Category Archives: Construction

Construction

EFT Consult celebrates success at the ECA Industry Awards 2021

EFT Consult/Raven Delta (RD) Group, one of the UK’s leading specialists in building services consultancy, has been recognised at the 2020/21 ECA Industry Awards, held on Friday October 22, at the London Hilton Bankside Hotel.

The ECA Industry Awards recognise the key achievements of the highest talent in electrotechnical and engineering services and provide a great opportunity for contractors and wider industry associates to showcase some exceptional work.

Judged by a panel of leading industry figures, the winners and highly commended runners up of the ECA Industry Awards are businesses who have achieved the highest standards in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry.

On the night, EFT Consult, part of the South Wales-based RD Group, was awarded highly commended status in the best corporate social responsibility award – an award category open to ECA Registered Members of any size.

The award recognises the increasing importance of social and environmental responsibility within the electrotechnical and engineering services industry and rewards exceptional work that has significantly improved environmental performance and/or delivered significant, positive social outcomes.

The highly commended status recognises EFT Consult’s significant achievement in the inception, development and funding of a brand-new British Standard (BS) – in collaboration with a leading team of globally respected industry experts drawn together by EFT from sectors including government, academia, industry and related professional bodies.

The new BS focuses on the measurement and subsequent improvement of the health and well-being environment for all building occupants; thus, providing positive health and social benefits.

It includes a multi-layered evaluation system which generates an IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) performance level and helps users to identify areas for improvement. The assessment combines measured results and occupant-based feedback, covering topics such as indoor air quality, light quality, thermal comfort and sound quality/pollution.

EFT Consult is a company dedicated to building performance, so its clients can meet commercial goals, promote wellbeing whilst simultaneously protecting the environment.

Embracing the principles of the circular economy, its team specialises in building services consultancy, delivering intelligent and hands-on electrical, mechanical and environmental engineering for new buildings and existing stock.

Chris Jenkins, director at EFT Consult, said:

“We are delighted to have been highly commended in the corporate social responsibility award at this year’s ECA Industry. This commendation is yet another validation of the hard work the EFT Consult team, and our partners, put into PAS 3003 – the work which has led to the development of the new British Standard.

“Here at EFT Consult, we put social and environmental concerns at the forefront of everything we do. All our solutions are practical, innovative and measurable, and while they aim to keep costs down and enhance productivity for our clients, we constantly strive to achieve those aims in a way that is also good for the wellbeing of people and good for the environment. We believe this is just as vital for all organisations, in order for them to achieve sustainable growth”

Construction

SO Modular expands team with four new hires

SO Modular, the timber frame construction specialist, has brought in four new members of staff, and promoted two, as it continues to expand its fast-growing, multi-faceted, innovative and sustainable business.

The company’s most recent appointments are Dennis Nelder, Kayleigh Westwood, Mark Hughes, and Nicholas Morris.

Nelder has taken on the role of Transport Manager, following 15 years’ experience working within the supply chain and manufacturing industry for companies, including Celsa.

Westwood is the company’s new Technical Officer, with a remit of overseeing production, monitoring shop floor output, and improving processes. She is responsible for ensuring the organisation’s audit compliance, including maintaining and improving ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Her role also includes hosting external audits from various certification bodies, including BOPAS, STA, BBA and BM TRADA.

Hughes takes on the position of Buyer for the company, following 17 years working in a similar role for WRW Construction.

Morris is SO Modular’s new material planner. His responsibilities include determining material specifications, creating and maintaining inventory schedules and delivery changes coordinating with internal departments. He joins the company after five years working as a production co-ordinator at a leading aircraft interiors manufacturer.

The four new team members join SO Modular at its new 350,000 sqft timber and modular manufacturing facility in Neath, South Wales, as it gears up for the facility’s grand opening and a seven-fold increase in its production capacity – following a six-figure investment in new equipment.

In addition to the four new hires, the company has also promoted timber frame designers, Jack Harding, and Andrew Mitchell, to Design Manager and Technical Manager respectively.

Charlotte Hale, Operations Director at SO Modular, said:

“It’s great to be able to welcome so many talented and experienced new staff members to the SO Modular team, as well as developing and promoting the people we already having working at SO Modular. Each of them brings their own unique skills to the company, and we are sure they will all play a part in our continuing development, innovation and expansion.”

