Category Archives: Construction

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

Changing of the guard at Downing Construction

Andy Thomas has been promoted from Technical Director to Operations Director at Downing Construction, following the retirement of Director and Head of Construction Ian Orton, as the developer continues to progress at pace with its £1bn pipeline.
After 24 years with the company, Ian has decided to take a step back, however he will continue to work with Downing as a Non-Executive Director.
Sally O’Brien, Joint Chief Executive at Downing, said: “We are really pleased that Ian will still be involved with Downing. He is responsible for the great team we have established at Downing; each member being guided through his experience. The whole team are immensely grateful for his loyalty and dedication, that has led to the delivery of many high-profile projects for us.
“Andy has been a rising star since joining us and is someone who was earmarked very early on as a future leader. It’s very fitting that having been mentored by Ian from the start of his career, he is now taking over the helm. He has a wealth of experience and has played a pivotal role in some of our largest regeneration projects and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
Over the years, Ian and Andy have worked together on some of Downing’s landmark schemes including Broadcasting Place in Leeds [Best Tall Building in the World 2010 from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)], Downing Plaza – Newcastle, and £80m School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University.
Andy said: “It is no secret that the construction industry has had some challenging times the last few years with changes in legislation, insurance market challenges, supply chain issues, energy costs, Brexit, Net Zero to name a few. Downing has met every one of these challenges with motivation and enthusiasm and this is something we will continue to carry into this next chapter.
“I am extremely honoured to take on this role within Downing and proud to follow in Ian’s footsteps. We are lucky to have a great team which has been built and guided by Ian since it was first founded.”
Downing is currently on site at one of its biggest developments to date, First Street, a £400m mixed-use co-living scheme in Manchester city centre.
Last year, Downing took over the former Children’s Hospital site in Edinburgh as part of its £150m mixed-use scheme to deliver a five-storey 323 student accommodation building, 95 private residential properties, as well as affordable housing.
Construction, News

Innovative housing and community hub project completed in Newport

Neath-based construction firm J.G. Hale Construction has completed work on an innovative development for housing provider Pobl Group, which has created 45 new sustainable homes alongside a community hub in the Treberth area of Newport.

The development, which is designed for residents over 55, has now been handed over to Pobl Project Manager, Ian Williams. It consists of two apartment blocks, called Cartref Yn Y Coed, linked by a three-storey atrium which forms the entrance to the residential area.

The development’s community hub, called Y Sied, is designed to be used by residents and the wider community and is linked to the apartments via a second-storey bridge corridor.

The innovative scheme makes use of a parcel of land left over from the redevelopment of Newport’s 1940s prefab homes more than 20 years ago. It utilises a series of sustainable technologies, including solar PV panels and battery storage, as well as green roofs and climbing walls.

The construction of the buildings also utilised the highly sustainable, low carbon ‘Off Site Manufacture’ (OSM) of J.G. Hale Group’s Triso-Warm® panel system.

Residents of the new development will now be able to enjoy a sunroom and garden to the south of the building and take advantage of views over the existing parkland towards the 19 Hills area of Ringland. The site’s external spaces include a wandering path with rest points and raised planting beds for the residents to grow fruit and vegetables, along with carefully designed planting at the front of the development.

Notably, the Site Manager on the project, J. G. Hale Construction’s Matthew Hall, was recognised for his successful and efficient delivery of the development by winning the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) National Site Manager of the Year award.

J.G. Hale Construction is a Wales-based firm recognised for its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design, quality materials and finishes and sustainable building practices. The company is committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers.

Matthew Hall, Site Manager, J.G. Hale Construction, said:

“It was wonderful to have worked with Pobl on this innovative and forward-thinking scheme that will make a big difference to the local community of Treberth, Newport. The development will provide much-needed housing for the area as well as a hub and café which can be enjoyed by the wider community.

“The use of sustainable building practices and renewable technologies means that the buildings have a low carbon footprint – something we are passionate about at J.G. Hale Construction, as being absolutely necessary for the future of the construction industry.”

