Hard Asset Vendor Team Grows at Henry Howard Finance

UK-Based Procurement Company Saves Interserve £10million

The pioneering procurement software company Market Dojo has saved international support, construction and equipment services company, Interserve, £10 million with the use of its software. Market Dojo provided software which enabled Interserve to run an eAuction on fire and security services alongside Per Angusta, which delivered remarkable results.

With a gross revenue of £3.7billion and a workforce of circa 75,000 worldwide, Interserve is a leader in innovative and sustainable outcomes for its clients and is one of the world’s foremost construction equipment and services companies.

The team at www.MarketDojo.com were approached by Interserve representatives at an international procurement event, here they purchased a single £500 monthly licence with Market Dojo to run an eAuction on Fire and Security Services.

Following their early success with the tool, Market Dojo, alongside 30 other competitive solutions were invited to a major tender to compete in providing an enterprise solution that would be easy to adopt at all levels across the Interserve organisation. Interserve landed on the decision to place their trust in Market Dojo following the tender and a speedy start-up meant that the international company saw near-immediate results from the plan implemented by the MD team, in co-operation with Per Angusta.

Foregoing a traditional “Full-Suite” approach, Interserve instead elected that the team at Market Dojo would take charge of e-Sourcing and category planning, with Per Angusta providing Pipeline and Savings tracking respectively.

As a result, Interserve now has in excess of 80 active users on Market Dojo and has saved over £10 million in the first 18 months since using the procurement software company’s services. Post-implementation, the business has been able to host a variety of Facilities Management tenders, including maintenance, public displays and Health & Safety.

The solutions have negated the need for users to enter information multiple times in more than one place and, due to their intuitive user interface, very few training or skills materials were needed, cutting down on wasted time.

Rob Barlow, procurement systems and process manager for Interserve commented:

“Market Dojo, in collaboration with Per Angusta, has exceeded our expectations, with a strong customer focus, continuous innovation and proactive communication.  We have already seen a number of enhancements to both platforms in line with our needs, completing such projects within a matter of months. We continue to have regular workshops and review sessions and have already seen numerous success stories across the business.”

Nick Drewe, Co-founder for www.MarketDojo.com commented:

“Interserve is such a fantastic business and we were ecstatic the results and return on investment were very evident. It has been great working alongside them. We (alongside Per Angusta) managed to implement a plan that was highly effective with a quick turnaround. We are incredibly proud of the results we have seen and truly think they prove how impactful our service can be.”

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/30/uk-based-procurement-company-saves-interserve-10million/

Construction Connectivity – Getting Back to Basics

The European construction industry is continuing to demonstrate encouraging growth, with Deloitte forecasting that the market is on track to grow at a steady rate of 2.5 per cent a year to 2022. With this continued growth, firms face increasing pressure to deliver against rising demand, but it’s widely recognised that the construction industry has a reputation for often delivering projects later than expected and significantly over-budget. Large scale projects in particular can typically take 20 per cent longer to complete than planned and can be up to 80 per cent over budget – so how can the industry adapt to fulfil these ever-expanding expectations when current efficiency levels often leave a lot to be desired? 

The adoption of new technology and smarter processes can deliver tangible benefits for construction firms, but there remains a fundamental stumbling block for those organisations looking to capitalise on new innovation – a frequent lack of high speed, portable and reliable Internet connectivity. It is therefore imperative that the industry addresses these key issues as a matter of urgency so that firms can gain access to the connectivity they need at new sites from day one. 

The construction site of the future

With rapid advances in technology and the advent of cloud based solutions, the way we work and interact has drastically changed. Technology innovation has led industries to continually strive to be more efficient, productive and cost effective. Yet, when it comes to the world of construction, investment in IT has remained low in comparison to other industries. The market has been hampered by technical challenges relating to projects that can be large, complex and geographically dispersed. Combined with varying proficiency and maturity levels of smaller subcontractors, advancing at scale has been difficult and has subsequently led to the slow progress of the digitisation of the construction industry. 

Despite these challenges, the available technology in construction has advanced rapidly and we are now starting to see examples of how advents in digital technology can deliver efficiency and productivity opportunities at the start of all projects – truly revolutionising the construction sites of the past. Drones, robotics, 3D printing and augmented reality are no longer works of fiction but can be adopted by forward thinking firms looking to capitalise on the benefits that embracing innovation can bring to the construction site.

Connectivity is essential

Connectivity is a necessity for businesses in virtually every industry and construction is no exception. Crucially, this is still one fundamental hurdle that the industry must overcome if it is to create a solid foundation for all new innovation.

Technology that is crucial for the industry to innovate and keep up with demand, cannot function without high speed, portable and reliable internet connection, but gaining access to connectivity can be a challenge for new sites, particularly those that are located in a Green or Brownfield location where there is typically no existing connection. Often, a fixed line is simply not an option and the reliability of 4G is still patchy, even as talk around the possibilities of 5G continue to dominate the headlines.

Conclusion

The construction industry cannot continue to utilise outdated processes and management methods but instead must embrace digital advances and adopt smarter processes and technology to stay competitive. But there is no way that the construction sites of the future will ever become a reality unless the industry can conquer the basics of connectivity.

So, how can construction firms ensure that a strong and stable connection is established quickly at a new site to ensure lack of connectivity does not negatively impact on projects? By working with an ecosystem of experienced and trusted providers who can supply the connectivity and IoT services that sites require. The industry will then be able to continually benefit from the opportunities that the latest advances in innovation present. The potential rewards to firms that capitalise on digitisation will be instantaneous.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/30/construction-connectivity-getting-back-to-basics/

How to Install a Range Hood and Vent

Design Team Appointed to Lead National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

How to deliver true low carbon housing for the planet

Why a career in construction could be the next step for ex-military

Last year, the number of people employed in the British Armed Forces numbered nearly 150,000. Of those, over 80,000 employed in the British Army and over 30,000 in the Royal Navy.

However, over 14,000 people leave the military every year. This has become somewhat of a blessing for the construction industry, as it has created a sea of potential employees. Over 200,000 extra workers are needed before 2020 and ex-military personnel have highly transferrable skillsets and the potential to reach the top of the industry.

Ryan Latham, Senior Marketing Executive for 3B Training, has experienced firsthand how businesses can benefit from hiring ex-military personnel.

“Construction as an industry is growing, but it’s also is experiencing a gap in skills. An excellent way to fill in the hole for personnel with leadership, project management and teamwork skills is to investigate the pool of military leavers available. These transferable attributes are a valuable resource for the construction industry to help bring in skilled young workers.

Other industries appear to ignore Armed Forces leavers as potential employees, so much so that some leave their service history from their CV. Little do they know that they are missing out on a range of positive personality traits such as courage, discipline, selflessness and respect for others”.

Below, we take a closer look at what it’s like working in the military, what motivates members of the Armed Forces and why transitioning to a career in construction is the ideal next step for a leaver.

Why do people leave the military?

To understand why many people choose to leave the service, we’ve examined data from the 2018 UK Regular Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey Results which look at the impact of decisions affecting personnel.

Life in the Armed Forces requires specific demands that aren’t found in civilian jobs. When deployed, military personnel can find themselves away from their families for long periods of time, often in dangerous situations. Yet despite this, we found that the most common reasons for military personnel to seek a new career path are down to more familiar concerns:

• Job satisfaction —  Only 55% of military personnel claimed they were generally satisfied with their job.

• Pay satisfaction — There has been a consistent drop in pay satisfaction since 2010, with only 31% currently admitting to being happy with their salary.

• Life satisfaction — When questioning their happiness and how worthwhile they feel the things they do in life are, at least one in five members of the military rate them as low.

Since 2005, the Royal Marines have also seen a large decrease in the levels of satisfaction with opportunities for professional and personal development. It seems then, that much like civilian jobs, careers in the military are more motivated by personal growth and satisfaction.

This has led to a staggering 42% of military personnel actively searching for a new career outside of the Armed Forces over the past 12 months.

Why choose construction?

The construction industry is currently suffering from a skills shortage, resulting in a need for over 200,000 more workers by 2020. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the lack of skilled workers in the UK is the highest level since 2007, meaning the government’s initiative to build 300,000 new homes each year looks optimistic at best.

Former military personnel have a great opportunity to fill the construction skills gap. There are many sectors in the Armed Forces which provide their personnel with a number of highly transferrable skills, whether that’s engineering, mechanics or electronic.

A number of companies recognise the potential of military leavers and provide specialist training programmes to help them adjust to civilian life and a new career in construction. There are specialist courses available that provide Enhanced Learning Credits to enable lifelong learning to ex-members of the military or those looking to leave. These credits cover 80% of course fees and are available to anyone who has served a minimum of 6 years.

Working in construction allows leavers to put their experience to good use in a number of potential opportunities. The industry is not only in desperate need of construction workers but also manager positions, which is perfect for ex-officers who have experience leading teams and getting results in difficult situations.

What makes ex-military personnel a desirable workforce?

When working in the armed forces, you receive a level of training that simply isn’t available in other career paths. Regardless of their previous role, leavers are all highly disciplined and have fantastic teamwork skills.

