failure in government’s strategy and planning for the future; failure in regulation to protect both the billpayer and the environment; and failure by some water companies and their owners to act in the public, as well as their private, interest.
“My view is that all of these issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust and make the system fit for the future. We anticipate that this will require new legislation.”
David Hawkes, head of policy at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), said the report sends a clear signal that the current system isn’t working, and bold reform is needed.
“The ICE welcomes the Commission’s recognition that stronger regulation and a long-term strategy are essential,” he said. He
noted that such a strategy must encompass improving asset health and the climate resilience of water infrastructure.
“Setting out a clear path will boost investor confidence and help attract the finance needed to rebuild trust and deliver for the public. The ICE looks forward to the final report’s recommendations, in particular how to strengthen system leadership across the sector.”
Sir Jon Cunliffe continued: “I have heard a strong and powerful consensus that the current system is not working for anyone, and that change is needed. I believe that ambitious reforms across these complex and connected set of issues are sorely needed.
“I have been encouraged to see, on all sides of the debate, that people have been prepared to engage constructively with our work. I look forward to that continuing as we enter the final stages.” q
HOIST & WINCH PERFORMANCE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS IN ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
[ WHEN A LANDMARK BUILDING in Nottingham required the replacement of its fabric tensile roof covering, the specialist subcontractor tasked with this critical work turned to the expertise of Hoist & Winch Ltd for the roof lowering and lifting solution.
The eye-catching building, a former HMRC complex similar in design to London’s O2 Arena, is today part of Nottingham University’s Castle Meadow Campus.
The leaking tensile roof covering had reached the end of its 30-year lifespan and required replacement. The objective for Hoist & Winch was to specify and supply a complete hoisting solution that would enable safe, even lowering of the original fabric roof to ground level and raising of the replacement fabric roof to its final installation height.
Following a number of site meetings and consultations with both designers and roof installation personnel, Hoist & Winch was able to propose a complete package of equipment and technical support.
At the centre of the proposal were 12 Yale/CM Lodestar electric chain hoists. These 2t safe working load (swl), 110V top-hook suspension hoists were coupled with correctly sized 30m long power feed/ control cables. The idea was to operate the hoists simultaneously in sets of four while suspended from the customer’s specially designed lifting beams. Hoist & Winch also provided three separate single free-standing control stations of bespoke design to manage hoist unit motion, either individually or in sets of four, during lowering of the original fabric roof and lifting of its replacement.
Another aspect of the project saw Hoist & Winch supply a combination of 15t and 6.3t swl William Hackett lever hoists to assist with de-tensioning the original fabric roof prior to lowering operations and re-tensioning the new fabric once lifted into its final position. As always, technical consultancy proved
a core element of the overall package from Hoist & Winch. The company’s highly professional approach ensured the specialist roofing subcontractor received guidance on project-critical factors such as lifting equipment legislation, lifting operation planning and management, overall design and sizing of two bespoke portable electrical transformers, electronic load cell selection, selecting loose lifting tackle, and site examination and testing procedures prior to the commencement of lifting operations.
“The outcome was the safe and successful removal of the original fabric roof and the installation of its replacement as part of a finely controlled, smooth process,” said Hoist & Winch director Andy Allen. “The customer
was delighted with the professionalism of our expert team and the solutions we proposed. Taking projects like this from concept to fruition is where we excel, ensuring our customers meet all of their objectives in a safe, competent and timely manner.”
Such was the impression made on the specialist roofing subcontractor that it subsequently engaged Hoist & Winch in further work to adapt the already acquired lifting system, using knowledge gained from the Nottingham project to bid successfully for another multi-point lifting project in Copenhagen. q
• Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies
(Left) Hoist & Winch specified and supplied a complete hoisting solution that enabled safe, even lowering of the original fabric roof to ground level and raising of the replacement fabric roof to its final installation; (centre) the roof structure was lowered to ground level using 12 Yale/CM Lodestar electric chain hoists each with a 2t safe working load; (right) Hoist & Winch also provided three separate free-standing control stations of bespoke design to manage hoist unit motion, either individually or in sets of four hoists, during lowering of the original fabric roof and lifting of its replacement.
DIGITAL SHOW MARKS 10 YEARS OF INNOVATION
[ DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION WEEK (DCW) marked a milestone year as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking show at Excel London on 4-5 June. The event welcomed more than 9,000 visitors over the two days. With 230 sessions across 10 dedicated stages, and 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest in digital AECO, the show firmly cemented its position as the UK’s leading event for innovation and technology in the built environment.
Visitors travelled from far and wide –including Malaysia, Finland and Australia – to experience two days of futurefocused content, hands-on demos and networking.
This year’s show pulled out all the stops, with a series of standout features that captivated visitors and celebrated the evolution of the sector.
A full-size DeLorean (pictured) wowed crowds and set the tone for a show that looked both backward and forward, while the Crystal Wall invited visitors to share their visions for the next 10 years of digital construction. The 10th Anniversary Drinks Reception brought the community together to reflect and connect, and the Throwback Photo Competition crowned several lucky winners in a nod to DCW’s decade-long journey.
a vital hub for learning, a platform for sharing both successes and setbacks and an invaluable space for connection,” said David Philp, chief value officer at Bentley Systems. “It’s where theoretical concepts meet practical application; where innovators inspire and where the collective ambition to build better is palpable.”
Event director Karolina Orecchini summed the event up perfectly: “DCW 2025 was a celebration of how far we’ve come over the last decade, and a powerful reminder of why this event matters. We owe this year’s success to our incredible exhibitors, speakers and community. Their energy, insight and willingness to collaborate are what make DCW so impactful. This show has always been about pushing the industry forward together and this year proved just how much we can achieve when we do.”
Meanwhile, the Oracle Red Bull Racing Simulator was a crowd favourite, offering a challenge that combined cutting-edge engineering with friendly competition.
“The atmosphere at Digital Construction Week was palpable,” said David John Varghese, principal engineer at AtkinsRéalis. “Beyond the impressive software and hardware demonstrations, there was a strong undercurrent of conversation focused on implementation, adoption and the cultural shifts necessary to make these technologies truly effective.”
Across the theatres, a packed programme of talks tackled the big issues shaping the future of the built environment: from digital twins and AI to sustainability, digital operations, smart buildings and information management.
Speakers from across the sector – major contractors and their clients, startups and academic leaders – shared bold and practical insights into how technology is transforming the way we design, build, operate and maintain our assets.
“DCW has consistently served as more than just a conference. It’s
CLC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH LONDON BUILD
[THE Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and CO2nstructZero is to be a partner organisation at this year’s London Build, taking place on 19-20 November at London’s Olympia.
Announcing the partnership, the CLC said: “Join us and the expected 35,000-plus visitors from contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, local councils, house builders/ associations and construction professionals celebrating 10 years of London Build: plus 700-plus inspiring speakers across 15 CPD conference stages, including Skyscrapers & Tall Buildings, Digital Construction, Fire Safety, Sustainability, D&I, Skills & Marketing and over 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest services, products and innovations transforming the industry.”
To find out more about London Build visit the website at www.londonbuildexpo.com q
Plans are already underway for 2026, promising even more opportunities and inspiration on the 3-4 June at Excel London. Meanwhile, building on the momentum of DCW 2025, the team is heading to Manchester for the second edition of Digital Construction North. Taking place on 19 November at Manchester Central, the one-day event will bring together leading voices, emerging tech and regional expertise to drive digital progress in the built environment.
Find out more and register your interest at the website www.digitalconstructionnorth.com. To keep in the loop with show updates visit www.digitalconstructionweek.com or follow DCW on social media. q
EVERTON’S NEW STADIUM CROWNED ROOFING PROJECT OF THE YEAR
[ ON 9 MAY the National Federation of Roofing Contractors announced the winners of the 2025 UK Roofing Awards. The spectacular awards ceremony. hosted by actor and comedian Ed Byrne, was held at the InterContinental London – The O2, with over 850 guests in attendance.
The UK Roofing Awards have become an industry-wide event that recognises and rewards outstanding standards of workmanship and safety within the UK roofing industry. The competition, covering the full spectrum of roofing disciplines, normally runs from January to December every year; thereafter, a selection of projects are short-listed in March with the winners announced at the glittering awards ceremony. A range of criteria is taken into consideration by the judging panel, including the degree of difficulty, aesthetics, problem-solving, health and safety, workmanship and environmental qualities.
The ultimate accolade of Project of the Year Award went to Lindner Prater Ltd for the roof of Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium (above).
Designed by BDP Pattern from MEIS Architects’ concept design, the £500m venue was envisioned to provide a world-class experience for football fans. Key design highlights include a fan plaza at the east, offering vibrant pre and post-match entertainment, and an elevated western viewing deck, providing panoramic views of the Wirral, Mersey riverside and Irish Sea.
Lindner Prater explained: “The intricate and innovative design presented a challenging scope of works, with off-site pre-fabrication being a key driver – playing a crucial role in overcoming these complexities to bring this state-of-the-art project to life.”
Commenting on the project’s Roofing Award, they said: “This recognition is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of everyone involved in this superb project.
“The synergy and technical excellence between our dedicated offsite team, the precision installation by our on-site team and the close
collaboration with our partners have ensured a first-class delivery showcasing the capabilities of off-site manufactured solutions.”
The accolade of Project of the Year followed the award for Sheeting & Cladding, sponsored by Euroclad Group Ltd. It was one of two category awards secured by Lindner Prater Ltd: the other being the Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing category for Google’s KGX1 headquarters. That award was sponsored by Carlisle Construction Materials Ltd.
The other roofing category winners were:
• Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing, sponsored by Radmat Building
• Products – Central Group for Whinfell Forest Center Parcs (below)
• Green Roofing, sponsored by Bauder – Weatherproofing Advisors Ltd
• for Tesco, Weston-Super-Mare (above left)
• Heritage Roofing, sponsored by Glidevale Protect – Claude N
• Smith Ltd for Christ’s College Cambridge
• Leadwork, sponsored by Lead Sheet Training Academy – EWN
• Leadwork Specialists Ltd for Lloyds Bank, Penzance
• Mastic Asphalt, sponsored by the Mastic Asphalt Council – Fraden
• Contracts Ltd for MOD, Shoeburyness
• Multi-discipline Project over £250k, sponsored by Harrowden Turf –
• Longworth Building Services Ltd for TIF Ward, Christie Hospital
• Rainscreen Façades, sponsored by Radmat Building Products –
• Longworth Building Services Ltd for Stockport Interchange
• Reinforced Bitumen Membranes, sponsored by Sika Ltd – OBR
• Construction working with Sika Ltd for Hafod Eryri-Yr Wyddfa
• (Snowdon)
• Roof Slating, sponsored by CUPA PIZARRAS SA – M Camilleri &
• Sons Roofing Ltd for Howell’s School, Cardiff
• Roof Tiling, sponsored by Marley – Complete Waterproofing
• Services Ltd for Beechwood Central West, Basildon
• Single Ply Roofing, sponsored by Recticel Insulation (UK) Ltd –
• Mariner Projects Ltd for Bottle Works, Guildford (above right)
• Small Scale Project under £25k, sponsored by Radmat Building
• Products – Karl Terry Roofing Contractors Ltd for Finsbury Circus
• Gazebo
• Solar Roofing, sponsored by Sandtoft – Marley Contract Services
• for Social Housing, North Ayrshire Council
In addition, the Industry Choice Award, sponsored by Radmat Building Products, went to Fowler McKenzie Ltd for Ardgowan Distillery (right).
There were three awards for individuals.
The Young Roofer of the Year, sponsored by BMI, was Jake Harlow of Safeseal Roofing Ltd, while the Local Hero Award, managed by SIG Roofing, went to Peter Wilson of Gable Roofing and the Health and Safety Individual of the Year Award, sponsored by ROCKWOOL, went to Owen Griffiths of Hat Roofing Ltd.
The NFRC’s CEO James Talman said: “We saw a record-breaking number of entries this year, which is a testament to the continuous development and growth of talent from NFRC members and other trade associations in our sector. The competency and ambition to deliver such high levels of workmanship on these projects is remarkable.
