Construction costs fall. Markets shift. Professionals wonder.

The recent downward trend in UK construction costs has sparked debates across boardrooms, building sites, and industry forums. Some see storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Others spot rare openings for growth and innovation. The reality likely contains elements of both.

Having observed market fluctuations throughout my years in engineering and construction, I’ve learned that context matters tremendously when interpreting cost movements. What appears threatening to one segment often creates breathing room for another. What looks like opportunity can mask underlying structural challenges.

The question facing our industry now demands nuanced analysis: Do falling construction costs signal trouble ahead or create space for strategic advancement?

Understanding the Current Cost Landscape

Before diving into implications, we must establish what’s actually happening in the market. After years of relentless inflation across labour, materials, and energy, we’re witnessing notable price moderation across several key inputs.

Steel prices have cooled significantly from their post-pandemic peaks. Timber has stabilized after wild fluctuations. Even concrete costs have begun to level off in certain regions. Energy expenses, while still elevated, no longer shock with each new invoice.

Labour remains tight but wage growth has slowed marginally as economic uncertainty prompts more cautious hiring outlooks. Supply chains, though not fully healed, function with greater predictability than during the chaotic pandemic years.

These changes haven’t manifested uniformly across all project types or geographical areas. Large commercial developments in major urban centres experience different cost dynamics than residential builds in smaller communities. Infrastructure projects face their own unique cost considerations.

What’s undeniable is the broader trend: after years of contractors and clients battling ever-rising costs, we’re seeing genuine signs of relief. The crucial question becomes what this means for industry health and strategy.

The Warning Signs Perspective

Cost declines can signal weakening demand. When suppliers and subcontractors suddenly become more flexible on pricing, it often reflects growing competition for fewer available projects. This scenario typically emerges when developers and public bodies pull back on capital expenditure due to economic uncertainty.

Several concerning indicators warrant attention:

First, project pipelines appear increasingly uncertain across multiple sectors. Commercial real estate faces particular pressure as remote work reshapes office demand and retail continues its digital transformation. Some developers report postponing decisions until market conditions clarify.

Second, financing has become more challenging. Higher interest rates have fundamentally altered project economics, especially for developments with tight margins. Lenders show greater caution, demanding stronger pre-lets and more substantial equity contributions.

Third, the public sector faces budget constraints that limit infrastructure ambitions. Despite political rhetoric about building for growth, fiscal realities often force scaled-back plans and extended timelines.

When combined with broader economic headwinds, these factors suggest declining costs could indeed signal reduced activity ahead. Historical patterns show construction often lags behind general economic downturns, meaning today’s cost moderation might foreshadow tomorrow’s more significant contraction.

For contractors who expanded capacity during boom times, a slowdown could create painful excess capacity. For specialists who invested heavily in equipment and talent, reduced demand threatens utilization rates and profitability.

The Opportunity Indicator Lens

Yet viewing cost moderation solely as a warning misses important countervailing factors. Many industry veterans recognize that periods of cost stabilization create unique openings for strategic advancement.

Cost predictability improves planning. When materials and labour prices fluctuate wildly, project feasibility becomes a moving target. Stabilizing costs allow more accurate forecasting, reducing contingencies and improving confidence in project viability.

Margins can actually improve for well-positioned firms. When costs outpace what clients can reasonably absorb, contractors often squeeze their own margins to secure work. As input costs moderate, those same firms can potentially retain more value while still delivering competitively priced projects.

Previously marginal projects become viable. Developments that couldn’t clear financial hurdles during peak cost periods may now proceed. This particularly applies to affordable housing, renovation work, and projects in secondary markets where rent levels or sale prices couldn’t support inflated construction costs.

Innovation finds more receptive audiences. When survival mode dominates industry thinking during cost crises, adoption of new methods and technologies often stalls. Cost moderation creates breathing room for considering approaches that might deliver long-term efficiency even if they require initial investment.

Market share opportunities emerge for strong performers. Cost pressures often force weaker or overleveraged competitors to exit markets or scale back operations. Firms with healthy balance sheets and operational excellence can expand their presence during such transitions.

Regional and Sector Variations

The construction industry never moves as a monolith. Current cost trends affect different segments in profoundly different ways.

Infrastructure appears relatively insulated from immediate concerns. Major transport, energy, and utility projects typically operate on longer planning horizons with dedicated funding streams. Cost moderation here generally translates to more deliverable outcomes rather than existential threats.

Residential faces mixed signals. While higher interest rates have dampened demand, persistent housing shortages create underlying pressure for continued building. Lower costs potentially allow developers to meet price points that work for both buyers and their own business models.

Industrial and logistics continue showing resilience. The structural shift toward e-commerce and reshoring of manufacturing maintains demand for distribution centres and production facilities. Cost moderation enhances already strong fundamentals in this sector.

Commercial and retail face the greatest challenges. Changing work patterns and shopping habits create genuine uncertainty about space requirements. Even with lower construction costs, fundamental questions about future demand cloud investment decisions.

Renovation and retrofit work stands to benefit substantially. As new build costs moderate, the gap between renovation and replacement narrows, potentially accelerating sustainability-focused upgrades to existing building stock.

Strategic Responses for Industry Professionals

How should construction professionals respond to this complex landscape? The answer depends on your position in the industry ecosystem, but certain principles apply broadly.

Resist panic pricing. When volume appears threatened, the temptation to slash margins to secure work becomes powerful. This approach rarely serves long-term viability. Focus instead on demonstrating value and targeting work that aligns with your strengths.

Invest in relationship development. During market transitions, clients seek trusted advisors who can navigate uncertainty. Position yourself as a source of insight and stability rather than merely a provider of services or materials.

Maintain discipline in project selection. Not all available work is good work. Carefully assess project viability, client financial stability, and alignment with your capabilities before committing resources.

Consider strategic capability expansion. Market transitions often present opportunities to acquire talent, assets, or even competitors at favorable terms. Firms with financial strength can emerge from transitional periods with enhanced capabilities.

Accelerate innovation initiatives. Cost pressure often forces operational improvements that benefit organizations long-term. Use this period to examine processes, adopt productivity-enhancing technologies, and question established methods.

Diversify thoughtfully. Exposure to multiple sectors provides insulation against segment-specific downturns. However, diversification should build on existing strengths rather than pushing into completely unfamiliar territory.

Indicators to Monitor

Beyond cost trends themselves, several indicators provide insight into whether the current environment represents warning or opportunity:

Planning applications and approvals offer forward visibility into project pipelines. Declining application volumes suggest reduced activity ahead, while stable or increasing numbers indicate resilience.

Supplier lead times reveal supply chain health. Dramatically shortened lead times often indicate excess capacity and weakening demand, while moderate improvements may simply reflect supply chain normalization.

Subcontractor availability provides similar insights. When previously booked-solid specialists suddenly have immediate availability, demand may be softening significantly.

Public sector commitment remains crucial. Government infrastructure plans, school building programs, and healthcare facility investments provide baseload activity that can sustain the industry through private sector fluctuations.

Business investment statistics offer broader economic context. When companies across sectors pull back on capital expenditure, construction typically feels downstream effects.

The Balanced Perspective

The most prudent view recognizes that current cost trends contain both warning elements and opportunity signals. The construction sector rarely experiences smooth, gradual transitions. Instead, it tends toward cycles of constraint and capacity that create challenges and openings simultaneously.

Cost moderation following an extended inflationary period represents a natural market adjustment rather than necessarily indicating collapse. Some project delays and cancellations will likely occur, but pent-up demand across multiple sectors should prevent industry-wide contraction.

For industry professionals, the key lies in recognizing that different segments will experience different trajectories. Success requires careful market selection, operational excellence, and financial discipline rather than either blind optimism or excessive pessimism.

The firms that will thrive are those that interpret cost trends within their specific context, adjust strategies accordingly, and maintain the agility to adapt as conditions evolve. They’ll see opportunity where others see only warning signs, while remaining clear-eyed about genuine risks.

Looking Forward

Construction has always been cyclical. What distinguishes successful industry participants is how they navigate these cycles, particularly the transitional periods where signals appear mixed and the path forward seems unclear.

The current cost environment presents such a moment. Rather than seeking simple narratives of boom or bust, industry professionals should embrace the complexity of our current situation. Declining costs bring both challenges and opportunities, often simultaneously.

By maintaining perspective, focusing on fundamentals, and adapting strategies to evolving conditions, construction professionals can navigate this transitional period successfully. Those who panic will make poor decisions. Those who remain complacent will miss crucial signals. Those who balance optimism with pragmatism will find paths to sustainable success.

The question isn’t simply whether declining costs represent warning or opportunity. The better question is how well-positioned your organization is to manage the implications of changing cost dynamics, whatever they may ultimately signal for the broader industry.

That’s the question that should occupy boardrooms, project offices, and strategic planning sessions across our industry in the months ahead.

In today’s news, we will look into the United Kingdom in which the majority of engineering companies believe that digital transformation will assist in reaching aggressive profit and headcount goals. Peel Ports has named vendors for a construction framework worth £750 million across the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition, the contract for the final phase of building of the government hub has been awarded.

Most UK Engineering Firms Expect Digital Transformation to Boost Aggressive Profit and Headcount Targets

Original Source: Most engineering firms in UK anticipate digital transformation will help drive ambitious profit and headcount goals

Deltek is the world’s foremost provider of software and solutions for project-based enterprises. New study from this year shows that UK project-based firms are enthusiastic about the role technology will play in helping them achieve their growth goals in 2025.

Many UK project-based enterprises will experience digital technology-assisted growth in 2025, according to new data from Deltek. Despite economic challenges, businesses remain focused on their goals. A majority of 83% are aiming to boost profit growth this year, while 42% anticipate a substantial increase in headcount. Sixty percent of engineering firms, compared to forty-four percent of all professional services industries questioned, expect their gross profit margins to improve by more than 10% in 2025, which is the most ambitious growth forecast for the year.

According to the study, which surveyed engineering, architectural, and consulting firms in the United Kingdom, technology and automation are the most promising areas for increasing profits. Two of a company’s most important goals should be the effective application of new breakthroughs, such as AI (37%), and the investment in new technology, such as adopting AI (39%). In addition, cybersecurity is a major concern; 36% of project-based businesses rank it as one of their top three priorities, up from 23% the year before.

The digital transformation industry is rapidly maturing.

Over half of UK project-based enterprises are now at the “Mature” or “Advanced” stage of their digital transformation development, up from 32% in 2024, because to the focus on technology developments. This shows that companies are putting an emphasis on digital transformation and developing at a faster rate.

To be more specific, several professional services have already reached a level of digital maturity that was not anticipated to be reached until 2027, two years earlier than their 2024 estimates.

This year, project-based firms in the UK will also rely heavily on AI and automation to achieve their key performance indicators (KPIs). In the next three years, project managers will face increasing constraints related to talent competition (30%) and project complexity (28%). But 40% of businesses are tackling this head-on by making AI and automation their top priorities to simplify project processes. After falling to 59% in 2024, 75% of project managers are confident in their abilities to monitor profitability, budget, and customer satisfaction in 2025.

There will be a “pivotal time” to use digital technologies in 2025.

The professional services industry is quickly catching on to the efficiency gains and expansion possibilities offered by digital transformation, according to Neil Davidson, Deltek’s group VP of the professional services sector. As many businesses still aim for expansion in 2025, this year is critical for making the most of technological advancements.

It’s encouraging to note that, as we haven’t seen in previous Clarity reports, the change in technology is also supporting more assurance in monitoring project metrics. Their capacity to control the aspects that contribute to accomplishing KPIs is being further enhanced by the progress professional services organizations have achieved in integrating technological innovations ahead of schedule. To keep businesses on track to achieve their objectives, effective monitoring is critical for gaining insight into key performance indicators, optimizing processes, and improving productivity.

Increasing the size of their personnel is a goal for many companies.

With 76% intending to increase employment in 2025, project-based UK businesses are doing more than just investing in IT; they are also growing their workforce. Compared to previous year, when only 58% of businesses anticipated increasing their employment, this is a huge improvement.

When compared to the average of 34% of professional services organizations, engineering firms were the most ambitious in terms of major headcount rise, with 42% wanting to grow their talent pool by more than 10% in 2025. A lack of investment in staff upskilling (48% of organizations) and engagement (34% of organizations) is still having a negative impact on these businesses.

To combat this and give young professionals more agency in the workforce in 2025, companies are focusing on fostering an environment that values teamwork and new ideas (51%), rewarding lifelong learning (49%), and giving employees access to cutting-edge technology (45%). 

Peel Ports Selects £750m UK and Ireland Construction Providers

Original Source: Peel Ports names suppliers on £750M UK and Ireland construction framework

A new construction framework, unveiled by Peel Ports Group, will support a large £750 million program of works across its UK and Ireland facilities. The company has appointed 18 contractors under this framework.

Numerous construction projects, both new and old, with a combined expected lifespan of eight years, will be made possible by this multi-lot structure.

Here are the confirmed individuals:

• A E Yates
• C Spencer
• Charles Brand
• Erith Contractors
• Glencar
• GPS Marine & Civil Services
• J Murphy & Sons
• Jackson Framework
• John Graham Construction
• JT Mackley & Co
• Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure
• Mackenzie Construction
• McLaughlin & Harvey
• Octavius
• RJ McLeod
• Southbay Civil Engineering
• Story Contracting
• Taziker Industrial

The contractors will be involved in a variety of tasks; Lot 1 is for general construction, Lot 2 is for marine construction, and Lot 3 is for major projects on a national scale.

The chosen vendors will be participating in initiatives all around Peel Ports’ vast portfolio, which encompasses well-known sites like the Port of Liverpool, Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, Clydeport locations, Great Yarmouth, and Dublin Port, among many others.

Essential to the smooth running of the ports, the framework is designed to bring about necessary infrastructure upgrades. Drainage, road building and maintenance, earthworks, foundation and piling, warehouse building and renovation, pavement, rail building, bridge construction and demolition are all part of the general construction activities.

Marine Construction, meanwhile, will be in charge of more specialised work including piling, asset renewal, quay wall and berthing furniture maintenance, and sluice gate and lock repair or replacement.

All companies who wanted to be considered had to show that they were dedicated to the local community and that they followed all the rules when it came to health, safety, the environment, and quality. Peel Ports’ larger sustainability objectives, including its target of net-zero operations by 2040, are compatible with this approach.

“We are pleased to announce the 18 contractors who have been selected to carry out this important work across our ports in the UK and Ireland,” stated Lewis McIntyre, managing director of port services of Peel Ports Group.

Thanks to our stringent procurement procedure, we were able to choose the top national and regional partners who would back our efforts to expand our logistics hub network.

“They have made a significant investment in the future of our operations, and we are excited to work with them on the design and construction of many exciting projects in the coming months and years.”

Government Hub’s Final Building Phase Awarded Contract

Original Source: Contract awarded for final construction phase of government hub

Wates has been appointed to carry out the Category B fit-out, marking the final phase of construction for a new government office in Manchester City Centre.

The selection of a new contractor marks the beginning of the final phase of construction for the new government headquarters in Manchester City Centre.

After a competitive tender process, Wates was contracted to execute the Category B (Cat B) fit-out of the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) First Street Hub.

The fit-out works of the hub, which involve making sure the nine-story structure is ready for office usage, will be handled by the company. Following the recent practical completion of the Category A (Cat A) fit-out and lease commencement, it represents another significant milestone in the program.

The Manchester First Street Hub, which was inaugurated as a component of the GPA’s Government Hubs Programme, will house approximately 2,600 government employees from various departments, such as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), and the Department for Education (DfE). It is scheduled to be finished in the autumn of 2026.

When asked about the GPA’s capital projects, Georgina Dunn, the interim director, stated:

Before heading into the home stretch of delivering this outstanding building, the last big barrier to overcome was appointing the Cat B contractor. Being one of the biggest cross-departmental centres outside of London, the facility will offer state-of-the-art office space to thousands of government employees. With a NABERS 5.5* rating, it is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the United Kingdom, adding to its impressive list of sustainability features.

As we strive to offer civil workers across the UK sustainable, high-quality environments, we are pleased with the progress we have made so far.

In order to achieve the goal of the Government Hubs Programme, which is to secure growth nationwide, the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) forward-funded the £105 million development. Modern, customer-focused, and varied workspaces where civil workers may thrive are being delivered under the program, which is crucial in rationalising the government’s estate in towns and cities across the UK.

First Street Hub is a state-of-the-art, accessible, and inclusive public space that is conveniently located within a short stroll of the rail stations on Oxford Road and Deansgate. The 12,000 sq. m. structure is designed to accommodate varied work styles, with areas that promote community, creativity, and cooperation.

According to Scott Camp, Managing Director of Smartspace, Wates’s fit-out and refurbishment business:

After our successful collaboration in Croydon’s 2 Ruskin Square and Darlington Economic Campus, we are thrilled to continue working with the Government Property Agency.

Our success in winning the contract for the Cat-B fit-out at Manchester First Street is evidence of our ability to create contemporary office spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A state-of-the-art workspace will be made available to thousands of government employees as a result of this project, allowing them to work together more effectively. Our dedication to our mission of “Reimagining places for people to thrive” is further strengthened by the creation of yet another outstanding workplace that promotes efficiency and happiness.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed Software and solutions for project-based organisations which are provided by Deltek, the world’s foremost vendor. According to a new report published this year, project-based businesses in the UK are optimistic about the potential of technology to assist them in reaching their growth objectives by the year 2025. At the same time, Peel Ports Group has introduced a new framework for construction that will underpin a massive £750 million program of works at its sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland. With this structure in place, the business has hired eighteen independent contractors. The last stage of construction for a new government office in Manchester City Centre, the Category B fit-out, will be carried out by Wates. The last stage of building the new government offices in Manchester City Centre has begun with the selection of a new contractor.

In today’s news, we will look into how Skanska has installed the R.I.S.E., a robotic installation system for lifts produced by Schindler, at the 105 Victoria Street project, which is located in the middle of London. Prior to this point, nobody in the United Kingdom has ever utilised this technology. Meanwhile, the Cumberland Council in the United Kingdom has chosen a contractor for the redevelopment of the Carlisle Library. A temporary space will be made available to patrons inside the existing library in order to ensure that services are not disrupted while the building is being constructed. Additionally, as any B2B marketer in the construction industry or any other profession will tell, there is a constant need to show results through lead generation tactics. This pressure is present in every industry. In light of recent discoveries, it is possible that the underperformance of these methods can be explained. Additionally, building is underway at Tilbury for the United Kingdom’s largest electric heavy-duty vehicle charging site, which is being built by Fleete.

London Project Skanska Uses Robot in Lift Shaft

Original Source: Skanska deploys robot in lift shaft on London project

In the heart of London, at the 105 Victoria Street project, Skanska has installed the R.I.S.E., a robotic installation system for elevators manufactured by Schindler. Until now, no one in the UK has ever employed this technology.

The Schindler R.I.S.E. is an autonomous climbing robot that can install components with “precision and speed” in elevator shafts. The robot’s ability to drill holes and install anchor bolts greatly decreases the need for human labor during this phase of construction. Workers are freed from the annoyance, monotony, and dust that comes with these tasks.

When done by a robot, the danger of exhaustion from working at height is eliminated. A remote-control panel allows the expert operator to observe the robot’s motions.

“It makes sense for 105 Victoria Street to be the first in the UK to appoint Schindler R.I.S.E.,” said Stuart Cross, managing director of Schindler UK & Ireland. “Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of this new high-rise in London.” With the increasing prevalence of automation in the construction industry, it is only logical to employ robots in the heart of a building due to the improvements in quality, speed, and safety that they bring to projects worldwide.

According to Terry Muckian, Skanska’s executive vice president, “We believe that embracing advanced technologies like Schindler R.I.S.E is essential for pushing the boundaries of construction.” This highlights the significance of technology and innovation in improving safety. Our project delivery will be more efficient, safe, and of higher quality if we test out these new ideas.

“Furthermore, by utilizing this robot, we can improve the safety of the elevator installation process and reduce the likelihood of workers being exposed to dust and noise, thus creating a more pleasant work environment for everyone.”

Designed by industry trailblazer BGO, the groundbreaking 105 Victoria Street will be the largest net-zero carbon office building in the United Kingdom. An urban farm, a bike ramp, 25,000 square feet of green space, and a “walk and talk” track are all aspects of the structure. Skanska is delivering it and expects it to be finished in the summer of 2026.

Carlisle Library Reconstruction Contractor Chosen by Cumberland Council

Original Source: UK’s Cumberland Council selects contractor for Carlisle Library redevelopment

The current library will make accessible a temporary room so that services can continue uninterrupted during the development.

Krol Corlett Construction will be the principal builder for the Carlisle Library renovation project in the United Kingdom, according to Cumberland Council.

The renovations are funded by a larger plan to improve the city’s educational and cultural facilities, and they are backed by a £3.3 million ($4.25 million) investment from the Carlisle Town Deal, a programme run by the UK government.

Daniel Tebay, managing director of Krol Corlett Construction, expressed his excitement about the partnership with Cumberland Council in transforming Carlisle Library. The library is a vital component of the city’s larger £100 million investment.

In producing high-quality public sector developments, Krol Corlett Construction has been an industry leader for over 50 years. We understand the importance of projects like these in enhancing local communities.

“Our team is excited to work closely with Cumberland Council to bring this state-of-the-art community hub and learning centre to life, and we’re committed to building lasting relationships with the people who live here as well.”

A children’s section, adult learning classes, study areas, a section for The Jackson Collection, and social spaces are all part of the library’s planned improvements.

In addition, in order to include the most recent technology, the building will be rewired, and structural adjustments will be made.

The current building will be converted into a temporary library in order to keep services running smoothly.

During the renovations, the second level will be closed to the public, but the first floor will be kept open. Virtual services, such as the Borrowbox app, will keep running as usual.

To keep things running smoothly, the site’s Adult Learning Service has been moved temporarily to Carlisle’s Civic Centre.

Library patrons will still have access to online genealogy and local history resources; however, those who would want to peruse tangible copies can schedule an appointment with the Carlisle Archive Centre.

Included in the larger £19.7m Town Deal Investment Plan are the Carlisle Library renovations, as well as other significant projects including the Carlisle Southern Gateway upgrades and the Tullie House renovations.

The development of a recreational complex in Millom was approved by Cumberland Council last month, along with a construction contract to Thomas Armstrong.

The Rise of Brand Above Lead Generation in Construction Marketing

Original Source: Why brand has stolen lead gen’s crown in construction marketing

There is constant pressure to produce results via lead generation strategies, as any B2B marketer in the construction sector or any other field will attest. The underperformance of these methods may be explicable by new information.

According to studies, raising brand recognition has surpassed lead generation as the top marketing tactic. Among the most significant components of this tactic are thought leadership, personal and emotional connection, and difference.

The hospitality, education, healthcare, and community and amenity industries are expected to lead the way in the UK construction industry, with an 8% jump in project starts in 2025 and an additional 10% boost in 2026, according to the UK Construction Industry Forecast 2025-2026.

Lead generation falls short in terms of recognisability, credibility, and trust, which are crucial in this kind of setting where making an early impression is key to reducing the time it takes to make a purchase decision.

In this regard, the power of the brand can affect the course of events.

The mechanics of brand demand

Brand strength, according to numerous studies, increases ROI, boosts cash flow, and enhances bottom line results.

This is achieved through enhancing the efficiency of sales conversion, which is further enhanced by a strong brand.

Here, credibility and trust are crucial, but due to the nature of the marketing channel, most of the B2B marketing outreach that we employ for lead generation lacks these attributes. Instead of a warm human face that your prospect can relate to on an emotional level, it’s a cold, impersonal screen.

The purchasing schedule is often put on hold because of this.

Customising the online experience

The digital channel inherently lacks trust and credibility, but a strong brand—one with a recognised name, identity, reputation, and set of values—helps to provide this.

It does more than just send an email, post to social media, or display an ad to a specific audience; it convinces them that what they are about to engage with is genuine, relevant, and valuable for people just like them.

A strong brand is like a skilled account manager or salesperson in many respects; it builds relationships before it can be sold. A likeable brand comes before a saleable one.

“People buy people,” the old adage goes, but in the realm of digital marketing, “people buy perception,” and brand is the single most important factor in shaping that perception.

Breaks through buyer sluggishness

It goes without saying that there are many obstacles to purchasing decisions in the construction industry. Listed below are a handful:

Major investments with high financial risk involved in intricate projects.

Prolonged approval processes and a large number of decision-makers (often seven or more).

In such a situation, investing in lead generation that fails at the first hurdle due to a lack of credibility and trustworthiness is like throwing good money after bad.

However, in 2025, you should prioritise brand-building because it helps your lead gen reach home.

However, where exactly does one begin?

Strong foundation, powerful link

Part of the solution is in adhering to tried-and-true B2B marketing concepts, such as knowing your clients inside and out, their location, the reasons for your priorities, and the impression you give to them (segment, target, position).

The importance of connection, as we discussed earlier, is equally vital. Establishing a reputation for communicating in a way that is timely, relevant, captivating, and memorable is essential to building a successful brand.

And that’s after you’ve done the legwork to understand your consumers’ thoughts and feelings better than your rivals. 

Construction of UK’s Largest Electric HGV Charging Site at Tilbury by Fleete

Original Source: Construction Underway for UK’s Largest Electric HGV Charging Site at Tilbury by Fleete

Construction of what will likely become the biggest commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in the United Kingdom has started at electric fleet charging pioneer Fleete. The location, which is situated in the Port of Tilbury, is intended to function as a shared facility for HGVs, and activities are expected to begin by the end of 2025.

This significant achievement signifies the inaugural project to be granted seed finance by the government through the Thames Freeport programme. This initiative aims to promote clean transport solutions that are vital to the port’s pursuit of net zero emissions.

The Freeport fund has invested £1 million, which Fleete is using to construct a 5MW charging station with 16 quick chargers. This station can accommodate up to 16 electric HGVs at once. With the use of decarbonised logistics, this project aims to improve air quality, bolster the green economy, and provide new business opportunities.

Located on the important A13 road into London, the new hub will assist in handling the higher volume of commercial traffic caused by the expansion of Freeport, all while making sure that sustainable infrastructure remains up to speed.

approximately sixty fleet-based enterprises, including well-known logistics operators and hauliers, call Tilbury, the busiest port on the Thames, home. The port processes approximately 10,000 vehicle movements every day. However, space constraints and limited grid capacity are two of the many present challenges the port has in its efforts to reduce transportation emissions.

By providing a reliable and scalable charging solution designed specifically for commercial fleets, Fleete’s high-capacity hub intends to circumvent these obstacles.

You can expect to find:

Smart energy technologies to guarantee equitable distribution of power among tenant fleets Twelve high-speed Heliox charging units, with a maximum capacity of 360 kW each, for the quick charging of heavy-duty vehicles Four advanced chargers connected to the VoltempoTM HyperCharging system, which is sponsored by the eFREIGHT 2030 program

Simple entry and exit for all vehicles using Tilbury

“We are delighted to begin work on the first of our network of shared electric HGV Charging Hubs throughout the UK, starting with our 5MW project at Tilbury, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK once fully operational…” said Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer of Fleete.

The team here at Fleete is dedicated to finding solutions to the practical and financial obstacles that come with electrifying fleets… The businesses in and around the Port of Tilbury will have the resources they need to switch to cleaner transport alternatives, and this investment is a critical step in developing a net-zero logistics environment.

Speaking about the progress made by Fleete with the £1 million in capital investment from the Freeports initiative, Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, expressed his utmost pleasure. Thames Freeport’s goal of being a green transport leader is advanced with the new hub.

In an effort to lessen the environmental effect of their clients’ operations, the 6,000 heavy-duty vehicles (HGVs) that use the port daily will have an additional resource: the Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub, according to Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the port.

The opening of the largest commercial vehicle recharging centre in the Thames Freeport is something we are quite excited about’, stated Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport. We are proud to have achieved our goal of building an eco-friendly logistics ecosystem that is prepared for the future with this hub.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed that the robot is an autonomous climbing robot that can install components with “precision and speed” in lift shafts. The Schindler R.I.S.E. is a climbing robot. The capacity of the robot to drill holes and place anchor bolts allows for a significant reduction in the amount of human labour that is required during this phase of the construction process. It is no longer necessary for workers to endure the discomfort, monotony, and dust that are associated with these duties. Working at a height poses a risk of tiredness, however this risk is reduced when the task is performed by a robot. Through the use of a remote control panel, the skilled operator is able to view the movements of the robot. On the other hand, according to Cumberland Council, Krol Corlett Construction will be the primary contractor for the Carlisle Library reconstruction project that will take place in the United Kingdom. The restorations are supported by an investment of £3.3 million ($4.25 million) from the Carlisle Town Deal, which is a program that is operated by the government of the United Kingdom. The repairs are sponsored by a bigger plan to improve the educational and cultural facilities in the city. Furthermore, research has shown that increasing brand recognition has eclipsed lead generation as the most effective marketing strategy now available. There are a number of important aspects that make up this strategy, including thought leadership, personal and emotional connection, and distinctiveness. Furthermore, construction of what is anticipated to become the largest commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in the United Kingdom has begun at Fleete, a pioneer in the field of electric fleet charging. The area, which is located in the Port of Tilbury, is planned to serve as a shared facility for heavy-duty vehicles (HGVs), and it is anticipated that operations would start taking place by the end of the year 2025.

As awareness of indoor air quality continues to grow within the construction industry, Prihoda is helping developers, contractors, and consultants deliver healthier, more efficient buildings with bespoke fabric ducting and air distribution systems.

Prihoda’s custom-designed fabric ducting systems offer a versatile solution for managing airflow in a wide range of environments, from offices and schools to healthcare facilities and industrial spaces. By delivering precise and even air distribution, Prihoda systems contribute to significantly improved IAQ, supporting occupant health and comfort from the outset of building use.

“Indoor air quality has never been more important,” said Paul Russon, Managing Director of Prihoda UK. “Poor ventilation can lead to a range of issues, from discomfort to serious health concerns. At Prihoda, we design systems that not only meet the required standards but exceed expectations in terms of performance, efficiency, and aesthetics.”

Unlike traditional metal ductwork, Prihoda’s fabric-based systems are lightweight, quick to install, and highly customisable. This allows for tailored airflow patterns, ensuring that air is delivered exactly where it is needed, with minimal turbulence or noise. Options include laser-cut perforations for gentle diffusion or directional nozzles for targeted air delivery, helping to reduce draughts and improve air mixing within the space.

The systems are manufactured using flame-retardant, easy-to-clean materials that are cleanroom quality and guaranteed not to shed micro-fibres, further supporting cleaner indoor environments. In addition, the textile ducts are available in a range of colours and shapes to suit the aesthetic and practical needs of each project.

“Our approach is always collaborative,” Paul Russon added. “We work closely with clients from the design stage to installation, ensuring that every system is perfectly matched to the space and the desired IAQ outcomes. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and occupant well-being, we’re proud to provide solutions that support healthier buildings and better environments.”

As the construction sector continues to prioritise energy efficiency and occupant health, Prihoda’s innovative fabric ducting systems offer a proven method of enhancing IAQ in both new builds and refurbishment projects.

For more information, please visit: www.prihoda.co.uk

Coventry, 31/03/2025

Majenta Solutions, a leader in digital engineering and 4D modelling, has officially partnered with WGM Engineering, a leading engineering service provider, to deliver a transformative solution for Scottish Water’s Inchinnan Pumping Station project. This collaboration combined Majenta’s cutting-edge 4D modelling expertise with WGM’s use of advanced point cloud survey technology to tackle complex safety and efficiency challenges in one of Scotland’s critical infrastructure projects. 

Revolutionising construction with 4D modelling

The Inchinnan Pumping Station presented significant health and safety risks due to confined spaces, outdated documentation, and logistical complexities. By leveraging WGM’s precise point cloud surveying and Majenta’s innovative 4D modelling, the partnership enabled the project team to visualise construction phases, identify potential risks early, and optimise project delivery. 

Key outcomes of the partnership:

• 50% reduction in on-site survey time, significantly lowering health and safety risks. 
• 30% improvement in health and safety compliance through proactive risk identification. 
• 40% faster stakeholder decision-making due to clear, dynamic visual presentations. 

Driving industry-wide change
The success of this partnership highlights the value of integrating digital construction tools and engineering expertise to overcome industry challenges. As digital transformation accelerates in the construction sector, partnerships like this exemplify how collaboration drives innovation, safety, and operational efficiency. 

A partnership built on expertise and innovation
Sam Lissaman, Senior Key Account Manager – Utilities Lead at Majenta Solutions, commented “Our partnership with WGM Engineering has showcased the immense potential of combining advanced 4D modelling with precise point cloud data. This collaboration enhanced project efficiency and set new standards in health and safety compliance for complex construction environments.” 

Nicholas Stanfield, BIM Coordinator at WGM Engineering, noted “Working with Majenta allowed us to integrate detailed survey data into dynamic 4D models, helping us mitigate risks and streamline the Inchinnan project. This partnership has been key to delivering safer, smarter, and faster project outcomes.”  

Lead Mechanical Engineer at WGM Engineering, Wallace Rodger, added, “Majenta’s 4D modelling solution has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Inchinnan pumping station project. Its accuracy and visualisation capabilities have significantly improved our design process and client engagement. As we move into construction, the model will be invaluable for coordinating activities, tracking progress, and mitigating potential on-site risks.” 

About Majenta Solutions
Majenta Solutions is a digital engineering consultancy specialising in 4D modelling, BIM, and information management. Focusing on delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient project outcomes, Majenta supports clients across the automotive, construction, and infrastructure sectors. 

About WGM Engineering
WGM Engineering is one of Scotland’s leading engineering service providers, delivering innovative solutions across water, energy, and industrial sectors. Their expertise in complex engineering projects and cutting-edge survey technology positions them as a trusted partner for infrastructure projects. 

Media contacts: 
Sam Lissaman 
Majenta Solutions 
sam.lissaman@majentasolutions.com 
+44 (0)7525 836 522 

Haylie Michael 
WGM Engineering 
Haylie.Michael@wgmengineering.co.uk 

In today’s UK construction news, read about a recent report that found that there are more openings for maintenance workers, instructors, gardeners, and construction workers. Meanwhile, the Crown Estate, National Shipbuilding Office, and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult awarded the contract to APCL Cammell Laird. On the other hand, the industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories, and hand tools, MILWAUKEE®, commissioned a recent study that revealed the pervasive and widespread use of gasoline-powered tools and equipment on building sites throughout Europe. Finally, the number of registered company insolvencies in England and Wales in February 2025 was 2,035, which was 7% less than in February 2024 (2,188) but 3% more than in January 2025 (1,978). 

Construction Workers Are in Greater Demand in the UK, According to a Recruitment Survey

Original Source: Recruitment report reveals rise in UK demand for construction workers

More construction, gardener, teaching, and maintenance jobs are available, according to a report.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and Lightcast found a drop in demand for veterinary nurses, delivery drivers, and train and tram drivers.

Last month, more than 1.5m jobs were listed, up from January, while February saw 10% less.

Neil Carberry, REC CEO, said: “Firms have been working hard to find growth in the face of rising costs since the budget, and it is reassuring that some are now feeling more ready to hire.”

Due to uncertainty about housing and commercial development projects, construction businesses have reported limited activity in recent months.

Government intentions to accelerate housing starts, lower lending rates, and rising property values have enterprises hoping to grow capacity and hire more staff.

Carberry stated, “The same applies to the substantial rise in adverts for parts of the underpressure hospitality sector.”

Even while IT recruitment has yet to rebound, “there are still opportunities for such workers with 30,000 job postings for programmers and software development professionals and nearly 12,000 for IT business analysts, architects and systems designers”.

UK Will Evaluate Domestic Service Operating Vessel Construction

Original Source: UK to assess potential for domestic construction of service operation vessels

APCL Cammell Laird won the contract from the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, National Shipbuilding Office, and Crown Estate.

 To enable the installation of over 850 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, service operation vessel (SOV) production must increase.  ORE Catapult estimates that hundreds of these ships will be in operation worldwide by 2050, creating a global market of about £35Bn (US$45Bn).

 “The UK has a proud shipbuilding heritage,” said the ORE Catapult, “but pathways must be found for how the country can transfer this to industries that will be crucial in the future Net Zero economy, like offshore wind.  This effort will assist the UK learn how to manufacture vessels for offshore wind, creating jobs and economic investment in local areas.

 We know that for the UK to tap into the full potential of offshore wind, we’ll need to drastically increase the number of vessels that can service the turbines of the future,” said Lauren Hadnum, ORE Catapult clean maritime manager.  We must ensure that British shipyards can build as many of such warships as feasible.  This work will help us understand what needs to be done to make this a reality and suggest ways industry and government can collaborate to produce a successful and joined-up UK shipbuilding strategy for offshore wind.

 APCL Group CTO Linton Roberts remarked, “APCL Cammell Laird is delighted to lead the UK SOV manufacturing business case development study.  This project advances UK offshore renewable vessel manufacturing.  We will present a strong, evidence-based business case that will shape sustainable shipbuilding and strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain.

 National Shipbuilding Office CEO Rod Paterson said, “There is significant predicted domestic and global demand for SOVs and crew transfer vessels over the coming decades, which I believe the UK shipbuilding sector is well placed to compete for and win market share.”

 Will Apps, Crown Estate offshore wind strategy director, said, “The UK is one of the world’s leading offshore wind energy producers, second only to China, and will rapidly increase offshore deployment to deliver the government’s 2030 clean power targets.  Developing the domestic supply chain is crucial to our success.

 “We expect SOV demand to rise significantly in the coming years, creating jobs and economic growth in UK communities.  The feasibility assessment of low- or no-emission SOVs operating in the UK would be particularly fascinating, considering the relevance of decarbonizing the offshore wind sector and windfarm management and maintenance.

Petrol-powered Tools Continue to Be Used in the Construction Industry

Original Source: Construction Sector Remains Reliant On Petrol-Powered Tools

MILWAUKEE®, a leading maker of power tools, equipment, accessories, and hand tools, commissioned a survey that found petrol-powered tools and equipment are still widely used on European construction sites.  Despite their recognized operational and health dangers and the availability of safer alternatives on the general market.  

 The whitepaper Building a Safer Future depends on a European study of 3,200 construction experts from 14 countries.  It asked them about their opinions toward working with petrol-powered equipment and found that most desire to cease fossil fuel use for on-site operations.

 Putting European construction at risk with petrol

 The continual petrol-related pollutants were frightening.  Two-thirds (60%) of respondents said they worked mostly with petrol-powered equipment and machinery, and 27% said they did so all week.  As expected, a similar amount cited pollution as a major health risk while on site.

 Petrol consumption on sites is shortening construction workers’ lifespans due to well-known health hazards like heart disease and cancer.  The majority of respondents (65%) are concerned about it. 

 Worse, 35% were less concerned about the short and long-term effects of regularly inhaling harmful fumes.  This alarming statistic indicates a lack of understanding or ignorance of the serious risks posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, and that greater education is needed to phase out this fuel type as soon as feasible.

 Workers want to switch.

 High-performance, battery-powered equipment is a popular alternative.

 Almost all respondents (92%) felt safer if their employer used battery-powered tools, equipment, and machinery.  With improved tools and equipment (54%), and better, more comfortable PPE (48%), 45% said it would help workers feel safer on site.

 Making changes

 This research shows that construction firms must lead by ending the use of fossil fuels to power tools and equipment to protect workers.  Battery-powered alternatives are abundant, and their technology has improved greatly in the previous decade, especially run-time.

 MILWAUKEE recognizes many on-site workers are legitimately concerned, but a significant number appear indifferent or unphased about the major health risks of persistent petrol fume inhalation.  It warns site teams to protect their workers if they still use petrol.  The safest option is to permanently replace this unsafe fuel source.

Construction Sector Continues to Exercise Caution as February’s Insolvencies Increase

Original Source: Construction industry remains cautious as insolvencies rise in February

The number of registered company insolvencies in England and Wales in February 2025 was 2,035, which was 7% less than in February 2024 (2,188) but 3% more than in January 2025 (1,978). 

 In the 12 months leading up to January 2025, the construction sector saw the most insolvencies (4,031), accounting for 17% of all industrial cases. 

 “Construction continues to experience the highest number of insolvencies above any other sector, which is to be expected given the ongoing burden of expensive debt and fragile supply chain,” said Kelly Boorman, National Head of Construction at RSM UK, in response to the most recent construction insolvency statistics.  Although there is a robust pipeline of business, the volume of deliveries is not increasing because of financial restrictions, mobilization delays, and uncertainty following the Autumn Budget.  As a result, companies are conserving working capital and have not yet seen the boom they had hoped for in 2025.  The impending hike in employers’ NIC is one of the biggest financial obstacles facing the construction industry.  The increase in labor costs will put pressure on profitability in an already under-resourced industry. 

 Nonetheless, foreign investors view the UK as a favorable location for business, particularly in the real estate sector.  As a result, the construction sector, supported by infrastructure and private investment, has cause for cautious optimism.  However, regulatory obstacles, political unpredictability, and expensive borrowing prices impede progress.  This affects the supply chain, which is still vulnerable because there isn’t enough mobilization and affordable debt available.  Before the sector improves, there will probably be more casualties, and we anticipate that project delivery will pick up speed in the latter part of 2025, a full year later than anticipated. 

 However, the government’s announcement of revisions to its Planning and Infrastructure Bill last week was a major step, she continued.  Administrative delays will be decreased by these reforms, which will cut red tape, simplify planning, and speed up decision-making.  In order to effectively allocate resources to satisfy local demand, they will also give local authorities more authority over infrastructure projects.  Although this is a positive development, it will take time to come to pass, therefore in the lead-up to the Spring Statement, it is crucial that the government take into account how technology can speed up delivery. 

Summary of today’s construction news 

In simple terms, in reaction to the uncertainties surrounding the prospects for residential and commercial building projects, construction companies have reported low activity levels in recent months. However, businesses are now planning to expand capacity and hire more staff due to government promises to increase home starts, lower lending rates, and rising property values.

Meanwhile, “The UK is one of the world’s leading offshore wind energy producers, second only to China, and will rapidly increase the scale of offshore deployment to deliver the government’s 2030 clean power targets,” stated Will Apps, director of Crown Estate’s offshore wind strategy.  A key component of our ongoing success will be building the domestic supply chain.

On the other hand, MILWAUKEE acknowledges that many on-site employees have legitimate concerns, but it is nonetheless alarming that a sizable minority seem unconcerned or unconcerned about the grave health risks associated with continuous exposure to gasoline fumes.  It states up front that site teams must make sure their workers are properly safeguarded if they continue to rely on gasoline.  It is really a stopgap remedy, though, as replacing this hazardous fuel source permanently is the safest course of action.

Finally, In order to effectively allocate resources to satisfy local demand, they will also give local authorities more authority over infrastructure projects. Although this is a positive development, it will take time to come to pass, therefore in the lead-up to the Spring Statement, it is crucial that the government take into account how technology can speed up delivery.

When the lights went out at Heathrow Airport last night, it wasn’t just a momentary flicker. The major power outage triggered a cascading failure that grounded hundreds of flights, stranded thousands of passengers, and sent shockwaves through global travel networks. As construction professionals, we immediately recognised this wasn’t merely an inconvenient technical glitch but a sobering reminder of how vulnerable our most critical infrastructure remains.

The failure hit Terminal 5 hardest, plunging the bustling international hub into darkness and chaos. Electronic check-in systems crashed. Security scanners went offline. Baggage handling systems froze. Within minutes, one of the world’s busiest airports essentially ceased functioning.

What makes this situation particularly concerning from a construction and infrastructure perspective is that Heathrow represents what should be the gold standard in resilient design. Modern airports are supposed to have multiple redundant systems precisely to prevent this type of catastrophic shutdown.

The Anatomy of a Failure

“Initial reports suggest the outage began with a fault in the main power supply system. Under normal circumstances, backup generators should have activated within seconds. They didn’t.”

– Thomas Oldham from the UK Construction Blog.

Initial reports suggest the outage began with a fault in the main power supply system. Under normal circumstances, backup generators should have activated within seconds. They didn’t.

The secondary systems that failed to engage represent a fundamental breakdown in what construction engineers call “cascade prevention” – the principle that no single point of failure should be able to trigger a system-wide collapse. This is Infrastructure Resilience 101.

We’ve seen similar scenarios play out across other critical UK infrastructure in recent years. The 2019 power outage that affected over a million people across England and Wales shared a troubling pattern – backup systems that looked robust on paper but failed when actually needed.

The cost of these failures extends far beyond the immediate disruption. British Airways alone had to cancel more than 150 flights. Each grounded aircraft creates a domino effect throughout the global aviation network, affecting countless connecting flights and further straining an already stretched system.

Construction Standards Under Scrutiny

What does this mean for the construction industry? Everything.

The failure at Heathrow raises serious questions about how we approach critical infrastructure projects. The terminals at Heathrow weren’t built on the cheap – they represent billions in investment and years of careful planning. Yet they still proved vulnerable to a single point of failure.

Current building standards for critical infrastructure mandate redundant power systems, but clearly, meeting minimum requirements isn’t enough. In our experience working with large-scale projects, there’s often a gap between theoretical resilience and practical implementation.

Backup generators require regular testing, maintenance, and real-world load simulations. They need automated switching systems that function flawlessly. Most importantly, they need to be designed with multiple layers of redundancy.

We’re particularly concerned about the testing protocols for these systems. Many facilities conduct routine tests under ideal conditions rather than stress-testing for worst-case scenarios. It’s like checking that your car starts in your garage but never testing whether it can climb a hill in the rain.

The Technical Failures No One’s Talking About

Looking deeper at the Heathrow situation, several construction and engineering failures likely contributed to the outage:

First, power distribution pathways. Modern critical infrastructure should have physically separated power supply routes. If one cable trench is damaged, alternative pathways should remain intact. The complete shutdown suggests Heathrow may have had insufficient separation of these critical pathways.

Second, automatic transfer switches (ATS) that should seamlessly transition from main power to backup systems. These sophisticated components require rigorous maintenance and testing. Even a minor malfunction can prevent proper failover.

Third, the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems that should maintain power during the crucial seconds between main power loss and generator activation. These battery-based systems are designed specifically to bridge this gap, preventing even momentary outages from affecting critical systems.

What’s particularly troubling from an engineering standpoint is that these systems represent well-established technology. We’re not talking about experimental approaches or cutting-edge solutions that might reasonably experience teething problems. These are mature technologies that should function reliably.

The Hidden Infrastructure Crisis

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“The Heathrow outage doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s a symptom of a broader infrastructure vulnerability that extends throughout the UK”

– Thomas Oldham from the UK Construction Blog.

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Many of our critical facilities were designed and built decades ago, when power demands were lower and systems less interconnected. Today, they’re being asked to support far more complex operations with greater power requirements and less tolerance for disruption.

The National Infrastructure Commission has highlighted this growing gap between infrastructure capability and modern demands. Their recent assessment found that over 20% of the UK’s critical infrastructure is operating beyond its intended design life.

Aging infrastructure creates a perfect storm when combined with climate pressures, increased demand, and tightening budgets. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, yet many facilities were designed to standards based on historical weather patterns that no longer apply.

This puts tremendous pressure on construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. We’re often asked to retrofit new capabilities onto aging systems while maintaining continuous operations and meeting tighter budgets.

Lessons for Construction Professionals

For those of us working in construction and engineering, the Heathrow failure offers several clear lessons:

Redundancy must be genuine, not theoretical. Systems need to be physically separated and independently capable of maintaining operations. Paper compliance isn’t enough – systems must function in real-world conditions.

Testing must simulate actual failure conditions. Running generators during scheduled maintenance checks doesn’t guarantee they’ll perform during an unexpected outage. Regular load testing under worst-case scenarios is essential.

Documentation and training are critical. Technical staff must thoroughly understand emergency procedures and have immediate access to system documentation. During the Heathrow outage, reports suggest confusion among staff about manual override procedures.

Age-related deterioration requires proactive management. Components like automatic transfer switches and circuit breakers become less reliable over time. Replacement schedules should be conservative rather than pushing equipment to its limits.

These aren’t revolutionary insights. They represent established best practices that somehow got overlooked or compromised in one of the UK’s most important infrastructure assets.

The True Cost of Infrastructure Failure

The economic impact of the Heathrow outage will likely reach into the tens of millions. Airlines face compensation claims, additional operating costs, and reputation damage. Businesses lose productivity when employees can’t reach destinations. Supply chains dependent on air freight face disruption.

But perhaps more concerning is the erosion of public confidence in critical infrastructure. When systems that should never fail do fail, it undermines trust in all infrastructure projects.

As construction professionals, we understand the complex trade-offs involved in infrastructure projects. Budget constraints, operational requirements, and technical limitations create challenging design parameters. But events like the Heathrow outage demonstrate why certain aspects should never be compromised.

The most frustrating aspect is that preventing such failures isn’t technically difficult or prohibitively expensive when incorporated into initial designs. Retrofitting solutions onto existing infrastructure costs substantially more and often delivers less robust results.

Moving Forward: A Construction Industry Response

In the wake of this failure, we believe the construction industry must take a leadership role in pushing for higher standards in critical infrastructure.

First, we need to advocate for updated resilience standards that reflect current realities. Many existing standards were developed decades ago under different assumptions about power demand, climate conditions, and system interdependencies.

Second, we need to push for more transparent reporting of near-misses and system strains. Many infrastructure systems experience warning signs long before catastrophic failure, but these incidents often go unreported or unaddressed.

Third, we must prioritize knowledge transfer between projects. The lessons learned from each infrastructure failure should inform future designs and retrofits. Too often, these insights remain siloed within individual organizations.

Finally, we need to be honest with clients and stakeholders about the true cost of resilience. Cutting corners on backup systems might save money initially, but as Heathrow demonstrates, the long-term costs of failure far outweigh these short-term savings.

Beyond Heathrow: The Next Challenge

While the immediate focus remains on understanding and addressing the specific failures at Heathrow, this incident should prompt a broader review of all critical UK infrastructure.

Hospitals, data centers, telecommunications hubs, water treatment facilities – all face similar vulnerabilities. Many rely on backup systems that haven’t been thoroughly tested under real-world conditions.

The construction industry has a professional responsibility to ensure these facilities can withstand power disruptions without catastrophic failure. This isn’t just about meeting minimum standards; it’s about building genuine resilience into every critical system.

As we analyze the Heathrow incident over the coming weeks, we’ll be watching closely for the detailed engineering reports and recommendations. These will provide valuable insights for current and future infrastructure projects.

We’ve seen what happens when critical systems fail. Now we must ensure it doesn’t happen again.

LONDON, 25th NOVEMBER 2024 — WindsorPatania Architects’ futuristic Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab) project has claimed the ‘Inspiring Learning Space’ award at the recent Education Estates® Awards 2024 in Manchester. The prestigious Awards recognise excellence, innovation and sustainable practices by architects, consultants, contractors and clients operating in the education space. For WindsorPatania directors Giovanni Patania and Ryan Windsor, the XR Lab project provided an opportunity to envisage a dynamic new way of learning by drawing heavily on the firm’s ethos of innovation, aesthetics and sustainability. 

For the 2024 Award, XR Lab was shortlisted alongside Alfretron Park Community Send School, Bloxham Grove Academy, Brett Study Garden, Buckinghamshire New University – High Wycombe Campus, Central Foundation Boys’ School and Confetti X.

An Award-Winning Concept 

Commissioned by Eastern Colleges Group, the purpose-built XR Lab is housed at West Suffolk College (UK), which offers a range of qualifications across technical and innovative sectors. Eastern Colleges Group is a forward-thinking educational consortium that aims to deliver world-class and inspirational life-long learning journeys for its students. The intention behind the XR Lab is also to leverage the space as a business catalyst and business hub for the surrounding community, and a place in which industry partners can collaborate, learn, and develop. Over the long term, this multi-pronged approach will help the College generate income thereby reinforcing the sustainable investment credentials of the project. 

The high-tech, futuristic and pod-like XR Lab comprises an Immersion Lab, a Collaboration Theatre, Green Room and Conference Room. The steel structure incorporates thermal and acoustic insulation, allowing for a maximum and unmatched immersion. The XR Lab is equipped with an array of advanced cameras and microphones to facilitate an interconnected and interactive educational experience using the latest in immersive technologies including artificial intelligence-powered Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality. Together, this fusion of real-world and the metaverse, supports a truly next generation teaching and learning capability, in line with the project brief.

A Transformative Learning Space 

For Ryan Windsor, Development Director at WindsorPatania Architects UK and a former governor of West Suffolk College, the XR Lab has the potential to revolutionise teaching in the UK and democratise education. “It will enable world around us by getting the chance to explore innovative industries like engineering. 

Research already shows that the use of XR technologies in the classroom increases learning speed, retention and supports stronger educational outcomes. However, learning in a virtual environment brings with it a number of unique design considerations, including the need for merging high-tech facilities with real-life interaction spaces that foster curiosity, teamwork and a culture of collaboration.

By blending function and form with a futuristic vision, WindsorPatania was able to create a compelling learning and collaboration space. As Giovanni Patania, Architect Director of WindsorPatania Architects Europe, explains: “We had different sources of inspiration for this project, which combined helped us deliver the wow factor our client wanted. We reimagined the likes of the Tesla factories in the US and the boxy Tesla Cybertruck, and even the minimalistic, monochrome interiors from the Men in Black films.” 

Ultimately, WindsorPatania was inspired to transform an existing workshop hangar within the College’s 7200m2 STEM complex into a light and inviting space for students, with the imposing XR Lab at its heart. high-spec, polished plaster exterior draws students in, and offers them a portal into the future of learning. The structure’s unique futuristic appearance is further enhanced by a 3D triangular mesh that creates a visual connection with virtual environments, resulting in a captivating design that complements the cutting-edge technology inside. 

“The XR Lab is truly an inspired learning space, where ambitious architecture embodies the function of the building,” says Giovanni Patania. “We are very proud to have been part of this exciting and game-changing educational initiative.” 

More information: 

windsorpatania.com/projects/xr-lab/

windsorpatania.com/learn/educational-architecture/award-winning-xr-lab/

WindsorPatania Architects is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice which is celebrated for its dedication to sustainable practices and innovation. 

Founded in 2017 by Ryan Windsor and Giovanni Patania, a British real estate businessman and an Italian architect, WindsorPatania has carved out a niche in the competitive high-end architecture sector for successfully meeting the needs of visionary clients with grand ambitions. 

Renowned for their elegant touch, sustainable practices, and keen eye for an attractive investment, Ryan and Giovanni embody the transformative power of architecture. The WindsorPatania studio designs buildings that meet the highest standards of architectural excellence while enhancing community well-being, improving the surrounding environment, and challenging conventions. 

The firm’s core values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation are evident in every project that carries the WindsorPatania mark of excellence. 

WindsorPatania: windsorpatania.com 

Eastern Colleges Group: www.ecgroup.ac.uk 

In today’s news, a German energy company known as Uniper has initiated the construction of a number of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the countries of Germany, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. At the same time that the first concrete foundation pads were being put on the site, the construction phase of the new historic extension to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, which is estimated to cost more than 300 million pounds, began. The pad is located in close proximity to the existing manufacturing facilities and headquarters of the marque anywhere in the world. In addition, as a last step in its response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the government announced today that it will establish a unified construction regulator. This will guarantee that persons who are responsible for the safety of buildings are held accountable for their actions. On top of that, the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in Warwickshire, which was the first high-speed tunnel to complete its civil engineering phase, has been acknowledged by HS2 as a significant location for achievement.

Uniper Begins Solar PV Portfolio Building in Hungary, Germany, and the UK

Original Source: Uniper kicks off construction on solar PV portfolios in Hungary, Germany and the UK

Uniper, a German energy provider, has begun building a number of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Germany.

Two solar projects in Hungary are scheduled to begin construction in the near future, according to the business.

While the 90 MWp Tét project is expected to commence operations in 2027 once construction begins in the third quarter of 2025, the 61 MWp Dunaföldvár project is expected to connect to the grid by 2026 and begin in Q2 of 2025.

Both PV facilities will be built by EXTOR Energy, a Hungarian engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.

Uniper is a conglomeration of different divisions within the corporation that was formed in 2016 from utility E.On’s generation division. As an example, there is the Green Generation division, whose mission is to increase the business’s green generation capabilities. The business intends to engage in the research, development, building, and operation of onshore wind and solar PV, in addition to its operational capability, which includes hydropower and nuclear power.

The German firm has pledged to invest almost €8 billion (US$8.4 billion) to expand its renewable energy portfolio by the early 2030s, which includes investments in the PV projects in Hungary and other renewable assets.

Solar photovoltaic portfolio for Europe

In an effort to bounce back from its financial woes and the German government’s 2022 financial bailout that put it under state ownership due to the energy crisis, Uniper is speeding up its renewables buildout. The business announced its intention to repay the German government €2.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025 in its financial results, which were also released today.

In its pursuit of a European expansion and the development of up to 10 GW of capacity ready-to-build by 2030, Uniper has recently commenced construction on a number of solar PV plants, including the two in Hungary. Poland, Sweden, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy are the present focal points of the business.

The 17 MW facility, situated on an ash landfill on the site of a former coal-fired power station in the German city of Wilhelmshaven in the country’s northwest, has commenced construction.

Over 28,500 solar modules will be set up using landfill-specific anchoring technologies as part of this project.

“We are transforming unused industrial land into a valuable source of renewable energy by utilising the ash landfill site of the former Wilhelmshaven coal-fired power plant,” stated Jörg Lennertz, CEO of Uniper Renewables.

Aiming to activate the plant in the first half of 2026, construction of the project is being carried out in conjunction with EPC contractor Greening Germany.

In addition, two projects totalling 65MWp have commenced development at the UK location.

Both developments will be situated in Staffordshire, namely in the towns of Tamworth and Totmonslow, in the Midlands. The combined solar power output of the two projects will be 44.2MWp and 21.33MWp, when they are both operational.

Uniper plans to begin building later this year with an operational goal year of 2026.

In 2023, the local planning authorities granted planning clearance to both projects. In August 2024, the Tamworth solar project won a Contract for Difference (CfD) in the AR6 CFD auction. 

Rolls-royce’s Multimillion-dollar Expansion Begins Construction

Original Source: Construction phase begins on multi-million extension at the home of Rolls-Royce

As the first concrete foundation pads were poured on the site, the construction phase of the new £300+ million landmark extension to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood got underway. The pad is adjacent to the marque’s existing manufacturing facilities and worldwide headquarters.

On the northern elevation of the site, where the new Exterior Surface Centre (Paint Shop) will be built, the inaugural pads have been constructed. As they move south, contractors will lay the groundwork for this crucial structure by connecting approximately 650 pads.

Since no other location in the world is responsible for the design and hand-building of Rolls-Royce motor cars, Goodwood is rightfully called the Home of Rolls-Royce. With this one-of-a-kind status in mind, the brand pays close attention to the building’s setting in the picturesque countryside of West Sussex, close to the South Downs National Park.

Launched in 2003, the initial location was meticulously planned to seamlessly integrate with its natural environment. The expansion continues the building’s tradition of using thoughtfully selected materials and boasting the biggest ‘living roof’ in the UK, making it virtually undetectable from a distance. Careful consideration was given to the building’s historical context and the surrounding terrain in its design, which reflects modern trends in architecture, aesthetics, construction techniques, and environmental consciousness, biodiversity, and conservation for the past 22 years.

With the help of knowledgeable advisors and consultants, Rolls-Royce consulted with locals, as well as the appropriate authorities, agencies, utilities, and other interested parties, before submitting an application for planning permission. Remarkably fast development has occurred on the project since Chichester District Council approved it in March 2024. We have made great strides in completing the necessary groundworks, which include the planted bunds that will hide the site from view. Along with planned planting, which is expected to contribute to a 12% net-gain in biodiversity, local walkways have also undergone extensive renovations.

