Category Archives: Construction News

Construction, Construction News, News, South East, Sport

Builders merchant helps Winchester City’s under 16s ‘build’ for the future

The Southampton branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted to be the new kit sponsor of Winchester City Football Club’s under 16s team for the 2022/2023 season.

The builders merchant’s sponsorship will help to support the players and their coaches, and new match day and training kits displaying Covers’ logo have been issued to the team.

Winchester City Under 16s is a squad of 15 hardworking and talented boys. Core members of the team began playing together nine years ago as under 7s and have competed in all age groups of the Southampton Tyro League. Last season they won the league and made it to the league cup final.

Russell Vowles, Manager of the Winchester City Under 16s, commented:

“Sponsorship for match day and training kits from local companies is invaluable. Like most clubs, Winchester City is run on an entirely voluntary basis and, therefore, the funds to purchase kits are not available. This fantastically generous sponsorship enables the club to compete and offers the team a uniformed kit, which creates a feeling of belonging, a sense of pride and worth, and contributes to a professional match day and training experience.

“We are so very grateful to Covers for their generosity; the worth of the new kit is immeasurable. We look forward to seeing the boys wear the new kit next season in the City of Southampton League. Thanks Covers for your support.”

Michael Sheath, Depot Manager at Covers Southampton, added:

“Local sports teams give so much to the community, and we are delighted to be making this commitment to Winchester City’s under 16s team – the kits look great. We wish the squad the very best of luck for the season and look forward to hearing about their results.”

Construction, Construction News, Mental Health, News

Mental Health In The Construction Industry: The Silent Crisis

Men are still three times more likely than women to commit suicide. In such a male-dominated industry, it is hard to believe that mental health isn’t more of a talking point for those in construction. 

In fact, the macho facade and toxic hyper-masculinity are preventing a lot of people from even mentioning the words ‘depression’, ‘anxiety’ or ‘stress’. The industry continues to feed a culture of grin and bear it. 

This attempt to keep up appearances is extremely damaging, often reflected on building sites and in the general environment of this industry. Men in construction can become competitive and adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms. With the figures for male suicide sky high, changes need to be made now in order to attack this silent crisis. 

Blakeney Leigh is a team of property and construction consultants who have been delivering high-class building, construction and property services for over three decades. They have been thinking more about the mental health struggle in the work they do and have been identifying some of the major factors. 

A spokesperson for Blakeney Leigh mentioned that “a lot of us in the industry forget that it is made up of pretty hard-hitting roles. We work in all weathers doing very physical jobs and often with strenuous shift patterns.” So with stress one of the leading causes of depression and anxiety – ensuring support is available for people struggling with these conditions is the first step.

“Then you need to remember that this macho culture is probably one of the most significant things impacting the mental health of our colleagues. When people don’t feel as though they can talk about what’s going on – they’re using all their energy to hide real feelings and keep up appearances. It’s a recipe for disaster and burnout.”

If people aren’t making managers, colleagues and even doctors aware of their struggles, these people aren’t going to know that help needs to be implemented. The facade blocks any hint that something could be wrong because they do their jobs well, join in with the social aspects of construction and go home. 

As a result, it is clear that support needs to be implemented without the need for asking for it. Blakeney Leigh has recently discussed actions for the construction industry such as educating workers.

Providing mental health workshops, resources and social events are suggested to open the conversation about mental health and provide the initial point of contact for breaking down this hyper-masculine culture. 

Working with different sectors from education to private and social housing as well as wearing many different hats throughout a project – the whole team at Blakeney Leigh see first-hand the number of people that can benefit from changes like these. It needs to become the topic of more conversations both at home and at work. Only then may those higher up realise the extent and be able to do something to fix or tackle the problem before these workers become another statistic. 

Construction, Construction News, Manufacturing, News

Prayers answered for Munich cathedral recessed covers

Telford-based specialist manufacturers Fabweld Steel Products (FSP) and its German distribution partner Hatiba have won the contract to design and make custom-made recessed covers for a new pedestrianised zone around Munich’s most famous cathedral and landmark.

The Cathedral Church of Our Lady – or Frauenkirche to the locals – is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, with two 100m high towers which are the most recognisable feature of the Munich skyline. Attracting millions of visitors every year, the gothic church is at the centre of a new pedestrianised zone which the City Council hopes will transform the space around Frauenkirche into a special place for locals and tourists to stroll and linger.