“The combination of technical excellence and scrutiny of the independent judging panel makes the UK Roofing Awards a tough competition, and an even more special achievement for those who make it to the finals or go on to win their category. Congratulations to all!”
The headline sponsor of the event was Radmat Building Products, while Recticel Insulation UK Ltd sponsored the drinks reception and after-show party, which was held in the impressive Aurora Ballroom.
Robert Speroni, managing director of Radmat Building Products Ltd, commented: “Radmat Building Products is proud to be headline sponsor of the 2025 UK Roofing Awards. It’s such a great event for the sector and is a fantastic showcase, celebrating t he very best work across our industry.” q
SCOTLAND’S ROOFING TALENT HAS ITS DAY
[THE 2025 NFRC Scottish Roofing Awards, celebrating the best roofing and cladding talent from across the federation’s Scottish region, will be held on 24 October at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.
Like its UK-wide counterpart, the competition covers the full spectrum of roofing disciplines, plus the individual category of the Ronnie Forsyth Young Roofer of the Year award.
Last year’s awards (pictured) welcomed a record number of guests, with over 250 contractors, suppliers and merchants from across the region celebrating together. The luncheon, hosted by journalist and radio presenter Tam Cowan, raised over £7,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity chosen by current NFRC President Colin McCorquodale.
Entries must be submitted before 5pm on 31 August. Entrants may go back in and edit their entry after submitting, up until the entry deadline. Projects must have been completed between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025. q
STREET FURNITURE: WHAT THE ROMANS DID FOR US
[WE ALL USE STREET FURNITURE; and even if we don’t always notice it, we’d miss it if it wasn’t there. And street furniture has a long history of both a practical and decorative nature.
Some of the earliest street furniture – in Britain at least – was not provided for human use but for horses. In Roman times water troughs and tethering posts lined the routes of marching soldiers. Mileposts were established for their human riders and the city streets boasted public fountains.
In the 18th century the beginnings of modern street furniture began to appear. Decorative capstans and mooring posts appeared alongside quays in the maritime cities. Even cannons were utilised – upturned and planted in the ground they acted as bollards to separate the public from private spaces.
In the following century gas lamp posts began to appear, followed by the now-ubiquitous post boxes. The 19th century also saw the return of public drinking fountains, prompted by the scourge of cholera caused by neighbourhood pumps.
In that same century public seating became popular. Into the 20th century, and rising concerns over litter led to councils installing litter bins. They are now probably the most common form of street furniture.
Many items of street furniture in the 18th and 19th centuries were bespoke pieces that either reflected the character of their location or replicated classical themes. They were often installed by civic societies or local worthies, for example the drinking trough at Barnes Pond (pictured),
MAKE SURE YOUR IDEAS
FIT THOSE OF THE LA
[DEVELOPERS OR CLIENTS considering installing street furniture into their developments need to be mindful of the planning constraints their local authority may insist upon. Some may seem onerous to those who think of street furniture as breathing life into our communities.
While most street furniture is owned and managed by local authorities themselves, there are times when those who are creating a new development or in charge of the public area of an institution will want to install their own street furniture. In such cases, the idiosyncrasies of the local authority must be taken into account: you may think a 25ft-high stegosaurus is what your development needs, but the council might not agree.
The architecture site Designing Buildings explains the situation: “A local authority may have their own rules and styles for street furniture and this should be taken into consideration during the design phase of developments with external space. This might include a requirement for cycle shelters or benching and seating requirements in landscaped areas.”
When it comes to signage and the like, further legislation applies: “The Highways Act 1980 governs the requirement for street furniture in public roads, pathways and streets. Street furniture in these areas can serve practical and health and safety purposes. The design and installation of street furniture in these areas should comply with the highway authorities’ standards and requirements.”
An example of the approach some authorities take is Maidstone in Kent. The local authority’s guidance on street furniture reads: “Street furniture can facilitate or encourage positive activity within the streetscape, such as seating or cycle stands. It can also prevent behaviour from occurring such as guardrails and bollards.”
Ominously, the guidance adds: “As a general rule, only essential street furniture shall be introduced into the streetscape.” q
Richmond upon Thames, which was installed in the 19th century by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association.
That trough is now a planter, a type of street furniture that has become ubiquitous in recent years. Often they are maintained by groups of volunteers, such as the Civic Pride teams in Lancashire.
In the 20th century street furniture took on a uniform format, with national firms offering established ranges of products such as litter bins, planters, benches and the like. The new century has seen the tables turned, with a resurgence in bespoke pieces reflecting local character The resurgence has been accompanied by a number of specialist companies offering their own unique style. q
Photo © Marathon (cc-by-sa/2.0
THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE: HOW CUSTOMISATION IS RESHAPING STREET FURNITURE
By Hannah Shread, Head of Marketing at Woodscape
[AT WOODSCAPE, we’ve understood the power of well-designed street furniture to transform public spaces for decades. From benches that invite quiet contemplation to planters that bring nature into urban environments, every element plays a crucial role in shaping our shared experiences. What we’re witnessing today, however, is a significant shift: a growing demand for customisation that is fundamentally reshaping the street furniture landscape.
Gone are the days when off-the-shelf solutions were the default. Architects, landscape designers and urban planners are increasingly seeking bespoke street furniture that not only meets functional requirements but also tells a unique story, reflects local identity and enhances the overall aesthetic of a project. The move towards customisation isn't merely a trend; it's a response to the evolving needs of our communities and the desire to create truly distinctive and engaging public realms.
Why the rise of customisation?
Several factors are fueling this growing emphasis on bespoke street furniture:
• Placemaking and identity: Successful placemaking is about
• creating spaces with a strong sense of identity and belonging. Custom
• street furniture allows for the incorporation of unique design elements,
• materials and finishes that resonate with the local culture, history or
• natural surroundings. This could involve incorporating specific motifs,
• using ethically sourced timber, or designing pieces that reflect the
• architectural style of surrounding buildings.
• Unique design visions: Every public space project is unique, with
• its own set of challenges and opportunities. Standardised furniture
• can sometimes feel generic or ill-fitting. Customisation empowers
• designers to realise their precise vision, ensuring that every piece
• of furniture seamlessly integrates with the overall design concept
• and contributes to the desired atmosphere.
• Overcoming site-specific challenges: Irregular terrain, unusual
• dimensions or specific accessibility requirements can often make
• standard furniture unsuitable. Customisation provides the flexibility
• to overcome these practical hurdles, crafting solutions that are
• perfectly tailored to the site’s unique constraints.
• Enhanced functionality and integration: Beyond aesthetics,
• customisation allows for the integration of specific functionalities.
• That could include incorporating lighting, charging points, waste
• management solutions or even integrated planting – all designed to
• meet the exact needs of a particular space and its users.
• Durability and sustainability: At Woodscape, we understand that
• investment in street furniture is a long-term commitment. Custom
• pieces, especially when crafted from high-quality, sustainable
• materials like our durable hardwoods, can be designed for
• enhanced longevity and resilience, often outperforming mass-
•
• produced alternatives. This focus on durability also aligns with
• sustainable practices, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
• Branding and sponsorship opportunities: For commercial
• developments or public-private partnerships, custom street furniture
• offers unique branding and sponsorship opportunities. Logos,
• bespoke colours or specific design elements can be integrated,
• creating a cohesive and branded environment.
Woodscape’s approach to customisation
At Woodscape, customisation is at the heart of what we do. With decades of experience working with timber, we have honed our expertise in crafting bespoke street furniture that marries exceptional design with unparalleled durability. Our capabilities extend beyond simple modifications; we thrive on collaborating with designers to bring truly unique concepts to life.
From initial sketches and detailed CAD drawings to the precision of our joinery and the expert finishing, our team works closely with clients through every stage of the process. We leverage our deep understanding of timber's properties to advise on the best materials and construction methods, ensuring that each custom piece not only looks stunning but also withstands the rigours of public use and the diverse British weather.
Looking ahead
The growing role of customisation in street furniture is a testament to our collective desire for more thoughtful, authentic and engaging public spaces. As urban environments continue to evolve, we anticipate that this trend will only strengthen. At Woodscape, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, continuing to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship to create truly exceptional and enduring street furniture that enhances communities for generations to come. q
CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS URGED TO BUILD AWARENESS OF WATER JETTING AT NATIONAL EXPO
[ LATEST INSIGHTS into the most effective and safe use of water jetting on construction sites will be a strong focus at WJA Trade Show 2025, the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the water jetting industry.
Given the many advantages of water jetting and the risk factors associated with its use, construction, civil engineering and health and safety professionals are being encouraged to attend the event.
The exhibition – which is free to attend – is being held at StoneX Stadium, home of the Saracens Premiership Rugby Club in North London, on Thursday 11 September.
Lee O’Callaghan, chairman of the Water Jetting Association, said: “WJA Trade Show 2025 is the ideal opportunity for construction professionals to be updated on all aspects of water jetting application and safety.
“Multiple contractors and equipment suppliers who support the construction industry, many of them WJA members and others from overseas, will be exhibiting their latest products and services
“Innovations in water jetting, many used in construction, are coming through at pace. By attending WJA Trade Show 2025, visitors will see and hear about all these exciting developments in one place.”
Water jetting has become a standard tool on construction sites, through its use for hydrodemolition of concrete structures, cutting of concrete and steel, surface preparation and pressure washing of buildings, roadways and parking areas.
WJA Trade Show 2025 will have two external exhibition areas displaying a range of large equipment and vehicles often used on construction sites.
They include hydrodemolition robots showcased by Aquajet UK. These machines are used to remove concrete from a wide range of structures, including bridges, roads, carparks, building foundations and dock piers.
Drainage vehicle manufacturers Bucher Municipal, ROM and Rioned will display new compact jet vac tankers. Their smaller size makes them better able to clean drains, sewers, culverts and ducting on congested building sites.
Exhibitor AQ-Rent will be displaying its latest KOKS vacuumation tanker – technology that is increasingly used to safely and quickly remove dry and wet materials on construction sites, especially around utility assets.
Abrasive cutting specialist RGL Services will be exhibiting technology that makes modifying concrete and steel structures easier, safer and more sustainable, whether on conventional building sites or in the middle of the North Sea, working on offshore windfarms.
TST Sweden, a global leader in water jetting PPE and site safety systems, will be contributing to an expert speakers programme, sharing latest evidence and thinking on environment protection systems on worksites.
WJA director Leanne Smith said: “The WJA’s technical team will talk about our three codes of practice for water jetting – for high and ultra-high pressure jetting, drain and sewer jetting, and pressure washing.
“We’ll have information about the accredited training the WJA offers across all forms of water jetting. Visitors can leave fully informed about how to ensure water jetting carried out on their worksites is safe and compliant.”
Free tickets for the exhibition can be booked online. This year, there is a new rapid registration system so visitors waste no time getting on with seeing the exciting equipment and services on display. There is free on-site parking right next to the exhibition entr ance. StoneX Stadium is located five minutes from Junction 2 of the M 1, just off the A406 North Circular Road. q
• To book your free ticket visit the website www.wjatradeshow.org.uk.
SCAFFOLDING TRAINING BODY LAUNCHES REFORMS
[THE Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has announced the launch of a major programme of reform, aimed at transforming scaffolding training and expanding apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for young entrants into the sector.
On 10 May CISRS confirmed a series of measures that mark the beginning of a steady, considered programme of change. The reforms follow an extensive governance review and are seen as essential to ensure that CISRS provision remains fit for the future needs of the industry and can support a new generation of scaffolding professionals, including school leavers and apprentices.
CISRS chair Wayne Connolly said of the new developments: “The scaffolding sector needs a training system that is robust, inclusive and which can deliver the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
“This is the start of a progressive programme of change designed to strengthen CISRS, support our centres and ensure that young people, including school leavers, have more routes into our fantastic industry. We are focused on building a modern, responsive training network that meets real-world needs while maintaining the high standards of safety and competence the sector demands."
The new programme focuses on strengthening governance, improving the consistency and quality of training delivery and increasing the sector's overall training capacity. A new Quality Committee, reporting directly to the CISRS board, will oversee training standards, course development and the management of approved centres. The committee will include representation from employers, educationalists and centres themselves, and will be chaired by an independent specialist.