Aside from showcasing the new Surface Finish Centre, the 40,000 square metre expansion will provide the brand with much-needed capacity for its Bespoke activities, which are experiencing tremendous expansion. Client desires for increasingly technically difficult, authentically tough, and highly personalised Bespoke commissions—which peak in Coachbuild projects—driven these to record levels in 2024. The marque’s persistent investment in its worldwide network of Private Offices—which has grown from its original location at Goodwood to major luxury hubs like Dubai, Shanghai, New York, and Seoul—is a direct cause of this expansion.

The expansion project is the most expensive addition to the Home of Rolls-Royce since it opened in 2003, costing over £300 million. With an on-site workforce of over 2,500 and a total of 7,500 employment supported by its supply chain, Rolls-Royce has emerged as a remarkable success story in British manufacturing throughout that time. The corporation has contributed over £4 billion to the UK economy and continues to do so at a rate of over £500 million per year, according to an independent analysis by the London School of Economics (LSE).

Extending the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood required extensive planning approval, which was reached after extensive community engagement and collaboration with the appropriate authorities, agencies, and consultants. The fact that we have started the building phase with the installation of the first foundation pads in less than 12 months is something I am very excited about. This is a really important and thrilling occasion because it implies we’re going to be able to finish this historic project on time, which will allow us to prosper in the future and make a huge economic impact on the area and “UK PLC.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Chris Brownridge

The Ultimate Grenfell Tower Inquiry Measures Will Include a Single Construction Regulator

Original Source: Government to introduce new single construction regulator as part of final Grenfell Tower Inquiry reforms

As a last step in responding to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the government stated today that it will establish a unified construction regulator to ensure that individuals accountable for building safety are held to account.

As part of its efforts to bring the industry to account and achieve “a sweeping transformation” of building and fire safety standards, the government has introduced a number of reforms, including the new regulator.

Nevertheless, the investigation found that the planned new regulator should have the authority to test and certify building materials, but it has decided against doing so.

To avoid a repeat of the disaster, the government acknowledged today (26 February) that it was not doing enough to implement all 58 recommendations made in the study, but it promised to take “decisive action” on all of them.

Rumour has it that in the autumn, plans will be unveiled for the new unified construction regulator. This regulator would take on responsibilities formerly held by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, such as regulating building products, and the current Building Safety Regulator.

The government has stated that the testing and certification of construction materials will not be the responsibility of the new unified regulator.

Our position is that it would be inappropriate for a single regulator to be responsible for testing and certifying building items or issuing certificates of compliance due to the potential for a new internal conflict of interest.

Concerns, as understood by Inside Housing, boil down to the fact that, under a single regulator, the same entity responsible for determining a product’s safety would also be responsible for ensuring that the testing was adequate.

Even though the investigation report heavily criticised this approach, private companies will still be responsible for testing and certification.

The government “apologised on behalf of the British state for its part in these failings” in its comprehensive response to the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which was issued last September.

The investigation concluded that the government was “poorly run” and “complacent” since it knew about the dangers of the cladding yet did nothing about it.

The report’s assertion that “systematic dishonesty” among product producers was a “very significant reason” for the harmful cladding led to the commencement of a debarment investigation against seven businesses.

The procurement review unit now has the authority to examine suppliers under the Procurement Act 2023, which was put into force on Monday, 24 February. Assuming specific conditions are satisfied, the seven organisations’ names would be included in a publicly accessible debarment list.

This would set an example for other public entities and prevent them from competing for contracts with the federal government. People who had obtained public works contracts couldn’t utilise them as suppliers or subcontractors because their debarment would go into effect even for subcontracts.

The government’s reaction, which includes stricter regulations for individuals responsible for certification, production, and use of building products, was accompanied by the publication of a green paper on reforming construction products.

It outlined plans for a “system-wide reform of the construction products regime” that would make all manufacturers answerable for evaluating safety risks before marketing their products, as well as a general safety requirement to bring in the two-thirds of construction products that are believed to be exempt from current regulations.

Both civil and criminal consequences are available to manufacturers that intentionally mislead or fail to fulfil their obligations.

Truthfulness on the part of public officials will also be mandated by the new Hillsborough Law.

A housing secretary and deputy prime minister named Angela Rayner lamented the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire, saying it was an unjust tragedy.

After much deliberation, the final report revealed the horrific actions and broader failures of the business that caused the fire, as well as the profound injustices suffered by the victims, survivors, and locals.

“We are taking rigorous action in response to the inquiry’s findings. Today, we laid out our full response, outlining our plans to reform the system and drive change so that no community ever has to endure another Grenfell-like tragedy.”

That calls for more transparency, stricter rules, and prioritising locals in policymaking. The necessary fundamental transformation must be delivered by us. The Grenfell community, our nation, and the souls of the fallen deserve it.

The infamous investigation exposed “chronic and systemic failings” in fire safety management at Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation.

The building safety minister, Alex Norris, stated: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy, and the failings it exposed demanded fundamental change.”.

We have a detailed strategy to reform the construction sector, increase oversight, and put citizens first when making decisions about building safety, as outlined in our response to the inquiry’s findings today.

“To ensure these reforms bring about genuine, long-term change and restore faith, we will maintain tight collaboration with business, regional leaders, and the Grenfell community.”

A separate inquiry into the failures that caused the fire has been launched by the Metropolitan Police, and the government has stated that it would continue to back this effort.

In mid-2025, we will begin publishing quarterly updates on the reforms, and once a year, we will provide parliament with an update. All suggestions made during the public inquiry will also be kept in a publicly available record.

Changes would be brought in through a staggered method, the administration stated, with the initial stage focussing on delivering its present agenda of regulatory reform.

In the second stage, which runs from 2026 to 2028, plans will be put up to implement the suggestions and broader reform, which may involve legislation. These changes will be put into place by the government starting in 2028.

With no alterations to be made before June, the eighth anniversary of the catastrophe, the government has just declared its intentions to “respectfully and carefully” demolish Grenfell Tower over a two-year period.

Long Itchington Wood Tunnel Becomes HS2’s Most Notable Construction Milestone

Original Source: HS2 marks major construction milestone at Long Itchington Wood Tunnel

Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in Warwickshire, the first high-speed tunnel to finish its civil engineering phase, has been recognised by HS2 as a major site for achievement.

Elements such as three cross passages, concrete finishing works and base slabs, emergency and maintenance walkways, and the one-mile-long twin-bore tunnel have all been developed and are ready to transport the railway into the West Midlands.

The intricate power, track and signalling systems required to run the high-speed line are installed prior to the interior fitting out of the tunnel.

Among the five twin-bore tunnels planned for the HS2 project, this one has reached a crucial milestone. There are 27.4 miles of tunnels, some deep and others twin-bore, that connect London to the West Midlands.

The Long Itchington Wood Tunnel was initially planned to be constructed in June 2020. The tunnel-boring machine, which was dubbed “Dorothy” after the first British woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Dorothy Hodgkin, was 125 meters long and was used to dig the tunnel. The machine began operating in December 2021 and completed the tunnel’s excavation of both bores by March 2023.

Two tunnel drives and the entry portions were completely excavated using a sophisticated procedure that produced around 750,000 tonnes of material. This material was then utilised to construct embankments along the railway track. The installation of the tunnels’ critical structural components has been a continuous effort since the breakthrough over two years ago.

Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), the major works contractor for the West Midlands on the 56-mile HS2 project connecting Warwickshire’s Long Itchington to Birmingham’s central business district and Staffordshire, is building the tunnel.

The senior project manager for HS2 Ltd., Doug Barnett, stated:

Even though it’s just a tiny piece of HS2, I’ve been a proud witness to the construction’s journey from its infancy to its nearing completion for the past 4.5 years.

“The remarkable achievement of Long Itchington Wood Tunnel, an engineering marvel, is due in large part to the tireless efforts of everyone engaged, both on and offsite, who have worked tirelessly over the last five years. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their support.”

Since work on the Long Itchington Wood tunnelling project started, 380 individuals have shown their support. Among them is Alfie Ward, a recent engineering graduate who contributed significantly to the rapid and safe completion of the tunnel’s cross passage work by applying his newly acquired understanding of design and surveying practices.

To which Alfie responded:

The Long Itchington Wood Tunnel provided me with an ideal launching pad for my career as a recent engineering graduate. Thanks to this opportunity, which came at a great time in my career, I was able to gain invaluable knowledge that I am currently putting to use as a site engineer at Bromford Tunnel.

The local land topography was an important consideration throughout the design and delivery of the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in order to reduce the impact of construction. The tunnel, which is 30 meters below earth, bypasses nearby communities while protecting an old woodland above.

The head of tunnelling at Balfour Beatty VINCI, Jules Arlaud, stated:

This accomplishment is monumental in scope. The tunnels now have three cross-passages, and the concrete finishing works, base slabs, and walkways are now complete. This final phase of construction is the result of five years of relentless work by a dedicated crew of about 380 individuals.

“At various points throughout the course of this project, our skilled tunnellers have laid 1,582 concrete rings throughout the two tunnels. Each ring consists of eight segments, each two meters wide and weighing up to eight tonnes.”

The HS2 project, which will connect the West Midlands with London, is still going strong and is responsible for the maintenance of more than 31,000 jobs. After HS2 is finished, trains will be able to use a dedicated high-speed line to travel from London to the West Midlands and on to northern destinations, easing congestion on the current West Coast Main Line and increasing economic growth.

In recent weeks, construction progress in the West Midlands has seen HS2 complete its first viaduct at HS2’s Delta Junction in North Warwickshire. A new green bridge is being constructed to span the high-speed railway in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and HS2 has also announced the most recent developments in this project.

On HS2, there are four additional twin bore tunnels:

Both tunnel drives are anticipated to be finished this year, including the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel that carries the railway into Birmingham.

The 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel, the longest section of HS2, which runs beneath the Chiltern Hills, will have its internal works finished in 2023 and its tunnel drives finished in early 2024;

The 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel, which connects Old Oak Common to outer London and is being dug by four tunnelling machines; the first drive was finished in December of last year; and the 4.5-mile Euston Tunnel, which connects Old Oak Common to central London and is being dug by two tunnel boring machines; both projects are in various stages of preparation.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed that the company has announced that work will soon commence on two solar projects in Hungary. The 61 MWp Dunaföldvár project is scheduled to connect to the grid by 2026 and begin in Q2 of 2025, whereas the 90 MWp Tét project is anticipated to start operations in 2027 once construction starts in the third quarter of 2025. The two PV projects will be constructed by EXTOR Energy, an EPC contractor from Hungary. Meanwhile, Goodwood justifiably earns the title of “Home of Rolls-Royce” since no other place on Earth is entrusted with the design and hand-building of Rolls-Royce motor cars. Keeping this singularity in mind, the brand meticulously considers the building’s location in the scenic West Sussex countryside, adjacent to the South Downs National Park. In addition, the government has implemented other changes, such as the new regulator, in an attempt to achieve “a sweeping transformation” of building and fire safety standards and to hold the industry accountable. But the study did find that the new regulator should be able to test and certify construction materials; nevertheless, it has chosen not to do so. There are a number of components that are prepared to bring the railway into the West Midlands. These include three crossings, concrete finishing works and base slabs, emergency and maintenance pathways, and the mile-long twin-bore tunnel. Before the tunnel is fitted out on the inside, the complex power, track and signalling systems needed to operate the high-speed line are set up.

In today’s news, it has been decided upon by the Australian corporation that it will sell up its building projects in the United States and divest itself of its activities in the United Kingdom as part of a new strategy for commercial enterprise. In the meantime, as part of this plan, a cutting-edge school that complies with carbon neutrality standards will be constructed in order to accommodate future generations. In addition, discussions for the extension of structural warranties from ten to fifteen years are gathering steam, which is producing significant changes in the construction industry. A further point to consider is that the launching of the Eastern Green Link 1 project represents a significant milestone for the upgrading of the transmission network in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it is an important component of a larger strategy to encourage the deployment of renewable energy sources.

Lendlease’s Domestic Effort Yields Results

Original Source: Lendlease’s focus on domestic work begins to pay off

The Australian company has agreed to divest from its UK operations and sold off its building projects in the US as part of a new strategy. commercial enterprise.

The Australian construction and development company Lendlease seems to be turning a profit after a series of unsuccessful years.

Monday, the company announced a statutory profit for the first half of fiscal year 2025, which ended on December 31, 2024, of $48 million Australian dollars ($30.46 million). A statutory loss of AU$136 million was declared by Lendlease for the same time last year.

Lendlease announced in May 2024 that it will restructure its operations to concentrate on projects in Australia and withdraw from other building markets. That the transition is proceeding according to plan was stated by CEO Tony Lombardo on Monday’s earnings call.

On the call, Lombardo boasted about how the business had simplified itself, reduced its risk profile, and recycled money to become a more focused organisation in less than nine months.

During the first half of the year, the company sold its U.S. construction business and mostly wrapped up its divestiture of its overseas construction activities. Consigli Building Group of Milford, Massachusetts, announced in September that it had completed the acquisition of a large portion of Lendlease’s U.S. portfolio.

Consigli acquired 45 projects, including those in the planning, building, and final stages, with a combined worth of approximately $1.8 billion; however, the exact amount was not released. The bulk of Lendlease’s U.S. workforce—400 people—also made the switch to Consigli.

Then, just one day into its second quarter, in January, Lendlease revealed that it had finalised a deal to sell its UK property. selling their construction company to Atlas Holdings, a private equity corporation located in Greenwich, Connecticut.

When looking at the stats

Due to Lendlease’s completion of significant projects in 2024 and the delayed receipt of funds from other projects, construction revenue fell 18% during the period, according to Lombardo’s Monday report.

Supply chain problems, the COVID-19 epidemic, and subcontractor insolvency have adversely affected Lendlease’s construction revenues over the past five years, according to Lombardo.

According to Lombardo, “it is disappointing in the period to experience losses predominantly on two projects” (which were granted in the 2020 to 2021 time frame and were fixed price works), and these headwinds will persist until FY25.

He added that the initiatives were financially unsuccessful due of the escalating expense of materials. Since the contractor has shifted its strategy and is no longer interested in similar projects, Lombardo expressed optimism about the future.

In the second half of FY25, he predicted that building will be profitable again. 

Redeveloping Castle Hill Primary School in UK with Galliford Try

Original Source: Galliford Try selected for Castle Hill Primary School redevelopment in UK

As part of this initiative, a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral school will be built to accommodate generations to come.

Todmorden, Calderdale, UK’s Castle Hill Primary School will be redeveloped by construction giant Galliford Try’s Building North West division.

The School Rebuilding Programme is a component of the DfE Construction Framework 2021, which awarded the project.

As a result, a state-of-the-art school that is Net Zero Carbon in Operation will be built to accommodate generations to come.

Bringing all pupils together under one roof, the proposal entails constructing a single, “state-of-the-art” structure to replace the existing two-block school.

Level access will be provided across the whole site of the new school, with an emphasis on accommodating students with mobility issues both inside and outside the building.

The refurbishment is in line with the Department for Education’s objective of establishing “Schools for a Better Future,” which echoes the school’s mission of “Building Independence, Broadening Horizons, Brightening Futures”.

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Preserving the site’s legacy while creating a sustainable learning space, the new school’s design takes influence from the original Victorian Castle Hill School.

Darren Parker, managing director of Galliford Try Building North West, expressed his joy at collaborating with the Department for Education on this monumental project that will transform Castle Hill Primary School. In order to make a positive and long-lasting influence for future generations, our main goal is to construct a sustainable building that is of high quality that caters to the needs of students, faculty, and the community at large.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation in the United Kingdom recently granted Galliford Try a contract worth £65 million ($81.2 million) to build single living quarters at Royal Air Force Digby in Lincolnshire, England.

Two contracts in London totalling £86 million were secured in December 2024 by Galliford Try’s Building London and South East Commercial company. 

Extended Warranty Terms Affect Construction Processes

Original Source: The impact of extended warranty periods on construction practices

Discussions on increasing structural warranties from 10 to 15 years are gaining momentum, which is causing major changes in the building industry.

There will be far-reaching effects on building quality, contractor duties, and total project expenses as a result of this planned extension of structural guarantees. Proponents of longer guarantee periods say they boost responsibility and consumer confidence, but experts in the field are worried about the operational and financial consequences for developers and builders.

Improving building standards

The possibility for an increase in building quality is one of the main advantages of extending structural guarantees. Developers and builders are more likely to use high-quality materials and adhere strictly to building codes when the guarantee duration is extended. Contractors are incentivised to improve their construction procedures in order to minimise flaws and the possibility of warranty claims due to the additional five years of obligation.

Investment in innovative and long-lasting construction materials may be encouraged by longer warranties. Modern building methods, like prefabrication and modular construction, are well-known for their accuracy and quality control; their use is expected to rise in response to the demand for structures with longer lifespans.

Expanded duties for contractors

While developers and homeowners alike reap the rewards of higher-quality construction, contractors bear the brunt of the extra work that comes with longer guarantee periods. In order to keep track of all the materials, procedures, and subcontractors’ work for the duration of the 15-year warranty, builders are required to keep meticulous documents. In order to safeguard against potential claims, this entails more comprehensive documentation, more inspections, and higher insurance coverage.

More stringent inspections of contractors’ work might force them to increase spending on quality control teams and monitoring after the fact. Smaller construction companies may not have the financial wherewithal to handle long-term obligations, such as the necessity to respond to warranty claims and conduct ongoing maintenance.

The project’s budget and potential expenses

There will be an effect on project budgets due to a longer warranty. More testing and improved quality control techniques are two risk mitigation strategies that builders may need to implement, which could increase the initial cost. Overhead costs could rise due to the necessity of additional insurance coverage and the possibility of legal fees connected with warranty claims.

Developers may decide to increase property prices to cover these additional expenditures. Nevertheless, the potential advantages of decreased maintenance expenses and fewer structural failures in the long run could make extended warranties a worthwhile investment for builders and homeowners alike.

Concerns and responses from the industry

Stakeholders in the sector have expressed a range of opinions regarding the plan to extend structural guarantees. Homeowners and consumer advocacy groups are pleased with the shift because they believe it would raise construction standards and make people safer from building defects. However, the financial risks and additional regulatory load are concerns for many insurers and construction enterprises.

A major obstacle could be the possible increase in warranty claims. Contractors and insurers face a greater challenge in conducting accurate risk assessments due to the longer warranties, which require them to foresee concerns that may surface years after the project is completed. Another concern among builders is that extended liability would discourage new competitors from entering the market, which could lead to less innovation and less competition overall.

In summary

A major change in the building business is the decision to increase structural warranties from 10 to 15 years. It brings new operational and financial issues for developers and builders, but it also encourages higher quality and customer confidence. To ensure the initiative’s long-term viability, it will be crucial to strike a balance between improved protection and sustainable economic practices.

UK Builders Start 2 GW Subsea HVDC Cable

Original Source: Construction begins on 2 GW subsea HVDC cable in the UK

The Eastern Green Link 1 project’s groundbreaking marks a significant achievement for the UK’s transmission network upgrades and is an important part of a broader strategy to encourage the deployment of renewable energy sources.

A 2 GW, 525 kV high voltage direct-current (HVDC) cable connecting Scotland and England has commenced construction. This transmission infrastructure piece is anticipated to facilitate the deployment of renewable energy sources in the UK.

When finished, Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) will connect Torness, which is close to Edinburgh, and Hawthorn Pit, which is in County Durham, northeast England, using about 400 km of HVDC cable along a 190 km path. Prysmian Group, an Italian cabling business, was awarded the contract to supply EGL1 with its cable in late 2023.

National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks, proprietors of the transmission network, are collaborating on the development of the GBP 2.5 billion ($3.15 billion) project. Onshore work will commence construction in the spring of 2025, with offshore installation following in the summer.

Selected to design and supply HVDC converter stations at both ends of the line are Metlen Energy & Metals and GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions, who make energy equipment.

The executive director of M Power Projects at Metlen, Kostas Chorinos, issued a statement praising the groundbreaking and expressing the company’s desire for local people to reap the benefits of EGL1. “The local supply chain will be receiving millions of dollars in investment,” Chorinos announced. “Hundreds of jobs will be created for local people, and our workforce will be volunteering thousands of hours within local communities.”

After Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) work began in August 2024, EGL1 construction will begin in September 2024. Peterhead in northeast Scotland and Yorkshire, England are connected via a 505 km, 525 kV, 2 GW HVDC cable as part of the EGL2 project. Renewable energy sources are expected to be bolstered by the construction of new transmission links connecting the north of the country, which is abundant in renewable energy, to the south, which has high energy demand.

Both EGL3 and EGL4 are high-voltage direct current (HVDC) projects in the United Kingdom that aim to connect England and Scotland over the North Sea. The UK government’s national infrastructure project planning site anticipates a combined planning application for the two projects in the summer of 2026.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed Lendlease, an Australian construction and development firm, which appears to be finally breaking even after a string of bad years. On Monday, the business revealed a statutory profit of $48 million ($30.46 million) for the first half of fiscal year 2025, which concluded on December 31, 2024. Last year at this time, Lendlease reported a statutory loss of AU$136 million. At the same time, the Building North West subsidiary of construction giant Galliford Try will be redeveloping Castle Hill Primary School in Toddmorden, Calderdale, UK. The awarding body, the DfE Construction Framework 2021, is a part of the School Rebuilding Programme. Moreover, this anticipated extension of structural guarantees will have far-reaching impacts on building quality, contractor obligations, and total project expenditures. Developers and builders are concerned about the operational and financial ramifications for lengthier guarantee periods, while proponents argue that they improve consumer confidence and responsibility. The building of a 2 GW, 525 kV HVDC cable that will link Scotland and England has also begun. Renewable energy sources are expected to be more easily deployed in the UK with the help of this transmission infrastructure element. Using around 400 km of HVDC cable along a 190 km course, Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) will eventually link Torness, near Edinburgh, with Hawthorn Pit, in County Durham, northeast England. In late 2023, EGL1 was awarded the contract to deliver its cable by Prysmian Group, an Italian cabling corporation.

In today’s news, we will look into the Stronger Together an organisation that is working to put an end to modern slavery in supply chains. STARK UK, a leading retailer and distributor of building and construction supplies in the United Kingdom, has taken on the role of sponsor for Stronger Together. Meanwhile, the National Housing Bank of Canada (NHBC), the leading provider of new house warranties and insurance in the United Kingdom, recently hosted the first-ever Affordable Housing Innovators event. This event was held in collaboration with the British Property Federation. To add insult to injury, the contract to convert a region in Milton Keynes into an I&L centre has been awarded to GMI Construction, which will receive twenty million pounds. In addition, Kristina Smith visits Winvic’s Crown Place Birmingham development, where she sees a remote-controlled tower crane, which is one of the next-generation inventions that are on show there.

STARK UK joins to combat building exploitation

Original Source: STARK UK announces partnership to tackle exploitation in construction

STARK UK, a leading UK retailer and distributor of building and construction goods, has partnered with Stronger Together, a group fighting to end modern slavery in supply chains, as a sponsor.

Sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK joins other prominent construction companies in their fight against worker exploitation. Together, they will drive sector-wide change, guaranteeing fair employment opportunities and responsible recruitment practices.

Stronger Together reports that multiple organisations have classified the construction industry as a high-risk zone for modern slavery. These organisations include the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement.

As a whole, the real estate industry is just as precarious as any other because of all the interconnected activities and overlapping workforces.

With industry-specific information, training, and tools, firms can better detect the indicators of modern slavery in the construction and property supply chain, according to the newly revised Construction and Property Programme by Stronger Together.

With the acquisition of many companies from Saint-Gobain, including Jewson, Jewson Major Building Solutions, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Frazer, Minster, JP Corry, Normans, and International Timber, STARK UK was formally founded on 1st March 2023.

“By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, we’re taking an important step to help tackle the risks of modern slavery in our industry and supply chains. We are committed to supporting ethical practices across the construction sector,” stated Nim Cassidy, General Counsel and Company Secretary at STARK UK.

“Our values and commitment to building a responsible and equitable supply chain are reflected in this partnership. We are thrilled to collaborate with Stronger Together and other organisations to create a tangible impact and safeguard workers.”

It is with much pleasure that we acknowledge STARK UK as a sponsor of our Construction and Property Programme, according to Pamela Zielinski, who is in charge of that initiative at Stronger Together. Together, our sponsors and our free tools help businesses and their supply chains combat the threat of modern slavery.

“We look forward to the next year of working together to end modern slavery in the building and property industries and bring about systemic change in the sector as a whole.”

First-ever NHBC Affordable Housing Innovators event to take place!

Original Source: NHBC holds first Affordable Housing Innovators event

In a joint venture with the British Property Federation, NHBC—the preeminent UK provider of new house warranties and insurance—recently held the inaugural Affordable Housing Innovators event.

Attendees of this dynamic new instalment of NHBC’s Innovators event series gathered to discuss the topic of “Innovation through partnership” in the affordable housing sector.

The event took place in the heart of London and brought together over 120 housing associations, developers, home builders, operators and other key players in the field for a day of networking, learning about the newest trends and hearing from thought leaders.

Home England’s director of affordable housing, Shahi Islam, served as the event’s main speaker. As promised in the previous budget, he went over the present state of affordable housing, the sector’s challenges in meeting the need for new houses, and the Affordable Houses Programme top-up. Mr. Islam also discussed consumer norms, shared ownership, tenure priority, the planning framework, and housing strategy.

Presenters included Marcus Dixon, JLL’s director of UK residential research; Angela Wood, chair of the G15 Development Directors’ Group; Nick Cumberland, Great Places’ head of delivery program; and Stephen Teagle, Vistry Group’s chief executive of partnerships and regeneration. The event’s speakers delved into creative ways to increase the construction of affordable homes in Britain, citing case studies that showcased effective collaborative placemaking and cost-efficient project management.

The need for reasonably priced housing is on the rise.

In his remarks, NHBC’s Charlie Ash, who is in charge of the affordable housing sector, expressed gratitude to Ian Fletcher of the British Property Federation for collaborating with them to host this premier event in the field. Given that partnership was the overarching subject, it should come as no surprise that numerous presenters stressed the significance of teamwork and collaboration.

While it’s heartening that home construction has become more prominent in political and media agendas over the last year, the industry’s focus should continue to be on providing cheap, high-quality homes and finding ways to unlock the delivery of this product.

“NHBC is pleased to collaborate honestly and reliably with housing associations, city governments, developers, home builders, contractors, and the affordable housing industry as a whole, all to safeguard assets for the future and ensure quality construction from the start.”

There has never been a more critical time for cooperation and joint ventures than now, according to British Property Federation director of policy Ian Fletcher. The affordable housing market is under unprecedented strain to meet rising demand.

It was an honour to hear the speakers’ stories of the mutually beneficial partnerships between the for-profit and non-profit sectors. To speed up the construction of affordable homes in the UK, it would be wise to combine the for-profit sector’s knowledge of business and investment opportunities with the not-for-profit sector’s focus on social purpose and placemaking. At the end of the day, though, we can’t lose sight of the residents and fail to put them first.

An industrial contract worth £20 million was awarded to GMI Co.

Original Source: GMI Construction wins £20m industrial contract

GMI Construction has been awarded the £20 million contract to transform a Milton Keynes area into an I&L centre.

Three warehouses, totalling over 175,000 square feet, will be constructed at Precedent Drive by the contractor for developer DV5 Last Mile Developments (UK) Ltd, a partnership between Coltham and customers of Delancey Real Estate.

In preparation for the additional units, the proposal calls for the demolition of the nearby unoccupied office buildings.

Two units will be constructed on speculation, while one has already been pre-letted to a manufacturer.

The first unit, which encompasses the ground and first floors as well as the M&E services in the warehouse, requires CAT B fit-out works.

Extensive landscaping, better drainage, and parking for cars and heavy trucks are also part of the outside improvements.

By October, GMI hopes to have finished.

The contractor ventures into the South East with Precedent Drive, a project that is anticipated to generate 300 job opportunities. This follows their recent acquisition of a £50 million PBSA in Bristol, their first significant residential contract in the South West.

Adam Taylor, regional director of GMI in the Midlands, stated, “Securing this contract highlights GMI’s ability to deliver cutting-edge industrial and logistics projects that combine innovation with sustainability.”

“Our expansion into the South East is a major milestone in our growth strategy, and it further demonstrates our outstanding track record of delivering outstanding results.”

Following the implementation of its plan of “controlled consolidation”—a revenue reduction of over 30%—GMI has just reported another profitable year.

Compared to £0.92 million in 2023, the firm’s pre-tax profit for the year ending 30 September 2024 was £1.04 million, thanks to the strategy to reduce turnover. Additionally, cash reserves improved to £19.3 million from £10.2 million in 2023.

Following a deficit of £2.3 million in 2022, GMI, which operates in the Midlands, North West England, and Yorkshire, returned to profitability last year. 

Using the first remotely controlled tower crane in the United Kingdom

Original Source: On site with the UK’s first remote controlled tower crane

A remote-controlled tower crane is one of the next-generation inventions on display at Winvic’s Crown Place Birmingham development, which Kristina Smith visits.

Using the first-ever remote-controlled tower crane in the UK, the 33-story student accommodation building Crown Place Birmingham, built by Winvic, made headlines in September 2024.

There have been other innovations in the workplace as well. Project manager David Elson and his team are utilising a variety of digital tools and technology, including a remote-controlled crane (refer to below), that begin to reveal the potential future of construction sites.

The Crown Place Birmingham is set to become Winvic’s tallest building to date. This is the contractor’s second project for client Crown Student Living, following on from a similar but smaller building in Nottingham. The tower consists of 33 stories, with two lower portions of 12 and nine stories.

Featuring 814 beds and more amenities than typical student housing, including a yoga studio, vintage gaming area, and an outdoor terrace on the first floor, the property is conveniently located near Aston University and less than 20 minutes walk from Birmingham New Street. Within the structure, a small number of students will have the opportunity to reside in “duplex clusters,” which are essentially two-story houses with individual stairs.

Roads are open

Elson describes the site as extremely cramped, saying, ‘We’ve got one metre on one side, one metre on the other and theoretically 35mm on the other two sides’. Although we are unable to shut down any highways due to our red route into Birmingham, we were able to secure the closure of one bus lane to construct a drive-through area where we can unload the vehicles, one Arctic at a time.

Groundworks, decontamination of the site, and the construction of continuous flight auger (CFA) piles were the first tasks carried out on the site in February 2023. The reinforced concrete frame, which incorporates both precast and cast-in-situ horizontal components, was initiated in September 2023 by contractor Midwest.

Winvic has used a hybrid concrete solution before, in Nottingham, but this is their second project using it. Unlike in Birmingham, where the columns are just one level tall, Winvic utilised precast columns at Nottingham that were two stories high.

According to Elson, “laying two-storey columns down off the lorry would have been difficult” due to the wind effects and the fact that the site is much more cramped. Furthermore, “we had to think about the wind effects” because they are going higher.

Building progresses more rapidly

Due to the elimination of lifting reinforcement and striking shutters, the use of precast vertical members shortens the hook time required by the tower crane. Elson claims the superior quality is a result of the factory fabrication and the accelerated construction time. Although it’s more expensive than an entirely in-situ frame, he says there’s more program assurance with it.

It will only take one day to stand all of the precast columns on a floorplate, he claims. Every week, we are rotating a floor slab. We won’t have to worry about having to build the core while people are descending and slipping or jumping it because our finish is better, even though our core construction is slightly slower.

Hünnebeck climbing screens, which are four stories deep, round the tower’s circumference to offer edge protection as levels continue from the columns. You have the option to use the tower crane or hydraulics to raise the screens.

The formwork may be raised and placed without the need for the tower crane thanks to Midwest’s use of a Doka table lifting system (TLS) for casting the floor slabs. Once again, this allows for more hook time and ensures that operations are unaffected by excessive wind gusts.

Architectural facade

Due to the lack of place for scaffolding and mast climbers on the site, Winvic altered the facade’s design. Winvic has made what it considers to be a first for the UK by switching from a steel framing system (SFS) with brick slips to a brick facade unitised curtain walling system from Danish manufacturer Hansen.

Every panel is three stories tall and has a width ranging from two bricks to 1,600 mm, which is the width of a whole window. A Forterra carrying frame mechanically fastens Forterra glass or bricks to form a curtain walling system. To ensure that the panels are air and watertight, they are attached to brackets that have been cast into the slabs and separated by four lines of gaskets.

Elson gushes over the unitised facade, praising its exceptional craftsmanship. It is incredibly clear and precise. I dare you to locate a vertical brick joint.

Winvic is utilising coordinates to set up each floor slab, rather than plumb between floors—a common method in multi-story construction—to prevent any mistakes from being amplified. We’ve been out no more than 4 millimetres, and we’re ready to cast level 22,” Elson says.

Innovative technology in action

On the inside of the facility, we see some of the younger team members who are occupied with experimenting with the technology that Winvic is using for the project. Anas Ahmed, a T-level graduate and current employee, uses GAMMA AR to conduct quality assurance (QA) checks.

When Ahmed places his phone on top of the installed light switches, an augmented reality image showing their proper placement according to the BIM model is superimposed. The tool “makes QA easier” and is “a clever bit of kit,” he remarks. I couldn’t agree more.

As a robot draws lines on the floor, Mohammed Sammad, another ex-T-level student, stands nearby, controlling it with a remote. The HP SitePrint technology accurately pinpoints the location of every item in every room of the building, including wardrobes, bathroom pods, sprinklers, spotlights, ventilation ducts, fans, switches and outlets. Only six prototype generation 2 HP SitePrint robots are in operation worldwide; the only one in the UK is being trialled by Winvic.

The main reason to use it, according to Elson, is to avoid conflicts and rework. The location of the electrical outlets and switches is specified by the dryliners before they install the studs. Level 12 has been completed without a single disagreement involving MEP, dry lining, or joinery. He also mentions that it eliminates the possibility of setting out errors and is speedier.

Elson is overjoyed with the accomplishments of 17-year-old Viktoriia Grachova, a Ukrainian immigrant who has played a pivotal part in organising the HP SitePrint robot. She works part-time on the site and studies for her T-level at the same time.

Energy storage

The site’s energy source, which Elson is eager to highlight, is a battery contained in a container that has supplanted three 350kV generators. Elson says that to supply the necessary startup loads, each of the three hoists—the tower crane, the freight hoist, and the passenger hoist—would have needed its generator.

The site’s electricity comes from a battery called the Enertainer, which is supplied by the startup Hong Kong business Ampd. It takes 90A and turns it into 400A, and it charges itself by trickle charging. “We have saved 150 tonnes of carbon and 600 litres of diesel in four months from the beginning of July because we are on green electricity,” Elson explains.

Elson claims that the Enertainer is ideal for urban sites because it does not produce any emissions, is silent, and does not pose a risk of diesel spills: “Going forward this will be implemented on all our multi-room sites.”

It’s hard to criticise this site because it’s so well-designed and operated. It appears that the CCS evaluators reached the same conclusion: the project received 48 out of 45 points, with an additional 46 points given for the innovations used.

Mr. David Elson is the operations manager at Winvic Company.

After graduating from college, David Elson began his career in the construction industry working for Tarmac as a site engineer. While still employed, he attended Loughborough University for a construction engineering management course and a BTEC in civil engineering.

He spent ten years with Carillion after rising through the ranks to become a project manager at Tarmac (now known as Carillion). After working for a local contractor with a development arm for five years, he returned to Carillion in 2009 after a year with Willmott Dixon. He became a part of Winvic six years ago.

Throughout his career, Elson has worked on a wide variety of projects, including those in the public and private sectors, as well as those in the industrial, commercial, office, residential, student, flat and hotel industries, as well as traditional and PFI projects. “I enjoy constructing,” he states. “I construct things. Yeah, I’m into that.

“The people.” That’s his answer when you ask him what he loves most about working in construction. Our suppliers and subcontractors are the backbone of our business as management contractors. I enjoy interacting with individuals.

Changing the game with crane control

It’s unnerving to enter a site cabin and see the tower crane operator seated in front of a wall of screens. It has the vibe of a gaming bedroom or a security room. Nonetheless, the controls and driver’s seat are identical to those in the tower crane’s cabin.

Skyline Cockpit, a piece of remote-controlled equipment developed in Israel, has never been used outside of its native country before. Radius, a crane firm, has been implementing it for about 18 months before pitching the concept to Winvic.

Upon our arrival, we found Radius’s resource manager, Dale Burton, seated in the chair. “When you are driving the crane you feel the machine move,” he says, explaining that operating the tower crane remotely is just like being in the cab. Here, you can see the action as it’s captured by the cameras.

This method of operating tower cranes is safer than the old one, and there are several reasons to support this claim. Several advantages are available to the operator, including more information (such as wind speed and radius data) shown on the screen, improved site and hook views provided by the cameras, the elimination of a 30-40-minute climb to reach the controls, and the ease of evacuation in the event of an operator illness.

Improved Health

According to Burton, it’s great for wellness as well. “Floating in a crane, you feel a little alone,” he remarks. A trusty walkie-talkie is all you have at your disposal. The level of interaction is higher down here. Additionally, using the loo is a lot more refined affair.

The ability to gather and analyse data is also provided by the Skyline Cockpit system. Manager David Elson of Winvic explains that after they have eight weeks of data, they can identify busy and quiet intervals and reschedule tasks, such as bringing in deliveries during slower hours.

Winvic decided to maintain the device on-site after a 12-week trial. It has increased lifting efficiency by slightly less than 10%, according to Elson, by monitoring the crane’s daily and weekly patterns of operation.

Among Radius’s drivers, three are currently proficient in Skyline Cockpit. Two of them, alas, have succumbed to the allure of wealthy Middle Eastern work. Elson notes, though, that this crane may be operated in theory from any location on Earth. The more conventional method of operating it from the cab is also an option.

Winvic has taken the position that the crane is a great way to get younger people interested in driving cranes; Elson claims that the controls could be anything, including an Xbox controller. This technique has the potential to lower the need for tower crane operators in the long run.

“It’s not quite there at the moment, but there’s a chance it could be semi-autonomous,” remarks Burton.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discuss Along with other well-known construction companies, STARK UK is fighting worker exploitation by sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme. They will ensure ethical recruiting methods and equitable job opportunities by working together to create sector-wide reform. Meanwhile, participants at this exciting new instalment of the Innovators event series hosted by NHBC convened to deliberate on the subject of “Innovation through partnership” as it pertains to the affordable housing industry. Over the day, attendees at the event—which took place in the middle of London—networked, learnt about the latest trends, and heard from industry professionals. The event organisers counted 120 housing associations among the attendees. In addition, the developer DV5 Last Mile Developments (UK) Ltd, a joint venture between Coltham and Delancey Real Estate clients, will have the contractor build three warehouses at Precedent Drive, with a combined floor area of more than 175,000 square feet. Ideally, GMI would like to have completed by October. Crown Place Birmingham, a 33-story student accommodation skyscraper constructed by Winvic in September 2024, was the first of its kind in the UK and used the country’s first remotely controlled tower crane.

In today’s news, we will look into Ferrovial which will be responsible for the design and construction of a cable tunnel that will be 2.2 kilometres long and have a high voltage of 400 kilovolts. Introducing a new client, National Grid, with a project launch. Building methods that are both ecologically friendly and innovative will be at the forefront of the industry. Furthermore, the RICS UK Construction Monitor for the fourth quarter of 2024 suggests that there is a growing sense of optimism regarding the future of the construction industry. This is because the construction sector continues to be relatively stable. In addition, the most recent S&P Global index indicates that production in the construction industry had a decline across the board in January 2025. This is the first time in nearly a year that the construction PMIs have shown a fall in economic activity. The month of February 2024 marks the beginning of this decline.

National Grid Awards Ferrovial £230m UK Tunnelling Contract

Original Source: Ferrovial to deliver new £230m tunnelling contract in the UK for National Grid

A high voltage (400kv) cable tunnel, measuring 2.2km in length, will be designed and constructed by Ferrovial. Launch project for National Grid, a new client. At the forefront will be innovative and environmentally friendly building practices.

National Grid has signed a deal with Ferrovial’s UK Construction business to modernise the electrical infrastructure from Grain to Tilbury, with a value of around £230 million. Beginning in early 2025 and continuing until the first quarter of 2029, this massive new scheme demonstrates Ferrovial’s dedication to providing the United Kingdom with first-rate, environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions.

The Great Grid Upgrade, the most extensive restoration of the electrical network in the United Kingdom in decades, includes this project and a wide range of others intended by National Grid. Building a new 2.2km long high voltage (400kv) cable tunnel, headhouses, Cable Sealing End (CSE) compounds and two 35m deep shafts (15m and 12m diameter respectively) are all part of the deal, and it will be delivered by an integrated joint venture between Ferrovial Construction and BEMO (Ferrovial BEMO JV).

To guarantee the maximum levels of efficiency and safety, Ferrovial BEMO JV will use cutting-edge engineering methods and technology.

A Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM), which is well-known for its precision and dependability, is going to be used in the project. Construction time, environmental effect, and operational safety can all be greatly enhanced with the help of VSM technology, which enables surface-to-surface excavation and final-lining installation all at once. The VSM is perfect for the Grain to Tilbury project since it can be operated beneath groundwater. In the United Kingdom, this is going to be applied for the second time.

As a market leader, Ferrovial Construction has completed numerous complicated tunnelling projects in the United Kingdom. Several tunnelling projects have been completed in the United Kingdom. These include the Thames Tideway Tunnel, the Silvertown Tunnel, the Northern Line Extension, and three contracts on the Elizabeth Line. The latter two included the construction of Farringdon Station and the longest section of tunnel between Royal Oak and Farringdon.

Ferrovial Construction will further establish itself in the UK market with the Grain to Tilbury project.

In 2025, Infrastructure to Be the ‘strongest Performing Sector’

Original Source: Infrastructure to be ‘strongest performing sector’ in 2025

As the construction sector continues to be relatively steady, the RICS UK Construction Monitor for the fourth quarter of 2024 indicates that there is a growing sense of optimism over the construction industry’s future.

The research indicates that there has been a slight increase in activity in the Infrastructure sector, even though the picture is more positive in other areas.

There was a little decrease in total activity across the entire construction industry, which went from +2% in the previous quarter to -1%in the current quarter. This resulted in headline workloads entering the negative region.

When the data is broken down, it can be seen that new workloads had a minor decrease of 0 to -4%, whilst repair and maintenance showed a slight increase from +11% to +13%.

When broken down by industry, the infrastructure sector continued to be the most successful, producing a net balance of +12%, which was significantly lower than the +17% recorded in the third quarter.

The energy subsector of the infrastructure industry posted the strongest net balance reading for another quarter with a reading of +35% for the fourth quarter. Rail, on the other hand, continues to be the worst subsector, with a reading of 0% (Q3: +1%).

The amount of work being done in all other areas remained rather low.

Financial restrictions remained a significant obstacle, as indicated by the fact that 62% of respondents cited it as one of the most significant worries for their operation. This was followed by issues about planning and regulation, as well as labour shortages, which accounted for 41% of the respondents.

On the other hand, when looking ahead to the next twelve months, workload expectations continue to be optimistic, resulting in a headline net balance of 20% which is the same as 24% in the third quarter of 2024.

Infrastructure is still forecast to be the sector that will perform the best, with a net balance of +30%. This is in comparison to the private residential sector, which is expected to perform +20%, and the private non-residential sector, which is expected to perform +15%.

According to the most recent net balance result, there is little indication that there will be a turnaround in terms of profit margin forecasts. Seven per cent of respondents anticipate a loss over the next twelve months, which is a decrease from three per cent in the past.

Additionally, the employment forecast for the industry for the following year is expected to remain strong, with a net balance of 18%, which is the same as it was in the third quarter.

Business Activity Fell in February Construction PMIs

Original Source:February construction PMIs show decline in business activity

According to the latest S&P Global index, production in the construction industry fell across the board in January.

This is the first decline in economic activity seen in the construction PMIs for nearly a year, dating back to February 2024.

Expenditure price increases have also reached their greatest level in twenty-one months.

For the first time in 10 months, building permits have decreased.

House building fell to 44.9 in January, the steepest loss since January of last year; civil engineering fell to 44.6; and commercial construction fell to 48.9, bringing the overall UK construction decline from 53.3 in December to 48.1 in January.

A decrease in new orders caused by client uncertainty, an ongoing increase in input prices as a result of suppliers’ increased energy, transportation, and wage expenses, and a decrease in vendor performance as a result of shipping delays are all factors that contributed to the decline in all areas.

Business optimism has hit rock bottom since October 2023 as a result of all this.

“Due to gloomy economic prospects, elevated borrowing costs, and weak client confidence, workloads were subdued, leading to the first decline in UK construction output in nearly a year,” stated Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

In January, production levels fell everywhere, but the home improvement and civil engineering sectors saw the steepest drops.

The construction industry saw its worst decline in residential work in a year as a result of very calm market circumstances. Despite substantial legislative support for house development and promises for a longer-term increase in supply via planning reform, anecdotal evidence revealed that caution regarding the demand for new projects was prominent at the start of 2025.

Indicators from the survey that look ahead were likewise somewhat gloomy in January. There have been numerous instances of clients delaying their decision-making, which led to a sharp decline in new orders, the fastest seen since November 2023. Business activity forecasts fell to their lowest point in fifteen months as a result of reduced workloads and worries about the overall UK economic environment.

On the supply side, things didn’t improve much because, for two years, transportation delays caused vendor lead times to increase the most. In January, demand for construction materials declined once more. However, as a result of suppliers trying to pass on the growing prices of electricity, gasoline, and wages, purchase price inflation reached its highest level since April 2023.

The construction industry responds to the PMIs for February

Anecdotal evidence indicates that firms remain buoyant about the possibility for future development, despite this month’s decrease and continued issues such as persistent inflation and supply bottlenecks, according to Max Jones, director of Lloyds’ infrastructure and construction team.

The decline in momentum for construction output growth that began in December has persisted into January, according to Lauren Pamma, head of energy and infrastructure at Aldermore Bank. “All three main categories of construction activity—residential, civil engineering, and commercial construction”—have shown weaker performances. But there’s cause for optimism: last month’s inflation numbers were lower than predicted, so the base rate might begin to fall as early as today. This has the potential to boost demand for new projects while simultaneously lowering slightly increased borrowing prices.

There are hints that this year might be better than 2024 in the end, but it will be a while before we see sustained improvement. The industry stands to gain from the government’s infrastructure investments and pledge to raise housebuilding ambitions, but supply chains may face disruptions in the future due to the uncertainty surrounding cross-border tariffs.

If other countries move their goods away from the US and away from tariffs, it might hurt British goods that compete with them in other markets. From what we can see, a significant portion of construction SMEs have had supply chain delays in the past year, with the percentage expected to rise. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will keep an eye on the political climate to determine the full extent of the effects on the construction industry since the future is uncertain at the moment.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, a contract worth around £230 million has been inked between National Grid and Ferrovial’s UK Construction division to upgrade the electrical infrastructure between Grain and Tilbury. Starting in early 2025 and running until the first quarter of 2029, this enormous new project showcases Ferrovial’s commitment to delivering top-notch, eco-friendly infrastructure solutions to the UK. However, while some areas are looking better, the data shows that activity in the infrastructure sector has increased slightly. The infrastructure sector remained the most successful when split down by industry, with a net balance of +12%, a marked decrease from the +17% reported in the third quarter. Additionally, building permits have declined for the first time in ten months. All areas experienced a fall, including new orders, input prices, and vendor performance. This was due to a combination of issues, including customer uncertainty, suppliers’ increased energy, transportation, and payroll expenses, and shipping delays.

In today’s UK Industry news, we will look into the prototype fusion energy facility located in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, it has been revealed that candidates have been selected to fill the roles of Manufacturing Partner and Construction Partner. In the meantime, construction companies can increase their compliance and efficiency in response to new requirements by utilising the distinctive ‘high-vis’ data trail that Simpel provides. On the other hand, Tyler VanWinkle remarked that the combination of the solutions for small businesses that are offered by a worldwide software provider and the construction management technology that was built by a startup based in Kansas City enhances the positions of both firms’ products that are well-known and reliable.

UKIFS Shortlists Prototype Fusion Energy Plant Construction Partners

Original Source: UKIFS announces construction partners shortlist for prototype fusion energy plant

Candidates for the roles of Engineering Partner and Construction Partner have been announced for the West Burton, Nottinghamshire, prototype fusion energy facility.

As part of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) program, a public-private team consisting of UKIFS (UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd), UKAEA (UK Atomic Energy Authority) as the fusion partner, and the engineering and construction partners that have not yet been announced will deliver the West Burton prototype fusion energy plant.

The first contract period for Engineering and Construction Partners is several hundred million pounds and runs until 2029. The ongoing partnership that develops in tandem with the program will carry over into subsequent stages.

The goal of STEP is to increase the potential of the fusion industry and commercialisation in the UK.

In October 2022, STEP also revealed that the West Burton power station site will be their home. This move will assist local companies and supply chains, create many high-skilled jobs during building and plant operations, and more.

The tokamak, the device used in the prototype fusion power plant, will be heated to produce plasma from a mixture of deuterium and tritium, two forms of hydrogen, to generate energy.

Despite being heated to temperatures ten times higher than the sun’s core, the plasma will not release any carbon throughout this process. Additionally, fusion does not pose the danger of a “runaway reaction”; the difficulty lies in keeping the reaction going, not in regulating it.

Powering turbines to produce electricity, this process produces helium and releases massive quantities of energy. The plant’s fuel can be recycled from the minimal amount of tritium that it generates.

The West Burton location shows the prototype’s self-sufficient power generation, fuel economy, and plant maintenance path in action.

Organisations that have been selected to be STEP’s Engineering Partner are:

• Eni UK Limited is the principal shareholder in the Celestial Joint Venture, which also includes AtkinsRealis, Jacobs Clean Energy (formerly Amentum), Westinghouse, and Tokamak Energy.
• Among the members of Phoenix (UK) Fusion Limited are Cavendish Nuclear Ltd, KBR Ltd, and Assystem Energy and Infrastructure Ltd.

Organisations that have been selected as STEP’s Construction Partner are:

• The lead member of Inovus Infrastructure is Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, with Vinci Construction, AtkinsRealis, Mott Macdonald, and WSP rounding out the lineup.
• ILIOS is comprised of the following companies: Kier Infrastructure and Overseas, Nuvia Limited, Bam Nuttal, AECOM Ltd, Turner and Townsend Infrastructure Ltd, and Amanda Levete Architects Ltd.
• A joint venture between Ferrovial Construction UK Ltd and Mace Consult Ltd, with Ferrovial Construction UK Ltd serving as the main member.

The development of a world-class fusion supply chain is an integral aspect of STEP’s aim to keep the United Kingdom at the front of a new technological and industrial revolution.

Maintaining Britain’s position as a global leader in nuclear technology

“The announcement of shortlisted organisations for STEP’s Whole Plant Partners is a critical milestone for our mission to demonstrate fusion energy and develop a world-leading fusion supply chain that unlocks significant industrial and economic opportunities,” comments Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and senior responsible owner for STEP.

“Collaboratively, our goal is to spearhead the growth of a fusion energy sector that can supply the world’s growing need for energy while simultaneously bringing about immediate advantages for businesses and the communities involved in the STEP project.”

In the lengthy procurement process that culminates in the selection of a final partner in late 2025 or early 2026, the shortlisted companies will now engage in what is called “competitive dialogue” with UKIFS.

After these key partners are appointed, the entire supply chain will have a plethora of potential prospects. 

Simpel Revolutionises UK Construction Efficiency with Cutting-Edge Tech

Original Source: Simpel Brings Cutting-Edge Construction Tech to the UK, Redefining Operational Efficiency

Construction organisations may improve compliance and efficiency in response to new requirements with Simpel’s distinctive ‘high-vis’ data trail.

The well-known German building technology innovator Simpel has just entered the British market. Its all-inclusive platform is made to tackle problems like site access, quality control, safety, and document management. Simpel provides the resources that UK businesses need to stay in compliance and make the most of the opportunities presented by the Building Safety Act 2022.

A large number of prominent developers and contractors have begun to depend on Simpel’s solutions since the company’s inception in 2018. Medium to large-scale projects like airports, hospitals, civil infrastructure, high-rise residential buildings, and commercial developments are ideal candidates for this platform because of its extensive capability, which covers every stage of a project’s lifespan.

The UK market was an obvious progression for Simpel after it successfully navigated Australia’s heavily regulated construction industry. “The UK construction sector, valued at over £300 billion annually, continues to evolve, creating significant opportunities for businesses to innovate and streamline their operations,” said Kurt Robinson, CEO of Simpel. Industry leaders are demanding a combination of practical innovation, platform scalability, and the rising need to harness construction data and AI going forward. The problems here are comparable to those we successfully tackled in Australia.

The distinctive project ecology, a “high-vis” data trail, is the platform’s most striking characteristic. To provide real-time insights and provide a complete audit trail throughout a project, this system integrates documentation, tasks, and people. As a result of Simpel’s integrated shared data environment, which satisfies safety and regulatory standards, it will be easy to implement for UK enterprises updating their systems.

The pioneer in insulated and fire-rated building in the United Kingdom, Cold Clad Limited, is the first to adopt Simpel’s platform. A solution that would simplify compliance monitoring and project management without adding needless complexity was sought after by the organisation, which has embraced the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Golden Thread program.

“It takes a lot of resources to manage multiple large, complex projects including data centres, temperature-controlled environments and commercial properties,” said Gareth Pitman, Cold Clad’s Contracts Director. It was difficult to find an approach that was both user-friendly and automated the procedure. Having Simpel on board is a great decision. Immediate gratification has been achieved.

Document management, online inductions, and RAMS modules are just a few of Simpel’s powerful capabilities that help clients save countless hours of work on every project. The business as a whole sees a substantial return on investment from these cost reductions.

“What appealed to us was that Simpel combined a lot of the functionality that we were looking for within a single platform. This meant that we could more easily meet regulatory requirements as well as eliminate other software and associated costs,” recounted Scott Fisher, Group SHEQ Manager at Cold Clad.

Our site-based teams have been able to successfully implement the platform thanks to its user-friendliness and the excellent support we received. Even our subcontractors, who are utilising it for their compliance management, have found it to be really useful.

The expansion into the UK market is a reflection of Simpel’s dedication to meeting the changing demands of the construction industry with flexible and practical solutions, according to COO Richard Bray. With Simpel’s platform, companies can streamline operations, improve project outcomes, and overcome regulatory hurdles like the Golden Thread. We’re pleased to offer our knowledge and experience to the UK construction industry, helping them create better, safer projects. 

Tractics and UK Software Startup Deploy Powerhouse Cloud Platform to the Ground-heavy Construction Sector

Original Sound: Tractics partners with UK software company to ground heavy construction market with powerhouse cloud platform

Tyler VanWinkle stated that the combination of a worldwide software provider’s solutions for small businesses with the construction management tech developed by a Kansas City startup strengthens the positions of both companies’ well-known and reliable goods.

Tuesday saw the announcement of a major new relationship between Tractics and Sage Intacct Construction of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. According to VanWinkle, CEO of Tractics—a company that develops innovative solutions at the crossroads of accounting and estimating—the move will equip heavy civil contractors with the resources they need to manage their operations more effectively.

“The integration of our platforms allows us to assist businesses in optimising their operations and accounting processes,” he continued. “By connecting technology with the practical needs of the construction industry, we can offer our contractors solutions that simplify their work.”

The companies announced their partnership. Sage, a software provider for SMBs in the construction industry, will provide the necessary horsepower and reliable accounting support for businesses to stay competitive, while Tractics will bring its proven technology.

Built in Kansas City, Tractics provides contractors with real-time data access through desktop, tablet, and mobile applications. This gives them vital insights into project parameters including crew productivity, equipment utilisation, and progress. These findings improve overall project efficiency, pinpoint improvement areas, and allow data-driven decision-making.

“Our partnership combines Tractics’ knowledge of field, fleet, and project operations with Sage’s industry-leading construction financial management solution and decades of innovation in construction technology to deliver the best in accounting and operations software,” stated Julie Adams, Sage’s senior vice president of construction and real estate. “Collaboratively, we offer the heavy civil market a robust and information-rich platform for total field-to-office business management.”

Here are some notable integrations:

• Integrated, up-to-the-minute tracking of all building processes in one place;
• Timesheets can be updated in real-time with field apps for foremen and crew;
• Streamlined operations and seamless teamwork thanks to crucial data accessible to fleet managers, dispatchers, and administrative personnel;
• Financial dashboards and reports that are fully customisable;
• Remote access to up-to-the-minute project information at any time;
• Merging general ledgers and entities on several dimensions; and
• Work in progress automation

Customers of both Sage and Tractics, both new and old, can take advantage of the integration right now.

During World of Concrete, a major trade event for the construction industry, which takes place from January 21st to the 23rd in Las Vegas, attendees can see product demos at the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Centre at the Sage booth No. N1353 and the Tractics booth No. N1776.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) program is set to deliver the West Burton prototype fusion energy plant through a public-private team that includes UKIFS (UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd), UKAEA (UK Atomic Energy Authority) as the fusion partner, and other as-yet-unannounced engineering and construction partners. Meanwhile, Simpel, a renowned German innovator in building technology, has recently joined the British market. Its comprehensive platform is designed to address issues such as site access, quality control, safety, and document management. If a UK firm wants to remain compliant and take advantage of the opportunities given by the Building Safety Act 2022, Simpel has everything they need. In addition, Tractics and Sage Intacct Construction of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, announced a significant new partnership on Tuesday. The move will provide heavy civil contractors with the tools they need to better manage their operations, according to VanWinkle, CEO of Tractics, a firm that creates creative solutions at the intersection of accounting and estimating.

In today’s news, we will look into the Chief Executive Officer of the Starship Group, Dave Dargan, who discusses why he strongly feels that expanding familiarity with modular building in housing hubs is essential in order to fulfil the government’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes. During this period, the most recent monthly survey of construction buying managers found that there is less certainty surrounding the expansion of the industry’s output, even though it is still occurring. 

Reasons Why Homebuilding Skills Hubs Should Teach Modular Construction to Solve the Housing Problem

Original Source: Why teaching modular construction in homebuilding skills hubs is key to solving the housing crisis

Dave Dargan, CEO of the Starship Group, explains why he believes increasing familiarity with modular construction in housing hubs is crucial to meeting the government’s 1.5 million home pledge.

The commitment of this new administration to constructing 1.5 million new homes during its premiership has been a central theme throughout its tenure. However, without further funding to address the persistent lack of construction industry talent, I have long wondered how such a lofty objective could ever be accomplished. A growing skills deficit has been exacerbated by the long-term flight of highly trained workers from the industry.

The recent announcement by the government to allocate £140 million towards the creation of 32 specialised Homebuilding Skills Hubs is encouraging. A much-needed emphasis on creating a future workforce is signalled by this plan, which seeks to establish 5,000 new apprenticeship spaces a year in the construction industry. With proper execution, this plan has the potential to cause a seismic shift in the market.

But it will only work if these centres provide the kind of practical, hands-on training that encourages and supports young people to seek out construction-related jobs. The government’s growth mission may be advanced through these hubs, which offer a once-in-a-generation chance to transform the workforce and the way we think about homebuilding. Apprentices learn important skills that increase homebuilding.

A New Era in Home Building: Modular Construction

Thanks to its affordable prices and minimal environmental effects, modular homebuilding has gone from being a niche idea to a disruptive force in the business. This is where the housing market is headed. Modern methods of construction enable precision and sustainability that traditional methods simply cannot match by building homes in factory-controlled settings. Modular building allows for the mass production of high-quality dwellings at a time when demand exceeds supply.

Modular building is still not widely taught in schools, even though it has many benefits. The suggested skill centres should focus on teaching modular techniques to fill this need. With this emphasis, we can be sure that the construction industry’s future leaders will be prepared to accept and implement novel solutions.