FSP’s trusted distributor Hatiba was asked to provide a quote for the bespoke recessed covers for the pedestrianised zone project in Frauenplatz, the area surrounding the cathedral. The specification was for a stainless steel cover which would blend with the floor surface – in this case, granite – but for maintenance purposes the cover had to be easy to lift.

Wayne Carter, managing director at Fabweld Steel said: “As the granite slabs weighed over 100kg, Hatiba recommended that German contractor G&B Bau München used our FAB PAVE S40 product which incorporates mechanical struts to assist in the lifting of the cover. This would reduce the weight of the granite to the equivalent of less than 17kgf, making it suitable for a one-man lift.”

Jörg Ficks, Chairman at Hatiba commented: “We were very pleased to win the contract for the Frauenkirche development, delivering a product which brings together modern engineering and design with a granite infill to blend seamlessly into the historic surrounds.  The competitive price and shorter lead time we offered also helped secure the deal over our German competitor, who had initially been specified for the job.”

To learn more, visit https://www.fsp.co.uk/

Construction, Construction News, News

School cooking up a treat thanks to building contractors

Children at a Mid Wales primary school can now dish up culinary delights in a new food technology room that was fitted out for free by a building firm and its sub-contractors.

Pave Aways has transformed a former staff room at the Montgomery Church in Wales School, which has been certified for use by Powys County Council for food technology lessons.

Quantity surveyor Khalida Besong redesigned the room to create a teaching space for children where they can learn about nutrition and food preparation and try their hand at cooking and baking.

The work was carried out by Pave Aways and a number of sub contractors that have worked on its contracts in Mid Wales including Ian Jones Electrical, SPD Decorators, M Bufton Plumbing & Heating Services Ltd, Alan Ball Flooring and Celt Installations.

As a reward for those involved who gave their services for free, the school hosted a special thank you tea party with children cooking up tasty treats in the food tech room.

Head teacher Anna Griggs said: “The new room has been a fantastic resource already and has been brilliant for well-being. We did a jubilee afternoon tea for parents and the children have loved learning some cooking skills.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped create this room as it will be a huge benefit to the school in the years ahead.”

Pave Aways managing director Steven Owen added: “It has been great to see the use that the school has already had from the new food tech room. We’re committed to supporting the communities where we work and this is exactly the kind of project we love to get involved with where we can make a tangible difference.”

Construction, Construction News, News

Roann Limited celebrates a successful six months with £4.7 million in sales

Roann Limited, the premium granite and quartz worktop supplier, has celebrated reaching a six-month sales total of over £4.7 million – a record-breaking achievement for the Wakefield-based business.

Established in 1990, Roann Limited has secured a number of projects with credible house builders, property developers and construction businesses in recent years, which has contributed to extensive business growth. Key partnerships include Taylor Wimpey, Crest Nicholson, Midgard Construction, and Hill Partnerships.

The company has reported a £975,000 increase on last year’s six-month sales figures and is on track to exceed 2021’s annual sales figures.

The business has experienced substantial progression and now produces over 15,000 worktops per year and this year, Roann is set to complete over 400 projects by the end of 2022.

Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited said: “We are delighted to have experienced such a successful six months here at Roann Limited. We have worked on some very exciting projects across the country, and we look forward to continuing this period of growth. As the demand for our products and service continues, we strive to meet the needs of our clients and stay competitively priced.”

Cardiff, Construction, Construction News, News

Work underway on innovative Wakehurst Place development in Cardiff

Welsh building contractor, J.G. Hale Construction, is well underway on construction of an innovative housing development for Cardiff Council in the St. Mellons area, to deliver high-quality housing utilising a host of eco-friendly and innovative building practices.

Demolition of the site began in December 2021 with building work now in full flow by Neath-based construction firm, J.G. Hale Construction. The projected completion date for the new development is the end of spring 2023.

The scheme is the first of two collaborations between J.G. Hale Construction and Cardiff Council. When completed, it will provide 13 modern, spacious council homes, including a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes.

The dwellings will be a mix of semi-detached and terraced buildings over two and three storeys, with dedicated parking, a communal garden and new access routes.

The development is located on the corner of Wakehurst Place and Crickhowell Road and is within walking distance of local shopping facilities and St. Mellons Community Hub.