• According to the Armed Forces survey results, 82% agree that they have confidence in themselves as a team, plus, 78% believe their team know exactly what their responsibilities are and that their team can be relied upon to help when their job gets difficult. A strong team that can work well together and keep their cool under pressure is exactly what the construction industry needs.

• Many working in the military are proud of the work they do, with 50% of the Royal Marines claiming that their service inspires them to do the best in their job. With the construction industry looking for a dedicated new workforce, finding employees who take pride in their work is crucial.

• Leavers are not just job applicants to the construction industry, they’re assets. Due to their experiences in the Armed Forces, they can pick up skills much faster than most people in civilian professions and can help quickly fill the large skills gap. A team of highly trained, dedicated workers and authoritative, respected managers is the solution the industry has been looking for.

Samantha Gregory, Training Coordinator at 3B Training and former Vehicle Mechanic in the REME, knows firsthand what ex-military can offer the construction industry.

“The work ethic for military leavers is completely different from civilians. It is embedded in us to turn up on time (5 minutes before 5 minutes early) and to just get the job done.

Leavers are great at working under pressure and are taught to work through problems ourselves and come up with practical solutions. They can work with anyone and take instruction well.

Plus, if you’re looking for a manager you’re in the right place, as working in the Armed Forces gives leavers some of the best training in some of the worst environments”.

---

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/25/why-a-career-in-construction-could-be-the-next-step-for-ex-military/

National winners of ‘Most Considerate Site 2019’ revealed

Reporting Minor Incidents to Prevent Future Catastrophe

ANC workshop sets out best practice approach in sound insulation testing

Acoustic professionals shared best practice in sound insulation testing at a workshop organised by the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC).

Almost 100 testers from ANC member companies attended the event, held in Birmingham.

The ANC launched their Approved Document E Registration Scheme in 2003 to provide independent verification of pre-completion sound insulation testing.

Since then the scheme has gone from strength-to-strength, recording over 450,000 tests over the years.

Latest figures reveal a pass rate of 97.4 per cent from approximately 30,000 tests carried out in 2018.

Part of this success stems from the commitment of ANC testers to share experiences gained across the industry.

Dan Saunders, Chairman of the ANC, said: “What makes the difference with the Association’s registration scheme is the fact that it enables the building industry to tap into the expertise of 300 registered testers, all qualified in acoustics, who are able to deliver the Approved Document E testing nationwide.

“This means the testing service comes with reassurance of consultancy advice from member firms, backed up by the know-how of some of the most highly qualified and experienced acoustic experts in the country.

“The workshop provided a very useful opportunity to continue to drive forward best practice and keep the scheme in pole position within the housebuilding sector.

“The number of successful projects and the results achieved to date is testimony to the scheme’s ability to deliver compliance in this important area.

“This is particularly important when you consider these tests come at the end of the construction phase and getting it wrong and then having to address the issue can be a very costly process.”

To find out more about the ANC and search for members registered to carry out pre-completion testing please visit www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/members-search

A video from the workshop can be found at https://youtu.be/e7h71m3jvYE

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/18/anc-workshop-sets-out-best-practice-approach-in-sound-insulation-testing/

Lock Out Tag Out Essentials

The Definitive Guide to Self-Build Structural Warranties

The world of Structural Warranties can be complicated for self-builders. From choosing the right provider to fully understanding what your Structural Warranty does, there is so much to consider. But, understanding exactly what a Structural Warranty is and why you need one, will help you to choose the right cover for your self-build project.  

To help you, the experts at Self-Build Zone have put together a definitive guide to Structural Warranties that covers everything you need to know so that you can make an informed decision. This information should also help make sure that your project is fully covered, should the worst happen.

What is a Structural Warranty?

Simply put, a Structural Warranty is an insurance policy that covers any defects in building work, design or materials used in the construction process. Usually lasting 10-Years. This arrangement ensures that any defects that are discovered in a given time frame within the agreement will be covered if they lie within the builder’s responsibility.

Each policy will be slightly different, so it is always important to read the fine print. Generally, the more expensive the policy, the wider the cover is.

What does a Structural Warranty cover?

Typically, a Structural Warranty is split into two periods. The first period is the defects insurance period. This lasts for the first two years of the policy, which begins when the building receives its certificate of completion. Within these first two years, the developer is responsible for amending any issues that arise from their work or fail to comply with the provider’s standards. Faults of this kind need to be reported as soon as possible.

The second period of cover is the Structural insurance period. During this period, it becomes the responsibility of the Structural Warranty provider to deal directly with valid claims. This 8-year time frame involves defects being reported directly to the provider of the Warranty, and if the defect is valid and you’re covered, the provider is responsible for organising and paying for repairs etc.

Who needs a Self-Build Structural Warranty?

If you’re self-building, it is not required to have a Structural Warranty, but most lenders will need one. Structural Warranties are required for mortgages, so you will struggle to sell a self-built home within the 10-Year period, without taking out a policy.

If you purchase a Warranty and you sell your self-build property within the 10-Year period, the Warranty can be transferred to the new owner, for the remainder of the warranty period.

What is the Structural Warranty process?

Your experience with a Structural Warranty policy will differ depending on the provider. However, the process usually begins with the self-builder applying for the policy by registering with a provider and submitting plans, specifications and any application forms, plus an application fee if applicable. Then, the Structural Warranty provider will review the plans and calculate a quote.

Once the Structural Warranty is issued, documents are signed, and any necessary appraisal meetings have taken place, you will be provided with a technical manual and any other necessary documentation. When the building work begins, the warranty provider will carry out regular site inspections to ensure that the building work complies with their standards. As mentioned earlier, the policy will begin after completion of the build, when a certificate is issued.

How much does a Structural Warranty cost?

The cost of a Structural Warranty varies hugely project by project. It will all depend on the size and type of property, amongst other factors. Your warranty provider will carefully calculate you a quote, once you have filled in all the necessary details.

What are the benefits of a Structural Warranty?

There are many benefits that come with a Structural Warranty. The most obvious one is that a Structural Warranty gives you peace of mind. Of course, the hope is that nothing will go wrong, but a policy in place ensures you are covered should the worst happen, saving you stress and money.

When you purchase a Structural Warranty, the provider will carry out frequent inspections to ensure the building work meets Building Standards. Therefore, obtaining a Structural Warranty will help ensure your building work is of a high standard.

Also, as mentioned earlier, most mortgage lenders will not lend money for a building without a Structural Warranty, so having one in place will help you to sell what you have built more easily. During a self-build project, it can be tempting to try and save money where you can, but a Structural Warranty worth the investment.

Where can you get a Structural Warranty?

Obtaining a quality Structural Warranty is vital for protecting your building work, should you need it. With so many options available, you can get comprehensive cover for your project, no matter the scale. But, knowing all you can about this insurance policy could help things run a little smoother.

Self-Build Zone provides structural warranties for all self-build projects and developments.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/17/the-definitive-guide-to-self-build-structural-warranties/

Cheapest and Most Expensive UK Cities for Aspiring Self-builders

TIMco OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES EXPANDED VETO SECURITY & IRONMONGERY RANGE

Lucideon partnership enables seamless certification service for the construction industry in Brexit times

Kubota unveils the prototype KX019-4 LPG mini excavator at Bauma

How employers in construction can protect their staff’s mental health

The construction industry takes great care in protecting staff from visible risks, ensuring all precautions are taken to maintain the physical wellbeing of its workers.

Despite this, construction is still one of the most dangerous sectors to work in thanks to the big presence of a risk that isn’t visible: employee mental health.

“Safety is one of the biggest concerns in the construction industry,” says Daniel Ure from online PPE retailer Vizwear, “and since one of the biggest risks to workers in construction today is that posed by mental health problems, addressing them needs to be at the top of an employer’s list of priorities.”

“Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around this topic, which causes too many people to keep their issues to themselves. This can lead to disastrous consequences, which is why it’s so important for employers to protect their staff.”

The state of mental health in construction

In the UK, mental health issues lead to over 70 million sick days per year. Whether it’s anxiety, depression or stress, mental health causes more sick days than any other health condition and costs our economy between £70 billion and £100 billion each year.

However, struggles with mental health can have much more serious ramifications. — and in no other industry is that quite so evident as in construction.

Data from the Office of National Statistics found that between 2011 and 2015, the highest number of suicides were found in skilled construction workers. With over 1400 in-work suicides, this sector makes up over 13% of those recorded, despite construction only accounting for 7% of the UK workforce.

Construction News created a survey along with Mind Matters to identify any changes to mental health in construction between 2017-2018. Although 67% of respondents believe awareness has improved over this period, the results show no real improvement to mental health in the industry and that 81% believe there is still a stigma.

Why construction?

While mental health issues can affect anyone, men are particularly vulnerable. 76% of recorded suicides in the UK are committed by men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death in men under 35.

And with men making up 89% of the workforce, this is a particularly problematic issue for the construction industry.