The impact of Homebuilding Skills Hubs on the next generation of workers

We must seize the chance to reevaluate our approach to exposing young people to construction jobs through the Homebuilding Skills Hubs, which are supported by the government. Training centres should now incorporate instruction in digital tools and the technologies used in modular home manufacturers, in addition to the more conventional trades of carpentry and bricklaying. This method does double duty: it attracts tech-savvy youth who would not be interested in working on a conventional construction site and prepares them for the dynamic and ever-changing construction sector.

These centres must revolve around hands-on experience. Practical experience in modular manufacturing is essential for students to understand the complexities of sustainable design, prefabrication, and assembly. Collaborating with modular developers such as Starship can offer priceless hands-on experience, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical implementation.

The creation of a resilient and future-proof workforce is just as important as reaching housing targets when investing in modular homebuilding processes. Engineering, architecture, project management, logistics, and a keen awareness of sustainable building principles are all necessary for modular construction. One way to increase the number of qualified applicants is to incorporate these fields into the Homebuilding Skills Hubs that the government has established. The government’s levelling-up plan is in line with the focus on modular housing because big companies are typically located in areas that need regeneration. This allows the creation of jobs and boosts local economic growth, which may be capitalised on by the next generation.

The government’s goal to “power up Britain” is in perfect harmony with its emphasis on modular housing because many major factories are located in areas that are ideal for redevelopment. There is a chance that these factories will provide employment, boost the economy of the area, and give the following generation a leg up in regenerated neighbourhoods.

Reaching housing goals through creative means

One of the biggest problems we’re facing right now is the housing market. In addition to ambition, investing in the future generation of building workers is essential if the goal of 1.5 million new homes is to be achieved. We need to make modular construction a priority in these Homebuilding Skills Hubs if we want to develop houses that are sustainable and future-proof.

The initiative’s success is dependent on how it is carried out. To make sure the next generation has the skills to fill the gap, the government should prioritise modular techniques. These Homebuilding Skills Hubs can strengthen the construction industry so it can produce sustainable communities that will last for years to come if they work together.

Construction Recovery Slows

Original Source: Construction recovery loses momentum

According to the most recent monthly survey of construction buying managers, there is less clarity about the industry’s output growth, but it is still happening.

For the third month in straight, new orders slowed in December 2024, and overall construction activity grew at its slowest rate since last June.

After hitting a six-month low of 55.2 in November, the headline S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 53.3 in December. The index, however, has been trading above the critical 50.0 no-change mark since March 2024.

Although all index values were lower than in November, commercial activity grew at the greatest rate in the construction sector in December (55.0), followed by civil engineering (52.9). Since the survey is adjusted for the season, it does not take into consideration the fact that many sites were offline in December for the holiday season.

Once again, the only category to see a general decrease in December production was residential work (47.6). The most recent decline in home construction activity was the quickest since June 2024, and it has now occurred for three months in a row. Weak consumer confidence, high borrowing rates, and muted demand were the factors that influenced the survey takers’ perceptions of the state of affairs.

Total new work grew at its weakest pace since June of last year, reflecting the pattern for output quantities. Despite an uptick in commercial construction bidding prospects, residential development projects have been reduced, and there is a dearth of new businesses to replace finished infrastructure projects, according to anecdotal evidence.

In response to slower new order growth, construction companies cut back on input purchases for the first time in eight months, according to the poll. There were cases where stricter inventory management was associated with less buying activity. In December, there was little change in the delivery timeframes reported by suppliers. There were reports of lengthier lead times for imported commodities caused by shipping delays, but some firms also noticed improved vendor performance as a result of lower demand.

Subcontractor utilisation fell for the fourth consecutive month in December, according to the data. Subcontractor availability increased at its slowest rate since March 2023, despite a decline in demand for their services.

Subcontractor rates have been rising at their quickest rate in 20 months, according to recent data. Input cost pressures were already building when consumer prices rose at a rate just slightly slower than November’s 18-month peak. The reasons mentioned for the delay in personnel hiring have been elevated cost inflation and growing salary payments. There was no improvement in the rate of job creation compared to the average before the pandemic.

For the year 2025, around half of the survey takers expect production to go up, while only a quarter expect it to go down. Although the level of optimism has increased significantly since November, it remains significantly lower than what was observed in the first half of 2024. While most construction companies expressed confidence about their plans for future growth, many also voiced concerns about the UK economy as a whole and reduced capital expenditure budgets.

“December data highlighted a loss of momentum for construction output growth, with all three main categories of activity posting weaker performances than in the previous month,” commented Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, the organisation responsible for conducting the monthly survey. After civil engineering, commercial building continued to be the fastest-growing sector of the construction industry. The residential sector, on the other hand, saw its steepest monthly decline since June 2024.

“As seen by a further decrease in new order growth during December, the slowdown in overall construction output growth in recent months reflects more muted demand conditions. High borrowing prices and shaky consumer confidence were mentioned as obstacles by survey takers.

There were indications of tight supply circumstances, although staff recruiting has stepped up since November. Since March 2023, subcontractors’ availability has improved to a lesser degree, but their rates have climbed at the fastest pace for little more than 1.5 years.

Predictions for the building industry’s growth in 2025 were dampened by worries about the demand forecast. Despite a rebound in November following a post-budget dip, confidence remained significantly lower than it had been in the first half of 2024. Numerous businesses voiced their concerns about the UK economy’s bleak forecasts and cuts to capital expenditure.

“The industry is still benefiting from the government’s investment in infrastructure but at the same time is hampered by still historically high interest rates and an uptick in employment costs,” commented Brendan Sharkey of accountancy group MHA, who specialises in real estate and construction. Thus, it is not surprising that construction PMI has fallen.

“While business activity is still robust, the housing market has seen a decline. The possibility of development is evident in light of the planning reforms incorporated into the current NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework), although it is unclear whether the housing market will experience a turnaround this year. There have been more vulnerable industries in 2024, but the building industry has held its own. Unlike manufacturing and other industrial sectors, which are dependent on the global economy, construction demand is largely domestic.

Our clients are telling us that 2025 will be a slow burner, but better than last year. The government’s investment plans bode well for infrastructure and commercial sectors, as the UK is attracting more and more investors. Assuming borrowing rates do not budge, the supply of homes will be sufficient; the question is whether demand will follow.

The industry will still feel the effects of rising wage prices and interest rates, but the good news is that more investment from outside could help alleviate some of those problems.

For most of 2025, we anticipate that construction PMI will remain rather stable, with brief increases being the norm. There is an atmosphere of quiet optimism, and while development will be moderate and steady, the fundamentals of the industry are robust.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed a promising development as the government’s recent declaration that it will invest £140 million to establish 32 specialised Homebuilding Skills Hubs. With an annual goal of adding 5,000 additional apprenticeship spots in the construction industry, this strategy signals a much-needed commitment to building a workforce for the future. This strategy could trigger a dramatic change in the market if carried out as intended. However, once again, only residential work (47.6) saw an overall decline in December productivity. Home construction activity has been declining for three months in a row, with the most recent fall being the sharpest since June 2024. Respondents’ assessments of the current situation were coloured by factors such as low consumer confidence, high borrowing rates, and dampened demand.

In today’s UK construction news, the outrage has spread across the country over plans to rewire the country by installing hundreds of new pylons. At the same time, a construction firm donated £4,000 to a charity that aids construction workers. The numbers also show how far down the 140-mile course the earthworks, viaducts, and tunnelling have come. A “fundamental reset” of the project is being prepared by the new HS2 Ltd CEO to address the massive financial issues it is facing. Additionally, with the announcement of the company’s third earnings warning, Vistry’s stock declined, mirroring the trend of other companies facing diminishing sales.

Mounting Conflict Between “Blockers” and “Builders” Over UK Pylons

Original Source: Pylon wars: Battle between builders and ‘blockers’ mounts across UK

The government’s plan to rewire the nation by erecting thousands of additional pylons has sparked a nationwide uproar.

Many people in rural areas are opposed to the government’s plans to construct thousands of new pylons in order to reach their clean electricity targets.

As the demand for electricity continues to rise and more renewable energy sources, including as solar and wind farms, will need to be connected in the near future, National Grid is undergoing a power system makeover.

An act of “national security” is at stake, according to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has vowed to “take on the blockers, the delayers, the obstructionists” in relation to the planned installation of additional pylons, wind turbines, and solar panels.

On the other hand, protests have emerged in regions ranging from North Wales and Essex to Yorkshire, with activists claiming that the government is employing “bullying tactics” to push through new pylon projects.

The rural village is situated along a pylon line that spans over 110 miles through East Anglia, connecting Tilbury—on the banks of the River Thames—to Norwich—one of the largest planned projects.

The plans call for 520 poles, each 50 meters in height, with extensive trenches excavated at ground level surrounding them.

According to Mr. Whitfield, the buildings are detestable.

There will be an encirclement, he warned the PA news agency. These pylons will be visible from every corner of our parish.

“People were crying about how terrible it will be at the statutory consultation earlier this year.”

Campaigners propose that the bulk of the Norwich-Tilbury project could be located offshore, with smaller power lines that cause less disruption making their way inland.

Although National Grid is making efforts to reduce disruption, the offshoring plan would be “four times more expensive,” according to Tom McGarry, deputy corporate affairs director.

He emphasized that Ofgem must evaluate their projects from a customer perspective.

“All people who pay for electricity bills should get the best value for their money from them.”

The plans in East Anglia are still under consultation with National Grid, but if approved, construction is set to begin in 2027.

Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire are among the many UK counties where opposition to pylon lines is growing.

According to Rosie Pearson, who is also opposed to the Essex pylon route, there is a “groundswell” of backing from similar campaigns nationwide.

The prime minister was accused by her of “bullying rhetoric” and “forcing any old project through come what may” in her accusation.

A growing number of individuals are discussing and learning about this problem, she added.

Nonetheless, the grid upgrades are “urgently needed”, said Mr. McGarry.

Many of the UK’s present pylons and overhead power lines were built in the 1960s to carry electricity from coal-fired power facilities in the Midlands and the north to the rest of the country.

Renewables are now the UK’s main source of power, meaning electricity needs to be transferred from other regions, such as offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

The upgrades are also key to Labour’s aims to decarbonize the grid by 2030, five years earlier than the Conservatives promised.

Mr McGarry added: “We need to effectively rewire Britain.”

Sir John Armitt, head of the National Infrastructure Commission, which advises ministers, said: “Our whole energy system is changing. We’ve got an antiquated energy system built on a few extremely huge power stations.

“We’re now into a much more local, offshore, and onshore model… then we’ve got to connect it all up.”

However, he continued, disputes like this also demonstrate how important it is for Labour to demonstrate that they are listening to local communities.

Sir John said that recent government communications “sound a bit like: ‘You must listen. These are nationally essential concerns, and therefore please come to terms with this and embrace it.’”

He said: “If you don’t have a discussion with people you can’t be surprised if they get pretty antagonistic.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the clean power transition “will require improving infrastructure in a cost-effective way to get renewable electricity on the grid”.

“Without this infrastructure, we will never deliver clean power for the British people.”

They stated other methods are “more expensive, and costs are borne by the electricity billpayer”.

“Local communities have always had a say in planning, and that will only change going forward.”

Construction Company Contributes £4k to Worker Welfare Charity

Original Source: Construction firm donates £4K to charity supporting workers’ wellbeing

A charity that helps construction workers is the beneficiary of a £4,000 donation from a building firm.

During the Scotland West annual dinner at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel, the JR Group donated to The Lighthouse Construction Charity.

The purpose of the gathering was to bring attention to the charity’s efforts in helping Scottish construction workers and their families in various ways, including financially, emotionally, and physically.

Stephen Robertson, The JR Group’s contracts manager, said: “The Lighthouse Scotland West annual dinner is always a fantastic event and this year, we were proud to be able to donate towards the event fundraising total to help them continue to highlight the importance of positive wellbeing and mental health support within the construction industry.”

One of the many services that the Paisley-based JR Group makes available to its 200 employees is the Lighthouse Club’s Construction Industry Helpline, which is available around the clock.

Staff members can call this hotline to get free, discreet assistance with their health and happiness.

Additionally, the charity’s Construction Industry Helpline App is available for download by staff members and offers advice on a range of wellness-related topics.

Mr Robertson added: “Within the construction business in particular, it can be very tough for workers to feel comfortable to be able to openly address their mental health and wellbeing and as a result, there’s a higher risk of suicide among people within our industry.

“At The JR Group, we’ve always strived to support our team, break the stigma around mental health and give our employees access to great resources like the Lighthouse Club.”

From its humble beginnings as a scaffolding company in Govan in 1995, the JR Group has expanded into a thriving construction and building corporation, now employing about 200 people.

The JR Group can be contacted at 0141 849 6711 or on their website for further information.

HS2 is Coming Together: the New High-speed Railway in Britain is Taking Shape

Original Source: HS2 takes shape: progress to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway revealed

The figures indicate the progress achieved on the 140-mile route’s tunnelling, viaducts, and earthworks.

The new CEO of HS2 Ltd is getting ready to do a “fundamental reset” of the project in order to deal with the enormous financial problems it has.

Just as Britain is getting ready to celebrate the bicentenary of the railways, HS2 has a big year ahead of it, which includes the completion of two more twin-bore tunnels.

Most of the earthworks and deep tunnel drives required for the high-speed train have already been finished, according to today’s numbers outlining the progress achieved in creating HS2.

Much civil engineering work has been done to lay the foundations for the 140-mile line between London and the West Midlands, despite the difficulties of the program.

Seventy percent of the twin-bore tunnels, or 38 out of the 55 miles being constructed for the railway, have been dug thus far, according to the figures. The lengthiest and deepest tunnel on the route, the 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel, was dug earlier this year by two enormous machines (seen below).

The total number of tunnel drives completed is five out of twelve. Last but not least, on December 19, the first of four machines used to dig the Northolt Tunnel in north-west London completed its drive.

According to the numbers, 58% of the cuts, embankments, stations, and landscaping for the railway have been finished. In total, it amounts to over 92 million cubic meters of material that has been transferred thus far. In particular, much work has been done in the heart of Birmingham to get the site ready for the Curzon Street station.

Also, out of 227 viaducts and bridges, 158 have begun construction, making up 70% of the total; 13 of these have already been constructed. The 2.1-mile Colne Valley Viaduct, the longest rail bridge in the United Kingdom, was decked out in September by HS2. This bridge will transport the railway over a number of lakes and canals on the fringes of London’s northwest.

The six green, or cut-and-cover, tunnels that are part of the route are also making headway; in November, the 700-meter tunnel near Burton Green in Warwickshire (below) passed the halfway point.

The new Construction Update from HS2 Ltd., released today, details the data.

Constructing HS2 is a long-term strategic asset for the United Kingdom since it will provide the groundwork for the country’s future rail network. It will alleviate congestion on current lines, making room for more local and freight services, and enable faster, more dependable travel between Britain’s two largest cities.

Recent developments have not alleviated the substantial obstacles that HS2 still faces, most notably the issue of cost. The newly-hired chief executive of HS2 Ltd, Mark Wild, is already spearheading an extensive evaluation of the program that will provide its findings next year.

Soon enough, thanks to his efforts, the government will have more clarity regarding the cost and timetable of HS2, and the project will undergo a complete reset. In his December 19 testimony before the Commons Public Accounts Committee, he laid forth the evidence-based challenges to HS2.

“The tremendously impressive feats of civil engineering taking shape right along the route have inspired me in the last month. HS2 represents a significant investment in Britain’s future,” Mark Wild stated. In addition to improving travel, new trains stimulate investment in local businesses and communities, which in turn increases economic growth.

“The goal is obvious. But the program is in a dire strait that necessitates a complete reset in order to get it delivered at the lowest possible cost. In order to get the railway into operation in a safe and efficient manner, I will be dedicating the next year to completing this reset.

The railways will celebrate their bicentenary next year. In 2025, the Darlington and Stockton Railway will commemorate 200 years since the first steam-hauled passenger train ran on the line with a number of events.

As development continues on HS2, the newest and most technologically advanced train link in the United Kingdom, it offers crucial historical context.

There are 350 active building sites along the path of the program, employing more than 31,000 workers. Tracks, overhead lines, and electricity are just a few of the elements that will be added to turn HS2 into a working railway after construction is finished. Companies will be merged into the train Systems Alliance in 2025 to better manage the intricate linkages between the major train systems that were awarded contracts in November by HS2 Ltd.

A number of significant construction milestones are anticipated to be achieved by HS2 in the coming year. This involves finishing:

• Work continues on the second-longest tunnel on the route, the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel, with three more tunnelling machines expected to break ground in 2025 (including the one that broke ground earlier this month);
• A crucial portion of the railway that will transport the line into and out of Birmingham, the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel has two bores;
• The foundation of the massive subterranean station box at Old Oak Common, with the beginning of the platforms for the stations;
• Delta Junction is a triangle stretch of the railway east of Birmingham that allows trains to run between London, Birmingham, and the north. The first deck part of the River Tame West Viaduct is one of thirteen viaducts being constructed for this route.
• On the outskirts of London, between the Northolt Tunnel and the Colne Valley Viaduct, is the 900-meter green Copthall Tunnel.

List Builders in the UK on Set to Build the Fewest New Homes in a Decade

Original Source: UK’s listed builders on track to build fewest new houses in a decade

As other companies experience declining sales, Vistry’s stock falls after the company releases its third earnings warning.

Despite the Labour government’s push to improve housing supply, the market is held back by planning constraints and high mortgage rates, causing the UK’s listed housebuilders to create the fewest new houses for sale in a decade.

According to a Financial Times study of numbers for seven businesses produced by Investec, the sector is expected to finish just over 50,000 homes this year, which is the lowest level of output since 2013. This excludes Vistry, which focuses on affordable and rental housing.

Due to “delays to expected year-end transactions and completions” and having to cancel projects because the financial terms “were not sufficiently attractive,” Vistry issued its third profit warning since October, causing its shares to fall 16.3% on Tuesday.

In an attempt to accelerate the construction of new homes to the greatest level in more than 50 years, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government initiated extensive planning changes. However, the general contraction in housebuilding presents a significant barrier to this goal.

“The listed players are broadly delivering their lowest completions for a decade,” commented Aynsley Lammin, an analyst at Investec. He attributed the downturn to “both demand and supply factors,” which he defined as things like high mortgage rates that make purchases more difficult for first-time buyers.

The construction industry has praised Labour’s planning changes, but UK housebuilders’ stock has dropped by about 20% since the budget in October, due to concerns that borrowing rates will remain high and inflation may return.

Vistry has previously issued two warnings this year for £165 million in underreported construction expenses. On Tuesday, it slashed its earnings forecast for 2024 by a further £50 million. Lammin expressed concern that the new caution would “harm the group’s credibility” and “further unnerve investors” due to its wording.

Companies in the sector as a whole, including Taylor Wimpey, Barratt, and Persimmon, have been hit hard by post-budget worries about interest rates because of their sensitivity to borrowing costs.

Mortgages are the lifeblood of many businesses, and a large portion of their clientele are first-time buyers who are pushing their finances to their limits. Moneyfacts, a source of financial information, reports that mortgage rates have remained higher than anticipated this year, averaging over 5%.

All seven of the listed homebuilders saw a 3% decline in output this year. This comes after a one-fifth decline in 2023, following the Conservatives’ “mini” Budget in September 2022, which caused a spike in mortgage rates and severely limited the property market.

A broader reduction in housing output has contributed to the decline in the number of new home completions by these companies, including Bellway, Berkeley, Crest Nicholson, and MJ Gleeson. According to statistics that measure the overall supply of new homes, there was a 5% decrease in the number of residences finished in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same time last year.

Savills, an estate agency, estimates that the industry will complete around 220,000 new homes this year, which is far lower than the 1.5 million homes that the Labour Party has set as its goal for the next five years.

Because of the downturn in sales, homebuilders have cut back on land purchases and new site openings, reduced production, and are attempting to stave off price cuts.

Many in the industry are looking forward to 2025 as the beginning of a rebound, anticipating a gradual decline in mortgage rates and the prospect of Labour’s pro-building legislation beginning to produce results.

The 2024 Labour administration is the most pro-housebuilding administration that we can recall,” remarked Anthony Codling, an analyst at RBC. According to the UK housebuilders, “the Budget” was an exaggeration.

Without solutions to assist more stressed first-time buyers in affording a home and significantly increasing financing for affordable housing, analysts and industry organizations have cautioned that the Labour Party is likely to fall short of its goal of 1.5 million new homes.

However, there are a few CEOs in the sector who remain confident. During a results call in October, Bellway CEO Jason Honeyman told the Financial Times, “I get fed up with the moaners.”

People wanted to gripe about the previous administration, which was opposed to building any new houses. He continued by saying that the new government’s desire to construct too many was the source of their complaints. It has lofty goals. Reconstruction in the homebuilding industry is a slow process.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed To achieve its clean electricity goals, the government intends to build hundreds of new pylons, which many residents in rural areas are against. Electricity demand is on the rise, and additional renewable power sources, such as wind and solar farms, will soon have to be linked, therefore National Grid is revamping its power infrastructure. Meanwhile, a donation was made to The Lighthouse Construction Charity by the JR Group at the Scotland West annual dinner held at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel. The event aimed to highlight the charity’s work in providing material, emotional, and physical aid to Scottish construction workers and their families. To add insult to injury, HS2 Ltd’s new chief executive officer is preparing to implement a “fundamental reset” of the project to address its massive financial issues. In the midst of Britain’s preparations to commemorate the railways’ bicentenary, HS2 has an eventful year ahead, culminating in the construction of two further twin-bore tunnels. Additionally, listed UK homebuilders have produced the fewest new houses for sale in ten years, due to planning restrictions and high mortgage rates, which hinder the market despite the Labour government’s efforts to increase the supply of homes.

In today’s news, after the death of a worker on the building site of the wind farm in the Shetland Islands, a fine was imposed on the engineering company that was responsible for the incident. In the meantime, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has issued a message that expresses cautious optimism in light of the fact that the year 2025 is rapidly approaching. The two nations, on the other hand, highlighted recent developments in the AUKUS program, which is intended to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, in the announcement that they made jointly. Moreover, Steve Mulholland expresses his serious concern in a letter received by Sky News, noting that the planned changes to business property relief could have a terrible effect on many family-owned enterprises in the UK industry of building. Furthermore, Steve Mulholland has expressed his profound concern in a letter that was received by Sky News. In the letter, he states that the planned changes to business property relief will have a disastrous effect on a large number of family-owned firms operating within the building industry in the United Kingdom.

Man Dies at Wind Farm Building Site; Company Fined

Original Source: Company fined after worker “full of hopes and dreams” dies at wind farm construction site

A fine was levied against an engineering firm following the death of a worker on the Shetland Islands wind farm construction site.

Liam MacDonald, a resident of Tain, Ross-shire, tragically passed away on the morning of June 5, 2022, while working at the Viking site on Upper Kergord, removing dried concrete from a waste.

According to his mom, the 23-year-old was “full of hopes and dreams” and will be missed “beyond words” when he passes away.

The agency worker, Mr. MacDonald, who had begun working at the site a little over one month prior on 4 May 2022, was chipping away at the concrete with a hammer when the bale arm of the skip fell on top of him.

An alarm was sounded at the scene after the 23-year-old was discovered lifeless with the skip’s bale arm pressed against his chest.

Unfortunately, emergency personnel declared Mr. MacDonald dead at the spot after colleagues conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and administered a defibrillator.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector in charge of the investigation, Jackie Randell, determined that principle contractor BAM Nuttall was negligent in preventing the bale arm from dropping.

According to the results of the HSE inquiry, the company was negligent in preventing injuries to those who used, maintained, or cleaned the skip because it did not adequately assess the risks of the bale arm dropping.

“Liam loved life, his family and friends,” said Wendy Robson, who is the mother of Mr. MacDonald. Being a young adult, he had yet to settle into his identity and was brimming with aspirations for the future.

The loss of Liam’s presence here today, in every future day, and in sharing our aspirations with him is a tragedy. He hoped to have children someday, but we will never meet them.

What Liam meant to us and who he was are indescribable. His love and absence are indescribable.

The company BAM Nuttall Limited, whose address is Knoll Road in Camberley, Surrey, admitted guilt for violating two sections of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Section 2(1) and Section 33(1)(a). On December 18, 2024, at Inverness Sheriff Court, the corporation was fined £800,000 plus a victim surcharge of £60,000.

“This was a terrible incident that resulted in the young man’s death,” Jackie Randell stated. Those closest to Mr. MacDonald are in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.

When it came to protecting their employees, BAM Nuttall had bungled their responsibility. The lesson that all contractors should take away from this case is the need of doing thorough risk assessments and establishing foolproof procedures.

We looked at this matter extensively, and we found that BAM Nuttall should have done more to protect its employees. The lesson that all contractors should take away from this case is the need of doing thorough risk assessments and establishing foolproof procedures.

It is imperative that this risk assessment procedure incorporates the most recent safety data supplied by equipment makers. Emphasising manufacturer safety information to the workers and implementing thorough monitoring measures are of utmost importance for ensuring everyone’s safety.

According to Debbie Carroll, who is in charge of health and safety investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Liam MacDonald’s death could have been avoided if BAM Nuttall Limited had provided an adequate risk assessment for the concrete column skip’s maintenance and cleaning.

Their inability to recognise the risks posed by the bale arm of the skip and to secure it before the cleaning procedure started resulted in Mr. MacDonald’s death.

“At this trying time, my prayers are with his loved ones.” 

2025 Building Supply Chain Optimism Amid Obstacles

Original Source: Optimism for construction supply chain in 2025 despite challenges

With 2025 just around the corner, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has released a message of cautious optimism.

Supply and demand swings, as well as worries about the stability of the home renovation and housebuilding markets, are just a few of the problems plaguing the construction supply chain.

Regardless, the CLC has expressed hope for the following year in their final statement of 2024.

The construction supply chain is not completely in the dumps.

According to the CLC, product availability has been stable as we neared the year’s end, and there is reason to be optimistic about government reforms and the possibility of reduced economic strain.

Despite ongoing efforts to address the reported shortages of aerated blocks, the statement predicts that the situation will improve by the end of Q1 2025. This is due to the fact that demand was low throughout much of 2024, which helped to moderate the situation.

But the most reason to be optimistic about 2025 is the National Planning Policy Framework revisions, which will stimulate construction activity and probably lead to more greenbelt area being developed.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may find it challenging to take advantage of the new measures because the reforms are more likely to benefit larger housebuilders. In addition, the CLC is waiting for mortgage interest rates to decline before declaring a genuine recovery.

Problems of a critical nature persist

Additionally, the statement stresses the importance of having enough funds on hand to support a surge in development efforts, should that surge materialise.

We must ensure that our capacity can face any upcoming problems, as demand has been lower over the past year and a half and the rate of development recovery is unknown.

There are still problems in the home improvement industry, such as the precipitous fall in gas boiler sales that followed a downturn in home sales and, by extension, remodelling activity. The decline of gas boilers has outpaced the increase of heat pumps.

Concerns about the rising cost of electricity have the CLC predicting a 3%-8% increase in the price of construction materials in January. Businesses, particularly SMEs, are already having a hard time paying the rising cost of labour, and there’s no assurance that prices won’t go up again in the months to come.

“In light of these difficulties, the CLC has emphasised the need of the construction industry maintaining tight relationships with their supply chains in order to anticipate and communicate material needs in a timely manner,” the statement reads. The success and longevity of the building sector depend on the constant cooperation and transparent dialogue among manufacturers, wholesalers, and builders’ merchants.

“As the sector navigates these uncertainties, the Group remains hopeful that 2025 could mark the beginning of a more stable and sustained recovery for the UK construction industry. This hope is based on continued cooperation and a supportive policy environment.” 

Australia, UK Advance AUKUS Submarine Construction Plan

Original Source: Australia, UK Advance Construction Plan for AUKUS Submarine Program

In their joint announcement, the two countries highlighted recent developments in the AUKUS program, which aims to supply the Royal Australian Navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

For the first AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the Australian Submarine Agency, BAE Systems, and ASC Pty Ltd have all committed to working together on construction planning, supply chain coordination, and worker training.

“Important step in establishing a sovereign nuclear submarine build capability in Australia,” ASC CEO Stuart Whiley said of the deal.

The agreements allow “us to share our vast experience of nuclear submarine capabilities with our industry partners to support the build of submarines in Australia,” further explained Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE’s Submarines business.

Participating companies are currently working to define the delivery timetable, provide the groundwork for future information exchange, and build a new shipyard in Osborne, New South Wales, to facilitate construction.

In March, BAE Systems was awarded a contract worth 4.6 billion Australian dollars ($3 billion) for their work on the AUKUS program.

Developments at SSN AUKUS

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States formed a trilateral security collaboration in 2021 with the launch of the AUKUS submarine program to strengthen stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The project made strides in a number of important areas this year, and the first submarine is scheduled to be delivered in the early 2040s.

To facilitate communication and cooperation between the two countries’ respective sovereign program management and supply chain operations, the SSN-AUKUS Programme Interface Office was set up in November.

In addition, the AUKUS partners have reiterated their dedication to collaborating with the IAEA in order to maintain non-proliferation safety regulations.

To begin training on submarine repair earlier in June, Australia dispatched its first crew to Pearl Harbour. 

Chief of Construction Writes to Starmer, Intensifying Criticism of Budget Adjustments

Original Source: Construction chief steps up criticism of budget reforms in letter to Starmer

Steve Mulholland expresses his deep concern in a letter received by Sky News, stating that the proposed changes to business property relief will have a devastating effect on many family-owned businesses in the UK.industry of building.

To add insult to injury, a prominent trade group for the building industry has warned the prime minister that the budget’s new policies will “fatally undermine” family-run businesses in the industry. This comes after the government has been receiving criticism from businesses since the late autumn.

Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) chief executive Steve Mulholland wrote to Sir Keir Starmer, as reported by Sky News, expressing “very real concerns [among] family businesses” over the changes to Business Property Relief and Inheritance Tax that were announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves.

In 2026, new revisions to the BPR will limit BPR to £1 million and impose a 20% tax on inherited company assets.

“As an association, we have already had to deal with queries from concerned family businesses on what these changes mean, how can they continue to operate in line with these plans,” he said.

Just so we’re clear, we’re talking about long-standing, often massive family-run companies that have built a stellar reputation for prompt delivery and friendly service.

“I question what is the point of continuing,” said one top executive.

“These changes will result in companies deferring investment and hiring decisions, expansion plans will be called into question, with prolonged uncertainty and instability at a time when businesses can ill-afford it.”

“The backbone of the construction industry, worth some £14bn to the economy, supporting over 190,000 jobs” is how Mr. Mulholland said it about the 1,900 members of the CPA.

A large number of these companies are run by families, he informed Sir Keir.

“Our members have a key role to play in building the 1.5m new homes, that is a priority for your government and a key pillar of your Plan for Change”.

After weeks of criticism from business leaders on the effects of the October budget—the first from a Labour administration in nearly fifteen years—his warning to the prime minister follows in the footsteps of those leaders.

Those in charge of the hospitality and retail industries have issued a stern warning that price hikes, job cuts, and reduced investment are inevitable outcomes of the National Living Wage and employer national insurance contribution hikes.

“Your pledge to get Britain building again can only be delivered through renewed investment in new equipment, technologies, innovations, and people,” he wrote.

All of these were areas where the October budget fell short for us.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (20% of SMEs work in construction) and family-run businesses—the backbone of construction plant-hire—as well as the larger business communities throughout the UK will be severely affected by the proposed changes to BPR as part of the broader Inheritance Tax reform.

In keeping with your government’s stated goal of collaborating with businesses to shape policy, we urge you to reevaluate the practical implications of these changes in light of feedback from those companies.

Sustainable business practices are the foundation of a thriving economy, and we are committed to achieving this goal across the whole United Kingdom.

“In their current guise, your proposals will fatally undermine the very companies that are meant to be the foundation of this work, risking a lasting and damaging impact on the wider UK economy.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed worker Liam MacDonald, who lived in Tain, Ross-shire, tragically lost his life on the morning of June 5, 2022, while excavating dried concrete from a rubbish pile at the Viking site on Upper Kergord. His mother says that her son, who was 23 years old, was “full of hopes and dreams” and that she will miss him “beyond words” when he dies. At the same time, the CLC reports that product availability has remained consistent as we approached the end of the year, and that there is cause for optimism regarding government reforms and the prospect of lessened economic burden. According to the statement, the stated shortages of aerated blocks will be resolved by the end of Q1 2025, even though attempts to remedy the issue are ongoing. Demand was low for much of 2024, which contributed to the situation’s moderating effect. Additionally, ASC Pty Ltd, BAE Systems, and the Australian Submarine Agency have all pledged to collaborate on building plans, supply chain management, and employee training for the inaugural AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). Worse still, a leading construction sector trade group has written to the prime minister, expressing concern that new rules proposed in the budget could “fatally undermine” family-run enterprises. This follows businesses’ criticism of the administration that began in the late autumn. In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, chief executive Steve Mulholland of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) voiced “very real concerns [among] family businesses” regarding the changes to Business Property Relief and Inheritance Tax that chancellor Rachel Reeves had revealed, according to Sky News.

In today’s news, we will look into these two individuals, John Newcomb of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn of the Construction Products Association, are the co-chairs of the Material Supply Chain Group of the Construction Leadership Council. They are presenting their final joint statement of the year. During this period, engcon, the most prominent manufacturer of tiltrotators on a global scale, made a public announcement concerning a strategic global collaboration with RodRadar, the company that is responsible for the development of Live Dig Radar® (LDR), a system that has been patented for the goal of avoiding strikes from subsurface utilities in real time. Furthermore, executives in the construction industry have voiced their concern that the United Kingdom will be unable to fulfil its housing commitment of 1.5 million units due to a shortage of available labourers at the construction industry. More importantly, research conducted by the social media company On The Tools indicates that of the 2.1 million persons working in the construction business in the United Kingdom, 2.1 million had encountered mental illness at some point in their vocation. The past ten years have seen a total of seven thousand persons take their own lives.

A Healthy UK Construction Sector Needs a Collaborative Supply Chain

Original Source: A collaborative supply chain essential to a healthy UK construction industry

The Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group co-chairs, John Newcomb of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn of the Construction Products Association, present their final joint statement of the year.

The Material Supply Chain Group of the Construction Leadership Council continues to report good levels of product availability overall in their last statement of 2024. We are actively working to resolve the aerated blocks difficulties that were previously identified. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, we expect to have restored supply stability.

Nevertheless, this occurs during a period of lower demand throughout the year. Recent years have seen an uptick in building projects, although the industry has been sustained mostly by public spending on civil engineering and other non-housing related areas. The opposite is true for industrial construction and homebuilding, where output has fallen.

As a result of the changes announced in the National Planning Policy Framework, which detail the government’s intentions for the release of green belt area, there is some hope for the year 2025. The amendments are targeted towards applications from volume house builders, which is disappointing because smaller housebuilders are not going to gain from them.

Until mortgage rates decline and consumer confidence rises again, it is quite doubtful that the rate of housebuilding will increase substantially. We can not expect to observe any discernible rebound until the latter part of 2025, according to the Group, which is why they are being cautious when forecasting growth rates.

Making ensuring there are resources to enable enhanced development right from the start is one of the major concerns, according to the Group. Over the previous eighteen months, capacity has been decreased in response to demand. Although there is potential for improvement and rumours indicate that brick capacity is being restored, the timeline for this is still unclear. Companies in the manufacturing sector may be hesitant to invest until they observe signs of economic growth.

Many manufacturers rely on the home remodelling and housebuilding markets to stay afloat. After reaching 1.7 million in 2023, the gas boiler market dropped to 1.4 million in 2024. Heat pump sales have fallen short of boiler sales, which have fallen mostly because home sales have slowed and remodelling projects have slowed as a result.

Nevertheless, heat pump producers are confident in their ability to fulfil the 600,000 installations target set by the government for the Future Homes Standard by 2028.

In January, prices are expected to rise by 3% to 8% due to rising energy costs, as mentioned in the most recent announcement from the Materials Supply Group (27 November 2024). The cost of hiring more people will drive up prices even more.

Concerns about credit insurance are still high among SMEs. Insurers must sustain their support if supply and buying parties are to continue to have faith in the market.

The proliferation of data centres necessitates an overwhelming quantity of items, and the electro-technical sector has issued a warning about the possibility of material shortages. The cable industry is also feeling the effects of the volatility in the price of copper and other precious metals. In 2025, when the electric vehicle charging infrastructure is put in place, this problem can become even worse.

The group’s members are adamant that businesses keep in regular contact with their supply chain, plan ahead for what they need, and share that information with distributors, suppliers, and builders’ merchants. To maintain a healthy and productive UK construction industry, it is vital that all parties involved in the supply chain communicate continuously and collaboratively.

Engcon and Rodradar Upgrade Construction Automation and Safety

Original Source: engcon and RodRadar Partner to Transform On-Site Construction Automation and Safety

Today, engcon, the leading global manufacturer of tiltrotators, made an announcement regarding a strategic global collaboration with RodRadar, the makers of Live Dig Radar® (LDR), a technology that has been patented for the purpose of real-time underground utility strike avoidance.

The revolutionary LDR system from RodRadar will be integrated with the quick couplers and tiltrotators from engcon as a result of this agreement, which will result in the delivery of a solution that is seamless for contractors, utilities, and municipalities. Because of this, a revolutionary method of excavation that is safer, more automated, and more effective has been developed.

The LDR technology developed by RodRadar improves excavator operations by providing real-time detection and avoidance of subterranean utility infrastructure during excavation. This eliminates the requirement for off-site or offline expert analysis, which is a critical step in the excavation process. In addition to being incorporated inside the LDR Excavate digging bucket, the technology is complimented with an operator display device that is located within the cabin.

According to Sam Ryan, Regional Director and Global OEM Manager at engcon, “This collaboration is fantastic news for our end customers,” he stated. We are able to make digging operations safer, more automated, and more efficient by merging our innovative tiltrotator technology with RodRadar’s Live Dig Radar. This integration also allows us to drastically reduce the amount of time and money spent on-site on excavation projects.

It is anticipated that the combination of engcon’s tiltrotators and RodRadar’s LDR system will result in the modification of excavation procedures, the enhancement of operator safety, and the acceleration of project efficiency.

Yuval Barnea, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RodRadar, expressed his excitement about the company’s partnership with engcon. The creative solutions that they provide are ideally aligned with our Live Dig Radar system, which results in a smooth connection that improves the safety, precision, and efficiency of contractors. Both of our businesses have taken a huge step forward as a result of our alliance, which enables us to provide the construction sector with value that is unmatched and to establish new benchmarks for operational excellence.

The solution will make it possible for contractors to upgrade their engcon DC2 and DC3 systems with EC-Oil technology, which will open the door to interoperability with the RodRadar LDR system without any complications. The solution for the machine coupler will be available in the first quarter of 2025. In the latter part of the year, the solution that falls under the tiltrotator will be made available.

‘Doesn’t Have Enough Builders’ for 1.5m Labour Homes

Original Source: UK ‘doesn’t have enough builders’ for Labour’s 1.5m homes

Leaders in the building sector have expressed concern that the United Kingdom will be unable to meet its housing commitment of 1.5 million units due to a lack of available labourers.

According to what they told the BBC, the bricklaying, groundworks, and carpentry crews require tens of thousands of additional people only to reach the aim.

Factors contributing to the decline in employment include an ageing workforce, Brexit, and a lack of skilled workers, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the biggest UK housebuilder, Barratt Redrow.

Government officials acknowledged the “dire shortage” of construction workers and assured the public that they were “taking steps to rectify” the issue.

Sir Keir Starmer, England’s prime minister, reaffirmed last week his promise to build 1.5 million new houses by 2029, a goal he set shortly after assuming office.

His promise to remove “blockers” from the way of constructing the new houses was accompanied by the unveiling of comprehensive revisions to the planning system on Thursday.

Building additional homes is something the labour party is banking on to bring down house costs and make housing more accessible, particularly to younger generations.

In order to meet this goal, the construction of new dwellings must average 300,000 a year, up from 220,000 in recent years.

Based on data provided by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the current workforce is projected to be 2.67 million.

However, the home building industry in England and Wales need almost 30,000 new recruits across 12 trades for every 10,000 new homes that are completed, according to the HBF.

Some common trades, for instance, would need a projected influx of additional workers according to the government’s plans:

• 20 thousand masons
• More than 2,400 plumbing engineers
• 8 thousand woodworkers
• 3,200 drywallers
• $20,000 in labourers
• 1,200 tile specialists
• about 2,400 electrical
• 3,400 roofing
• 480 software developers

The HBF stated that although the industry possesses “the capacity to deliver current build levels,” in order to achieve the specified targets, it will be necessary to hire tens of thousands of more workers.

David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Redrow, responded to the question of whether there were sufficient workers to construct the additional homes by saying, “The short answer is no.”

The government, he told the BBC, would need to “revolutionise the market, revolutionise planning, revolutionise methods of production” if they wanted to achieve their goal.

“They’re challenging targets, I think we have to recognise that this is a national crisis,” he added.

However, the HBF also noted that the United Kingdom “does not have a sufficient talent pipeline” of construction workers to fill open positions. A number of recruitment restrictions were listed, such as schools’ negative views and inadequate training, a shortage of apprenticeships, and the high expense of hiring apprentices.

Despite efforts by the industry group, not enough new employees have been “attracted” to the field in recent years.

The report indicated that 25% of the workforce is beyond the age of 50, a consequence of all of these causes adding up over time.

Mr. Thomas, boss of Barratt Redrow, said that the push in recent decades to encourage youth to pursue higher education rather than skills had not helped recruitment.

“If you went back to the 60s and 70s, I think parents, teachers, and the government were very happy with the idea that people became trades – electricians, plumbers, bricklayers,” according to him.

Salaries for these positions “are high” on average, but finding qualified workers is more of a problem, he added.

Government statistics show that skilled carpenters earn roughly £38,000 and electricians £44,000 per year, while an expert bricklayer might make around £45,000.

For decades, the United Kingdom has suffered from a skills deficit that was only partly filled by employees from the European Union. However, with the end of free movement as a consequence of Brexit, this recruiting pool has dried up.

As a result of the financial crisis of 2008 and “restrictions” that made it tougher to recruit from outside, the HBF estimated that 40 to 50% of the industry’s talented personnel had departed.

Mr. Thomas acknowledged that, “in hindsight,” the United Kingdom was overly dependent on foreign labour, but he also noted that this had been the “norm” in the past and that the construction industry has traditionally hired many bricklayers from eastern European Union countries.

The most common countries of origin for construction workers from overseas, according to the 2016 industry census, were Romania, India, and Poland. Workforce diversity in London’s construction industry is over 50% EU/EEA nationalities.

A month ago, the government unveiled plans to spend £140 million on “homebuilding skills hubs” to expedite training and 5,000 additional construction apprenticeship positions annually.

The administration’s desire to “make sure this country takes skilled careers like construction seriously” was expressed by a government spokesperson who claimed the skills hubs were evidence of that desire.

However, local councils that were responsible for executing the new goals in their respective regions criticised the plans, calling them “unrealistic” and “impossible to achieve.”

Housebuilders will fall 388,000 short of the government’s 1.5 million target, according to the independent think tank Centre for Cities.

However, the government’s intentions have been met with approval by both Barratt Redrow and the HBF. This sector would be able to “invest in the people and land needed to increase housing supply” if the government had “a more pro-development policy approach,” warned the HBF.

In spite of difficulties in hiring, Barratt Redrow expects to construct 16,600–17,200 homes in the coming fiscal year—nearly 4,000 more than Barratt had predicted prior to its merger with Redrow in October.

A Research Suggests Construction Workers Are Four Times as Likely to Commit Suicide, Leaving 7,000 Dead

Original Source: Construction workers four times more likely to die by suicide as 7,000 lives lost, report says

According to research from social media firm On The Tools, 2.1 million people working in the construction industry in the United Kingdom have experienced mental illness at some point. Seven thousand people have committed suicide in the past ten years.

A recent study found that among the UK’s most dangerous occupations for mental health issues, construction had a suicide rate four times higher than the whole population.

A staggering 73% of the 2.1 million construction workers in the UK have been impacted by mental illness, according to social media firm On The Tools, the largest network of tradespeople in the country.

Seven thousand people have committed suicide in the past ten years.

According to Alice Brookes, the brand manager of the company, “If doctors or teachers were seeing those rates of suicide in any other industry, I think there would be a national outcry”.

Unfortunately, nobody is paying attention to it because it’s a building site, and people generally don’t have a positive impression of craftsmen.

“When four times the number of people are dying by suicide – who will build our hospitals, who will build our schools, maintain our roads and infrastructure?”

In order to pay for therapy services for industry workers, the corporation is attempting to raise £2.5 million.

Leamington Spa-based painter and decorator James Reeves, 33, told Sky News that he had suicidal thoughts after sustaining back and pelvic injuries in an accident and having £2,500 worth of gear stolen.

According to James, “financial pressures” were among the most severe.

When I had people working for me on payroll, I had monthly profit targets that I had to hit. If I were to take three months off and not be able to hit those targets, I would quickly fall into a financial crisis.

“For me personally I just felt like a failure to everyone around me and the only way out was to kind of disappear.”

The concept of ending my life filled my every waking thought for a long time, and every morning I would wake up believing it was the day I would do it,” James added. It was a long haul out of there, but I count myself lucky compared to those who didn’t make it out alive.

The survey also revealed that the industry loses £2.7 billion annually due to employees missing work due to mental illness.

In addition, Ms. Brookes mentioned that many individuals in this field work alone or are self-employed, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Then you add financial pressures, then industry pressures such as tool theft – we found 68% of tradespeople worry daily about tool theft which shows those wider pressures are affecting those in the trade.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, in their most recent assessment for 2024, the Material Supply Chain Group of the Construction Leadership Council maintained their good product availability levels generally. We have acknowledged the issues with the aerated blocks and are making every effort to fix them. Restoring supply stability is our goal for the first quarter of 2025. Contractors, utilities, and municipalities will all benefit from a streamlined solution thanks to the integration of RodRadar’s groundbreaking LDR system with engcon’s fast couplers and tiltrotators, made possible by this collaboration. This led to the development of a groundbreaking technique for excavation that is now more efficient, safer, and automated. Meanwhile, their statements to the BBC indicate that the carpentry, bricklaying, and groundworks crews alone need tens of thousands of extra workers just to reach the target. In regard to the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the largest UK housebuilder, Barratt Redrow, factors contributing to the reduction in employment include an ageing workforce, Brexit, and a shortage of trained workers. Furthermore, compared to the overall population, the suicide rate in the construction industry was four times higher, ranking it among the most risky occupations in the UK for mental health difficulties. According to the biggest tradespeople network in the country, On The Tools, a social media platform, an astounding 73% of the 2.1 million construction workers in the UK have been affected by mental illness.

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the first gas-fired power station in the world to incorporate carbon capture and storage technology may now commence construction. This will be the first of its kind. In the meantime, the country’s high-speed track infrastructure will be planned and constructed by the Ferrovial BAM joint venture over the duration of the 140 miles that make up HS2. In addition, construction companies stated that the market for housebuilding is being impacted by the high interest rates on loans and the poor level of consumer confidence.

Launch of £4bn Net Zero Teesside Power

Original Source: Lift off for £4bn Net Zero Teesside Power scheme

Construction may now begin on the first gas-fired power station in the world to use carbon capture and storage technology.

The BP-Equinor joint venture, Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power, has inked contracts with its suppliers totalling £4 billion and achieved financial close.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 by NZT Power, with start-up scheduled for 2028.

In the East Coast Cluster, there are three initial carbon capture projects on Teesside, and this project will work in conjunction with the Northern Endurance Partnership’s (NEP) CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure, which is currently in its execution phase.

When fully operational, the combined cycle gas turbine power station has the potential to generate 742 MW of low-carbon electricity, which is enough to meet the yearly electricity needs of over one million homes in the United Kingdom.

Using infrastructure supplied by NEP, the plant will be able to absorb up to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which will subsequently be transferred to secure subsea storage sites beneath the North Sea.

The aggregate value of the eight contract packages worth around £4 billion will be used by nine engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies to finish the building work on the two projects.

These are the individuals hired as contractors:

• Technical partnership between Technip Energies and GE Vernova for onshore power generation, collection, and compression; construction partner Balfour Beatty; technology licensor Shell
• The following pipe-mills have been nominated: Equans, Liberty Steel Hartlepool, and Corinth Pipeworks; Marubeni-Itochu Tubulars Europe; Costain Linepipe; and onshore and offshore
• The water outfall, onshore outlet facilities, landfalls, and offshore pipelineSaipem is a
• Technical Marine Contractors’ Offshore Subsea Injection System
• Alcatel Submarine Networks’ power and communication cables
• A brief history of offshore systems engineering
• Wood-Representing Integrated Project Management Team
• More than 3,000 construction jobs might be created and supported by NZT Power, with an additional 1,000 employment generated during operations.

“Net Zero Teesside is a transformational project, underpinning the UK’s transition to cleaner and greener energy consumption and driving regional economic growth in Northeast England,” said Leo Quinn, chief executive of Balfour Beatty. By combining our respective strengths with those of Technip Energies—a global leader in engineering and technology integration—, Shell—with its cutting-edge Cansolv CO2 Capture technology—and GE Vernova—with its unrivalled power generation expertise—we are bringing this ambitious plan one step closer to fruition with today’s announcement.

“As a UK headquartered company, continuing to support a world-leading decarbonisation project in our own backyard is monumental,” stated Craig Shanaghey, executive president of projects at Wood. Leading the energy transformation, our integrated team is building and advancing the energy ecosystem in close collaboration with Net Zero Teesside Power and Northern Endurance Partnership.

Even though the plans had been developed and authorised by a previous administration, Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to claim credit for everything. Our industrial heartlands have been stifled by 14 years of stagnation and turmoil for much too long. Workers should be treated better. By prioritising growth and investing in future industries, today’s investment demonstrates that this administration is taking a different approach.

It was more appropriately stated by Ian Hunter, managing director of Net Zero Teesside Power: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of work to make Net Zero Teesside Power a reality.”

According to Equinor’s UK country manager Alex Grant, the UK is an important market for the energy provider. He mentioned that Equinor has a track record of meeting the East Coast’s energy needs, shifting demand away from fossil fuels and towards renewables and low-carbon alternatives like hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Equinor and the United Kingdom have taken a giant leap forward with this project, which will decarbonise the country’s industrial cores, bring it closer to its net zero goals, and create opportunities in the supply chain all while creating jobs. Our company is excited to continue collaborating with the incoming administration on low-carbon initiatives around the United Kingdom. 

Ferrovial Wins Biggest UK Construction Contract for High-speed Rail

Original Source: Ferrovial secures largest UK construction contract in its history with high-speed rail project

Over the course of HS2’s 140 miles, the Ferrovial BAM joint venture will plan and construct the country’s high-speed track infrastructure.

About 280 miles of track will be designed and installed as part of the contract.

Three contracts for the design and construction of the track infrastructure for the high-speed railway project HS2 in the UK have been awarded to Ferrovial through its Construction division and a joint venture with BAM. In November, HS2 Ltd. announced a series of rail systems contracts, totalling roughly £3 billion, with the Track systems contracts to be given to Ferrovial BAM as one component. Once contracts are signed, Ferrovial BAM will confirm the actual value of the work to be delivered. The fourteen-year partnership between Ferrovial and BAM continues with this latest award, which expands their portfolio of vital infrastructure projects.

Since entering the UK market more than 20 years ago, Ferrovial’s UK Construction company has landed the largest schemes.

The joint venture between Ferrovial and BAM will see the delivery of three segments, spanning 140 miles, of the high-speed route from Old Oak Common to Birmingham Curzon Street station. Under the terms of the agreement, 280 miles of track with a maximum speed of 225 mph (360 km/h) will be planned and built. Additionally, the joint venture will manage logistics, provide support during testing and commissioning, and serve as the lead contractor for activities associated to the track.

Along with other contracts awarded to contractors for Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), Third Party Telecommunications, Operational Telecommunications and Security Systems (OTSS), Command, Control, Signalling and Traffic Management (CCS&TM), and Engineering Management System, HS2 confirmed this project award last week (26 Nov ’24).

The combined value of these contracts is almost £3 billion, and they will likely generate employment opportunities for tens of thousands of people in the United Kingdom. Now that primary works contracts are nearing completion, the first design phase can begin at the same time. This way, when the civil works are finished, the squad will be prepared to mobilise.

Contracts are about to be signed, signalling the start of a new phase for HS2 and UK high-speed rail, as the obligatory 10-day standstill period has concluded.

Joint venture partnerships between Ferrovial and BAM have a track record of timely and under budget delivery of vital infrastructure projects for the United Kingdom. Together, starting in 2010 as BFK, they executed three Crossrail projects, including the lengthiest section of digging works between Royal Oak and Farringdon and the first central station on the Elizabeth Line, Farringdon Station. The team has been consistently delivering high-quality work throughout the entirety of the HS2 project, including the Silvertown Tunnel in East London and the Enabling Works packages for Fusion JV and the central Main Works Contract for EKFB, and is now delivering the track infrastructure for the entire HS2 trace.

The group will handle interface management and conflict resolution within the framework of the Rail Systems Alliance, an alliance of collaborative organisations. To meet their mutual time and budgetary objectives, the team will collaborate on all aspects of the project, including design, access, resources, and logistics.

The Construction division of Ferrovial has completed the construction of 1,125 km of high-speed rail in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The Spanish high-speed rail network is the second-longest in the world, and the firm is responsible for its construction (12%), delivery (26% of the track), and maintenance (45%). When it comes to improvements in track assembly, the corporation has 26 patents. 

UK Development Rises but Housebuilding Falls, Threatening Government Goals

Original Source: UK construction grows but housebuilding decline threatens government targets

High borrowing rates and low consumer confidence are affecting the market for housebuilding, according to construction businesses.

Construction activity in Britain’s building industry increased in November, but homebuilding slowed, casting doubt on the government’s new houses ambitions.

Following an increase from 54.3 in October, the S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index for the construction industry registered 55.2 last month.

The industry’s vulnerability to interest rates and consumer sentiment is highlighted by the fact that strong demand for civil engineering and commercial projects more than made up for the decline in residential housebuilding.

Construction companies said high financing costs and low consumer confidence had hurt demand, leading to a precipitous decrease in housebuilding activity, which reached its steepest pace since June, with a reading of 47.9. A sector is considered to be expanding if the reading is more than 50, and contracting otherwise. There was the greatest increase in commercial construction activity since May 2022.

In December, for just the second time since 2020, the Bank of England lowered interest rates; this month, they are likely to remain unchanged. The likelihood of gradual rate reduction in the future was reaffirmed by Governor Andrew Bailey on Wednesday.

If the Labour Party does not implement more extensive changes to the planning system, it will fail to meet its election promise of constructing 1.5 million homes in England by the end of this parliament, which equates to 300,000 homes each year.

Although the construction industry escaped the UK economic slump, new orders were affected by the still-high cost of borrowing, according to Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The confidence level of construction enterprises is at its lowest point since October 2023, reflecting a general decline in optimism for the next 12 months.

Job creation was weaker and company optimism fell across the construction sector as a whole due to “a loss of momentum for new work, alongside concerns about rising employment costs,” according to Moore.

While the employment indicator in the poll did see a little increase, the rate of job creation hit a three-month low.

Companies have stated that they are unable to hire more people due to the rising cost of employment. To assist keep prices down, some companies reportedly brought in subcontractors.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power, a joint venture between BP and Equinor, has reached financial close and signed £4 billion worth of contracts with its suppliers. Midway through 2025, NZT Power plans to begin construction, with start-up set for 2028. At the same time, the contract calls for the design and installation of approximately 280 kilometres of track. Through its Construction division and a joint venture with BAM, Ferrovial has been awarded three contracts to design and construct the track infrastructure for the high-speed railway project HS2 in the UK. The government’s new homes plans are in jeopardy because although construction activity in the UK’s building industry rose in November, homebuilding slowed. Next month, the S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index for the construction industry was 55.2, following an increase from 54.3 in October.

In today’s news, we will look into a confidence boom is being fueled by rising optimism in the United Kingdom’s construction industry, which recorded a 16.5 percent increase in new orders during the second quarter of 2024. In the meantime, a treasure trove of Roman coins with a value of more than $125,000 was found through the course of a construction project in the central region of England. Furthermore, according to the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024, which is a program that was designed to identify the companies in the United Kingdom that are expanding at the quickest rate, Kori Construction is the construction, building, and property services company that is expanding at the quickest rate in the Midlands and East of England.

New Construction Orders Rise 16.5% in UK

Original Source: UK construction industry witnesses 16.5% increase in new orders

Rising optimism is fueling a confidence boom in the UK construction industry, which saw new orders rise by 16.5 percent in Q2 2024.

Currie & Brown’s latest UK Construction Market Outlook Report highlights this upturn as a promising indicator of the industry’s landscape shifting.

The chancellor has pledged to invest £100 billion in infrastructure in an effort to “Rebuild Britain.”

Rachel Reeves, the UK chancellor, just announced a massive investment of £100 billion for capital projects over the next five years, which is a major reason for this increased optimism.

The construction industry’s entire project pipeline will be improved as a result of this initiative’s injection of crucial capital into diverse industries. An impressive £1.4 billion will go straight into the school renovation program, out of a total of £4 billion set aside for education.

The Affordable Homes Programme has also received an extra £500 million, bringing the total investment in housing supply to more than £5 billion.

Information from the UK Construction Market Outlook Report

The study highlights the rising trend in building output, which increased by 1% overall in the third quarter.

Inflation being reasonably low at 2.3% and the Base Rate being reduced to 4.75% are further factors that are helping the building business.

This industry has had a rough go of it recently, what with all the ups and downs in the supply chain and the job situation, so the data is welcome relief. As a result of these problems, people are afraid to take any action, which hinders development and growth efforts.

Problems arise because to Trump tariffs, contractor bankruptcies, and inadequate labor.

But there are still a number of critical issues that need fixing in the industry. A big problem is that the federal government still isn’t clear about the industry’s supply chains and resource capabilities. Lack of clarity like this can make it harder to invest wisely and plan ahead.

In addition, the private sector may be discouraged from investing due to new tax-raising measures included in the budget, such as a rise in employers’ national insurance contributions.

While protectionist policies may help the US economy in the short term, they have the potential to slow down international trade and drive up the price of imported materials, which might have an impact on project timetables and budgets if Trump is reelected.

Another major threat is the possibility of problems like contractor bankruptcies, labor shortages, and unpredictable material price swings.

The long-term outlook for sustainability and innovation

The sector has witnessed a positive surge in innovation as a result of embracing MMC and leveraging data to enhance performance. Being quick to adapt is essential in the face of ever-evolving rules, such as the Building Safety Act and stricter environmental standards.

There will be advantages and disadvantages in the construction industry in the future. If we want to provide our clients the peace of mind they need to keep investing in the built environment, we must prioritize sustainability, innovation, and productivity.

The construction industry is poised for continued expansion, thanks to the government’s bold investments and improving economic conditions in the UK, says Nick Gray, chief operating officer, UK & Europe at Currie & Brown.

Concurrently, it’s heartening to witness the industry’s dedication to innovation via the use of Modern Construction Methods, improved data, and cutting-edge technology.

However, we must not become complacent. Businesses need to be nimble in the face of a geopolitical environment that is still full of surprises. Building and maintaining resilience in the face of the uncertain economic and political climate in the UK will require careful curation of digital technology advancements, such as AI, to improve project efficiency and the adoption of two-stage tendering. 

UK Building Uncovers Roman Currency Treasure

Original Source: Treasure trove of Roman coins found during construction in U.K.

During a building operation in central England, a trove of Roman coins valued at over $125,000 was discovered.

According to Museums Worcestershire, who are seeking donations to purchase the coins and preserve them in the county of their discovery, the hoard of gold and silver coins dates back to the reign of Rome’s Emperor Nero. The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard, a hoard of 1,368 coins, was discovered by members of the public in late 2023 after being buried in a pot, according to the museum.

“The Hoard is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Worcestershire in the last 100 years,” according to the museum.