The innovative scheme has a requirement to meet or exceed Cardiff Council’s energy efficiency and sustainability standards. This is to be achieved with the adoption of a ‘fabric first’ approach, renewable energy capture, use of natural ventilation and water/electricity saving fittings, alongside a sustainable building management strategy.

The development will also incorporate integrated sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) design. SuDS are designed to manage rainfall and stormwater locally, using rainwater gardens mimicking natural drainage and encouraging its infiltration to reduce negative effects, which in turn improves water quality and enhances the amenity and biodiversity value of the environment. It achieves this by lowering flow rates, increasing water storage capacity and rainwater gardens, therefore, enhancing the environment.

David Harrhy, Managing Director of J.G. Hale Construction, said:

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Cardiff Council on what we hope will be the first of many such schemes. The Wakehurst Place development, when completed, will incorporate many sustainable and innovative materials, technologies and building practices – all aimed at energy and water conservation, which is great for the environment and will also save the occupants money on their bills.

“We fully support Cardiff Council’s energy efficiency and sustainability objectives and are very excited to be collaborating with them. As a company, J.G. Hale Construction is recognised for its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design, quality materials and sustainable building practices, and we are also committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers on every project we work on.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Cardiff Council, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said:

“More high quality, sustainable and affordable new homes are on their way to the city. This development will deliver a number of much-needed, low-carbon homes for people on the housing waiting list in the city. The demand for more council homes in the city is unabated and we are pleased to be working with J.G. Hale Construction to increase our housing stock in St Mellons.”

Construction, Construction News, News, Training, Training & Apprenticeships, Training News

Critical Safety Company Launch New Training Roof for Working at Height

Critical safety experts Reece Safety have introduced a new typical inclined roof structure to their critical training centre to accurately simulate roof working scenarios.

Without the correct safety measures in place, working at height can be hugely dangerous. In fact, accidents from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries1.

The roof safety training adds on to the existing working at height equipment training course run by Reece Safety, which is ideal for those required to make physical use of harnesses and lanyards and to develop techniques for basic personal safety when at height.

“I am thrilled to launch our new roof working training rig and it will be a great solution to our clients needing a practical training course being delivered in safe and conducive conditions. You need a roof to deliver roof worker training that is relevant to the trainee – we now have the perfect environment to deliver a market leading package,” Andy Graham, Managing Director at Reece Safety.

The new training centre in Elland fits into the main warehouse as a partitioned section and forms part of our City & Guilds accredited training centre.

“Adding in our roof working simulation structure now meets the needs of people needing to work safely at height on similar clad roof areas found on industrial and retail units, domestic structures, schools and hospitals,” explained Graham.

The new aspect of the training centre allows Reece Safety to simulate attaching lifelines and temporary anchor points with strops, whilst those undertaking the training are on the roof. Participants will be able to traverse along the full width of the roof, whilst fully connected to either the rails or fixed system, and safely experience the risks of working near the roof edge.

“The roof can be accessed through typical temporary lashed ladders, including the need to attach to a fixed lifeline system or climb safely using common height safety equipment.” Graham adds.

“All training is done indoors in a clean, bright, and dry environment and we have other simulation equipment installed at ground level to easily train in safe anchorage and equipment use. Any roof working scenario, involving the ascent onto and descent off, are covered during the training course.”

You can find the full information on Reece Safety’s new working at roof height safety training centre here.

—

Sources:

1 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf

Construction, Construction News, News, South West

RGB thanks the South West community for generous donations to Ukraine appeal

RGB Building Supplies is thanking those who donated to its appeal for essential items that could be passed on to Ukrainian citizens.

In support of the Builders Merchants Federation’s (BMF) national appeal, RGB received 13 bulk bags of donations. The bags usually hold around 800kg of sand or aggregates.

The donations included thermal clothing, bedding, sleeping bags, torches, first aid kits, toiletries, baby items, household cleaning items and non-perishable food.

All the donated items were delivered to the charity Feed the Hungry by Umberleigh-based RTD, which is part of the RGB Building Supplies group. Feed the Hungry will distribute the donated items to those in need.

Andy Gamble, Managing Director of RGB Building Supplies, commented:

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who generously donated items to the appeal. Some of the people the items will be passed to have lost everything and are in a desperate situation – everything that has been given will be greatly appreciated and will help to change the lives of hundreds of people.”