Wayne Connolly added: “A recent independent perception survey identified clear areas of improvement. Improving on the relatively low customer satisfaction scores the research highlighted will be a key metric for establishing future KPIs for CISRS, the centres and trainers.”
CISRS enters the digital age
NASC has worked with CISRS recently to develop a detailed strategy, business plan and operational plan and is starting to steadily introduce change, including digitalisation.
Significantly, CISRS has introduced a revised Centre Specification from 1 June, making it easier for training providers to deliver flexible, highquality learning. Changes include encouraging the positives of enclosed learning environments, improving customer service expectations and reducing minimum centre heights to enhance capacity in further education in rural and some higher-cost real estate areas such as London. That will improve learner access to more centres.
Measures to digitalise training records and improve data collection will also be introduced, helping centres to market more effectively and support greater learner engagement.
As part of the initial phase, CISRS has also imposed an 18-month moratorium on approving new open-air craft centres in mainland UK, allowing existing centres time to adapt and upgrade to the new standards.
The board’s evidence-led approach highlights the need to expand apprenticeship spaces and ensure access to high-quality, enclosed facilities that can better serve young learners and new entrants. By embracing the reforms, CISRS will help bridge the current gap in regional training access and position itself as a leader in modern, flexible scaffolding training both in the UK and internationally.
Further details and support measures for centres will be announced in the coming months as CISRS builds momentum towards a stronger, future-ready training system. q
NASC SUPPLIER SCHEME GETS SUPPLIER COMMITTEE NOD OF APPROVAL
[AT THE VERY CORE of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation’s purpose and mission stands its focus on standards, quality and safety. At the same time, high-quality, certified products are at the heart of industry standards and safety.
Those two concepts have come together in a practical way in NASC’s Approved Product scheme, under which suppliers’ products in certain categories –those that can be clearly independently audited and certified as meeting agreed quality standards – are given an official stamp of approval by NASC.
Sean Pike, managing director of Layher UK and chairman of NASC’s Supplier Committee, is convinced the scheme, and the Approved Product logo that comes with it, are good for the industry.
“As chair of the NASC Supplier Committee I am pleased to affirm the value and integrity of the NASC Approved Product status and the accompanying NASC Approved Product logo,” he said. “These recognitions are not simply endorsements: they represent the outcome of a detailed and independent audit process that confirms a product’s compliance with the highest standards of safety, quality and suitability for use within the scaffolding and access industry.”
While the NASC Approved Product Logo is a relatively newly formed, Sean Pike added that it is already a ‘trusted mark’ that can only be displayed by audited suppliers, and only in direct association with the specific product that has successfully passed the NASC’s rigorous assessment. q
IPAF PARTNERS WITH CANCER CHARITY TO RAISE RESEARCH FUNDS
[
COINCIDING WITH National Cancer Survivors’ Day on 1 June, IPAF launched an industry-wide fundraising initiative with Weston Park Cancer Charity to raise funds for vital cancer research.
The PAINT scheme, which stands for Powered Access Industry Trust, invites IPAF members and stakeholders to nominate a piece of equipment in their fleet as their dedicated ‘PAINT machine’.
Each time the machine is hired out, a proportion of the revenue can be donated to support cancer research. Alternatively, companies can choose to donate a percentage of their overall profits or from a specific revenue stream, such as training income. Participating organisations will be
recognised and celebrated at an annual industry awards ceremony.
Money raised through PAINT and donated to Weston Park Cancer Charity will help to fund the sector-leading research that takes place at their Cancer Clinical Trials Centre.
Martin Wraith, IPAF’s Rental+ Scheme manager, commented: "Every single IPAF member will be affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime – whether personally or through a loved one’s diagnosis. Launching the PAINT initiative is incredibly close to my heart. It’s a call to action for our industry: by uniting the powered access community we can help fund the fight against cancer and contribute to life-changing treatments that will have a global impact.
“Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, rental company or training centre, every contribution matters. Your support can directly impact Weston Park Cancer Charity’s clinical trials, which are expanding treatment options and improving survival outcomes for cancer patients around the world.”
Bekah Anstey, corporate partnership manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “We’re very proud to collaborate with IPAF on the launch of the PAINT scheme. This fantastic new fundraising initiative gives IPAF members the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on cancer patients and their families. We’d like to thank IPAF members in advance for showing their support for the scheme.” q
FIRM FINED AFTER WORKER FALLS THROUGH HOLE IN ROOF
[A DEMOLITION COMPANY has been fined after a worker fell six metres through a roof opening during a demolition project, suffering serious injuries.
Lawrie (Demolition) Ltd had been appointed as principal contractor to carry out the demolition of a vacant warehouse in Aberdeen.
On 25 May 2023, 42-year-old Sylwester Zdunczyk was working with a team on the warehouse roof, removing aluminium over-sheeting. The sheets were being carried to pre-cut holes in the roof from where they were dropped to the ground floor. The holes were guarded by steel crowd control barriers secured together with plastic tie wraps – but they were not attached to the roof surface. No other fall prevention measures were in place.
While helping to carry a sheet backwards near one of the holes
Mr Zdunczyk lost his footing. The weight of the sheet and his own bodyweight caused the unattached barriers to shift, exposing the edge of the opening and creating a gap. He fell approximately six metres to the concrete floor below.
Mr Zdunczyk sustained a fractured pelvis and two broken ribs. He was unable to work for six months after being discharged from hospital and has not fully recovered. Previously fit and active, he can no longer run, cycle or play football and now requires pain medication.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Lawrie (Demolition) Ltd failed to properly plan, supervise and carry out the work at height safely. Workers were sent onto the roof without sufficient instruction, training or supervision. The company also failed to
put adequate fall protection measures in place.
The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £40,562 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 12 June 2025.
HSE inspector Muhammad Umair Tanvir commented: “This incident could have been avoided by simply implementing appropriate control measures and safe working practices.
“Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in UK workplaces. In 2023/24, 50 workers died following a fall from height – the highest cause of workplace fatalities. This trend has remained consistent over recent years.” q
CONSTRUCTION NATIONAL WEBSITE AtoZ
Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players.
If you are one of our many online readers simply click on any of the logos listed below and you will be automatically directed to that company’s website.
To get your company’s website listed on this page just give us a call on 0161 710 3880 or email ian@dmmonline.co.uk
Manufacturer and supplier of top quality scaffold towers www.aluminium-scaffoldtowers.co.uk
www.ikoniclifts.co.uk
FOR A GREENER FUTURE Expanding provisions linked to emerging technologies and the reduction of fossil fuels.
www.hlnsc.ac.uk
www.cisrs.org.uk www.clark-drain.com
REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS VITAL FOR A LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM
[
ONCE A LIGHTNING SYSTEM is installed that is not the end of the matter. Regular maintenance and inspection is required.
Section 5 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states that all lightning protection systems should be maintained and tested at regular intervals, preferably not exceeding 12 months.
Whether it is routine maintenance or restoration work after a strike, the job should be carried out by a specialist contractor. ATLAS – the trade association for lightning protection engineers – has been made aware over the years of an alarming trend of facilities management companies providing limited training to their own employees and then using them to test the lightning protection systems on the buildings that they manage.
As ATLAS points out: “This is a high-risk strategy, as these employees will often have limited experience of testing procedures and no practical knowledge on the design and installation aspects of the system.
FIRM FINED OVER STEEPLEJACK’S DEATH
[A STEEPLEJACKING COMPANY has been fined £60,000 after a worker fell to his death from a church steeple in Birmingham.
David Clover was employed by Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd to carry out restoration work at St Nicholas’s Church in Kings Norton on 13 November 2020. The 64-year-old had been suspended from the 60m-tall steeple of the Grade One-listed building in a bosun’s chair.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that the bosun’s chair was not supported by a suitable backup system to prevent falls, such as a double or twin-leg lanyard fall-arrest harness.
Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd, which has ceased trading since the incident, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £60,000 at a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 January 2025.
In passing sentence, Judge Quereshi found the company had outdated attitudes to managing health and safety.
Reacting to the case, ATLAS president Roy Westwick commented:
“The steeplejack profession has a proud history spanning centuries, but it is not an industry that is stuck in the past. Since ATLAS was founded in 1946 our members have been at the forefront of driving improvements in working practices and technical excellence. The safety and wellbeing of those in our field are our top priorities.”
He stressed that Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd had never been a member of ATLAS. q
G & S Steeplejacks Ltd
Over 30 years experience in the Design & Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.
“The consequences of inadequate lightning protection can be serious and only qualified specialist contractors have the knowledge and skills to test and inspect the system properly and prepare an accurate report identifying any non-compliance issues.” q
GIRLS POWER TO ICE TRIPLE SUCCESS
[THREE ALL-FEMALE TEAMS have taken the gold, silver and bronze prizes in the 2024-25 ICE CityZen Award. That is a milestone in the competition’s four-year history, reflecting the growing interest and talent of young women in the field of civil engineering and was announced on International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June.
“I can’t think of a better way to illustrate that civil engineering is an inclusive, exciting career for anyone who wants to solve the problems that society faces,” said Séan Harris, the ICE’s deputy director general and director of membership.
For the competition, students aged 16-18 engaged with the multi-award-winning ICE CityZen digital game and submitted projects that addressed real-world engineering challenges: all while keeping budgets, sustainability and improving their local community in mind.
Séan Harris added: “The industry needs diverse thinking; and these students have it in spades. If we can attract this type of talent into our industry, the future of civil engineering is bright indeed!”
Winning teams will receive between £250£1,000 in prize money, with the same amount awarded to their school for STEM resources. They’ll also be welcomed to a celebratory lunch at the ICE’s London headquarters, hosted by
ICE senior vice president David Porter.
The Gold Award went to the team from Bearsden Academy in West Scotland, who made up The Deltas (pictured). The team comprised Zara Manson (17), Mridhula Anand (16), Mira Stankovic (16) and Konstantina Styliara (17). They impressed the judges with their bold proposal to convert a local disused mine into a geothermal power plant.
Their idea, taking inspiration from successful schemes like the Shettleston project in Glasgow, focused on supplying renewable energy to the nearby town of Kirkintilloch. Their aim was to cut energy costs by up to 60% and reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy production and supply.
The Deltas team said: “We had so much fun and have made a plethora of cherished memories of working together as teammates. CityZen has made us braver, more confident
people and has encouraged us to chase more new exciting opportunities.”
The Silver Award went to Team Rocket and Groot, consisting of Livy Leonard (17) and Yasemin Maras (18) from Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School in Kent.
Their project tackled local traffic issues by suggesting practical changes to a local roundabout, including clearer signage, better lane markings, removing visual obstructions and adding a dedicated cycle lane to improve road safety.
The Bronze Award went to team Mechanicus, made up of Jasmin Nathanie (17) and Simreat Sanghera (16) from Leicester High School for Girls.
Their idea focused on reducing the carbon footprint of new homes by repurposing landfill waste into construction bricks using pyrolysis – a process in which high temperatures are used to change the chemical composition of substances. The team even created and tested their own brick mixture, demonstrating handson innovation.
Further awards included the JBA Special Award, which went to team Safaga Bay City from Rochdale Sixth Form College for their project pitch, and the Loud Speaker Special Award, which went to team Reptech25 from Repton School in Derbyshire. q
KIRKLEES STUDENTS SHINE AT ANNUAL AWARDS
[ON WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE Kirklees College hosted its annual student awards, the College Outstanding Learner Success (COLS) awards, at The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield. Among the 28 curriculum area winners were some truly exceptional students from Plastering, Brickwork, Joinery, Electrical Installation and Plumbing courses.
Mature apprentice Richard Stanley took home the Brickwork award and was commended for his strong work ethic and being a role model to younger students on the course. Malachi McKenzie won for Electrical Installation, Rose Reynolds for Plastering, Rebecca Markey for Plumbing and Beverley Jayne Cook for Joinery.
It was fantastic to see a mix of adult and 16-18 learners win for different areas, including three female winners. Each student represents the next generation of workforce in their chosen trade and has a bright future ahead of them.
As the college is celebrating 200 years of technical education in Kirklees this year, five special commemorative awards were also given out. Three of these awards were representative of the college’s values of Kindness, Unity and Excellence. Brickwork apprentice Joshua Hickman (pictured) took home the Unity award.