The museum reports that the majority of the coins are silver denarii, with the exception of one gold piece that was struck for a local British tribe during its minting. According to the museum, a ceramic kiln in the area was probably responsible for making the pot. Museum curators have speculated that the coins “almost certainly” came from a rich local farmer who supplied the Roman legions with food and cattle, but they also acknowledge that the coins could have belonged to someone else.

“The hoard was assembled and buried during a brief moment in time when Worcestershire lay right at the edge of an expanding Empire,” according to the exhibit.

The find was deemed “remarkable” by Dr. Murray Andrews, a professor of British archaeology at the University College London, who spoke with CBS affiliate BBC News.

“It’s the most miraculous thing I’ve seen over the last 100 years,” remarked the man. An important artifact from the field of archeology. We learn about the events that took place here two thousand years ago, when the Malvern Hills may have served as the Roman Empire’s frontier.

As reported by the BBC, this finds the area’s coin hoard number three in the last quarter of a century. Two metal detectorists reportedly found 3,784 coins in a clay pot in 2011, whereas in 1999, 38 pieces of pottery and 434 silver coins were unearthed. This information was reported by the BBC.

The latest hoard might never be displayed to the public if Museums Worcestershire is unable to secure the required cash, as reported by the BBC. If this happens, the artifacts will be returned to the people who found them or the owner of the land.

For those interested in the county’s history, this discovery is crucial, as Chair Karen May of the Joint Museums Committee remarked in a press statement. “This is real Worcestershire treasure, and it needs to be seen and enjoyed by Worcestershire residents for generations to come.”

Kori Construction is One of the Fastest-growing Midlands and East of England Enterprises in the 2024 UL Fast Growth Index

Original Source: Kori Construction has been named as one of the fastest growing firms in the Midlands and East of England by the 2024 uk fast growth index

According to the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024, a program that finds the fastest-growing firms in the UK, Kori Construction is the fastest-growing construction, building, and property services firm in the Midlands and East of England.

This success demonstrates Kori’s market influence and innovation capabilities. Even though they only make up a tiny percentage of businesses overall, fast-growing startups are responsible for a disproportionate share of the new jobs created annually in the UK economy. In addition to being highly influential in the UK economy, they are frequently pioneers in their fields, ushering in novel goods, services, and procedures.

Concerning the UK Rapid Growth Index

London, the Midlands and East of England, the North of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South of England, and Wales are the seven regions and nations that make up the UK Fast Growth Index, which selects the fifty fastest-growing companies from each. Kori Construction was one of 350 companies named in the lists; together, they helped the 2024 UK Fast Growth Index generate £9.6 billion in revenue from 2021 to 2023, which in turn created 24,000 new jobs.

Founding member of the UK Fast Growth Index, Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, stated:

The UK Fast Growth Index shows how a handful of rapidly expanding businesses like Kori can have a major impact on the UK economy. These companies serve as examples of the power of innovation, initiative, and perseverance in fields as diverse as technology, finance, and construction.

These rapidly expanding small firms are nevertheless a major factor propelling the economy forward. The communities in which they are rooted experience economic development and job creation as a result. Through showcasing the achievements of these companies in various industries, the UK Fast Growth Index underscores the significance of fostering and supporting the private sector across all regions and nations of the UK.

Joining forces with UBS financial Management—the preeminent and genuinely global financial manager in the world—is this year’s UK Fast Growth Index ranking.

According to Chris Oliver, who heads up UBS Global Wealth Management’s high net worth clients,

“United Kingdom business owners and entrepreneurs have relied on UBS for guidance and connections for decades, and the bank has always been there to help them reach their full potential. Not only does this extraordinary degree of entrepreneurial energy, creativity, and invention fuel economic growth and job creation, but it also serves as a vital inspiration to aspiring business owners all around the United Kingdom. This year, UBS is proud to be the lead sponsor of the UK Fast Growth Index, and we can’t wait to watch these companies soar.

The managing director of Kori Construction, Jordan Connachie, stated:

We are pleased to have been recognized by the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024 as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the Midlands and East of England.

This award is a reflection of our innovative spirit and our dedication to improving the local community economically and socially, in addition to our financial success.

We make it a point to implement social value action plans in every location where we do business, so that the economic benefits of a project can be felt by everyone in the area. We hold this in the highest regard.

Many Different Industries

Businesses from all walks of life are represented in the UK Fast Growth Index, which helps to showcase the country’s diverse economy. Among these diverse business landscapes is Kori, which primarily operates in the construction industry and more especially the care sector.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed this improvement is highlighted as a positive sign of the industry’s changing scenario in the most recent UK Construction Market Outlook Report by Currie & Brown. The chancellor’s plan to “Rebuild Britain” includes spending £100 billion on infrastructure. The treasure of gold and silver coins dates back to the period of Rome’s Emperor Nero, according to Museums Worcestershire. They are seeking contributions to purchase the coins and keep them in the county where they were found. Public members unearthed the 1,368 coin trove known as the Worcestershire Conquest trove in late 2023 from its hiding place in a pot, as reported by the museum. In addition, Kori’s market influence and innovation capabilities are showcased by this success. Rapidly expanding startups may only account for a small fraction of all firms, yet they generate a disproportionate number of new employment each year in the UK. They not only have a profound impact on the British economy, but they are also often the first to market with innovative products, services, and processes.

In today’s news, we will look at Henry Boot Construction has completed the construction of a new innovation area at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) established by the University of Sheffield. This event is being referred to as a “significant milestone” for the aerospace and manufacturing industries in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Wates has been given the responsibility of delivering a significant regeneration project that is anticipated to revitalise an abandoned region of Gresham, which is located in Middlesbrough. In addition, this week, the South Bank Campus of Leeds College of Building hosted a one-of-a-kind training session on concrete safety for construction companies located in the surrounding area.

In addition, new skills hubs that are financed by industry leaders will result in the hiring of thousands of additional apprentice construction workers each year. These individuals will be employed to construct homes and stimulate growth.

AMRC Building Completed by Henry Boot Construction—“significant milestone” for UK Aerospace and Manufacturing

Original Source: Henry Boot Construction completes AMRC building – “significant milestone” for UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector

New innovation space at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) finished by Henry Boot Construction.

Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) will occupy the 29,700 sq ft research and development facility, which is situated close to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.

Lighter commercial aircraft are in high demand, and the aviation industry is aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The research programs housed at the open-access facility will help with this goal.

Installed solar photovoltaic panels on the lower and higher roofs, as well as air source heat pumps, contributed to the building’s BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification for sustainability.

Additionally, Veolia was able to incorporate the facility into Sheffield’s district heating network during construction.

The project’s major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) partner was Elecomm of Sheffield, which was one of many local supply chain partners with whom Henry Boot Construction collaborated.

Managing director Tony Shaw of Henry Boot Construction expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the world-class facility, which was made possible through the collaboration between the University of Sheffield and their area supplier chain. Our dedication to producing groundbreaking projects is on full display in our work on the AMRC, which further deepens our already strong partnership with the institution.

“We are particularly proud to have built a facility that will be used by some of the world’s largest manufacturing brands, helping to drive our economy forward and create more high-quality jobs in the region.”

“This new facility represents a significant milestone in the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector, offering a unique opportunity for industry partners to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise,” Emma Hutton, AMRC director of major projects, stated of the facility.

“This is a collaborative R&D environment which will foster innovation and accelerate technological advancements, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and South Yorkshire have all contributed financially to the new innovation complex. The Aerospace Technology Institute Programme of the United Kingdom Government awarded £29.5 million to build it, and it will hold a plethora of advanced manufacturing equipment.

Global aerospace leader Boeing, in collaboration with AMRC, Loop Technology, and Spirit AeroSystems, is leading the Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project, the first to be implemented in the new space.

Wates Wins Middlesbrough Urban Renewal

Original Source: Wates lands major Middlesbrough regeneration

In the first phase of the Middlesbrough masterplan, which is worth a total of 120 million pounds, there are more than 230 properties that are built with the intention of being rented out, and there are also residential accommodations for more than 450 students.

As part of the extensive revitalisation project, the international hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott is also in the process of negotiating the opening of a hotel with a capacity of two hundred rooms.

With the assistance of property developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property, the Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC), which is overseen by the mayor, is leading the charge to revitalise the brownfield land that has been abandoned.

A planning application for the initial phase of the project is scheduled to be submitted over the next several weeks.

Building construction might begin as early as the summer of 2025, provided that planning clearance and consent from the MDC board are obtained.

It is the intention of this program to provide “high-quality” housing in order to entice and keep talented individuals in the town, to encourage the expansion of Teesside University, and to initiate preparations to revitalise the central business district of Middlesbrough by attracting a maximum of 4,000 employment.

In a statement, David Wingfield, who is the managing director for construction East at Wates, stated, “The Gresham regeneration will help accelerate this potential even further, bringing a disused area back to life through the creation of a community, and we are extremely proud to be appointed to deliver it.”

With the help of this program, we intend to bring more than fifty million pounds worth of social value to Middlesbrough. This will be in line with our mission to develop vibrant communities and will give us the opportunity to have a long-lasting influence at the centre of the community.

According to Leigh Cresswell, director of iMpeC, “This development has the potential to serve as the impetus for extensive public and private investment that will result in the transformation of the central business district of Middlesbrough.”

Additionally, it will assist the town’s digital community, which is the most rapidly expanding tech cluster in the United Kingdom, as well as the flourishing advanced manufacturing and professional services industries in their efforts to recruit and keep talented individuals.

Leeds Workshop Addresses Concrete Safety in Construction

Original Source: Leeds Employer Workshop?Tackles Concrete Safety in Construction

This week, at its South Bank Campus, Leeds College of Building held a one-of-a-kind concrete safety training for regional construction businesses.

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was the topic of the well-attended event hosted by Curtins for the Yorkshire Branch of IStructE. Hundreds of schools were closed last year due to safety concerns involving this lightweight construction material, which made headlines.

From the 1950s through the 1990s, flat roofs, walls, and floors were constructed using this less expensive variant of regular concrete. However, its aerated and bubbly characteristics cause it to be less durable, and its lifespan is only approximately 30 years.

Experts in the field gave lectures and gave advise on how to deal with RAAC’s presence in buildings during the practical session, which educated industry professionals, college personnel and current and past students about its qualities.Subsequently, RAAC’s superior strength and stiffness compared to conventional concrete were shown by live testing conducted in a campus workshop.

Speaking on behalf of Leeds College of Building, Rob Smith, Head of Partnerships & Skills, stated:

The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF) Leeds Expo was the first time we hosted a RAAC event in May in response to a request from Curtins and Robertson Group. It was only natural for Leeds College of Building to lend a hand with RAAC management education, considering the material’s extensive usage in construction in bygone days.

Due to the tremendous demand for the event, Curtins contacted us again following its success. We can further establish our presence in the construction business, take the lead on emerging trends, and network with additional local, state, and federal employers at this subsequent session.

“As the sole UK institution dedicated to general further education in the construction industry, it is fulfilling to be able to contribute our facilities to the industry’s efforts in educating both current and future professionals.”

Employers were able to gain a better understanding of the performance of concrete materials at the specialised training, which included interactive exhibits, a brief presentation by seasoned Curtins structural engineers, and networking opportunities.

Over the last six months, the built environment consultant Curtins has surveyed more than a hundred different buildings, including schools, universities, hospitals, and other public and private institutions, making it one of the top engineering firms in the UK working on RAAC. In addition to working with the BRE, Loughborough University, and Aintree and Airedale Hospitals on joint research projects, their knowledge was crucial in developing IStructE recommendations.

According to Oliver Organ, an associate at Curtins,

The RAAC event that Curtins hosted at Leeds College of Building earlier this year was a huge success, so the company was happy to work with the college again. The event has given the industry a chance to learn more about the performance of RAAC compared to regular concrete.

Thanks to the College’s facilities, we were able to host an interactive workshop, live load testing, and a brief presentation by specialists from Curtins and AGH Solutions. The presentation highlighted the groundbreaking work being done at Airedale General Hospital, headed by Richard Burgin. Leeds College of Building deserves a lot of the credit for the event’s success; it was an honour to host industry leaders in Leeds and raise attention to vital building safety initiatives.

At the RAAC event, an employer’s visitor also mentioned:

“What a fantastic evening. Very illuminating, and I learnt a lot about the issues with RAAC concrete by watching the demonstration. It was a great idea to host the event at [Leeds College of Building] because it showed how the venue relates to the subject matter and how the subject matter relates to the industry. I am eagerly anticipating my return visit.

New Skills Hubs Help Britain Build

Original Source: New skills hubs launched to get Britain building

Industry heavyweights are funding new skills hubs, which will increase annual hiring of apprentice construction workers by the thousands to build homes and spur growth.

In order to get Britain building again, the sector is investing £140 million, which will increase the number of construction apprenticeship spots available each year by 5,000.

The government’s growth ambition is set to be advanced with the help of 32 innovative new Homebuilding Skills Hubs, which will provide fast-track training to communities in need of additional housing and equip apprentices with key skills to increase housebuilding in the UK.

Key construction tradespeople, such as bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, scaffolders, electricians, carpenters, and more, will be able to train in a realistic setting at the purpose-built hubs.

They will be launched by the government in collaboration with the National House-Building Council (NHBC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

This will guarantee that companies and employers in England have access to top-notch apprenticeship training, which will stimulate economic growth and provide new employment opportunities by collaborating with Skills England to determine which regions have the most demand for construction workers.

In comparison to the standard 24-to 30-month construction apprenticeship, the fast-track apprenticeships provided by the hubs can be finished in as little as 12 to 18 months. More individuals may be trained for high-skilled positions in the construction industry, which boosts the economy.

“According to Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills:”

While repairing our broken skills system and committing to the construction of 1.5 million houses over this parliament, this government is also working to remove obstacles to opportunity.

Meeting this lofty goal and repairing our economy’s underpinnings will require a trained workforce, therefore we must provide more opportunities for apprentices to advance in their careers.

I am glad that this program will provide apprentices with the abilities to grab opportunities, since it is essential to our mission-driven government to increase our country’s skill level.

Jacqui Smith, the Minister for Skills, recently convened a roundtable meeting with Matthew Pennycook, the Housing Minister of MHCLG, Sarah Jones, the Minister for Industry of DBT, and Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability from the DWP, to explore ways in which government agencies and businesses can collaborate to achieve our common objective of increasing the construction of high-quality homes.

The Skills Minister will be visiting Oldham College students today to learn more about the impact of these centres on skill development.

According to Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning:

In order to build 1.5 million new houses in this parliament, we need a construction sector that is both competent and efficient.

In order to meet the government’s housebuilding target, this additional cash will be useful in expanding, training, and diversifying the housing workforce.

According to Roger Morton, who is in charge of business change and the training hubs at NHBC,:

Our £100 million investment in 12 NHBC Multi-Skills Training Hubs throughout the country will educate future home builders and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. First and foremost, our state-of-the-art facilities will revolutionise the industry by teaching vital trades like bricklaying, groundwork, and site carpentry.

Local housing demands and legislative changes can be accommodated by the adaptability of NHBC’s hubs. Faster, more capable craftsmen will emerge from our intensive training program, ready to contribute right away. Every apprentice must satisfy our high requirements if NHBC is to fulfil its purpose of providing the United Kingdom with the high-quality new houses that are much needed.

I would urge builders and contractors to invest in apprentices now more than ever before because of the Apprenticeship Levy and other significant grants. It’s a chance to attract and retain top talent in this vital sector while expanding your workforce.

According to Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB:

We obviously need to be far more nimble in our approach and reconsider our methods of worker training.

In close collaboration with the government and the homebuilding sector, we have designed a program to teach people the skills they need to be efficient workers on the job site. We are thrilled with this method because it is truly collaborative.

With the funding to develop 32 Homebuilding Skills Hubs, the nation will be able to accomplish its homebuilding goals and reduce demand for construction skills related to homebuilding.

Each of the 32 training hubs that will be established by 2028 will be located in a different part of the nation that has the highest demand for homebuilding. 

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed this 29,700 square foot R&D facility is located in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, next to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050, and it will be home to Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS). Approximately 230 rental buildings and 450 student housing units make up the first phase of the 120 million pound Middlesbrough project. The worldwide hotel chain Fairfield by Marriott is also discussing the opening of a 200-room hotel as part of the massive revitalisation project. Also, concrete safety in building is addressed in the Leeds employer workshop. Curtins held a successful event for the IStructE Yorkshire Branch on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Concerns over the safety of this lightweight construction material made headlines last year and led to the closure of hundreds of schools. Additionally, the industry is investing £140 million to boost the number of construction apprenticeship spaces available each year by 5,000, in an effort to get Britain building again. The government’s ambitious expansion plans are about to get a boost thanks to 32 brand new Homebuilding Skills Hubs. These hubs will train apprentices quickly and give communities that are short on housing the tools they need to build more homes.

In today’s news, we will look into the council that already has a significant amount of progress made on the solar photovoltaic (PV) farms that are considered to be revolutionary. In the meantime, McLaren Construction has begun work on an industrial expansion project in the East Midlands that will cost thirty million pounds. To add insult to injury, Patricia Moore of T&T believes that the industry is essential to the achievement of the industrial strategy that the United Kingdom will implement in the coming years. We require assistance from the government in order to achieve this goal.

Solar PV Farm Construction Accelerates

Original Source: Solar PV farms construction surges ahead

The groundbreaking solar photovoltaic (PV) farms that the council owns are already well under way.

Nethermains, a former landfill site between Irvine and Kilwinning, was the site of the first of two facilities that commenced construction early this year.

The majority of the site’s infrastructure has been put in place, and it is anticipated that the construction will be finished early next year.

At Irvine’s Shewalton former landfill, construction is also continuing on a second solar PV farm.

These projects represent a significant step forward in the council’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions; they are the first solar farms in Scotland that a local authority is thought to have owned and operated.

On their own, thermomains should provide enough electricity to run over 2,000 houses. With over 12,000 solar panels, it will be able to provide over 7,700 MWh of power per year when it is finished.

The magnitude of the construction work at the 24.3-hectare site, next to Bartonholm Waste Recycling Centre, is revealed by new photos.

Upon completion, Shewalton is projected to house about 8,500 solar panels, resulting in an estimated yearly electricity generation of 5,400MWh.

At Nethermains, work is moving forward at a breakneck pace, and the site will soon be supplying the national grid with renewable energy.

Statement made by: Tony Gurney, a councillor and cabinet member for economic and environmental sustainability

“This not only helps the council with much-needed funds that can be reinvested in North Ayrshire, but it also strengthens our commitment to fighting climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

“Our goal is to set a positive example, and the solar farms at Nethermains and Shewalton will achieve just that.”

On the council’s behalf, Ameresco is building the solar farms. The senior vice president of Ameresco, Mark Apsey MBE, expressed his excitement at leading the charge on this innovative solar installation for the North Ayrshire Council.

Our efforts to convert abandoned landfills into renewable energy powerhouses are having a major effect on the area’s carbon footprint. In addition to generating renewable energy, these solar panels will boost local economies and give much-needed jobs to residents, demonstrating our dedication to both.

The council’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy relies on the construction of two solar farms, which cost £12.465 million. These farms will not only help fund local services and community projects, but they will also generate income for the council through Power Purchase Agreements.

Similar to Nethermains, the Shewalton solar PV project is planning to start generating energy early next year and has already begun work.

With a total yearly energy generation of more than 13,000 MWh, the CO? emission reduction is anticipated at 2,700 metric tons. 

Industrial Project Worth £30 Million Launched by McLaren Construction

Original Source: McLaren Construction starts £30m industrial scheme

A £30 million industrial project in the East Midlands has been commenced by McLaren Construction.

This is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the contractor, Garbe Industrial Real Estate, Invesco Real Estate, and the Shireoaks logistics district site in Worksop. The contractor’s Midlands and North division will run the show.

The 28.9-acre site will be home to two brand-new industrial units with a combined floor area of about 550,000 square feet, as well as the S38 works and a private access road that will serve as the primary entrance to the property and its neighboring parcel.

Building the S38 highway to an adaptable standard throughout the entire site and installing a culvert drainage system are two of the most challenging parts of the project.

All warehouse spaces will be illuminated by natural light thanks to the use of glass and ribbon windows, as well as green cladding in a range of tints.

The first ground and landscape operations included planting, turfing, and soft landscaping.

The A57 and the A1 and M1 are at equal distances from the site.

The plan’s end goal is a “A+” energy performance certificate and a “Excellent” BREEAM grade.

A joint venture for the first UK industrial and logistics scheme is being formed, and McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) managing director Gary Cramp expressed his gratitude to Garbe and Invesco Real Estate, saying, “We are honored to be working alongside Garbe and Invesco Real Estate as part of our joint venture.” This will help the companies expand their logistics portfolio in the UK and Europe.

“The scheme is well positioned to support the operational growth needs of businesses across a variety of sectors, thanks to our experience delivering exceptional quality sustainable industrial and logistics builds and the prime Midlands location of the site.”

Building Safety and Refurbishment managing director Paul Woodhams was recently appointed by McLaren Construction.

It was preceded by the appointment of three new senior recruits to McLaren’s Midlands and North division: operations director Luke Arnold, divisional director Darren Harding, and regional commercial director Adam Craven.  

We Must Demonstrate Construction’s Role in Growth

Original Source: We must make the case for – and prove – construction’s place as an enabler of growth

The industry is crucial to the success of the UK’s industrial strategy in the next years, according to T&T’s Patricia Moore. To accomplish this, we need the government’s help.

Invest 2035, the government’s green paper for industrial policy, lays out a plan to increase concentrate on growth-driving sectors over the next decade, especially since UK GDP growth has fallen to a listless 0.1%. But at this point in time, the plan runs the danger of becoming yet another instance of UK policymaking ignoring the importance of the building industry as a whole and the role it plays in driving and delivering economic growth and other forms of industry.

The task of supporting this expansion lies with the construction industry, which includes the creation of cutting-edge manufacturing and lab space for life sciences, as well as the delivery of decarbonized energy networks and AI data centers that will power a technological revolution. This occurs as our industry is already in the midst of a precarious situation, what with increased insolvency risk, narrow profit margins, and severe capacity and skills shortages.

If the construction industry is to be ready to deliver, it must first overcome obstacles related to its pipeline, capacity, and capabilities, which include recruiting a larger pool of candidates with a variety of skill sets. To do this, cooperation between the government and our industry is essential.

Building trust in the building industry

With the government as its largest customer, the industry can set itself on a more solid foundation by providing a predictable stream of contracts. A boost to private investment would be greatly appreciated if there was more clarity on the industry’s order books.

To avoid competing programs eating into each other’s capacity, demand and investment must be coordinated. We propose that the Industry Strategy Council establish a new construction strategy board with representatives from several government agencies to facilitate coordination between national and regional development initiatives.

To prevent always playing catch-up, a specialized taskforce might discover, recruit, and cultivate talent pipelines, while also projecting future needs.

We can overcome the skills gap with a steady stream of work that promotes stable, long-term employment opportunities so that we can attract and, more importantly, keep talented people from all over the world.

A skills deficit is not exclusive to the construction industry. Nevertheless, given our role in facilitating broader economic growth, the specialized knowledge needed for several occupations in the built environment, and the public’s view of our industry as filthy and hazardous, it is necessary to make focused attempts to address the shortage. It is only fair that the government contribute to this.

As part of our reaction to the Invest 2035 white paper, we are requesting that Skills England form a taskforce to improve construction industry skills. To prevent always playing catch-up, a specialized taskforce might discover, recruit, and cultivate talent pipelines, while also projecting future needs.

This goes beyond merely making something new. It will also be critical to build on past achievements. The government and NISTA should collaborate so that the building strategy board can learn from programs run by other departments, such as defense and the top-tier COVID vaccine taskforce.

Peering into the reflection

In order to meet the government halfway, our sector must cooperate. In order to attract investment, win over the public, and keep their support, we must accept responsibility for enhancing construction performance and establishing confidence in our ability to execute.

An important part of this conundrum is productivity, which has been improving recently. Various industries are increasingly standardizing and becoming more efficient thanks to the presumption in favor of modern techniques of construction (MMC).

Offsite building should remain a priority in the industrial plan due to its many advantages, as seen in the prisons programme and the new hospitals programme.

By shifting the focus from construction’s reputation as an inefficient and low-value business to its tech-driven and meaningful outcomes, we may establish a positive feedback loop and encourage tech-savvy individuals to consider a career in building.

But we need to improve our digital literacy if we want to bring about the technology revolution that will modernize the industry and raise efficiency and standards at a faster rate.

We are, to some degree, creating an obstacle for ourselves here. Whether it’s about revitalizing neighborhoods, linking people with their businesses and schools, or using digital technologies to reduce embodied carbon, the amazing work being done across the built environment is not being talked about enough outside of our own circles.

By shifting the focus from construction’s reputation as an inefficient and low-value business to its tech-driven and meaningful outcomes, we may establish a positive feedback loop and encourage tech-savvy individuals to consider a career in building.

Developing competence on a global scale

In the building industry, big jumps forward are unusual. However, by recognizing the significance of the construction industry, the Invest 2035 industrial strategy presents an opportunity to boost its performance and foster the development of areas where the UK has the potential to become a global leader.

There is a great chance to showcase our capabilities to broader markets by developing and promoting our construction knowledge as an exportable proposition for UK plc.

We need to convince people that the building industry is critical to the nation’s economic progress. That depends on us showing the government, investors, and potential talent that our sector can produce when we work together closely, are transparent, and have clear goals.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discused that an additional solar PV farms are also under development at the former Shewalton landfill in Irvine. The council has taken a giant leap forward in its fight against climate change with these groundbreaking developments, which are believed to be the first solar farms in Scotland owned and maintained by a local body. At the same time, the contractor, Garbe Industrial Real Estate, Invesco Real Estate, and the Worksop location in the Shireoaks logistics district are in a unique partnership. Moreover, the contractor’s Midlands and North division will be in charge of everything. Since the UK’s GDP growth has dropped to a listless 0.1%, the government’s green paper for industrial strategy, invest 2035, lays out a plan to boost concentration on growth-driving sectors over the next decade. However, the current state of affairs puts the plan at risk of becoming another example of UK politics disregarding the significance of the construction industry overall and its function in generating and delivering both economic growth and other types of business.

Creating an efficient and stylish bedroom space can significantly enhance comfort, functionality, and even well-being. In today’s contemporary home design, where maximizing functionality and aesthetic appeal is paramount, understanding how to utilize every square inch becomes essential. For those interested in bedroom space optimization, there are various approaches to blend design, storage, and style without sacrificing a cozy ambiance. Here, we’ll explore some expert strategies that can help you transform a cramped bedroom into a spacious and inviting sanctuary.

1. Prioritize Minimalism in Furniture Selection

The key to space optimization often begins with selecting the right furniture. Minimalist furniture designs not only save physical space but also contribute to a clean, clutter-free environment, a hallmark of contemporary style. Consider these tips:

• Opt for Multi-functional Pieces: Furniture with multiple uses, like beds with built-in storage drawers or benches with compartments, can significantly reduce clutter while providing extra storage. This is particularly useful for storing items such as blankets, pillows, or seasonal clothing.
• Use Floating Furniture: Wall-mounted shelves, nightstands, and desks save floor space, making the room feel larger and more open. Floating furniture adds to the airy look of contemporary design while keeping essentials within easy reach.

By carefully choosing furniture that supports a minimalist aesthetic, you can free up floor space and avoid overloading the room with unnecessary items, which often creates a feeling of tightness.

2. Utilize Vertical Space for Storage

In small bedrooms, wall space is valuable real estate. Instead of keeping all storage at ground level, make the most of vertical space to open up more room.

• Install Tall Shelving Units: Tall bookcases or shelving units can hold items you may not need every day but still want nearby. These can be ideal for storing decorative items, books, or photo frames without occupying your floor.
• Add Hooks and Pegboards: Wall hooks or pegboards can hold bags, hats, or scarves, keeping them organized and out of the way. Pegboards are customizable, so you can change up the arrangement as needed.

By focusing on the vertical dimension, you can free up floor space, which makes a bedroom appear less cluttered and more spacious.

3. Choose a Neutral Color Scheme

Color plays a substantial role in how we perceive space. Lighter, neutral tones reflect more light, making rooms appear bigger and brighter. A contemporary bedroom with a palette of whites, grays, beiges, and soft pastels can create an open and airy feel.

• Use a Monochromatic Palette: By sticking to one color family, you can avoid visual fragmentation, which can make a room feel crowded. Different shades of the same color also allow for some variation without overpowering the senses.
• Add Pops of Color through Accents: If you want to introduce color, do so with accents like throw pillows, a small rug, or a piece of art. This prevents overwhelming the space while keeping it visually interesting.

Neutral color schemes help create a calm atmosphere, allowing the room’s features and furniture to stand out without clashing or feeling cluttered.

4. Incorporate Sliding Doors

Traditional swinging doors can take up a significant amount of floor space. Sliding doors, on the other hand, slide along the wall, freeing up space for other uses.

• Wardrobe Sliding Doors: Opting for sliding wardrobe doors can save several feet of space in front of the closet, which is useful in tighter rooms.
• Install Pocket Doors: If possible, install a pocket door for the bedroom itself or the en-suite bathroom. Pocket doors slide into the wall, saving room for furniture placement or decor.

Sliding doors are a simple yet effective space-saving solution, contributing to the room’s contemporary feel by eliminating unnecessary bulk.

5. Opt for Clever Lighting Solutions

Lighting can dramatically influence the perception of space. Bulky lamps and light fixtures take up room, so consider modern lighting techniques that enhance both style and functionality.

• Install Wall Sconces or Pendant Lights: Rather than using floor or table lamps, wall sconces or pendant lights above the bed or beside the wardrobe save surface space. They also add a modern, stylish look to the room.
• Use LED Strip Lighting: Place LED strips along shelves, under the bed frame, or behind the headboard for a soft, ambient glow that creates depth and adds to the room’s spacious feel.

Proper lighting ensures the room is well-lit without taking up valuable floor or tabletop space, a crucial component of bedroom space optimization.

6. Create Zones within the Room

If your bedroom is a multi-functional space, zoning can help keep areas distinct and organized. Defining specific zones for sleeping, working, or relaxing prevents clutter and enhances functionality.

• Use Rugs to Define Spaces: Place a small rug under the bed area or under a reading chair to mark distinct areas within the room. This makes the room feel more organized and visually separated.
• Install Room Dividers: For larger bedrooms, a divider can create a mini home office or a dressing area without adding walls. Consider a light, folding screen or a tall bookcase that doubles as storage.

Zoning allows each area to feel purposeful, maximizing the utility of the bedroom without overcrowding any particular spot.

7. Keep Decor Simple but Purposeful

Decor is essential for creating a cozy, welcoming environment, but too much decor can quickly clutter up the space. Contemporary bedroom decor should be intentional and functional.

• Limit Wall Art to a Few Pieces: A few well-chosen art pieces or photographs can create an inviting atmosphere. Stick to large, singular pieces rather than multiple small ones, which can make the room feel cramped.
• Choose Functional Decor: Items such as decorative storage boxes, stylish baskets, or neatly folded blankets can serve a dual purpose of decor and functionality, keeping the room tidy and pleasant.

Keeping decor minimal but meaningful ensures that every piece has a purpose and avoids overcrowding, which aligns well with a contemporary aesthetic.

8. Add Mirrors to Create Depth

Mirrors can make any room look larger by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth. Placing mirrors strategically can visually expand the bedroom without taking up any additional space.

• Place a Full-Length Mirror: Position a full-length mirror opposite a window or near a light source to reflect natural light and brighten the room.
• Opt for Mirrored Furniture: Mirrored wardrobes or nightstands are another space-saving trick. Not only do they serve their primary purpose, but they also reflect light and make the room appear more spacious.

Mirrors are one of the simplest yet most effective tools for creating the illusion of a larger bedroom, fitting perfectly with the goal of space optimization.

9. Stay Organized with Smart Storage Solutions

Organization is essential in a small bedroom. Smart storage solutions keep clutter at bay, making the room look and feel more open.

• Use Under-the-Bed Storage: Storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags under the bed are great for storing extra linens, clothes, or other items you don’t use daily.
• Install Overhead Cabinets: If you have high ceilings, overhead cabinets above the bed or wardrobe can provide additional storage for items that aren’t needed frequently.

Keeping the bedroom organized is vital for an open, spacious feel, making it easier to relax and enjoy the room.

Incorporating these strategies can transform your bedroom into a functional and stylish space, perfectly optimized for modern living. Each tip, from minimalist furniture choices to smart lighting, contributes to a cohesive, uncluttered environment where you can fully relax. Embracing bedroom space optimization helps create a harmonious and comfortable setting, ideal for both rest and rejuvenation in a contemporary home.

In today’s news, we will look into the businesses in the United Kingdom are hesitant to implement artificial intelligence, while the construction industry is falling behind. In the meantime, ISG suppliers are going to receive seven million pounds as building resumes at the previous location. In addition, how the new Skills England initiative proposed by Labour may help save the building industry and resolve the housing problem.

UK Construction Firms Behind in AI Use

Original Source: UK businesses slow to adopt AI as construction industry lags behind

How UK construction companies are adopting AI

Despite a small uptick of 5% from September of last year, just 21% of UK businesses have implemented AI systems, according to the latest numbers from the ONS Business Insights survey.

Although there has been an improvement in the overall usage of AI, 79% of organisations still do not use AI in any way.

Only 12% of construction companies are utilising AI, according to the survey, which is a very low acceptance rate.

The results show that many industries are sluggish to use AI, which is one of the problems that has persisted throughout the years.

Motives for implementing AI in corporate settings

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that forty percent of UK businesses using AI are aiming to improve efficiency.

At the same time, 24 percent have used AI to personalise offerings to customers in order to boost satisfaction.

Even though many businesses are starting to see the financial benefits of AI, construction is one of the worst offenders when it comes to adoption.

“Recent advancements in AI create the opportunity to revolutionise how the industry approaches the process of building maintenance,” said Mike Talbot, chief technology officer at SFG20, when asked about the potential influence of AI on the building maintenance business.

“The most difficult thing for building maintenance managers is to figure out what needs doing to each building asset in order to keep people safe, cut costs, and remain in compliance with regulations.”

Integrating AI into building upkeep

Everyone from building owners and managers to engineers and construction workers has benefited from the increasing use of AI in building maintenance.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to speed up the scheduling and execution of maintenance operations, which would aid in lowering costs and ensuring compliance.

Talbot detailed how AI streamlines the process by evaluating assets and coordinating them with SFG20 schedules, automating a significant portion of the risk management and compliance procedures.

Talbot said that AI can automate and speed up a lot of building maintenance tasks: “AI can now shoulder the load of these tasks and reduce the time taken from months to hours by understanding both the asset and the SFG20 schedules that apply – automatically creating a link in many cases and providing the key questions to ask where not enough information exists.”

Reminder: SFG20 Virtual Summit is Coming Up Soon!

On Wednesday, 20th November, at the SFG20 Virtual Summit 2024, Mike Talbot will talk about the role of AI in building maintenance.

With the help of a virtual panel of experts, Talbot will go over some real-world applications of AI, some best practices, and the effects of AI from an engineering standpoint.

Those interested in attending the virtual event can do so by registering through the SFG20 summit website.

Despite growing interest, few UK businesses have adopted AI: Summary

According to the ONS Business Insights report, the percentage of UK businesses using AI has climbed 5% from last year, but it is still relatively low at 21%.

Particularly low-adoption is seen in the construction business, where only 12% use AI.

According to ONS, the majority of companies that use AI do so to enhance operations or provide more personalised services.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to simplify compliance and scheduling processes, according to Mike Talbot, CTO at SFG20, who discussed its use in building maintenance.

These are some of the subjects that Talbot will cover in the forthcoming SFG20 Virtual Summit 2024. 

ISG Suppliers Earn £7m as Previous Site Building Begins

Original Source: ISG suppliers to get £7m as construction resumes at former site

In the event of ISG’s failure, the supply chain involved in “one of the largest projects” it has in the UK will get over £7 million.

After ISG went into administration, Borley Engineering Services Ltd (BESL), a construction company located in Wales, was named interim principal contractor for the £108 million Fairwater Community Campus project by Cardiff Council.

More than £7 million will be paid to current subcontractors and suppliers for on-site work that has already been done by the local council.

BESL will resume site operations “as quickly as possible” as they launch a tender process to choose a new principle contractor to carry out the project.

Word on the street is that the council is pushing for a change in the project’s principal contractor by April of next year.

According to Cardiff Council, this agreement has not been repeated elsewhere, and it is also known that Fairwater was one of the largest projects that ISG had on site in the UK.

“The council will award BESL on an emergency basis as part of the arrangements with ISG’s administrator. This will preserve jobs and safeguard the works that have been completed thus far by paying more than £7 million to the current subcontractors and suppliers for the works that have already been done,” the council announced this morning in a statement.

Plus, “many of the subcontractors are located within twenty miles of the Fairwater Community Campus site, and the local authority has actively engaged with them throughout the process.”

This is the biggest educational initiative in Cardiff to be supported by the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and it has the backing of both the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council.

On a single Fairwater site, the plan calls for the new Cantonian High School, Riverbank School, and Woodlands High School.

“We have put an arrangement in place that saves the supply chain and are fully committed to ensuring the progress of the Fairwater Community Campus project,” stated a representative from Cardiff Council.

We will ensure that workers are paid for their work, minimise delays, keep costs down, safeguard the supply chain, and get workers back on site as soon as possible by selecting BESL as the interim emergency principal contractor. This will protect the public investment that has already been made in one of the largest education projects in the UK, as well as keep jobs secure.

For the sake of the three schools’ students and the community at large, who will be using the campus’s new amenities both now and in the future, we are committed to seeing this project through to its conclusion. 

Labour’s New Skills England Can Turn Around the Housing Crisis and Construction Economy

Original Source: How Labour’s new Skills England can save the construction industry and fix the housing crisis

Addressing the housing issue would be the most impactful way for the new skills body of the Labour Party to achieve its goals of transforming chances and driving growth.

Planned and unplanned obstacles abound for the Labour Party’s 1.5 million house construction goals while in office. It is much more unclear, however, who will really construct the properties.

With 531,200 open positions expected to be filled between 2017 and 2022, skill shortages are pervasive in the United Kingdom. A third of the available jobs in the United Kingdom are due to a lack of qualified candidates.

The construction industry has felt this quite strongly. According to a research by Big Issue earlier this year, 300,000 people have left the construction industry in the past five years.

There is now an unfilled void as a result of that. In addition to an ageing workforce, research from the Resolution Foundation shows that the construction industry is contracting in terms of overall employment. An increasing proportion of workers, roughly one-third in 2015 compared to one-quarter in 2005, are 50 and older.

Through Skills England, the government is striving to address talent shortages.

Businesses, training providers, and unions have come together to form a new national body with the goal of increasing apprenticeship and training possibilities and bringing about the economic growth that the Labour Party had promised in its manifesto.

The Apprenticeship Levy, which has been criticised for being overly strict in its assistance to individuals getting a career footing, will undoubtedly come to an end, with more specifics to be announced in the coming months.

In its place, the government is suggesting a malleable “Growth and Skills Levy” to open up additional doors for businesses and individuals seeking employment.

Lizzie Crowley, an adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), stated: “Ensuring that we have the right skills, in the right place, at the right time is essential to unlocking UK-wide productivity and growth” in response to Skills England’s inclusion in July’s King Speech.

“The fragmented and complex skills landscape in the UK needs to be connected and simplified immediately.”

“Encouraging employers to invest more in training that will address workforce skills gaps” should be the goal of the new growth and skills levy, per her.

According to Sara Roberts, senior operating officer at Kingdom Academy, the levy has the potential to address talent shortages within housing associations and initiate a process of professionalisation within the industry.

For the past fifteen years, the training institution has provided housing management certifications; for the past five years, it has also served as a study facility supported by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

It’s one of six schools that provide housing-related certifications at the intermediate and advanced levels.

Roberts stated that the key to delivering more residences and the economic growth that Labour and the country desire is to address deficiencies in the administrative side of home construction.

“Skills England has the potential to significantly impact the housing sector,” Roberts stated in an interview with Big Issue.

The allocation of funds is a matter for housing associations to decide. Is the money going towards training people to be qualified, or is it going towards something else entirely?

It would be great for business if the government could set aside a portion of its fee to fund officially recognised credentials.

Even though most of us have our own place to call home, it’s not always a picnic to work in the housing sector, which has been in the headlines for not producing enough homes or helping tenants with maintenance.

Roberts further by saying that providing additional training through Skills England can shift people’s views and show them the way forward in the industry.

She emphasised the importance of a well-structured management system that can effectively communicate with tenants, confirm their rights, and facilitate professionalisation in order to achieve the desired robust growth in house construction and housing association activity.

The first is that not enough individuals are getting the training they need to work in today’s landscape; the second is similar to the construction industry in that more people need to find work in the housing market. The housing industry needs more enthusiastic job candidates.

According to Roberts, “the quickest way for the country to grow” is to provide individuals with skills and training. It takes time to construct roads, neighbourhoods, and everything else, but providing individuals with training and skills gives them a chance to improve themselves.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the most recent data from the ONS Business Insights survey shows that just 21% of UK businesses have deployed AI systems, which is a little increase of 5% from September of last year. The overall usage of AI has improved, yet 79% of businesses still don’t employ AI at all. Very few construction organisations are using AI; the survey found that only 12% are doing so. As the findings reveal, a long-standing issue is the reluctance of many companies to implement AI. Meanwhile, more than £7 million will go to the supply chain that is involved in “one of the largest projects” that ISG has in the UK in the case that it fails.

Borley Engineering Services Ltd (BESL), a Welsh construction business, was appointed interim principal contractor for the £108 million Fairwater Community Campus project by Cardiff Council following ISG’s administration. In addition, the new Labour Party skills body would be most effective in achieving its goals of changing opportunities and boosting growth if it prioritised fixing the housing crisis. The Labour Party’s plans to build 1.5 million homes while in office are beset with both anticipated and unexpected challenges. But who exactly will build the houses is far more murky.

In today’s news, as the year 2025 draws closer, surveyors in the United Kingdom are forecasting that the construction industry will have a prosperous future. Meanwhile, as the expansion of the construction industry slowed down in October, corporate optimism about the future of the sector reached a level that had not been seen in 10 months. The findings of the study will also be presented at a conference in the United Kingdom by the Construction Plant-hire Association. Also, STRABAG UK has appointed a new head of pre-construction for the company.

Surveyors Predict 2025 Construction Growth

Original Source: Surveyors Expect 2025 Growth for Construction Industry

As we approach 2025, surveyors in the UK are predicting a bright future for the building industry.

A net balance of +28 indicates that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) anticipate a rise in workloads over the next 12 months, according to the study. This is in line with attitude from the previous quarter and shows that the industry is still quite optimistic about its future growth.

The infrastructure industry, in particular, is anticipated to take the lead with vigor. A net balance of +30 of respondents expect infrastructure development to see increased activity, which is slightly lower than Q2’s expectations.

A significant increase in confidence has been observed in the private residential sector, with +26 of participants projecting growth. After an average of 12% over the previous four quarters, this is a substantial improvement. Furthermore, with a net balance of +17 respondents, private non-residential construction is expected to gain momentum.

Employment

The most depleted roles currently in the sector, according to respondents, are bricklayers (37%), carpenters (33%), and plumbers (33%). One of the main problems limiting construction activity was the shortage of general labor, which was cited by 44% of the population.

Still, things appear good in the job market overall. Just over one-eighth of those who took the survey expect employment to rise in the coming year.

Among the top factors restricting activities, financial restrictions were mentioned by 61% of the participants. There is still a generally restricted credit environment, so this outlook makes sense. Still, with policy interest rate decreases in the works for next year, things could look up a little. On the whole, 11% of people who took the survey anticipate that lending standards will be relaxed.

This data shows some promising indications of progress for the UK construction industry as we approach the end of the year, according to Tarrant Parsons, a senior economist at RICS.

Although there seems to be an improvement in growth prospects for the next twelve months, there are still hurdles to overcome. These include persistent skills shortages and the industry-wide issue of narrow profit margins. In the coming year, experts in the field expect credit conditions to improve, which will give confidence a much-needed boost. 

Ten-month Low Construction Growth Confidence

Original Source: Confidence in construction growth at ten-month low

As the construction industry’s growth slowed in October, business optimism about the sector’s future hit a ten-month low.

After reaching its strongest pace in almost 2.5 years last month, total business activity growth in the UK construction sector for October 2024 has decreased.

October saw a decrease from 57.2 in August to 54.3 on the S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which monitors changes in overall industry activity.

The index, however, remained above the no-change threshold of 50.0 for the eighth month in a row.

The most recent figure also indicated a substantial increase in overall industry activity, as it was significantly higher than the average from the first half of 2024 (51.4).

With a score of 56.2, civil engineering was the top performing category of construction output in October. This was mainly because there was a surge in demand for projects related to energy infrastructure, particularly renewable energy.

October saw growth in commercial work as well (52.8), however it was the most modest gain since the expansion started in April.

With a total production decline of 49.4 in October, home construction was the lone broad category of construction work to see a drop in activity since June.

Companies in the construction industry have noticed that demand has been limited due to elevated borrowing prices and uncertainty around the Autumn Budget.

Orders placed for new products and services increased steadily in October, but they were lower than the two-and-a-half year high seen in September.

Factors restricting new order growth in October included political uncertainty and decreased household demand caused by cost-of-living constraints.

The pace of job creation advanced to a three-month high, and many construction companies reported good sales pipelines and tender chances, which they attributed to generally improved domestic economic circumstances.

October saw a slight improvement in suppliers’ delivery schedules as well, bringing the total number of months in which lead times have been reduced to three.

Construction companies’ confidence in their output growth estimates is at its lowest since December 2023, despite the fact that construction output has mostly remained stable. As a result, business optimism has fallen to a ten-month low.

The construction sector continued its good output increase in October, although it was unable to equal the highs achieved in September, according to Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Once again, civil engineering work was the leader in business activity expansion. A large number of survey takers noted the high level of interest in renewable energy infrastructure projects.

Commercial building activity likewise picked up steam, but at its slowest rate since the expansion’s current phase started in April.

“Although demand was helped along by improving domestic economic conditions, some construction companies did report that spending decisions were delayed in the lead-up to the Autumn Budget.”

Thomas & Adamson’s technical director, Jordan Smith, commented on the Index’s results by saying that people are being cautious in the lead-up to the Autumn Budget, but that industry growth is still bouncing above the no-change level.

Even though the PMI fell in the third month of the year, it is still much higher than the average from the first six months, according to Smith.

The residential sector witnessed a decrease in housebuilding due to the shifting economic backdrop, while infrastructure and commercial activity continue to be robust.

Project risk can be mitigated through proactive supply chain management, which is crucial for delivering successful projects despite improving lead times. Careful preparation regarding procurement and material delivery timeframes is essential.

What happens to the market as a result of the Chancellor’s new policies next week is something to watch with interest.

“Even though job creation is at a three-month high, small businesses are facing new challenges, such as the potential impact of changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions on new job opportunities.” 

Study Results to Be Revealed at UK Conference by Construction Plant-hire Association

Original Source: Construction Plant-hire Association to unveil study findings at UK conference

“Shaping the Future: Insights for the Plant-hire Sector” is the topic that will be discussed at the CPA Conference, which will take place on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, in the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, which is located somewhere close to Coventry.

The first panel session of the day is themed ‘The Plant-hire Sector in 2024’ and speakers Chris Cassley, policy manager at the CPA, and Jamie Charles, lead economist at Oxford Economics, will provide attendees an insight into the conclusions of the study.

To assess the breadth and depth of the UK plant-hire industry, the CPA hired Oxford Economics to conduct research and prepare the study. Anyone involved with the industry, from workers to lawmakers and stakeholders, will find it an engrossing read. Also, it’s useful for seeing the big picture of the industry and why it’s still a hotspot for people with advanced degrees and professional experience.

In their study titled “The Economic Impact of the UK Construction Plant-hire Sector,” CPA and Oxford Economics came to the following important conclusions:

A yearly £14 billion is added to the UK economy by the construction plant-hire sector.

An estimated 191,500 people in the United Kingdom rely on construction plant-hire services.

Construction plant-hire supports a total of £218 in the economy for every £100 that it contributes to GDP directly.

There is a higher concentration of managers and directors among construction plant-hire employees, which accounts for their 16% higher productivity compared to the average UK worker.

There are 216 indirect employment supported by the construction industry for every 100 direct jobs.

“This research has been carried out over many months and we are excited to share the findings for the first time at the CPA Conference,” stated Steve Mulholland, chief executive officer of the CPA. In addition to highlighting the plant-hire sector, the report provides an opportunity to reflect on recent achievements and the impact of CPA members on the UK economy as a whole.

Businesses that provide plants for hire have had to change and adapt in recent years if they want to stay in business. Opportunities, progress, new technology, and inventions abound in the future that we can see. Policymakers have prioritised decarbonisation and the transition to a net-zero economy. Our sector must contribute to this effort as the transition away from diesel and fossil fuels gains momentum. Companies that provide plants for hire will feel the effects of this and other technological shifts in the next decades.

As we tackle these future opportunities and challenges, the CPA’s role will also change to accommodate our members. As the CPA celebrates 90 years of service to the UK’s construction plant-hire sector, this economic impact research lays the groundwork for future endeavours in all areas of our work and participation. Our members’ contributions to our ongoing success are the sole reason it has been feasible.

‘The Economic Impact of the UK Construction Plant-hire Sector,’ a report co-authored by CPA and Oxford Economics, is available at the CPA Conference for those who wish to obtain a copy.

The Head of Pre-construction at STRABAG UK has Been Appointed

Original Source: STRABAG UK appoints new head of pre-construction

Marcus Reeve was a senior pre-construction manager at McLaughlin & Harvey for over a year before he joined the company.

He had previously spent about a year at Buckingham Group in the role of pre-construction manager; he had previously spent almost three years at Balfour Beatty, most recently in the role of work-winning director.

Reeve was a senior procurement and pre-construction specialist at Willmott Dixon for thirteen years before joining Balfour.

In the ’90s, he was also a quantity surveyor with John Laing Partnerships.

Announcing his new role as head of pre-construction at STRABAG UK, Reeve took to social media to share the good news.

At STRABAG UK, Reeve is now in charge of the pre-construction teams, where he will work to keep external connections strong while delivering lucrative, de-risked bids.

The promotion of STRABAG UK from sub-division to division, making it the twelfth working division of the STRABAG Group, and his appointment occur at the same time.

More than 86,000 individuals work for STRABAG, making it the fifth-largest construction company in Europe.

After establishing ourselves in the UK over the past decade, STRABAG UK managing directors Simon Wild and Andrew Dixon described this as a huge step forward in expanding their regional footprint.

Consistent revenue growth and remarkable milestones attained on our key projects are proof that the hard work of our colleagues has been the engine that has kept us growing and succeeding in recent years.

“Now that we’re a part of STRABAG, we’re going to crank up our tunnelling, industrial/logistics, and civil engineering projects, and we’re speeding up our plans to join the energy and secure sectors in the UK.”  

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, the study found that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) expect their workloads to increase over the next 12 months as the net balance is +28. This confirms the industry’s continued optimism over its future growth and is consistent with sentiment from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, overall business activity growth in the UK construction sector for October 2024 has slowed down after reaching its best pace in nearly 2.5 years previous month. S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell from 57.2 in August to 54.3 in October, tracking changes in industry activity as a whole. In addition, the CPA also commissioned research and analysis from Oxford Economics to gauge the size and scope of the plant-hire market in the United Kingdom. This book is a must-read for everybody with a stake in the sector, whether they are employees, legislators, or stakeholders. It helps to understand the sector as a whole and the reasons why it continues to attract highly educated and experienced individuals. Also, prior to joining the company, Marcus Reeve worked for McLaughlin & Harvey for more than a year as a senior pre-construction manager. Prior to this, he worked for over three years at Balfour Beatty, most recently as work-winning director; he also spent around one year as pre-construction manager at Buckingham Group.

In today’s news, following the recent victory of Labour in the general election, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, presented her first budget to the building industry in the United Kingdom. The construction industry has produced a variety of responses to the budget. During this time, VINCI Construction will complete the acquisition of FM Conway, a public works business based in the United Kingdom, in order to increase its position in Southeast England. Moreover, talks about the potential domino impact that decisions made by the government could have on the construction business in the United Kingdom. The British economy relies heavily on the construction industry. Jackie Maginnis, Chief Executive Officer of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), highlights the larger repercussions of halting or stalling the execution of public projects in a political context that is becoming increasingly unstable. Moreover, Coleman Construction & Utilities Limited, a company that specializes in civil engineering and construction, was purchased by Nexus for a total of £5.38 million.

Budget Contains ‘mixed news’ for UL Building

Original Source: Budget offers ‘mixed news’ for UK construction sector

In the wake of Labour’s recent general election triumph, chancellor Rachel Reeves presented her maiden budget to the UK construction sector, which has provided a range of reactions.

Employers’ national insurance rates will rise from 13.8% to 15%, a 1.2% increase; nevertheless, the industry will receive a boost of £1 billion to remove hazardous cladding, and additional monies will be directed to the Affordable Homes Programme. Additionally, Rachel Reeves has verified that GB Energy will be established in Aberdeen next year with support from the government.

While the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) applauds more money for infrastructure, its director of policy, research, and public relations, Eddie Tuttle, cautioned that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are “likely to increase financial strains” due to rising taxes.

“The cyclical, boom-bust nature of the sector, along with recent economic hardships, have created a difficult environment for these businesses,” he noted, adding that over a fifth of UK SMEs participate in the construction industry. Twenty percent of all company bankruptcies in 2024 have been in this sector, and the news that about 11,000 businesses have gone under since 2022 is deeply concerning.

The increase in expenses for small and medium-sized construction businesses might have a catastrophic effect, even while we recognize the importance of strengthening public finances and reorganizing fiscal regulations to attract more investment. New housing and infrastructure, as well as the upkeep and repair of older structures, rely heavily on SMEs.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an essential role in our economy, and greater taxes without regular evaluation of their effects on vital industries like construction could harm this vital sector.”

Since building safety is a “critical concern” for the construction sector, the CIOB is glad that financing for remediation of harmful cladding has been recognized, according to Mr. Tuttle. This is especially true in light of the second phase of the inquiry into the Grenfell tragedy.

Increased funding for the Affordable Homes Programme and the promise to provide infrastructure were met with enthusiasm by Tim Balcon, chief executive of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), who expressed gratitude for the industry’s support.

The government’s homebuilding plans require an additional 152,000 people, according to his analysis. And that’s not even include the quarter of a million construction workers needed to meet all the projected demand until 2028. “Improving the pipeline of workers and ensuring a shared understanding of competence between industry, government, and CITB is defined are two examples of how the skills system as a whole needs to evolve and improve in order to address the homebuilding and infrastructure delivery challenges.”

A industry that is severely lacking in new talent will see a “dampening of the appetite for recruitment” due to rises in National Insurance and labor expenses, according to Richard Steer, chair of the property and construction consultant Gleeds. He called the budget’s support for HS2’s London extension “sensible,” but he said it didn’t show that the government was taking training, retention, planning reform, and reaching net zero goals any more seriously than the previous administration.

The incoming administration has a chance to prove to the business community that it is serious about giving stability and certainty through the budget, according to Steve Mulholland, CEO of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA).

Infrastructure spending on roads, rail, hospitals, schools, and housing will play a role in the new era of stability and growth, he said, adding that this was not part of the Industrial Strategy. While it’s great to hear that fuel duty will stay the same, it’s disheartening that businesses will have to pay more for national insurance and that the plant-hire industry can’t use the Full Expensing Allowance as it is. Before this may take place, we require more information regarding the fiscal requirements. We eagerly await additional information.

The budget “not being focused on the needs of business,” according to Clive Dickin, CEO of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).

The significance of attaining sustainable economic growth was reiterated in a letter that he got this morning from Rachel Reeves, he added. In that letter, she also acknowledged our belief that the government’s growth ambition can only be achieved through a robust construction sector that is backed by safe and high-quality scaffolding and access equipment and a trained workforce. Regrettably, this budget conveys a concerning message. All of which are essential to the future of the economy—a vision that is focused on businesses, incentives for quality employment, and innovation—are lacking from it.

The National Living Wage (NLW) was raised 6.7%, which Mr. Dickin deemed “excessive.” He cautioned that this increase will put firms off hiring entry-level workers and could lead to inflation. During a crucial period for the UK economy, he continued, businesses will be “inhibited” from “recruiting and even maintaining staffing levels” due to the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions. “This decision will put new recruitment at risk for most employers and reduce their ability to further reward existing staff,” Mr. Dickin said, adding that while the smallest employers did receive some extra support, the decision overall will discourage new hiring.

A “challenging” budget for small building enterprises, according to the Federation of Master Builders.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented a mixed budget with encouraging plans for the future of the construction industry in difficult economic times, according to Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB. However, he warned that firms managing their company finances would face substantial challenges as a result. Just when small and medium-sized construction companies (SMBs) need a boost, they may have to take a hit before things improve, just like many other people in the nation.

“At a time when the construction industry is in critical need of additional workers, the chancellor’s plan to substantially increase employers’ National Insurance contributions would cause enormous difficulties for enterprises seeking to hire new employees. Nonetheless, the increase in Employment Allowance and the raise in the apprenticeship pay are both positive developments that will encourage more young people to pursue careers in construction, and the chancellor has done the right thing by protecting small businesses. Those in the construction industry who are planning to retire soon and sell their companies may potentially be subject to capital gains taxes. 

UK Expansion with FM Conway Takeover by VINCI Construction

Original Source: VINCI Construction expands UK presence with FM Conway acquisition

FM Conway, a UK public works company, will be acquired by VINCI Construction to strengthen its presence in Southeast England.

The acquisition will boost VINCI Construction’s roads, civil engineering, and specialist services capabilities and strengthen its UK market position.

Both corporations don’t reveal deal finances. The transaction is scheduled to close in early 2025 pending regulatory approvals.

FM Conway specializes in roadworks, civil engineering, asphalt and binders, water and drainage management, lighting, cabling, and traffic control.

Established in 1961 by Francis Michael Conway, the company is headquartered in Sevenoaks, Kent, and operates throughout England, mainly in the Southeast.

Given VINCI Construction’s 1,300 business units in 100 countries, FM Conway’s integration should benefit the company.

VINCI Construction builds buildings, civil engineering structures, and mobility infrastructure using circular economy principles to offer sustainable and innovative solutions to its customers.

The VINCI Group generated approximately €6bn (just over £5bn) in revenue across its three business lines—concessions, energy, and construction—and employed 13,000 people in the UK in 2023.

Revenue rose more than 3% to €52.3bn in the first nine months of 2024 in mid-October. VINCI Construction’s third-quarter 2024 revenue fell to €23.5bn. The company expects to sustain business levels from 2023 and increase its operating margin in 2024.

The Chicago Transit Authority awarded a design-and-build contract to VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Walsh Construction Company for a 9km line extension and four new passenger stations at the end of October.

The business also stated that the Balfour Beatty-VINCI joint venture reached the halfway point in the HS2 Bromford Tunnel project, a major milestone in the London-Birmingham route.

Government Choices May Ripple Across the UK Construction Industry

Original Source: The potential domino effect of government decisions on the UK construction industry

Construction is crucial to the British economy. Jackie Maginnis, CEO of the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), discusses the wider effects of slowing or stalling public project delivery in a shifting political landscape.

Construction accounted for 6% of UK employment in March 2024 and 6.1% of GDP in Q1 2024, according to the ONS. PwC predicts a small fall in UK building activity this year, with growth returning in 2025.

Has construction finally turned a corner? It may be, but we need government help.

Rachel Reeves “paused” the past government’s £20bn New Hospital Programme in July. The health secretary, Wes Streeting, said Labour will finish the proposals, but when?