Construction, Construction News, Denbighshire, News

Construction contract awarded for phase one of the Queen’s Buildings project in Rhyl

Denbighshire County Council has now awarded the contract for phase one of the Queen’s buildings project in Rhyl.

Two new CGI images show plans for the Queen’s buildings, a key catalyst project in the councils wider Rhyl Regeneration programme.

The first phase will see the construction of a new indoor market hall, event space and external landscaped area, along with the refurbishment of the Queens Chambers – the red brick building on Sussex Street.

External Visualisation

Although phase one was already due to have begun, due to birds nesting on the site this will now begin in the summer. Professional teams are closely monitoring the site to discourage further nesting and to ensure that birds already nesting are protected.

The funding for the development has been provided by the Council, the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme and the European Regional Development Fund, and Wynne Construction has been appointed through the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP) framework to construct the building.

Cllr Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation Said: “I am very much looking forward to watching this key development progress.”

“The Queen’s Buildings will bring multiple jobs, and a unique retail offering for Denbighshire residents and visitors from further away.”

“People now use their town centres differently. This project will keep us modern and be a real asset to not just Rhyl but the whole of the County and its local economy.”

Signage has recently been installed around the building to showcase other projects associated with the wider Rhyl Regeneration project including Rhyl High School, Christ the Word, The Rhyl Coastal Defences, SC2, 1891, Greening Rhyl, Rhyl Harbour, Costigans Co Working space and Edward Henry Street.

For the most up to date information about projects involved in the Rhyl regeneration programme, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhyl-regeneration

Charity & CSR, Construction, Construction News, Midlands News, News, South West

Construction firm Stonewood donates surplus phones to help charity protect domestic abuse victims

SURPLUS mobile phones firm will provide a vital lifeline for victims fleeing abusive relationships after they were donated to Splitz Support Service by construction company Stonewood Group.

The award-winning Castle Combe group, which builds new homes and carries out high end renovations on older and listed buildings in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset, was left with a batch of older iPhones that were unable to connect to its internal network after an Apple upgrade.

Office Manager Ju Cuss said she was frustrated because the phones were still in perfect working order. “It was annoying from an environmental point of view that we had these phones that we couldn’t use but a colleague saw that Splitz had put out an appeal on LinkedIn for old phones so we were really happy to be able to donate them,” she said.

The charity is based in Trowbridge but works with adults and children who have suffered domestic abuse and sexual violence all over Wiltshire and is part of a network covering Swindon, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Devon.

Director of Services Emily Denne said the 16 phones are vital for victims who have fled abusive partners, often with nothing but the clothes they are wearing.

“Mobile phones are an absolutely key part of safety planning: by providing a phone, we enable our service users to both have contact with us and additionally, to call for help in an emergency,” she said.

“On occasion, perpetrators of domestic abuse have used smart phones to track their victims, as part of controlling and abusive behaviour. A new phone therefore ensures a victim can have safe contact with us and helps to give them back their independence. I’d like to thank the Stonewood Group for donating mobile phones to help the people we support.”

Jessica Gay, the charity’s head of fundraising, visited Stonewood’s office to tell staff about its support for victims by providing advice for anyone in an abusive relationship, helping them find a safe place to stay and supporting them as they rebuild their lives.

She said: “Over the pandemic our referrals increased by a huge amount and we are supporting thousands of individuals every year. We have been doing a big push on trying to get mobile phones so it was absolutely brilliant that Stonewood came forward.”

Between April 2021 and March 22022 the charity received 3,795 new referrals from people needing support across the Swindon and Wiltshire services, with the average number of referrals currently at 89 per week.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Stonewood for their support,” said Jessica.

“As Emily highlights, a mobile phone is an essential item for everyone we support who is escaping domestic abuse or sexual violence. What many can take for granted, literally can provide a lifeline for another. Having Stonewood’s support is helping us change and save lives.”

Said Ju: “It was really interesting to hear about Splitz and the work it does. It is shocking that it is needed as much as it is so we are really pleased to have been able to help and I’m sure we’ll do more in the future now we’ve made contact.”

Find out more about Splitz Support Service, the help it offers and how to donate to it, at splitz.org. It can be contacted from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 01225 775276. Out of hours contact can also be made with the Wiltshire dedicated domestic abuse helpline on 01225 712 880.