Joshua’s course tutor said: “Joshua’s enthusiasm for brickwork has been clear from the start of his course and he has shown great energy throughout. When an employer, Henley Stone, reached out asking for a student to trial an apprenticeship, Joshua’s name was put forward and he did not dissapoint – he is now an apprentice with the company.
“In April, Joshua competed in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, hosted at Brunel Construction Centre. He blew everyone away with his performance in the ‘New to Competition’ category, landing in second place and missing out on first place by just one point! Henley Stone published a blog post about his achievement, showing their pride in Joshua as a colleague, as well as a student. Joshua is now ready to pass his course and take the next steps as a fully qualified bricklayer – he is a rare and talented student.” q
• Want to join these talented students? Applications for adult courses starting in September are now live on www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk and applications for 16-18 year-olds starting in September 2026 will open in the Autumn
DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER VISITS EXETER COLLEGE FOR HUB EVENT
[EXETER COLLEGE was honoured to host the Institute of Carpenter’s (IOC) latest Timber Industry College Hub event on 27 March, graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, Royal Patron of the IOC.
The landmark gathering marked the final milestone in a series of events that have connected industry leaders, educators, and aspiring carpenters and joiners across the UK.
Royal endorsement
The royal visit and the success of this event highlighted Exeter College’s commitment to preparing students for rewarding careers in the timber industry, while promoting sustainable practices that will shape the future of construction and forestry.
The presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester underscored the necessity of equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge required to excel in this essential trade.
Industry and education: a powerful partnership
The Exeter College event opened with a warm welcome from John Laramy, principal and chief executive of Exeter College, who stressed the importance of fostering links between education and industry. Geoff Rhodes, president of the IOC, then set the scene, emphasising the vital role that these events play in supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.
The event featured a lineup of industry expert speakers and practical demonstrations by students. It covered key themes such as sustainable forestry, the evolution of timber in construction and the variety of employment pathways in the trade. Darren Murrish (CITB) provided an insightful overview of the employment landscape and career opportunities, while Dave O’Connor (Exeter College) shared a college perspective on how industry partnerships help shape student futures.
Key highlights of the event
Leading professionals from across the timber sector provided in-depth insights into sustainability, technological advancements and employment trends. Speakers included:
• Nick Boulton (Timber Development UK & Trussed Rafter Association)
• who explored UK raw material supply, sustainability and the green
• agenda.
• Roly Ward (Medite/SmartPly) who discussed MDF and OSB production
• and technical developments.
• Neil Summers (American Hardwood Export Council – AHEC) shared
• perspectives on sustainable global forest resources and the international
• timber industry.
• John Bailey (Benbow Group – NAS) offered personal insights on career
• opportunities in the shopfitting and interiors industry.
• Ed Suttie (BRE) presented on new developments in the construction
• industry.
• Samantha Barnes (Historic England) who discussed conservation work
• and the importance of the heritage sector.
Students participated in interactive workshops, showcasing cutting-edge woodworking techniques for the Duchess and attending guests. Axminster Tools, Reisser UK, CITB and IOC also provided hands-on displays.
The event also gave students direct access to potential employers and industry mentors, bridging the gap between education and realworld career opportunities. The IOC Mentoring Champions initiative was a central theme, reinforcing the importance of experienced professionals guiding the next generation of carpenters and joiners.
Celebrating success and looking forward
The event was the culmination of the latest series of ten IOC Timber Industry College Hub gatherings, which have taken place over the last two years at Lincoln College, Building Crafts College in Stratford, East London, West Suffolk College, Neath Port Talbot College, UHI Inverness, New College Durham, Leeds College of Building, Newcastle & Stafford College Group, Northampton College and Exeter College. These events have successfully provided woodworking learners and apprentices with crucial industry insights, career guidance and direct engagement with professionals from the timber sector.
Geoff Rhodes, president of the IOC, reflected on the impact of the initiative: “The IOC Timber Industry College Hub events have been a tremendous success, offering students across the UK an invaluable glimpse into the future of the timber industry. These hubs have demonstrated the power of partnerships between colleges and businesses, and Exeter College was the perfect venue to mark the conclusion of this national initiative.
“We are honoured to celebrate this milestone at Exeter College with our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Gloucester, and are already planning our next series of college events, which will continue our journey around the UK.”
John Laramy said: “Hosting this final IOC Timber Industry College Hub event has been an incredible honour for Exeter College and for me personally, as I started my career in the construction industry. I am delighted that we have been able to support this event.
“This initiative has provided our students with invaluable industry connections, hands-on experience and insight into the future of sustainable timber and construction.
“The presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester further highlights the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this essential trade.
“Strong partnerships between education and industry are key to our success and we will continue to ensure our learners are prepared for rewarding careers in carpentry and joinery.”
The success of the Timber Industry College Hub programme would not have been possible without the support of CITB and Timber Development UK, whose collaboration has ensured that students receive relevant, industry-driven insights to help shape their careers.
Looking ahead, the IOC is dedicated to supporting its members and new starters coming into the sector, while strengthening the vital links between industry and education. The IOC Timber Industry College Hub events have laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration, helping to secure the future of skilled workers in the carpentry and joinery sectors. q
• For further details on the IOC and future events, please contact the Institute of Carpenters via the website www.instituteofcarpenters.com or via email info@instituteofcarpenters.com
Image courtesy of Exeter College
NEW CITY COLLEGE IS GRADED ‘OUTSTANDING’ BY OFSTED
[NEW CITY COLLEGE has been officially graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted – the highest possible accolade that can be achieved following an inspection.
The college, which offers a range of construction and engineering courses and has campuses across east London and Essex, is the largest college in the country to have been awarded this status.
A team of inspectors spoke to hundreds of students, staff and apprentices and observed many lessons and practical activities during their week-long visit.
Construction and engineering courses were commended for their expert teaching, work experience opportunities and student achievement.
With 694 apprentices enrolled at New City College, a high proportion of these complete Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships within the construction trades. Most apprentices study at the Construction and Engineering Campus in Rainham and at the Hackney Campus in east London.
The report praised ‘the exceptionally well considered curriculum’. It said that teachers include extra knowledge which goes beyond the requirements of the qualifications, stating: “For example, T Level engineering students at Rainham learn about pneumatics and mechatronics to enhance their knowledge and skills. Staff also teach further mathematics to engineers to support their progression to university and higher apprenticeships.”
The report added: “Apprentices benefit from expert teachers and highquality learning resources that closely replicate work environments. They appreciate learning in well-resourced workshops and gain valuable handson experience with tools and equipment commonly used in their industry. They learn about green skills in low carbon and retrofit labs with heat pumps, solar photovoltaic systems and electrical vehicle charging stations.
“Most apprentices develop essential technical knowledge and skills and successfully gain or sustain employment at the end of their apprenticeship.”
The inspection team also approached and visited numerous employers and external community venues to piece together their findings, which were published on 1 May this year.
New City College group principal and CEO, Gerry McDonald CBE, commented: “I am immensely proud of the New City College staff team who are rightly recognised in this report.”
New City College has been formed over the last nine years from a series of mergers of previously standalone colleges – Tower Hamlets College, Hackney Community College, Redbridge College, Epping Forest College, Havering Sixth Form College, Havering College of Further and Higher Education and BSix Sixth Form College. It now has 10 local campuses and supports almost 20,000 students each year. q
• For more information visit www.ncctradeskills.co.uk
ELECTRICAL STUDENT TRIUMPHS IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
[SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP is celebrating the national success of one of its brightest talents. Frankie McAll, a 20-year-old electrical apprentice from Eastleigh College, has been crowned Sparks Learner of the Year 2025 in Birmingham, triumphing over seven other finalists from across the UK.
The prestigious competition, hosted by SPARKS Magazine, celebrates the most exciting new talent in the UK electrical industry, allowing students to put their technical abilities, skills and knowledge to the test in a competitive environment. Held at the JTL Centre in Birmingham in April, the final took place over two days as finalists completed a professional installation layout from scratch.
crediting their guidance and encouragement.
“I was genuinely surprised and very happy to win,” said Frankie.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence going forward and I’d like to thank all my college lecturers – Alan, Mark, Paul and James – as well as my mentor Dan from JTL and my employer Rob at Cardinal Electrical. I really felt their support throughout the whole competition.”
Frankie received a cash prize of £2,000 as the overall winner, alongside a set of six power tools from the latest range, a tool rucksack, electrical connectors and a series of industry books. Supported throughout by his apprenticeship mentor Dan Hutton of JTL and college tutor Paul Austin, Frankie expressed his gratitude and thanks to his trainers and employer, Cardinal Electrical,
Paul Austin, electrical curriculum manager at South Hampshire College Group, said, “This will open so many career doors for Frankie and hopefully set him up for a long and successful career in the industry. It’s also fantastic for our college and our apprentices will hopefully be inspired to see what can be achieved with hard work and dedication."
The win not only marks a significant milestone in Frankie’s career, but also highlights South Hampshire College Group’s commitment to excellence in vocational training. q
• For any further information about South Hampshire College Group, and its career-focused courses, please visit shcg.ac.uk
CITB TO INVEST £39m IN ITS CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE SITES
[THE CITB has announced significant investment totalling £39m in the National Construction College (NCC) at Erith, Bircham and Inchinnan. The investment will create substantial value for the construction industry through an expanded training offer, outstanding teaching, learning and support and leadership across the wider training sector.
The redevelopment work at Erith is already underway, with capital investment approved by the board of trustees. Investment at Erith this year is £11m, and CITB will be investing £30m in total over the next three years at the site.
The programme has been meticulously planned to ensure training can continue as usual throughout the development. Contractors appointed through the Crown Commercial Service demolished the decommissioned buildings in April. The project includes new training buildings and
the installation of new technology to support the college's growth and sustainability goals.
The investment also includes new programmes and pathways developed in line with industry needs, making NCC a provider of choice for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Including the Erith site, CITB are investing
over £15m in the NCC estate in 2025-26, with sustainability at the heart of the improvements. That includes expanding training provision across the college’s three sites, increasing the range and volume of apprenticeship and commercial training opportunities available.
Kirsty Evans, executive principal at NCC, said: “NCC is firmly focused on achieving great outcomes for our learners and employers. We’re already seeing the impact of this in high learner retention and achievement rates, reflecting the culture of quality that has been embedded in our practices.
“Our vision for NCC is to support the construction industry by expanding our training offer, delivering high-quality teaching and learner support, and collaborating with the wider industry to maximise our impact.” q
COLLEGE EXPANDS BICESTER CAMPUS TO TRAIN MORE APPRENTICES AND SUPPORT INDUSTRY UPSKILLING
[ABINGDON & WITNEY COLLEGE are proud to announce the expansion of their construction facilities in Bicester to meet the demand in the area. This significant growth reflects the college’s commitment to meeting the increasing demands of the local and regional construction sector, ensuring local businesses have a steady pipeline of skilled, jobready apprentices.
Since opening in 2021 with investment from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), the college’s Bicester Construction Skills Centre has quickly reached capacity, with over 200 apprentices currently enrolled. The centre has successfully delivered highquality training in Plumbing & Heating, Gas Engineering, Property Maintenance and Carpentry & Joinery.
Beyond apprenticeships, the college is also committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of those already working in the industry. To meet the growing demand for qualified professionals, the centre offers upskilling and re-certification courses for Gas and Electrical engineers, keeping them up to date with the latest regulations and technologies to maintain high industry standards.
To build on this success, the college is expanding into an additional unit in Bicester. It will enable more apprentices to enrol, allow for greater collaboration with local employers and further enhance their industry-leading apprenticeship offer. For the first time in Bicester, the college will also introduce Electrical Installation apprenticeships, broadening its provision to support more career pathways in the construction industry.
The expansion follows a series of notable achievements, including apprentices receiving recognition at regional and national awards and competitions. The college’s outstanding achievement rates have also been acknowledged by Ofsted, which has graded its apprenticeship provision as Outstanding.
The development in Bicester aligns with Abingdon & Witney College’s strategic commitment to advancing construction and building services training. This includes:
• Advancing green construction training – growing the Net Zero Skills
• Hub and delivering green construction courses in partnership with
• five district councils.