Ian Williams, Project Manager at Pobl, added:

“It’s great to have collaborated with J.G. Hale Construction on this project to deliver 45 high quality, low carbon homes. This innovative scheme is more evidence of Pobl’s commitment to delivering affordable living solutions where they are needed across Wales, and we look forward to working with J.G. Hale Construction on future projects.”

Construction, Construction News, News, South West

Stonewood Group founder tells of his pride as staff and families enjoy 50th anniversary celebration

MORE than 400 members of  Wiltshire construction firm Stonewood Group’s staff and their families enjoyed games, music and food at an evening to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The family company, founded by Neill Aitkenhead and partner Tim Saunders in 1972, began, as he told the crowd during an emotional speech at Biddestone Cricket Club, as “a couple of likely lads, an old truck and two rusty acrows”.

His son Matt and his friend Ben Lang – now Chief Executive and Chief Operating officers – joined the firm and eventually took it on in 2009. They built on its reputation for quality and expertise in refurbishing historic buildings and grew the company to its present size of 350 employees across five divisions with offices in Castle Combe, Wiltshire, Tormarton in Gloucestershire, Kidlington in Oxfordshire, Castle Carey in Somerset and Exeter in Devon.

When they took on the company it was turning over around £2 million – last September it posted a year end turnover of £60 million.

Mr Aitkenhead senior told staff and their families: “I have an almost overwhelming sense of pleasure in seeing a gathering of this kind here tonight. Fifty years is a long spell, you don’t think of it as fifty years as you go along but if you doubt the journey Stonewood has made, I look around here tonight and realise the journey has been a remarkable one.”

He said evening should be about looking forward, not backward. “So it is an obvious moment for me to pay tribute to Matt and to Ben, their generation, and the innumerable good people both on site and off who have made it all happen over time,” he added.

Staff from all of the group’s division soaked up the sunshine with their families and enjoyed free food and drinks from a cocktail bar, gin bar and beer and cider tent. Before that they worked up an appetite with an inter-company tug-of-war contest that, unsurprisingly ended in victory for Stonewood Builders’ muscular site team.

Youngsters were entertained with inflatables, gladiator and football games, mini-golf and a candy floss stall, while adults enjoyed a bucking bronco and live music from Corsham band Funk City. There was also a raffle with prizes donated by clients and suppliers.

It was the second year running the group has help a summer event for staff and families but Mr Lang said this year’s was taken to another level because of the anniversary. He said the evening was an idea opportunity to bring people together. “It was a very special evening and a chance to see people’s families and spend time with them in a social setting,” he said.

“We wanted to really reinforce the fact that we are one team, one big family, and celebrate the fact that we have been doing that for 50 years. Finding ways to do that when you are such a big team scattered so wide is harder to do now so it was really lovely to see everyone, as well as some old friends.”

He said the group’s growth is a testament to the way it has stayed true to its ethos. “We’ve always tried to make everyone feel they are important, no matter what division they are in and we are successful because of that collective effort and the energy, drive, innovation and creativity within the group.”

Pictured: Staff enjoying Stonewood Group’s 50th anniversary celebration at Biddestone Cricket Club

Construction, Construction News, News

National work experience event helps inspire green careers

Morgan Sindall Construction has collaborated with an education charity and procurement specialist to challenge misconceptions about the construction industry’s impact on the environment and attract the next generation of green workers.

The main contractor joined forces with Speakers for Schools and public sector procurement authority, SCAPE to deliver its largest Virtual Working Experience Week (VWEx) to date to 100 pupils throughout England last month.

More than 500 hours were donated by the Morgan Sindall Construction team with volunteers also coming from Balfour Beatty, Kier and Willmott Dixon as well as several businesses from Morgan Sindall Construction’s supply chain. In total, the event achieved a social value impact of £25,000.