Construction, News, South West

RGB Building Supplies opens in Plymouth

RGB Building Supplies is delighted to announce the opening of a Plymouth branch following the acquisition of Perrys Builders Merchants, based on Newham Industrial Estate, Plympton.

The Plymouth branch offers trade and retail customers a wide range of building materials, landscaping goods and decorating supplies.

RGB has operated in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for over 170 years and is one of the leading independent builders merchants in the South West. The business was acquired by the Grant & Stone Group in March 2021, which has allowed RGB to add to and improve its offering. The acquisition of Perrys Builders Merchants enables RGB to continue its commitment to providing excellent customer service and quality materials to existing and new customers.

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

“We’re thrilled to have expanded our branch network by opening in Plymouth and look forward to being part of the local community. The team at the branch is highly knowledgeable and have done so much to grow the business; we’re pleased to welcome them to the RGB family.”

Mark Periton, the Perrys Builders Merchant founder, will continue running RGB Plymouth. He added:

“We’d like to assure our customers that it’s business as usual as all of the Perrys team are remaining at the branch. We’re looking forward to the opportunities that being part of RGB Building Supplies will bring and to welcoming current and new customers through the doors.”

Construction, News

SO Modular boosts team with senior appointment

SO Modular, the timber frame construction specialist, has strengthened its team with a new senior appointment – commercial manager, Gareth Whitney – as it continues to expand its fast-growing, innovative and sustainable business.

Whitney has joined the innovative, Welsh company to manage its commercial department and explore new commercial opportunities for the firm, as it gears up to increase production by 700% at its modular manufacturing facility in Milland Road, Neath.

Whitney comes to the role with 20 years’ experience within the construction industry: 17 years as an established quantity surveyor/commercial manager and three years as a senior quantity surveyor.

During this time, he has worked for well-known construction firms Persimmon Homes, David McLean Homes, D&K Carpentry Contractors and, most recently, J.G. Hale Construction.

Gareth Whitney, newly appointed commercial manager at SO Modular, said:

“This is a very exciting time to be taking on the role of commercial manager at SO Modular. The company’s new facility is ready to make the dramatic seven-fold leap in production capacity, so I am very keen to start developing new commercial opportunities and connections for the firm.

“Sustainability in building design and construction is vital if we are to start addressing our impact on the environment, so the future for innovative, sustainable, eco-friendly homes is incredibly bright. The way that SO Modular looks to improve its own carbon footprint at every turn is inspiring, and the way it is constantly looking to innovate makes the company very forward-thinking. This ethos is something that especially excites me about the company and my new role within it.”

Charlotte Hale, operations director at SO Modular, said:

“It’s great to have someone with Gareth’s extensive experience on board at SO Modular. Gareth understands the construction industry inside and out and is passionate about ensuring the future of construction is sustainable. As such, we are sure he will do an excellent job working to develop our commercial opportunities and connections.”

Construction, Recruitment News

Growth in Electrical Engineering Pushing Salaries Up

In this modern world we live in, it’s hard to imagine a life without electricity, and this is why the world needs electrical engineers. 

Electrical engineering is a promising career for young professionals, especially in this day and age where there are literally thousands of job opportunities for electrical engineers out there. As an electrical engineer, you can work in any field that utilises electricity, from multinational firms to government organisations. Moreover, electrical engineers are some of the highest-paid professions nowadays, earning an average salary of £34,984 per year.

 

Industry 4.0 Pushing Electrical Engineering 

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to the digital transformation of manufacturing or production-related industries. It uses modern control systems, embedded software systems, and the Internet to enable new methods of value creation, production, and real-time optimisation.

While some Industry 4.0 technologies will replace some jobs, they can also create many more jobs. These jobs will come from various fields, but one of the most significant areas is electrical engineering. Companies would still need to hire creative, skilled, and innovative engineers that can create, implement, support, and manage solutions, platforms, systems, and technologies that are now possible in the age of Industry 4.0.