• Expanding training opportunities – successfully launching Skills
• Bootcamps earlier this year, equipping learners with in-demand
• construction skills.
• Developing industry leadership – introducing a Construction
• Management apprenticeship and HNC to support career
• progression in the sector.
• Enhancing opportunities for young learners – expanding full-time
• provision for 16 to 18-year-olds at the Abingdon and Witney campuses,
• including a new T Level in Planning, Design and Surveying.
With this expansion, Abingdon & Witney College is ready to support even more learners and employers. q
• To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities visit the website at abingdon-witney.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
Q&A WITH KATE STEPHENS, CURRICULUM MANAGER FOR CONSTRUCTION AT CAPITAL CITY COLLEGE
Tell me about your background. You didn’t start out in construction?
No, I was an insurance broker. But after a few years I couldn’t imagine myself being stuck in an office all day and not having enough interaction with people. It wasn’t really enough, and I wasn't being creative at all, so I wanted to do more with my career.
I always knew I was creative, so becoming a builder for private clients’ interior refurbishments was the next step along the way. So I left my insurance job and went back to college. I did an NVQ in painting and decorating, and it went from there. I’ve worked in places like Paris, lots in London. I really enjoyed doing it, working with employers and changing and fixing things to suit their needs. It was great.
What was your favourite part about being in the industry?
For me, just working on the projects. I worked for private clients’ refurbishment projects, so transforming them. It’s fun to meet with companies and hear how ‘this is what I’d like’ and get their vision of what they would like it to be, and making that happen. That’s the bit I like the best – to see change for the good.
But I wanted a change and to help others, and I’d returned from Mallorca after bringing up my daughter, so I decided to go into teaching and continue doing what I do best. Turns out, I really love it.
What do you enjoy most about working in education?
The students, for sure. They test you and stretch you and irritate you when they behave badly, but fundamentally, they’re just young people trying to do what they can under all the pressures that they’re under. The pressures teenagers face today is so different from where we were even just before the pandemic. It’s just not the same as it was in my day. For these guys now, the pressures, environmental pressures, emotional pressures, everything is so different for them. I just feel for that age group, you know, 16 to 19.
I get a lot of students who aren’t very good at English and Maths, and they think they can avoid the more academic subjects by going into construction. But it’s not true. You still have to have smarts, and be able to work to the point of need.
There’s a lot of pastoral care that goes on too – emotional support. If the students are going through troubles at home, having relationship problems, whatever their issues are of the day. But you can’t just shut off when you come to work. People bring their whole selves to work, and with the students, we have to deal with them at every level, so as a teacher, it’s a lot.
What’s a typical day like for your role?
Well I've been teaching for 27 hours a week for the last few months and look after close to 400 students. It’s a busy job. I support the tutors and do things like keep track of the students, so if they’re dragging their feet and not coming in, I ring them up and find out why. I ring the
parents too and ask ‘what’s going on?’ Because these students have an opportunity to learn, so we want to give them all the support they need to do well. I would like to get more women into construction as well.
Do you find it hard to attract women to the construction industry?
Absolutely. A lot of young women are nervous to enter the environment because historically it’s mainly driven by men. For a young woman to be going into a male-dominated environment can be scary And we need to change attitudes in the field as well. I remember my first project manager assignment at a site in Mallorca, where the men simply walked off, rather than deal with a woman.
In retrospect, the man in charge hadn’t introduced me, and they had a right to be wary. They did not know who I was or my career journey. These men didn’t know me, so it was hard for them to understand who I was and what I was doing there. That kind of experience can be daunting for young women. On the flip side, they need to behave and dress appropriately, and remember it’s a professional work environment they’re walking into. So the perception goes both ways.
What is something about construction that you think people should know?
I’d want to change the perspective of construction generally. People think that you don't have to be very smart to do it, but they’re thinking about the industry the wrong way. You get talented guys going into electrical and plumbing, but public judgment over the whole vocational training needs to change.
What about the money? Does construction pay well?
I think a lot of women don't realise how much they can earn in construction, how much, as opposed to say retail. With a good Level 2 painting and decorating qualification, my students could be earning £250 a day, and at age 19-20 that’s a good salary you’re taking home. But it takes time, and we need both employers to offer apprenticeships for young people, and the students to take them up. You still have to stand out in any arena of work you choose.
What do you like best about your job?
I like to think I’m making a difference in their lives by being a role model in construction. In any job, you demonstrate who you are on a daily basis. So when you get there, you turn up on time, you’re respectful, and you are learning every day about yourself too. But for these young students, you’ve got to care about people. Sometimes I feel I probably care a little bit too much, but it’s because I want them to be the best they can be. That’s never changed, in all my years of working in further education. q
UK’S FIRST HYDROGEN TRAINING CENTRE OPENS
AT FIFE COLLEGE
[ FIFE COLLEGE and energy network SGN have opened the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers.
The facility, located at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus, will train over 100 Gas Safe registered engineers this year, giving them the vital green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen.
The training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.
Gary Smith, general secretary of GMB, the UK's largest energy union, welcomed the launch, saying: “This facility is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s vital that we not only protect jobs but ensure that workers are upskilled for the future.”
Fife College has developed the course in partnership with SGN for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills and th e Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers.
The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year.
Jim Metcalfe, principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we laun ch this dedicated hydrogen training facility.
“This collaboration with SGN forms part of our wider
commitment to sustainability, which includes the opening of our new Dunfermline City Campus – Scotland’s first net-zero-ready vocational training campus – later this year.”
The opening of the training centre is a landmark event in efforts to support the UK’s transition to net zero and underscores the vital role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a ke y lowcarbon energy source. q
• For more information visit www.fife.ac.uk
WESSEX WATER’S NATHAN SCOOPS A BRACE OF APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS
[ THE Bridgwater & Taunton College Apprenticeship Awards are an annual celebration of apprentices, work placement students and employers. The construction industry featured significantly this year, with apprentices and representatives from Nuclear Restoration Services, Hinkley Point C, YTL Group Wessex Water and Mike Morgan Electrical Services in attendance.
Nathan Storey, a Construction Design and Build apprentice, came away with two awards. He was joint winner of the Higher/ Degree Apprenticeship Award, in recognition of his progress at Wessex Water from Level 2 Water Main Laying apprentice, to becoming the company’s first Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician apprentice, to his current Level 4 Design and Build apprentices hip, which he is undertaking alongside his project manager role.
Nathan’s second win was the James Satchell Memorial Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to apprenticeships. In 2022, Nathan was selected to deliver the rebuild and refurbishm ent of Wessex Water’s Yeovil depot, creating a space to incorporate a new academy for the business’s apprentices. He carried out the project professionally and to budget.
His manager said: “Nathan deserves this award for his overall approach to his job, enthusiasm, professionalism, respect, politeness and strong work ethic.
“His passion for development comes naturally, and his use of apprenticeships has helped his growth and others’. We are excited to enrol him in his next step, a degree apprenticeship.”
It was a great night for YTL Group Wessex Water as they also won the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award.
The event highlighted the immense value of apprentices and apprenticeships across all industries. With over 3,000 apprenti ces currently enrolled, from Intermediate through to degree level, Bridgwater & Taunton College is one of the largest training providers in the UK. The team are always keen to speak to businesses about how they can assist with training needs. q
• For further information contact business@btc.ac.uk
FMB CHIEF CALLS FOR MORE TRAINING ON REAL-WORLD SIMULATIONS
[ THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE of practical, hands-on training to address the worsening skills shortage plaguing the UK construction industry was emphasised in May by Federation of Master Builders (FMB) chief executive Brian Berry, during a visit to Constructionarium in King’s Lynn.
During his tour of the innovative 19-acre facility, Brian witnessed students collaborating on scaled-down versions of iconic structures, including a replica of London’s famous ‘Gherkin’ skyscraper. The site offers a unique simulated construction environment where participants can safely experience the challenges of real-world building projects, from foundation work to structural assembly, under expert supervision.
That hands-on approach bridges the crucial gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application that many traditional education programmes struggle to address.
The visit highlighted the escalating skills crisis facing the sector, with recent industry figures showing over 35,000 construction job vacancies nationwide. More than half of those positions remain unfilled due to skills shortages – the highest rate of any UK economic sector. The construction industry must recruit at least 250,000 new workers to meet growth projections and replace its rapidly aging workforce, and if
the government is to meet its ambitious housing targets.
Brian Berry commented: “What I’ve seen at Constructionarium perfectly illustrates what our industry desperately needs – training that truly prepares people for the realities of modern construction. Our latest FMB State of Trade Survey shows that 33% of our members are struggling to recruit bricklayers, while 37% cannot find the carpenters and joiners they need. These aren’t just statistics: they represent real projects delayed, homes not built and businesses unable to grow.
“If we don’t act decisively on skills development now, the UK’s ambitious housing and infrastructure goals will remain nothing more than an unrealistic aspiration. The skills gap isn’t just holding back individual businesses – it’s undermining our collective ability to build the homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure this country urgently needs. Facilities like Constructionarium exemplify the innovative approaches we need to champion across the country.”
The visit coincided with Constructionarium’s latest partnership with the University of Southampton – bringing together university students, educators and industry professionals for immersive construction experiences designed to inspire and develop the next generation of construction talent.
Later in the year, the site will welcome students as far away as Texas.
Welcoming the FMB delegation, Constructionarium’s MD Julia Stevens said: “We are always delighted to welcome visitors to our construction site simulator in Norfolk; it was a particular pleasure to host the FMB, where they witnessed students from the University of Southampton successfully complete four projects – Brewery Wharf, Kingsgate Footbridge, Millau Cable Bridge and Ravenspurn Oil Platform.
“Visits like these provide a valuable opportunity to showcase our unique, experiential learning approach, where students at all levels take on the challenge of delivering scaled construction projects to a client. Our immersive and fast-paced training environment benefits not only students but also industry partners, many of whom incorporate Constructionarium into their early careers inductions and teambuilding programmes.
“As a CPD-certified and CITB grantapproved initiative, we offer a collaborative platform for suppliers to engage with emerging and current talent, raising product awareness for future procurement opportunities while supporting social value commitments through material donations or loans.” q
BUILDING THE FUTURE – ONE APPRENTICE AT A TIME
[ IN AN INDUSTRY where skill gaps are widening and experienced tradespeople are retiring, construction employers face a critical question: how do we future proof our workforce?
For Brighton and Hove City Council, the answer was simple – apprenticeships.
Take Joe Jones (pictured), a 36-year-old team member in their responsive repairs division.
Joe had years of hands-on experience but lacked formal qualifications. Now, through a carpentry and joinery Level 2 apprenticeship with Northbrook College, Joe is not only learning the theory behind his practice but also refining his craft with professional precision.
“Even after three years on the tools, I learned five or six game-changing tricks in just one lesson,” said Joe. “It’s made my job easier and more enjoyable.”
What’s more inspiring is that Joe’s enthusiasm is contagious. “Guys in their 50s at work are now asking to do apprenticeships,” he added. “From bricklayers wanting to upskill in plumbing, to labourers eager to earn certifications.”
The council’s decision to invest in Joe wasn’t just about upskilling, it was about recognising potential and preparing for the future. Without a formal qualification, Joe’s progression had stalled. Now, he's thriving – and so is his team.
According to employers, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, they’re powerful tools to retain staff, boost morale and build
competence across your workforce. The support from Northbrook College as a training provider ensures that no one feels left behind.
As Joe put it: “If you’re seriously interested, just do it. The support is there. The benefits are immediate.”