Following the week-long learning, 85 per cent of pupils stated how they were now extremely aware of the impact the construction industry has on the environment, up from just 22 per cent the week before. The awareness of the different types of green careers available in construction also changed dramatically from eight per cent up to 68 per cent.

During the first half of the week, the students received a number of interactive talks and presentations with industry experts in a variety of job roles to understand the part they play in construction and the sustainability process.

As well as hearing from a Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Design Manager, Safety Health and Environmental Manager, Ecologist and Waste Manager, the students got the chance to speak with an apprentice, currently gaining vital experience with Morgan Sindall Construction, who was able to explain her own career journey and answer any questions the students might have. The pupils were then assigned specific job roles within their teams and tasked with presenting their own carbon neutral primary school back to the experts on the final day.

Rob Cant, Framework Director at Morgan Sindall, said: “Motivating young people into construction is something we are passionate about. We believe that in order to inspire the future leaders of the industry we have to start with schools, and that’s why events like this are crucial.

“The level of engagement and calibre of questions asked by pupils was really encouraging and allows us to view the industry through the eyes of a younger person, sometimes making us challenge our perceptions. We will continue to hold similar events in the future throughout the country.”

Students were also offered the chance to take part in Morgan Sindall Construction’s ‘Get Carbon Clarity’ training program. Developed in partnership with charity organisation Carbon Literacy Project, the course helped them understand the important role the construction industry can play in decarbonising communities. In total, more than 31 students went on to make their own Personal Carbon Pledge, which will see them make small yet significant changes to reduce their own carbon impact on the planet.

Mike Little, Head of Social Value at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “In recent years we have noticed a large step change in how the younger generation places emphasis on sustainable, inclusive and socially responsible ways of workings. Purpose and values are key drivers, while concerns about climate change are strongly vocalised. This was certainly apparent during our ‘Get Carbon Clarity’ course, which proved the perfect opportunity to have open discussions around the environment and the changes they can make in their lives. Even more encouragingly, this course resulted in 31 young people volunteering to make their own personal carbon pledges in an attempt take action against the effects of climate change and to reduce their footprint.”

Alison Ramsey, Social Value and Performance Manager SCAPE, added: “As the construction industry continues to tackle the significant skills gap, events like these are vital for inspiring and educating the next generation of talent. The impact of construction on the environment will be of key importance for the industry for many years to come and it was fantastic to see so many pupils keen to learn about sustainability and green careers in construction.”

Construction, Construction News, News, South East

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants adds to its green ambitions

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has added three brand new electric forklift trucks at its Chichester depot, further supporting the company’s ambitions of reducing its carbon footprint and reaching net-zero for carbon emissions.

The builders merchant is committed to increasing its fleet of electric machinery and road vehicles. The new electric forklifts at Chichester are in addition to the seven already being used at the depot.

In 2022, Covers has replaced eight of its diesel fork trucks with electric machines, and 11 more are due to enter service across the group in 2023.

Covers has also been working to reduce the carbon footprint of its road-going fleet by replacing traditional fuelled cars with alternative fuel, fully electric and hybrid vehicles. In the last year, 18 fully electric cars and 16 hybrid vehicles have been added to the fleet, and Covers is committed to replacing the remaining conventional cars in the next few years.

Adam Conrad, Group Transport Manager at Covers, commented:

“We are dedicated to minimising our impact on the environment and are constantly re-evaluating all aspects of our business.

“There have been significant improvements in technology for both plant machinery and road-going vehicles. By taking advantage of these modern electric vehicles, we can cut the emissions released from our depots and reduce our overall carbon footprint. Continually investing in new electric vehicles and forklift trucks across the fleet is one way we are doing this.”

In addition, Covers is changing their bulk bags to eco-friendly alternatives, which are made with a minimum of 30% recycled materials. The bulk bags are used for products such as sand, aggregates and shingle. Rubble sacks have already been switched to 30% recycled content, and brown paper bags have replaced plastic carrier bags in store.