 

Electrical Engineering Growth 

Electrical engineering is an industry that companies around the world can benefit from. Thus, job prospects for those who graduated in the field of electrical engineering are fantastic. In fact, the UK does not have the growth rate needed to meet the increasing demand for quality electrical engineering recruitment around the country. And as expected, when the demand outnumbers the supply, the salary pay increases!

Given the rapid growth rate in the technology industry, the demand for young and creative electrical engineers is always on the rise. Young and innovative engineers are constantly needed to give birth to new ideas and become at the forefront of these sectors.

 

Salary Increases 

The starting salary for electrical engineers is well above the national average for starting salaries. In fact, starting salaries in the electrical sector are higher compared with those in the Law, Business Management, and Computer Sciences sectors. 

The salary pay scale of electrical engineers is quite broad since engineers have varying roles and responsibilities, and some companies are willing to pay more than others. If you are an electrical engineer holding a master’s degree, you can expect to receive an average salary of £39,715. On the other hand, electrical test engineers have an average pay of £26,963. Electrical test engineers are responsible for planning, devising, and carrying out quality and safety tests on various electrical equipment. As for the junior electrical engineers, their average annual salary is £27,000. But for those with a high level of experience, the pay can go as much as £38,000.

Given the average annual salary that an electrical engineer can receive, those working in this field can enjoy a better standard of living in the coming years. This also means that the money you spent taking up an electrical engineering course can be repaid faster compared to several other industries.

 

Construction, News

Director says goodbye to top North Wales industrial supplier after 30 years

ONE of the driving forces behind a leading industrial supplier says goodbye this week after more than 30 years with the business.

GE Tools director Neil Coleclough joined the Rhyl and Deeside-based company in 1988 and has helped oversee a period of sustained growth

The 59 year-old plans to spend more time with wife Christine and family, pursuing hobbies including photography, walking and yoga.

Neil follows GE Tools founder Gordon Evans into retirement and is confident new managing director Chris Owen – who has more than 20 years’ experience with the organisation – will lead them to an even brighter future.

“It is strange to be leaving after a third of a century but it’s the right time and the company is in safe hands,” he said.

“We have always had an incredible team with a positive, hard-working attitude and I am confident they will continue to go from strength to strength.

“I’ll miss all of them, and our fantastic customers, but after so many years here and out on the road I look forward to getting my camera out and actually stopping and enjoying some of the places I’ve driven past over the last three decades!”

Born in Blackley, Manchester, Neil was raised in Bangor and was working in a Llandudno hotel when he met Christine in 1980.

The unsociable hours saw him switch to Mochdre-based sweeper machine manufacturers Danline Ltd, where he learnt the value of diligence and high standards from esteemed colleague, Maurice Tadman.

Rising to the role of production controller, Neil later moved to Barrow Hepburn Equipment in Deiniolen, where a chance meeting with Gordon Evans – then working as a sales director – would lead to him taking the leap and helping establish GE Tools.

“Things were so different back then, everything was paper-based and when the fax machine arrived in the office it blew everyone’s minds,” said Neil.

“Gordon was representing a company we worked with and after speaking on numerous occasions we identified a gap in the market and saw the potential in launching a new business supplying tools to industry.

“He did so, and I soon joined him before we later became equal partners and took it forward.”

GE Tools has always been at the forefront of advances in technology, notably ecommerce, which they capitalised on immediately.

“We were selling online before many of the global giants you see today,” said Neil.

“From Vale Road we grew and grew, first regionally and then alongside some of the biggest names in the trade.

“Most of my focus was on customer development, and the customer has always been at the centre of my thinking – that has never changed.

“We were successful in bringing onboard some very significant accounts that included Pilkington Special Glass, Ferodo, Wylfa and Trawsfynydd power stations and Hotpoint, to name but a few.

“And from there we have continued to deliver, innovating and opening a base in Deeside to extend our footprint into the North West – I could not be more proud of what we have achieved together.”

He added: “There have been so many highlights and of course challenges; the Coronavirus pandemic has been tough for everyone, but we diversified and managed to remain profitable throughout.

“In fact, the name GE Tools doesn’t begin to describe what we do. From PPE to school uniforms and cutting-edge machinery and equipment from international brands such as Gedore, Makita and Sandvik, we do so much more.

“We have built a team of dedicated, long-serving employees who share the company’s vision. They are without doubt our biggest strength, and I can’t wait to watch them take GE Tools to even greater heights.”