Your next skilled worker could already be on your payroll. Invest in them. Invest in the future. q
• For more information on construction apprenticeships at the Chichester College Group, don’t hesitate to get in touch via apprenticeships@chigroup.ac.uk
Construction
training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges:
Abingdon & Witney College
Tel: 01235 541 111
E: apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
W: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk
126 Churchill Road, Bicester OX26 4XD
Bridgwater & Taunton College
T: 01278 655004
E: CSIC@btc.ac.uk
W: www.btc.ac.uk
Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ
Croydon College
T: 020 8686 5700
E: Admissions@croydon.ac.uk
W: www.croydon.ac.uk
College Road, Croydon CR9 1DX
Exeter College
T: 01392 400500
E: info@exe-coll.ac.uk
W: exe-coll.ac.uk
Exeter College, Hele Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4JS
Fife College
Tel: 0344 248 0132
E: sales@fife.ac.uk
W: www.fife.ac.uk
Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY
The Isle of Wight College
T: 01983 526631
E: info@iwcollege.ac.uk
W: www.iwcollege.ac.uk
Medina Way, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TA
Kirklees College
Tel: 01484 437070
E: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk
W: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk
Brunel Construction Centre, Old Fieldhouse Ln, Leeds Rd, Huddersfield HD2 1AG
T: 0330 135 9000
E: info@ncclondon.ac.uk
W: www.ncclondon.ac.uk
Epping Forest | Hackney | Havering | Redbridge | Tower Hamlets
South Hampshire College Group
> Apprenticeships
> Technical & Professional Training
E: info@shcg.ac.uk
W: www.shcg.ac.uk
South & City College Birmingham
T: 0121 694 5066
E: business.dev@sccb.ac.uk
W: www.sccb.ac.uk
Digbeth Campus, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5SU
TRAINING BOOST GETS BACKING FROM INDUSTRY AND PROVIDERS
[ THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED by the government on 27 May to facilitate more young people accessing training in the construction industry – hailed as ‘part of a radical skills revolution’ – was welcomed warmly by both industry and training providers.
The measure, backed by a £3bn apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper, the government proclaimed. The construction industry was targeted alongside healthcare for the extra funding in the new Foundation Apprenticeships.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future –creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.
“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously – providing more routes into employment; it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”
In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government says it is backing the new generation of workers through:
• £14m of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to
• local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to
• 5,000 additional adult learners
• £136m for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025
• to 2026, providing training for over 40,000 learners and including
• £100m over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps
• 10 technical excellence colleges specialising in construction skills,
• opening in September
NEW NAME SIGNALS ‘NEW CHAPTER’ FOR UNIVERSITY
[ THE University College of Estate Management (UCEM) has changed its name to the University of the Built Environment, marking a major milestone in the institution’s 106-year history. The new name reflects the organisation today: an innovative, specialist university at the heart of built environment education.
The university’s vision is to be the centre of excellence for built environment education. The new name reinforces that ambition and highlights its expanded scope. The university now has over 4,000 students and offers professional degrees and apprenticeships across disciplines such as construction, real estate, planning, sustainability and architecture.
In addition to the industries it serves, it is committed to research, partnerships and collaboration, as recently demonstrated by the merger with The London School of Architecture.
As an institution it remains grounded in its Royal Charter and deeply connected to their joint history. With a new name, they look ahead: committed to shaping the future of the built environment.
This is more than a name change; it is a statement of intent. It marks a bold new chapter for the community and network of both organisations. In embracing this new identity, they reaffirm their mission to lead, innovate and inspire across every aspect of the built environment. q
The announcement follows a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the past decade and, as recent ONS statistics show, as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.
Mike Blakeley, executive director of partnerships and apprenticeships at Exeter College, said: “As one of the UK’s largest providers of construction training, we’re proud to work alongside a significant number of passionate employers who are investing in the workforce of the future.
“With the addition of Foundation
Apprenticeships to our offering, these employers are now even better positioned to welcome young people into their organisations. We’re encouraged by the number of businesses already formally pledging their support for this great initiative and look forward to seeing its impact grow.”
Roger Morton, director of business change at the NHBC, commented: “Today’s announcement signals a major and welcome shift in how we train the next generation of skilled workers, particularly in housebuilding, one of the UK’s most critical industries.
“With 120,000 new training opportunities and a £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government is rightly focusing on providing young people with access to high-quality, hands-on routes into skilled work. As the UK’s largest warranty and insurance provider, quality is at the heart of everything we do and we’re pleased to see this reflected in the government’s plan.
“Our £100m investment in 12 new multi-skill apprenticeship training hubs across the UK over the next five years will shake up and help to tackle the housebuilding skills shortage head-on. At capacity, the NHBC training hubs will initially train 3,000 learners a year in the most essential and critically required trades, including bricklaying, carpentry and groundwork. The multi-skill training hubs prepare trainees to be site-ready from day one, trained to the highest industry standard and so ensuring new homes are built to the highest quality.
“In addition to apprenticeships, the NHBC multi-skill training hubs will deliver construction skills bootcamps, providing flexible, fast-track and immersive training for people looking to enter or progress within the housebuilding industry. This blended approach ensures we can support a wide range of learners and employers with high-quality, practical training.
“This is about more than just getting people into jobs. It is also about delivering homes of quality that meet the nation’s needs and expectations.” q
HOME APPROVALS HIT NEW LOW, HBF FINDS
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THE NUMBER OF new home building sites given planning approval in England during Q1 2025 was the lowest since reporting began some 20 years ago, representing less investment in new sites than during the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 lockdowns.
That’s according to the latest Housing Pipeline report from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), based on data from Glenigan.
In total, approval was given for just 45,521 new homes in Q1: the lowest number of quarterly approvals since 2012, a 37% drop on the previous quarter and a 21% drop on Q1 2024. Approval was given for just 2,064 sites in Q1: a 16% drop on the previous quarter.
The rolling annual number of projects approved in the year to Q1 2025 was 9,342 –itself a new record low – and is the 12th quarter in a row that the annual rolling number has been the lowest since the report began recording.
Estimates suggest that we are currently delivering around 200,000 new homes a year, meaning that as we approach the anniversary of the election we are already 100,000 behind the run rate needed to hit the 1.5m target. With housing construction levels flatlining at best and planning permissions for new sites and new homes continuing to fall, the likelihood of imminent increases seems remote.
Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the HBF, said: “The latest planning figures are disastrous for an industry and a government looking to increase housing supply over the coming years. With current supply flatlining and permissions for homes to be built over the next few years plummeting, unless urgent interventions are made, there seems little chance of us building the homes we know are desperately needed.
“Whilst the government’s ambition and the swift action on planning were very welcome,
increasing housing delivery requires much more than good intentions and planning reform.
“Ministers have to address the fact that potential homeowners are unable to buy due to the lack of affordable mortgage lending and the absence for the first time in decades of any government support scheme [for first time buyers]. Similarly, it needs to ensure housing associations are financially able to purchase the affordable homes housebuilders deliver. Without a functioning market for private or affordable homes it is impossible for industry to deliver them.
“Planning permissions and housebuilding levels will not increase unless ministers work with industry and tackle the issues preventing companies from pressing the accelerator and investing in the sites, skills and supply chains needed build the homes the country needs.” q
COUNCIL BULK BUYS HOMES TO CLOSE AFFORDABILITY GAP
[ EALING COUNCIL has completed the purchase of 180 new homes at Berkeley Homes’ Green Quarter development in Southall, to let at genuinely affordable rents to council tenants. The homes, a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom properties, are currently under construction and are expected to be finished and let by early autumn 2026.
The significant investment by the council will accelerate the delivery of affordable homes at the development by over five years, helping tackle the borough’s acute affordable housing crisis. Of the total, 96 of the homes will be let at social rent, with the remaining 84 at London Living Rent. Both rent levels are priced well within the budgets of local people on low incomes. On average, council rents are less than a quarter of their private rental equivalents.
Marcus Blake, the managing director of Berkeley St George, said: “Berkeley Homes is committed to working with Ealing Council to help meet the housing needs of the borough. When completed, The Green Quarter will deliver some 2,600 affordable homes as well as over £170m in financial and non-financial contributions for the bene fit of Southall and the wider area, including new parks, town centr e improvements, community facilities, health centre, sports hall and over £20m in education contributions, as well as a new primary school within the development.”
step to ensure that local people have access to homes they can truly afford. Now, almost 200 local families will be able to start new lives in safe, modern homes by the end of next year. We’re proud to be leading the way in tackling the housing crisis head-on.”
The borough is one of the least affordable places to live in the country and in recent years the council has experienced an unprecedented volume of requests for emergency help with housing from residents. On average, each month it is temporarily housing around 3,000 families, at huge cost, and there are almost 8,000 households on the waiting list for a long-term council home.
The council is pivoting to bulk purchasing homes in response to changing marketing conditions. Recent years have seen an industrywide slowdown in council housebuilding caused by hikes in the cost of labour, materials and interest rates in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis. London-wide, the number of new council homes being built dropped from 2,070 starts in 2022-23 to just 13 in 2023-24.
Council leader Peter Mason said: “This is a bold and necessary
The council has used a combination of funding sources to secure the homes, including a grant from the Greater London Authority’s Affordable Homes Programme 2021-2026 and borrowing. That aligns with the Council Plan 2022–2026, which commits to a long-term homebuilding programme and sets a target of delivering thousands of new genuinely affordable homes across the borough by April 2026.
The council is considering a number of other bulk purchase deals, for homes which would be let as either temporary accommodation or secure council tenancies for local people.
Cllr Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes, said: “This deal shows what’s possible when Ealing Council acts decisively on one of its key priorities and responds quickly to changing market conditions. It’s a fantastic outcome for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents and goes a small way to addressing the housing crisis we are facing in the borough.” q
IT’S JUNE, SO IT’S TIME FOR THE PRIDE IN THE JOB QUALITY AWARDS!
[ ON 20 JUNE the National House Building Council (NHBC) announced the winners of the 2025 Pride in the Job Quality Awards.
Now in its 45th year and widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, Pride in the Job celebrates site managers’ dedication to raising standards in housebuilding, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence.
Housebuilding is a team effort, but the calibre of the site manager has the most influence on the quality of the completed home.
Winning site managers demonstrate incredible dedication, passion, commitment and leadership to produce homes of exceptional quality. The judges look for that spark of magic that turns a good site manager int o a true great.
Judging is rigorous, with assessment across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety.
Thousands of inspections, with meticulous scoring and detailed verifications, have taken place to determine the 450 winners from a field of around 8,200 sites, representing the top 5% of UK site managers.
Commenting on the awards, NHBC’s CEO Steve Wood said: “Congratulations to all the winners. They have demonstrated the dedication, passion and leadership skills necessary to deliver new
homes to exacting construction quality standards.
“Thousands of outstanding site managers have made their mark on the industry in the 45 years Pride in the Job has been running. This continued focus on excellence is vital to support the government’s 1.5 million new homes target and to ensure that all housing is built to the quality owners and occupiers should expect.”
The competition covers England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and is open to businesses of all sizes. There are five categories: small, medium and large builders, plus multi-storey for projects up to seven storeys and high-rise for projects more than seven storeys.
The competition cycle takes place over 18 months with judging beginning in July each year. There are no entry fees or forms: every site manager managing a site registered for NHBC Buildmark is automatically entered.
Quality Award winners are announced in June with Regional Events commencing every September running until the end of November. The Regional Award winners from every region then compete to win the national Supreme Awards in January.
This year’s regional events begin on 5 September in Wales and reach their conclusion with the Northern Ireland and Isle of Man event on 7 November. The Supreme Awards ceremony will take place on 23 January next year in London. q
HOUSING ‘BANK’ AIMS TO DELIVER HOMES ON A GRAND SCALE
[ THE NEW NATIONAL HOUSING BANK, announced by the government on 17 June, will deliver ‘hundreds of thousands of extra homes’ by unlocking billions in private sector investment to turbocharge housebuilding.
A subsidiary of Homes England, the National Housing Bank will be publicly owned and backed by £16bn of financial capacity, on top of £6bn of existing finance to be allocated this Parliament. The aim is to accelerate housebuilding and leverage-in £53bn of additional private investment, creating jobs and delivering over 500,000 new homes.
The new approach will see Homes England, the national housing and regeneration agency, able to issue government guarantees directly and have greater autonomy and flexibility to make the longterm investments that are needed to reform the housing market and deliver strong returns.
With long-term, flexible capital, the National Housing Bank will be able to act as a consistent partner to the private sector, bringing the stability and certainty that housing developers and investors need to make delivery happen. It will also support SMEs with new lending products and enable developers to unlock large, complex sites through infrastructure finance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “We‘re turning the tide on the housing crisis we inherited: whether that’s fixing our broken planning system, investing £39bn to deliver more social and affordable homes, or now creating a National Housing Bank to lever in vital investment.
