Category Archives: Construction

Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors appoints new chair to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Council to steer change

A fresh drive to ensure broader representation in the profession of civil engineering surveyors will help to guarantee that places and spaces will be built for all of society in future, not just some.

That’s the view of the new chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Council at the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors.

The internationally renowned organisation has appointed highly respected chartered surveyor Simon Navin to chair its EDI Council, tasked with driving the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda in the civil engineering surveying industry through education and innovation.

 

Simon Navin, MCInstCES, is Geospatial Services Lead at international professional services consultants, Jacobs.

He said: “As within many areas of society, we have a challenge within the profession and the industry to ensure there is much greater equality and diversity and I’m thrilled to be in a position to help steer that change.

“I don’t think, as a profession, that we can design and deliver the built spaces and places of today and tomorrow, if we’re not fully represented by the people that will use those places. I think both the Council and its membership need to fully reflect the future users of those environments, and I see that as my key role as chair of the CICES EDI Council.”

 

The role of the institution is to advance the science and art of civil engineering surveying for the benefit of the public, by upholding and advancing the standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of its members.

Traditionally, civil engineering surveying has been seen as a profession dominated by white males.

The EDI Council is charged with changing that – by broadening access to employment opportunities amongst diverse groups which are currently under-represented, sharing and promoting best practice in equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and encouraging a safe working environment where all members of society can flourish.

 

Simon Hamlyn, CEO at the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), said: “We are delighted that Simon has agreed to become the new chair of our EDI Council. While we have made huge strides in encouraging a wider cross section of the public to join the profession, there is still vitally important and exciting work to be done.

“Simon’s passion for greater equality and diversity is key to his appointment. He will lead the charge which will see equality, diversity and inclusion, as one of our three golden threads, through all that we do within the CICES and across our industry in future.”

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!”

Morgan Sindall Construction reach exciting milestone at Hertfordshire’s first net zero school

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business has held a ground-breaking ceremony at the Buntingford First School, marking an exciting milestone for Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and Scholars Education Trust in delivering the region’s first carbon neutral school.

Attendees were shown around the site before ground was broken with a golden shovel, with speeches from Terry Douris, Executive Member for Education at HCC, Matthew Gauthier, Deputy CEO at the Scholar’s Education Trust, and David Rowsell, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties.

Other attendees included the Mayor of Buntingford Duncan Wallace and key stakeholders from Buntingford First School, HCC, Morgan Sindall Construction and the Scholar’s Education Trust.

Scheduled to open in 2023, Buntingford First School will be built in line with the Hertfordshire County Council’s sustainability strategy and ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. It will utilise a Passivhaus design which will improve the school’s air quality, reduce carbon emissions and lower its energy running costs.

As part of the highly sustainable project, over 300 solar panels, triple-glazing windows and air-source heat pumps will be installed. The new school will also include a rooftop outdoor classroom and numerous play areas. In addition, all the teaching spaces in the school will face north, avoiding south-facing windows that cause rooms to over-heat, while social areas such as the school dining halls and common rooms will face south.

The new 330-pupil school, which has ten classrooms and incorporates a nursery, will be built on the former Sainsbury’s depot site, adjoining the Bury Football Club who will share the site with the new School. When complete, it will provide additional school places for Buntingford and its new communities.

Prospective parents can apply for reception places for September 2023 at Buntingford First School through the county council’s admissions website at Buntingford First School | Hertfordshire County Council | www.hertfordshire.gov.uk. In this, its first year of opening, Buntingford First School, has a separate application process for Reception admissions and the school can therefore be a “fifth preference” in addition to the four preferences expressed on the usual county council application form.

David Rowsell, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties area director, said: “As a local resident, it’s fantastic to see the investment here in Buntingford. It is the energy and passion of the younger generation which makes projects like this so vital. We are thrilled to be on site here and are looking forward to providing the local community with a first-class education facility.”

Cllr Terry Douris, Executive Member for Education at Hertfordshire County Council said: “It has been a privilege to be here to watch as this school rises from the ground. Four years ago, when this scheme was first discussed, it was ground-breaking to be looking at a school that was not only Passivhaus standard, but also net zero in both construction and operation.

“This project demonstrates to the wider world our commitment to saving the planet and how we must work going forwards.”

Matt Gauthier, Executive Headteacher at Buntingford First School said: “A key driver for us is providing education for a changing world and Buntingford First School embodies this ethos. Another driving force for us is to provide first class education for the children of Buntingford, something we have every confidence this school will support.”

Cllr Duncan Wallace, Mayor of Buntingford, said: “Thank you to Hertfordshire County Council for this significant investment in our town. Investing in the next generation is vital to them fulfilling their potential.”