The working lifestyle of a construction worker can take its toll. Workers will often work long, demanding hours and can spend their days away from home for weeks at a time. Without a private, safe space to unwind, all the stresses of work add up and make it difficult to switch off.

The working environment —  where speaking about emotional or mental issues has historically been stigmatized— is also to blame, as the ‘macho’ image of construction workers makes it difficult to talk about mental health.

Thankfully, there are a number of positive initiatives employers can take, as well as registered charities and support groups dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers.

What are the signs?

Unlike physical injuries, mental health issues are difficult to spot and are often kept secret.

Thankfully, there are a few common telltale signs when someone is struggling with their mental health:

• They find it difficult to problem-solve
• They are easily distracted and are less productive than usual
• They lack self-confidence
• They are easily agitated and create conflict amongst co-workers
• They feel easily overwhelmed
• They are increasingly late or absent from work
• They often isolate themselves from others

What can employers do?

The best way for the construction industry to tackle the importance of employee mental health is from the top. Business owners and management need to implement the same safety standards they take towards physical health and safety and use them to safeguard mental health.

There are a number of steps that managers can take to create a positive work environment for their staff so that mental health can be comfortably addressed, rather than hidden away.

1.  Create a supportive culture

The first step for a manager is to evaluate the culture of their workforce to detect any potential pain points for staff. This can range from employee workloads to how staff communicate with each other throughout the business.

By putting their business under a microscope, managers can build a strong, supportive work culture from the ground up. This will help to establish mental wellbeing as a crucial value of the company, meaning open discussions about employee mental health will become the norm.

2.  Educate employees

By making education a priority, employers can help to remove the stigma of mental health and ensure their staff understand the negative impacts that can affect anyone.

This can range from providing easily accessible information for your staff to hiring third-party organisations, such as Mates in Mind, to come in for regular staff training days.

With a team of knowledgable employees, a company will find it easier to combat any dangers and empower their staff to support each other when facing difficulties with their mental health. Improving awareness creates more opportunities to spot early signs of coworkers struggling and creates an overall healthier workplace environment.

3.  Be open and available

Mental health is a private matter to many people, which makes it difficult to speak about openly. Without establishing a clear and open line of communication, it’s much more likely that workers will keep their troubles to themselves.

By letting employees know that they always have someone to talk to, they are much more likely to come out of their shell and identify any health problems like anxiety or depression early enough to put in place counteractive measures.

It can be difficult in construction as employees don’t often have a static working environment, so site managers should take it upon themselves to establish regular catch ups with staff to evaluate their wellbeing.

4.  Be vigilant

Tackling mental health takes a lot more than running a one-off seminar. Many mental health issues take time to be resolved, which means companies need to be aware of their staff’s needs all year round.

By continuing to offer training, guidance and support to their employees, mental health care will be embedded into a companies culture and will become a natural part of its safety protocol – not just ticking a box on a form.

5.  Put a support system in place

Spotting the early signs is important, yet employers also need to ensure they create a safety net for their staff. Companies need to make sure that helpful information is readily available for employees so that anyone struggling with their mental health knows where to turn to receive support through services like counselling and therapy.

Resources

When it comes to protecting your employees’ mental health, there are a number of resources available for extra support.

As of January 2017, the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) established Mates in Mind, its own registered charity whose sole purpose is to raise awareness and provide support for the mental wellbeing of construction workers.

Mates in Mind have a goal to reach 75% of the construction industry by 2025 and offer training courses based on four key elements: Awareness & Education, Guidance & Support, Communication and Research & Development.

If you work in construction and need urgent help or support in regards to your mental health, there are also a number of confidential services and advice lines available:

• Construction Industry Helpline 0345 605 1956 – Provided by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the helpline advises on a range of matters including occupational health and wellbeing, support and advice for people with stress The services can also provide emergency financial aid to the construction community in times of crisis.
• Mind 0300 123 393 – Provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem
• Samaritans 116 123 – Confidential 24-hour support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts

“Despite construction’s reputation for poor mental health, there are actually a lot of support systems in place to help protect the workers,” says Daniel from Vizwear.

“Communication is still the biggest obstacle between employees and management, which is why confidential advice lines are so important. By giving construction workers the opportunity to discuss their mental health in a supportive environment, they can take positive steps without the need to speak publicly.

“If more workers make use of these services, they will feel more comfortable speaking to their employers about their mental health, which is the first step to making real change in the industry.”

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/11/how-employers-in-construction-can-protect-their-staffs-mental-health/

The Future of Liverpool Waters

Liverpool Waters is an ambitious 30-year vision costing in the region of £5.5 billion, aiming to redefine Liverpool’s iconic docklands into a world-class district in its own right. Stretched across 2 million square metres of land, this momentous regeneration scheme has bold plans to completely transform this waterfront into a mixed-use destination complete with high-quality office space and state of the art residential apartments, as well as creating a seamless extension of Liverpool’s city centre.

The Peel Group, awarded Responsible Business of the Year, are spearheading the Liverpool Waters regeneration with a 30-year time slot dedicated to completing the development. Redeveloping a total of 1.2 million square metres of property, 53,000 square metres of hotel and conference facilities, a new cruise liner terminal, plus 15,000 hectares of land and water is by no means an easy feat. Therefore, it is no surprise this project has been coined the largest and most ambitious in the whole of the UK.

Darran Lawless, development director at Liverpool Waters said,

“This really is a landmark time for the Liverpool Waters project. Following a decade of meticulous planning, we are now firmly in the delivery phase of this project, and I am excited to see these plans take shape.

The aim of Liverpool Waters project is an ambitious one, but one that will expand the city centre as well as creating jobs and bringing economic benefits to not only North Liverpool, but the region as a whole.”

There is a multitude of prolific developments that are well underway and progressing at a rapid pace. One of the most significant purposes of this extensive regeneration is not only to transform the city into a mixed-use destination but also offer new employment opportunities, a nicer place to live, and a more innovative place to do business, not to mention the investment prospects that are strong and profitable.

Liverpool has a distinguished and glorified history, and the transformation of the waterfront is no different. The city celebrates its plentiful maritime heritage which stems from its focus as a world trading port. Innovative technologies and an abundance of developments in the Liverpool Waters vision has solidified the city and its trading terminal as one of the best in the world.

Home to a major port, Liverpool Waters aims to sustain a positive future built on a successful past, aspiring to not only cater for professionals and tourists but a whole range of demographics that wish to use the superior facilities and amenities that are scheduled to complete in this pocket of the city.

First class residential accommodation will be a huge part of the new and improved Liverpool Docklands, as a total of five distinct neighbourhoods will join Liverpool’s existing property portfolio. Investing in Liverpool’s waterfront will provide a fruitful opportunity to produce high returns in an in-demand location as well as playing a crucial role in raising the city’s profile as an investment hotspot. Each development created will undoubtedly offer tenants a superior lifestyle, with the perks of living near the bustle of the city centre. If you’re interested in investing in rental properties, then the Liverpool waterfront is the perfect spot for high yields and positive growth. RW Invest, property investment specialists, have investment properties in proximity to this location and offer guidance to help you purchase your first buy to let property.

Liverpool has long been regarded as a vibrant city, attracting tourists from all over the globe to its plethora of attractions., however over recent years, the city has emerged as one of the leading destinations for property investment. High rental yields and strong house growth predictions are great news for both investors concentrating on maximising their income, and the local economy that thrives from increased investment. Liverpool waters is unquestionably setting the bar high for redevelopments of major cities across the UK and is an exciting time that is changing the face of Liverpool.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/10/the-future-of-liverpool-waters/

Some of the most unusual bridges in the world

Stunning glass door hardware wins innovation award

HMRC Cracks Down on Receipt Scam

A recent investigation by the BBC has found there’s a booming “rogue trader” business in selling fake receipts. Tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of these false documents are changing hands in construction right now, costing HMRC thousands and risking serious trouble for people using them.

According to HMRC figures, about £1 goes missing for every £17 paid in UK tax each year. Worse still, they believe that over half the people in construction, transport and hospitality are under-reporting their income in their Self Assessment tax returns. Of those, more than half are under-paying by at least £10,000 a year.

When you claim a tax refund or file a Self Assessment tax return, you’re making sure that you’re only paying the tax that you owe. Not only is HMRC continually making random spot-checks on tax returns and refund claims, but they’ve also got both highly trained people and computer algorithms constantly scanning for and flagging suspicious activity.

The HMRC “Connect” system, used by trained analysts, sifts through vast quantities of information, from many disparate systems to find otherwise invisible patterns, network and relationships that suggest fraudulent or unusual activity.

Knowingly and deliberately submitting false information in your self-assessment or tax refund claim counts as tax fraud and is illegal. If HMRC investigate and identify a false submission before you come clean about it, they will judge that your “deliberate action has been concealed” and that means more than just coughing up the extra tax you owe.

As well as the overdue tax itself, you will have to pay 50-100% of the amount owed in additional fines.