The health secretary told the BBC that this may take longer than expected: “I’ve got to make sure firstly the money is there, secondly that the timetables are realistic and we’ve got the supply chain, the labor and the resources that we will need, and thirdly I’ve got to balance the need for new bricks and mortar alongside the need for new te

His words alarm me on numerous levels. The supply chain is in place, but a major delay will compromise it. Slowing or stopping the build of the 40 new hospital designs under the program will have a major impact on patient care and many of our delivery program members. Modular manufacturers worked 24/7 during the pandemic to quickly build essential facilities.

MMC is essential to health and education building programs.

We’ve learnt from the residential industry that stop-start housebuilding isn’t good for high-tech volumetric modular manufacturing.

Maintaining digital construction and sophisticated manufacturing requires significant investment and a consistent work funnel to fund overheads.

The MPBA and our members have lobbied government for years to improve political awareness, grasp the technology, and fully embrace the benefits of innovative construction processes to public projects.

Referring to “bricks and mortar” ignores digital design and manufacturing advancements that drive modern construction approaches.

Wider UK construction industry impacts

We recognize the issues affecting healthcare and education providers; halting or delaying capital construction programs will affect the supply chain.

Before taking dramatic action, consider the repercussions. Healthcare, education, and the building industry need a long-term strategy and investment plan.

MPBA

The Modular & Portable Building Association helps all industry sectors. Leading best practices, the association serves on various committees for members.

Most importantly, the association guarantees that changing government regulations and choices for the construction industry do not ignore the volumetric modular sector.

The MPBA and its members believe that manufactured buildings’ benefits begin in the factory, continue on the construction site, and endure a lifetime.

Modular construction meets client and end user needs for cost, time, quality, and safety with its potent combination of regulated deliverables and adjustable outputs.

Nexus buys Coleman Construction & Utilities for £5.4m

Original Source: Nexus expands with £5.4m Coleman Construction & Utilities acquisition

Nexus acquired civil engineering and construction firm Coleman Construction & Utilities Limited for £5.38 million.

Coleman does civil engineering and building in water, rail, highways, rivers, and marine.

Nexus argues the acquisition represents a ‘compelling strategic fit’ for the group to explore new areas.

In its trading update, the group reported a 23% increase in revenue to £52 million for the year ending 30 September 2024.

Coleman may offer expansion options outside of residential house building, the organization hopes.

Barry Coleman founded the company in 2000 to provide services in crucial UK infrastructure areas driven by climate change, environment protection, societal changes, and energy security.

Coleman is known for its ‘quality of service and client satisfaction,’ and Nexus wants to help it grow.

Coleman has grown revenue and maintained gross profit and EBITDA margins.

Revenues were £8.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA £0.7 million for the year ending 31 March 2024.

Nexus will pay £3.08 million cash and debt-free and c.£1.00 million after completion accounts.

A £1.30 million cash delayed consideration (£5.38 million total) will be paid over two years based on subject performance.

Nexus CEO Charles Sweeney said: “The acquisition of Coleman presents an exciting opportunity for Nexus to diversify into other critical UK infrastructure sectors, enhance our service offerings and drive future growth.

The Group may now take advantage of long-term opportunities that are less susceptible to economic changes.

Coleman’s reputation and skills in water, rail, highways, and rivers & marine enrich our portfolio, and we look forward to welcoming the Coleman team to Nexus.”

Coleman co-founder and managing director Barry Coleman said: “Coleman has grown significantly over the years to become a leading civil engineering and construction business.

Our success is due to our amazing staff, who have maintained the highest standards in health and safety, quality, and customer happiness.

“With Nexus’ support, we can grow our business and create new opportunities for our customers and Coleman employees.” 

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed “Mixed news” for the UK building sector according to the budget. While there will be a 1.2% increase to employers’ national insurance rates (from 13.8% to 15%), the industry will get a £1 billion boost to remove dangerous cladding and more money will go into the Affordable Homes Programme. It has also been confirmed by Rachel Reeves that GB Energy will be set up in Aberdeen next year with government funding. The acquisition will also help VINCI Construction solidify its position in the UK market and enhance its capabilities in road and civil engineering as well as specialist services. Among FM Conway’s many areas of expertise are civil engineering, traffic control, lighting, drainage management, asphalt and binders, and roadworks. Deal finances are not disclosed by either company. Given the necessary regulatory clearances, the acquisition is expected to completion in early 2025. Additionally, in March 2024, construction accounted for 6% of the UK workforce and 6.1% of GDP in Q1 2024, as reported by the ONS. PwC projects a minor decline in construction activity in the UK this year, followed by rise in 2025. On top of that, Civil engineering and construction for water, rail, highway, river, and marine environments are Coleman’s specialties. A “compelling strategic fit” with the acquisition, according to Nexus, will allow the company to expand into new markets. Revenue for the year ending 30 September 2024 increased 23% to £52 million, according to the group’s trading update.

In today’s news, we will investigate the ways in which the European Union and the United Kingdom are addressing the labour crisis in the construction industry. Meanwhile, keeping an ear to the ground: there were discoveries made regarding re-flow at UK Construction Week. Last but not least, the United Kingdom government has increased its monitoring of the High Speed Two (HS2) project in response to the rising costs.

EU-UK Construction Labour Crisis Response

Original Source: How EU and UK is Tackling the Construction Labour Crisis

Looking at the construction industry’s response to skills shortages and recruitment concerns, we can see that large infrastructure projects across the EU are facing some serious problems.

Unprecedented labor shortages are endangering project delivery timelines and driving up costs in the European construction industry. Both massive infrastructure projects and home construction programs are impacted by the current scenario.

Data recently released by the EFCA, the European organization that represents engineering consultants, sheds light on the scope of the issue.

Roberto Carpaneto, a board member, says: “In the construction and service sector, labour shortages were reported to be a limit to growth in 31% of cases in the European Union last year.”

These difficulties are shown by the German market. Construction enterprises across Germany are being represented by the association Bau Industrie, which has reported high vacancy rates. “In 2023, there were around 52,000 vacancies in the sector,” says Marius Graf, its EU Economic & Social Policy Consultant. It is believed, however, that the actual number is substantially greater due to the large number of unreported vacancies.

Construction workforce retention issue in the European Union

Riccardo Viaggi, Secretary General at the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), which represents construction equipment manufacturers, stated that the reliance on migrant workers to address skills gaps in the industry is becoming increasingly problematic.

“Immigration is a lifeline for many countries, particularly in Western Europe and across Europe,” he explains. It is a known and essential part of the worker mix, but it can be politically delicate. But once they get the hang of it, they usually quit the industry.

The issue is not limited to recruitment; retention is also a major one, as employees frequently seek out other businesses that can provide better working conditions or opportunities for advancement. Because of this, the necessity for training and recruitment never ends.

Needs for skill development and technology adoption

There is a critical scarcity of workers in the construction industry, and the industry must adjust to accommodate new technologies. This calls for fresh ways of teaching and honing abilities.

In a statement, Lena Guyon, the European Construction Industry Federation’s (FIEC) Policy Officer for Social Affairs, stressed the need of collaboration.

“The government and educational system, in addition to companies, must collaborate to enhance training centers,” she states. “Educators should also undergo professional development on how to effectively utilize emerging technology in the classroom.”

There has to be a sea change in how the industry trains its employees, and everyone is on the same page about it. According to Viaggi, it is crucial to tackle the problem of diversity and inclusion in the workplace if we wish to retain our employees. It’s not enough to make the industry more appealing and cross your fingers.

Efforts are now being made to update training programs and establish distinct career routes. As part of this effort, training programs will incorporate sustainable building practices and cutting-edge technological tools.

The future of construction depends on the following areas of expertise: data science, green technology, robotics, materials innovation, smart cities, and more. To prepare for these areas, governments and educational institutions must work together, according to Karen Plumbley-Jones, managing partner at the law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, which offers legal services to the construction sector. 

Watching UK Construction Week for Re-flow Surprises

Original Source: An ear to the ground: Re-flow discoveries at UK Construction Week

The biggest built environment event in the UK, UK Construction Week has been attracting thousands of exhibitors from across the world since 2015. The Re-flow team spent three days at the Birmingham NEC from October 1st to 3rd showcasing the software, learning about the business, and interacting with both new and old clients.

Participating in the keynote speeches and panel discussions allowed me to stay abreast of developments in my field, as is customary at any trade event. In this piece, we will examine a handful of these. Our most recent Construction Report also addressed several of these points.

Topics discussed during the performance

From manufacturing procedures to equality in construction, the speakers at UK Construction Week covered it all.

Transparency in Manufacturing

An issue that came up in multiple presentations was the importance of being more open about how products are made. A Spotlight on Safety: The Importance of Accurate and Up-To-Date Product Information and the Roofing Today Panel both took a close look at the CCPI.

By “to raise standards in construction product information and marketing and drive positive culture change,” the CCPI (Code for Construction Product information) hopes to achieve its stated goals. Initiated in the aftermath of Grenfell, the CCPI seeks to increase transparency in manufacturing processes, foster a more accountable industry culture, and clarify construction product sales and marketing data.

The presentations emphasised the need of uniform building product information for supply chain optimisation, effective sourcing, and material safety and suitability.

In the future of construction, there will be more regulations and more openness. It will be vital for enterprises to be compliant and for clients to have faith in the materials used, thus transparency regarding these aspects will be crucial.

Issues of employment equity and construction

Equality in the workplace was another significant subject. In a presentation titled “Gender Balance in Construction,” the advantages of having more women work in the field were discussed. Women only make up 14% to 18% of the workforce, hence speakers stressed the need of increasing this percentage to combat the persistent labour shortage. Mates in Mind also had an interesting discussion regarding construction workers’ mental health, implying that the industry’s pervasive macho culture prevents workers from talking openly about their own wellbeing. The speakers all agreed that a more diverse workforce may help the sector shake off these stereotypes and create a better place to work.

Difficulty with regulations and objectives in home construction

More rules have been imposed on the building industry in the last three years compared to the prior thirty years combined. Although this was viewed as a positive change, particularly in the wake of Grenfell, the conversation also brought to light the difficulty of increasing the number of homes being built to fulfil the government’s goals. In the next five years, the United Kingdom plans to construct 1.5 million homes, a considerable increase from the existing rate of 140,000 homes per year, as stated in the presentation, UK Construction Industry Outlook: Navigating the Impact of External Economic Factors and Government Policies on the Construction Industry. Experts agreed that SMEs will need to play a larger role if we are to achieve this lofty target.

Another perk is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be more inclined to hire apprentices, which would aid in filling the skill gap. Artificial intelligence was last but not least touched upon. It was acknowledged, however, that AI may assist in filling employment gaps rather than displacing human workers.

The user-friendly field management software from Re-flow can help you improve procedures and gain visibility.

Construction organisations may have challenges when it comes to compliance and maintaining clear visibility into job progress. One of the biggest issues in the sector is standardisation, but field management software can help with that.

The goal of Re-flow is to provide companies with the transparency and regulation compliance they need to function at peak efficiency. Forms that are easy to use alleviate paperwork burdens, which in turn makes operatives feel more compliant and process focused. All forms and signoffs must be completed regardless of circumstances because they are mandatory chores that must be completed before jobs can advance. Using Re-flow, a company may create an impenetrable audit trail by automatically collecting all form submissions. Management can see exactly what their teams are up to, what they’ve accomplished, and where they stand in relation to all tasks, assets, documents, and operations thanks to Re-flow.

Just what makes Re-flow the best option?

In the event that you or your business is in the market for:

• A solution for managing workflows, documents, and jobs in real-time.
• Everything you need is right here: a streamlined workflow for tracking jobs, worker qualifications, scheduling assets, communicating instantly within the app, optimising health and safety processes on-site, risk assessments, and vehicle checks.
• Offline, dependable, and fully functional; no crashing, hanging, or confusing menus. Regardless of how far away they are, operators always have what they need to do their tasks at their fingertips.
• Capable of streamlining processes through the use of form submissions that set off alerts and automate workflows. 

HS2 Oversight Tightened by UK Government Amid Rising Costs

Original Source: UK Government tightens oversight on HS2 amid soaring costs

News of new “tough measures” to “bring the cost and delivery… back under control” regarding the HS2 high-speed train project was announced in a statement issued by the office of UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.

Positive improvement can be achieved by “reinstating ministerial oversight of the project to ensure greater accountability,” according to the statement.

“Effectively securing the full benefits of the railway will require regular meetings between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Peter Hendy, the Transport Secretary, and the Rail Minister, to challenge delivery and remove obstacles.”

Whether the massive and difficult plan was losing £10 billion or £20 billion (around US$13 billion or $26 billion) was recently described as “unclear” by UK media.

The British government blamed a lack of clarity on “what is to be done to deliver to budget” for the escalation of inflation, bad supply-chain performance, and years of ineffective project management.

An independent study of the project, focussing on Phase 1 (Birmingham to London), was recently announced by the UK Secretary of State. According to the announcement, the government is now not interested in reviving the project, which was once known as Phase 2 (the Birmingham to Manchester line).

“Since becoming Transport Secretary I have seen up close the scale of failure in project delivery – and it’s dire,” Secretary Haigh stated, adding, “It has long been clear that the costs of HS2 have been allowed to spiral out of control.”

According to the central government, James Stewart, a senior infrastructure delivery expert, will head up the Major Transport Projects Governance and Assurance Review, which is expected to provide its findings this winter.

“It will look into how big transportation infrastructure projects are monitored, how well costs, schedules, and benefits are predicted and reported, and what steps are taken to achieve cost savings. The government further stated that the evaluation will mainly use HS2’s current experiences to make sure that lessons learnt are used to both the project’s delivery and future endeavours.

Meanwhile, the government has pointed out that the primary HS2 contractors’ incentives are under review, which might cause some contracts to be renegotiated or changed. In 2020, the primary contract was awarded to a Balfour Beatty Vinci joint venture.

The total estimated cost of the HS2 project was over $100 billion before the decision to abandon the Phase 2 northern extension was made. The anticipated cost of the shorter version exceeds $80 billion.

We anticipate the project’s completion in the year 2033.  

Summary of today’s construction news

As a whole, big infrastructure projects all around the European Union are encountering some major challenges, as we noted when examining the construction industry’s reaction to talent shortages and recruitment worries. In the European construction industry, costs are rising and project delivery timelines are in jeopardy due to unprecedented labour shortages. The current situation affects both large-scale infrastructure projects and home construction plans. At the same time, UK Construction Week, the country’s largest event dedicated to the built environment, has been welcoming hundreds of international exhibitors since 2015. Over the course of three days (October 1st–3rd) at the Birmingham NEC, the Re-flow team showcased the software, learnt about the business, and interacted with both existing and potential clients. Finally, a communiqué from the office of UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced new “tough measures” to “bring the cost and delivery… back under control” with reference to the HS2 high-speed train project. By “reinstating ministerial oversight of the project to ensure greater accountability,” the statement claims, things may be improved.

In today’s UK news, it is quite evident that the construction industry is not impressed with the highly-touted industrial policy that the government has presented for consultation yesterday. While this is going on, a recent analysis conducted by Costain indicates that the construction industry may potentially save billions of dollars by utilising connected and autonomous plant (CAP). Furthermore, what does the future hold for the building industry now that ISG has been discontinued? Despite the challenging nature of the built environment sector, Gleeds global chair Richard Steer FCIOB finds some advantages. On top of that, at a ceremony that was organised by Babcock, a British company that provides services in the fields of aerospace, defence, and nuclear engineering, the third Type 31 frigate for the Royal Navy, HMS Formidable, was cut for the first time.

Labour’s Construction Industry Policy Fails

Original Source: Labour’s industrial strategy falls flat for construction

The construction industry is clearly unimpressed by the government’s highly-touted industrial policy, which was released for consultation yesterday.

An initiative to “ease the investor journey and create long-term, inclusive, secure and sustainable growth” is proposed in Invest2035, the United Kingdom’s contemporary industrial policy. In the spring of 2025, along with the expenditure review, the final industrial strategy will be released.

Eight chosen industrial areas are the focus of the strategy*. These include digital technologies, sustainable energy, creative industries, defence, and “advanced” manufacturing. Building anything, be it complex or simple, is not going to be done.

Within the construction business, this has, quite predictably, not gone over well.

The lack of mention of the construction sector as an industry for growth in the new government’s industrial strategy, according to Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, is deeply concerning. This comes at a time when the UK is facing a housing and skills crisis, which are preventing the economy from reviving and endangering long-term market confidence. There seems to have been a lack of consideration for the people who will be physically performing the labour in the rush to reconstruct Britain. The government should not lose sight of the basics that fuel growth while it seeks to attract large, innovative investments. The construction sub-sector should not be seen as an afterthought in the strategy, and this can be achieved through the engagement. If the government is serious about fostering economic growth, it must prioritise the construction industry.

For Berry, the government’s recent announcements—including plans for major planning reforms, an ambitious goal of 1.5 million new houses, and the creation of Skills England—are all positive developments. Without substantial funding to address the underlying issues, however, the feasibility of these ideas is uncertain. Ministers’ views on the sector’s importance to the UK economy as a whole are called into question by the new industrial plan. Our industry, together with services and manufacturing, should be a cornerstone of economic expansion.

Chief executive Sean Keyes of the Liverpool-based civil engineering firm Sutcliffe shares this disapproval.

Keyes emphasised that the industry that lays the groundwork for Britain’s future cannot be ignored. Investors will have a clear 10-year plan to select Britain, thanks to the government’s emphasis on eight important growth industries, as revealed in the industrial strategy. This will demonstrate the UK’s ability to compete and win on a global stage, providing stability and confidence. The omission of construction, a vital industry that supports our economy and helps build our infrastructure, is worrisome.

When it comes to housing and the infrastructure that these vital industries depend on for growth, construction is the lynchpin. There is a serious risk that the government’s plan won’t be successful unless the importance of construction is acknowledged. Not only does this leave out a key component of GDP, but it also hinders the sector’s ability to create jobs, innovate, and build the kind of resilient infrastructure that an economy needs to thrive in the future. The industry that will lay the groundwork for Britain’s future must not be ignored.

Another group that feels ignored by the new industrial policy paper are the individuals who produce construction equipment like diggers and dumpers.

Construction Equipment Association operations director Viki Bell expressed disappointment that the industry hasn’t received more attention, stating that it is a logical fit for renewable energy and sophisticated manufacturing.

Our industry spends a hefty £250 million a year on research and development, supports more than 44,000 employment, and brings in more than £15 billion in sales. Sustainable advancements like battery storage and hydrogen fuel are crucial to the shift to clean energy, and we’re at the forefront of this movement within our industry.

Costain Says CAP Might Save UK Builders Billions

Original Source: CAP could save the UK construction industry billions, say Costain

An updated Costain analysis estimates that the construction sector might save billions of dollars by using connected and autonomous plant (CAP).

A paper detailing CAP’s ability to save billions was published by Costain for the Department of Transport.

According to the paper titled “Connected and Autonomous Plant: Market Analysis,” CAP is “a collective term for leading-edge construction equipment that leverages interconnected digital technologies and autonomous functionalities to optimise construction processes.”

Productivity could be enhanced by using CAP.

Adopting CAP would result in financial, safety, environmental, and performance gains, according to the research. According to the analysis, implementing CAP would boost the industry’s value by £417 billion, with £356 billion going towards the construction sector as a whole and £61 billion going towards economic expansion.

Full adoption of CAP, with most tasks on worksites being autonomous and fully integrated AI managing most machinery—this is the report’s bold view of the future. Site personnel will be of a higher calibre, with design and supervision being their primary responsibilities.

Improvements in efficiency and sustainability would provide a much-needed boost to the building industry, according to many. There will be a £10 billion savings in fuel and energy expenses and a CO2e reduction of 19,300 kt if CAP is implemented.

To accomplish these objectives, scaling up is necessary.

Investment in infrastructure, especially transport, is acknowledged as a means to national development and wealth, according to Jonathan Willcock, managing director of transport at Costain. Nevertheless, this investment needs to prove its worth and optimise productivity in order to withstand the numerous conflicting demands on public spending.

“In the next few decades, the UK economy stands to benefit greatly from connected and autonomous plant, which has the ability to revolutionise the efficiency of construction operations. Crucially, the technology will also generate more high-skilled employment opportunities and promote safer and more environmentally friendly methods of working.

“We need to change our mindset to embrace this technology and drive positive change if we want to scale up and see the benefits faster. CAP is already being deployed on projects across the country.”

How will Building Proceed After ISG’s Demise?

Original Source: After ISG’s demise, what now for construction?

Gleeds global chair Richard Steer FCIOB finds positives in a tough built environment market.

Construction is struggling. In May 2024, 17% of UK firms closed were in our industry, which had the most insolvencies.

The collapse of ISG, the UK’s fifth largest contractor, reveals how susceptible built environment workers are. Before this, Lendlease Group left the UK due to a ‘complex market landscape’. We anxiously await the first Labour budget.

However, there are benefits.

According to S&P Global’s latest UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index, September construction volumes rose at the quickest rate since April 2022. The industry activity balance rose from 53.6 in August to 57.2, above neutral for the seventh month.

Survey respondents reported strong demand for renewable energy infrastructure and increased big project activity. Lower borrowing costs and domestic political stability increased commercial building and client expenditure.

Rising business confidence

S&P reported a three-month high in business confidence in May, while Deloitte’s latest CFO survey found rising optimism among CFOs in some of the UK’s largest companies. After the general election, UK CFOs’ appetite for business risk-taking rose to its highest level in four years, according to its Q2 report.

However, many of these surveys were collected before the new Middle East conflict raised oil prices and sank the global economy. Like ISG, we should not underestimate the fragility of our UK situation. The building industry in this country has had many setbacks in the last decade, and sustainable recovery takes time.

I grudgingly accept the Construction Products Association’s estimate that the industry will shrink in real terms this year before growing 2% next year and 3.6% in 2026.

Get ready for growth

Short-term prospects are difficult, but green shoots should be celebrated.

Even a slow recovery is better than greater decline. The industry must anticipate and prepare for a recovery. This time should be spent ensuring we have the people, skills, and technology we need.

UK’s Third Type 31 Frigate Begins Construction

Original Source: Construction starts on UK’s third Type 31 frigate

The third Type 31 frigate for the Royal Navy, HMS Formidable, was cut at a ceremony hosted by Babcock, a British aerospace, defence, and nuclear engineering services provider.

Official shipbuilding for the vessel commenced on October 9, 2024, with the ceremony held at the Rosyth facility in Scotland.

In the massive assembly hall constructed specifically for them, the Type 31 frigates Formidable, HMS Venturer, and Active are all currently taking form.

The last unit has been installed to the first Type 31 Frigate, HMS Venturer, which is currently being structurally completed in the Rosyth assembly hall alongside HMS Active.

The five ships that make up the Inspiration class are all named after ships that have served in the Royal Navy in the past.

Current boats use 180–200 sailors, whereas Type 3 frigates only need 120 sailors, or 60% of the personnel, according to Babcock.

A 57mm main gun with programmable ammunition, two 40mm Bofors guns, the Sea Ceptor air defence missile system, a 4D radar, one of the navy’s largest flight decks, and a large hold to fit mission-specific equipment—such as diving gear, minehunting supplies, drones, or disaster relief supplies—are all standard on all five ships of the Inspiration class.

After the launch of HMS Venturer next year, the finished Formidable portions will be transferred to the assembly hall. Campbeltown and HMS Bulldog are the last two ships in the five-ship class.

To make Britain strong internationally and safe at home is a priority for this government. According to Minister of the Armed Forces Luke Pollard, these frigates will serve as the backbone of the Royal Navy’s fleet, safeguarding our troops and discouraging aggression.

One of the main features of the Type 31 program is the opportunity to collaborate with the UK government to gain various export prospects, which will help the UK economy and jobs even more. The Indonesian and Polish governments have already exported Arrowhead 140, the Type 31’s basis design, and both countries’ programs are already in the works.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed Invest2035, the modern industrial policy of the United Kingdom, proposes an initiative to “ease the investor journey and create long-term, inclusive, secure and sustainable growth.” Release of the final industrial strategy and expenditure review is scheduled for the spring of 2025. At the same time, Costain issued a report for the Department of Transport outlining how CAP can save billions. In the research study entitled “Connected and Autonomous Plant: Market Analysis,” CAP is defined as “a collective term for leading-edge construction equipment that leverages interconnected digital technologies and autonomous functionalities to optimise construction processes.” In addition, the building industry is having problems. Among the most bankrupt industries in the United Kingdom in May 2024, ours accounted for 17% of all firm closures. Nevertheless, the most recent UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index from S&P Global indicates that construction volumes increased at their fastest rate since April 2022 in September. An increase from 53.6 in August to 57.2 in September brought the industrial activity balance over neutral for the seventh consecutive month. Major project activity has surged, and there is a high demand for renewable energy infrastructure, according to the survey. Commercial construction and client expenditure were boosted by lower borrowing costs and domestic political stability. In addition, the vessel’s official shipbuilding ceremony took place at the Rosyth site in Scotland on October 9, 2024. Formidable, HMS Venturer, and Active, three Type 31 frigates, are all now being built in the enormous assembly hall that was built for them. Currently, in the Rosyth assembly hall alongside HMS Active, the first Type 31 Frigate, HMS Venturer, is being physically completed with the last unit inserted.

In today’s news, we will look into the Wildlife Trusts are urging the government and developers to make the recovery of wildlife a major priority when it comes to the construction of new structures. On the other hand, Carsebridge House in Clackmannanshire sustained significant damage as a result of intentional torchlight on August 29. During the time that the owner Advance Construction (Scotland) was waiting for approval, the listed structure was damaged and destroyed. Furthermore, according to a new analysis, the next great opportunity for the building sector is the ability to retrofit buildings and improve energy efficiency.

Construction Industry Urges Nature Recovery Priority

Original Source: Report urges prioritising nature recovery in construction

In a new report, the Wildlife Trusts call on the government and developers to make wildlife recovery a top priority when building.

In a new paper titled Swift and wild: How to build houses and restore nature together, the Wildlife Trusts have brought attention to the significance of environmental recovery in the building industry.

Planning measures that could help with sustainability challenges are outlined in the paper.

Questions of environmental degradation and global warming are addressed in the study.

In order to meet environmental goals and the 1.5 million homes that need to be built by 2025, the paper recommends a strategic approach to homebuilding.

By 2030, we aim to have preserved 30% of our land for natural purposes and achieved net zero emissions.

Housebuilding and conservation goals might work together with these changes to speed up the delivery of more reasonably priced, well-designed homes while simultaneously bolstering sustainability, green energy, and nature recovery in the building industry and the economy at large.

Plans that are both strategic and centered on nature are among the suggested changes.

Coupling housebuilding with natural recovery and balancing competing demands on land requires a planned and integrated approach in the UK. Sites of Particular Scientific Interest and Special sites of Conservation are examples of legally protected sites that the planning system must always endeavor to spare.

Wildbelt, a new land category, would save low-biodiversity-valued property for the express purpose of natural recovery, thus placing nature at the center of the planning process. Local nature recovery strategies and the implementation of legislative biodiversity duties are two areas that Wildbelt would back.

Addressing climate change through development

In the United Kingdom, buildings contribute significantly to the country’s carbon footprint. Home energy efficiency upgrades that include solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and green roofs can lessen financial burdens and environmental impacts while improving quality of life for people and animals. The UK could be able to reach net-zero if any of these measures were broadly implemented. Inexpensive, small-scale modifications – such as using fast bricks in new developments – can help nature recovery and contribute to wildlife corridors.

Neighborhoods abundant with natural beauty

There are several environmental, social, and health benefits of incorporating nature into new constructions. Impacts on people’s health and wellbeing, less air pollution, and improved flood protection are all part of this. More active, mentally robust, and generally healthier people are those who have easier access to natural environments, according to the research.

Everybody should be able to reach greenspace within a fifteen-minute walk or drive, and new developments should aid in linking nature reserves and other crucial locations for animals.

Nature recovery and building should collaborate, according to the research.

There can be no longer any separation of concerns pertaining to housing, climate change, and environment, according to Becky Pullinger, head of land use planning at The Wildlife Trusts. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and construct houses that are inexpensive, energy efficient, and contribute significantly to the restoration of nature by incorporating nature recovery into the planning system. Habitat loss and pollution, brought about in part by inappropriate historical development, have led to significant drops in animal populations. Although the UK government should be justifiably proud of its green energy and housing initiatives, it should be just as proud of its efforts to restore nature.

According to Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, “the latest calculations show we’re heading in the opposite direction.” This is despite the fact that the UK has committed to protecting 30% of its territory for nature by 2030. Even in densely populated regions, new construction must contribute to the expansion of existing habitats for animals. It is the duty of governments and developers to ensure that all communities have access to environmentally friendly neighborhoods. Preserving the little bit of nature that we have left isn’t nearly enough. We are proposing a new land designation, Wildbelt, to rehabilitate our natural and constructed infrastructures simultaneously by making more room for nature. This has the potential to revolutionize the recovery of nature in the UK. 

Building Company Promises to Rebuild Alloa’s Carsebridge House

Original Source: Construction company pledges to rebuild Carsebridge House in Alloa

Deliberate torchlight on August 29 severely damaged Carsebridge House in Clackmannanshire. While waiting for approval, owner Advance Construction (Scotland) demolished the listed building.

The building company that bulldozed a historic Georgian country house has promised to reconstruct it, therefore the police have begun an investigation into the illegal demolition.

On August 29, Carsebridge House in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, was set on fire and severely damaged.

The fire caused the roof of the 18th-century structure, which is locally known as the Dolls’ House and is on the B-list, to collapse.

Advance Construction (Scotland), the house’s owner, has requested demolition approval. However, the company tore it down as they waited for approval, claiming safety concerns.

The planning officers from Clackmannanshire Council were notified the day before the demolition and went to the site to try to halt the activity, but they were unsuccessful.

The local council has stated that it is contemplating many potential courses of action, one of which is to report the firm to the procurator fiscal for prosecution.

Deputy council leader Graham Lindsay acknowledged the building’s poor condition after the fire, but he emphasized that “Those responsible should be held fully to account.”

The council has decided that the planning committee needs a report outlining potential next measures.

The deliberate fire is still under investigation, according to Police Scotland.

Police are collaborating with other agencies to “establish the full circumstances” and are looking into the unauthorized demolition, the department said.

In relation to the subject, Advance Construction (Scotland) stated that it will maintain its cooperation with the police, the council, and relevant partner organizations.

Following “repeated vandalism and unlawful entry” and the site’s long period of abandonment (since 1984), the company claimed to have acquired it from beverage company Diageo in 2020.

“In April 2022, we had a terrible accident while we were working. An adolescent broke into the building without permission, fell from the roof, and lay in a coma for many days,” stated a representative.

“This, as well as the number of individuals entering the building, has made us acutely aware of safety issues.”

In the aftermath of the fire, the business allegedly had an impartial structural expert produce a report stating that the building posed a “immediate health and safety risk” and could not be preserved.

Companies often hear the phrase “safety takes precedence” after consulting with the HSE, which the companies claims it did.

The decision to proceed was carefully considered and driven by a commitment to safety and the elimination of any potential threat to human life, the spokesperson emphasized.

We were also cognizant of the fact that the time it would take to receive the council’s approval to tear down the building may increase the danger.

“We have made an offer to rebuild in the footprint of the building in a similar style and use the façade stone which we have retained.”

A commemorative Doric column, the Napoleon Pillar, has been offered for relocation by the firm to a site decided by the council.

Stay updated with the latest news from Sky News: Historic manor receives financing boost after fire

The house was rented to John Bald to construct and run a distillery from the Earl of Mar circa 1799, according to Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

According to HES, the house was occupied by Bald and Bald-Harvey family members until at least the late 1930s, according to census statistics.

Grain whisky was still being made at Carsebridge Distillery throughout through the 1900s.

Although it shut down in 1983, the cooperage was nevertheless operational under Diageo until 2011 when it relocated to neighboring Cambus.

While HES was waiting for more information regarding the possibility of retaining the remaining walls, it confirmed that it had received a listed building consent consultation for the structure’s demolition.

One representative from HES stated, “Had the building been judged as safe to retain, then we would have objected to its loss.” 

Energy Efficiency: Construction’s Big Opportunity

Original Source: Energy Efficiency – a Big Opportunity for Construction

The building industry’s next significant potential is energy efficiency and retrofit capabilities, according to a new report.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and TrustMark produced the report to prepare the industry for retrofit growth.

The UK must reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by law. Four out of five of the 27 million current homes will need energy-efficient retrofitting by then. Installation of insulation, solar panels, and other measures presents the biggest chance for construction employers this century.

The research outlines how retrofitting will help government solve several problems, including upgrading low-quality homes and rentals. It will boost local economies and supply chains and lower NHS expenses from cold, damp, substandard housing. It will also lower energy expenditures and improve home health.

Large Construction Opportunity

The paper explores construction companies that refit and the skills they need to prepare for the ‘refit Revolution’.

Retrofitting requires qualified construction workers, highlighting the necessity for training and competency. Construction employers, governments, and trade and employer associations can use its findings and advice.

CITB will invest in net zero solutions through the Industry Impact Fund, offer clear career pathways, and promote collaboration and knowledge exchange through the CLC’s retrofit hub to help industry build retrofit capabilities.

Marcus Bennett, CITB Head of Industry Analysis & Forecasting, said: “Retrofitting the UK’s built environment to be cleaner, greener, warmer in winter, cooler in summer, more energy efficient, and carbon net zero is the biggest construction opportunity this century. The building sector must rethink and train for a new future to take advantage of this potential.

This paper is just the beginning of spotlighting the construction industry’s prospects and showing what’s achievable as Britain becomes net zero.

Trustmark Registration

Businesses must be TrustMark-registered to get government-funded home improvements. TrustMark is the only government-endorsed home improvement quality scheme.

TrustMark Chief Executive Simon Ayers said: “Making Britain’s homes more energy efficient is a big challenge for the construction industry. We need qualified, trained, and competent tradespeople across the industry to deliver this job at volume and speed to meet the deadline. We must include careers in the skills debate to achieve long-term delivery and create jobs.

As retrofit work increases, we hope more businesses will join engaged. Working together, we can find the correct answers to those difficulties and maximize the opportunities for everyone.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the Wildlife Trusts have highlighted the importance of rebuilding the ecosystem in a new article called Swift and wild: How to construct homes while simultaneously restoring wildlife. The report details potential planning steps that might aid with sustainability issues. Meanwhile, the developers who illegally demolished a historic Georgian country house have now pledged to rebuild it, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the incident. The owner, Advance Construction (Scotland), has formally requested demolition authority for the house. To make matters worse, while waiting for approval, the business tore it down, citing safety issues as their justification. The planning officers from Clackmannanshire Council were informed of the destruction the day prior and attempted to stop the work at the site, but were unsuccessful. On the other hand, the research was also prepared to help the industry get ready for retrofit growth by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and TrustMark. It is a legal requirement that the United Kingdom achieve zero net carbon emissions by the year 2050. This means that by that point in time, 27 million homes—or 80% of the total—will require upgraded energy systems. In this century, the greatest opportunity for construction employers will be the installation of insulation, solar panels, and other mitigation measures.

In today’s news, we will look into the footprint of the recruitment firm in the construction business is expanded through acquisition. In the meantime, a partnership that is funded by the DBS has launched a construction sector handbook that supports safer labour recruiting. In addition, a different contractor in the United Kingdom has used BESS for tower cranes and building sites. Other than that, the President of the BCIA will participate in the discussion on sustainability that will take place during this year’s UK Construction Week.

Acquisition Expands Recruitment Agency’s Construction Footprint

Original Source: Acquisition grows recruitment agency’s presence in construction industry

CLS Construction Labour Solutions (UK) Infrastructure specialised in recruiting for the construction and civil engineering industries, and was bought by ORB Recruitment, a Doncaster-based recruitment agency.

Finalized for an undisclosed sum, the acquisition propels ORB’s expansion plans, fortifying its standing in the UK construction recruitment industry and broadening its service offerings to customers all throughout the country.

CLS, with headquarters in Normanton, has been around since 1999 and has a database of more than 50,000 active contractors in addition to 25 years of experience in the civils and construction industries.

The company’s stellar reputation in the UK is based on its solid partnerships with top-tier contractors.

ORB Recruitment is a staffing agency with offices in Balby Carr, Doncaster, with a clientele in the building, medical, and engineering industries.

“The acquisition of CLS by ORB is an exciting opportunity to expand our footprint within the construction industry,” stated Stewart Olsen, CEO of ORB Recruitment.

“ORB’s current capabilities are enhanced by CLS’s stellar reputation and extensive industry expertise.

“Our clients and candidates in the construction sector and beyond will benefit even more from our combined resources and expertise.”

After the acquisition, CLS will keep using its own name and brand to serve its clients, but it will get access to ORB Recruitment’s resources and financial support.

ORB intends to hire two more people for the Normanton office before the year ends, bringing the total number of employees to seven, as an investment in CLS’s expansion.

Clients of both firms can anticipate the continuation of business as normal, with the additional benefit of improved services and capabilities,” Olsen noted.

“Overseas efficiencies for CLS’s operations, customer service, and production are all expected to be enhanced by the move.”

Having lately increased its permanent recruiting capabilities, ORB Recruitment is experiencing growth at the moment of this purchase. It has 14 employees now, and by year’s end, that number will have risen to 15.

Construction Sector Advice Launched by Dbs-supported Partnership for Safer Recruiting

Original Source: DBS-supported partnership launches construction sector guide supporting safer recruitment

The goal of the Better Hiring Toolkit is to help construction companies improve their hiring practices by analyzing their present policies and procedures.

With the help of the Better Hiring Institute, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has released a new “Better Hiring Toolkit” tailored to the construction sector. Employers in the construction industry can use the toolkit as a crucial reference to make safer, more educated hiring selections.

This toolkit is the result of a joint effort by the Better Hiring Institute, the Disclosure and Barring Service, Reed Screening, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to provide employers with accessible guidelines for safer and more effective recruitment.

Due to the high risk nature of employment in the construction sector, this toolkit will serve as a standard against which businesses can evaluate their present policies and procedures, with the goal of facilitating thorough and equitable pre-employment screenings.

One of the most important aspects of safer recruiting methods is thorough pre-employment screening. Every year, through the processing and issuance of DBS checks, DBS assists companies in making safer recruitment decisions.

To safeguard an organization’s reputation, make better recruiting decisions, and get insight into a candidate’s appropriateness for a position, employers should run a Basic DBS check on them before hiring them. In order to prevent arbitrary exclusion of individuals with minor, unconnected crimes from employment, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act mandates the implementation of Basic checks in the construction industry. While ensuring that recovered individuals have equal opportunity, basic inspections concentrate on pertinent offenses.

Employers are able to make safer recruitment decisions with the help of the Disclosure and Barring Service, and our partnership with the Better Hiring Institute is a big step forward in protecting best practices in the construction industry,” stated Helen Chandler, Acting Associate Director of Business Development for the DBS. To guarantee better and more informed recruitment across the sector, we’re happy to be supporting the development of the free toolkit.

Another UK Contractor Implements Battery Energy Storage Systems for Tower Cranes and Building Sites

Original Source: Another UK contractor adopts BESS for tower cranes, construction sites

A growing number of people are considering using battery energy storage systems (BESS) instead of diesel generators to power tower cranes and other construction equipment. This is because, in response to new circumstances, contractors in the UK have rethought their strategy. The construction industry’s diesel fuel, for instance, lost its tax break in April 2022. Diesel prices spiked as a result, sometimes reaching two or three times their prior levels.

A building contractor in Birmingham, England, was recently featured in an article by Power Progress for their use of BESS to power their construction site. However, they aren’t alone.

Crane & Transport Briefing’s special contributor Phil Bishop said that UK construction business Bowmer & Kirkland has chosen BESS as their crane power solution of choice. Moreover, the company has found that one BESS is sufficient to power a whole building site.

In Manchester, England, Bowmer & Kirkland has a contract of $170 million (£130 million) to build a facility specifically for students. The project’s energy manager is an Enertainer L+ BESS. Two Terex CTL 180 luffing jib tower cranes, two twin hoists, and eleven mast-climbing work platforms (MCWP) (with the potential for that number to reach thirty-three at its busiest) get power from the unit. Offices, lights, and other electrical necessities on the site are also powered by the BESS.

An amalgamation of the words “energy” and “container,” the name of the system is Enertainer. Ampd Energy, located in Hong Kong, is the manufacturer. The Birmingham project is also utilizing the BESS system.

Diesel vs. BESS

The UK business development manager for Ampd, Tom Carter, came to the company after working for Bowmer & Kirkland. Cranes used in the student housing building project were originally required to have 300 kVA diesel generators, which could provide 420 Amps at peak utilization in the extremely unlikely event that all motors needed to run at once, according to his explanation.

Two 300 kVA generators for the cranes, two 100 kVA generators for the hoists, and three 200 kVA generators for the MCWPs would have been needed for the conventional method that relies on diesel generators, for a total capacity of 1,660 kVA.

Select Plant, a rental company, instead offers a single huge Enertainer unit that can produce 2,500 kW of electricity weekly. The device has a nominal current output of 663 Amps per minute and receives a 44 Amp trickle charge from a neighboring building’s grid supply. An overload of 795 Amps per minute is within the unit’s capabilities.

The BESS has not yet dropped below 53% capacity, and it charges continually, drawing different quantities of grid power depending on site activity. The Enertainer returns to approximately 95% every morning.

Reducing Emissions

If you believe Carter, a standard 1,660 kVA diesel generator would produce 999 metric tons of CO2 per year. Carter made the observation that, “We are removing 913 tonnes of this with the Enertainer.” This estimate is based on an emissions measure of 0.02 kg of CO? per kWh of electricity generated, while the actual emissions can vary depending on the power source.

Using diesel generators at half capacity would have resulted in an annual diesel consumption of 429,000 liters, or about 150 liters per hour. It is anticipated that the Enertainer BESS will save more than one million liters of gasoline over the two-year building phase and the nine-month fitting and commissioning phase.

The price of that unsubsidized gasoline might range from $1.9 million to $2.0 million, or £1.4 million to £1.5 million. In contrast, power is predicted to cost about $67,000 (£50,000) per year, for a total of around $134,000 (£100,000) throughout the two-year building period. This represents a significant savings even when considering rental expenses.

A 60 to 100 kVA generator might charge the Enertainer at off-grid sites, according to Carter, as not all construction sites have access to a power grid. He claimed that even with this configuration, the student housing project will only reduce carbon emissions by 60%, compared to 91% when linked to the grid.

Further Advantages

In comparison to diesel, battery power has additional benefits. To illustrate the point, on a residential building in Sheffield, England, worth $402 million (£300 million), Bowmer & Kirkland opted for BESS rather than diesel generators in the past. One of the first big UK construction sites to depend entirely on battery power, the project featured 17- and 19-story towers. Here, energy demand spikes were managed using a Dumarey Peak Power flywheel device, which was previously known as Punch Power. At first, the building’s commissioning was delayed due to the lack of a permanent power source. However, the battery system was enough, and five floors of the development could be commissioned.

Bowmer & Kirkland has stated its dedication to the BESS methodology. With eleven batteries in operation at various locations, the corporation has made it a policy to use battery power whenever possible. With the purchase of two Enertainer units, it is now making an investment in its own equipment.

2019 UK Construction Week Sustainability Debate to Include BCIA President

Original Source: BCIA President to join sustainability debate at this year’s UK Construction Week

BCIA President Stacey Lucas will attend the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) thought-provoking session at UK Construction Week 2024 to discuss built environment sustainability.

The panel will introduce the eighth version of the CLC’s CZ Performance Framework, providing a great opportunity to address construction sector sustainability and the UK’s net zero goal in 2050.

The Performance Framework aligns with Government policy and emphasises carbon measurement and assessment to give the CLC a sector-level dashboard on net zero progress and encourage firms to improve their sustainability strategy.

The BCIA wants to cooperate with other industry leaders and policymakers to raise awareness of decarbonisation and building automation as an association that prioritises sustainability.

BCIA President Stacey Lucas urged the building industry to collaborate on sustainability and carbon reduction to meet the 2050 net zero target.

She said: “The framework is highlighting sustainability, which is crucial to the built environment. The building industry is still a major source of carbon emissions, so it must collaborate to cut energy use.

“I’m honored to be on this panel and excited to discuss how building automation can improve energy efficiency and sustainability in UK buildings.

The panel discussion begins the three-day event at NEC Birmingham on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. More than 20,000 guests and 300 exhibitors are expected at the industry’s largest and greatest event.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed ORB Recruitment, headquartered in Doncaster, acquired CLS Construction Labour Solutions (UK) Infrastructure, a recruitment firm that focused on the building and civil engineering sectors. The purchase, which was finalized for an unknown amount, will help ORB expand its business and strengthen its position in the UK construction recruitment market. This will allow ORB to provide more services to clients across the nation. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has collaborated with the Better Hiring Institute to launch a new “Better Hiring Toolkit” specifically designed for the construction industry. In order to make better-informed, safer recruiting decisions, the toolkit is an indispensable resource for construction industry employers. Apart from that, more and more people are thinking about switching from diesel generators to battery energy storage systems (BESS) to power construction equipment like tower cranes. The reason behind this is because contractors in the UK have reconsidered their approach due to recent changes. For example, in April 2022, the tax discount for diesel fuel used in the construction industry was eliminated. The outcome was a dramatic increase in the price of diesel, which reached levels two or three times higher than before. On top of that, BCIA President Stacey Lucas will be in attendance at UK Construction Week 2024 for the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) stimulating session on sustainability in the built environment. An excellent chance to discuss sustainability in the construction industry and the United Kingdom’s net-zero target for 2050 will be presented by the panel as they unveil the CLC’s CZ Performance Framework, now in its eighth version.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just industry buzzwords — they are essential for creating a dynamic, innovative, and productive workplace. For the construction industry, fostering a diverse workforce is also becoming increasingly critical for compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards — particularly the Social (S) component. Construction businesses prioritising diversity demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, which can enhance their reputation and attract socially conscious investors, clients, and partners.

What Does a Diverse Workplace Culture Look Like?

The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on these “protected characteristics.” However, fostering a diverse workplace culture goes beyond merely complying with the law; it requires active efforts to ensure everyone has equal opportunities and feels valued.

In construction, promoting diversity means implementing policies that encourage equal hiring practices and cultivating a company culture that values inclusivity. This approach involves rethinking recruitment strategies, creating an inclusive work environment, and ensuring diversity is embedded in the company’s values and everyday practices.

The Current State of Diversity in Construction

The construction industry has a long way to go in achieving true diversity. Recent studies reveal that only 5.4% of workers in the UK construction sector come from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Women are also underrepresented in the industry, accounting for just 15.8% of the workforce from April-June 2023. This lack of diversity not only reflects broader societal inequalities but also limits the industry’s potential.

The Benefits of Diversity in the Construction Industry

1. Addressing the Skills Shortage: The construction sector faces a growing skills shortage. By broadening recruitment efforts to include diverse candidates, companies can access a larger talent pool and find new ways to meet this challenge. This strategy helps fill gaps in the workforce and brings fresh perspectives and skills to the industry.
2. Enhancing Decision-Making: Research shows that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones in decision-making 87% of the time. The varied perspectives in diverse groups lead to more thorough analysis and innovative solutions, which are vital in the dynamic environment of construction.
3. Boosting Productivity and Retention: An inclusive workplace promotes collaboration and mutual respect among employees, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. When employees feel valued and included, they are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.
4. Improving Reputation and Competitive Edge: Companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion enhance their reputation among clients, contractors, and the community.

Strategies to Promote Diversity in Construction Hiring

1. Revise Hiring Practices: To promote diversity, companies need to evaluate and adjust their current hiring practices. Traditional recruitment methods, such as word-of-mouth or relying on existing networks, often limit diversity. Instead, companies should expand their recruitment efforts to reach a broader and more diverse audience. Partnering with organisations that support underrepresented groups or participating in diverse job fairs can help attract a wider range of candidates.
2. Provide Diversity Training and Education: Education is crucial for fostering an inclusive culture. Training sessions for management and staff on diversity, unconscious bias, and inclusivity can help reduce discrimination and build understanding. Encouraging a “No Bystander” policy, where employees speak up against discriminatory behaviour, also promotes a more inclusive work environment.
3. Develop Mentorship Programs and Support Networks: Mentorship programs are an effective way to promote diversity and inclusion. Pairing new hires with experienced mentors helps build relationships and provides support, especially for minority employees who might feel isolated. These programs create a supportive network that helps retain diverse talent and fosters an inclusive workplace culture.
4. Regularly Review and Update Policies: Companies should regularly review their diversity policies to ensure they are effective and aligned with best practices. This includes assessing company culture, conducting employee surveys, and staying informed about the latest developments in diversity and inclusion.

Improving diversity in construction hiring is about more than just meeting legal requirements — it’s about recognising the value that a diverse workforce brings to the table. By actively promoting diversity, construction companies can enhance their competitive edge, foster innovation, and create a more productive and harmonious workplace.

Author: Alex Minett

Alex Minett is the Head of Global New Markets at Veriforce CHAS, the UK’s leading health and safety assessment scheme and provider of risk mitigation, compliance, and supply chain management services. With a working history in the audit and management consulting industry, Alex is experienced in implementing visions and strategies. Skilled in negotiation, management and business development, he is passionate about driving CHAS in its mission to safeguard organisations from risk in the UK.  

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In today’s news, “devastating” is how the chief executive officer of a building trade association described the failure of ISG, which may lead to the failure of other companies. During this time, re-flow was present at GroundsFest 2024, which is the most prominent landscaping and grounds management expo in the United Kingdom. Also, the first bison bridges ever built in the United Kingdom are currently being constructed in Kent woodland. In a case involving a $86 million scam, the United Kingdom has extradited a leader of a construction company to South Africa.

Construction Industry ‘devastating’ ISG Crash

Original Source: ISG collapse ‘devastating’ for construction industry

The CEO of a building trade association called ISG’s failure “devastating” and might lead to other firms failing.

Build UK CEO Suzannah Nichol told BBC’s Today programme that many smaller supply chain enterprises would not receive money, putting their survival at risk.

Workers and suppliers told the BBC they are “shocked” and “demoralised” by ISG’s bankruptcy.

The corporation with over £1bn in government contracts went bankrupt last week, laying off 2,200 staff.

Business Committee chair Liam Byrne was “deeply concerned” about what transpired.

ISG, owned by Cathexis, is the sixth largest UK construction firm by turnover, according to the Construction Index, external, with £2.2bn in revenues.

It built the 2012 London Olympics velodrome.

The company had been struggling financially for months, but rescue attempts failed.

‘I’m devastated’

ISG has employed Nottingham project manager Neil Hallsworth for almost 15 years.

He is “gutted” and feels “raw” after losing his job, but he is optimistic he can find another.

He says there were rumors on Thursday that ISG was in trouble, but “we were told, no jobs, no money” at 4pm on Friday.

Totally demoralizing. His disappointment is immense.

(“Some contractors are owed a fortune.”

In Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, Paul Margan operates a small family business that just finished an ISG order for over £20,000. He is terrified he will not be paid.

He stated ISG’s administration “shocked” him and was “really disappointing and demoralising”.

The government should tighten limits on when corporations can trade, he believes.

Mr. Margan believes “no doubt a lot of companies will go under” but believes his firm will survive.

In an unidentified BBC interview, another ISG supplier said the failure “would really hurt us” and they were due hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“I know of other contractors who are owed over £1m and I suspect some of them will go to the wall,” added.

The supplier said the shockwaves would affect the industry, but “given the big shortages in labour and skills in the sector, I’d expect most [ISG] employees to be OK”.

Construction ‘undervalued’

In an email to colleagues last week, ISG CEO Zoe Price blamed “legacy issues” from “large loss-making contracts” signed between 2018 and 2020.

Data analysts Barbour ABI found ISG worked on 69 government contracts, including Ministry of Justice jail refurbishment.

It was working on 22 MoJ projects, including a £300m Grendon Springhill 2 prison extension and a £155m three-prison expansion.

One MoJ spokesperson said the ministry has “robust contingency plans in place” to mitigate ISG’s collapse.

“We will collaborate with administrators to find alternative project delivery methods.”

In addition, Barbour ABI worked on 16 projects for the Departments of Education and Work and Pensions.

The previous Tier 1 major contractor to fail (Carillion in 2018) delayed works like the Royal Liverpool and Midland Metropolitan Hospitals by up to seven years, which must be included into the cost, said Barbour ABI analyst Ed Grifiths.

ISG’s collapse is the most high-profile in UK construction since Carillion’s administration in 2018.

With profit margins at 2%, its downfall is indicative of industry issues, say observers.

Ms. Nichol told Today: “People misjudge construction costs.

Since Carillion six years ago, there have been reforms, but not enough.

“We know construction has thin margins. Just one project going wrong and delayed can cause cashflow concerns “said.

“ISG had two major contracts which they started, mobilised and then were stopped by the client and that happens time and time again in construction.”

The failure of ISG could “imperil thousands of jobs” according to Liam Byrne.

“It’s why we’ve got to transform the quality of UK accounting so it once again provides the early warning system that investors, workers and suppliers deserve.”

Professional Landscapers Gather at GroundsFest 2024

Original Source: GroundsFest 2024: a hub for landscaping professionals

Re-flow attended GroundsFest 2024, the UK’s leading landscaping and grounds management show.

GroundsFest 2024, annually 10-11 September in the Coventry outskirts, has become one of the UK’s top landscaping and grounds management events.

While exploring new technologies, products, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Re-flow team met with old and new clients and loved demonstrating their field management software. They won another awards.

GroundsFest presentations were insightful.

This year’s program had two memorable speakers. The first, Protecting Pollinators, explored how landscapers may help bees and other insects. The panel discussed how careful management of native and non-native plants can produce healthy habitats in landscape designs. As climate change affects the normal cycles of critical species like bumblebees, plant diversity is essential for resilient ecosystems.

Their solution helps worldwide companies fulfill net zero commitments and reduce carbon emissions, according to Re-flow. The second session addressed landscapers’ greater role in climate change, in line with this motivation. Statistics and practical suggestions on how industry professionals may make a difference dominated the debate. The presentation recommended incorporating ecological methods into every landscaping project, from reusing soil to avoiding tree removals.

Catching up with clients and industry leaders at GroundsFest

The Re-flow display was busy throughout the event, with existing and new customers passing by to meet with the staff. Well-known companies like Wildside and Grove Ground Services visited to catch up and discuss the latest advancements. Even newcomers were excited to learn how Re-flow’s field management software might optimize their operations.

How Re-flow helps landscapers

Re-flow’s field management software helps landscapers solve their biggest problems. Inefficient paperwork, poor communication, and time-consuming manual processes plague many industry businesses. Re-flow’s digital platform helps teams manage jobs, schedules, and resources more efficiently, solving these difficulties and more:

• Re-flow allows customers upload job packs, forms, and papers to the app, minimizing office trips.
• The program alerts teams when cars or machinery need maintenance, assuring top efficiency and decreasing emissions.

These features save time and reduce unneeded travel’s environmental impact.

Award-winning presence

After two great days at the event, Re-flow won the award for best interior display.

GroundsFest 2024 again provided landscaping professionals with education, networking, and innovation. Re-flow used it to interact with the industry and demonstrate how our software is helping businesses adapt to an eco-conscious world.

First Bison Bridges in UK Being Built in Kent Woods

Original Source: UK’s first ever bison bridges under construction in Kent woodland

Bison can cross four bridges beneath public footpaths, and tourists can see them from above.

Once placed into a woods near Canterbury, Europe’s heaviest land mammals were expected to thrive and make room for other creatures.

European bison have thrived in West Blean and Thornden Woods, hence Britain needs its first bison bridges.

Four £1m bridges are being erected to allow introduced bison, who are hazardous wild animals in the UK, to travel the old forests’ tangle of public footpaths without interacting with people.

The one-ton bison will stroll beneath the bridges, with trails over the top keeping tourists apart and giving them a good view of the growing bison.

This pioneering restoration project by Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust released the bison herd into the forests near Canterbury in July 2022. Unbeknownst to the project, one of the three female bison was pregnant and gave birth fast. The herd now contains six bison, including a German bull and a calf born in the woods.

Bison have wandered 50 hectares (123 acres) of woodland since their release. The herd will cross 200 hectares on bridges supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Highways, the Michael Uren Foundation, Veolia Environmental Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, and private donors.

Bison, along with free-roaming pigs and ponies, are breaking up old conifer plantations to produce a more natural biodiverse woodland that stores more carbon for the Wilder Blean project.

European bisons are related to steppe bisons, which became extinct in Britain 6,000 years ago. Reintroductions from captive breeding populations in zoos have revived the European bison, which now roam freely in Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. The last wild bison was shot dead in the Caucasus in 1927.

Bison are ecosystem engineers: they peel bark from trees, creating deadwood that nourishes insects, birds, and bats, and they dust-bathe to build burrowing bug habitats. Trampling vegetation helps wildflowers by creating light and space.

In Romania’s Southern Carpathians, where a herd of 170 bison has been reintroduced since 2014, a study found that the animals capture 54,000 tonnes of carbon a year, nearly 10 times more than without them.

Kent Wildlife Trust thinks the bison introduction will inspire similar operations across Britain. Conservationists warn that bison’s continued classification as dangerous wild animals—requiring 27 miles of fencing in the Blean Woods complex and bridges to keep them away from the public—makes other rewilding and restoration schemes expensive. Bison interact with people in other nations, like on Dutch rewilding projects.

Simon Bateman-Brown of Kent Wildlife Trust said: “Our wildlife is in trouble, and we need to think differently about how we deliver conservation projects in the UK to change our future. Wilder Blean is a groundbreaking proof of concept project, and we are paving the way to make it easier for other organizations to reproduce.

“We know miles of fencing and bridges prevent rewilding projects, but we must show what can be done to advocate for change. Bison are no more harmful than domestic animals and roam freely in public in other countries.

Our long-term goal is to remove the steel fencing and control the herd with electric fencing, but until the government makes rewilding legal, we will continue to advocate for initiatives like this so they can be replicated.”

The bridges have planning approval and the first two should be finished this year.

Article updated 20 September 2020. Instead of the Wildwood Trust, the Woodland Trust was credited with the repair.

Construction Boss Extradited to South Africa in $86m Fraud Case

Original Source: UK extradites fugitive construction boss to South Africa in $86m fraud case

More than three years after his April 2021 arrest in London, UK, former Tubular Construction chairman Michael Lomas was extradited.

The South African Times claimed that he arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in a wheelchair under heavy police escort.

He was sought for fraud and bribery during the construction of the enormous Kusile coal-fired power facility in eastern Transvaal.

‘Fled the nation’

South African Police Services spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told AFP: “Lomas was an Eskom contractor and is wanted for fraud and corruption in excess of 1.5 billion rand [$86m] that happened between 2008 and 2018 at Kusile Power station.”

She said he altered contracts. He escaped to the UK after being detained and granted bail.”

In December 2019, South Africa indicted Lomas and four others: two ex-Eskom executives and two businessmen.

Lomas was granted £100,000 bail with a £250,000 surety after his 2021 London arrest.

After South African authorities argued they could supervise Lomas’ mental health, a London court determined this month that he may be extradited.

Eskom executives Frans Hlakudi and Abram Masango, businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana, and Tubular Construction CEO Antonio Trindade are charged.

South African authorities allege that Trindade and Lomas bribed Eskom administrators with $1.7m apiece, causing supplier overpayments and power station price increases.

Power issues

The South African government began auctioning property confiscated during its probe into Kusile project misconduct in April.

In 2008, South Africa began a program to reduce electricity shortages that caused frequent blackouts.

Meanwhile, Eskom began building the Medupi power station in Limpopo.

Both would feature six 800MW turbines, increasing the country’s installed capacity by 9.6GW.

It resolved supply issues, but both projects experienced labor unrest, absenteeism, violence, flawed design, poor craftsmanship, and widespread corruption.

It took 16 years for Kusile to add its fifth unit to the South African grid, increasing its total production to 4GW. The sixth turbine should be synchronized in November.

