Category Archives: Construction News

Construction, Construction News, Education, News, North Wales

Wrexham University announces New Tender opportunity for design and construction of the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre

The Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre project has announced a new £8.35 million tender opportunity to design and construct the new centre that will support manufacturing businesses in the region to decarbonise.

The Wrexham Glyndŵr University project now invites businesses to submit bids to design and construct the new building at the Plas Coch site, including the installation of a hydrogen application facility and renewable energy photovoltaic panels.

The project aims to support manufacturing businesses in the region to decarbonise by exploring the integrated use of optics, photonics and composites as alternative, lighter-weight solutions across all manufacturing specialisms.

When operational, businesses can use the facilities to test materials within a controlled environment, providing more efficient products and systems requiring less energy, which will minimise costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, the project will create local job and training opportunities and attract investment.

 

Hedd Vaughan-Evans, Head of Operations at Ambition North Wales, is delighted to see the progress of the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre project. “There is no doubt the project will drive product development in low carbon technologies, critical to the future success of regional businesses. We’re eager that businesses in the region have the skills and capacity to respond to decarbonisation opportunities in the manufacturing sector.”

“As with all Growth Deal investments, the project seeks tender applications demonstrating social value for the region and how they will help achieve our biodiversity and emission reduction targets. So we’re looking for businesses that will create value for North Wales and positively impact the entire region”.

 

Aulay Mackenzie, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, has reiterated how he hopes local businesses will take up this opportunity.

“Building on existing expertise and strategic links within the University, the new Centre and provision of cutting-edge equipment will enable expansion of our research capacity to support local manufacturing businesses of all types to meet the pressing need to become more efficient and reduce carbon emissions.’’

 

Businesses interested in tendering for this opportunity can download the full tender pack by visiting Sell2Wales at the link here.

Construction aims to start in February 2024, with an estimated opening in 2025.

For further information contact enterprise@glyndwr.ac.uk

 

Image: artist’s impression of the EEOC building

Construction, Construction News, News

Roann Limited appointed to supply quartz worktops to Barratt Homes

Roann Limited, a Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, has been appointed to provide luxury kitchen worktops for the nation’s leading housebuilder, as part of an optional upgrade.

This comes as David Wilson Homes, part of the renowned brand Barratt Homes, released the upgrade options on its Penning Ridge, Sheffield-based newbuild houses.

Roann Limited is supplying the homes with Cosentino Silestone White Storm and Marengo 30mm for all the kitchen worktops.

The dedicated high-rise residential and housebuilder worktop suppliers and installers fit over 15,000 worktops each year and hold over 30 years’ experience.

Simone Roberts, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes, says “We are excited to be working with Roann for our beautiful development, across our division at Barratt DWH Sheffield. The quality of the workmanship and service levels so far have been incredible. Thank you again.”

Scott Wharton, Operations Director at Roann Limited, adds “We’re thrilled to be working with David Wilson Homes again! Our collaboration across projects is fast expanding and we’re delighted to have been appointed for this project.”

For more information on Roann Limited and its products, visit its website: www.roann.co.uk

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Construction, Construction News, News

New acquisition for Premier Forest Products as it continues its expansion

Leading UK timber importer Premier Forest Products has announced its latest acquisition with the purchase of Decorpanel, a highly successful, specialised panel processing business.

Based in Tyne and Wear, Decorpanel was established in 1998 by owners Ian Ling and Anthony Hopps. The business operates on a four-acre site comprising 76,000ft² of warehouse and factory space, and employing 63 staff.

Premier plans to invest in new machinery at the site to further improve productivity and capacity.  This will meet growing demand and service customers quickly and efficiently, enabling a fast turnaround of orders.

 

Terry Edgell, Co-founder and CEO of Premier Forest Products, said: “Decorpanel constitutes an excellent fit for Premier. It signifies further geographic expansion for us into the north of England, while simultaneously enhancing our processing and machining capability and capacity to meet growing customer demand.

“This acquisition is great news for our customers who will benefit from our shared expertise, and greater product range.

“We start 2023 full of ambitious growth plans and the purchase of Decorpanel stands us in good stead to reach our targets for the year.”