Bradley Post, Manager Director at RIFT Tax Refunds says ‘’If you’re working in the construction trade and have fallen for a scam of this type and want to put things right with HMRC before you get into serious trouble, get in touch with them as soon as possible. There will still be a penalty to pay for having made a “deliberate and concealed error” on a tax return but it may be possible to reduce the fine if you or your tax agent tell HMRC about the error, help them work out how much extra tax is due and give them access to information to enable them to check your figures.’’

Providing false documentation to HMRC can result in a jail sentence, under Tax Evasion Laws. Depending on the severity of the case you could receive a summary conviction or via a magistrates court. The maximum UK penalty is a fine for up to £20,000 or a six months prison sentence.

About Rift Tax Refunds

Rift Tax Refunds is one of the UK’s leading tax refunds specialists, helping UK employees in the Construction industry successfully claim back the tax they are owed from HMRC.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/04/04/hmrc-cracks-down-on-receipt-scam/

TIMco TO SHOWCASE LATEST ADDITIONS TO PRODUCT PORTFOLIO AT NMBS SHOW

Adare Manor takes top prize in architectural ironmongery awards

How an Efficient Building Envelope Saves Energy

Energy efficiency measures for buildings often focus on equipment upgrades and automatic controls. However, the building envelope design also has a significant impact on energy performance. Even if heating and cooling systems use the most efficient equipment in the market, deficient insulation and air leaks will increase energy expenses.

An efficient HVAC design minimises the cost per BTU of heating or cooling, but the loads served are determined by building conditions. At the same time, automatic controls ensure that the available HVAC capacity is used efficiently; when the full heating or cooling capacity is not needed, operating at maximum output is a waste of energy.

Specifying a High-Performance Building Envelope

To enhance energy efficiency, the building envelope must minimise heat transfer in both directions. Consider that summer heat gain is added to the air conditioning load, while winter heat loss is added to the space heating load. Thus, a high-performance building envelope achieves HVAC savings all year long.

Heat transfer across the building envelope can occur by conduction through walls, fenestration and other building elements. Air leaks also transfer heat, due to the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air. The following are some effective strategies to improve the energy efficiency of a building envelope:

• Increasing the R-value of the building envelope with insulation.
• Using energy efficient windows with triple-pane glass and low-emissivity coating.
• Ensuring airtightness, to minimise heat loss and heat gain from air leaks.

Deficient insulation and air leaks are invisible, but they can be detected with thermal imaging, and insulation performance can be modeled based on the properties of construction materials. Air leaks in particular can be detected with pressurization tests, which use a blower door and smoke infiltration to pinpoint their locations.

In new building projects, insulation can be improved drastically with innovative products such as insulated concrete forms (ICF), which serve as formwork during construction while increasing the R-value of finished concrete elements.

Window orientation can have a significant impact on air conditioning loads. While windows allow natural lighting, they also cause glare and solar heating if their locations are not planned carefully. In the northern hemisphere, the southern face of a building gets the most sunshine throughout the year, while the northern face gets the least. North-facing windows do not cause significant glare and solar heating, but windows with other orientations may require shading or outdoor vegetation.

Envelope Enhancements in New Buildings and Renovations

An efficient building envelope design is highly recommended in new constructions and major renovations. Deploying a new envelope for an existing building is expensive and disruptive, since walls and facade elements must be modified. However, a renovation is an excellent change for an envelope upgrade, since the building will be altered anyway. In the case of new constructions, a high-performance envelope can be specified from the design phase.

An efficient envelope design can also lower the upfront cost of HVAC equipment in new constructions and renovations. Since heating and cooling loads are reduced, the corresponding equipment can be specified with a smaller capacity. This reduces all ownership costs associated with HVAC installations: the initial purchase, operation and maintenance.

High-performance windows can be deployed easily in a new project, since there are no existing windows to replace. On the other hand, a window upgrade in an existing building can be challenging: window frames are not normally designed for triple-pane glass, and must be replaced completely. Scheduling a window upgrade along with a major renovation is strongly recommended, since two disruptive projects are combined in one.

Fixing Issues in Existing Building Envelopes

As mentioned above, an envelope upgrade is more challenging in an existing building due to the disruptive nature of the project. However, there are ways to improve the thermal performance without taking apart building elements.

Storm windows are a lower cost alternative to triple-pane windows, if a property owner prefers not to disrupt the existing envelope. Storm windows are installed on top of the existing ones, creating an air gap that reduces heat transfer. Although triple-pane glass offers better insulation, this project does not require the removal of existing building elements. As a complementary project, air leaks can be fixed with special foams that are sprayed in place.

Property owners who are planning an HVAC upgrade should consider a building envelope assessment. If insulation and airtightness issues are fixed first, the new HVAC equipment can have both a higher efficiency and a reduced workload.

Michael Tobias, PE, LEED AP, CEM.

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of New York Engineers, an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of 30+ mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City; and has led over 1,000 projects in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/29/how-an-efficient-building-envelope-saves-energy/

Aarsleff Ground Engineering latest member to join ASUC

Caddick Construction lays foundations for building a healthy and happy workforce – thanks to hero partnership

B&K restarts stalled Leeds hotel project

Union demands direct employment on HS2

Chemical giant to invest £500m in two new plants

Chemical giant INEOS has unveiled plans to build a £350m steam and power plant at its Grangemouth site in Scotland.

Tobias Hannemann, CEO O&P UK said: “This investment forms part of our wider plans to secure a bright future for manufacturing at Grangemouth and will continue its renaissance as a world class petrochemicals site.”

INEOS will also invest £150m in Hull to construct a new Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) plant.

VAM is a key component in a wide range of important high-end products including laminated windscreens, toughened glass, adhesives, coatings, films, textiles and carbon fibre.

Graham Beesley CEO of INEOS Oxide said: “This is an exciting time for INEOS and great news for manufacturing in the region.

“We are proud to be bringing production of this important material back to the UK. This will not only strengthen UK manufacturing but boost exports from the UK to Europe and the rest of the world.”

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/18/chemical-giant-to-invest-500m-in-two-new-plants/

MPs demand review of working at height dangers

Why Every House Should Have a Toolbox

A few generations ago, the toolbox was a staple in the home. Your Mum, Dad, Gran and Grandad all know how to fix the odd problem around the house, but do you?

More recently, there has been a crisis in DIY. Millennials, on the whole, don’t have the time, don’t know how or plain just don’t want to do it, with things as simple as bleeding a radiator or changing a lightbulb being out of the question for many.

Is it time we turned things around? Here’s why and how you should go about bringing the toolbox back into your home.

DIY?
Outside of avoiding feeling a tad embarrassed when having to admit you don’t know how to rewire a plug, there are numerous reasons that it’s worth learning a few tricks of the trade.

• Save serious money: The cost of external labour is significant. Often the simplest of tasks come with an initial ‘callout fee’ with an additional charge. Learning basic DIY tasks, especially when it comes to remodelling or moving into a new home, could easily be worth thousands in savings.
• You’re the boss: You know what you want and how you want it done, so who better to do the work than you? You are the only one who can recreate the picture in your head, and it saves the trouble of paying for something you didn’t quite ask for.
• Learn the craft: Whether it’s online tutorials or taking a few courses, learning DIY can give you valuable life skills that not only save you money, but give you a sense of achievement as well.
• The best results?: Following on from being your own boss, there’s no reason to say you won’t do a better job on your home than a local tradesmen. After all, you can devote more time to a job, plus you have a vested interest in the final product being as good as it can be.

What Should I Have in There?

If the above has done enough to persuade you to get involved, then you need to know what a basic home toolbox should have:

• Electric drill: The handiest of all power tools. Go cordless for sake of ease, but make sure you get a good battery to power it.
• Hacksaw: For cutting wood, plastic and metal.
• Screwdriver set: A set of multi-headed screwdrivers is an absolute essential.
• Claw hammer: For banging in new nails and removing old crooked ones.
• Pliers: A versatile tool that can clamp and cut.
• Adjustable wrench: For tightening nuts and bolts.
• Tape measure: An obvious must for any measuring needs.
• Spirit level: Avoid wonky photos, shelving and wall fitted appliances.
• Utility knife: Multi-purpose for all sorts of little jobs.
• Flashlight: So you can see what you’re doing.
• Safety gear: Safety goggles and work gloves should be a basic requirement.

Now you’ve got some good reasons to do it and a basic list to get you started, you can join the DIY revival.

Don’t be afraid to start small and grow to bigger and brighter things. Before you know it, you will be completing projects to be proud of, and you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket to enjoy as well.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/13/why-every-house-should-have-a-toolbox/

Nottingham Forest unveil stadium revamp plans

Paragon Interiors goes into administration

Fit out and refurbishment specialist Paragon Interiors Group Plc has recently gone into administration.

The Midlands based contractor is in the hands of administrators from Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery.

The joint administrators are now seeking offers for the business in order to preserve jobs and maximise the return to creditors.

It is understood that the company employs in excess of 90 people.