The Kusile project is estimated to cost $8.7bn, up from $3.9bn in 2007.

The World Bank loaned $3.8bn and the US Export–Import Bank $806m to meet the original price.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the BBC was informed by employees and vendors that they are “shocked” and “demoralised” by the bankruptcy of ISG. Last week, 2,200 employees were laid off after the company that had contracts worth over £1 billion from the government went bankrupt. Liam Byrne, who chairs the Business Committee, expressed “deeply concerned” at the events that unfolded. While this is happening, one of the best landscaping and grounds management events in the UK, GroundsFest 2024, will be held on September 10th and 11th in the suburbs of Coventry. Meeting with both existing and potential customers, the Re-flow team delighted in showcasing their field management software as they investigated novel goods, services, and chances for practical learning. One another accolade came their way. Bison, who are invasive and potentially dangerous wild animals in the United Kingdom, will be able to cross the maze of public pathways in the old woodlands thanks to four bridges that will cost £1 million. Tourists will be able to see the one-ton bison as they meander beneath the bridges, with pathways leading up to the bridges providing a barrier and a great vantage point. Apart from that, ex-Tubular Construction chairman Michael Lomas was extradited almost three years after he was arrested in London, UK in April 2021. According to the South African Times, he was accompanied by a large number of police officers when he arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in a wheelchair.

In today’s news, we will look into the construction business in the United Kingdom uses collaborative contracting. During this time, Severn Trent has begun construction on the first operational ozone wastewater site in the United Kingdom, which is located in South Warwickshire. Moreover, Mediaworks has formed a partnership with a major construction materials supplier in the United Kingdom. In addition, Baroness Thornhill asserts that the United Kingdom is “not capable” of meeting housing targets because of the issue in the construction sector.

Contractor Collaboration in UK Construction

Original Source: Collaborative contracting in the UK construction industry

Mark Macaulay applauds the UK construction industry’s move from conflict to cooperation. Before being considered collaborative, several standard form contracts need work.

Collective contracting in the UK construction industry marks a change from adversarial to integrated and cooperative interactions. This transformation has been encouraged by publications, contractual frameworks, and industry initiatives that identify the benefits of collaboration in building project success.

Rethinking Construction, the 1998 Egan Report, was one of the first and most impactful change reports. Sir John Egan’s assessment on the UK construction industry’s inefficiencies advocated customer happiness, integrated processes, quality, and people. This report’s plea for collaboration paved the way for future contractual procedures.

Early supplier engagement, long-term relationships, and collaborative approaches improve public construction project performance and sustainability, according to the December 2020 Government Construction Playbook, which outlines key policies and guidance for procurement and delivery. The Playbook promotes commercial models with shared risk and reward structures that encourage collaboration, innovation, and performance.

Standard form contract collaboration evolution

The New Engineering Contract (NEC), first published in 1993 and now in its fourth version, pioneered collaborative contracting in the UK. An “early warning” system and risk register in the NEC contract suite encourage transparency and collective risk management to help parties communicate and address difficulties.

NEC contracts also provide key performance indicators and multi-party collaboration to promote collaboration across the supply chain. The NEC’s collaborative spirit was used in the London 2012 Olympics and Crossrail.

The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contracts have been slower to adopt collaborative contracting, with some critics arguing that its lump-sum, design-bid-build foundations make them prone to conflict. The JCT Constructing Excellence Contract’s partnering charter promotes collaboration. It has also required project team members to work together in good faith, trust, and respect in its recent contracts.

However, JCT contracts are not yet truly collaborative, so parties using them must add bespoke clauses or agreements to create the necessary collaborative framework.

Individual partnership agreements include the Framework Alliance Contract (FAC-1). Standard form FAC-1 permits multi-party alliances and was introduced in 2016. It’s designed for diverse procurement and contractual setups. An umbrella agreement can merge numerous contracts and participants in a project or series of projects.

It allows parties to collaborate on goals, manage risks and opportunities, and set up early warning and problem-solving systems. FAC-1 can be used with other contracts to form a multi-party alliance that aligns contract goals and encourages project collaboration.

Integrating collaborative teams

For Egan’s worries, the construction industry has developed “deeper,” more integrated types of collaborative contracting than industry standard forms. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) promotes stakeholder engagement and integration from the start.

It aligns team members’ interests, objectives, and practices to maximise project results, owner value, waste reduction, and efficiency throughout all project phases. IPD is still evolving as a delivery method, but it typically involves a multi-party contract, shared risks and rewards based on project outcomes, joint project control and decision-making, a focus on efficiency and innovation, early key participant involvement, and collaborative tools and Building Information Modelling.

Collective contracting called alliancing has been utilised to undertake complicated, large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK where disputes are likely and integrated teamwork is essential. The client (project owner), contractors, designers, and key suppliers form an alliance. All partners agree to work as one integrated team, aligning interests and sharing project risks and gains. Continuous improvement and innovation processes are commonly included in alliance agreements to improve project value and outcomes.

The Northern Line Extension (extending the London Underground’s Northern Line to Battersea) and the Anglian Water @One Alliance (to design and build water and wastewater infrastructure) demonstrate how alliancing can improve efficiency, innovation, and project outcomes.

Project 13, another UK integrated collaborative approach, is growing. This industry-developed delivery model improves infrastructure delivery and management. Project 13 creates an organisation with an integrated team (owner, investors, integrator, advisers, and suppliers) to deliver the project instead of using standard contracts. The model encourages a flat, networked structure that supports knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving across the enterprise. Decisions are made with a long-term value perspective, considering the infrastructure’s whole life cost and benefits rather than just the initial capital cost.

Project 13 emphasises teamwork, shared goals, and long-term value, but it is not alliancing.

However, Project 13 represents a cultural and operational change in project conception and delivery.

Conclusions

The UK construction industry has adopted collaborative contracting to accomplish projects more efficiently, cheaply, and well.

Several UK projects have employed collaborative contracting successfully. The NEC contract helped the Olympic Delivery Authority and its supplier chain deliver the London 2012 Olympics on time and within budget. Crossrail, one of Europe’s greatest infrastructure projects, uses NEC contracts to manage its complex stakeholders and job packages.

These examples proved the value of collaborative contracting and urged the industry to adopt it. Collaboration demands a culture shift and a willingness to try new methods. This strategy demands confidence, open communication, and a shared goal, not just contract form changes.

In South Warwickshire, Severn Trent builds the UK’s First Ozone Wastewater Plant

Original Source: Severn Trent starts construction of UK’s first operational ozone wastewater site in South Warwickshire

UK’s first “pioneering” operational ozone wastewater treatment plant is being built by Severn Trent.

The corporation is investing £78 million to “help boost river health and move stretches of river to bathing quality standard” with the technology.

At the Frankton wastewater treatment complex in Warwickshire, enormous gas cylinders containing ozone (O3) gas have been placed, a first in the UK.

Severn Trent claimed the nearby river will receive “highest standard” cleaned water.

A typical drinking water disinfectant kills algae, iron, manganese, micro-pollutants, and medicines.

The company’s Green Recovery program includes building two further plants in Ludlow and Warwickshire by March 2025.?

Severn Trent project manager Wilfred Denga said: “Our ambitious spills program, massive investments, and innovative technologies lead river health.

“Using ozone to treat wastewater could revolutionise wastewater treatment, and this is an exciting step in our work.

In Warwickshire and Ludlow, we’ll test the technology for the first time.

“That’s exceeding expectations and helping rivers and the environment. Ozone treatment cleans the water even further, helping us construct bathing rivers.”

Severn Trent’s £78 million investment in river bathing quality has included massive storage tanks, separate waste networks, and innovative wastewater treatment.

It will improve bathing quality on the River Leam and River Teme by 2025, benefiting the River Avon.

Mediaworks Collaborates with UK Building Materials Giant

Original Source: Mediaworks partners with UK construction materials supply giant

The UK’s leading building materials supplier, Travis Perkins, is partnering with Mediaworks.

A comprehensive SEO strategy to increase organic traffic, ecommerce revenue, and trade account customer acquisition for Travis Perkins has been developed and implemented by Newcastle-HQ’d Mediaworks, which has offices in Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Travis Perkins’ trade-focused audience will grow through the agreement, cementing its market leadership. Mediaworks began resolving crucial technical SEO issues to improve Travis Perkins’ website for the newest search engine algorithm upgrades.

Mediaworks has developed a strategy that examines the objective behind every search, ensuring Travis Perkins is visible at every stage of the purchase journey and cementing its market authority.

This foundational work is crucial for continued optimisation efforts and includes the formulation of a long-term strategy for faceted navigation, which will greatly improve keyword targeting breadth,» said Jack Minott, organic search director at Mediaworks.

Mediaworks uses a digital PR (DPR) approach to boost brand awareness and engagement. Focussing on sports, travel, and lifestyle interests helps boost brand awareness among trade buyers.

Mediaworks is working with Travis Perkins to build a seamless omnichannel experience to compete with a changing market place. This will boost brand visibility and ensure on-site content earns search engine rankings and conversions.

To better serve trade customers, Travis Perkins is constantly improving its internet presence. We can refine our SEO approach and improve our digital experiences using Mediaworks’ knowledge. Carine Jessamine, Travis Perkins’ marketing and digital director, said this collaboration will improve our ability to address consumers’ changing demands and provide them with the relevant products and information swiftly.

SEO is crucial to the partnership’s goal of commercial value. Mediaworks’ goal is to boost Travis Perkins’ e-commerce sales and customer satisfaction.

Mediaworks CEO Brett Jacobson said: “Mediaworks was built on SEO expertise and we are delighted to welcome Travis Perkins into our client base…. We can assist Travis Perkins reach its ambitious goals by focussing on its trade audience’s needs and creating a targeted content and keyword strategy.

Matt Aitken, Travis Perkins’ head of digital, said: “We’ve been looking for a partner who can boost our organic traffic and understand our industry and trade audience. We’re excited to see how Mediaworks’ approach matches our goals.”

Construction Worker Shortage Prevents UK from Meeting Housing Ambitions, Baroness Thornhill Warns

Original Source: UK ‘not capable’ of hitting housing targets due to construction workforce crisis, Baroness Thornhill says

Baroness Dorothy Thornhill warned the Liberal Democrat conference on Sunday that a construction workforce shortage makes the UK “not capable” of building 300,000 homes per year.

In a discussion on the housing crisis and building hurdles, the former Liberal Democrat mayor of Watford remarked, ‘we have a construction worker crisis, shedloads are going to be retiring in the near future, and new people are not coming forward’.

When asked why governments have struggled to reach housing targets, she added, “There isn’t a simple answer”.

“It’s a very complex and complicated issue,” she added, citing the planning system, nutrient neutrality, land use, land value, green belt utilisation, density, build-out rates, and nimbyism.

“The bottom line is there is no quick fix,” she stated. We can’t leave it to the giant house builders; we need to get SMEs, councils, housing associations, and self-build back in the game.

“All those things and how we build are crucial. We must examine modern construction processes and their barriers, Baroness Thornhill stated.

Her belief was that the UK could not produce 300,000 homes a year and was “nowhere near” the Liberal Democrats’ 380,000-home ambition.

Baroness Thornhill said, “Where is the workforce strategy? Is Labour’s workforce strategy where? Our workforce strategy—where?

Without qualified personnel, efforts to improve other aspects become insignificant.

She added there should be additional planning officers, site workers, and “everyone in between”.

Inside Housing promotes social housing as a place to work and helps people discover and build employment at housing associations and councils through its Housing Hires campaign.

Peter Taylor, the mayor of Watford, said Labour’s investment of 300 planning officers was a “good start” but did not cover every municipality at a previous session on building. “We need more planners,” he remarked.

The discussion also addressed housing supply and investment issues.

The newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham, Sarah Gibson, told delegates that her inbox was full of emails from homeless people and social tenants “who are really suffering from a lack of investment and poor funding of housing associations”.

Ms. Gibson said: “The other part of my inbox, which is hugely full of course, is those residents of social housing who are really suffering from a lack of investment and poor funding of housing associations, [which] are therefore unable to meet their targets for renewing housing, communicate with their residents on a regular enough basis, and deal with some of the maintenance issues, some of which are quite, quite complicated

She also slammed a “1950s” and “out-of-date” planning system for preventing new housing construction.

Many of us in this room believe that more housing needs to be created, but we’ve been talking about this for 15 years and have housing targets for a long time, and nobody ever meets their targets.

“This is for a good reason. Currently, the local authority has the housing objective, thus they have the stick.

„But they are not in a position to carry it out, because our volume house builders have the authority and ability to build those houses once they have planning permission.”

We were “kidding ourselves” when there was no planning reform that took some power “out of the hands” of house builders and put it “back into our democratically elected local authorities”. Angela Rayner, the housing secretary, is deceiving herself if she thinks she can meet housing targets.

Early in the event, Peabody managing director for south London Wells Chomutare told delegates the landlord was “ready and able” to create more houses, but associations required more funding.

The “challenging” economy put providers under “stress” and residents under financial strain, he said.

We can deliver the needed dwellings, he claimed. But that costs, and rising loan rates have made it tough.

“Housing associations have supported home delivery. We’ve built 3,700 social homes in the last two years, and each takes 60 years to pay for itself. So you see the issue.

“How do you close that gap? That gap between when that house pays for itself must be filled.

“We need more financial capacity for development.”

At its Brighton conference, the Liberal Democrats’ leader was questioned about his party’s nimbyism after he defended “community-led” development.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the advent of collective contracting in the United Kingdom’s construction sector heralds a shift from competitive to cooperative dynamics. Publications, contractual frameworks, and industry initiatives have all contributed to this shift by highlighting the importance of teamwork to the completion of construction projects. The “pioneering” ozone wastewater treatment plant in the United Kingdom is now under construction by Severn Trent. In order to “help boost river health and move stretches of river to bathing quality standard” using the technology, the business is investing £78 million. On top of that, Mediaworks has partnered with Travis Perkins, the preeminent UK supplier of construction products. The Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh-based SEO firm Newcastle-HQ’d Mediaworks has devised and executed a full-scale plan to boost Travis Perkins’ organic traffic, ecommerce income, and trade account client acquisition. Also, the UK is “not capable” of constructing 300,000 homes annually due to a lack of construction workers, as Baroness Dorothy Thornhill cautioned at Sunday’s Liberal Democrat convention.

In today’s news, we will look into the one of the longest rail bridges in the United Kingdom has been finished by HS2. During this time, the former Emap couple achieved income of more than one million pounds for the second year with a free construction B2B title. In addition, the “rotten culture” of the building sector is being confronted by the Grenfell Tower incident.

Longest Rail Bridge in UK Completed by HS2

Original Source: HS2 completes construction of UK’s longest rail bridge

The firm responsible for monitoring the controversial high-speed rail project claimed the end of construction marked “the culmination of more than ten years” of work.

The last deck component of the 3.4km Colne Valley Viaduct was lowered into place, completing construction of the country’s longest rail bridge as part of the UK’s HS2 high-speed rail project.

The bridge, one of the largest pieces of infrastructure created for HS2, will transport trains across the valley near the M25 motorway and has taken little over two years to complete, with construction beginning in May 2022.

Undertaking the final deck segment of the Colne Valley Viaduct’s installation today signifies the completion of over a decade of preparation, engineering and building, according to Billy Ahluwalia, senior project manager at HS2 Ltd.

“Congratulations to the hard-working crew for constructing the longest railway bridge in the UK and the longest bridge on HS2.”

The 3.3km Tay Bridge will be replaced as the UK’s longest by the new rail bridge, which will enter the rail systems installation phase as part of HS2’s preparations to launch full services in 2033.

During the construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct, a launcher of 160 meters in length was utilised to lower the specially engineered deck segments into position, which totalled 1,000 pieces spread across 56 piers.

After HS2’s ten-mile tunnel under the Chiltern Hills and the remainder of the main construction phase is complete, the region will be transformed back into chalk grassland and forest.

The HS2 project has been dogged by debate over cost, timeliness of delivery, and environmental impact since its inception in 2009, so any positive development regarding the bridge’s completion will be greatly appreciated.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that a parliamentary committee subsequently declared the project to have been “very poor value for money” due to the fact that former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak terminated plans to extend the high-speed railway line from London and Birmingham to Manchester, thus scrapping half of the project.

Free Construction B2B Title Helped Former Emap Pair Earn £1m+ for Second Year

Original Source: Former Emap pair hit £1m+ revenue for second year with free construction B2B title

The Construction Enquirer says “providing a valuable service to a specialised sector can still pay off”.

14 years after its co-founders started it, a UK construction sector B2B newsbrand has topped £1m in revenue for the second year.

Aaron Morby and Grant Prior were editor and news editor at Emap-owned Construction News for nearly 20 years before leaving in 2007 when the publisher hired new staff.

After several years of freelancing, they started the Construction Enquirer in 2010 with some of their payoffs.

Only its website and newsletter are free to read.

Google Analytics shows the Enquirer gets 1.7 million monthly page views from 400,000 unique users, making it the most-read construction sector title, Prior told Press Gazette.

Similarweb also ranks the Enquirer first with 825,500 visitors (93% UK) in August. Construction News, Morby and Prior’s former company that Metropolis bought, was on 254,100 but has a paywall.

Since launch, the Enquirer’s daily email newsletter has had 43,000 subscribers and an average open rate of 50% (email open rates should be taken with a grain of salt due to Apple changes in recent years, but Prior did say anyone who doesn’t open the newsletter for three months is taken off the list).

“When Construction News was at its peak in the mid-1990s, I think it had a print circulation of 40,000, which was always considered the highest number of people you could reach in the industry,” he said. “We get that daily.”

Since 2011, when the Enquirer earned £18,000, Prior claimed it had grown “steadily” commercially. Its low cost base allowed it to generate a pre-tax profit when it crossed £1m in March 2023 and £1.1m last year.

Only Prior and Morby, who work from home, are editorial employees. Two freelance salespeople and a tech person help.

Prior: “We had a very simple idea: it was just to take the old B2B magazine model and put it online.”

He stated the key distinction was that they concentrated on news rather than features and comment.

“I never felt prissy about folks reading trade magazines for two hours a day—it’s nonsense. Google Analytics shows how long people spend on stories. They want accurate, fast information.”

Prior added: “We knew news was important in construction because it’s always been a news-driven industry, and when we saw traditional titles shift from news to features and events, most of them became events businesses, not media companies. We drove through that.

“I appreciate the premise, but if your core product, like the magazine, dilutes to such a little size people, there’s no kudos, therefore we opted to stay out of events. Our crew is too tiny and expensive.”

The newsletter contains the six or seven most important news stories of the day, according to Prior. We deliver those swiftly because we gambled years ago that people’s attention spans were shortening, and it worked out.”

Prior added that all their ad sales are done directly to industry clients, promising a “very focused” audience willing to click on things they think will improve their firm.

To distinguish editorial from paid content, the Enquirer offers online and newsletter ads and email blasts distinct from the morning newsletter. They also avoided pop-up and native adverts that “annoy the reader”.

“Everything we’ve always done has been based on just transferring old school print stuff online: news, advertising, keep them separate, write good stories,” he said.

“Our advertisers return because everything’s measurable, so we send them clickthrough and page impression metrics. All of them are high and enjoy it.”

Prior indicated that others may easily follow suit to build their own incumbent rivals in diverse industries due to lower start-up costs than when print was the primary medium.

Says: “There’s a lot of negative talk about the death of journalism, but knowing your market and providing a valuable service to a specialised sector can still pay off.”

Frugal and Hostile: Construction Industry’s ‘rotten culture’ Faces Grenfell Reckoning

Original Source: Penny-pinching and adversarial: construction industry’s ‘rotten culture’ faces Grenfell reckoning

Construction is facing a reckoning after the Grenfell Tower fire public inquiry’s scathing conclusions and the potential of criminal prosecutions against key actors.

The 2017 catastrophe that killed 72 people was caused by a “rotten culture in the construction industry” with repeated supply chain failures, according to engineer Dame Judith Hackitt, who conducted a building safety study following Grenfell.

The inquiry report, released on Wednesday, detailed multiple failures in the construction industry, council, regulators, and central government and “provides all of the evidence and more to reinforce the messages that I gave about the state of that culture in the industry back in 2017.”

She added: “This issue goes beyond cladding and insulation. An industry that fails to provide quality homes for people to live in.”

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the chair of the public inquiry into the disaster, found “systematic dishonesty” by Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex, makers of cladding panels and insulation products, in his 1,700-page report. According to the investigation, Studio E, Rydon and Harley Facades, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s building control department contributed to the fire.

The findings revealed the construction industry’s structural issues, including its fragmentation, competition, and blame-shifting. On razor-thin margins, contractors and subcontractors depend on each other and suck out profits.

Subcontractors on construction sites have progressively increased since the 1980s, but specialist work has always been subcontracted to experts.

In her 2018 study, Building a Safer Future, Hackitt found a “system failure” and criticised the industry’s focus on speed and cost over safety. She also cited misunderstanding over stage positions and obligations.

At Applied Value, construction analyst Stephen Rawlinson said: “Always in the construction industry, everybody looks at the other guy and says, ‘It’s his fault, right?’ The Grenfell line seems to have issues throughout.

“A lot of it goes back to people wanting cheap buildings.” Construction enterprises have tiny operating margins (2% to 3% in contracting), which might affect conduct.

Due to financial cuts from industry training boards and schemes, Rawlinson said the industry had a surprising lack of skills and expertise since the 1980s. He also noted a wave of deregulation since the mid-1990s and remarked, “All this existed in the 1980s.” The inquiry report recommended building safety improvements.

Moore-Bick’s report criticised Cameron’s “bonfire of red tape” deregulation. The regulator British Board of Agrément, which certifies construction materials as safe, was called “incompetent”.

The 1921-founded Building Research Establishment examined items and provided safety certificates, but it was privatised in 1997 and the government reduced its fire safety recommendations. Rawlinson said testing was “now more of a self-regulating environment”.

Grenfell Tower’s cladding and insulation were combustible. The probe found that Arconic, Celotex, and Kingspan had “deliberate and sustained strategies to manipulate the testing processes, misrepresent test data and mislead the market”. Companies objected.

The study slammed the architect, principal contractor, and cladding contractor. Studio E, a former architectural firm, “demonstrated a cavalier attitude to the regulations affecting fire safety” and failed to recognise the combustible cladding.

The Grenfell disaster was the deadliest tower block fire, following the 2009 Lakanal House fire, which killed six, and the 1991 Knowsley Heights fire in Liverpool.

In 2020, the government required housebuilders to pay into a building safety fund to rectify fire safety issues with external cladding in high-rise skyscrapers taller than 18 meters (59ft) in England.

Aerated concrete, a popular material that could collapse, caused a new catastrophe last year. The government ordered more than 100 English schools to close light concrete buildings built between the 1950s and 1990s.

In 2008, construction workers were blacklisted for being union activists who voiced health and safety concerns, one of numerous scandals in the industry.

Private finance initiative (PFI) scandals plagued the building industry. The early 1990s PFI plan was scrapped in 2018 after intense battles over its exorbitant costs and design and structural flaws.

Until procurement processes prioritise quality, Hackitt believes cutting corners will persist in many locations.

Building Safety Act 2022-driven reform was promising, she said: “We are starting to see some of the big players certainly take the lead.” She added, “Far too many [industry] people are still dragging their feet.

We must be able to raise the bar and standards by recognising those who do the right thing and naming and shaming those who don’t.”

With the Labour government eager to start a housing boom and efforts to make existing homes more energy-efficient and carbon-efficient, improving standards is crucial.

The trade body Construction Products Association said, “Whilst we recognise the very worst of the culture and practises reflected in the Grenfell tragedy, we see an industry that over the past seven years has been changing and has a desire to demonstrate that it can be trusted to deliver safe and high-quality buildings for those who live and work in them.”

The industry group created a building product information code to ensure proper marketing. It reported that an official British standard to improve building procurement, design, construction, and inspection was nearing completion.

Hackitt’s 2018 review created the building safety regulator and the Office for Product Safety and Standards. Now there are proposals for a global regulator to improve accountability.

Head of policy and market insight at the National Federation of Builders Rico Wojtulewicz said: ‘When you read the Grenfell report, it’s obvious that there is a mismatch between building control, designers, contractors and others; what we really need to do is ensure that everybody knows who is accountable for what, and that is something that really needs to be firmed up’

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the contentious high-speed rail project’s overseers asserted that the completion of construction was “the culmination of more than ten years” of labour. At the same time, “providing a valuable service to a specialised sector can still pay off” according to the Construction Enquirer. For the second year running, a business-to-business newsbrand in the UK construction sector has generated more over £1 million in sales. The company was founded 14 years ago. In addition, the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster reached harsh conclusions, and important players in the industry may face criminal charges. As a result, the construction industry is preparing for a reckoning. According to Dame Judith Hackitt, an engineer who oversaw a building safety investigation in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, a “rotten culture in the construction industry” with recurring supply chain failures was to blame for the 2017 disaster, which killed 72 people.

In today’s news, following Brexit, the government of the United Kingdom will implement a plan to remove CE marking from building materials. During this time, Ecclesiastical advises care concerning construction projects that are being undertaken by independent schools. Further, Bouygues UK and Skanska UK are working together to build aspirations in the construction industry for students in Tewkesbury. The government of the United Kingdom has also committed to resolving hundreds of house construction projects that have been blocked.

Post-Brexit UK Government Shelved Promise to Remove CE Marking from Construction Items

Original Source: UK government shelves post-Brexit plan to remove CE marking from construction products

The UK Labour administration, which took power this summer, has halted plans to remove CE certification from building products.

The previous Conservative administration planned to move from Europe’s CE (Conformité Européenne) mark to the UKCA mark once the UK left the EU. Government guidance required CE marking of UK-destined building products by June 2025.

However, Rushanara Ali, parliamentary secretary of state for building safety and homelessness, declared yesterday (2 September) that the government would extend CE marking for construction materials.

Ali explained his judgement, “We listened to the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime. This showed that the UK alone lacks the testing and certification infrastructure to assess conformity if CE recognition ended.

We are also convinced that eliminating CE marking without revising the domestic regime would create trade barriers and reduce the availability of items that fulfil standards.”

The announcement preceded the Grenfell Inquiry report, due tomorrow (4 September). Ali said the government sought to address “inadequacies” in the building products regime but would consider Inquiry recommendations.

She said, “I am making this extension, and the longer-term future of CE/UKCA marking, conditional on this government committing to a system-wide reform of the construction products regulatory regime.”

She added any CE marking recognition modifications would require a two-year transition period to offer supply chains confidence.

Construction items must undergo a standard or technical assessment under the current regime. These products must have a UKCA or CE mark.

Ecclesiastical Warns Prudence as Autonomous Schools Build Structures

Original Source: As independent schools embrace construction projects, Ecclesiastical advises caution

New Ecclesiastical Insurance research shows that many independent schools are building new buildings using current methods.

Ecclesiastical advises brokers to discuss project risks with clients and the significance of early insurer consultation.

The speciality education insurer found that 81% of independent schools are building or planning to build new structures.

Ecclesiastical urges brokers to underline the necessity of consulting insurers early in new construction projects and for schools to be aware of the dangers.

The study of 250 UK independent school leaders indicated that 19% are building new buildings and 47% aim to do so within one to five years. Extra 15% plan construction projects beyond five years.

Ecclesiastical encourages brokers to notify clients that insurers consider fire resistance and business continuity, while building laws prioritise life safety. Early insurer interaction is vital because building materials may save money in the short term but increase insurance costs in the long term.

Independent schools aim to invest in MMC (27%), solar PV to battery storage (26%), and sustainable buildings (26%), according to the survey.

The independent education sector prioritises energy economy and sustainability, but Ecclesiastical warns that some sustainable materials may be flammable, increasing dangers.

As a prominent UK insurer of independent schools, Ecclesiastical Insurance is committed to assisting the sector, according to client segment director Laura Carter (shown above). She stressed that brokers assist schools evaluate risks and get enough coverage.

Carter stressed the significance of early interaction with all parties, including insurers, when developing new school buildings or sustainability programs to mitigate risks.

Bouygues UK And Skanska UK Lift Tewkesbury Students’ Construction Goals

Original Source: Bouygues UK And Skanska UK Build Aspirations In Construction For Tewkesbury Pupils

Bouygues UK, which is creating the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, and Skanska UK are showing Tewkesbury youngsters local construction projects and alternative vocations.

Tewkesbury, which will open in Spring 2025 with 136,000sq ft for 56 high-quality retail and food and beverage firms. The British Army’s vehicle hub in Tewkesbury is being modernised by Skanska UK.

Two construction firms agreed to collaborate on STEM engagement using ‘Building Aspirations’ sessions to promote the construction industry and career paths to adjacent Tewkesbury Academy and Alderman Knight School.

Nick Toulson, Bouygues UK’s social value advisor for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet project, said it is a great example of competitors working together to increase local learning opportunities and showcase construction careers.

According to him, two tier one construction businesses in Tewkesbury are collaborating on significant building contracts in close proximity. After talking at the school’s professions fair, Bouygues UK, Skanska UK, and Tewkesbury Academy agreed to try combined delivery to improve student learning.

Since we both work with the same educational audience to encourage STEM involvement, the construction industry, and career paths, it makes sense. It’s been terrific working with Skanska and has helped our kids.”

Skanska UK Trainee Quantity Surveyor Alex Green said, “It has been a rewarding opportunity to shine a light on the diverse range of careers and opportunities in the construction industry. As a degree apprentice, I’ve been able to discuss my way into the business, which is growing more popular as an education option. Working with Bouygues UK has been fun, and I think we’ve introduced young people to our industry.”

Four workshops have been offered to 100 students through the cooperation.

The group achieved the following goals by participating in a Building Aspirations session and presenting the local building projects of Bouygues UK and Skanska UK:

• Lay down the building’s background
• Emphasise available jobs both now and in the future
• Describe how the student’s education is important
• Emphasise the role of mathematics in building

Bouygues UK also taught two groups of primary school students at Abbey View School Building Aspirations and Construction Challenge Lessons, and Year Five at Carrant Brook Junior School two Construction Management Challenge activities.

Kelly Jefferies, Mathematics and Design Technology Lead, Carrant Brook Junior School, said: “The students were engaged and enjoyed both sessions. These STEM chances are rare for schools, therefore it was a great experience for the kids. Construction went well. All youngsters were engaged and it was a great high ceiling low threshold workout that challenged all abilities.”

Bouygues UK works with the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Gloucester and Tewkesbury Job Centres as part of its SWAP strategy to improve the social value of the community where it works.

Job seekers 16 and older who are receiving benefits can apply through the sector-based work academy programme (SWAP). Pre-employment training, on-site training and mentoring, a short work placement, and a guaranteed job interview or application assistance are included in this six-week program.

UK Promises to Restart Hundreds of Housing Projects

Original Source: UK government pledges to unblock hundreds of stalled housing construction projects

The goal is to re-start hundreds of sites all around England with building.

A group from the Ministry of Housing and the housing agency Homes England will collaborate with local councils as part of the strategy to speed up the construction of partially built or projects that are currently delayed in the planning process.

To “lend a helping hand to frustrated housebuilders and local communities who want to play their part to get Britain building again,” the government is planning to implement the so-called New Homes Accelerator.

Two hundred big sites have blueprints, either in outline or detailed form, but development has not yet begun, according to government data. It asserted that when combined, they may open the door to 300,000 additional homes.

The report highlighted three potential locations that, once developed, may provide access to almost 10,000 new dwellings: Stretton Hall in Leicestershire, Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community in Essex, and Biggleswade Garden Community in Central Bedfordshire.

Aiming to construct 1.5 million additional dwellings during the subsequent five years, the newly formed Labour administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined this goal in its 2024 platform. The prior Conservative administration set an annual goal of 300,000 new dwellings but fell well short of that mark.

Some in the industry have voiced doubts about the target’s feasibility, and latest data from the Office of National Statistics shows that just 38,400 new homes were finished in Q1 2024. At the current pace, little over half of the government’s target—154,00 completions—will be achieved by year’s end.

In order to gauge the scope of the problem nationwide, the government recently announced that it has issued a call for evidence, requesting information from landowners, local authorities, and housebuilders on blocked sites with major planning issues.

“The failure to ensure the development system is functioning as it should has delayed the delivery of tens of thousands of new homes for far too long,” Rayner added.

We will not hesitate to step in when necessary, and our government has a moral duty to do all in its ability to help people get the houses they so desperately need.

“In order to help local authorities and developers get shovels in the ground, our New Homes Accelerator will quickly identify blockages, fix problems, and provide support.”

A major limitation on house development has traditionally been the planning process and all that goes along with it, according to David O’Leary, executive director of the Home Builders Federation. The administration’s eagerness to get to work fixing things in the weeks following the election is encouraging. Uncertainty abounds in the process due to understaffing in the planning department and conflicting motivations for several public agencies and statutory consultees. This poses a great deal of danger, which in turn causes building timelines to lengthen and presents significant obstacles, especially for smaller and medium-sized home builders.

New home construction can pick up speed and the housing market can recover if planners take a more realistic approach. New, more affordable housing for young people can be a boon to growth and job creation when homes are unlocked and new communities are delivered. There are many moving parts in the housing market, and we’re excited to collaborate with the government to make sure everything is running well.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed an attempt to decertify construction materials as not meeting certain standards has been shelved by the newly elected UK Labour government. Concurrently, recent studies conducted by Ecclesiastical Insurance reveal that a large number of independent schools are constructing new facilities utilising modern techniques. Skanska UK and Bouygues UK, the latter of which is building the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, are also exposing young people in Tewkesbury to local building projects and alternative careers. Further, as part of the plan, a team from the Ministry of Housing and the housing agency Homes England will work with local councils to expedite the building of half-finished or postponed projects.

In today’s news, we will look into the construction company Legendre UK has been appointed by W.RE to work on the Parsons Green office complex. In the meantime, geospatial innovation is making it possible to install wind turbines offshore. Also, has the Building Safety Act caused the building business in the United Kingdom to become more fragmented?

W.RE Hires Legendre UK for Parsons Green Office Projects

Original Source: W.RE appoints construction firm Legendre UK on Parsons Green office scheme

Construction firm Legendre UK has been appointed by developer W.RE and joint venture partner Taurus UK to lead the development of a new 46,000 sq ft high-quality office scheme at 14-16 Peterborough Road in London’s Parsons Green following a single-stage tender.

Designed by TateHindle architects, the proposed sustainable commercial office development will feature six floors of flexible office and amenity space, spanning from the basement to the fourth floor. The building will include accessible roof terraces on the third and fourth floors, with planting across levels two to four. Fitted out to CAT A specification, the new building will emphasise sustainability with a robust, independent energy strategy, including air source heat pumps, PV panels, and abundant natural light.

The site will be delivered in line with W.RE’s commitment to sustainability through design, ensuring that the building is built to last and equipped to meet future demands. These high sustainability criteria are aligned with the growing tenant demand for high-quality office spaces.

The project will involve the demolition of the existing office block on site, with the new development retaining the existing party walls and targeting BREEAM Excellent.

Situated in the heart of Parsons Green, the building offers South West London residents high-quality, well-connected office space, catering to the growing demand for workspaces within walking distance of home and local amenities. The site is in a prime location, with easy access to New King’s Road and Parsons Green, including green spaces, leisure and retail facilities, and transport links to Central London.

Legendre UK will act as the main contractor on the scheme and will also be a co-investor with works starting on site in August this year. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2026.

Andrew Haines, COO of W.RE, said: “This investment will transform a prominent site in Parsons Green, providing much-needed high-quality office space in a sought-after South West London location. Partnering with Legendre UK we will deliver a best-in-class, sustainable building that meets the growing demand for workspace outside of central London’s historic core.”

Nick Jacobs, Managing Director of Taurus UK, said: “We are really pleased to be committing our investment to great partners to create a relevant and much-needed development.”

Thomas Vandecasteele, Managing Director at Legendre UK, said: “This appointment builds on Legendre UK’s expertise in delivering complex commercial schemes across London, continuing to strengthen our co-investment strategy alongside key and trusted partners, which we started in 2021 on Dockley Road and continued in 2022 on Sheepcote Road. Acting as both contractor and co-investor demonstrates the added value that Legendre UK can bring.”

Tanguy Guerer, Head of Pre-Construction at Legendre UK, said: “We are delighted at the opportunity to work with W.RE, following a competitive single stage tender. Our proposed value engineering included in our tender were well received by W.RE, allowing us to maximise cost efficiency on the project whilst still ensuring a high-quality outcome.”

Innovative Geospatial Technology Enables Offshore Wind

Original Source: Geospatial innovation paves the way for offshore wind

With its “Whole of Seabed” approach, the Crown Estate plans seabed use in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A world first, geospatial innovation simplifies complex and competing needs, improving planning decisions.

Seabeds and shorelines in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are managed by the Crown Estate. Through green energy, economic growth, and biodiversity and marine environment protection, it aims to create the world’s most sustainable and attractive marine economy and environment.

Whole Seabed uses Esri’s GIS (Geographical Information System) technology to develop scenarios that consider offshore wind, carbon capture, telecoms, and minerals on the seabed up to 2050 while safeguarding the environment.

Global offshore wind leader

The Crown Estate has helped the UK become a global leader in offshore wind development, which powered 50% of UK homes last year.

The government established a Crown Estate-Great British Energy agreement in July to produce 20-30 GW of offshore wind power.

The decision accelerates sustainable energy infrastructure delivery, helping millions of households and businesses nationwide.

Prioritising data ensures the Crown Estate spatial planning system accurately represents environmental, industrial, and social interests and restrictions.

To assess cost, constraint, displacement, and other criteria, scenarios are contrasted in a dashboard.

Crown Estate Marine and Digital teams built the system, which combines data from over 250 sources for scenario planning for a variety of marine sectors.

Based on solid facts, development decisions

According to Michelle Moore, Crown Estate spatial planning director, “Advanced Esri spatial analysis tools allow us to tackle complex, multidimensional problems in an open and transparent way.” Development decisions must be based on robust data as the seabed becomes busier.

„Our unique capacity to plan for the long term and engage a wide range of stakeholders helps us balance all interests to achieve the best net zero, ecological, and economic growth outcomes.”

One of the world’s premier geospatial industry events, the Esri annual User Conference in California, awarded the Crown Estate initiative a Special Achievement in GIS Award.

Esri founder and president Jack Dangermond chooses award recipients for geospatial leadership and GIS innovation.

The marine spatial planning pioneers are a worthy winner because their work is vital to the nation.

Green energy transition geospatial innovation

Gus Jaspert, Crown Estate managing director, marine, said geospatial innovation is enabling the estate to balance a green energy transition to net zero and nature recovery while establishing a vibrant maritime industry.

We’re thrilled to earn this award, which recognises our world-leading spatial analysis utilising Esri software and our continued investment in digital technology and capabilities. It helps make sense of complicated and competing seabed needs, improving national planning decisions.

The independent Crown Estate oversees a £16bn portfolio that includes the seabed and much of the coastline in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, urban centres, and development opportunities.

It manages its portfolio to address national issues like net zero, energy transition, biodiversity, and nature recovery.

Did the Building Safety Act Break the UK Building Industry?

Original Source: Has the Building Safety Act fractured the UK construction industry?

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) went into effect in April 2024 after the transitional period. It followed the Grenfell tragedy and sought to remedy the flaws revealed by the ensuing enquiry and deal with the legacy of dangerous high-rise residential structures developed over the years, which was difficult.

It also seeks building safety improvements. The implementation has been difficult for regulatory authorities and construction experts as they manage new standards and project ramifications.

It adds numerous new provisions, including:

• New Health & Safety Executive role: ‘Building Safety Regulator’ Broad powers include Building Control for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
• Introducing a new regulatory regime for the design and approval of high-risk buildings with clear information flow and a ‘golden thread’ that runs through the lifecycle of a project allows all key decisions to be traced and information to be passed on from conception to delivery and maintenance and operation.
• New positions and responsibilities for construction project delivery, including a Principal Designer for Building Regulations.
• Building regulations approval and inspection reform.
• The introduction of these sensible policies is widely supported. However, they were placed onto an unprepared sector that is now battling to understand what is expected and how to meet it. We also found that many of these procedures and concepts apply to all building projects, not just high-risk ones.

Problems begin throughout design. Many experienced, qualified architects cannot obtain Professional Indemnity insurance (PI insurance) at fair commercial rates for fire safety and cladding design at renewal. They are writing to inform their clients and withdrawing specifics on these crucial elements.

The demand rise has left fire engineers busy if not overwhelmed. This is due to the shortage of certified fire engineers and rising demand for fire engineers earlier in the design and development cycle.

Fire engineers advise project teams on fire strategy and building requirements Approved Document B or BS9999. However, it is rare that they would provide explicit direction on how essential fire-resistant building fabric elements will interact and operate. Instead, specialist installers and suppliers are relied on more.

On passive measures, designers refer to manufacturer product information and test data, which the project architect must choose and specify (a genuine difficulty when they cannot secure PI insurance and exclude responsibility). On active systems, manufacturers and installers supply and install their items but do not advise or guarantee how they will affect the structure. Fire strategy will determine how these parts work.

There are many standardised systems for passive systems like fire-rated plasterboard ceilings and walls that have been tested for new builds, but few for major refurbishment projects, especially in historic buildings. Project teams must add structures to accommodate fire-rated components in these cases. Any ‘non-standard’ building technology, such as SIPs or glulam primary support structures, adds complexity and cost that can make many projects unviable.

Some argue that the business has fragmented because several parties to a project now take responsibility for individual parts. Project managers must weave these pieces together to ensure that all parts are covered and that the “golden thread” of information flows through a project to meet the fire safety strategy. BSA does not envision this position. The insurance sector won’t let the architectural profession lead, even though the government hoped it would.

BSA may have had the biggest impact on construction in a generation. It will be uncomfortable to adjust to the new standard. To ensure strong collaboration at all levels, the project team must work together more in this new reality. It necessitates closer collaboration with regulatory agencies and construction control than before. Teams should hire additional fire stopping/compartmentation and active fire suppression professionals early on. The design and fire strategy must include these from the start. Opening up old construction during pre-construction can resolve numerous refurbishment questions. Contractors no longer assume design-and-build risks with little knowledge. Clients must actively supply safe structures due to the risk profile and accountability.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, after just one round of bidding, developer W.RE and joint venture partner Taurus UK selected construction firm Legendre UK to spearhead the creation of a brand new, state-of-the-art office property spanning 46,000 square feet at 14-16 Peterborough Road in London’s Parsons Green. The sustainable commercial office building, planned by architects TateHindle, will include six stories of basement to fourth-floor flexible office and amenity space. On the third and fourth stories, there will be rooftop terraces that are accessible, and from the second to the fourth, there will be landscaping. At the same time, the Crown Estate oversees the coastlines and seabeds of the United Kingdom, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It seeks to build the most sustainable and appealing marine economy and environment in the world through the use of renewable energy, increased economic activity, and the preservation of marine life and ecosystems. In addition, during the transitional phase, the Building Safety Act of 2022 (BSA) was implemented in April 2024. It was an attempt to address the legacy of hazardous high-rise residential buildings that had grown over the years and to fix the problems found by the subsequent investigation into the Grenfell disaster.

In today’s news, in spite of its youth, artificial intelligence will boost building efficiency and innovation. McLaren Construction has formed a partnership with Clarus, a connectivity specialist, in order to provide satellite connectivity across all of its locations in the United Kingdom. In addition, Carluv, a company established in the United Kingdom, is expanding its global presence as Nigeria increases its demand for construction machinery.

Construction AI benefits: A Key Player in the Industry’s Future

Original Source: The benefits of AI in construction: A vital cog in the industry’s future

Technology and politics have changed construction in the previous two decades. We’ve had smartphones and the capacity to email images to and from site, political decisions changing our workforce supply, wars affecting material costs, and many other distractions.

AI is quite new. AI will improve construction efficiency and creativity despite its youth. Let’s examine our situation.

Current Construction AI Status

Some say the sector needs a wake. BridgeAI innovation head Dr. Claire Morris said “construction has been identified by the UK government as one of the sectors low in terms of AI maturity but high in growth potential”.

Kate Currie, business development executive at the Science & Technology Facilities Council Hartree Centre, which develops digital solutions for UK productivity, added: “AI has revolutionised other industries. Construction must not be neglected. There are intriguing applications in health and safety, process management, resourcing, and project planning.

Pros and disadvantages

The London ExCel trade event FutureBuild 2024 featured a lecture titled For Better or for Worse: The Role of AI as an Industry Disruptor, which examined AI industry discussions.

Mike Moseley, Innovate UK building knowledge transfer manager, summarised the five essential talking points:

• Sector-specific AI plan: To promote “collaboration among construction firms, tech companies and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide standards for AI infrastructure”, the country requires a national AI strategy targeted to the construction industry.
• Consent and privacy: AI’s efficiency benefits must be balanced against privacy concerns. There is a great need for “individual privacy and consent, especially in projects involving personal data or sensitive information” and “clear guidelines and frameworks for data protection”.
• Financial institution education: The AI adoption journey of banks and financial institutions should be studied. “These sectors have already addressed data security, privacy, and AI ethics”.
• Government backing: For the common good, the public sector must manage the ship and channel money through Innovate UK. “Public sector initiatives connect technology to practise. These organisations boost AI acceptance and innovation by sponsoring, guiding, and supporting.

• Balancing climate goals and legislation: AI “in support of sustainability efforts” should be considered when balancing climate goals and legislation. We must balance “regulatory compliance and innovation”. The discussion highlighted incentives for green technology and AI energy efficiency solutions.

Current construction AI applications

Gallagher reported that AI is changing construction project planning, management, and execution by analysing massive volumes of data, automating processes, and improving efficiency.

Let’s discuss particular AI uses.

Project design and management

Traditional architects and engineers spent a lot of time hand-drawing plans and designs. Advanced AI-powered software now creates exact, comprehensive 3D models that meet project specifications. This method speeds up design, reduces errors, and improves structural visualisation.

Construction scheduling and resource allocation optimization

AI algorithms predict delays and provide alternatives to meet project deadlines by assessing historical data, weather trends, and other factors. This proactive approach saves construction firms time and money.

Management of quality and safety

AI-powered drones with cameras and sensors monitor construction sites in real time for risks and flaws.

This system improves worker safety and detects faults early, avoiding costly rework.

Managing and analysing data

Construction projects create lots of data, from blueprints and specs to machinery sensor data.

AI algorithms can evaluate this data to find patterns, trends, and insights to improve decision-making and process optimization.

AI can identify maintenance needs from equipment performance data, minimising downtime and improving efficiency.

Improved communication and collaboration

Chatbots and virtual assistants answer questions in real time, saving time.

AI project management technologies automate meeting scheduling and reporting, letting managers focus on key responsibilities.

Choose Re-flow for digital transformation.

Construction may be one of the least digitised businesses, but there are good reasons why it has been sluggish to adopt new technologies. In an essay for GT Market Intelligence, senior market analyst Michael Urie warned that even little mistakes can have big consequences in most construction processes.

As such, there is often little appetite to move away from established tried and proven ways of doing things, even when breakthrough technologies can bring large rewards.”

Another tech innovation: field management software

Re-flow enables various AI integrations. Configurable digital forms, AI reporting, and the dashboard optimise workflows, distribute information and data efficiently, and automate repetitive operations to let workers focus on their core job.

It eliminates data silos and promotes business-wide data exchange by gathering and structuring data sets.

Re-flow also uses AI reporting to graph and chart field data. Customizable AI dashboards visualise data, making insights easier to draw and share.

UK locations Get Satellite Connectivity from McLaren Construction and Clarus

Original Source: McLaren Construction Partners with Connectivity Specialist Clarus to install Satellite Connectivity Across UK sites

McLaren Construction, a leading UK construction firm, has teamed with Clarus Networks Group to install Starlink satellite connection. This alliance provides high-speed internet with little set up time, improving worksite productivity, safety, and security.

In 12 months, Starlink satellite technology has been the main communication technique for UK McLaren construction projects. Clarus Networks Group instals robust, controlled internet connectivity for crucial construction activities and new technology like real-time monitoring and AI.

McLaren Construction’s technology has changed with Starlink. Starlink provides fast, reliable internet for digital tools and real-time communication. McLaren can maintain robust connectivity from day one on-site, even in rural or greenfield locations, with this technology.

As McLaren approaches £1 billion in revenue and its major projects increase, digital transformation is crucial. Management of projects and corporate monitoring by senior managers require rigorous processes. McLaren must comply with building safety laws and use digital information management for design, procurement, change control, and quality control.

Starlink integration boosts productivity and reduces IT service disruptions in the agile cloud-first architecture. Innovative AI technology can improve onsite health and safety, site CAD model production and sharing, and site, management, and client communications, creating a seamless experience for all.

Starlink has increased McLaren’s onsite connectivity, overcoming terrestrial networks’ stability and resilience in remote places. Starlink uses thousands of nearby satellites to give a high-speed connection. Due to closeness, data transfer is rapid and lag-free.

McLaren IT Director Daniel Blackman said: “We have invested in our people, skills, and tools to improve digital construction delivery across the board. The surge in data generation and consumption at our construction projects requires a modern IT architecture with new communication options. Clarus’ Starlink installation at our facilities has enabled continuous data transfers and online service access while guaranteeing a smooth IT experience, enabling McLaren to innovate and adopt.

Derek Phillips, Managing Director of The Clarus Network Group, said: “Our partnership with McLaren marks a significant milestone in shaping the construction site of the future, where technology works seamlessly alongside those on site, encouraging the highest standards and unlocking transformative developments across the board

“Clarus was founded nearly a decade ago to meet the need for reliable on-site communications. Starlink gives even remote places lightning-fast speeds, empowering leaders like McLaren to improve all aspects of their sites and projects.

Carluv Drives UK Construction Machinery Exports to Nigeria

Original Source: UK Construction Machinery Exports to Nigeria Soar with Carluv Leading the Charge

UK-based Carluv Expands Globally as Nigeria Gains Construction Machinery Demand.

The UK’s construction machinery export business is growing as Nigeria’s construction industry demands high-quality equipment. Carluv, a reputable UK company, leads this area in construction machinery exports to Nigeria. This shows the developing trade link between the UK and Nigeria and Carluv’s commitment to African infrastructure development.

Nigeria’s construction sector is growing rapidly due to urbanisation, government spending, and private sector demand for modern infrastructure, according to industry experts. This spike has increased demand for trustworthy construction machinery, making the UK a top exporter due to its quality and endurance. Carluv has taken advantage of this opportunity by tailoring its bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and vehicles to the Nigerian market.

Carluv and Nigerian construction enterprises are benefiting from their strategic relationship. Nigerian enterprises gain from cutting-edge machinery that boosts productivity and efficiency, while Carluv strengthens its global supplier position. This collaboration supports the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) trade priorities, which emphasise building economic links with growing markets like Nigeria.

Carluv’s success is due to its customer care and after-sales services, as well as construction machinery demand. The organisation inspects, services, and prepares all machinery exported to Nigeria for rapid deployment. Carluv also provides technical support and maintenance to its Nigerian clients to ensure seamless operations.

Carluv CEO Eric Muhanji was excited about the increasing Nigeria collaboration. “We are proud to lead the UK’s construction machinery export industry. We provide top-notch machinery and service to Nigeria’s construction industry, which is booming. We want long-term partnerships with Nigerian partners and to help strengthen its infrastructure.”

Carluv’s success in Nigeria is part of a bigger trend where UK companies are seeking to Africa for export expansion. UK businesses may capitalise on Nigeria’s growing construction industry with government backing and initiatives like the DIT’s export plan.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed a key component in the future of the building industry: the advantages of AI. Over the past 20 years, the building industry has been impacted by political and technological shifts. Many factors have diverted our attention, such as the proliferation of cellphones and the ability to send and receive photographs via email, shifts in the availability of workers due to political decisions, and the impact of war on material costs. Also, the Starlink satellite connection has been installed by McLaren Construction and Clarus Networks Group, two prominent UK construction firms. Boosting efficiency, security, and safety on the job, this partnership offers lightning-fast internet with minimal setup time. In addition, the demand for high-quality equipment in Nigeria’s building industry is driving growth in the UK’s construction machinery export business. When it comes to exports of construction machinery to Nigeria, the market leader is Carluv, a respectable UK firm. This exemplifies Carluv’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure in Africa and the growing trade connectivity between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

In today’s news, we will look into the YardLink’s Neeral Shah examines the customer service fall that the UK construction industry has seen and how it might be improved. In the meantime, recent findings indicate that the construction industry in the United Kingdom is on the verge of becoming a significant contributor to the pollution caused by plastic. In furtherance of this, Mace will be in charge of the management of prices, projects, and programs for the most recent consultant frameworks developed by Southern Construction Framework (SCF). Furthermore, the underlying profit margins of the UK Construction division of Balfour Beatty increased to 2.3%, which is an improvement from the 2% the division had achieved in the first half of the previous year.

Customer Experience Change can Revive Construction

Original Source: Construction can boost its revival with a customer experience transformation

YardLink’s Neeral Shah discusses UK construction’s customer service slide and how to improve it.

We’re happy the construction sector grew in 2024’s second quarter following six months of decline. After a tough period, S&P Global’s purchasing managers index score rose 0.5 points to 50.2.

Conversations with supply chain vendors and contractors raise concerns about this growth’s sustainability. The diminishing quality of customer service is a common complaint.

We hear from more stakeholders that they can predict service disruptions. I worry because construction won’t grow without good customer service. Businesses must maintain healthy relationships to grow. We must change this.

Dropping customer service quality

Several years of tough business have contributed to this industry-wide customer service decrease. Construction companies had major challenges during the epidemic, energy crisis, and recession. Easy to appreciate.

However, such circumstances can lead to falling too far behind in other areas. That can lead to long-term customer service issues. Compared to other industries, construction’s Net Promoter Scores show this.

Financial services, technology, and manufacturing have NPS exceeding 60. These scores indicate some client satisfaction in particular industries. Construction is 37, down 23 points from 2023.

These industries have faced similar strains as construction in recent years. How have they kept customers happy and why has construction lagged?

The industry is poised for a digital revolution.

I believe technology has caused the stark contrast between construction and other businesses. Banking, with an NPS of 73, uses modern customer experience technologies. However, YardLink found that 65% of construction companies employ outmoded procurement methods.

Our research found that 25% of procurement managers reported receiving unpleasant or poor treatment from industry suppliers. Another 30% were affected by broken or unsanitary equipment. These inefficient customer service methods lower quality.

Over 25% of our survey respondents reported service delays, which affected their experience. A third said a lack of digital tools and innovation was their main concern.

The industry is causing a problem that will worsen unless we act. This growing moment should be a turning point. Industry is poised for a digital revolution.

Starting a bigger innovation movement

Construction firms can adopt CRM and customer support tools like HubSpot or Zendesk, used in other industries. They will have consolidated customer relationship platforms. Many communication processes will be automated and project stakeholders will collaborate better.

These platforms can also help customer connections by creating single sources of truth. Digital client touchpoint data—project progress monitoring, communication channels, questions, and service requests—can be harmonised. This streamlines crucial information access, improving accuracy and customer service.

This requires bold thinking. Construction has become so entrenched that many can’t envisage it otherwise. We must imagine an alternative future for our sector to discover a better way.

Construction can become like Deliveroo or Amazon, where clients can order with confidence and convenience. Communication, tracking, and transparent issue resolution are available.

As in banking and other industries, technology may improve construction client experiences. Construction firms can improve customer service by providing centralised sources of truth via digital platforms.

Now, the industry must be bold and conceive a new model to succeed. Digital change is essential. Through it, we can all grow in a changing corporate environment.

UK Building Plastic Trash Grows 15 Times Faster than EU

Original Source: UK construction industry’s plastic waste growing 15 times faster than EU

New data shows that the UK building industry is soon to become a major plastic polluter.

The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) found a stunning increase in UK construction industry plastic waste using European Commission statistics.

The building and construction business, the second-largest end-user of plastics, has been disregarded while the packaging sector has been the main source of plastic pollution.

Oliver Lawton, Co-founder of CuSP and Managing Director of Lawton Tubes, said: “The research confirms the shift we have seen anecdotally in recent years, with suppliers and manufacturers drawn to cheap plastic materials that are unsuitable.

Contrary to plastic producers’ assurances about their products’ lifetime, construction polymers typically perform poorly compared to traditional constructional materials, resulting in breakages and failures that offset their immediate cost savings.

Most plastic garbage from a building is transferred to a landfill, exported, or burnt. Low recycling rates require new plastic products, creating a linear cycle of manufacturing, usage, and trash.

A substantial spike in UK construction plastic trash

On average, plastic garbage surged 210% every two years between 2004 and 2018.

This increase in construction-related plastic trash is 15 times faster than in other European countries, where it averaged 14%.

Plastic trash rise averaged 4% per two years across all UK industries, highlighting the construction sector’s disproportionate impact.

Low recycling rates worsen it.

Construction plastic recycling is shockingly low. Europe recycles barely 3% of post-consumer polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most common plastic.

Plastic composites like multilayer composite pipe (MLCP) are rarely recycled since separating their components is difficult.

In contrast, construction metals like steel, copper, and aluminium recycle over 70%, illustrating the industry’s material sustainability gap.

CuSP co-founder Andrew Surtees said: “In the plumbing sector, manufacturers have pushed newer products like MLCP, a composite pipe that cannot be recycled, as a sustainable option for installers and homeowners when the opposite is true.

Most construction polymers are marketed as recyclable, however only classic structures with a long history of recovery and recycling will be created with recycled material and recycled.

“Phasing out plastics in favour of fully recyclable materials with proven sustainability credentials remains one of the biggest opportunities for sustainable growth in the sector,” as the UK construction industry falls further behind in its net zero promises.

The UK construction industry needs to adopt more sustainable methods due to the rapid increase in plastic waste and low recycling rates for PVC and MLCP.

As plastic pollution awareness grows, the construction sector must prioritise recyclable materials and invest in creative waste management solutions.

Thus, it can lessen its environmental impact and lead the UK towards a more sustainable future.

Reappointed Mace for Public Sector Construction Strategy

Original Source: Mace reappointed for public sector construction framework

Mace will lead cost, project, and program management for Southern Construction Framework (SCF)’s latest consultancy frameworks.

Any southern England public sector entity can hire Mace for any project, property, and asset consultant services through SCF.

From project start to finish, services include planning, urban design and master planning, development consultancy assistance, strategic advisory services, multi-disciplinary design, and decarbonation and sustainability advice.

The structure also includes Corstorphine & Wright architects. Multi-disciplinary project delivery commissions can be placed with both suppliers.

SCF operations lead for south-east and London Adam Sanford FCIOB said: “We will provide public sector bodies with great value. The SCF Consult team can help public sector groups in health, education, leisure, and local government manage policy review with the new parliament.

“Our teams have delivered fantastic work through the SCF frameworks, ranging from theatres, research and police facilities, schools and hospitals that have helped communities thrive,” said Daniel Easthope, managing director for property UK and Europe at Mace Consult.

We are thrilled to be reappointed to SCF Consult and look forward to working with Corstorphine & Wright to improve regional delivery.”

Construction Margins Rise at Balfour Beatty in UK

Original Source: UK construction margins edge-up at Balfour Beatty

After coming in at 2% in the first half of last year, Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction division saw an improvement to 2.3% in underlying profit margins.

The division’s revenue fell little to £1.46 billion from £1.5 billion, while the profit from underlying operations increased to £34 million from £30 million.

As the UK Construction order book stayed constant at £6.1bn, Balfour attributed the decrease in revenues to decreased volumes from the nuclear new construction project at Hinkley Point C.

As a whole, the group’s pre-tax profits increased to £98 million from £97 million in the six months ending June 28, 2024, on the back of a rise in turnover to £4.7 billion from £4.5 billion.

The earnings-based businesses of the Balfour Beatty Group have maintained their growth trajectory in the first half of 2024, according to Leo Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of the Balfour Beatty Group. This has increased the Group’s profitability and cash generation, and the businesses are making excellent progress in securing the work that will lead to even more profitable growth in 2025 and beyond.