Gift from Premier Forest helps Yorkshire Santa spread festive cheer

This festive season, Premier Forest Products is showing support for an inspiring fundraiser by donating 6m³ of products to the cause.

Premier Forest Products reached out to Reese Fletcher, the landscape gardener who raises money for vulnerable children at Christmas time, after hearing about his amazing project on BBC Breakfast.

Reese crafts Christmas trees out of leftover wood and sells them for £10, using the profits to buy Christmas presents for children and young people at risk in his local area.

In 2020, his first year, Reese raised £3600 and last year, after word spread, they raised an incredible £10,000, which meant they bought toys for hundreds of children in the area.

This year, they have set themselves a target of £50,000 and have scaled up the scheme massively, organising collection points, online fundraisers and receiving large donations from businesses like Premier.

Premier is always keen to help their local communities across their 12 sites in England and Wales, with Premier Forest Doncaster donating to Reese’s local appeal.

 

Andrew Francis, UK Sales Director at Premier Forest, said:

“The work that Reese and his team are doing in our local community is so important, especially at this time of year. We’re proud to be able to support them in any way we can and hope our donation helped them raise even more funds to buy even more presents for local children in need.”

 

On the donation, Reese Fletcher said: “I’m very grateful to businesses like Premier for approaching me to donate to the cause. The wood to make the trees has to come from somewhere and receiving it for free means more money can go towards buying presents for vulnerable children.”

 

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

You can donate to Reese’s JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reese-fletcher-2

 

Image: Reese and his team featured on the BBC

Ceremony celebrates start of construction on Milton Keynes’ new radiotherapy centre

A ground-breaking ceremony has been held to mark a key milestone in the development of a new, highly specialist radiotherapy centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH).

On Wednesday 14th December, guests from the project’s key stakeholders, including MKUH, Oxford University Hospitals, Morgan Sindall Construction and Milton Keynes Council, visited the site of the new radiotherapy centre.

During the event, attendees heard presentations from Sally Burnie, MKUH’s Head of Cancer Services and Carol Scott, Lead Therapeutic Radiographer & Deputy Clinical Director at Oxford University Hospitals, explaining how the new facility will improve the treatment that patients receive locally.

Morgan Sindall’s Northern Home Counties business was selected by MKUH to oversee the construction of the multi-million project, which will adjoin with the hospital Cancer Centre which opened in 2020. The project was procured via the Pagabo national framework for major construction works and it is expected to be completed by spring 2024.

The new facility will improve access to radiotherapy for patients who currently have to travel to other hospitals in the region to receive the specialist treatment. When complete, the radiotherapy centre will house two state-of-the-art medical linear accelerator (Linac) bunkers and will include a main reception, consultation rooms and a CT scanner area.

The specialised nature of the project presented several unique construction challenges, for which the tier one contractor devised tailored solutions in line with its Intelligent Solutions approach to construction. This included the need to create 2.6m thick concrete walls to prevent radiation leakage from the onsite radiotherapy equipment. Due to the size of the walls and complexity of applying this quantity of concrete, a schedule of long pours has been designed so that the thickness will be achieved without compromising the quality of the concrete structure.

To guarantee a smooth building process, Morgan Sindall has also accounted for several logistical factors. This has included extensive material delivery preparations to avoid undue inconvenience to the hospital’s patients and staff. Materials will be brought through the rear of the building, bypassing the front of the hospital where the new unit will be located, as this is an important access point for the adjoining cancer centre, its drop off-point, car park and nearby energy facilities.

David Rowsell, Northern Home Counties area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are incredibly proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship with Milton Keynes University Hospital, which is such an incredibly important part of the local community. Once complete, the capabilities of the hospital’s new radiotherapy centre will provide an exceptionally valuable medical asset for the area and its people for many years to come.

“The state-of-the-art nature of this facility means that the construction has to account for a lot of unique challenges. Thanks to the expertise of our team and our proven ability to deliver highly complex healthcare projects, we’ve created a plan that will meet the hospital’s operational demands without affecting the site’s vital day-to-day work.”

Professor Joe Harrison, Chief Executive at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We are delighted to have started construction work on what will be a hugely significant facility for local people. Through developing radiotherapy services on-site, this will complete our cancer services offering, improving patient outcomes and the experience that they receive while at our hospital. We look forward to working closely with our partners across the region to bring this new centre to life for our patients.”

Sally Burnie, Head of Cancer Services at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We are seeing some people having to make a hundred mile round-trip to access their radiotherapy treatment, and this can be for several weeks. To have this new centre for our patients and their families really is fantastic and having this service closer to home not only enhances their care but also drastically cuts travel and reduces their anxiety at a very difficult time.”