“This government is delivering reform and investing in Britain’s renewal through our Plan for Change. Our foot is firmly on the accelerator when it comes to making sure a generation is no longer
locked out of homeownership – or ensuring children don’t have to grow up in unsuitable temporary accommodation, and instead have the safe and secure home they deserve.”
The bank will deploy some of the £2.5bn in low-interest loans announced at the Spending Review to support the building of social and affordable homes. It builds on the £39bn investment announced at the Spending Review for a new 10-year Affordable Homes Programme, which is the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation, supporting the government’s Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes.
The bank will help unlock a wide range of sites – including larger ones which struggle to get up-front lending given their risk and complexity – using a mixture of equity investment, loans and guarantees, to leverage global institutional capital into UK housing, reducing risk at the early stages of development.
It will support SME lending by establishing additional lending alliances with private sector partners and leverage-in additional capital and expertise, including providing revolving credit facilities to help SMEs to grow and build out their housing pipeline more quickly
Homes England chair Pat Ritchie said: “Establishing the National Housing Bank, as a part of Homes England, builds on the agency’s expertise at providing a wide range of finance to partners and places to unlock the delivery of new housing and mixed-use schemes.
“The National Housing Bank also responds to calls from the housing sector, mayors and local leaders to increase the scale of available public and private finance for housing and regeneration, provide a broader range of flexible debt, equity and guarantee products, and enable more timely decision making.” q
STANDARD WILL INCLUDE SOLAR, GOVT CONFIRMS
[ WITH THE NEW Future Homes Standard due to be published this autumn, the government confirmed on 6 June that solar panels will be included as the default, leading to their installation on the vast majority of new build homes.
Using a typical existing UK home as an example, a solar installation could save around £530 a year, based on the current energy price cap. That means the new proposals could significantly cut energy bills for the recipients of new build homes, tackling the cost of living for aspirational young families and new house buyers, the government believes.
Mark Wakeford, national chairman of the National Federation of Builders, said: “Solar panels on new homes make sense because they lower bills and progress the clean energy revolution we so desperately need. Credit must also be given for recent announcements on grid investment and connection reforms, as these were important challenges to recognise and solve for a rooftop revolution to happen in practice.”
Under the proposed changes, new homes will also have lowcarbon heating such as heat pumps and high levels of energy efficiency – cutting people’s energy bills and boosting the nation’s energy security.
To deliver those aims, the proposed Future Homes Standard would see building regulations amended to explicitly promote solar for the first time, subject to practical limits with flexibility in place for new homes surrounded by trees or with lots of shade overhead.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Solar panels can save people hundreds of pounds off their energy bills, so it is just common sense for new homes to have them fitted as standard. So many people just don’t understand why this doesn’t already happen. With our plans, it will.
“Today marks a monumental step in unleashing this rooftop revolution as part of our Plan for Change, and means new homeowners will get lower bills with clean home-grown power.”
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said: “The solar industry is very glad to hear that almost all new homes will be fitted with solar power under the Future Homes Standard. Making solar panels a functional requirement of the Building Regulations will cut energy bills, lower carbon emissions, help drive polluting natural gas off the grid and improve our nation’s energy security, too.”
Legislation also came into force in June allowing more homeowners to install a heat pump within one metre of their property’s boundary without having to submit a planning application. With figures from Octopus showing that 34% of those who order a heat pump are discouraged or drop out for reasons attributed to the need to submit a planning application, the change will help families who may have less space outside their home make the upgrade to clean power.
Aadil Qureshi, co-founder and CEO of Heat Geek, said: “Installing a heat pump, particularly alongside solar panels, is an amazing way for homeowners to save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and create a more comfortable home. The simplification of planning rules will help millions of homeowners, particularly in normal family homes in towns and cities, take advantage of this technology.” q
CIOB BACKS COMMITTEE REPORT ON RETROFITTING
[THE UK’S Energy Security and Net Zero Committee says poorly-designed retrofit schemes, a ‘skills crisis’ and costly assurance failures have significantly set back efforts to decarbonise home heating and bring down energy bills, and has pushed the UK’s clean, secure energy targets farther off track.
Responding to the report, Amanda Williams, head of environmental sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “We are pleased to see the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee highlight the on-going issues preventing the retrofitting of UK homes at the scale and pace needed. Households continue to suffer the impacts of high energy costs and drafty homes, which can be detrimental to finances, health, and standards of living, as well as severely hampering the drive to net zero. "CIOB has previously highlighted what the
report refers to as ‘stop-start government support schemes’, which undermines their effectiveness. The Green Homes Grant is one such example, where assumptions were made about the capacity within the industry to deliver the energy efficiency improvements on offer.
“Our sector has well-documented skills and worker shortages, so instead of short-term, ever-changing schemes, long-term policies that provide a steady pipeline of demand for retrofitting must be the way forward.
“This would provide the industry with the assurance to invest in training and upskilling the workforce, which in turn gives households confidence that retrofit works will be delivered by suitably qualified people. This is essential to address the current low levels of consumer confidence, which both CIOB and the Committee have highlighted.
“Gaining trust in the industry to deliver highquality retrofit measures is key to improving the take up of support schemes. We would also urge government to carefully consider the funding of and access to these schemes, as even partpayment towards retrofit work is unaffordable for many when due in one lump sum. CIOB has previously made the case for an interest-free loan scheme to increase uptake, alongside welladvertised and trusted grants, made available over the long-term.
“The scale and complexity of the retrofit challenge is daunting, but to overcome it, it’s vital there is a clear strategy addressing consumer confidence, the provision of advice and access to and the promotion of schemes and funding. It must also cover ways to raise quality and standards through increasing provision for skills, training and accreditation.” q
ON-SITE YOGA RAISES AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH
[ TO CELEBRATE International Day of Yoga on 21 June, housebuilder Pye Homes invited construction workers at its Church Farm development in Radley, Oxfordshire to swap their hard hats for yoga mats and ‘warrior pose’ during a special onsite wellness session highlighting the importance of mental health in construction.
The awareness campaign, demonstrating that wellbeing starts from the ground up, forms part of a long-term commitment by Pye Homes to mental health and wellbeing. The housebuilder runs several initiatives and programmes to create a healthy workplace and living environment for all of its residents and staff.
Last year Pye Homes ramped up their Wellbeing Ambassador programme for their staff, part of which included a regular drop-in 'tea and chat' session in the site office and the customer lounge. Thanks to their parent company Blenheim Palace, Pye Homes has a dedicated Wellbeing Coach and trained psychotherapist, Ruth Chaloner, who is on hand as a resource for all staff regarding mental health concerns and provides mentoring, coaching and training.
Ruth also supports and trains a growing team of Wellbeing Ambassadors, who are on hand to offer advice and reminders about how to reach out for support through the employee assistance programmes.
Damian Read, construction director of Pye Homes, explained: “Mental health is a huge concern in the construction industry, and like many other housebuilders across the sector we’re here to support our workers promoting safety, wellbeing and positive workplace environments.
“Construction can be demanding both physically and mentally, and
that’s why we’re proud to shine a spotlight on mental health and break the stigma by doing something a little different – like this yoga session. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that taking care of our wellbeing is just as important as meeting deadlines, putting up scaffolding or laying bricks. This initiative is part of our wider commitment to creating a culture where support, inclusivity and mental health awareness are at the foundation of everything we do.”
SUPPORT IS THERE, BUT INDUSTRY STILL SUFFERS MENTAL DISTRESS
[ THE NUMBER OF mental health support services available to construction workers has drastically increased, research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) shows.
Data from a new report, Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, revealed that more than three-quarters of workers had been encouraged to get involved in support events like Mental Health Awareness Week in May, and more than half of people surveyed said they had access to a mental health first aider at work if they need help.
Despite the positives, however, there remains an alarming number of people working in the industry struggling with their mental health, including the 28% of survey respondents who revealed they have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year. Nearly one in five (17%) also revealed that they do not have the confidence to approach a colleague they think might be struggling.
Daisie Barnett, policy development manager at CIOB and author of the report, said: “This survey follows a similar report CIOB published in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. We were interested to see how the industry has responded,
particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and the data gives us mixed results.
“We know working in construction is not without its physical and mental challenges, so it is incredibly encouraging to see the increase in support available to the workforce. Fifty-four per cent of people we spoke to told us they have mental health first aiders available at their place of work, up from 35% in 2020, and more than a third said they now have scheduled one-to-one meetings with their managers and 77% have been encouraged to get involved with awareness events.”
Feedback from the session was extremely positive, with one yoga session participant adding: “We’ve had a challenging six weeks, with people struggling with mental health; so a session on positive wellbeing is a great thing we can get involved with.” q at all. While that vision might be slightly unrealistic, CIOB believes there is still far more the industry and government can do to support the people working in the construction sector.
“Clearly, there is more work to do, and our report sets out some excellent starting points for both businesses and the government to consider.
“Firstly, we would like to see more company leaders commit their business to the Mental Health at Work Commitment, which is a simple framework that builds off the Thriving at Work standards.
Worryingly, however, there remains a significant number of people working in the industry living through mental ill-health, including high levels of anxiety, fatigue and thoughts about suicide.
“Looking at the data, nearly one in four people working in the industry have experienced stress daily over the past year,” Daisie Barnett continued.
“Twenty per cent of those we spoke to have experienced daily fatigue – most likely due to long working hours to meet looming deadlines – and more than a quarter have felt suicidal at least once over the past year. In an ideal world, nobody working in the industry would experience any mental wellbeing concerns
“Managers need better training in identifying and managing poor mental health. Even for micro businesses, there are free webinars online to help people better equip themselves with an understanding of mental health issues.”
The report has been backed by Mates in Mind. Its managing director Sam Downie said: “Educating all employees and workers across your supply chain to spot the signs of mental ill-health is crucial. It is through normalising conversations about mental health that we are able to address the stigma that surrounds it, and it is education, and practice of course, that gives people the confidence to start those important conversations.” q
GOVT EXPLAINS CHANGES TO LPW GRANT SCHEME
[ NEW Q&A GUIDANCE is available from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to provide more information on the changes to the Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme that came into effect from 1 April, including the implementation of the new annual cap of £25,000 per listed place of worship. The Q&A can be accessed at listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk/ changes-to-the-Scheme-from-1-April-2025/
The scheme gives grants covering the VAT on repairs of over £1,000 to listed buildings used as places of worship. In addition, one claim can be made in any 12-month period that is less than £1,000 but more than £500.
The government extended the scheme until 31 March 2026, with a budget of £23m. That will continue to enable religious organisations to claim grants covering eligible VAT costs paid towards repairs and renovations.
A new cap has been introduced, limiting the total amount any individual place of worship can claim to £25,000 in the coming year. Places of worship can make more than one claim, but the total of their claims should not exceed £25,000.
Where a place of worship’s VAT costs exceed the cap, they will still be able to claim up to £25,000.
Applicants can now complete and submit their application to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme directly online via the website at listed-places-of-worship-grant. dcms.gov.uk/application-form/
A downloadable version of the application form remains available for applicants who wish to complete and submit in writing, and the Welsh version of the application form can be also be accessed via the website. It is important that potential applicants check their eligibility before submitting an
application. To be eligible for the scheme the place of worship must be listed with the relevant statutory listing agency. Applicants can check their listing by searching the databases at Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw (for Wales) or the Historic Environment Division in the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland).
Listings carried out by local councils are not acceptable within the scheme. Claims will only be considered for repairs to buildings that are listed at the time the work is carried out.
In its explanation of the process, the DCMS says: “If your claim is returned because we cannot identify your listing, it does not necessarily mean that the place of worship is not listed – it may mean that the details recorded at the time of listing differ slightly to those on the application. You should return your application together with paperwork to show your listing with the relevant statutory listing agency.
“Part of our approval process is to check against the statutory records that your building is formally listed; however, if you do not know the listing grade or category you can leave that field blank in your application.” q
20TH-CENTURY ARTHURIAN GEM GETS NEW ROOF
[ THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT REPAIRS in 90 years to the Grade Two*-listed King Arthur’s Great Halls, in Tintagel, have been completed, supported by a £168,000 grant from Historic England.