The new government’s reaffirmation of commitments to vital national infrastructure bodes well for the Group’s selected growth markets, where our expertise is in the delivery of complicated infrastructure projects. This is especially true in the United Kingdom. Balfour Beatty’s potential in these areas gives the Board hope that the Group can keep providing substantial and appealing returns to shareholders in the years to come.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we are pleased to report that, after six months of decrease, the construction sector experienced growth in the second quarter of 2024. Purchasing managers’ index scores for S&P Global improved by half a point, reaching 50.2, following a challenging period. In the meanwhile, according to data provided by the European Commission, the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) discovered a startling surge in plastic waste from the UK construction industry. Additionally, through SCF, any public sector institution in southern England can employ Mace for project, property, and asset consultancy services. On the other hand, the Group’s chosen growth markets should be optimistic in light of the new administration’s pledge to invest in critical national infrastructure. We are experts in completing complex infrastructure projects. The UK is a prime example of this. Given Balfour Beatty’s capabilities in these domains, the Board is optimistic that the Group will be able to continue delivering attractive and substantial returns to shareholders going forward.

In today’s news, we will look into the EN:Build director Richard Greenwood cautions against making pledges without having a plan in place. The guarantees made by Labour are providing the construction industry with a much-needed lift. With the election-related slowdowns having receded, the construction industry in the United Kingdom experienced its fastest growth rate in over two years during the month of July. In addition, the government allocates thirty-two million pounds to artificial intelligence projects that aim to improve public services and productivity. Lastly, the Labour Party in the United Kingdom has pledged to construct 1.5 million homes during its first time in office. To do this, it suggests implementing planning reform and setting local housing targets.

Future of Construction: Are Labour’s Promises Fanciful?

Original Source: The future of construction: Are Labour’s pledges more fantasy than fact?

Labour’s commitments are giving the building industry a much-needed boost, but EN:Build director Richard Greenwood warns against promises without plans.

Labour has promised to reform the building industry since winning the general election.

From building 1.5m grey belt homes to developing new towns, Labour’s objectives only benefit the construction, housing, and social housing businesses.

Starmer’s flagship planning update lacks specificity, which is crucial.

Construction pledges from Labour are on track.

First, focusing on property and construction in the national agenda is good. It’s about time that all the proper individuals are talking about our difficulties, and I’m impressed by Labour’s focus.

Choosing Angela Rayner as housing, communities, and local government secretary was a major move. Radical social housing improvements require someone who has experienced social housing and cares about making high-quality stock available and available for families that need it. How can you convince others to transform this industry as drastically as needed without empathy for the challenges? Correct, Starmer.

Finally, Labour’s campaign promises are optimistic. Reintroducing housing targets for local authorities and supporting planning officer recruitment are particularly welcome, as is an early review of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, I doubt these objectives will be realised.

Fundraising and recruitment may be difficult.

Not for the first time since the new government took office, manifesto pledges have lacked clarity. Almost everyone agrees that a housing and planning revolution is needed, but how and with what money is my concern.

Labour would fund 300 new planning officers to reduce planning delays. Nonexistent people cannot be hired. That is, the sector doesn’t have a glut of planners waiting for jobs. The problem is education and making it appealing to young people, which takes time. How and when the government will do this is needed.

Only 11 recognized planning apprenticeships exist worldwide, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute. We need to do better to tackle the recruiting challenge.

Money is another major issue with Labour’s pledges. Since we’ve gone down this path before, without concrete funding routes, people will struggle to support him. Not fast enough, but I expect Starmer to divulge more on funding in the Autumn Statement. By delaying the details, Labour will lose industry support, so acting now will strengthen its position against naysayers.

Housing is central, but not the only one.

To contradict myself, we need details to deliver these pledges, but we also need the larger picture.

How about roadways and drainage? Planning reform and housing targets are most important. We intend to revolutionise the planning system to develop 1.5m new dwellings, but they all need infrastructure and utilities. The local government highways departments will build new roads to connect these residences to communities, not planners. We lose sight of the whole process by focusing on one part.

The planning skills gap isn’t unique. Air source heat pumps will exacerbate the property and construction sector’s skills crisis. Skills and people from training and education are needed to implement these sustainable solutions quickly.

If any of these initiatives are to succeed, we must work together. We want a building boom, but the supply chain must be ready or it will fail before it begins.

Great to hear everyone talking about house building positively for the first time in years. I hope we can achieve what has been set forth, but until we see the blueprints to back the commitments, I’ll be cautious.

UK Construction Sector Grows Fastest in 2 Years

Original Source: UK Construction Sector Growth Fastest In More Than 2 Years

As election-related slowdowns subsided, the UK construction sector grew at its best pace in over two years in July, S&P Global reported on Tuesday.

The headline S&P Global Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index unexpectedly climbed to 55.3 in July from 52.2 in June. The reading should drop to 51.0.

The score showed five months of development and the biggest improvement since May 2022.

July saw growth in all three construction sectors. Housing projects grew again. Commercial business also expanded strongly, but civil engineering work grew the fastest in almost two-and-a-half years.

New orders drove construction growth. Orders rose the most since April 2022.

In July, firms increased spending and hiring due to higher workloads. Purchasing activity rose the most in almost two years.

July saw no change in supplier lead times after 16 months of improvement.

Input cost inflation increased as suppliers raised prices due to higher demand. The fastest input cost growth in 14 months was joint. Subcontractors raised rates moderately again.

Firms remained hopeful about activity rising next year, but morale fell to a three-month low.

AI to Cut Train Delays, Speed Up NHS Prescriptions, and Train Construction Workers Earns £32 Million

Original Source: AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost

AI projects to boost productivity and public services receive £32 million from the government.

Many companies exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to improve construction site safety, shorten railway maintenance time, and reduce supply chain emissions will get £32 million in UK Government funding.

Today (7 August), the government announced nearly 100 groundbreaking projects that would get funding as it uses AI to increase productivity and economic growth for everyone.

Over 200 firms and research organisations from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will get financing for 98 projects to improve efficiency and reduce administrative duties in public services.

AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:

• AI will improve public services and enhance the UK economy for working people.

• We must support programs like this to eliminate train delays, find new ways to maintain our important infrastructure, and make it easier for patients to acquire their medications.

• I believe projects like this will help us achieve our goal of using technology to accelerate growth and transformation across the board.

V-Lab Ltd. received £165,006 to develop AI-powered construction training software. Their solution uses immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to instruct workers on risk assessments and safety regulations, ensuring the UK has a qualified workforce to build infrastructure.

As part of the government’s effort to construct a modern NHS, pharmacies that supply prescriptions nationwide will receive this funding. A project managed by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside shops and the NHS to increase the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms. The technology will match store and hospital delivery demands to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving patient experiences.

Hack Partners will also spearhead the creation of an automated system to monitor, manage, and discover rail infrastructure faults nationwide, transforming railway maintenance and inspection. This is a major advance for the British public, improving railway efficiency and safety for rail users.

The financing announced today will support solutions in ‘high growth’ industries, ensuring AI drives productivity and efficiency across critical economic sectors. Cambridge-based Monumo received £750,152 to create electric vehicle motor designs. Their 3D Generative-AI Tool will increase sustainability in commercial transportation, flying, and power generation.

Ongoing work on bringing these new technologies to life as winning teams create ways to deliver cost-cutting, efficiency-boosting advantages across the UK.

In logistics, Robok Limited is developing their SeeGul AI solution to monitor efficiency, manage resourcing, and discover bottlenecks that reduce output in warehouses and storage facilities. Kelp Technologies is working with Depop and Selfridges on real-time pricing and market trend analysis to simplify second-hand garment pricing. The concept will save shops time and money and boost the second-hand clothes market, decreasing waste and carbon emissions.

UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Dr. Kedar Pandya said:

• All UK nations will benefit from AI innovation and economic growth in a variety of high-growth industries.
• They complement existing UKRI Technology Missions Fund initiatives that are using AI and other disruptive technologies to promote UK growth and productivity.

Today’s backing puts UK AI innovation at the core of the government’s productivity revolution objectives to boost economic development. The UKRI Technology Missions Fund funds winning initiatives to ensure UK leadership in developing and future AI technologies. The projects are supported by the Innovate UK BridgeAI program, which provides access to training, scientific expertise, AI advice, and increased engagement between businesses and developers.

After the King’s Speech, the government pledged to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ with a series of new Bills to promote sustainable growth through industry, skills, and new technology.

Drones Could Revolutionise Building, Boosting UK Housing

Original Source: Drones could revolutionise the construction industry, supporting a new UK housing boom

UK Labour promises to build 1.5 million houses in its first term. It proposes planning reform and local housing targets to achieve this. However, emerging technologies have received little attention.

UK construction could be transformed by drones. However, our new ACM Journal on Responsible Computing study shows that UK commercial drone deployment policies are still confusing and contradictory.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are remote-controlled flying machines with cameras or sensors. Drones can monitor construction sites, assess safety, and move heavy goods up to 20kg.

They can perform some building activities cheaper, safer, and better than humans. Drones could reduce construction worker falls from heights, the primary cause of fatalities. They can also reduce nighttime site monitoring costs and undertake safety inspections over wide areas, helping maintain energy pipelines and other infrastructure.

Despite these benefits, the UK’s drone policy is a patchwork of local bylaws, national legislation, and preserved EU restrictions, making it complicated for companies.

A corporation must register a 250g drone, train pilots, obtain insurance, and get Civil Aviation Authority operating approval to fly it in a busy urban area. This requires flight planning, risk evaluations, and other administrative tasks.

Companies must then address privacy, data, harassment (for drones with cameras), noise, and human rights laws, including worker redundancy or reskilling.

Lifting rules, worker health and safety standards, and building material transit laws apply to drones in construction. Some laws vary locally, nationally, and internationally.

This makes construction companies’ regulatory burdens heavier, making operations harder. The CAA’s licensing process for higher-risk commercial use situations can delay significant construction projects. The approval or denial of projects is not transparent, leaving businesses confused about their investments until approval.

New framework

Our paper offers a nationwide commercial drone deployment framework that includes all benefits and dangers under one law. Some use cases, especially regional ones, should be greenlit fast and by default, even for larger drones.

In dangerous situations, drone pilots should waive line-of-sight regulations. This could improve workplace safety by letting drones function without workers following them into unsafe circumstances.

The law must safeguard birds, bats, butterflies, and bees, especially endangered species, as well as humans.

If drones carry chemicals or other hazardous materials, their environmental impact and fire risk must be assessed.

For faster approval, the UK government could use its scientific and technical skills to create how-to instructions, compliance manuals, and other aids.

These resources would spread industry best practices. Companies should be able to operate in specific zones without significant documentation using off-the-shelf flight paths, algorithms, and APIs.

Internal drone “elevators” to lift heavy objects between levels at construction sites should be planned.

Unifying laws

National legislation might bundle all drone risk mitigation efforts under one law. This would handle privacy, noise, safety, human rights, and the environment simultaneously.

This would include noise profiling to ensure city drones meet noise limits. It would also clarify corporate drone use allowed and banned. A new commercial drone regulation might include technical restrictions, safety features, privacy protocols, and cybersecurity measures to prevent hackers.

The present drone laws assume a human controls the drone’s flight. As AI grows more integrated into decision-making and autonomous, it will need regulation.

Who is accountable if a control program fails? What disclaimers are needed? Another factor is that AI uses statistics over limited data. This implies they may never meet ISO safety standards, which are crucial for the construction industry.

Using drones in UK construction might boost a new housing boom by making it cheaper, safer, and more efficient. However, the government must embrace this technology revolution and strengthen drone policy and regulation to enable future advances.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed after capturing the general election, the Labour Party pledged to overhaul the construction industry. Construction, housing, and social housing companies are the only ones that stand to gain from Labor’s goals, which include creating new towns and constructing 1.5 million homes for those in the grey belt. Crucial detail is missing from Starmer’s flagship planning update. Moreover, there was an unexpected increase in the headline S&P Global Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index from 52.2 in June to 55.3 in July. The desired result is a decrease to 51.0. Five months of progress and the greatest improvement since May 2022 were shown by the score. All three of the building industries had up months in July. Reconstruction of dwellings increased. Although commercial business has had robust expansion, the most recent two and a half years have seen the fastest growth in civil engineering work. In addition, the UK government is investing £32 million to support several businesses that are investigating AI as a means to enhance safety on building sites, decrease the time it takes to maintain railways, and cut emissions in the supply chain. In an effort to boost productivity and economic growth for all citizens, the government has announced the support of nearly a hundred innovative projects that will utilise artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, drones have the potential to revolutionise the building industry in the United Kingdom. The laws regarding the deployment of commercial drones in the United Kingdom are still unclear and inconsistent, according to a new study published in the ACM Journal on Responsible Computing. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, are aircraft equipped with sensors and cameras that are controlled from a distance. Transporting heavy items up to 20 kg is within drone capabilities, and they may also survey work areas for safety.

In today’s news, we will look into the Launch with the intention of raising awareness about fire safety in the building industry in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, a survey conducted by RLB UK and Operance not too long ago discovered that 27 percent of the construction industry was unprepared for the criteria of Building Safety. Additionally, the revolution in connectivity is essential to the solution of the productivity conundrum in the construction industry. In addition, the United Kingdom has increased its housing targets in order to revitalise the construction industry. This development is a result of the government’s decision to revamp the planning system, which will result in the establishment of new required targets for local councils.

UK Construction Fire Safety Awareness Improved via Building Safety Wiki

Original Source: Building Safety Wiki launched to enhance fire safety awareness in UK construction

UK launches comprehensive building safety web portal

This month, the UK unveiled a comprehensive, free online building safety centre.

The Building Safety Wiki raises fire and life safety knowledge in building planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance and management.

As Liz Male noted, this campaign comes ahead of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final findings and recommendations to communicate essential information about the UK’s new building safety regime, particularly the Building Safety Act 2022 and related fire safety regulations.

The Wiki provides fire and building safety news, recommendations, factual articles, and expert opinions from trusted sources.

The Designing Buildings Wiki, with over 7 million users, 20,000 registered users, and approximately 300 building safety pages, provides much of its information.

Content from over ten years will be updated and extended.

Features and contributions

Use the Wiki’s search box or quick links to access project or discipline-specific content.

To fill knowledge gaps, anyone can add or update articles on the platform.

Liz Male Consulting Ltd. and Enframe Consulting sponsor the Building Safety Wiki.

LMC is a PR and marketing firm, while Enframe provides architects with Building Safety Act-related construction and design advice.

Liz Male, founding director of LMC, said: “The new building safety regime affects all aspects of construction and the built environment, setting new standards, policies and processes to restore confidence in building safety.

However, in our talks with industry professionals, we often find knowledge gaps, confusion about the new standards, or perceptions that ‘this doesn’t apply to me’.

The September Grenfell Tower Inquiry report will shock the world again, thus we must all work to prevent such a tragedy.

Industry impact and prospects

Enframe Consulting director Will Freeman said, “This Building Safety Wiki is a significant step forward in creating a centralised hub for essential building safety information.

Our goal is to share knowledge openly to improve building practices and save lives.

“Architects, engineers, contractors, and clients should know how to comply and improve industry safety.

“I hope other fire and building industry experts will come forward to keep adding vital information into this Wiki, and generations of students and industry professionals will benefit from the facts they learn here.”

The Building Safety Wiki promotes building industry best practices and knowledge sharing.

It provides a centralised, accessible platform for sharing information to help professionals navigate new safety regulations and improve safety standards.

Content will likely be useful to current and future industry professionals due to its constant updating and expansion.

One in Four Builders Are Unprepared for BSA Requirements

Original Source: One in four in construction is unprepared for Building Safety Act

A recent RLB UK and Operance poll found that 27% of the construction industry was unprepared for Building Safety requirements.

Operance and RLB UK announced the results of a survey on the construction sector and Building Safety legislation.

The study determined the biggest legislative concerns and how to address them.

“Everything changed but nothing changed”

The survey indicated that 27% of the business is still unprepared for Building Safety standards and 23% believe the industry as a whole needs to catch up.

95% of participants knew of the Building Safety legislation’s competence level, yet in a roundtable discussion, many claimed the concept was still unclear.

32% of respondents thought the industry lacked the ‘competent resource’ to deliver the building safety regime, but a third thought its digital infrastructure was sufficient.

86% think AI will be crucial to data management and security.

The golden thread of building safety laws

Information management was a major concern with Building Safety legislation modifications.

The roundtable discussion discovered a lack of joined-up systems throughout the development lifecycle and understanding of what golden thread information should be recorded.

Samantha Mepham, RLB’s national head of health & safety services, said: “I think there are still some uncertainties around how much it will cost to go through a gateway and how long it will take because the regulation hasn’t really been tested yet. I think the solution is to be open-minded and prepared.”

Solving the Building Productivity Puzzle Requires a Connectivity Revolution

Original Source: Connectivity revolution is key to solving productivity puzzle in construction

Oxford Economics predicted last year that the UK would be Western Europe’s fastest-growing building market for 15 years.

The nation is counting on Britain’s builders more than ever. Construction companies employ 2.63M people and add 10% to GDP. Construction businesses will build Britain’s infrastructure in the 2030s and beyond. Without this infrastructure, we cannot solve the housing issue or spread wealth across the UK.

As a CEO happy to work with some of the UK’s largest construction firms daily, I’ve seen these firms’ tremendous work to improve Britain. The sector must finally overcome the productivity problem at building sites nationwide to alter the British economy.

The Construction Leadership Council released insight on the challenge last September. Construction output per hour is £35.69, 13.5% below the economy average.

Due to a chronic shortage of technological investment, the transition from analogue to digital infrastructure has been slower than in other sectors. In 2023, PlanRadar found that over 70% of construction enterprises struggled to adopt wireless connectivity, 3D printing, robotics, and AI.

I identified a huge unmet market need for construction connectivity in 2013. In that year, I launched UK Connect. Before this, I was an Infantry Soldier in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and saw how strong connectivity might improve performance and productivity in harsh settings. We’ve built the company with inspiring people that want to use connectivity to take things to the next level.

Consider Kier Group. Meeting changing construction site connectivity needs was difficult for the nation’s largest construction and infrastructure provider. As technology advanced and data needs increased, its 3G/4G solution struggled to provide stable, high-speed access to edge users. We enjoyed working with Kier to implement 5G Cellular Broadband and Wireless LAN at its UK facilities.

We proudly worked with Cala Group. The housebuilder struggled with traditional wired infrastructure, where Copper and Fibre Broadband installation took months. These extended delays hindered construction site communication, collaboration, and productivity, delaying projects and inefficient operations.

UK Connect’s Cellular Broadband solution set Cala Group’s construction site connectivity free from wired infrastructure’s delays and limits. Cala Group’s connectivity improved dramatically with cellular technology. Modern R1900 series 5G Enterprise-Grade routers from Cradlepoint were the foundation of this system.

Construction leaders in the UK are using connectivity to boost efficiency. The UK expects builders to thrive until the 2030s and beyond. Time to connect.

UK Increases Housing Targets to Revitalise Construction

Original Source: UK Boosts Housing Targets to Revive Construction

With harsh decisions needed to rebuild the foundations and grow the economy, the administration announced a planning system overhaul today.

All English authorities will get new, mandatory housing objectives to provide 1.5 million more homes to address the worst housing crisis in history.

Councils must increase house building in needy areas to assist more people buy homes, remove the biggest economic growth impediments and get Britain building again.

The new guidelines announced today will reverse last year’s decision to make housing targets advisory at a time when planning permissions were at a record low. The new method is ambitious enough to solve the housing problem and reach the government’s 1.5 million home goal.

These new benchmarks will inform local planning to support the government’s top economic goal. Local plans let communities shape residential and infrastructure construction.

Just a third of councils have a plan under five years old, therefore the government will make tough decisions and step in to drive development, allowing local communities to say how, but not if, homes are created.

The Deputy Prime Minister has written to every council Leader and Chief Executive in England to state that there is “not just a professional responsibility but a moral obligation to see more homes built” and that she will intervene, including taking over an authority’s plan making.

Angela Rayner, Deputy PM:

“Today is a major step towards rebuilding Britain.

Our decisive planning system reforms correct past mistakes and set us on track to solve the housing problem by building 1.5 million homes for the needy.

“And something I am personally proud of, our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”

Along with restoring mandated housing targets, the decade-old data-based calculation technique will be modified. Councils must now build homes in the correct places and proportionately to existing communities, while adding ambition in the most unaffordable areas.

Development will begin with brownfields. Today’s reforms ensure that brownfield development is always “yes” and encourage higher homebuilding densities in metropolitan areas.

To fulfil their 1.5 million home target over the next five years, municipalities will have to assess their green belt land and prioritise ‘grey belt’ area, which the government defined today. This comprises area near settlements, roads and former petrol stations and car parks.

The modification will clarify that authorities must evaluate new house proximity to transport infrastructure.

Homebuilders can propose on grey belt land if local authorities don’t have current plans or enough dwellings to meet requirements. Environmentally protected territory is always protected.

Development on Green Belt land must meet the government’s ‘golden guidelines’ of 50% affordable housing, green space access, and infrastructure including schools and GP surgeries.

In addition to creating houses, the government is working to make it simpler to create laboratories, gigafactories, data centres, and huge onshore wind and solar projects nationwide.

The government is also delivering quality cheap and social housing to offset the fall in social rent dwellings in addition to these planning system improvements. This includes Right to Buy changes that allow municipalities to build and buy more social housing with receipts. The administration is reviewing the 2012 discounts and will make revisions in the autumn.

The Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that the next spending review will include details of future government investment in social and affordable housing so social housing providers can plan and help deliver the biggest increase in affordable house building in a generation.

Following sector requests, the government has confirmed that at the next fiscal event it will provide councils and housing associations with rent stability to borrow and invest in new and existing homes while protecting existing and future social housing tenants.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the United Kingdom’s extensive online portal for building safety. Planning, commissioning, designing, constructing, surveying, maintaining, and managing buildings are all areas where the Building Safety Wiki aims to increase information regarding fire and life safety. At the same time, 27% of the construction industry was deemed to be unprepared for Building Safety regulations according to a recent poll by RLB UK and Operance. Findings from the study informed policymakers about the most pressing issues and potential solutions. In addition, last year, Oxford Economics forecasted that, over the next fifteen years, the construction market in the United Kingdom would develop at the quickest rate in Western Europe. British construction workers are more needed than ever before. The construction industry contributes 10% to GDP and employs 2.63 million people. From now until the 2030s and beyond, Britain’s infrastructure will be built by construction companies. Neither the housing crisis nor the redistribution of wealth in the UK can be resolved without this infrastructure. In addition, today the administration proposed a planning system overhaul, acknowledging the necessity for tough decisions to repair the foundations and expand the economy. The greatest housing crisis in English history has prompted new, obligatory building targets for all English authorities, with the goal of creating 1.5 million additional dwellings.

In today’s news, we will look into according to the statistics, the 1.5 million housing plan proposed by Labour appears to be unlikely. During this time, Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. has experienced unprecedented growth, leading to the expansion of both its workforce and their services. On top of that, Matthias Gropp outlines how artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and advanced monitoring could be used to retrofit old infrastructure. Additionally, the upcoming election in the United Kingdom, changes at Holyrood, and what lies next for Scotland’s building industry. 

Stats Suggest Labour’s 1.5m Home Proposal is Implausible

Original Source: Labour’s 1.5m home plan looking unlikely, stats show

Recent numbers suggest that Labour’s ambition to build 1.5m UK houses in five years is not promising as 2024 home registrations decline.

Recent statistics suggest that the new Labour government’s aim to build 1.5m UK homes in five years is off to a difficult start.

NHBC reported 29,281 UK home registrations in Q2 2024, a 23% reduction from Q2 2023.

Falling stats suggest a difficult start for Labour’s house plan.

The paper also indicates a 13% drop in private sector new dwellings and a 39% drop in rental and affordable homes.

Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board, said a scarcity of labour will be the main cause of the drop: “The new Growth and Skills Levy must increase construction apprenticeship numbers that fell under the Apprenticeship Levy.

“We don’t have enough construction workers—10,000 were lost in 2023.

“To meet the Labour home target, 300,000 homes must be built annually.

Government plans are unknown.

Abrdn head of operational real estate James Dunne said: “[the Government’s targets] have never been reached in annual terms without significant direct development by Government or local authorities.

In the predicted prolonged absence of this, the Government must go outside the planning system and collaborate and financially support the private sector to create huge volumes of housing across all tenures.

Skills, further, and higher education minister Jacqui Smith was appointed by PM Keir Starmer. Smith will lead Skills England, which will encourage construction workers to train to fill skills gaps in the UK.

In her first House of Lords speech on Friday, Smith said, “My Lords, we will create a new era of opportunity, especially for those who have seen nothing but dead ends, and closed doors,” referring to “the workers who are side-lined by technological whirlwinds that have left them wondering what has happened to their jobs.”

Growing Fast, Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. Adds Services and Staff

Original Source: Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. Experiences Unprecedented Growth, Expands Services and Workforce

To meet UK demand for its broad construction services, Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. announces considerable growth, increases services and staff, and invests in new technologies.

Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd., a leading provider of varied construction services, reported a considerable rise in demand from existing and new clients. Due to this rapid expansion, the company is expanding its services, actively pursuing new customers, and strategically hiring to support its operations.

Over the past decade, Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. has provided high-quality construction and building services on schedule and within budget. The company specialises in:

Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. delivers great new construction projects in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors from idea to completion. The company’s portfolio comprises modern office buildings, sustainable housing, and manufacturing facilities.

Full Internal Refurbishments: Evergreen Construction renovates interiors to suit modern standards and functional needs for efficiency and beauty. Modernising ancient structures and creating digital startup workplaces are recent developments.

Comprehensive exterior upgrades improve building appearance and durability. The company’s expertise has rejuvenated urban environments and preserved architectural history across the UK.

Extensions: Expanding residential and commercial spaces. Evergreen Construction builds elegant house additions and massive corporate headquarters expansions.

Conversions: Turning warehouses into stylish mixed-use areas or commercial buildings into residential flats. The company has won industry accolades for their conversion innovations.

Modifying the DDA to make it accessible to disabled people. Evergreen Construction prides itself on building accessible settings that exceed regulatory criteria.

Social housing stock upgrade: improving quality and sustainability. Local authorities and housing associations have worked with the corporation to improve living conditions and energy efficiency in many locations.

“We are thrilled to be experiencing such unprecedented levels of interest in our services,” stated Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. spokesperson Uman Chaudhry. “This expansion shows our dedication to quality, reliability, and client happiness. We are pleased to grow our skills, invest in our personnel, and service our clients’ growing construction demands.”

Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. wants to hire 30% more people in 18 months to support its rapid growth. The organisation hires project managers, architects, engineers, and experienced craftspeople. Evergreen Construction can handle larger and more complicated projects while preserving quality and efficiency with this employment push.

Also, the corporation is substantially investing in modern construction technologies and sustainable building techniques. This involves using BIM software, modular construction, and eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs.

In order to expand, Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd. is actively exploring new construction partnerships and opportunities. The organisation seeks partnerships with creative suppliers, technology providers, and design firms to push current building limits.

“Our growth is not just about increasing our project portfolio,” said Uman Chaudhry. “Our company must adapt to industry needs. We strive to lead construction innovation, sustainability, and client pleasure.”

How Modern Monitoring Helps Protect Historic Buildings

Original Source: How advanced monitoring technology helps preserve historic buildings

Matthias Gropp discusses how AI, IoT, and sophisticated monitoring may help retrofit historic assets.

Retrofitting the UK’s existing assets is important for sustainability, adaptability, and the rich heritage within them.

Historic structures must be preserved in England, where over 370,000 are listed. They face structural integrity and energy efficiency difficulties due to their age.

Listed structures are especially susceptible to vibration, moisture penetration, and ground settlement during neighbouring renovations. Maintaining them requires regular monitoring to avoid project delays and damage.

Preservation challenges for historic buildings

Historic buildings are at risk of structural damage from dampness. Poor drainage and overflowing gutters can cause sinking. Draughts from ageing windows and doors and obsolete insulation diminish energy efficiency. These buildings’ electrical systems often need major improvements to fulfil safety regulations.

Climate change complicates preservation. Record-high temperatures and rains in 2024 have stressed these structures. Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract differently, weakening structures. Historic rainwater systems often fail during heavy rains, causing water entry and interior damage.

How enhanced monitoring helps preserve

Addressing these difficulties requires advanced automatic sensor monitoring solutions like Murphy Geospatial.

These technologies monitor structural parameters like concrete strain and timber moisture in real time, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in preservation and new construction projects. These comprehensive systems protect historic buildings by integrating environmental and structural health monitoring.

Vibration monitoring during piling or demolition keeps vibrations safe. A remote glass vibration monitor can find loose window panels. This safeguards public, adjacent, and historic buildings. Concrete temperature and strain monitoring informs engineering decisions, assuring asset longevity and safety.

Increasing capabilities with IoT and AI

IoT and AI are revolutionising asset management because engineers can obtain instant feedback on asset performance.

AI evaluates continuous IoT sensor data to detect issues and automate actions. This predictive capability aids proactive maintenance, decreasing reactive repairs.

Asset performance monitoring (APM) uses various technologies for continual oversight. APM integrates many monitoring tools into a personalised maintenance plan to improve efficiency and asset longevity. APM can lengthen asset life cycles, reduce maintenance costs, and improve performance in building and infrastructure.

UK Election, Holyrood Developments, and Scotland’s Building Sector

Original Source: Jocelyne Fleming: UK election, Holyrood developments and what’s ahead for Scotland’s construction sector

Jocelyne Fleming said the CIOB will continue to push for construction sector changes in Scotland after the UK general election and Scottish Government leadership transition.

After the UK general election, people like me are answering questions about its meaning. This is especially true for Scottish workers.

Political scientists and analysts can analyse Scotland’s election results, public opinion on political topics, and the future of constitutional discourse. We’ll go into Scotland’s building sector’s post-election prospects instead.

Please note that this election did not change Holyrood seats. Westminster elections are distinct from Scottish parliamentary elections. First Minister John Swinney and his team remain in power under the SNP. Scottish elections are in spring 2026.

Reserved topics (government decisions that affect Scotland and the other devolved states) may affect Scotland’s building sector under a Labour Government. Given Swinney’s SNP’s election performance, his administration may reverse course. Also, the Scottish Government must negotiate a new working partnership with Westminster. Most of the Scottish Government’s activities will likely continue, especially on construction policy.

While commentators and politicians negotiate change, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will continue its advocacy and public affairs in Scotland. That includes promoting long-term, holistic, evidence-based public policymaking and building quality and safety.

In light of the Scottish Government’s declaration of a housing emergency, the sector has called for immediate action. Providing enough affordable new homes is crucial. To solve the housing crisis, we must maintain our present home supply.

CIOB will continue to lobby for energy efficiency funding adjustments, particularly for Housing Associations, to help them upgrade their houses and avert the loss of ‘unlettable’ properties that do not satisfy upcoming energy performance standards.

The Scottish Government’s Cladding Remediation initiative for building quality and safety continues to progress. Building safety levy development is outside the Scottish Government’s purview. The former Westminster Government devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament to introduce a building safety fee to pay cladding remediation in April after consulting stakeholders. CIOB supported the levy and devolution of powers. We want the incoming government to grant these powers quickly.

The Scottish Government launched the Single Building Assessment and made work on the cladding rehabilitation program while we await these legislative changes. Scotland’s Cladding Remediation programme will employ SBAs to inspect buildings and identify repairs. As this program ramps up, CIOB and industry partners are working with the Scottish Government to educate and prepare sector professionals to conduct SBAs.

The construction skills gap in Scotland is growing. CIOB has stated that the UK’s points-based immigration system has not helped construction attract competent workers. The Labour Party Manifesto mentioned points-based system revisions, which was encouraging. Reform is not assured. The sector will need more competent workers as all levels of government focus on housebuilding.

CIOB will continue to discuss apprenticeship financing and frameworks with Scottish partners to close the skills gap. Our priorities are expanding apprenticeship demand, ensuring the sustainability of apprentice training, and maintaining the high quality and skills produced during these programs.

Working with Scottish officials is a privilege regardless of the general election. The building industry has substantial supporters in all major parties in parliament. I look forward to working with MSPs from across the chamber to get the long-term, clear policy direction needed to support our sector’s critical job in Scotland.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed declining home registrations in 2024 cast doubt on the viability of Labour’s goal to construct 1.5 million homes in the UK within five years, according to recent statistics. Statistics show that Labour’s housing initiative is off to a rocky start. There was a 39% decline in rental and affordable housing, and a 13% decline in private sector new units, according to the report. Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd., meanwhile, has announced massive expansion, hired more people, and invested in cutting-edge technology in order to keep up with the demand for its comprehensive construction services in the United Kingdom. An increase in demand from both current and potential customers has been noticeable at Evergreen Construction (UK) Ltd., a prominent provider of a wide range of construction services. As a result of this explosive growth, the business is broadening its offerings, aggressively courting new clients, and strategically staffing up to keep up with demand. Also, engineers can get immediate input on how assets are doing thanks to the Internet of Things and AI, which is changing the game when it comes to asset management. In order to identify problems and automate solutions, AI analyses continuous data from IoT sensors. Reducing the need for emergency repairs, this predictive capability helps with preventative maintenance. In addition, following the UK general election and the change in leadership at the Scottish Government, Jocelyne Fleming stated that the CIOB will maintain its campaign for changes in the construction sector in Scotland. Regardless of the outcome of the election, it is an honour to collaborate with Scottish leaders. Every major political party in parliament has sizable backers from the construction industry.

In today’s news, we will look into the Housebuilders’ warning that the Labour Party’s ambition to “get Britain building” is in jeopardy due to the construction backlog. In the meantime, in the field of engineering construction, why is it that young people are able to find opportunities? Is it because the engineering construction industry is in need of new workers? Cob research conducted by FCIOB also demonstrates how material could contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. Furthermore, Labour forecasts growth, but the building industry in the UK is anticipated to experience a decline.

Housebuilders Say Labour’s ‘get Britain Building’ Plan is Threatened by Construction Delays

Original Source: Housebuilders warn construction lag threatens Labour plan to ‘get Britain building’

UK housebuilders predict output to dip this year, making it at least a year before home supply increases, highlighting the new Labour government’s struggle to ‘get Britain built’.

Barratt, one of the nation’s top developers, warned last week that it would build fewer homes in the coming year to catch up with a market slump-induced slowdown in land acquisition and new site launches.

MJ Gleeson, a smaller north-of-England builder, told the Financial Times that the market recovery was taking longer than predicted and that completions would not take up until the second part of next year.

The slowdown in output puts pressure on the government’s goal to build 1.5mn homes over five years to address a national housing need, which relies on commercial housebuilders.

Investec analyst Aynsley Lammin said hopes that the industry’s output may revive in 2024 had “definitely been pushed into 2025” and that volumes will likely “be ramping up more meaningfully from the second quarter of 2025”.

He stated that it will take time for the planning modifications to take effect and for housebuilders to launch more sites.

New construction has been recovering slowly for almost two years, but mortgage rates are likely to reduce, stabilising the housing market.

Sir Keir Starmer’s administration outlined plans to unclog Britain’s blocked planning system to increase housebuilding to more than 300,000 homes a year, a goal not met in almost 50 years.

Savills expects completions to dip this year, making it difficult for the government to fulfil that aim. Savills predicts that new private homes for sale will drop to 100,000 in the 12 months to March 2025, from 115,000 a year earlier, compared with an annual average of 140,000 in the three years to March 2023. Large developers sell most of the new supply. Official numbers are due in November.

Next June, Barratt aims to deliver 13,000–13,500 homes, down from 14,004 last year. It attributed the drop to “temporary” delays in building new sites after buying less land in the past two years due to buyer demand slump.

After the terrible autumn 2022 mini-budget, which raised mortgage rates and collapsed the home sales industry, most big developers stopped buying land and cut output.

“We can stop the tap quickly. We can’t turn the tap on rapidly’, said MJ Gleeson CEO Graham Prothero.

He acknowledged that the sales market was more difficult than anticipated, but attributed it to the practicalities of opening sites.

Although speeding up planning permissions will help developers, Vistry CEO Greg Fitzgerald said sales will determine how much the industry builds.

“All house builders can build faster,” he remarked. “But they are only building to sell.”

Rebuilding the trained labour needed to build additional homes could slow the recovery.

“As of today, I don’t have a problem,” stated Prothero. “If over the next 12 and 24 months, with the new government’s commitment, people look to ramp up volumes, then [labour force] could very quickly become an issue.”

Why Engineering Construction Youth Have Opportunity

Original Source: Why opportunity knocks for young people in engineering construction

On the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, ECITB CEO Andrew Hockey highlighted the many opportunities for young people in engineering construction.

The engineering construction business requires fresh workers.

According to the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Labour Forecasting Tool, significant infrastructure projects in the UK would require 40,000 more workers by 2028.

With this expanding demand for trained personnel, young people can start careers that make a difference in an industry crucial to net zero.

Construction engineering offers many job paths for youth.

Mechanical and electrical engineers, scaffolders, process engineers, project managers, pipefitters, welders, and instrument and control technicians have these chances.

Oil and gas, nuclear, renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, water, and waste treatment offer careers.

The Leading sector Learning Strategy of the British employer-led skills body for the sector prioritises training and developing new entrants to take advantage of these opportunities. We allocate half of our training grant funding to this area.

Engineering construction career paths

The ECITB has many programmes to entice school leavers, graduates, and the jobless to the sector.

These include engineering construction trade apprenticeships that pay while learning. Company-employed youth integrate academics and practical training from day one.

The ECITB Scholarship Programme helps students enter apprenticeships or other jobs by teaching them industry-relevant skills.

Students get a weekly student allowance and graduate with industry-standard qualifications, site passports, and on-site industry experience.

The ECITB’s Graduate Development Grant helps 300 engineering graduates annually, giving companies £4,000 over two years for training and development.

Those 18 and older who are not employed, in school, or training can achieve industry-recognized skills and certificates through our life-changing Work Ready Programme.

It lasts up to 16 weeks and is co-funded by colleges, training providers, companies, the ECITB, and the Department of Work and Pensions across the UK.

The free course includes full-time training and evaluation, work placements, and site visits and leads to engineering construction jobs for young people.

Celebrating skill value

The UN General Assembly established July 15, 2014, World Youth Skills Day to “celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship”.

I’ve met hundreds of young people throughout the UK on our initiatives in my first year as ECITB chief executive and witnessed the impact of teaching them job skills.

My recent visit to East Coast College in Lowestoft to see our ECITB scholars’ amazing journey invigorated me.

I met the same young people eight months previously, shortly after they started the scholarship project, and was amazed by how much they had grown in confidence and development.

Hearing that several of them had earned apprenticeships and industry jobs after the scholarship showed the genuine value of skills training.

In my first year, I’ve been across the UK, from Cannington National College for Nuclear campus at Bridgwater & Taunton College to North East Scotland College (NESCol) in Aberdeen.

Spending so much time with young people learning industry-relevant skills has been eye-opening. 

Cob Study by FCIOB Illustrates How Material Might Reduce Carbon

Original Source: FCIOB’s cob research shows how material could help cut carbon

Recent academic research led by a CIOB fellow suggests cob buildings could solve low-carbon housebuilding.

For generations, thousands of cob dwellings in southern England and northern France have been made by mixing dirt and natural fibres with water.

Despite their intrinsic thermal benefits and minimal integrated carbon, the materials violate modern thermal and structural building rules.

A cross-border research initiative conducted by the University of Plymouth created a trial building material that meets current building rules.

Plymouth researchers and French colleagues investigated various soils and fibres from France and England to generate thermally and structurally tested materials for the CobBauge project.

Low-carbon material

Professor Steve Goodhew FCIOB, chief investigator on the project, gave CIOB members a tour of the scheme and described its carbon emission reduction implications.

“The main selling point is that the material is low carbon in its existence,” he stated. This is about ingredients and processes. Our goal is to reduce global warming gases to their lowest level.”

Cobb’s advantages include low cost, convenience of use, and local materials that require little or no transfer. Goodhew believes the material’s low embodied energy and high thermal mass help regulate internal temperature in summer and winter.

In experiments, clay-rich material and hemp shiv gave the best thermal insulation. It didn’t give enough structural stability, so a structural mix was placed inside the walls.

“The only solution is a structural layer and a thermal layer, in other words a composite,” Goodhew said.

During a testing workshop visit, university School of Art, Design, and Architecture senior technician Kevin Owen explained the materials.

Labour Predicts Growth While UK Construction Falls

Original Source: Labour posits growth while UK construction is expected to slump

Labour’s manifesto proposes boosting UK building output through residential, energy, and utilities.

GlobalData predicts a 3% real-term contraction in the UK construction industry in 2024 and 1% in 2025 after an 86-seat Labour Party majority.

Rebounding depends on elections, high material costs, developing foreign trade agreements, and restrictive migration policy.

This sidelines housing while giving energy construction stakeholders attractive domestic chances.

UK 2024 election vote breakdown

Labour won 412 seats on July 4, 2024, exceeding the 326-seat majority.

The Conservatives lost 240 seats and 11 cabinet ministers, their worst performance ever.

Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, received over four million votes, 14.3% of total voting, despite only four seats.

Under a Conservative government, 14 years of rising house prices, inconsistent inflation, and unstable migration have seen consumer confidence fall from 101.07 in 2010 to 99.24 in 2024, unrelated to housing output falling short of UK Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee targets year-on-year (YoY) since 2020, Brexit, Covid-19, and fractured global economy.

Since the Bank of England emphasises autonomy in contrast to Conservative fiscal policy, fixing interest rates at 4.6% did little to improve Conservative polling.

The government faces a battle as 80% of the UK public abstained/rejected voting for Labour, despite Labour leader Keir Starmer’s political victory.

The Labour manifesto includes measures to boost UK construction output in the residential, energy, and utility sectors.

In particular, investing £8.3bn ($10.62bn) to design Great British Energy and £6.6bn to implement new Warm Home Plans by 2028, creating 1.5 million new residential dwellings by 2029, and ‘doubling onshore wind, tripling solar electricity, and quadrupling offshore wind’ by 2030.

Labour will also accelerate 5G infrastructure, nuclear labs, and battery production for energy autonomy.

Thus, GlobalData estimates energy and utilities construction to expand 4.17% year between 2024 and 2028.

Due to an exhausted government budget, high construction material costs, and workforce instability, residential output is anticipated to fall 3.4% in 2024 and 5% in 2025.

Energy nationalisation is supported across Labour and right-wing ideologies.

Note: High material costs can hinder new project viability.

Though the UK Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s average construction material price index fell 1.9% in the first three months of 2024, prices remain high after increases in 2021 (15.2%), 2022 (19%), and 2023 (0.9%).

In 2023, residential building materials including pipes and fittings (22.3%), doors and windows (18.2%), and ready-mixed concrete (13.4%) increased significantly.

The value of new building orders given at current prices declined 1.3% YoY in Q1 2024, following 27.8% and 15.2% reductions in Q4 and Q3 2023.

In 2023, new orders declined 16% to £67.9bn from £80.8bn in 2022.

In contrast to Conservative fiscal policy, Starmer has advocated following UK Office for Budget Responsibility restrictions while keeping tax rates and ‘solving’ the £121bn budget deficit, which is 4.4% of GDP as of May.

Since its construction objectives are beyond existing fiscal capabilities, GlobalData predicts that a Labour administration will be forced to prioritise energy above housing.

Second, labour supply unpredictability impairs project planning and feasibility.

Following net immigration exceeding 685 million in 2023, Ipsos’ Issues Index ranks immigration as the top election issue behind the NHS and economy.

Non-UK workers make up 10% of UK construction industry employment as of 2022, indicating a decreasing workforce supply due to political consensus to curb immigration.

The degree and mechanism of UK immigration tightening is unclear due to Labour campaigning vaguely aware of its greater majority.

After Brexit, the UK Department of Business and Trade has set ambitious goals to expand free trade agreements (FTAs) with India, Vietnam, Mexico, Turkey, Samoa, Fiji, North Macedonia, Morocco, and Norway, having negotiated the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in July 2023.

These FTAs could boost UK building output if Labour can negotiate material pricing and set domestic migration limits.

Final Words

Labour earned an 86-seat majority due to declining consumer confidence after 14 years of Conservative rule.

Starmer believes the UK construction industry may thrive by focusing on residential, energy, and utilities, including nationalising energy through Great British Energy.

High material costs and workforce unpredictability hinder project feasibility.

GlobalData anticipates the UK construction industry to decrease by 3% in 2024 and 1% in 2025, although rising bilateral FTAs could boost output from 2026.

In the short term, excessive political promises and fiscal realities will hinder UK construction output.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we have discussed how the Housebuilders in the UK expect production to fall this year, putting the incoming Labour government’s efforts to “get Britain built” on hold for at least another year. Barratt, a leading national developer, announced last week that it will reduce the number of homes it builds this year in an effort to make up for the land acquisition and new site launches that have slowed due to the market decline. On the other hand, ECITB CEO Andrew Hockey emphasised the numerous opportunities for young people in the engineering and construction sectors at the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day. By 2028, major infrastructure projects in the UK would necessitate an additional forty thousand workers, according to the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Labour Forecasting Tool. Additionally, cob buildings may be the answer to low-carbon homebuilding, according to new academic research spearheaded by a CIOB scholar. Thousands of cob houses have been constructed for centuries in northern France and southern England using a combination of water, soil, and natural fibres. The materials are in violation of modern thermal and structural building requirements, even though they have inherent thermal benefits and minimal incorporated carbon. In addition, the UK’s residential, energy, and utilities sectors are to be prioritised in the labour manifesto as means to increase building output. Following an 86-seat Labour Party majority in the UK parliament, GlobalData projects a 3% real-term decrease in the construction industry in 2024 and a 1% contraction in 2025. Rebounding is conditional on upcoming elections, high material costs, the formation of international trade agreements, and stringent policies regarding migration. As a result, domestic opportunities for energy building players are enticing, whereas housing is sidelined.

In today’s construction news, read about the residential, energy, and utilities sectors, which are the primary focus of Labour’s manifesto, which aims to stimulate the UK’s construction output. On the other hand, businesses worldwide, operating in a diverse array of sectors, are increasingly seeking expert guidance from the United Kingdom on how to optimise their premises for accessibility.

Labour Suggests Expansion as UK Construction is Predicted to Decline

Original Source: Labour posits growth while UK construction is expected to slump

GlobalData predicts a 3% real-term contraction in the UK construction industry in 2024 and 1% in 2025 after an 86-seat Labour Party majority.

Rebounding depends on elections, high material costs, developing foreign trade agreements, and restrictive migration policy.

This sidelines housing while giving energy construction stakeholders attractive domestic chances.

UK 2024 election vote breakdown  

Labour won 412 seats on July 4, 2024, exceeding the 326-seat majority.

The Conservatives lost 240 seats and 11 cabinet ministers, their worst performance ever.

See also: Friant-Kern Canal restoration project’s first phase completes.

MODA Clemson student housing construction in US  

Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, received over four million votes, 14.3% of total voting, despite only four seats.

Under a Conservative government, 14 years of rising house prices, inconsistent inflation, and unstable migration have seen consumer confidence fall from 101.07 in 2010 to 99.24 in 2024, unrelated to housing output falling short of UK Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee targets year-on-year (YoY) since 2020, Brexit, Covid-19, and fractured global economy.

Since the Bank of England emphasises autonomy in contrast to Conservative fiscal policy, fixing interest rates at 4.6% did little to improve Conservative polling.

The government faces a battle as 80% of the UK public abstained/rejected voting for Labour, despite Labour leader Kier Starmer’s political victory.

The Labour manifesto includes measures to boost UK construction output in the residential, energy, and utility sectors.

In particular, investing £8.3bn ($10.62bn) to design Great British Energy and £6.6bn to implement new Warm Home Plans by 2028, creating 1.5 million new residential dwellings by 2029, and ‘doubling onshore wind, tripling solar electricity, and quadrupling offshore wind’ by 2030.

Labour will also accelerate 5G infrastructure, nuclear labs, and battery production for energy autonomy.

Thus, GlobalData estimates energy and utilities construction to expand 4.17% year between 2024 and 2028.

Due to an exhausted government budget, high construction material costs, and workforce instability, residential output is anticipated to fall 3.4% in 2024 and 5% in 2025.

Energy nationalisation is supported across Labour and right-wing ideologies.

Note: High material costs can hinder new project viability.

Though the UK Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s average construction material price index fell 1.9% in the first three months of 2024, prices remain high after increases in 2021 (15.2%), 2022 (19%), and 2023 (0.9%).

In 2023, residential building materials including pipes and fittings (22.3%), doors and windows (18.2%), and ready-mixed concrete (13.4%) increased significantly.  

The value of new building orders given at current prices declined 1.3% YoY in Q1 2024, following 27.8% and 15.2% reductions in Q4 and Q3 2023.

In 2023, new orders declined 16% to £67.9bn from £80.8bn in 2022.

In contrast to Conservative fiscal policy, Starmer has advocated following UK Office for Budget Responsibility restrictions while keeping tax rates and ‘solving’ the £121bn budget deficit, which is 4.4% of GDP as of May.

Since its construction objectives are beyond existing fiscal capabilities, GlobalData predicts that a Labour administration will be forced to prioritise energy above housing.

Second, labour supply unpredictability impairs project planning and feasibility.

Following net immigration exceeding 685 million in 2023, Ipsos’ Issues Index ranks immigration as the top election issue behind the NHS and economy.

Non-UK workers make up 10% of UK construction industry employment as of 2022, indicating a decreasing workforce supply due to political consensus to curb immigration.

The degree and mechanism of UK immigration tightening is unclear due to Labour campaigning vaguely aware of its greater majority.

After Brexit, the UK Department of Business and Trade has set ambitious goals to expand free trade agreements (FTAs) with India, Vietnam, Mexico, Turkey, Samoa, Fiji, North Macedonia, Morocco, and Norway, having negotiated the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in July 2023.

These FTAs could boost UK building output if Labour can negotiate material pricing and set domestic migration limits.

Final Words

Labour earned an 86-seat majority due to declining consumer confidence after 14 years of Conservative rule.

Starmer believes the UK construction industry may thrive by focusing on residential, energy, and utilities, including nationalising energy through Great British Energy.

High material costs and workforce unpredictability hinder project feasibility.

GlobalData anticipates the UK construction industry to decrease by 3% in 2024 and 1% in 2025, although rising bilateral FTAs could boost output from 2026.

In the short term, excessive political promises and fiscal realities will hinder UK construction output.

UK is a Leader in Accessible Buildings

Original Source: UK leads the way in making premises accessible

About Access managing director Ian Streets says access specialists are in demand for their world-class knowledge and skills in making buildings accessible.

UK experts are increasingly advising businesses worldwide on how to make their properties accessible.

Multinationals growing or updating their operations and seeking consistency are driving demand.

Another factor is international tourism expansion. Even remote sites would attract more tourists if they make their facilities accessible. Leisure travellers travel the world for vacations.

Flexible access to buildings

We have built a bundle of services to fulfil the needs of our growing international client base over time. Like everything we do, the details change as requirements and circumstances change, but we are committed to helping clients make their goods and premises accessible.

Design appraisals, access audits, and training are our major foreign services. The major shift in recent years is that we are better at offering remote services since we couldn’t before.

We still offer remote services, which is important when time and budget are tight, but we prefer to finish assignments in person because a site visit always provides more accurate information than photos, videos, and written documentation.

UK access consultants are chosen because they are top-notch.

Designers and developers struggle to find abroad talent like us. They rarely have our experience because they don’t have as many chances to learn from daily exposure to the highest international standards.

Accessible globally

International organisations sometimes want a worldwide accessibility baseline. Our assistance depends on the customer and may include European, international, ADA, Singapore, or BS8300. Local codes and regulations must be followed, however if the code surpasses them, we provide advice.

Global brands spending extensively in retail, property, medicines, and leisure are our clientele. We visited indoor and outdoor tourism properties, including heritage sites, in Gibraltar and Ireland. We investigated Saudi Arabian schools and European and American offices, stores, and recreation facilities.

Design assessments examine a project’s accessibility from the start to make cost-effective changes.

We inspect and assess facilities for disabled safety, accessibility, and comfort via access audits.

We teach access audits, disability awareness, and user needs in-person and online.

Because understanding how it works is as important as following the guidelines, we delve beyond the fine print.

Everywhere we work, we consider local customs and culture. Only then can we grasp accessibility and its impact.

We can accurately predict and comprehend scenarios and repercussions. We respect and consider how cultural norms in an area affect a project and how they may be affected.

Some countries’ toilets are very different from ours. Other examples are quiet and baby rooms for new mothers. Some countries don’t recognise the necessity for these and the facilities they need.

A proactive accessibility strategy

Modern offices and shopping malls in the UK should include these features. We encourage people to design future buildings and other countries are catching up.

We help designers and developers predict consumer expectations and how changes affect them.

As businesses realise the benefits of diversity, more disabled persons should enter the workforce in high-value professions. They need an accessible workplace to do that.

This is related to worker impairments. If you make your premises accessible to disabled people now, they should be accessible to future disabled persons.

Countries that have not taken a proactive approach to accessibility are paying more attention now because investment raises the requirement to operate to the highest standards, including accessibility. They want consistency across their sites and to deal with providers who have benefited them before.

Take tourism. About every nation wants a bigger portion of the tourism business, but they must make their offer accessible. Some sites are worth visiting for the effort of getting there, thus their ability to do that relies on the location.

Historic elements make accessibility changes difficult at some sites.

International tourism is expanding, but only if it’s accessible.

Summary of today’s construction news

To sum it up, with 14 years of a Conservative rule and declining consumer confidence, Labour has secured an 86-seat majority. By concentrating on the residential, energy, and utility sectors—including nationalising energy through the establishment of Great British Energy—Starmer forecasts growth for the UK construction industry.

On the other hand, globally, nations that have not previously prioritised accessibility are increasingly giving it greater thought since increasing investment necessitates operating to the highest standards, which includes accessibility. They wish to collaborate with the providers who have previously assisted them in achieving consistency across all of their websites.

In today’s construction news, read about the manifestos and heard all the promises for the betterment of the nation, but if Keir Starmer’s party secures a supermajority, it will be crucial to see if he can maintain unity within his party and lead from the front. Meanwhile, the building industry shifts its attention to the next government as the nation gets ready to cast ballots in the general election of 2024 tomorrow. Lastly, in light of the increasing unpredictability surrounding future large-scale public transit contracts, Ferrovial Construction UK is looking to diversify.

Construction Would Suffer from a Labour Supermajority

Original Source: Could a Labour supermajority be bad for construction?

We’ve read the manifestos and heard all the promises for the country, but if Keir Starmer’s party wins with a supermajority, the key will be if he can keep their party together and singing from the same hymn sheet.

People in power may change things quickly, as history shows. A major fear is party infighting. Will members start to oppose themselves without opposition?

Take industrial wealth strategy initially. It wasn’t a Labour priority, but you’d expect it would pass as a terrific initiative once in power. Party infighting might turn it into opposition to chances, delays, and no development.

The same goes for the projected investment in clean, homegrown energy production with GB Energy, owned and powered by the British people. It could create thousands of employment and advance clean, renewable power. Please avoid internal opposition to constructive actions.

Maintaining attention

The manifesto’s 125-page Change document, which outlines planning measures to force local governments to create more housing and reduce green energy barriers, impressed me.

Labour may focus too much on workers’ rights, which could dilute its wealth creation goal. Can they integrate both disciplines to satisfactory levels? Drivers will be as crucial as projects.

Supermajorities mean less accountability, but will the party hold itself accountable as the country needs? The promised green agenda is a no-brainer, so we need support. How would they cooperate to move Celtic Sea and Tidal Range projects quickly?

We cannot squander time on in-party political fighting at the expense of forward-thinking advances like these, especially those that have been on the table for a long time.

We also need them to work together promptly and proactively improve the sector, such as UK procurement. Will Treasury reconsider strike prices to enable strong UK content in the supply chain to maximise value for the country? While the party finds its feet and voices, we must move the sector forward.

Whichever candidate wins, I hope they keep their building industry commitments. Education and skills must remain a priority as we fight the skills crisis, and projects must be approved fast. Political benefit between members at the country’s expense is not worth the time.

It will be easy to vote on July 4, but how it will influence the construction industry is unknown.

Construction Prepares for 2024 General Election

Original Source: Construction industry braces for General Election 2024

As voters prepare for the 2024 General Election tomorrow, the building industry looks ahead to the new government.

Polls from 2 July indicate a 40% Labour majority in the 2024 General Election, with the Conservatives winning equal or less votes than the Liberal Democrats.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party might win seven seats and the Greens two of their four targets.

Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride told ITV’s Good Morning Britain today: “What I’m saying is very clear, which is that all the polls are pointing to one very clear conclusion tomorrow: a Labour government with a huge, huge majority.

“However, I agree with Boris that it is not too late to ensure that we have an opposition, Conservative MPs who can hold that government accountable.”

Housing, planning, and net zero are UK construction sector priorities.

Sutcliffe CEO Sean Keyes

With the General Election in May, I spoke about housing, the economy, and the NHS, which affect us as a business. These concerns matter to voters, as seen over the past six weeks. Since both parties have pledged to build more houses, I will hold the incoming administration accountable for solving the housing situation quickly.

“That said, be it the NHS’s mismanagement or the lack of social housing investment, these issues directly impact people’s quality of life, so I hope the new government takes them seriously and prioritises them for the nation.”

Starship co-founder and CEO Dave Dargan

As we may see a government transition, this General Election is crucial to the country’s destiny. Whether it’s fixing the housing crisis or creating a comprehensive strategy to meet sustainability goals, the next administration should be as ambitious as their manifestos.

“But it’s not just a numbers game; I believe the construction industry can solve many of the country’s issues, such as improving the quality of life for the general public, generating employment, promoting sustainable development, and addressing social issues through affordable homes.”

Steve Malkin, Planet Mark CEO and founder

Climate action will be crucial throughout the next five years of government. We’ve ignored net-zero in policymaking for too long, perceiving it as a barrier.

We must now lead. The future government must create an exciting change story and offer the resources to support it. This is crucial for SMEs that have no emissions reduction timeframe or government support.

Planet Mark policy & corporate development director Andrew Griffiths

Andrew co-founded the Carbon Accounting Alliance and is an elected Institute of Directors member.

We are approaching many critical climatic tipping points. The next administration must identify net zero as an investment opportunity to create a cleaner, healthier, and wealthier society.

“To provide emissions transparency, the new Government must first set a policy-driven deadline for businesses to report at least Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions annually. It must also promote green sector education and training to meet business demands for carbon emissions assessment, reduction, and strategy.

Ferrovial Construction UK Intends to Enter New Markets

Original Source: Ferrovial Construction UK eyes expansion into new sectors

Ferrovial Construction UK wants to diversify amid uncertainty about large-scale public-sector transport contracts.

The Spanish giant’s UK construction unit is exploring new growth sectors like water and power transmission amid concerns about the UK pipeline of large infrastructure work after HS2 phase 2’s cancellation.

As Ferrovial’s UK construction business reported record turnover up 7% to £527m and a return to pre-tax profit in 2023 after a £30m loss, Karl Goose, managing director for the UK & Ireland, announced the plan to diversify into new geographies with a greater presence in Ireland and infrastructure sector work.

Most of the firm’s £5.5m pre-tax profit came from £7.6m interest on robust cash levels of £189m.

Ferrovial lost £1.2m in 2022 due to Silvertown Tunnel project issues in East London, which accounted for large contingencies.

Goose said: “We are confident that 2024 will return us to industry profitability norms.

“We are continuing to deliver against our strategic objectives which form part of the overall global business plan and have made strong progress in diversifying our revenues, with early successes across some wide-ranging joint venture projects.”

He said the firm would use its Spanish parent group’s expertise to expand into water and power after diversifying in the UK.