 

Ian Ling said: “This is great news for Decorpanel customers who will be able to access Premier’s broad portfolio of timber products. Their well-established infrastructure and network will also give us access to nationwide delivery services.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the team from Premier and are excited to see what the future holds for the business.”

 

Acuity Law provided legal counsel, Gambit Corporate Finance supported the Premier team with the deal process and structure, while Kilsby Williams accountants provided financial due diligence.

Premier Forest Group is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its 13 sites in the UK.

 

Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Turf cutting marks start on site for new eco Tri Station in Tyne and Wear

Work has commenced on a sustainable tri-service station which will become home to officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.

The new station, which will be built by North of England contractor Esh Construction, is set to be the first of its kind in the country to be carbon neutral.

A breaking ground ceremony officially marked the start on site for the emergency services hub which is set to drive forward blue light services’ commitments to minimise carbon footprint.

The hub is located on a vacant site between Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road in Hebburn and is expected to be operational by Spring 2024. It will include staff accommodation and appliance bays for emergency vehicles, as well as a free-standing training building. Externally, the site will feature charging ports, with a view to all three services having a fleet of electric vehicles.

Modern sustainable technologies will be utilised throughout the hub, including solar photo voltaic roof panels, ground source heat pumps and a rainwater harvesting and re-use system. A wildflower meadow will feature among the landscaping of the grounds to help promote local biodiversity.

Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Esh Group, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the breaking ground ceremony and to experience how significant this development is for the local area. As we all work towards a carbon neutral future, this is a pioneering scheme which can lead the way for sustainable blue light buildings.

“At Esh we pride ourselves on creating a legacy in the communities surrounding our construction sites. As such, we will harness the benefits of our strong regional presence to deliver a wealth of social value initiatives which includes re-investing more than 65% of the project spend within Tyne and Wear by procuring local labour and supply.”

Esh Construction will engage with local schools to deliver employability workshops, arrange presentations to promote safety around a live construction site, and provide volunteers and donations to support worthy causes throughout the project

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was a proud moment to play my part in the beginning stages of Hebburn Tri Station’s community journey. This is an important building for not only the residents of Hebburn and Jarrow but also the wider regions of Tyne and Wear.

“The building represents the unification of blue light colleagues being based under the one roof, and it also shows our commitment towards promoting the values of carbon neutral facilities.

“This is a very significant project for the Fire Authority as the new Tri Station is being funded as part of its Capital Programme scheme showing crucial investment for emergency service provisions that will be beneficial for generations to come.”

Procured via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), Esh will work in partnership with TWFRS, Sunderland City Council’s Capital Projects Team, Desco and Todd Milburn to deliver the scheme.

Appointments, Construction, Construction News

Timber group continues to grow team

Premier Forest Products, one of the UK’s leading timber groups has made a key new appointment in Wales as it continues to expand its product range.

Shaun Griffiths has been appointed as Premier Forest’s newest business development manager to support the expanding business and ensure that customer service remains at the core of its ongoing strategy.

Shaun’s wealth of experience will help the business continue to grow and develop its bespoke product offering as well as supporting new business opportunities.

Shaun has worked in the timber industry for 35 years, previously working for James Latham and Timbmet, specialising in manufacturing, cladding, decking and fire treatment and coatings.

In his new role, Shaun will be the first point of contact for customers seeking hardwoods, manufactured goods and cladding in particular, helping to develop new products and consolidate relationships with new suppliers.

 

On his appointment, Shaun said: “I was planning to relocate to West Wales with my family and when I spoke to the team at Premier, I knew that was where I wanted to be as they were so enthusiastic and the role sounded perfect for me.

“They have a clear strategy and being part of their next stage of development into hardwood and cladding offerings is very exciting. I love working in the timber trade, having started work in a joinery shop when I was 15 it’s all I know, and I’m looking forward to this new venture.”

 

Joe Walker, Managing Director at Premier Forest Products, said: “I am delighted to welcome Shaun to Premier. He brings with him a wealth of experience and will be a great addition to our ever-growing team and aid the development of our new product offering.

“At Premier it is of paramount importance that we employ people with not just expertise but enthusiasm in the sector, so that we can continually improve on the service we provide to our customers.”

 

Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its twelve sites in the UK.

 

Construction, Construction News, News, Property

Homes by Esh seeks to grow supply chain with Meet the Developer event

Subcontractors are invited to meet the Homes by Esh team and learn about future work opportunities.