Paragon Interiors is not related to Interserve company Paragon which continues to trade well.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/11/paragon-interiors-goes-into-administration/

GPD Decline Hitting UK Construction

According to recent figures, the UK economy’s been grinding its gears hard lately – and now it’s actually slipped into reverse. The Office for National Statistics is reporting that growth in Gross Domestic Product (the value of all the country’s goods and services produced) shrank 0.4% in a month. In fact the 2018 figures show that growth in the UK economy has now hit its lowest point since 2012. With an uncertain Brexit just weeks away and a skills shortfall crisis to contend with, these are uncomfortable numbers for the British construction industry.

Overall, ONS figures for the building trade show:

• Total construction output went town by 0.3% in the last 3 months of 2018, after having risen by 2.1% for the quarter before. The drop was mostly down to maintenance and repair output, which fell 2.8%.
• The maintenance and repair drop came down to decreases of 4% in figures for private housing output and 2.9% in non-housing.
• The blow was cushioned a bit by a 1.1% rise in overall new work. You can thank rises of 1.9% in infrastructure and 1.4% in private commercial work for that.
• The latest monthly figures dropped badly, with December’s all-work series falling 2.8% compared to November. That’s the biggest one-month drop since  June 2012’s 4.3% plummet.
• Looking back to 2017’s numbers, we’re seeing growth of 0.7% in construction over the last year. Again, that’s the lowest year-on-year growth rate since 2012, when output dropped by 6.9%.

Needless to say, these aren’t great numbers – and there are likely to be some knock-on effects for the industry to deal with. A general unease over awarding new projects would be pretty understandable, for one thing.

A nervous atmosphere in the industry is exactly the kind of breeding ground that leads to stalled or abandoned projects – particularly when there’s the fear of rising costs to factor in.

Work opportunities tend to dwindle down, and the looming threat of layoffs feeds into a broader perception of construction as a field weak on opportunity and prospects. With an ageing workforce and a skills shortfall, people are just leaving the industry and not coming back.

Construction thrives on innovation, and is learning fast how to pull in talent from other fields. The other side to that, obviously, is that people with transferable skills will simply transfer themselves back out when the going gets too uneven.

Putting it all in perspective, if you’re working in the building trade it’s a challenging time. At RIFT, we see more and more of our construction customers struggling over finding new jobs and making the most of existing ones.

It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax – and claiming back what you’re owed from HMRC. That takes expertise that few people have – and it’s the reason RIFT are the UK’s leading tax specialists. From welders to window fitters, when it comes to handling tax refunds in construction, you’re better off with RIFT.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/08/gpd-decline-hitting-uk-construction/

Let’s Get More Women Into Engineering – an International Women’s Day plea from training provider DTL

Attracting more women into construction and engineering must become a higher priority for government and employers, urges Develop Training Ltd (DTL).

The training company says redressing the gender imbalance is not just desirable from an ideological viewpoint but also a means of helping to tackle the chronic skills shortage afflicting the industry. Two thirds of employers say a shortage of engineers is a threat to their business.

DTL, whose customers include household names in the utilities and energy sectors, highlighted the issue to coincide with International Women’s Day on Friday March 8.

This year, International Women’s Day kicks off a year-long campaign with the theme #BalanceForBetter. Organisers say: “Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, a gender-balance of employees… Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.”

John Kerr, DTL’s Director of Education & Training, said: “The industries we serve are among the most male-dominated in the country. Only nine per cent of the UK’s engineering workforce is female, and we have the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe.”

He said the challenges included improving the way construction and engineering were portrayed in schools, encouraging girls and young women to study engineering-related subjects and changing perceptions of working in the industry.

“In many ways, the obstacles to bringing more women into the sector are the same as we face in attracting young people,” said Mr Kerr. “The industry offers well-paid, secure and skilled work with great career prospects, but it still encounters prejudiced ideas of dirty manual labour. There are a number of excellent initiatives to attract women into engineering and construction, and some great role models, and we hope that broader changes in society will also play a part in breaking down barriers. We support International Women’s Day and the Balance For Better campaign in their efforts to make a difference.”

One female role model is DTL’s own Nicola Smith, who swapped life as a stockbroker to become an engineer.

Nicola has been a Lecturer in Smart Meter installation with DTL since February 2017, passing on the skills and knowledge she developed during her time as a hands-on installer to others. Having started work as a cashier for a building society, she

quickly progressed in the financial services sector, eventually becoming a stockbroker based in London’s Canary Wharf, but she had a nagging feeling that she wanted to do something else.

At age 19, she applied for a mechanics course, but the man she spoke to about it put her off. Years later, when an apprenticeship at British Gas came up, she grabbed the opportunity.

“At that time British Gas were one of the few companies offering to pay people while they learned,” Nicola recalls. “Fortunately, many more companies offer apprenticeships today.”

Nicola said she was completely accepted by her team-mates, but she had to challenge public perceptions that engineers were men. “Customers would say to me ‘but when will the engineer be here?’ and I’d have to explain that I was the engineer,” she says.

Nicola hopes that at DTL, she can play a part in encouraging women into engineering: “I’m a massive advocate of encouraging more women into the industry.  I really want to encourage women to see it as a career choice. There’s genuinely nothing a man can do that we can’t. With practice, you become just as capable as your male colleagues. I really can’t shout loudly enough about it.”

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/07/lets-get-more-women-into-engineering-an-international-womens-day-plea-from-training-provider-dtl/

Ways the UK construction industry is adapting

The last few years have been difficult for many industries, but for the construction industry, it’s been particularly trying. Since the 2016 referendum, ongoing uncertainty within the sector has meant construction businesses have had to deal with the world’s hesitation to tie themselves into a British project of any kind.

Brexit isn’t the only challenge facing the construction industry. The effects of an aging workforce, the growing demand for more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction methods, and the introduction of many new technologies has meant that the sector must adapt rapidly.

2019’s challenges

Let’s look in more detail at these ongoing challenges for the industry this year. From profitability to sustainability, economic, social and political factors all play a part in the success of firms within this industry. Here is a selection of the major problems that the construction industry is fighting against in 2019:

Retirement and skill shortages

Last year saw the worst recorded level of skill shortages within the construction industry, and it’s only set to continue. From bricklayers, carpenters and plumbers, to electricians and plasterers; the scarcity of employees is reportedly across the board. An aging workforce means more retirement, which means the gap needs to be filled with new workers. But with less than one in 10 young people considering a job in construction, the sector needs to do more to entice the next generation of employee.

After all, the sector isn’t looking particularly appealing to foreign workers anymore, thanks to Brexit. In fact, a third of EU construction workers are said to be considering leaving the UK, further widening the skills shortage for the sector. On top of this, while skill shortage is a large enough issue, it is also having another detrimental effect on the industry — cost. Due to the lack of skilled tradespeople, wages are rising for jobs within the sector, which, along with a rise in material cost, is impacting on profitability for building companies.

Leaving the EU (and everything that comes with it)

The problem of uncertainty is rife when it comes to Brexit. While there is speculation regarding how the construction sector will fare after 29 March 2019 — the official leaving date — negotiations are ongoing, and we don’t yet know how taxes, imports and labour between the UK and EU will pan out.

But it’s not just labourers from the European Union that the sector stands to lose out on. According to government data, around 60% of imported building materials come from the EU. Combine this with a potential negative change in VAT and tax, and a loss of access to the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund — major investors in construction SMEs — and we could see higher product prices and less capital for the construction sector. 

Worrying for the world

There’s also pressure on the construction sector to adapt to greener methods too. According to the World Economic Forum, the construction industry can account for up to 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. With a global drive to crackdown on carbon emissions, any sector that doesn’t assist with this initiative could run the risk of incurring sanctions and fines — another potential hit that could affect the construction industry’s profitability.

New technology

The construction industry also needs to keep up with all the latest technological advances in order to stay relevant on a global scale. From robotics to BIM — building information modelling — there’s a wave of new technologies and gadgets available to help make construction more efficient and profitable. However, this is only possible if building firms of all sizes are willing to get on board with a new way of working.

Ways the sector can adapt

The problem of labour shortages

First, the industry must address the matter of its workforce. The Chartered Institute of Building claims that the construction sector will need to secure 157,000 new recruits by 2021 if it wants to keep up with demand. One method of enhancing the construction workforce is perhaps to encourage more apprenticeships in the industry — and positively, apprenticeship starts are at a record high in the UK construction industry at the moment. 

With skilled workers from the EU no longer as readily available, the sector needs to work on homegrown talent. If the industry wants to prosper down the line, it will need to keep encouraging young workers to take on apprenticeship programmes as soon as possible, whether this is via positive workplace initiatives, bonuses or a closer relationship with schools.

Imports  

It’s impossible to predict the full impact of Brexit right now. However, it’s clear that material costs and the ease of employing the labour of EU nationals are the sector’s greatest concerns. To keep material costs down, building companies must keep a detailed inventory of what they have and what they need. Replacing can be more costly than simply repairing and vice versa, while not ‘shopping around’ for the best local prices can mean bargains are missed. Although we may not see a significant increase in charges and tax for EU imports, it may be worth sourcing UK- and none EU-based alternatives now to ease the pressure in 2019.