These new electric vehicles and bulk bags are part of a range of sustainable initiatives Covers has implemented to help it reach its net zero goal. These include, installing solar panels to the roofs of the majority of its depots, utilising ultra-low consumption LED lighting, sourcing timber that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and increasing the amount of waste that is reused and recycled (currently this is at 80%).

Construction, Interiors, Manufacturing, News

Interior accessories manufacturer Rothley answers consumer trends with launch of Wooden Handrails range

Interiors accessories manufacturer Rothley is responding to the latest consumer trends with the launch of Rothley Wooden Handrails. 

With a rise in popularity of natural materials in interior design has made wood a top choice when consumers are choosing decorative and practical accessories for the home – which has prompted the British ironmongery experts to expand their range of quality products.

The handrails are available in a range of different finishes including driftwood & matt black, ebony and antique brass, red oak and brushed silver and pine and brushed silver, complementing a multitude of styles and tastes, from Scandi minimalism to country heritage. These handrails come as part of a kit with all the finishings needed in one package – including wall brackets and end caps in different finishes available to mix and match to suit any particular design scheme. By including matt black, antique brass and silver, consumers who have spent time and effort matching all their taps and door handles can continue the curated look throughout the home. The kits also contain fittings, plugs and full fitting instructions. This expansion into natural materials with wooden handrail kits, which also come in recyclable packaging, continues Rothley’s commitment to a more sustainable and ethical way of manufacturing, without making consumers compromise on style or choice. The rails are all FSC approved and British Standard tested.

Stuart Hobbs, Managing Director of Rothley, comments: “At Rothley we make it our mission to listen to consumers and our retail partners alike, to ensure every product we offer is of a high standard and provides the end customer with what they desire for their homes.

“We see our merchant stores as partners, and we often exchange data with our partner network to stay on top of consumers’ needs. We’ve seen the demand for DIY is still there, however, with the cost of living crisis looming, people are looking for ways to spend less and still create a home they love – on a budget. We believe everyone deserves a beautiful home and quality products don’t have to cost the world – which we apply to all our product ranges.

“The launch of the Wooden Handrail Kits is major milestone for us as it opens up a door beyond ironmongery – a field we’ve established ourselves in during the last 190 years. Our Insight & Innovation department identified the desire to connect to Earth as a strong trend, so it was a no-brainer developing the new range, to allow consumers greater choice – something we’re proud to provide with Rothley products.”

 

The new Rothley Wooden Handrails are available for UK merchants to order from Rothley’s website now – www.rothley.com.

Construction, Construction News, News

Are Labour Shortages the Future of the Construction Industry?

Labour shortages in the construction industry have been an issue for several years now. There’s a huge skills shortage and a lot of jobs to fill. Combined, this has created a large deficit that the UK struggles to catch up with. The combination of COVID-19, Brexit and the government’s pledge to build 300,000 new homes each year to tackle the UK’s housing crises means labour shortages in the construction industry are a big deal.

There are attempts on all fronts to combat this issue. One is to employ more labour workers from other countries to fill the gaps in the labour market. Business immigration law comes into play and solicitors can give employers sound advice and guidance on how to employ the right workers overseas to help with the labour shortages.

The real question is, are labour shortages the construction industry’s future? In this article, we’re going to illuminate this question with the root causes of these shortages, why they’re happening and what can be done to fix them.

 

What is the labour shortage?

The labour shortage broadly refers to the lack of qualified people available to fill job roles. In this case, construction work. When employers or an entire sector struggle to find suitable applicants to fill vacancies, this is a skills shortage in a particular area. Location and an employer being able to fund the work plays a big role. But there are many other factors that are hitting the UK construction industry particularly hard.

Why are labour shortages affecting the construction industry?

Put very simply, the UK has more construction work available than it does skilled workers to fulfil the jobs. A perfect storm of particular factors has come together to make this an especially big problem in the UK.

 

An ageing population, injury and COVID-19.