4 steps that businesses and commercial property owners need to make ahead of the worsening winter weather

With the weather taking a stormy turn in the coming days, and colder forecasts in December, there are important seasonal property checks that business owners, facilities managers and commercial landlords should be making to avoid danger to employees and serious, costly damage to their properties.

Roofing and solar tile experts Marley, are warning business owners to make these necessary safety precautions ahead of the worsening and upcoming winter weather.

Phil Wallis, technical manager at Marley says: “Every year roofing issues cause damage to commercial properties and business premises. Autumn and winter’s concoction of colder temperatures, stormy winds, and heavy rain make for a testing time for roofs. So December is the opportune time to take action before the temperatures significantly drop, and schedule an annual property inspection.

“Many business owners only think about their roofs when there is an issue and they either need to repair or replace them. Unfortunately leaving a problem until it is noticed or severe can be extremely costly for businesses. For a company that operates with technical equipment, a roof leak could devastate computers and tools, and for businesses that can only operate from their premises, it is essential they are safe and open all year round to avoid loss of income or operational impact.”

“As businesses prepare for 2023 and plan budgets, it’s important to factor building maintenance into this too. Routine checks and simple seasonal precautions can help business owners to spot early signs of damage and prevent falling tiles or costly roofing repairs. We are encouraging companies across the UK to take a four-step roofing health check in November to help minimise bigger roofing issues, damage, or worse, injuries.”

Phil’s four winter roof maintenance steps:

1. Clear roofing obstructions like leaves, debris and moss

The key here before wetter winter weather is to ensure leaves and debris are removed from valleys and gutters, and that moss and lichens are removed as they can affect the flow of rainwater. Moss often grows on roofs and structures that don’t receive much sunlight, including those that are north-facing or under trees. The growths typically occur on the tile surface and between roof tiles, and the big issue with this is that it can cause moisture retention and tiles to lift. Frequently moss and algae can be removed by professionals by brushing with a handheld tool or alternatively by applying a moss removing product. Many cleaning firms default to high pressure jet washers for this task, but it’s best to avoid these as they can actually damage the tiles or reduce their overall service life, particularly if repeated often.

2. Check the roof space to identify leaks or cracks in tiles

Many firms are unlikely to go into office attics or even utilise this space, so ensuring this area is checked by an external team or facilities manager before winter is ideal. Leaks would be obvious in the home, but with staff not in the larger office space all the time, it can go undetected. Similarly, if you wait till the point a tile falls off, then you risk injuries to an employee, customer or vehicle.

When a clay or concrete roof tile becomes loose, damaged, or falls off, it makes the underlying roof structure vulnerable to weather damage and leaks. This can often be identified inside the property from the roof space, particularly on older structures. Checking roofs internally can reveal water ingress or evidence of damaged/missing tiles and various other tell tale signs, but this alone will not suffice. Internal inspection should always be accompanied by an external inspection, carried out by trained operatives using suitable roof access equipment.

3. Health-check solar tiles or panels

Demand from non-domestic buildings is definitely growing for solar tile solutions – particularly in the current energy crisis situation – and we’re installing more solar tiles than ever before on commercial and office spaces. During installation of new solar tiles, it is a good time to get a professional to thoroughly check your building’s roof. At this time of year, solar installations should be checked to ensure panels are clear of debris and foreign matter which can affect performance and check there are no signs of visible damage or degradation. Consider updating very old or outdated solar solutions to ensure full efficiency and property safety.

4. Repair damages before the weather worsens

If you or a facilities manager notices any problems during the winter roof check on your business property, take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. If left, it will only worsen as the icy, cold and windy weather approaches. In most cases, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional roofing expert, as they will have the tools and knowledge to carry out the work safely and to a high standard, and ensure your premises’ roof will weather the stormy season.

Choosing a recommended roofing installer and professional is key to maintain long-term roof health and avoid seasonal issues. To locate an installer, Marley has a search tool, so landlords and business property owners can seek professional advice before winter officially sets in.

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

How Is BIM Changing the Construction Industry?

Building information modelling (BIM) is part of the digital technology transformation happening in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) world. It is significantly impacting how the industry runs.

 

What is a BIM Model?

BIM enables project teams and stakeholders to share information, collaborate and monitor construction costs and timelines with management tools that allow a more streamlined and real-time project management platform. Digital tools avoid the silos previously formed from traditional CAD building management.