North of England housebuilder, Homes by Esh, is hosting a Meet the Developer event in Darlington to give local subcontractors the opportunity to join its supply chain.

The event will be held at Blackwell Grange Hotel on 31 January and subcontractors can attend any time from 15:30 until final registrations at 18:00.

Homes by Esh’s commercial, construction, customer care, design and technical teams will be on hand to ‘meet and greet’ attendees and discuss future work opportunities linked with upcoming developments.

Malcolm Stewart, construction director at Homes by Esh said: “We are passionate about investing in a local supply chain and are keen to build long-term relationships that all parties can rely on to ensure mutual success. We have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline and local subcontractors are a vital part of ensuring we can deliver for our customers.”

Subcontractors from the following traders are encouraged to attend; roads and sewers, groundworks, bricklaying, roofing, window and door installation, scaffolding, joinery, decorating, plumbing, ceramic tiling, drylining, electrical, appliance suppliers, garage door installation, mastic, cleaning, landscaping, fencing and kitchen and wardrobe installation.

Homes by Esh is a private housebuilder and part of Esh Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property services group. The firm prides itself on customer service and its range of quality homes that incorporate modern innovations in housing technology and design.

It is free to attend, but spaces are limited so a reservation should be made through the Eventbrite booking system. Book your place now: https://lnkd.in/eMq4QrSX

Appointments, Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Leeds College of Building Appoints New Assistant Principal

Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education.

Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy.

Speaking of his appointment, Chris said:

“I am thrilled to start in this post at Leeds College of Building. I’m passionate about how education can raise prospects and know that gaining a sought-after trade or profession while attaining maths, English, and digital skills can be life changing. Studying part-time or following a vocational higher-education pathway like a degree apprenticeship is a hands-on and economical route that ultimately leads to the same successful career destination as traditional academic routes.”

Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO Nikki Davis, said:

“Huge congratulations to Chris after a competitive selection process against a high calibre of candidate. Chris succeeds outgoing Assistant Principal Brian Duffy, who worked at the College for many years before retiring in December. Brian was critical in the growth of our higher education provision, and I know that Chris will be instrumental in building on this success. May I join others in wishing Chris well as he moves into this role.”

Chris has over 33 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering industry and Further and Higher Education sectors, initially qualifying as a gas engineer. After 19 years in engineering, Chris transitioned to teaching in 2008 when he became a lecturer in Building Services Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building.

Following this, Chris was appointed Curriculum Manager for Building Services & Civil Engineering and then Assistant Faculty Director for HE, Construction Design & Management at the College.

Chris will oversee adult learning and funding to combat regional skills shortages, plan for future skills needs (such as sustainable construction), and widening participation in education. Chris will also lead on higher education strategy, which incorporates the new Leeds College of Building University Centre, and work closely with employer partners and other professional bodies.

Chris continued:

“I came from a working-class background when university wasn’t an option, so I started my career as an Apprentice with British Gas. I progressed to a qualified gas engineer, technical engineer, quality assurance engineer, and then technical support manager. I am also a professionally registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council through membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I always took any opportunity to better myself and gain extra qualifications through work.

“I have first-hand experience of learning on the job as an adult and understand the challenges of studying part-time while balancing life and family commitments. Through the Open University, I progressed to a BSc in Engineering, Science & Design before gaining a master’s degree in Building Services Engineering – all while working. I hope these experiences will help me in my new role, having walked in our students’ shoes and lived it myself.”

Apprenticeships, Construction, Construction News, News

Conservatory Outlet marks training milestone with £130,000 investment in apprentices

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products has celebrated more than 15 years of backing apprenticeships by offering employment to six young people.

Conservatory Outlet, which employs more than 120 staff at its Thomas Wharf Lane factory, invested more than £130,000 into nurturing future talent over the last twelve months by continuing to offer access to vocational learning opportunities and ongoing professional development.

This has resulted in Kyle Green being offered a full-time role in IT Support and Natalie Bossons, who joined in 2019, now working as an Order Processor and developing her knowledge further by undertaking her Team Leader Level 3 qualification.

Eliza Auty, Kennedy Goodwin, and Georgie Tolley have all taken Order Processing positions, whilst Missy Mortimer has just completed her apprenticeship in December and will continue to help drive the firm’s strategic marketing strategy in 2023.