As with any physically demanding job, those who work in labour tend to retire sooner. The physical stress, the continuously demanding work and the COVID-19 have come together over the last two years and made a big impact. Along with the fact that many labour workers in construction were to retire over the last two years that the UK was largely shut down due to COVID-19, others have had to cease working because of long-term health effects from COVID-19 when they otherwise wouldn’t have.

It’s also the case that the industry is still feeling the bite from the Omicron variant in late 2021. Timber, concrete, steel, cladding, roofing, white goods and more are in shorter supply because of the impact. This has driven up costs while there’s less to go around.

 

Brexit and skilled labour from abroad.

The issue on everybody’s mind when we talk about the problem of labour shortages is the impact of Brexit. The fact is the UK employed many European labourers to do its construction work. But Brexit has seen an exodus in the hundreds of thousands since its implementation and with it, lots of skilled labour.

There’s also the aspect of business immigration law. Many employers still aren’t up-to-date with how to employ skilled workers from the EU and farther abroad. The impact of the stringent rules, extra loops one has to jump through and the potential extra costs of bringing in skilled workers from abroad have meant busy employers are having a headache. And the fact that the UK government has set out the proposal that after Brexit the UK should only bring in what it categorises as ‘skilled workers’, which often doesn’t include those needed to fill in the gaps in the construction industry, is making matters worse.

 

What are the impacts of labour shortages in construction?

There have been many substantial impacts on the construction industry already—and they don’t seem to be slowing.

First, a report has revealed that organisations in the UK are spending 6.6 billion a year as a result of the skills shortage. And the report outlines that construction is one of those industries most affected. This impact on business and the economy cannot be underestimated.

Second, simply put, work isn’t getting done. The UK government wants more homes built to combat the country’s housing crisis, yet it doesn’t have all the skilled labour it needs. Many works in London and other major cities around the country have been put on hold. Many employers find themselves looking far and wide for people to recruit who just aren’t there or are too expensive to hire due to the supply and demand imbalance. They’re having to borrow workers to fill the vacancies for higher prices.

 

How long will the labour shortages last?

It’s not easy to predict how long these labour shortages will last. Forecasts for 2022 show the number of unfilled vacancies is at its highest. This would suggest that labour shortages are going to last a long time. But there are a few things the UK government and employers can do.

Employers can get up to speed on how to hire overseas talent. Those who’re knowledgeable in business immigration law such as solicitors can guide employers in the right direction on how to bring in the workers they need to fill such vacancies. While there’s already been a call from employers to the UK government to ease certain immigration rules or make exemptions to tackle this issue, the labour shortages might be slashed if particulars were arranged so the UK can either bring in more skilled labour from abroad, bring up less qualified and younger people quicker or use a combination of both to fill the vacancies and get the construction industry booming again.

Apprenticeships, Construction, Construction News, News, South West

New apprenticeships launched by RGB Building Supplies

RGB Building Supplies has launched a new apprenticeship programme helping to bring young people into the builders merchant industry.

Two new branch operative apprentices will be based at RGB depots in Barnstaple and Porthleven and will learn all aspects of the industry, including managing stock, raising quotes, assisting customers, processing orders, liaising with suppliers and completing paperwork. They will gain a broad knowledge of industry-leading products and develop their communication, customer and teamwork skills.

At the end of the 12-month apprenticeships, the apprentices will receive a Level 2 Trade Supplier qualification with any additional maths or English exams taken during the period.

Helen Mahoney, HR Manager at RGB Building Supplies, commented:

“There is a generational skills gap in the builders merchant industry, so it’s vital that we do something to help change that. It’s not an industry that many young people consider when thinking about a future career, but there is a wide variety of roles and positions available, and it is a sector that is constantly seeing innovative products being launched.

“An apprenticeship gives young people the perfect balance between training, working and earning by allowing them to gain experience and a qualification at the same time.

“Our apprentices do not need any experience, as they will be given full external and internal training throughout the 12 months. They just need to be enthusiastic, well-presented, friendly and have an interest in delivering exceptional customer service.”