BIM enables the complex aspects of construction management, such as open communication between design and construction teams, to be more visible, shareable and streamlined. This avoids many common issues that send projects spiralling in terms of cost and timeframes. Using BIM gives project managers a quick overview of an AEC project to keep closer track of spending and timeframes and remove many project clashes, which can occur when information takes time to filter to all interested parties.

 

A Common Data Environment

The BIM process captures data ready for the construction process to begin. The earlier in the process that BIM is adopted, the more effect it will have on the project. Communication is improved, and all working on a project can access the data in one place, leading to a more coordinated and real-time approach. Companies like The CAD Room offer specialist BIM outsourcing partnerships, ideal for those seeking expertise to bring BIM within their project cost-effectively. Working with an experienced BIM partner means you can be sure you have a well-versed team in your corner for as much or as little of the project as you need.

Once project data has been collected, amendments and updates are immediately visible to onsite teams, project managers and stakeholders as agreed and required to make the project come in on budget and time. The ability to identify clashes and make changes that can be shared enables greater project collaboration and more effective communication, which is essential to drive the project forward effectively. 

BIM provides an effective platform to overcome the challenges in construction and is being proven to help bring construction projects of all sizes home within budget, design expectation and time. BIM has been a prerequisite for government construction projects since 2016. It has been mandatory for public sector construction to comply with BIM level 2. Smaller projects are also beginning to adopt the BIM way of working, and its use by architects, builders and actual trades is becoming more widespread.

 

BIM level 2

The key to BIM level 2 is collaboration, the ease of information exchanges between all parties involved in a project, using software that utilises a standard file format to make information sharing easy to use and accessible. BIM brings improved efficiency to large-scale projects, and in many cases, it can reduce the lifecycle of a project, with many aspects being both simpler and quicker.

BIM level 2 also offers hazard and risk analysis to identify issues before they become problematic, improving safety and efficiency. Thorough cost analysis allows reliable estimates for materials, labour and delivery costs to be accounted for before construction commences, giving greater budget control through selective material sourcing to find the most price/labour-effective material with project specifications easily updated.

 

BIM opportunity

BIM also enables greater prediction for project outcomes using virtual reality. Stakeholders, architects and construction professionals can see a built model within its real-life environment before it becomes a reality. The building’s impact can be assessed and changed, leading to better builds. Innovation scope in design becomes simpler as plans can be adjusted with minimal impact on the overall budget.

BIM can bring value to both new and existing buildings, benefits both for now and the future. These innovative BIM-led designs bring energy and environmentally efficient structure giving a solid case to support the growth of BIM within construction trades.

 

SFI win at South Wales Argus Business Awards

Newbridge-based Specialist Façade Inspections Ltd (SFI) has won Family Business of the Year at the South Wales Argus Business Awards 2022.

The cladding consultancy is a family business founded in 2019 by father and son duo Paul and Josh Tedstone and the consultancy provides full cladding fire testing and inspection services including external wall fire reviews to determine compliance with building safety regulations.

The awards ceremony took place last night at the University of South Wales’ Newport City Campus, where they honoured some of the best companies and businesspeople that Gwent has to offer. Hosted by broadcaster Mai Davies, the ceremony featured 14 award categories including Family Business of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

SFI were presented with their award by Harding Evans Solicitors.

Josh Tedstone, Director at SFI, said: “We’re very proud and excited to have been awarded Family Business of the Year in the South Wales Argus Business Awards. After a tough few years of trading, we’re happy to be celebrating reaching our three year anniversary and this is the cherry on top of the cake.

“We are a local, family business that works to support local causes and our community wherever possible, so it’s great to receive recognition in our local business awards.”

Welsh fabricator wins trio of school projects across the UK

LEADING Cardiff-based fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has secured three projects in the education sector across the UK.

The first build will be St Ederyn’s School in Cardiff (artist’s impression above). The new home for St Mellons Church in Wales Primary School, St Ederyn’s will provide pupils and staff with a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment when complete.

Dudley’s Aluminium will be working with Halsall Construction Ltd on the build and will install Metal Technology System capped curtain walling, ‘Hi’ windows and ‘Hi’ doors, in addition to automatic entrance doors and automatic opening windows.

Metal Technology System products will also be used on the fabricator’s second build as part of refurbishment works at Lord Williams’s School in Thame, Oxfordshire.

Teaming up with Borras Construction Limited, Dudley’s Aluminium will install Metal Technology System capped curtain walling, Hi’ windows, ‘Hi’ doors and brise soleil on the new English block and state-of-the-art accessible ICT suite.

The third project will see Dudley’s Aluminium work with Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd on the expansion of Baytree SEN School, Clevedon.