Karen Starkey, Head of HR at Conservatory Outlet, commented: “We are one of Wakefield’s largest employers and believe it is critical to continue to offer new opportunities to local people.

“As we continue to grow, we have to look at ways of developing our staff and we have found apprenticeships are the best way of doing this, with the latest tranche of young people qualifying and taking on full-time roles.”

She continued: “The sizeable investment allows us to develop the individual in the ‘CO’ culture and we have a long and proven track record of offering progression routes that lead into senior positions.

“Our approach will continue in 2023. Two new apprentices have just started with us, with Ben Bradbury and Sam Allan studying towards their Business Admin Level 3 and AAT course respectively.”

Apprenticeships are one element of a strategic training programme operated by Conservatory Outlet.

In addition to vocational learning, the Wakefield-based firm also offers ongoing pathways for staff keen to progress and develop new skills.

This ranges from putting Joshua Child through his AAT and Karla Watson working towards her CIPD Level 3 (both at Wakefield College) to Ben Strutt (Business and Professional Administration Level 4), Jo Davies (Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technical Level 3) and Nikki Lewis undertaking her Marketing Manager Level 6 Apprenticeship.

Karen went on to add: “As a business, we are always trying to push the boundaries of what we can achieve, and we can only manage this by investing in our people and futureproofing their skills.

“This was reflected in 2022 when we invested a further £100,000 into creating a new sales training academy, a move that was in response to a shortage of new talent coming into the industry.”

She concluded: “We have extended this offer to all our retailers, and this is steadily developing new individuals that will hit the ground running when they join our sector.”

Conservatory Outlet is one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing manufacturers, supplying a range of conservatories, doors, extensions, orangeries and windows, with the latest advancements in UPVC, composite and aluminium technology regularly added to its ranges.

The firm continues to support the Conservatory Outlet Network, which comprises 29 leading regional retailers, and this has helped increase turnover by 20% since 2020.

Charity & CSR, Construction, Construction News, News

Covers’ Help for Hospices campaign raises more than £32,000

Eleven hospices in the south are to benefit from more than £32,000 thanks to a special fundraising campaign by Covers Timber & Builders Merchants.

The company, which has 14 depots across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, gave £5 for every purchase during its annual Help for Hospices charity week, which took place from 12th to 16th September, and donated a total of £32,155.

Covers’ chairman Rupert Green said:

“Thank you to everyone who supported our Help for Hospices week this year and helped us to provide an incredible amount of money. It means that since we launched the initiative in 2015, our customers have helped us to raise more than £217,000 for hospices across the south east.”

“Charities rely on donations and the money raised will help hospices continue to provide vital services to the communities they serve.”

Hospices being supported by Covers are:

• St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing, West Sussex
• St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, West Sussex
• St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham, West Sussex
• Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, Hampshire
• Naomi House & Jacksplace in Winchester, Hampshire
• Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville, Hampshire
• Martlets Hospice in Brighton, East Sussex
• St Peter & St James Hospice in Lewes, East Sussex
• Hospice in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
• Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham, Surrey
• Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Eltham, London

The family-run company, which opened its first depot in Chichester, West Sussex, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. It supplies specialist timber services and products to the building trade and for home DIY. Mr Green said Covers is proud of its heritage and its close connection with the communities it serves.

Construction, Construction News, News

Roann Limited secures another high value project with CField Construction

Specialist granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has secured yet another high value project, with London-based client, CField Construction.

The £34.1 million project comprises the construction of a mixed-use development, including a new business space, housing and an 11-storey building, at Liddell Road in London.

Roann Limited has been appointed to supply over 100 units of 20mm Artscut Titan Drift kitchen worktops to the properties, valuing over £235,000.

Roann Limited will finish on site in August 2023 and once completed, the properties will be returned to and administered by Camden Council.

Commenting on the project win, Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited says “We’re thrilled to have been appointed as the lead supplier of kitchen worktops for this fantastic project. The properties being built will provide 106 mixed tenure residential units, which will be a great addition to the local area.”

“We’re securing more and more projects as a business and our client-base is rapidly growing, so it’s great to end the year on this project with CField Construction and we’re looking forward to continuing our work in 2023!”