Further works are needed to remove the Great Halls from the Heritage at Risk Register. The building is open to the public and central to the story of Tintagel’s connection to the Arthurian legend.
Devon-based traditional builders Bramhill completed the reroofing of the front of the Great Halls with slate sourced from nearby Trevillett Quarry, using heritage crafts skills and sustainable building practices. The project began in January, and despite the winter storms that affected the north Cornwall coast, the work progressed smoothly and on schedule.
The repairs have stopped water from getting into the building, preventing further damage to its historically significant interiors, but further works are needed.
Conservation architect Jeremy Chadburn commented: “I am both delighted and relieved that we find ourselves with a watertight main building, thanks to the Historic England grant. The building houses many important paintings, fabrics and artefacts produced for this unique collection, which are now safe from water damage. We can now start to plan the next repairs.”
King Arthur’s Great Halls is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive buildings. It comprises Trevena House, a large Victorian residence, with a purpose-built Great Hall at the rear. The Great Hall was added between 1927 and 1933 for London businessman Frederick Thomas Glasscock, founder of the Fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table. The Great Halls became the headquarters for the Fellowship, a society
dedicated to Arthurian values of honour and chivalry.
The Halls feature 73 stained glass windows by artist Veronica Whall (1887 to 1967), the largest collection of her work anywhere in the world and widely considered among the finest examples of Arts and Crafts stained glass windows. There is also a series of 10 specially commissioned oil paintings by artist William Hatherell (1855 to 1928), telling the story of King Arthur and his Knights.
King Arthur’s Great Halls was first listed at Grade Two in 1987. It was upgraded to Grade Two* in July 2021 in recognition of its outstanding architecture and decoration, placing it among the top 6% of listed buildings in England.
Steve Ruggier of Bramhill Builders said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to work on such a prestigious building and to work with the clients to protect the fabric of the Halls for future generations to enjoy. Working with local slate, we are helping bring the Halls back to their former glory.” q
LOTTERY GRANT SEES NEXT PHASE OF NOTTINGHAM’S PUGIN RESTORATION COMMENCE
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NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL has been awarded a grant of £1.69m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling the delivery phase of its £2.3m Restoring Pugin project. The cathedral is renewing its partnership with Cliveden Conservation to begin the restoration of the three chapels and ambulatories of the cathedral’s east end.
The new phase of work follows the extensive schedule of wall painting trials undertaken by Cliveden Conservation during the previous phase of the project. Once again, a funded traineeship will allow an early career conservator to work alongside Cliveden’s team of specialist wall painting conservators, gaining invaluable heritage skills and practical experience.
A Grade Two*-listed building, Nottingham Cathedral was designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin in 1841. Pugin is widely acknowledged as the father of the Victorian Gothic Revival. Through his architecture, publications and close collaboration with the architect Sir Charles Barry in the design and decoration of the Houses of
COLLABORATIVE HANDBOOK SUPPORTS RETROFITTING
[THE HERITAGE BODIES for the UK nations have published a new handbook to support learners undertaking retrofit qualifications, following their renewed commitment to helping the nation transition to net zero. The publication supports learners working on traditionally constructed buildings, adapting them to tackle climate change. Only 28% of retrofit professionals are confident in existing retrofit training for work on pre-1919 buildings.
The collaboration aims to improve the standard of retrofit training, addressing the critical skills gap in the retrofit workforce. With approximately 6.5 million pre-1919 buildings in England, Scotland and Wales – around 20-30% of all buildings in the UK – it is crucial that historic buildings are part of the solution to fight climate change. The most sustainable building is the one that already exists.
Cadw, Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland have been working together to improve the standard of retrofit training delivery in response to known skills and knowledge gaps in the retrofit workforce.
A particular focus of the work is a qualification that centres on buildings of traditional construction. The Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings plays a key role in disseminating heritage knowledge to the retrofit workforce. It is a requirement for certain retrofit roles under PAS2035 and PAS2038: the industry standards that set out good practice for retrofit interventions –where buildings being treated are of traditional construction.
The new publication is aimed at learners undertaking the Level 3 Award or other retrofit qualifications and is designed to be used as an additional resource to support training delivered by a registered provider. The qualification gives learners an understanding of how older and traditional buildings perform and the suitability of energy efficiency measures for their construction type.
For details of how to download the handbooks for the various nations visit the websites of English Heritage, Cadw or Historic Environment Scotland. q
Parliament, Pugin brought the Christian Middle Ages back to life in all its richness, colour and detail.
At the heart of the Nottingham Cathedral Restoring Pugin project is the restoration of the three chapels and ambulatories at the east end of the cathedral back to Pugin’s original vision and design. Hidden beneath layers of ageing grey paint, expert conservators Cliveden Conservation have found evidence of Pugin’s original decorative scheme, as reported by Cliveden’s Ana Logreira in Issue 102 of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World . From starry ceilings to floral motifs, emblems, texts and foliage, it is a rare and significant find. Recreating the original stencils, and using authentic pigments, the vibrant designs, rich colours and gold leaf will be fully restored.
Alongside the restoration work there are ambitious plans to develop further the cathedral’s profile within the city as a place of welcome for all, enabling new and existing audiences to enjoy and learn more about its unique heritage. Activities will include new information panels, touchscreens, printed materials, audio-visual materials, a virtual reality experience and a wide range of creative activities and innovative events for people to get involved in over the next two years.
In addition, the project will offer a number of opportunities for heritage training and skills development for people of all ages, from school children to older volunteers. They will include the roll out of an innovative video game, Pugin’s Revival, aimed at promoting careers within the heritage sector for young people in schools across the region, including SEND students. The game was developed last year by the cathedral’s project partner Nottingham Trent University Department of Digital Architecture, as part of the development phase of the Restoring Pugin project. Students at local schools, including SEND schools, helped design the game.
The Bishop of Nottingham, Monsignor Patrick McKinney, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, I am delighted that we are going to be able to restore Pugin’s beautiful original design work to the cathedral’s chapels over the coming years. This grant will also enable Nottingham Cathedral to become ever more engaged with the wider population of the city, and especially those most in need – aligning with my vision that churches across the Catholic Diocese of Nottingham become ever more outward facing and engaged locally.
“In restoring Nottingham Cathedral to its former glory it is my ardent desire to attract more and more people of all ages and backgrounds, especially local people, to experience the cathedral as a place of beauty, living faith and peace in the midst of the city and a sign of hope in these difficult times we live in.”
This year marks 175 years since the large Catholic church Pugin designed in Nottingham was elevated to cathedral status. In this significant anniversary year Nottingham Cathedral is deeply grateful to The National Heritage Lottery Fund and to Lottery players for the award of funding which will see the cathedral restored to its former glory
Liz Bates, director for England Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are pleased to support Nottingham Cathedral with funding for their ambitious plans to bring the building’s beautiful historic interiors to life. This project sums up how investing in heritage can bring widespread benefits: important conservation skills will be developed and new opportunities will welcome thousands into the cathedral, helping ensure that this important heritage has a secure future. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we’re able to fund this transformative project.” q
PLANNING BILL NOW INCLUDES EASING OF INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING RULES
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BURDENSOME statutory consultation requirements unique to major infrastructure projects will be scrapped as a result of amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill announced by the government, cutting down the average two-year statutory pre-consultation period by half and paving the way for new roads, railways and windfarms that will bolster the country’s connectivity and energy security.
Developers currently spend significant time and money on long, technical documents resulting in communities feeling fatigued and confused, which is a direct result of overly-complex planning rules that are leaving working people deprived of the things their areas need to thrive. It also disincentivises developers from making improvements to projects for fear of having to re-consult.
Recognising that community voices remain vital, the government will bring the process in line with planning applications for major housing schemes and set out new statutory guidance to promote meaningful local engagement without repeating the flaws. That will allow changes to be made dynamically based on community feedback, reducing delays and potentially saving over £1bn for industry and taxpayers this Parliament.
The planning reforms will also boost the government’s efforts to build 1.5 million homes by making it easier to deliver the roads, reservoirs and energy generation needed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Critical national infrastructure is key to Britain’s future and security – so we can’t afford to have projects held up by tiresome requirements and uncertainty, caused by a system that is not working for communities or developers and holding back our true potential.
“We are strengthening the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make sure we can lead the world again with new roads, railways and energy infrastructure as part of the Plan for Change, whilst ensuring local people still have a say in our journey to get Britain building.”
Alongside statutory guidance for developers on applications, the Planning Inspectorate will maintain high standards for accepting projects – informed by community engagement. Local authorities will also be made aware of proposed applications so that they can continue to play an important role in informing and advising on developments, as well as advocating for local interests.
As a result, local people can still object and share their views, but in a more effective way, with developers given the flexibility to adapt their schemes as needed without restarting the process: reducing delays and costs for projects, including datacentres, reservoirs and solar farms, while ensuring local people’s voices are heard. q
EXPERTS HELP PIN THE BLAME ON ROGUE LANDLORDS
[THE ISSUE OF DISREPAIR and particularly mould in the rented housing sector is continuing to attract the attention of the media. The tragic death of little Awaab Ishak in Rochdale particularly thrust the social housing sector into the spotlight and prompted a swift and drastic response from the then-government.
In a letter to social housing providers Housing Minister Michael Gove said: “The Coroner’s report into Awaab’s death described a catalogue of failures and a housing provider that abdicated its responsibilities to the family and failed to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation.
This was completely unacceptable. This guidance sets out to landlords the existing laws around damp and mould and the penalties for not complying with them.”
In the private rented sector the role of housing disrepair experts has become increasingly prominent. Instructing solicitors handling claims involving damp, mould, structural defects, poor insulation and other unfit living conditions rely heavily on independent expert evidence to assess breaches of statutory obligations and support claims for damages.
RULING CONFIRMS LIABILITY FOR REMEDIATION
[ON 21 MAY the Supreme Court upheld a ruling that developers can recover costs from structural engineers for remediation works it carries out, even when the developments in question have been sold and the developer no longer owns the properties.
According to the court’s report: “The respondent is a property developer who had engaged the appellant as a structural design consultant in connection with multiple high-rise residential developments. In March 2020, the respondent brought a claim in negligence against the appellant in relation to structural design defects it had discovered in the developments. The respondent had discovered the defects after having sold the developments to third parties. It nonetheless performed remedial works to rectify the defects, the cost of which forms the basis of the losses the respondent claims against the appellant.”
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, landlords are legally required to maintain properties to a safe and habitable standard. Despite that, many rented homes fall short. As a result, solicitors acting for tenants need clear, impartial assessments to determine whether a landlord has failed in their duties and whether that failure has had a harmful impact on the tenant.
The developer was BDW Trading, trading under the names Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes and the structural engineer was URS Corporation Ltd, now part of Aecom.
The court’s summary continued: “It was common ground that URS assumed responsibility to BDW under its contracts for professional services and breached the resulting duty of care by providing defective designs.
“In principle, therefore, BDW had a claim in the tort of negligence for its loss (ie the cost of the repairs). However, URS argued that BDW was not entitled to any compensation because BDW carried out the repairs voluntarily, in circumstances where: (i) it had no proprietary interest in the developments; and/or (ii) it had no legal obligation to do so (because all claims against it were timebarred). URS argued that English law recognised a principle of voluntariness which rendered BDW’s loss outside the scope of URS’s duty and/or too remote.”
The Supreme Court rejected the appeal by URS on four grounds, in particular ruling that there was no ‘voluntariness’ because of the risk of injury or death to the homeowners. q
Experts in housing disrepair – typically chartered surveyors, building consultants or environmental health professionals – inspect properties and produce detailed reports. Experts are able to distinguish between issues arising from structural or maintenance failures and those due to tenant behaviour or other factors.
Expert assessments are also invaluable in claims involving third parties, such as managing agents, housing associations or insurers. By identifying the root cause of a defect – be it a structural fault, water ingress or inadequate ventilation – experts help solicitors identify the responsible party and shape legal strategy accordingly. This early clarity minimises the risk of misdirected or speculative claims and helps ensure efficient case progression. q
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