Keeping it green

Going green isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. The government is determined to lower carbon emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. So, the construction industry needs to be active in reducing its contribution to emissions if it wants to avoid potential financial penalties.

Highlighting the need to recycle in the sector will certainly help. Furthermore, many construction vehicles and equipment, such as work platforms, come with eco-friendlier hybrid motors or can be powered by batteries, while utilising solar energy panels, non-toxic paint, locally-grown timber, and low-energy lightbulbs during the construction process will all contribute to a greener industry.

Continuing to bring in new technology

The construction industry also needs to stay ahead of the technology game. Construction software that eases communication between different teams on a single building project is growing in use and popularity across the sector, as are BIM and augmented reality technologies which help project managers spot potentially costly issues before the physical construction. Similarly, robotic machines are helping ease the pressure of a lack of low-level workers while making potentially hazardous jobs easier to complete, and advances in materials — such as self-healing and permeable concrete solutions — are solving longstanding problems, like cracked building foundations.

There are many benefits to this. For example, it’s possible that construction companies can help protect themselves from using inefficient, labour-intensive and environmentally-unfriendly methods by learning about new technologies and bringing them into their workspaces.

The construction sector is certainly in the midst of a difficult time.  However, a bright future is not unattainable. By adopting eco-friendly processes, being responsive to new technology, having a plan in place for Brexit, and encouraging apprentices to come on board, the sector can thrive in 2019 and beyond.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/07/ways-the-uk-construction-industry-is-adapting/

Wood for Good Marketing Summit to put health and wellbeing into practice

Gold card approval from CSCS for Past Graduates of TSA Surveying Course

Climbing up the building career ladder

This week is National Careers Week – an opportunity for people (young and old) up and down the country to give some thought to their future career and increase their understanding of how they can land their dream job.

Building surveying as a career choice would appear to be relatively Brexit-proof. A recent survey of industry salaries by Building magazine and the recruitment firm, Hays, found that as a result of skills shortages, salaries in building surveying are rising more rapidly than inflation. Specifically, the survey showed that the average salary for a senior surveyor is £46,125 – 3.5% above the national average increase, and for an associate building surveyor, £54,583 (3.4% above).

Data compiled in relation to the survey also demonstrated a wealth of career opportunities in the sector, highlighting the case of engineer Mott MacDonald, which has more than 800 vacancies (80%-90% of them UK based) across its 6,500-strong EU business.

Trident Building Consultancy – one of Property Week’s 50 Best Places to Work in 2018 – values graduate recruitment, staff development and career progression highly. Trident is keen to invest in its graduates, paying for training and RICS fees during the APC process, and is also happy to accommodate those who wish to work part time. Here, some of our employees share their experiences:

Case study: Usmaan Mehboob is currently completing his APC in Trident’s Leeds office

I moved to Trident from a large national firm and into the role of assistant building surveyor. My previous role was assisting on a project for a national housing association and I soon realised that I needed to gain wider experience in order to achieve my APC.

When I arrived at Trident, they knew my experience was limited, so they sent a more experienced colleague with me at first to make sure I knew what I was doing. They showed me the ropes on the first day, then leave me to it. Over the past twelve months, I’ve developed both the understanding and confidence to carry out a range of services on my own.

As a practising Muslim, I pray five times a day and Trident has been so good in making this possible – providing a space for me in the office and acknowledging my faith in a positive way.

Case study: Associate Director Vicky Green has moved swiftly up the career ladder and is exceling at the forefront of property technology

I did a degree in Building Surveying, which included an industry placement, and then joined a national surveying firm. Once I’d completed by APC, I was made a senior surveyor and I joined Trident in 2015. My role also has a strong emphasis on all things PropTech: I have been tasked with expanding our use of technology to provide an enhanced service to the consultancy’s expanding client base.

Over the past few years I’ve been really pleased to introduce new systems to the company, improving the efficiency and the quality of building surveying, and also our other service lines. The deployment of these simple yet powerful tools means that Trident can provide a level of independence to clients; our clients can now manipulate their own data and create reports that are actually useful, ensuring that the most accurate results are given, which has resulted in an increase in repeat business.

In addition to product development, I’ve taken on the challenge of speaking at conferences, chairing events and contributing to RICS guidance notes. I’ve also enjoyed supporting and mentoring new graduates at the company – making sure that competent junior staff excel, regardless of who they are.

Case study: Muhammad Hamzah completed a unique accelerated degree from the University of Salford and is now an Assistant Building Surveyor at Trident.

When I first applied to study at Salford, it was for a standard three-year degree, but as soon as the Accelerated Degree programme was offered, I had to take it up.

The idea that you could gain the same amount of knowledge in less time was really appealing to me. In my eyes, I was still being given the opportunity to learn such valuable information, with the bonus of moving into the industry quicker. I’m very lucky that it’s worked out exactly that way for me, as I moved straight into a job from university.

I think people misunderstand the structure of your year when you’re on the Accelerated Degree Programme, as you do get time off. It’s not the four months off like other students have, instead we have several weeks off at certain points of the year such as Christmas and Easter. We also get a summer break, around two or three weeks. All-in-all the two years aren’t as intense as people may think.

I’m now a graduate building surveyor at Trident and I’m loving it. About a month ago I started my training to become a Chartered Building Surveyor. This will take me two years and will broaden my career prospects.

If you’re interested in joining Trident Building Consultancy visit www.tridentbc.com and contact recruitment@tridentbc.com

Trevor Dowd, Executive Director, Trident Building Consultancy

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/03/05/climbing-up-the-building-career-ladder/

New product manager joins the ARRONE brand at HOPPE

Austrian summer school shares pioneering approach at Futurebuild

IronmongeryDirect listed in Top 350 internet retailers

National Apprenticeship Week sees firms still slow to train next generation

Campaign to tackle plastics and packaging in construction launched

Survey reveals shocking use of plastics and packaging in construction

18 February 2019: The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched its industry-wide campaign ‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ to raise awareness and showcase best practice in how the construction industry can reduce, reuse and recycle plastics and packaging.

The launch of the campaign – which features on the industry’s Best Practice Hub – comes in response to startling findings from a Scheme survey of over 900 people working within the UK and Irish construction industries.

The survey discovered that although over 95% of respondents said the industry needs to be doing something to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging, over half of respondents (51%) have little understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding plastics and packaging, and only 44% know how to recycle different plastic and packaging materials.

The survey also revealed that:

• 98% said the over-consumption of plastics and packaging is a global issue.
• 92% believe plastics and packaging are extremely dangerous to the environment.
• 81% said the construction industry is not doing enough to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging.
• 31% said they frequently use plastics and packaging that cannot be reused or recycled.

With the construction industry being the second largest consumer of plastics in the UK, it is imperative that the construction industry reconsiders the way it consumes and disposes of plastics and packaging to protect the environment and all life.

The Scheme is calling on all construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects to drastically reduce their consumption of plastics and packaging. Not only does this offer significant improvements for the environment and society as a whole, it also makes commercial business sense, with many organisations reporting significant cost savings achieved.

‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ provides a suite of resources to help the industry to address this issue. It includes a range practical case studies and guidance from contractors, clients and service suppliers including: AMA Waste Management; Aztec; Balfour Beatty; Crossrail; Environment Agency; Griffiths; Knight Build; Protec; Right Waste Right Place; Mace; Morgan Sindall; Multiplex; Skanska; Sir Robert McAlpine; Wates and Ward.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Edward Hardy said: “As construction is the second largest consumer of plastic in the UK, our industry has one of the greatest responsibilities to society, and to the environment, to ensure that we are working tirelessly to improve our standards in minimising waste from plastics.

“The Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ campaign provides resources, practical support and guidance helping everyone to take effective measures to tackle this issue. While considerable progress is being made – with over 76% of Scheme-registered construction sites setting targets to reduce, reuse and recycle waste – it is clear that a concerted effort to raise further awareness, and to provide the necessary support, is needed to achieve this drastic reduction in waste from plastics and packaging.”

‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ follows a number of hugely successful industry campaigns which the Scheme hosts on the Best Practice Hub. In 2018, the Scheme launched the ‘Spotlight on…air pollution’ and ‘Spotlight on…the next generation’ with follow-on e-learning courses in each topic. These campaigns have received over 48,000 views to date, with over 50,000 courses being taken.

Click here to access the ‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ campaign.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/28/campaign-to-tackle-plastics-and-packaging-in-construction-launched/

Recycling Buildings: 10 Building Materials That Can Be Reused After Demolition

Tips to Improve Construction Site Safety

DTL wins apprenticeship contract with South Staffs Water

Utilities specialist Develop Training Limited (DTL) has won a contract to deliver an apprenticeship in water mains laying for South Staffs Water.

DTL, an approved provider under the apprenticeship levy scheme, is now putting nine apprentices through the 13-month programme, including hands-on learning at its newly-opened mains-laying facility.

Daryll Garavan, DTL’s Delivery Manager for the water industry, said: “Having this new facility is ideal. There is plenty of space for several candidates to work on it at once instead of having to wait their turn, and the practice area includes numerous water mains connections that people can hone their skills on.”