For more information, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact salesdesk@getools.co.uk. 

Construction, Midlands News, News

Construction Consultancy Bhangals address supply chain crisis

A construction business coach and managing director of an award-winning construction consultancy is urging for patience and understanding as the industry continues to struggle with material shortages.

Parm Bhangal said the current supply chain crisis has led to higher costs and unavoidable delays across the industry.

He said: “The lack of materials available means prices have increased significantly and there is also long lead times which is driving up construction costs. This will undoubtedly drive up the price of new build housing and all building projects.”

Developers are seeing shortages of key materials such as bricks, bagged cement and tiles, according to the latest information from the National Builders Federation, and those building flats are reliant on steel and concrete, which have also seen steep price rises and supply constraints.

Many of these challenges are down to the shortage of lorry drivers, which has caused problems across all sectors.

There is hope, however, that the government’s introduction of temporary visas this week for 5000 lorry drivers to work in the UK until the end of the year might help to address the challenge in the short term.

Parm added: “This government move is certainly a step in the right direction. Following a challenging time for all industries, we need continued support to ensure an uninterrupted work plan, quicker lead times and more affordable materials. This will ensure development projects can continue effectively and livelihoods will be saved.”

For more information about Bhangals Construction Services visit www.bhangals.co.uk

Construction, News

Midlands Business Set to Revolutionise UK Garden Buildings Market

Driven by the UK’s continued insatiable demand for additional home office, living and leisure space as well as the lack of contemporary, customisable garden building solutions, Warwickshire based Co-Founders Edward Medd, and Nick Morjaria have launched Vita Modular.

The dynamic business duo has a combined 40 years of leadership experience in delivering luxury new build residential and commercial developments all over the country, and from their own experience have recognised that there is very little on offer for homeowners looking for more than a repurposed garden shed to fulfil their needs for extra living or leisure space.

They focused on curating a market-leading product that customers would be proud of and fundamentally delivers a solid investment by adding real value to a customer’s property in any location.

Vita Modular has subsequently set out to provide a complete turn-key solution offering manufacture, install and total interior finishing of their bespoke, premium modular garden buildings with unrivalled customisation options at a highly competitive, fully inclusive price.

Their modular garden buildings are uniquely built with solid structural steel frames, made using non-combustible materials, and fire-rated to UK domestic standards that most UK insurers accept as an extension to homeowner policies.

The brand will target a wide customer base including homeowners seeking additional multi-functional space for a home office, bar, gym, cinema room, music studio, kids zone and extra living or storage space. Vita Modular also provides a corporate solution for businesses looking to offer their staff the necessary support and facilities to realise the full benefits of remote working. All whilst enhancing the aesthetics of their outdoor space with a bespoke garden building in a distinctive range of exterior cladding finishes and architectural embellishments.

The co-founders who personally lead the operational aspects of the company have assembled a professional team of expert designers, craftsmen, installers and project managers to support the company’s national operation.

They will also be supported by Zoe Yates as Sales Manager, who joins with a rich business background and a keen interest in the home improvement sector. Zoe will be based at the showroom in Coventry and assist with guiding customers through the order process from initial enquiry right through to post-installation care and support.

Co-founder Edward comments: “In launching Vita Modular, we have developed a UK first. Currently, if homeowners are looking to extend their living or leisure space with a garden building, generally, they are faced with very little choice but to opt for timber shed style structures which are difficult, if not impossible to insure due to the inherent fire risks.

“Our modular garden buildings, styled to reflect modern architecture, comply with all aspects of current UK building regulations, so you not only have complete peace of mind that your garden room is built to last, but you also have a space that maintains a consistent temperature for comfortable all year round use.

“We pride ourselves on honesty and transparency, so the price of a Vita Modular building includes everything from site survey to delivery, installation, foundations, high-quality doors & windows, painted walls, electrics, lighting and premium flooring. We’re so confident in the performance and longevity of our buildings that they come with a 10-year structural guarantee as standard.

“We are proud to offer an industry-leading guaranteed 6 week lead time from the date of order and flexible payment plans to further set Vita Modular apart as the new go-to for premium garden buildings.”