Further information about the RGB branch operative apprenticeships can be found on the careers page of RGB’s website – rgbltd.co.uk/careers. Those interested in joining RGB as an apprentice can apply by sending their CV and covering letter to HR@rgbltd.co.uk.

Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Roann Limited appointed exclusive kitchen worktop supplier for £82 million Leeds-based project

Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops, for the £82 million Leeds city centre apartment project, the Phoenix.

Set for completion in the summer of 2023, the Phoenix scheme off Saxton Lane, consists of two residential blocks, with a total of 367 apartments, rising to 18 and 22 stories high.

Appointed by Leeds-based contractor Torsion Developments, Roann Limited is supplying £165k worth of Fugen White Shimmer Quartz with Upstands and Fugen Carrara Quartz worktops, to both apartment blocks.

The new accommodation will offer a number of disabled accessible compliant apartments, alongside communal facilities, basement car parking, landscaping and public open spaces.

Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says: “We’re delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops for this Leeds-based project! We’re passionate about providing high quality, durable and aesthetically-pleasing quartz worktops to projects around the UK, but it’s great to be a part of this local investment. Here at Roann Limited, we’re currently experiencing substantial business growth and we’re thrilled to add this project to our ever-growing portfolio.”

Construction, Construction News, News

Fabricators call for an alternative approach to pushing price rises down the home improvement supply chain

Six leading fabricators of products to the home improvement sector have called for a halt to the ongoing practice of pushing price rises at the top down the supply chain.

Central Window Systems, Conservatory Outlet, Listers, Roseview, Prefix Systems and SolarFrame have joined forces to urge firms in the sector to work together to find new efficiencies and to combat the unending barrage of price increases being introduced – especially at a time when consumer demand is down.

Recent publicly available data shows that household spending has reduced by up to 50% compared to the same period last year and bosses believe the last thing consumers and retailers need to contend with now is a further rise in the cost of products.

“We’ve seen prices increase at exponential rates over the last two years and this has continued through into 2022,” explained Greg Kane, CEO of Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet.

“The determination has always been there to shield our customers from these price hikes, absorbing what we can through improved efficiencies, working creatively with our supply partners and passing on what we must. We’ve held the line and absorbed all incoming increases throughout 2022 but there obviously reaches a point when this becomes unsustainable.”

Gary Morton, Managing Director of Central Window Systems, continued: “This isn’t just affecting us, but our industry as a whole and we must be as transparent as possible to act in the best interest of the entire sector. If these price rises continue, and are again forced down the supply chain, consumers will simply not engage.

“Enforcing more price increases during a market slowdown is entirely counterproductive and will do more harm than good in both the short and long-term.”

The recent proposal of price increases from the very top of the chain are due to take place in September and would happen just as the energy cap is set to rise again, with manufacturers and retailers set to be stuck in the middle with pressure from both sides.

These changes could exacerbate a suppressed market and be counterintuitive to campaigns promoting the financial viability of purchasing new, energy-efficient windows and doors or extensions for their homes.

Employing thousands of staff and amassing more than £130m sales between them, the six companies believe their involvement in both manufacturing and retail gives them a unique insight into consumer pain points and a worrying dip in demand that some firms in the industry are failing to see coming.

Roy Frost, Managing Director of Listers, went on to add: “As an industry, we have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to face countless challenges, but this barrage of price increases simply must stop.

“We’re not trying to single out particular suppliers, more a case of looking for a more sensible and collaborative approach that focuses on the all-important consumer at the end of the chain.”

Chris Cooke, Managing Director of Prefix Systems, concluded: “The industry needs those at the top of the supply chain to listen to the voice of consumer-led businesses and explore ways of absorbing some of the increases without passing them on.

“We are already doing this for our customers, using all the efficiency savings we’ve made to cushion the cost increases from above. However, this is only possible on the prices of the products Prefix has market control over.

“It is undeniably a tough trading environment, but this is a case of ensuring the longevity and long-term success of the sector.”