DTL opened the new water mains training area last year at its Derby training centre, one of seven across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The candidates, mostly from the Tipton and Walsall area, are made up of five South Staffs Water employees and four new recruits from OnSite Specialist Maintenance, which like South Staffs Water is also part of the South Staffordshire plc group. They are expected to complete the course, “Network Construction Operations Water Mains Laying”, in January next year (2020).

The course is a 50-50 mix of classroom and practical training, combining an introductory NVQ in the subject with a more in-depth technical certificate. The apprentices will video record their practical work in e-portfolios to demonstrate they have achieved the necessary hands-on skills.

www.developtraining.co.uk

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/25/dtl-wins-apprenticeship-contract-with-south-staffs-water/

The Benefits of a Mezzanine Floor for your Business

Have you ever been at your place of work, looked around, listened to the multiple sounds and observed the varying activities in the workplace and wondered how to create a degree of separation, how to maximise productivity and employee satisfaction?

Well, perhaps a mezzanine floor could be the answer to your problems. In order to entertain the possibility you will need an area with around 5 metres head height and you can begin to look into the idea of a mezzanine floor.

Firstly, let’s take a minute to explain just what a mezzanine floor actually is. A mezzanine floor sits in-between the principal floors of a building and is therefore, not counted among the overall number of floors of the building itself, mezzanines usually have low floors and protrude rather like a balcony.

From a purely financial point of view, mezzanine floors are great as they usually avoid the need for time-consuming planning permission applications and in addition to this as the mezzanine floor is freestanding and can be dismounted and relocated (another advantage) it is exempt from business rates, making mezzanine floors a great way to expand without adding to the rates bill. Another financial benefit of the mezzanine floor option is that they are inexpensive to install. You could be looking at as little as £75 per square metre.

If you have reached that awkward stage in your business, like so many do, when you need extra space but cannot justify the costs associated with relocation or more significant expansion, then a mezzanine floor could be just the ticket. You can create extra space, more workstations and allow for more separation of distinct tasks to increase contentment in the workplace and productivity. You may even prevent the sort of accidents that lead to damaged equipment or injuries. In any workplace the ideal scenario involves distinct work spaces for distinct job types. Having noisy production related jobs share a space with office work can lead to stress, arguments and reduced productivity. Having a mezzanine floor affords the opportunity to create more office space and allow for some quiet places on the premises.

Mezzanine flooring benefits from being very robust and allows for great weight per square metre ratios which means heavy and bulky equipment or inventory can be stored. There are also a tremendous variety of purpose-built mezzanine racking systems which can truly transform your mezzanine floor into a storage heaven. This can have a knock on benefit on your cost-effectiveness when ordering expendables as you can benefit from bulk discounts as you are able to store more. Mezzanine floors are not only removable as mentioned, but highly open to customization, allowing for a flexibility of space that is hard to come by in traditional extensions. This means that you can modify your mezzanine in months and years to come and even look into expansion or simply change things around as your needs evolve. Mezzanine floors are, as you have seen an excellent, adaptable, cost-saving expansion option that can really help your business to grow without excessive investment.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/23/the-benefits-of-a-mezzanine-floor-for-your-business/

TIMco EXPANDS WAREHOUSE TO MEET INCREASING CUSTOMER DEMAND

Tips on Hiring a Scissor Lift

As with any hire of equipment, there are many little details that can make all the difference in making your experience the best one possible.

Scissor lifts are suited to situations where a straight vertical lift is desired. You will definitely benefit from a scissor lift over, say, a ladder in a wide range of situations. Speedy, cost-effective and safe, scissor lifts add an extra dimension to many jobs. There are a wide range of models on the market with specific features that may or may not enhance your experience.

Desired Features

Narrower units – these can be particularly useful when working in confined spaces.

4 x 4 units – when jobs require work on uneven and hazardous terrain, a 4 x 4 scissor lift will be a lifesaver.

Units with non-marking tyres – when working indoors on floors that will show marks, non-marking tyres are an absolute must.

Alternative Power Choices – The choice of which power source will run your scissor lift is arguably the most important one. Often you may be confronted with a lack of choice when it comes to choosing between diesel-powered, electric, petrol and duel fuel scissor lifts according to what is and is not in stock. However, there are some key environmentally determined factors that could mean that you really need one or another power source. If working indoors, diesel will likely be prohibited and an electric model is by far the best choice – as it is in low emission areas. And yet there are many situations when diesel is preferred. If you have a lot of other diesel equipment on site (which is likely) it is far more convenient to fill it up at the same time. Diesel engines also usually outlast petrol engines and are actually better suited to the sort of work cycle that scissor lifts demands, as well as being up to 15-20% more efficient on rough terrain.

Anti-slip – Any scissor lift worth its salt will be fitted with a safe, slip-resistant platform and extensions. In addition it is worth double checking that the model has joystick drive and steering controls for easy manoeuvrability.

Check equipment standards and condition

As in any business it pays to inspect condition and check for the compliance of the model with health and safety guidance before signing on the dotted line. There is no worse feeling than having work come to a standstill because of faulty or inadequate equipment. A little prior research can save you a BIG headache in the long run. It is also highly advisable to check with your insurance company that your liability insurance covers staff while operating the equipment.

Finally, make sure that when you have chosen and hired your scissor lift that it is left in the hands of someone that is correctly trained in how to assemble, move, inspect, maintain and use the lift to mitigate against accidents in the workplace. Keep all this in mind and your hire experience will be a good one.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/21/tips-on-hiring-a-scissor-lift/

CHARLEY’S SKETCH

EM Training Cold Stress Infographic Intro

When working in a cold environment or outdoors in cold weather, you are at risk of developing cold-related illnesses and injuries. Cold-related hazards can be extremely dangerous and can even cause death or permanent damage. This infographic created by EM Training Solutions Ltd features some key facts about cold stress and how to avoid it.

Who is at risk of Cold Stress?

Workers in the construction, agriculture, maritime and commercial fishing industries are most at risk of developing cold stress due to working in extreme weather conditions. However, cold stress isn’t exclusive to outdoor workers; it can also be a risk for those that work in cold warehouses, cold storage or those without adequate heating within their building.

Other individual factors that contribute to higher risk for cold stress include:

• Not being physically fit
• Having an underlying illness or condition
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Working in wet or damp conditions
• Exposed to vibration from tools
• Working without proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Not assimilated to the cold

 Cold Stress Stats and Figures

Public Health England’s 2014 Cold Weather Plan notes that extreme cold weather has a direct effect on the incidence of heart attack, stroke, respiratory disease, flu, falls and injuries and hypothermia.

 When the outdoor temperature drops below 5-8°C respiratory and cardiovascular health problems can occur, as the temperature continues to drop the risk of death and illness increases. A total of 168,000 cold-related deaths were recorded in the UK over the last 5 years, and the UK also has the second worst rate of ‘winter deaths’ in Europe.

Take a look at the facts and tips below on how you can safely protect yourself from cold-related illness when working outdoors.

Info graphic

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/21/em-training-cold-stress-infographic-intro/

Saracen Interiors on site with major fit-out for Global Technology Company, Carl Zeiss

Saracen Interiors is now reaching the end of a substantial fit-out project for Global Technology company Carl Zeiss.

The interiors company is transforming c. 43,000 sq. ft. of office space plus undertaking a range of external works at a site in Cambridgeshire to create a world-class lean manufacturing facility, including a clean room, where Carl Zeiss will make electron microscopes for sale and distribution worldwide.

The fit-out of Building 1030 at Cambourne Business Park covers three floors, and the complexity and specialised nature of the work has just been documented in a new video available to view at https://www.saraceninteriors.com/blog/5583/

Clive Longden, Saracen’s Site Manager, said: “It’s a complex project with some significant challenges, but working closely with our client, the team has successfully met these challenges, and we are now on track for completion and handover on time.”

Saracen won the project in a competitive tender against strong competition, further cementing the groups presence in the industry.

The team is managing a full fit-out of office space on floors one and two, as well as installing all-new kitchens and breakout areas. The first floor also includes a technical area for research and development that has required particularly careful design.

But the toughest challenges have been on the ground floor where building a clean room for the production of the electron microscopes threw up significant mechanical and electrical hurdles as well as issues of coordination that the Saracen team has had to overcome. As well as the advanced M and E work, the project has required the installation of a range of specialised equipment, including cranes. Saracen has also installed an external goods lift as part of the project scope of works.

The project came about as a result of significant local business growth together with increased global demand for the products and services of the two Cambridge based subsidiaries of the Global Carl Zeiss group.

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd and Carl Zeiss Ltd, wanted to combine operations and move from their two current premises in Cambridge, to a single facility and as a result have signed a long-term lease at Cambourne Business Park

Saracen is managing the project so that staff will be able to easily transfer into the newly-revamped premises and to provide Carl Zeiss with room for further future expansion.

www.saraceninteriors.com

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/19/saracen-interiors-on-site-with-major-fit-out-for-global-technology-company-carl-zeiss/

What can a Gen Z apprentice bring to your business?