It is the only school in North Somerset designated to provide education to children with profound and complex learning difficulties. The new site will create additional school places and has been designed to be sustainable and energy efficient.

The fabricator will install Kawneer capped curtain walling, windows and manual doors, as well as automatic entrance doors.

Colin Shorney, Managing Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “It is a great privilege to be working on these three schools, helping to meet local demand for quality learning environments and opportunities for students across the UK.”

An artist’s impression of the Baytree SEN School Clevedon

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and BM Trada certified to manufacture enhanced security products to align with PAS24:2016 and BS 4873.

6 Construction Business Ideas To Inspire Your New Venture

Contrary to popular belief, the construction industry isn’t only about building houses and tackling massive projects like bridges, highways, and skyscrapers. In fact, this sector is quite diversified, and there are many different types of businesses that come under its umbrella.

For example, the modern construction industry relies heavily on trades and services such as carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and electrical work. If you have the skills and qualifications in any of these trades, starting your own construction business can be a great way to earn a good living.

But there are many other fields in construction where opportunities abound: management, cleaning, design, and supply, just to name a few. So if you’re thinking of starting your own construction business, here are some ideas to get you started.

Construction Project Management

If you’re good at organizing work and dealing with people, project management could be a good option for you. As a project manager, you’ll be responsible for a particular project from its inception to completion, ensuring everything goes smoothly and on schedule — from contacting CNC machining companies to procuring raw materials.

A project manager typically has a team of workers reporting to him. The role itself can be quite varied; you might have to handle problems, manage budgets, oversee personnel, and coordinate workflow. And apart from managing the project, you’ll also be responsible for reporting to the client and communicating with them at regular intervals to ensure their satisfaction.

To succeed in this business, you’ll need a good working knowledge of construction processes as well as excellent communication skills. You’ll also need to have strong organizational and analytical skills and be able to deal with people efficiently. Lastly, you’ll need to be financially literate and have a good command over numbers.

Construction Cleaning Services

If you’re good at cleaning and detail work, running a cleaning service for construction sites could be a terrific business idea. Construction sites are often dirty and messy, with plenty of sawdust, sand, and debris lying around. So if you have the right equipment and can provide your services at competitive rates, you could be a winner here.

In addition to the cleaning services, you could also offer other related services, including waste management, floor polishing, and carpet cleaning. In the end, most clients want to see their construction project sparkling and clean, so there’s a good business case for offering cleaning services at a construction site.

Waste Management

Another area where you could find opportunities is waste management at a construction site. As the name suggests, it involves managing the waste generated at the site — from wood and metal to concrete and other materials.

This alternative is another business that offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for something different. Here, you’ll be responsible for collecting and transporting the waste materials to a suitable disposal center or recycling facility. You’ll also need to ensure that you maintain proper records and follow all the rules and regulations set by local authorities.

Construction Site Design And Planning

If you have some architectural skills or know your way around construction drawings, designing and planning a construction project could be a superb business idea. When you choose this line of work, you’ll be responsible for creating plans for new buildings and providing design services for existing projects. Depending on your level of expertise, you might even get involved in the technical aspects of a project, such as designing an electrical system or plumbing layout.

As an architect, you must know how to clearly visualize the end result of any construction project, along with possessing a deep understanding of local building codes and regulations. Since this is a hands-on job, you’ll also need to be physically fit and capable of working long hours.

Construction Supply

Supply is another area where you could find opportunities. As a supply business, you’ll be responsible for providing construction materials and equipment to a construction site on a need basis. It is another business requiring a great deal of knowledge about the construction industry and its inner workings.

Apart from selling construction materials, you might also provide a range of additional services, such as delivery and setup. Depending on your experience and expertise, you might also get involved in the planning and preparation of a construction project, including ordering materials and equipment.

Landscaping

Landscaping services are another area where you could find attractive opportunities. It is a popular business for people who have an artistic bent of mind and enjoy creative work. Besides landscaping, you might also offer services such as tree removal or masonry – whatever your clients demand from you!

Landscapers typically get involved in the planning stage, during which they suggest different concepts to their customers based on aesthetics and functionality. Depending on the client’s requirements, they then provide all the required materials like plants, rocks, soil, etc., along with equipment such as tractors and lawnmowers.

Final Thoughts

The construction industry is a big one, with plenty of opportunities for those looking to start their own business. If you spend some time researching the field, you can find an option that matches your interests and skills, from project management to cleaning services.

And if you’re planning to start a construction business, it makes sense to learn more about its ins and outs before jumping into it. Consider talking to a few people in the industry and doing a bit of research on the internet. There is a wealth of information available on the construction industry, so spend some time and educate yourself about this sector.