“In our first few weeks of trading we have had a flood of enquiries from all over the country and are excited by the prospect of seeing Vita Modular installations roll out across the UK.”

For more information please visit https://www.vita-modular.co.uk/

Construction, Midlands News, News

New look Ludlow Assembly Rooms shortlisted in property awards

The renovation and refurbishment of a flagship Shropshire arts and entertainment venue has made it to the finals of an awards scheme that will recognise some of the top property projects in the Midlands.

The work by Pave Aways Building Contractors, delivered on behalf of Shropshire Council, has seen the Ludlow Assembly Rooms shortlisted in the Fit-out / Refurbishment of the Year category of the West Midlands Property Awards that will take place in Birmingham on November 4.

The £3.5m contract included re-instating the original Castle Square entrance, redesigning the auditorium, creating a new box office, improvements to accessibility, a visitor information centre and café bar, modernisation of the mechanical and technical equipment and installation of photo voltaic panels to generate electricity.

The work was predominantly funded by Shropshire Council with additional money raised by Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Grants were also received from the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England.

Managing Director of Pave Aways, Steven Owen, which put the project forward for the award, said: “This project offered up some real challenges including its location, the extensive additional work that was uncovered as it progressed and then working throughout the covid pandemic.

“Despite that we were able to give a new lease of life to this historic building that has created a facility fit for the future that incorporates new accessibility features, modern technologies and a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

“We are very pleased for everyone involved in this project for this recognition and will be keeping everything crossed on the night.”

Cecilia Motley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism and Travel at Shropshire Council, said: “This was a complex project but we are absolutely thrilled with how it has transformed the cultural jewel of South Shropshire into a modern and impressive facility.

“It is fantastic news to be shortlisted for this award and we also pay tribute to the impressive work the Pave Aways team carried out.”

Construction, News, North of England

New appointments underpin architecture firm’s continued growth

An architectural practice has made a series of new appointments to support its burgeoning portfolio across the north west.

Base Architecture, which has offices in Chester, Conwy in North Wales and Shrewsbury, has welcomed four new employees to the team — architect Jake Boardman and architectural designers Harry Braid and Aaron Williams with Jenny Powell taking on the newly created role of business and planning executive.

Managing Director Harry Reece said the new appointments came as the firm’s reputation in the commercial and residential sectors spreads across the UK and particularly the north west and Wales.

“Since we opened our Chester office in 2017, followed by our Conwy studio in 2019, our workload has increased by 40 per cent with a 50/50 split between residential and commercial contracts,” he explained.

“We’re now working on projects from as far south as Kent up to Yorkshire in the north and even across Europe, with a key focus on Cheshire and North Wales, which has led to the subsequent growth of our team.”

Harry added: “Our new staff have been handpicked to ensure we continue to grow our reputation as architects that deliver innovative and creative solutions from concept to completion, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the coming years.”

Jake, who graduated from Northumbria University, has spent the last seven years working in Manchester’s competitive and growing commercial scene and Cheshire’s flourishing private residential market.

His experience includes an extensive portfolio from award-winning multi-million-pound developments working with some of the north west’s biggest developers on numerous high rise residential towers, university halls of residence, office space and leisure facilities, to collaborating with private homeowner clients on high-end residential schemes.

Aaron completed his Part I and II at Liverpool John Moores University and joined Base from a multi-disciplinary practice, working in a variety of sectors including residential, education, industrial and leisure. He is currently studying for his Part III qualification to become a fully qualified architect.

Harry Braid graduated from Part I of his Architecture qualification at the University of Wolverhampton in 2019 with an award-winning final project and has worked with several practices in Birmingham and south Wales on a variety of projects from smaller householder applications to larger schemes for commercial developers. He has is now studying for his Part II qualification.

With a master’s degree in planning, Jenny will use her background in strategic planning, public/private partnership working and community engagement gained at several local authorities, to support the senior leadership team and help deliver Base’s strategy for growth across the region and beyond.
Jenny commented: “The creation of my new role demonstrates the importance Base places on inward investment, as well as supporting and servicing our clients. My experience in planning, specifically in heritage, land-use planning and certificates of lawfulness, will mean I work closely with Senior Associate and Chartered Town Planner Joe Salt on planning issues.”