So, who exactly are Gen Z? You’ll be forgiven for thinking that young people these days are Millenials. This common term seems to be thrown around whenever people are describing, or complaining, about the youth of today.

In fact, Millenials were born between 1981 and 1994, meaning they are currently 22-37 years of age. This makes Gen Z, those born after 1995, the workforce of tomorrow, so it’s important you know who they are and what drives them.

yeet

We’ve put together a list of Gen Z behaviour to help you understand how they can support your business as an apprentice, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t know whos finstagram is lit or what on earth ‘yeet’ means.

Tech savvy

Whereas Millenials grew up in the digital age, Gen Z were born into it. What was a learning curve of new technology for their parents has become second nature to them.

It might be tempting to bellyache about them being glued to their smartphones, but what this has resulted in is a whole generation who can easily wrap their heads around new technology.

For industries that are heavily rooted in computing or digital technologies, this allows apprentices to integrate into their role effortlessly. Just make sure you have quick WiFi!

Masters of multitasking

When kids have grown up using Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram (sometimes at the same time), is it any surprise that they are skilled at multitasking?

Whether they are posting, commenting or swiping, Gen Z have adapted to using multiple platforms simultaneously. This ingrained skill is adaptable to almost any work environment, meaning you’ll have no trouble putting this to good use.

Short attention span

Gen Z are constantly absorbing information, often at the blink of an eye. Spending their youth surrounded by apps such as Snapchat and Vine has made receiving constant updates the norm, which has ultimately stunted their attention spans.

Although your office meetings are unlikely to last less than ten seconds, this doesn’t mean they won’t take anything in. As they’re accustomed to receiving a barrage of updates, Gen Z have a knack for processing information faster than other generations and are highly adaptable to change.

So, whereas Brian from Accounting may not like the new operating system, a Gen Z apprentice will learn it inside out.

Entrepreneurial thinking

Gen Z have grown up in a world of innovation, full of developing technology and connected to every corner of the globe. They’ve seen what’s possible and want a piece of the action for themselves.

This has resulted in a generation of young adults who are starting their careers with an entrepreneurial head on their shoulders. They are full of ideas – use them before someone else does!

What this all means for your business

Whether it’s drones on construction sites, virtual reality in healthcare or artificial intelligence in business management, technology is constantly evolving and is always finding new footholes across industries. By employing a team that are used to innovation, you’ll be ensuring that your business can keep up with modern changes.

Gen Z have an advantage over older generations, simply due to how they have been raised in the digital age. By being familiar with technology, expert multitaskers and full of fresh ideas they are in a great position to become an asset to your business. Plus, as they are quick at absorbing new information, they are ideal candidates for training courses to help them develop further.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/18/what-can-a-gen-z-apprentice-bring-to-your-business/

Big firms set to feel the pain of the levy warns apprenticeship provider

Big firms will feel the pain of the Apprenticeship Levy this spring when the first wave of levy payments will be wiped from their accounts unless they have invested them in training apprentices.

Apprenticeship provider Develop Training Limited (DTL), whose customers include household names in construction and the utilities, says the deadline should focus attention on making the controversial initiative work.

Companies with payrolls above £3 million have been paying into the scheme since its launch in April 2017 and continue to do so monthly. They can get the money back if they invest it in apprenticeship programmes with approved providers such as DTL, but there is a two-year deadline.

That means in April this year, levy payments dating back to the start of the scheme will go to the Treasury, and funds will continue to be funnelled away each month on the second anniversary of when they were paid in. So, for example, the levy payments that companies made in September 2017 will no longer be available to invest in apprenticeship programmes from September 2019.

The levy was supposed to encourage firms to invest in apprenticeships but confusion and concerns about costs meant the scheme initially had the opposite effect.

DTL hosted an Industry Skills Forum in late 2017 for leading figures in HR in construction and the utilities that highlighted wildly varying views on the levy, from companies that were embracing it to train new and existing employees to those who saw it as a tax.

Since then the government has tweaked the scheme significantly, reducing the amount of levy payments and allowing smaller companies to use levy money to help other organisations finance their own apprenticeship training, typically those in the big companies’ supply chains.

Now, despite wider political and economic uncertainty, DTL hopes 2019 could still be the year that kick starts the faltering programme. The training company has campaigned vociferously for businesses and government to invest in training in the construction and utility sectors to address the massive skills shortage faced by the industry.

Whether by using levy-funded apprenticeships or by investing directly in learning and development, DTL is urging companies heading for the looming levy deadline to meet the challenge and ensure Britain has the workforce it needs to keep the country’s infrastructure and building projects running into the future.

www.developtraining.co.uk

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/15/big-firms-set-to-feel-the-pain-of-the-levy-warns-apprenticeship-provider/

Is Print Still Valued in Our Digital World?

In our digital age it’s not uncommon to find marketing campaigns swamped with digital methods. This includes a most sectors, including construction. But the question is… does print marketing have its place or is it really its way out? Let’s explore the subject some more with this insightful discussion piece produced by UK event signage company, Where The Trade Buys.

Marketing strategies swamped with digital solutions

Many campaigns today are lost without digital. With more consumers than ever before spending time on the internet, businesses would be foolish not to get involved with online marketing.

Search engine marketing is one area of advertising that companies are becoming more involved with. As the name suggests, this side of digital marketing focuses on driving a business’ site to the top of the search results around relevant target phrases — from corporate keywords like ‘event signage’ to more fashion-focused targets like ‘dresses’. As a result, this can increase brand exposure and site traffic while improving sales figures.

Social media marketing is another area of business activity that wasn’t popular a few years back. From paid adverts to viral campaigns, the digital world has opened up many doors for small and medium companies in particular — exposing themselves to an audience that may not have known they existed and in turn, generating mass interest.

The digital world has made room for businesses to begin analysing their audience, allowing them to gain a greater insight to their general behaviour and spending patterns. From tracking analytics, whether this is across social media platforms or the main website, marketing managers are able to identify key areas of interest and create campaigns around this to drive sales.

There are many methods businesses can follow to hook an online audience and stay ahead of their competitors. Through a combination of search engine and social media marketing, many brands are beginning to run competitions and deals that are only exclusive to an online following. These low-cost campaigns will benefit from extensive reach.

Print is still a credible marketing method… fact!

Although more businesses are beginning to take their focuses online, they shouldn’t neglect the power of print and the opportunities that can come off the back of it. Print very much has a place in modern advertising as it can offer a personal touch unlike no other and generally has a longer life cycle which is always beneficial for the exposure of your brand. Take printed leaflets for example, once they have been posted through the door, whoever picks them up will have to acknowledge your materials!

As well as door-to-door print advertising, business merchandise has not taken a backseat since the sprout in popularity of online promotions. Brand image has never been more important for businesses and shouldn’t be ignored — as a result, more companies are making investments in personalised products that represent what they stand for. Whether this is to help them externally, with the likes of outdoor banners, or internally for your office with the likes of customised calendars.

Although printed goods can often be higher in price, they can drive exceptional ROI to your campaign and create a memorable experience for the receiver which should be a core focus for your print campaign. This can be achieved through eye-catching designs and a choice of luxury materials which will lead to a meaningful engagement.

Where print meets digital: the way forward?

Although online and offline advertising are two entirely separate entities, they can work well together, and some brands are already utilising such methods.

Take QR codes for example, more businesses are trying to audiences in the real world to their online solutions. As QR codes are unique and can entice people to be more inquisitive, they can drive immense traffic to online campaigns when printed on banners. Through this method of advertising, marketing departments can track success and gather data on users when they’re interacting with the code. With the data collected from campaigns like this, businesses can record contact information (such as email addresses) if users decide they want to opt-in.

When looking closer to news publications, many of them still offer printed versions of their product — blurring the line between print and digital. With an understanding of the influence they have online, they’ve been able to merge two channels together and to distribute stories to a wider audience.  

Near field communication is another area that should be further looked into when it comes to the relationship between online and offline platforms. Essentially, near field communication is a type of technology that has the ability to connect two smart devices — often with the help of a print medium. For example, a section of a poster can be tapped with a mobile phone which will then take the user to the ecommerce site for a specific product.

Digital giants are employing print marketing

Online hospitality marketplace, Airbnb has made huge waves in the way that we now book our holidays. Predominantly a digital business with its own website and downloadable app, the company decided to launch its own magazine for registered hosts (those who advertise their property) which is around 18,000 people. This magazine included personal stories of hosts and their accommodation, encouraging interaction with the digital business through print. Although the magazine production has been put on hold since, it’s a good example of how an online business can promote its services elsewhere.

Remember those iconic Coca Cola bottles that had labels with your name on? The printed labels for the Share A Coke campaign allowed the drink manufacturer to become more personal with its customers and as a result, buyers then shared their bottles on social media which made it an integrated campaign.

As we can see, digital and print both play huge parts in the marketing of a business. But often, they can be most successful when they’re brought together.

from The UK Construction Blog http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk/2019/02/14/is-print-still-valued-in-our-digital-world/