Ferrovial Group has strong water businesses in Spain and Portugal, and we want to extend this knowledge to the UK as part of our diversification plan.

We also have energy companies focused on transmission that we can use in the UK.”

The EKFB joint venture’s HS2 work should boost growth in the near term.

Looking ahead Ferrovial is preparing to launch its £107m, 4.5-year Norwich Western Link road design and build contract.

The project includes 6.1km of dual road and seven buildings, including a 670m viaduct over River Wensum.

In partnership with Laing O’Rourke, it completed its other significant civils project on Thames Tideway.

Over the year, orders fell from £795m to £648m.

Summary of today’s construction news

In summary, instead of standing still or perhaps feeling as though we’re regressing as the party finds its feet and its voices, we should be pushing the industry forward.

 I want to have faith that the winner of the election will fulfil their commitments to the building industry.

Meanwhile, in the July 2 polls, Labour is expected to win a forty percent majority in the 2024 general election; the Conservatives are expected to receive as many votes as the Liberal Democrats; Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party could win up to seven seats, and the Greens are expected to win two of their four targeted seats.

Lastly, part of Ferrovial Group’s diversification plan is bringing this experience to the UK. Ferrovial Group has strong water businesses in Spain and Portugal. We have energy companies in the UK that focus on transmission. Forward-looking In order to begin construction on its 4.5-year, £107 million design and build contract for the Norwich Western Link road, Ferrovial is making preparations.

In today’s news, we will look into how, in order to get Britain constructing, Starmer needs to reject the Nimby-bashing that Labour is doing. At the same time, the UK’s efforts to improve energy efficiency are being threatened by a shortage of “green collar” construction workers and by rising wages. APS also strongly recommends that the government of the United Kingdom make the training of skilled construction workers a top priority. In addition, the building supplies company SIG has reduced its earnings forecast in response to the slowdown in construction activities.

To Reconstruct Britain, Starmer Must Reject Labour’s Nimby-bashing

Original Source: Starmer must reject Labour’s Nimby-bashing to get Britain building

The world’s slowest clock is in Lier, Belgium, where one dial revolution takes 25,800 years. Just what we need to measure British infrastructure construction speed. Why can’t we if the Victorians and others can?

One factor is rarely acknowledged. The majority of our people are crammed into a four-sided shape between Liverpool, York, Dover, and Bristol. It is five times denser than Spain or France, with 44 million people, or 80% of the English population, living and working here.

Land and natural beauty are valuable, thus people will strive to preserve them. Density has raised property prices and made consent harder than in other countries. Even grudging consent frays with more individuals. Policy should begin with this reality.

There’s more red tape and impediments than ever. The 2011 Localism Act promised to give people authority. The then-Department for Communities and Local Government stated: “Trying to improve people’s lives by imposing decisions, setting targets and demanding Whitehall inspections simply doesn’t work. It is bureaucratized.” How was it?

We gained bureaucracy. Whitehall lost control, but “The Blob” took over. An amateur police force of activists, quangos, and NGOs with lawyers wields actual power. Any official or agency that approves development risks lawsuits. Before Blair, court reviews were unusual. The 1975 applicant count was 160. In 2011, 11,200 existed. Blocking is a basic NGO tool.

The government failed to exclude houses from Europe’s nutritional neutrality criteria, which the Home Builders Federation claimed prohibited 145,000 new dwellings. The House of Lords rejected the plan due to our waterways’ poor condition. Why are rivers dying? Obviously, another failure. Despite population growth, water providers neglected to improve infrastructure.

One you may not know. Mobile UK reported this week that London lost 7% of its mobile network sites in a year. Under Notices to Quit (NTQs), mast locations are removed but not replaced.

However, your signal is poor, not that 7pc of London has become not-spots. A quarter of planning officers left between 2013 and 2023, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute. They don’t want to ruin your day.

However, supply-siders who could be productive have retreated into fury. Nimby (not in my backyard) has become a catchall term, like Trotskyists denouncing “capitalism” for everything. That’s like whining about damp water on a busy island.

Demand, not supply, drives high rents and home prices, so voters see supply-side wheezes as gas-lighting. Daniel Johnson coined the term “human quantitative easing” in The Telegraph to characterise increased immigration to fill low-wage positions without considering the long-term impact.

Migration Watch believes that 15–18 Birmingham-sized cities must be constructed by 2046. That won’t happen. Why should communities endure inferior amenities and services when the state negligently lost control over its borders? The Liz Truss government collapse eroded supply-side reform trust.

Smart wonks should leave housing to better campaigners and focus on national infrastructure and economic growth. Would Labour help?

The Labour manifesto’s 300 planning officer proposal is absurd. Labour may be less concerned about the green belt, and new settlements are politically more appealing than sprawl.

Supporting the subsidy-sucking renewable lobby requires downgrading much of the infrastructure it demands. The Infrastructure Commission head, Sir John Armitt, has completely integrated into Whitehall. He supports the subtractive logic of net zero, shutting down the gas network and erecting many additional pylons to connect idle wind farms.

This isn’t his job. In actuality, the new government will be as restricted as the old.

The bottom line is energy, which is impeding more progress than an army of Nimbys. The Greater London Authority advised developers that the electricity system was full and could not build new houses west of London until 2035. Data centres along M4 had all the power.

Starmer, the patron saint of lawfare, is an expert at creating legal loopholes and traps for NGOs.

Though his heart urges “build”, his intellect says “judicial review”. Though he wants to build, his career has been spent finding ways to halt it.

Rising Salaries and Lack of ‘green Collar’ Construction Workers Imperil UK Energy Efficiency

Original Source: Lack of ‘green collar’ construction workers and spiralling wages threatens UK energy efficiency drive

Lack of competent ‘green collar’ construction workers threatens UK decarbonisation goals and drives up yearly salary to around *£134,000 (US$168,000).

London insulation professionals and solar and heat pump installers earn £70 (US$88) per hour, up 22% in a year.

These skills, which are critical to the energy transition, are paid 2.5 times more than normal construction labourers in the capital, who earn £28 (US$35) per hour.

As workforce costs reach record highs, Turner & Townsend, a worldwide professional services organisation, reports a scarcity of skilled construction workers in all UK areas.

The company’s International construction market survey (ICMS) 2024 research shows rising expenses for green contractors. Despite working outside London, these specialists earn £47 (US$59) per hour, twice the rate of normal labourers.

Low construction worker supply and rising pay inflation jeopardise the UK’s net-zero aim. All nine UK regions reported skills shortages, and 78% said this lack is already affecting programmes ‘major’ or ‘large’.

Low-carbon development is not immune to labour cost increases and skills shortages. Average UK construction wages rose 13% from £36 (US$44) per hour in 2023 to £42 (US$50) in 2024.

London is the 10th most costly building market worldwide, up from 14th in 2023. Average capital building prices rose to £3,503 (US$4,473) per m2 from £3,024 (US$3,862) in 2023.

Despite high labour costs and salary inflation for some trades, UK construction inflation is declining year-on-year, with the research forecasting 3.0% in 2024, down from 4.2% in 2023.

This projection will cheer the sector, which has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and energy price shocks.

Turner & Townsend UK real estate managing director Chris Sargent said:

We’re seeing the growth of UK green specialists. Our outdated and inefficient building stock makes construction essential to attaining our net-zero targets and modernising our homes, offices and public buildings. Without workers, this is impossible. For the green transformation, the sector requires hundreds of thousands of new skilled personnel.

The role may appeal to many and attract these needed abilities with high remuneration. But green construction cannot afford to be priced separately from typical work. We must invest today in establishing and educating a pipeline of talented personnel and employ innovative digital tools to increase productivity and outcomes to make net zero realistic and cheap.

ICMS evaluated 91 global markets, including nine UK regions: London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Belfast.

The US continues to lead the world in building costs, with six cities in the top ten. New York is the most costly market to develop at £4,536 (US$5,723) per m2.

The report examines supply chain disruption and geopolitical tensions’ effects on nearshoring. Manufacturing investment is rising, especially in emerging markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico. Labour shortages continue to drive inflation in all but three of the 91 markets surveyed.

APS Encourages the UK Government to Promote Construction Worker Training

Original Source: APS urges UK Government to prioritise development of skilled construction workers

Before the UK General Election, the Association for Project Safety released its Micro Manifesto, urging the next government to train qualified construction workers.

In its Micro Manifesto, APS proposes five changes to the construction industry’s safety relationship with the government.

The group wants to cooperate with the next government to help the construction industry address issues including skilled worker shortages.

These five questions are examined below.

1. Construction worker skill development

There is a shortage of competent labour to satisfy all major party manifesto housing targets. Both Tory and Labour pledges show this deficiency.

A qualified workforce is needed to securely build 1.5+ million homes over five years.

To address this issue, the APS recommends extensive training and meaningful apprenticeships to produce a qualified workforce.

Training institutes and schools should receive funds coupled with production targets.

2. Selected and planned immigration

Current domestic workforce is insufficient to accomplish crucial housing requirements in the short term, said APS members.

Thus, skilled construction workers from overseas should be recruited through a planned and targeted immigration programme.

This five-year strategy is similar to the Australian model.

The APS advises fast-tracking visas for qualified immigrants with building experience under a new process.

3. Long-term construction workforce development

For skilled construction workers, many UK training programmes are insufficient.

Apprenticeship programmes must be improved and expanded to ensure a skilled workforce for future projects.

APS suggests the government work with industry leaders and educational institutions to create effective programmes for contemporary construction approaches.

4. Planning with environmental protection

The projected fast-track planning on brownfield areas and abandonment of nutrient neutrality are further APS issues.

To prevent pollution, all building projects must follow strict environmental protection requirements.

Every new construction project should undergo rigorous environmental impact studies. Some municipal governments have done this, but with government support, it may be scaled up.

5. Building retrofits

Retrofitting to meet modern housing needs is overlooked in favour of new developments.

A realistic retrofit strategy to increase building energy efficiency is needed to advance retrofitting.

The APS wants the government to subsidise retrofit incentives for homeowners and businesses.

The incoming administration should train construction workers.

APS urges the next UK government to improve domestic training and introduce selective immigration (visa) incentives to build a skilled workforce.

Sustainable growth requires balancing new housing with environmental regulations and retrofitting.

Building Materials Company SIG Reduces Earnings Estimate Amid Building Slowdown

Original Source: Building supplies firm SIG cuts profit outlook amid lull in construction work

Following the bleak investor update, the London-listed company’s share price fell by over 10% on Monday morning.

Building materials company SIG downgraded its earnings forecast for the year due to sluggish European building demand.

Following the disappointing investor report, the London-listed company’s share price fell by over 10% on Monday morning.

It reported a 7% drop in sales in May and June compared to the same time last year.

This performance, along with the expectation that conditions may not improve over the second half of the year, means the firm forecasts an underlying annual profit of £20 million to £30 million.

Analysts predicted £43 million annual earnings.

SIG distributes insulation, flooring, roofing, and equipment internationally from Sheffield.

It blamed a wider drop in building and construction work, particularly in France and Germany.

It also reported a decrease in its UK interiors sector, but increased demand in Poland, Ireland, and UK exteriors.

For slowing sales, SIG trimmed expenses and modernised portions of the business.

The company had reported spending £9 million on personnel redundancies and warehouse closures last year.

SIG anticipates its second-half financial performance to improve as it benefits from cost-saving and productivity efforts.

However, it warned of weak European market circumstances and demand improvement.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed that people will make every effort to protect land and natural areas because of their monetary value. Compared to other nations, density has increased property costs and made consent more difficult to get. With more people involved, even reluctant consent becomes tangled. This reality should be the starting point for policy. More obstacles and bureaucracy are in the way than before. The promise of delegated power was made in the Localism Act of 2011. Making decisions, establishing goals, and requiring inspections from Whitehall to improve people’s lives just doesn’t work, according to the former Department for Communities and Local Government. Bureaucratization is the word. Is that all? At the same time as the shortage of qualified “green collar” construction workers is driving up annual salaries to about *£134,000 (US$168,000), it is also jeopardising the UK’s decarbonisation targets. Turner & Townsend, a global provider of professional services, has reported a severe shortage of qualified construction workers across the whole of the United Kingdom, even as wages hit record highs. In addition, the Association for Project Safety called on the next government to provide training for certified construction workers in its Micro Manifesto, which was released before the UK General Election. To improve the connection between the government and the construction industry in terms of safety, APS suggests five adjustments in its Micro Manifesto. There was a more than 10% drop in the share price of the London-listed company on Monday morning after the dismal investor update. As a result of slow construction demand in Europe, SIG, a building materials firm, lowered its earnings outlook for the year. The stock of the London-listed firm dropped more than 10% on Monday after the investors were let down by the preliminary report. May and June sales were down 7% from the same period last year, according to the company.

In today’s UK construction news, read about what Labour and the Lib Dems have stated in their manifestos regarding construction. Meanwhile, the largest new film and television studio in the United Kingdom, Shinfield Studios, has finished building. Lastly, insulation experts and solar and heat pump installers in London now make an average of £70 per hour, according to a recent analysis by cost consultant Turner & Townsend. This is after wages increased by 22% over the previous 12 months.

The Implications of Each Party’s Pledge for UK Construction

Original Source: General Election 2024: What each party promise means for UK construction

What have the Conservatives, Labour, and Lib Dems said about construction in their manifestos? PBC Today’s collection covers 2024 election pledges.

With Election Day less than a month away, all major parties have unveiled their 2024 manifestos.

After 14 years, 5 prime ministers, 2 recessions, and 1 Brexit, many foresee Tory candidates’ extinction. As of 13 June 2024, Electoral Calculus predicts a Labour landslide larger than Tony Blair’s 1997 election results, with the Conservatives losing roughly 300 seats.

What does it mean for UK construction?

On housing:

Conservatives

Construction of 1.6 million English dwellings in the next Parliament

“New and improved” Help to Buy

A “landlords and renters alike” tenants Reform Bill promises judicial reforms to end Section 21 evictions.

Fast-tracking city brownfield residential developments

Destroying nutrient neutrality

Making the 2022 Stamp Duty threshold permanent Labour

Building 1.5m English homes in five years

Restore mandated housing targets in the National Policy Planning Framework immediately.

Speed up approval of urban brownfield areas and prioritise the release of lower-quality ‘grey belt’ land. Implement remedies for nutrient neutrality-affected homes without compromising environmental protections.

Create a permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee for first-time buyers.

Eliminate Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions immediately.

Liberal Democrats

Increase UK homebuilding to 380,000 per year, including 150,000 social houses.

Remove residential leaseholds and cap ground rentals to a minimum

Immediately outlawing no-fault evictions, defaulting to three-year rentals, and creating a nationwide licenced landlord register

Introducing ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ planning permission for developers that refuse to build

Grant local governments the ability to end Green Party – Right to Buy

150,000 new social dwellings annually

Ending the ‘right to buy’ to preserve local social housing

Installing rent restrictions, a steady rental tenancy, halting no-fault evictions, and allowing tenants to demand energy efficiency improvements

Make sure all new homes satisfy Passivhaus or comparable requirements and add solar panels and heat pumps when possible.

On infrastructure

Conservatives

Fund £8.3bn pothole repairs and road resurfacing.

Adding £12bn to Liverpool-Manchester Northern Powerhouse rail projects

Labour

Combine NIC and IPA into Nista, an infrastructure body.

Improved rail connectivity in the north of England, five million potholes fixed over five years, and better prepared communities for adverse weather.

Publicise the railways

Liberal Democrats

Electric car rollout and support increase

Increased decentralisation to empower local governments to upgrade infrastructure

The Green Party

All new developments must include additional investment in local health, transport, and other services.

On energy:

Conservatives

Reach net zero by 2050

Annual North Sea oil and gas licencing rounds

Increase nuclear power with two new Small Modular Reactor fleets and Great British Nuclear

Spend £1.1bn on the Green Industries Growth Accelerator

Fracking moratorium continues

Labour

Clean energy by 2030, net zero by

Complete Hinkley Point C and expand SMRs.

Oil and gas production in the North Sea will continue despite fracking bans and coal licence bans.

Spending over £5bn on gigafactories, carbon capture, and green hydrogen

A £6.6bn Warm houses Plan to renovate 5m houses for energy efficiency and lower bills.

Liberal Democrats

A ten-year emergency upgrade initiative to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat and make all new dwellings zero-carbon.

Invest in renewable power to provide 90% of UK electricity by 2030.

Upgrade National Grid to handle rising energy demand

The Green Party

Phase out nuclear energy and suspend all new fossil fuel extraction projects in the UK, cancelling current licences like Rosebank

Remove all oil and gas subsidies

Adding a carbon fee to fossil fuel imports and extraction

Wind to generate 70% of UK electricity by 2030.

Energy storage and distribution efficiency investments

About the economy:

Conservatives

Promise to lower taxes £17.2bn by 2030

Eliminate the primary National Insurance rate by the next Parliament.

No company tax increase

Supporting small businesses with a £4.3bn business rates package over five years

Labour

Tax increases and avoidance crackdowns will raise £8.5bn annually by 2028/29.

Financial approach “that understands sustainable growth relies on a broad base and resilient foundations” is “Securonomics”.

£7.3bn National Wealth Fund aims to encourage “three pounds of private investment for every one pound of public investment” in growth and renewable energy.

Liberal Democrats

Maintaining 2% inflation and Bank of England independence

Reverse the Conservatives’ tax breaks for big banks and tax oil and gas producers and traders’ super-profits once.

Lower income tax (“when the public finances allow”) by raising the tax-free personal allowance.

The Green Party

£40bn per year to transition to a green economy over the next Parliament

Completed Work at Shinfield Studios

Original Source: Shinfield Studios fully operational after work completed

Shinfield Studios, the UK’s largest new film and TV studio, is finished. The 18 soundstages, including two of the UK’s largest at 43,000 sq.ft., are now functioning at the modern location.

Shinfield Studios opened in phases during the past two years within the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park.

It has hosted Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and others.

Nick Smith, Shinfield Studios Joint Managing Director, said: “Shinfield Studios is complete. We created one of the world’s most advanced studios from scratch to attract the most ambitious and expensive productions. With Shinfield Studios now open, Berkshire will see many more stunning feature films and high-end television series.”

Training future filmmakers

Reading University, Shinfield Studios, Slough-based Resource Productions, and Bedlam Productions are important partners in ‘Screen Berkshire’, a BFI-funded training programme to fill skills gaps and boost diversity in the film industry.

Dr. Dominic Lees, associate professor of filmmaking at Reading, said: “Shinefield Studios’ completion will boost film and TV production in Berkshire, creating more jobs and traineeships for University students and graduates.  

“There is a big need for skills training, which the University is providing through its film and television courses and through partnership with industry-leading producers and film companies.”

Shinfield Studios has 18 sound stages from 17,000 to 43,000 sq. ft., including the two largest, fully climate-controlled soundstages at 43,000 sq. A nine-acre movie backlot, 38 workshops, and modern office space are also on site.

The design prioritises accessibility and sustainability.  Every stage and office has accessible facilities. The complex also has air source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging spots.

Shinfield Studios Joint Managing Director Ian Johnson said, “Our vision was to build a studio that fulfilled every need of today’s productions, including supporting industry efforts to improve sustainability and accessibility for all. We are so thankful to Wokingham Borough Council, the University of Reading, and the community for helping us realise that ambition.

We at Shinfield Studios also wanted to help develop the next generation of producers. We’re happy to be founding members of Screen Berkshire, which trains, upskills, and supports local crew to find jobs.

“Green collar” Workers in Construction Making £134,00

Original Source: ‘Green collar’ construction workers earning £134,000

Lack of ‘green collar’ construction workers is driving up wages and potentially derail the country’s net zero energy efficiency goal.

Cost consultant Turner & Townsend found that insulation specialists and solar and heat pump installers in London now earn £70 per hour, up 22% in a year.

According to the cost consultant, some in-demand trades can now earn almost £134,000 in the capital on a 48-hour week.

These trades, which are leading the energy revolution, earn 2.5 times more than capital construction labourers, who make £28 per hour.

T&T warns that a shortage of skilled construction workers is driving pay inflation to record highs in all UK regions.

The average UK wage for these specialists is £47 per hour outside London.

Skills shortages were identified in all nine regions, with 78% indicating they are already affecting programmes.

Low-carbon development is not immune to labour cost increases and skills shortages.

Since 2023, average construction wages have risen 13% to £42 per hour in 2024.

London is the 10th most costly building market worldwide, up from 14th in 2023.

This has raised average construction prices in the capital across 11 building types to £3,503 per m2 from £3,024 in 2023.

Turner & Townsend managing director of UK real estate Chris Sargent said: “Hundreds of thousands of new trained specialists are needed to give the sector the capacity it needs for the green transition.

The role may appeal to many and attract these needed abilities with high remuneration.

“But green construction cannot afford to be priced separately from traditional work.

We must invest today in establishing and educating the pipeline of talented personnel we need and use innovative digital solutions to increase productivity and outcomes to make net zero realistic and cheap.’

Summary of today’s construction news

In summary, the major parties have finally issued their manifestos for the 2024 election, with polling day less than a month away. A lot of people are forecasting that Tory candidates would lose handily after 14 years, 5 prime ministers, 2 recessions, and 1 Brexit.

Meanwhile, Shinfield Studios, located at the Thames Valley Science Park at the University of Reading, has been open for business for the last two years in stages. It has already accepted productions throughout that time, such as Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which was just launched.

Lastly, London moved up from 14th place in 2023 to the 10th most expensive construction market in the world. As a result, the average cost of construction in the capital for a wide range of 11 building types has increased to £3,503 per m2 from £3,024 per m2 in 2023.

In today’s news, we will look at Rishi Sunak’s dreams of a resurgence, the economy of the United Kingdom collapses. As the economy of the United Kingdom slowed down in April due to wet weather, prospects of a comeback from the recession that occurred the previous year began to evaporate. While this is going on, the construction industry is responding to the Conservative manifesto for 2024. At Silverstone, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presented the Conservative Party 2024 manifesto, which was accompanied by the slogan “Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future.” In addition, the Jacobs-Volker-Stevin Joint Venture has been officially appointed to the United Utilities Construction Delivery Partner Framework in the United Kingdom. Moreover, TanRo was chosen to be the primary construction contractor for the first phase of FBP’s project in the United Kingdom.

UK Economy Flatlines, Devastating Rishi Sunak’s Comeback Aspirations

Original Source: UK economy flatlines in blow to Rishi Sunak’s hopes of recovery

Wet weather slowed the UK economy in April as hopes of a recovery from last year’s recession faded.

After a 0.4% gain in March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported monthly growth dropped, denying Rishi Sunak’s hopes of a significant rebound before the general election on July 4.

The ailing retail sector, manufacturing slowdown, and construction production slowed the economy.

City experts predicted 0.0% increase, blaming the month’s severe rains for construction workers’ problems and high street consumers’ lack of business.

Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, said: “Rishi Sunak claims we have turned a corner, but the economy has stalled and there is no growth.”

Sunak said the economy was “bouncing back” in March after a 2023 slide. After Wednesday’s statistics, a Conservative spokesperson stated, “There is more to do, but the economy is turning a corner and inflation is back down to normal.”

Retailers lost 2% of their trade, manufacturing decreased 1.4%, and construction fell 1.4% in April. Despite these decreases, the services sector rose 2%, led by IT and communication services, professional firms (1.2%), and arts and entertainment (2.6%).

Trades Union Congress national secretary Paul Nowak claimed the economy’s stagnation was hurting households’ incomes long-term. “Our economy is slowing yet again,” remarked the TUC chief. “This is the worst government for growth in modern times—and working people have paid.”

His analysis of official numbers showed that annual growth has averaged 1.5% since 2010, the poorest government performance since the Great Depression. Nowak said wages were worth less than 2008 after inflation, and unemployment rose at the quickest pace in the G7 this year. “Conservatives spin freely. But the last 14 years have been bad for growth and living standards.”

The economy may recover this summer, according to Capital Economics chief UK economist Paul Dales. “Despite April’s recovery stall, higher interest rates and inflation will continue to drag on economic growth throughout the year to fade. This will provide the future government an economic boost, he said.

Most economic sectors have grown month over month since January, according to private sector business surveys.

Last month, the UK revealed that it had officially exited recession after the economy contracted in the second half of last year. Quarterly growth was 0.6%, the most since 2021.

In its biannual projection in spring, the International Monetary Fund anticipated 0.7% growth for the year through April.

The OECD cut its UK growth forecast for this year from 0.7% to 0.4%. The Paris-based organisation blamed the UK’s bleak outlook on long-term challenges like a skills shortage, high prices, and high interest rates.

At its meeting later this month, the Bank of England is unlikely to decrease interest rates due to April’s zero GDP growth rate, according to Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales economics director Suren Thiru. “Despite these disappointing GDP figures, a June interest rate cut looks unlikely, as the Bank of England may be wary of changing policy during a general election campaign,” he added.

Builders React to Conservative 2024 Manifesto

Original Source: Construction industry reacts to Conservative 2024 manifesto

Prime minister Rishi Sunak released the Conservative Party 2024 platform at Silverstone with the tagline “Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future”.

The Conservative 2024 manifesto pledges to lower taxes by £17.2bn by 2030, increase defence spending, and halve net migration.

For UK construction, the Conservative Party manifesto promises to build 1.6m new homes in England by the next parliament:

• Instead of nutritional neutrality, developers must pay a “one-off mitigation fee”.
• Fast-tracking city brownfield residential developments
• Increasing central London density to Paris and Barcelona levels through regeneration and brownfield
• Protecting the Green Belt by building more urban residences
• Establishing locally-led urban development corporations in Leeds, Liverpool, and York to regenerate cities
• Forcing authorities to set aside property for smaller developers and easing Section 106 constraints on smaller sites
• Restricting local councils’ Infrastructure Levy use to housing infrastructure
• Renewing the Affordable Homes Programme to revitalise housing estates
• Maintaining cladding remediation.

For homebuyers, the manifesto promises:

• Permanentize the 2022 Stamp Duty threshold
• Launching a “new and improved” Help to Buy plan to give first-time buyers a 20% equity loan and a 5% deposit on affordable interest rates.
• The manifesto calls for a Renters Reform Bill for “landlords and renters alike” that would “fully abolish” Section 21 and strengthen other grounds for landlords to expel anti-social tenants.
• Social housing will also have ‘Local Connection’ and ‘UK Connection’ tests and a three-strike system for anti-social renters.
• Capping ground leases at £250.

Labour leader Keir Starmer criticised the Conservative 2024 manifesto as “Jeremy Corbyn-style” “load everything into the wheelbarrow, don’t provide funding, and hope nobody notices,” to Middlesborough media.

“If the money isn’t there, five years of chaos will follow.”

According to RICS CEO Justin Young, the Conservative party has pledged to build 1.6m houses over the next five years after building 2.5m in the previous 14 years. That is almost 300,000 new homes a year, a feat not seen since the 1960s, when the public sector and SME housebuilders delivered more housing. While the Conservatives’ backing for small builders is welcome, it won’t solve Britain’s regulatory and politically infiltrated planning system.

We support initiatives that benefit first-time buyers, but demand-side and supply-side solutions must work together. There is a 4.3m home shortage in the UK, thus more housing is needed to improve affordability.

“A stamp duty cut would help more buyers get on the property ladder in the short term, but we must learn from the past and implement policies to address house building’s structural issues. Help to Buy 2.0 risks repeating the disadvantages of the original plan if supply is not addressed across all tenures. It supported first-time buyers and gave housebuilders confidence, but it also inflated home prices across England, put thousands of buyers at danger of negative equity, and failed to give fair value for taxpayers.

Greater urbanisation may not be sustainable.

Spector Constant & Williams lawyer Alun Williams said: “The announcement of a fast track planning system in the largest 20 cities will ultimately come down to the detail. My impression is that the Conservatives are placing plasters on a system that needs substantial surgery.”

Sav Patel, associate director at Lanpro Services, said: “The Conservative manifesto for this election has a high headline figure for house building: 1.6m homes over the term of the parliament, or 320,000 homes per year, a significant increase on the million homes built over the current parliament. Unbalanced mechanisms are used to achieve this.

More urban development corporations, speedier brownfield site planning approvals, and higher London densities are prioritised. Bringing this process forward is complicated and time-consuming. The remainder of the country discourages higher delivery rates.

“In contrast to Labour’s proposed Green Belt policy review, the Conservatives are offering ‘cast-iron’ Green Belt protection.

“The detailed policies are welcome. The manifesto proposes replacing nutrient neutrality standards with a ‘one-off mitigation fee’ for each development. Small builders receive a fresh land allocation and Section 106 exemptions.

Planning reform must go beyond brownfields.

Executive director of Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group) Karen Charles said: “While no one disputes that development should be directed to urban brownfield sites first, the reality is that there is a need and demand for homes in less urban locations, which often requires development on undeveloped greenfield sites as brownfield sites are unavailable.

Indeed, if the Prime Minister is to increase housebuilding as set out in the Manifesto, the Government will need to reform the planning system and relax some planning restrictions that make it so time-consuming to prepare development plans and so difficult to secure planning permission and deliver new homes in places people want to live.

“The Conservative Party Manifesto on planning and housing is commendable, but all indications are that the apparent sole focus on delivering homes on brownfield sites in urban locations will continue to constrain housing delivery, particularly non-urban houses.”

Joint Venture Between Jacobs and VolkerStevin Selected as a UK Utilities Construction Delivery Partner

Original Source: Jacobs – VolkerStevin Joint Venture Appointed to UK’s United Utilities Construction Delivery Partner Framework

United Utilities, one of the U.K.’s largest listed water firms, has engaged C2V, a Jacobs (NYSE:J) and VolkerStevin joint venture, as Construction Delivery Partner (CDP) for their substantial capital investment program. It will be United Utilities’ most ambitious and difficult program.

C2V will manage, design, develop, and commission complex capital projects in water and wastewater treatment, pumping stations, reservoirs, bioresources, and energy.

All organisations on the expert framework will form an integrated delivery organisation with United Utilities to deliver its anticipated $3.8 billion (£3 billion) capital programme from 2025 to 2030, with an option to extend for five years to 2035.

“The water sector faces enormous environmental issues. “This framework allows United Utilities to deliver its largest environmental performance and critical water services program in North West England,” said Kate Kenny, Jacobs Senior Vice President. “With our 20+ years’ experience working in the region, we can further contribute vital water and wastewater infrastructure solutions that deliver stronger, greener and healthier customer and environmental benefits.”

VolkerStevin Managing Director John Cox: “We’re excited to deliver the region’s largest environmental initiative with United Utilities, enterprise partners, and the supply chain ecosystem. The enterprise model allows our businesses to interact, improve how we work together, and deliver more social and environmental value to the North West than ever before. We are thrilled to continue working with United Utilities to develop a better, greener, and healthier North West England for everyone.”

United Utilities Capital Delivery Director Jane Simpson said: “We’re thrilled to have found excellent delivery partners to help us change North West infrastructure and services.

“It will be our most ambitious program yet and by putting this partnership in place with some of the best design and construction companies in the country, it allows us to get to work quickly and deliver the transformation that we know our customers want to see.”

United Utilities’ suggestions will be reviewed by Ofwat, which will develop a response by July 2024 and agree on a final plan by December 2024. Seven million people utilise United Utilities’ water and wastewater services, including three million households and 200,000 businesses.

Jacobs and VolkerStevin have supported United Utilities as C2V for 10 years, delivering water and wastewater projects that improve river water quality in North West England and provide safe, secure, and resilient water resources.

Jacobs helps United Utilities’ new Strategic Solutions Team optimise key capital projects. For 10 years, Jacobs supported United Utilities’ engineering services framework, providing strategic studies, business planning, asset optimization, project, and program management to ensure the resilience of critical assets like the Haweswater Aqueduct. United Utilities used Jacobs’ Aqua DNA, a Digital OneWater solution that collects live data and improves wastewater network performance using smart sensors and AI-driven predictive analytics, to implement Dynamic Network Management. Jacobs helped United Utilities secure strategic funding from Ofwat’s Innovation Fund and submit successful regulatory filings.

Since 2006, Engineering News-Record has ranked Jacobs the top sewer/wastewater design business (2023). Jacobs, one of the leading service providers to U.K. water authorities, plans, develops, finances, designs, delivers, and maintains world-class water infrastructure solutions to manage this vital resource

Jacobs solves the world’s most pressing problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery, and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into reality that change the world for good. Jacobs provides consulting, technical, scientific, and project delivery services to the government and business sector with $16 billion in annual revenue and over 60,000 employees.

FBP’s First UK Phase’s Lead Contractor is TanRo 

Original Source: TanRo selected as lead construction contractor for FBP’s first phase in UK 

The £800m Fairham development master plan includes the commercial project.

TanRo will lead the building of Nottingham’s Fairham Business Park (FBP) first phase.

For site work, the corporation is putting up its compound.

TanRo director Fintan Phelan said: “We are thrilled to lead construction of Fairham Business Park’s cutting-edge commercial units.

“We completed two ‘built-to-suit’ facilities at Clowes [Development]’s Etiquette Park in Ilkeston on time and on a very tight schedule.”

The £800m ($1.01bn) Fairham development master plan includes this commercial project.

Clowes Developments development director James Richards said: “Fairham will create a thriving new community and neighbourhood that is well-planned, safe, and friendly, with a vibrant mix of residential and commercial amenities, all designed and built to the highest standards.”

Slow-moving vehicles will increase at Fairham for important enabling works.

The A453-crossing vehicles will move extra dirt from FBP to a vacant area.

The local authority’s planning conditions will be followed to properly dispose of excess soil during soil movement.

JC Balls has been ordered to begin the project, which should be finished by October.

Clowes Developments announced Podium Business Parkin located in Northamptonshire in 2021. 

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), monthly growth fell after a 0.4% gain in March. This puts an end to Rishi Sunak’s hopes of a substantial resurgence before the general election on July 4. The retail sector’s woes, the manufacturing downturn, and the building industry’s output all contributed to inflation.

At the same time, at Silverstone, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled the Conservative Party’s manifesto for 2024, which has the slogan “Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future.” Promising to cut taxes by £17.2bn by 2030, boost defence expenditure, and cut net migration in half, the Conservatives’ 2024 platform is full of empty promises. On top of that, United Utilities, a major listed water company in the United Kingdom, has chosen C2V, a joint venture between Jacobs (NYSE:J) and VolkerStevin, as their Construction Delivery Partner (CDP) for their massive capital investment programme. The programme will be the most challenging and ambitious undertaking for United Utilities. C2V will oversee the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of intricate energy, water, and wastewater treatment, pumping station, reservoir, bioresource, and project management projects. The business venture is also a part of the £800 million Fairham development master plan. The initial phase of Fairham Business Park (FBP) in Nottingham will be led by TanRo. In preparation for site work, the corporation is erecting its compound.

In today’s news, we will look into how the Swedish giant has officially begun operations in the United Kingdom. While this is going on, CR Construction (UK) acquires a historic mill restoration contract worth £34 million. After recent expansion, the construction industry in the United Kingdom is experiencing an increase in employment opportunities. Additionally, the construction of homes has increased for the very first time since Liz Truss’ mini-budget was implemented. Construction News also states that in response to the failure of Carillion, a new optional director code of conduct has been established.

Swedish Titan Launches UK Operations

Original Source: Swedish giant officially launches UK operation

Following Sortera’s acquisition of GBN Services and O’Donovan Waste Management last year, sortera began in the UK this week.

Following the transaction, Sortera took over six GBN and O’Donovan’s sites in Rochford, Harlow, Edmonton, Uxbridge, Tottenham, and Wembley, as well as around 400 employees.

Now UK sites will have renamed garbage wagons.

Sortera UK Managing Director Mark McCleery said: “We are excited to bring Sortera’s innovative waste management services to the UK market.

The expertise of GBN Services and O’Donovan Waste Management and Sortera’s Nordic success will enable us to provide innovative digital solutions, international sustainability insights, and operational excellence to meet the changing needs of the construction, recycling, and waste management industries.

“We can’t wait to start rolling now that we are Sortera. It’s been a huge team effort over the last few months.”

Sortera recycles, collects, and recovers resources.

Sortera claimed it enjoys “forging enduring partnerships and driving positive change within the UK construction, recycling, and waste management sectors.”

UK-based CR Construction Gets £34m Historic Mill Renovation

Original Source: CR Construction (UK) wins £34m historic mill restoration

Hong Kong-listed contractor CR Construction UK will build 190 flats in Manchester’s historic Talbot Mill.

Manchester developer Capital & Centric proposes to rehabilitate Castlefield’s oldest Victorian mill in Ellesmere Street.

CR Construction (UK) will build 190 dwellings and public realm and amenity block works in 105 weeks for £37m.

The project will include three residential blocks: two mill building renovations and a 10-story new build.

Calum Kidd, general director of the UK contracting business, said: “The PCSA process has shown how we can collaborate with clients and achieve a positive outcome. The initiative should be our first of many collaborations.

Capital & Centric joint managing director John Moffat said: “We’ve diversified, bringing our approach to creating flagship new neighbourhoods to UK towns and cities.

But it’s always fun to return to Capital&Centric’s roots, transforming beautiful historic structures into something spectacular.

The rebirth of Talbot will build on Crusader and Kampus in the city, creating a genuine community with lush open spaces.

Recent Expansion Boosts UK Construction Employment.

Original Source: Employment on the rise in UK construction after recent growth

After seeing the most rapid expansion in the past two years, the construction workforce in the United Kingdom is increasing both its number and its purchasing power.

The most recent S&P Global construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) score for the month of May was 54.7, which is an increase from the previous month’s score of 53.0. Additionally, analysts had anticipated that the PMI would be 52.5 for the month.

A number that is more than 50.0 shows an increase in activity, whereas a score that is lower than this standard indicates a decrease. The score for the month of May represents the third consecutive month of growth.

The construction industry in the United Kingdom has had the greatest recorded rate of growth in the past two years, which has resulted in an increase in the number of employment opportunities and an increase in the amount of material that has been purchased.

Residential construction, commercial construction, and civil engineering were the three sub-industries that experienced an increase in activity within the sector. However, commercial construction was the most active of the three.

The economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, Andrew Harker, provides the following statement: “Firms are gearing up for further growth in the months ahead, posting renewed expansions in both employment and purchasing activity as workloads increase.”

According to Barry Goodall, partner and head of construction at Brabners, “many contractual challenges we saw arise amid the period of rampant inflation have begun to ease, and firms are planning ahead with greater certainty around input costs and interest rates.” Goodall mentions that the situation has improved.

After that, he goes on to remark that the industry should predict a “relatively positive second half of the year” if the latter falls as projected.

First Time Since Liz Truss’ Mini-budget, Housebuilding Up

Original Source: Housebuilding on the rise for the first time since Liz Truss’ mini-budget

New data suggests UK housebuilding increased for the first time since Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s controversial mini-budget in late 2022 last month.

May saw the greatest increase in British construction activity in two years, according to the latest S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers’ index.

The May construction PMI jumped to 54.7 from 53 in April, exceeding estimates of a drop to 52.5.

May’s construction sector reading was the highest since May 2022 at 50 or higher.

Before the 4 July general election, Rishi Sunak and Kier Starmer staff will closely monitor PMI statistics.

Civil engineering, commercial construction, and housing increased.

Housebuilding rose for the first time since October 2022, when Truss’ budget plans raised borrowing prices and cut house sales.

The residential project growth was slight.

The commercial category saw the fastest rise, reaching a two-year high. Civil engineering activity grew steadily but softly.

British buildings have recovered after dismal official data in 2023’s fourth and first quarters. Each period saw output decreases of 0.9%, the biggest since mid-2021.

Construction firms connected greater new orders to gaining new contracts and starting delayed projects, S&P Global said.

Subcontractor costs grew the greatest in nine months while raw material costs rose the least this year.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economics director Andrew Harker said: ‘The UK construction sector is showing solid momentum as we reach mid-2024, with activity rising at the quickest pace in two years in May.

For the first time in over a year and a half, housing project work grew broadly, which was pleasing.

Firms are preparing for greater growth in the coming months, adding jobs and buying as workloads rise.

This week’s all-sector PMI, which includes services and manufacturing readings, fell to 53.1 from April’s one-year high of 54 due to slower services sector growth.

As it decides when to drop interest rates from their 16-year high this year, the Bank of England is watching wage growth and service costs.

Financial markets have trimmed their expectations in recent weeks and do not fully price in a first quarter-point rate decrease until November.

Post-Carillion ‘Shortcomings’ Directors’ Code of Conduct

Original Source: Directors’ code of conduct unveiled after Carillion ‘shortcomings’

Construction News reports a new voluntary director code of conduct in response to Carillion’s failure.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) code of conduct aims to “build trust in business” after high-profile corporate failures shook public faith in business executives. The IoD, a business leaders’ organisation, expects the guideline will guide director-related judicial proceedings.

In an exclusive interview, IoD director of strategy and corporate governance Roger Barker told CN that significant corporate crises like Carillion’s collapse “exert a very negative impact on the public’s perception of people in business leadership positions”.

In 2018, Carillion, the second-largest construction contractor, failed, startling the industry and financially crippling UK local authorities and subcontractors.

“We believe most directors operate with commendable standards of ethics and conduct, both in their decision-making and in their personal conduct as role models,” Barker added.

But he warned that “horror stories” and “scandals” like Carillion, the Post Office scandal, and BHS’s 2016 collapse eroded public confidence in business executives and the construction industry.

He warned more large corporate failures might lead to the “worst-case scenario” when additional legislation “chipped away and eroded” directors’ judgement. The code of conduct aims to prevent severe company failures.

The new code, which has been consulted on by business and the public, has six director conduct standards.

Lead by example, integrity, transparency, responsibility, fairness, and responsible business.

He claimed “Carillion is undoubtedly one of the biggest corporate scandals and collapses of the past decade”. “I think it’s changed people’s perception of UK governance.

It showed certain systemic flaws if directors and corporate leaders don’t act properly.

After being fined £397,800 by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for “recklessly” releasing deceptive accounts, former Carillion CEO Richard Howson was barred from being a director for eight years last year.

If Carillion hadn’t gone bankrupt, the FCA would have fined it £37.8m and punished two other former directors.

Barker believes the code is a “yardstick of behaviour” that may “improve the culture of business” for all companies.

Barker suggested using the code as a “benchmark in legal proceedings” for directors, though he does not see it becoming law.

“Often in litigation, the court wants to establish what is reasonable conduct, or what are the accepted best practices at work,” he said, adding that regulators and attorneys may use the code to define best practices.

Barker also expects the new administration would promote the code to businesses.

While he hopes firms of all sizes will adopt the guidelines, he told CN that the institute did not want to create a “bureaucratic obstacle for directors” on top of the norms and standards they already must follow.

He considers it a “tool” for complex leadership decisions.

“It will become a tool that helps directors reflect on where they are in complex decisions and situations, where it can be easy to lose sight of what the right thing to do is.”

Summary of Today’s Construction News

Overall, we discussed that last year, Sortera acquired GBN Services and O’Donovan Waste Management. This week, Sortera started operations in the UK. Approximately 400 people were transferred to Sortera from six locations of GBN and O’Donovan in Rochford, Harlow, Edmonton, Uxbridge, Tottenham, and Wembley after the acquisition. The historic Talbot Mill in Manchester will be transformed into 190 apartments by the Hong Kong-listed CR Construction UK. The oldest Victorian mill in Castlefield, located on Ellesmere Street, is being considered for rehabilitation by Manchester developer Capital & Centric. The 190 homes, public realm, and amenity blocks will be constructed by CR Construction (UK) in 105 weeks for a total of £37 million. Furthermore, the construction workforce in the UK is experiencing a rise in both the quantity and spending power of its members, following the fastest expansion in the previous two years. In addition, recent figures show that UK housebuilding increased for the first time since the contentious mini-budget of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng in late 2022, which was released last month. A new indicator from S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers shows that May was the busiest month for the industry in the UK for the past two years. Furthermore, following high-profile corporate failures that eroded public faith in business executives, the Institute of Directors (IoD) code of conduct seeks to “build trust in business.” The IoD is a group for corporate leaders, and they hope the guidance will help direct court cases involving directors.

In today’s news we will look into the construction division of Lendlease which is currently up for sale. In the meantime, Centrica commenced building of a hydrogen-ready power plant in the United Kingdom. A new managing director has been appointed by Akela Construction, on the other hand. For additional information, building has begun on the 102MW Stranoch wind farm. In addition to this, Strabag UK has experienced a significant loss in trading.

Lendlease Starts Selling Construction

Original Source:  Lendlease puts construction arm up for sale

Lendlease is leaving the UK and selling its construction business to focus on Australia.

The company hopes to sell its UK construction branch within 18 months and is well progressed on selling its US construction arm.

Lendlease will sell over a dozen London, Birmingham, and Manchester development projects.

The ambitious plan to simplify and restructure Lendlease’s worldwide development and construction division follows a disastrous four years that saw its stock collapse by half.

Lendlease CEO Tony Lombardo said the sale of international construction and early release of global property assets would generate A$4.5bn (£2.3bn).

Sale of international construction will affect 1,400 workers, while property asset departure should raise A$2.8bn.

Lombardo said: “Over the next 18 months, we will divest the international construction operation to focus on our most profitable home market, Australia.

Through the life science JV, we’ve mostly left Asian construction. We are well underway in divesting our US construction company.

“In the UK, we are preparing the business for sale in an improving market with a strong backlog and preferred work book of over A$5bn (£2.6bn).

Finally, we have released A$2.4bn (£1.25bn) of capital from our foreign development projects, somewhat offset by expected spending of A$700m (£365m) for engineering and UK building remediation work, resulting in a net capital release of A$1.7bn (£900m).

“This acceleration will target three areas. Land and inventory on the balance sheet will be sold first.

Second, for our land management agreements, we are the master developer and will work with our partners to generate value and accelerate capital flow through land sales or new partners.

Third, on eight projects we started as capital partners, we will finish and divest.”

Lendlease created a Capital Release Unit to speed capital recycling and divest overseas construction to maximize embedded value.

This will be overseen by Lombardo and include under-construction sites like Stratford in East London.

Lendlease said the sell-off strategy would result in £260m in non-cash goodwill write downs for the US and UK construction businesses from the 1999 Bovis acquisition.

The year to June 2023 results for Lendlease Europe, which primarily serves the UK, showed construction revenue falling 17% to £380m and EBITDA rising from £2m to £5.6m.

Pre-tax losses were £124m owing to building safety writedowns. About two-thirds of the 1,200 employees work in construction.

According to one city expert, Lendlease Construction in the UK resembles an in-house development contractor. It raises the question of who would buy the business now.

“Lendlease say they can find a buyer, but at what price without the development pipeline.”

Centrica builds UK Hydrogen-Ready Power Plant

Original Source: Centrica starts construction of UK hydrogen-ready power plant

Centrica is building a hydrogen-ready gas peaking power station in Lincolnshire, UK.

The company said it is installing four Wärtsilä gas engines in the decommissioned Brigg output Station turbine hall to produce roughly 100 MW of peak output.

The British company will start testing later this year to blend hydrogen into the gas from 3% to 20% before aiming for 100% hydrogen and using comparable tech at all peaking facilities.

Brigg Energy Park construction is estimated to take nine months, with full operations in early 2025.

H2 View understands that Wärtsilä’s 31SG gas engines can power 20,000 houses for a day once the peaking plant is operational and connected to the grid.

Centrica Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said gas will be crucial to the UK’s electricity supply when renewable energy is low.

Wärtsilä Energy Vice-President Africa & Europe Kenneth Engblom said, “This installation will help enable clean renewable energy by providing grid balancing.

Wärtsilä 31 engines are known for their efficiency and hydrogen blend readiness.

In 2022, the Finnish company reported success from a hydrogen blending demonstration at a US power plant, where its unmodified 18MW 50SG engine supplied grid power.

The New Managing Director has Been Appointed by Akela Construction

Original Source: Akela Construction appoints new managing director

Robert Ogg has been named managing director of Akela Construction, a firm based in Glasgow.

Robert Ogg brings over 30 years of expertise in civil engineering and construction to Akela.

Before this, he oversaw frameworks and projects for Balfour Beatty and was managing director of infrastructure works in Scotland for Morgan Sindall. He most recently served for five years as Robertson Group’s director of national frameworks in the United Kingdom.

He is expected to find new prospects for Akela in the renewable energy, civil engineering, and transportation sectors by using his understanding of framework processes and procurement channels. He was a key figure in the development of the Scotland civil engineering framework and had earlier served as head of the BAA Scottish airports framework.

According to Robert Ogg, it is an exciting time to join the team at Akela Construction because the company has become a trusted partner for civil engineering and groundworks solutions. I will guarantee that projects are completed to the greatest standards of quality and efficiency for our clients, keeping in mind that self-delivery is at the forefront of all that Akela does.

“I am excited about building upon the existing strong client relationships and establishing new ones to enhance our pipeline and bring the business’s vision to fruition.”

Mark Markey, managing director of Akela Group, expressed his belief that Robert’s wealth of knowledge will greatly contribute to the expansion of their business. He will be instrumental in expanding our group’s approach into new and developing sectors and in strengthening our ties with current clients in the housing sector.

The 102 MW Stranoch Wind Farm has Commenced Construction

Original Source: Construction begins on 102MW Stranoch wind farm

The Dumfries and Galloway wind farm Stranoch, which is being built by EDF Renewables, has commenced.

We anticipate that the 20-turbine site will be operational by the end of 2026. The farm’s capacity will be 102 MW when it’s finished.

The new site has a power purchase agreement (PPA) that major grocery chain Tesco has signed. Tesco intends to buy enough power to operate 80 average-sized supermarkets annually. Additionally, the site will supply approximately 40% of BAE Systems’ current energy needs in the UK, as the defense giant has also signed a PPA.

“The chief executive of EDF Renewables UK, Matthieu Hue, expressed his company’s delight at reaching this significant milestone on Stranoch at a time when addressing climate change and energy security are top priorities for everyone.

Tesco and BAE Systems are teaming together for the first time on a project in Scotland, and we couldn’t be happier about it. The goal of the initiative is to assist Tesco decarbonize its retail portfolio.

It is a point of great pride for us to collaborate closely with locals throughout the entire process so that communities may reap the full benefits of renewable energy projects. We will maintain our consistent communication with the local community and people as the construction project moves forward. The local community and all those who have helped with the initiative up to this point have my sincere gratitude.

Rise in PPAs

In response to mounting calls for them to decarbonize, a growing number of large companies have signed PPAs with wind farms in the United Kingdom.

Amazon is now one of the biggest solar and wind energy purchasers in the world, having just inked a deal with Iberdrola to offtake 159 MW of energy from the 1.4GW East Anglia 3 offshore wind farm. As previously announced in January, Amazon will now get 473 MW of power from Ocean Wind’s Moray West offshore wind farm as part of a revised power purchase agreement.

In Ireland, Almac Group and asset management NTR entered into a corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) in February to use the 21.6 MW Murley Wind Farm to power 95% of Almac’s Craigavon campus headquarters.

Tragic Business Loss for Strabag UK Continues

Original Source: Strabag UK suffers further big trading loss

As it prepared for a long-term presence in the UK, the Austrian construction company Strabag’s UK business continued to suffer a third year of losses.

Despite having worked on HS2 in the UK since winning contracts in 2017, the contractor established Strabag UK in 2020 to serve as its primary operating business in this country.

After losing £22 million in 2022 and £2 million the year before, Strabag UK recorded operating losses of £17 million last year.

With the start of full production at its Hartlepool concrete section factory in 2023, revenue nearly quadrupled to £135 million.

After hiring key personnel from the defunct Buckingham Group, Strabag UK’s joint managing director Andrew Dixon predicted that the company would suffer large costs as it attempted to establish a presence in the construction sector.

According to him, they expanded their capabilities in the UK to include designing and building infrastructure projects and producing concrete products. In the third quarter of 2023, they hired a full team from the defunct Buckingham Group and supplemented it with current Strabag employees, allowing them to join the UK building sector.

We anticipate that this new business unit will start bidding on construction contracts in early 2024 and will start delivering purchased projects in the same year.

“Since we are a new player in the market, our focus in 2024 and 2025 will be on winning over clients, not delivering on our secured backlog,” he continued.

Because the margins this investment will eventually provide represent a considerable return on investment lag, the cost of bidding in 2023 and for the next two years or more will be greater than for a mature business. This is because of the disproportionate gearing.

“The high barrier to entry in the infrastructure industry makes this inevitable.”

Strabag has been operating in the UK since 2011, but it wasn’t until 2017 when it secured the primary works civils on HS2 with joint venture partners Skanska and Costain that the company really started to make an impact.

The 48 km of tunnels, which include the Northolt Tunnels and the Euston Tunnels and Approaches, are being planned and built by this joint venture.

Almost immediately after, in 2018, Strabag signed a massive tunneling contract with Anglo American to supply 37 kilometers of ore transfer tunnels and other infrastructure for their North Yorkshire potash mine.

Strabag UK’s payroll jumped from 824 in 2022 to 1,400 in the previous year, marking the beginning of a dramatic increase.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed about the Lendlease which after selling its building business in the UK, Lendlease is shifting its focus to Australia. Within the next 18 months, the firm intends to sell its UK construction unit, and the sale of its US construction arm is making good progress. Twelve of Lendlease’s development projects in Birmingham, Manchester, and London will be sold. A gas peaking power station that is ready to use hydrogen is being constructed in Lincolnshire, UK, by Centrica. In order to generate around 100 MW of peak output, the business is putting four gas engines from Wärtsilä in the turbine hall of the decommissioned Brigg output Station. Meanwhile, Glasgow-based Akela Construction has appointed Robert Ogg as managing director. Robert Ogg has been a specialist in civil engineering and building for almost 30 years, and he brings that knowledge to Akela. Additionally, EDF Renewables’ construction of the Stranoch wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway has begun. We expect the 20-turbine location to be fully operational by the year 2026’s end. Upon completion, the farm will have a capacity of 102 MW. Additionally, Austrian construction firm Strabag’s UK operations continued to incur losses for a third consecutive year as the company made preparations for a long-term presence in the UK. The contractor set up Strabag UK in 2020 to operate primarily in the UK, even though it has been working on HS2 here since receiving contracts in 2017.

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the Forecasting with artificial intelligence: Storm Ciarán and the resilience of the United Kingdom to extreme weather occurrences 1. 1.5 million construction workers in the United Kingdom are already at risk, and around 700,000 injuries have already been caused by poor mental health. In addition, construction has begun on the new headquarters of the UK Biobank, which will cost sixty million pounds. 

Storm Ciarán and UK Extreme Weather Resilience Under AI Forecasting

Original Source: AI forecasting: Storm Ciarán and UK resilience to extreme weather events

With the UK needing to be more resilient to catastrophic weather, Dr. Simon Driscoll and Dr. Natalie Harvey from the University of Reading examine the AI forecasting revolution and its mixed success in capturing a record windstorm.

Recent years have seen a revolution in AI and ML.

AI and ML have expanded beyond the ‘perceptron’ paradigm (designed to replicate brain neurons) to be used in economics, research, technology, industry, and more.

Machine learning and AI are increasingly widespread, and we often ‘talk’ to chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini for daily aid.

ML and AI are algorithms that can learn from and predict data. AI also refers to systems that use these algorithms for robotics, problem-solving, etc. Big data fuels these statistical algorithms.

ML/AI forecasting

Weather forecasting is a computer problem like brain simulation and early universe evolution. It’s natural that ML and AI are used here.

The present state of the atmosphere is determined by integrating data from weather stations on Earth and satellites in space (and everything in between!).

Numerical weather forecasting models start with this data. These models anticipate atmospheric conditions days and weeks ahead using physics.

The atmosphere is chaotic, therefore two essentially identical atmospheres could soon diverge to have distinct weather for the next few days. Therefore, reliable weather forecasting requires massive supercomputer computations and regular observation network upgrades.

Remember that ML and AI systems learn data patterns and forecasts. If ML and AI systems could learn from the massive amount of ‘reanalysis’ data (the best weather estimate at the time), they may possibly forecast the weather.

ML and AI have been used in climatic contexts before, but ECMWF scientists made the first attempt to anticipate weather in 2018.

This key work does not yet challenge physics-based numerical weather prediction.

All of this changed in recent years. The publishing of a WeatherBench dataset, an ECMWF 10-year ML roadmap, and other ML advances like leveraging GPUs to calculate have changed the scene.

Huawei, NVIDIA, and Google built four ML/AI models for short-to-medium weather forecasts in 2022 and 2023.

Combining ECMWF’s world-leading training data with tech companies’ vast resources and talents has rapidly improved ML and AI models.

In many domains, AI models can currently make better forecasts than NWP models and run faster.

Storm Ciarán

Storm Ciaran developed a record-breaking low pressure core in late 2023 from a minor North Atlantic disturbance.

It brought over 115 mph winds to France and Britain in early November. The severe winds killed 16 individuals, closed schools and airports, and left almost 1 million houses without power.

A University of Reading group led by Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez investigated how effectively AI forecasting algorithms could model this storm and compare them to NWP models.

The AI models were not trained on Storm Ciarán data when the study was conducted. They could boost AI models’ ability to anticipate future storms by successfully predicting this storm’s traits.

Compare AI models to NWP

The study compared Huawei, Google, and NVIDIA AI models against ECMWF, UK Met Office, Japan Meteorological Agency, and National Centres for Environmental Prediction NWP models.

All models tracked the storm throughout the Atlantic and accurately identified its centre’s mean sea level pressure low.

Despite the rapid use of AI in weather forecasting, AI models failed to capture Storm Ciarán’s peak wind speeds, whereas NWP models did far better.

This matters for two reasons. First, weather warnings are based on projected wind speeds above a threshold. NWP models anticipated wind speeds that prompted a red risk to life alert in the UK and France.

Using AI projected winds could have led to a lower alert category and a higher death toll.

Small changes in wind speed can lead to huge differences in windstorm economic loss estimates because they are usually estimated as the cube of the normalised wind gust speed.

The scientists also compared projections to ECMWF data to determine Storm Ciarán’s dynamical structure, which provided the best storm evolution estimate.

The dynamical models captured many significant dynamical elements of Storm Ciaran, but they failed to produce the narrow band of wind that caused the most severe impacts and the severity of the temperature variations across the weather fronts.

Future of AI and UK extreme weather resistance

The study found that AI models may not capture dangerous extreme traits, despite their success.

In a report on extreme weather risks, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee said the UK government “lacks the required robust leadership, oversight and urgency” to strengthen society-wide resilience.

As climate change proceeds, extreme weather events will become more likely, making risk management more important.

Storm Ciarán was not an unusual storm, thus UK readiness must also include studying how reliable AI model predictions are for more dynamically unpredictable storms.

AI models will be used more to forecast weather and extremes, as the ECMWF has AIFS to compete with tech companies.

This emphasises the need to understand what these models are physically doing, explaining how and why they are performing well and missing features.

To reduce unnecessary deaths and weather-related damage, the public, decision- making politicians, and the insurance business must be informed about their strengths and vulnerabilities, especially during extreme storms.

A correct understanding and improvement of these models, building on studies like this through further research, could lead to AI weather forecasts of thousands of realisations with great accuracy, speed, and physical consistency.

1.5m Around 700,000 Mental Health Injuries Have Occurred in UK Construction Workers

Original Source: 1.5m UK construction workers at risk with circa 700,000 injuries already caused from poor mental health

According to recent research from business insurer QBE, 1.5m UK construction workers have worked in risky environments with poor mental health and close to 700,000 injuries.

QBE research exposes the cost of poor mental health to UK construction for the first time. A QBE survey of 362 UK construction workers’ mental wellbeing at work. The results suggest they will work despite the higher risk of damage.

Three quarters of UK construction workers with poor mental health worked in risky conditions despite the risk. In addition, 27% of construction workers had taken time off in the past year owing to poor mental health, with 46% taking at least one week off.

The data also finds that poor mental health cost the UK construction industry around 5.1 million working days last year, compared to 18 million for the economy. Over 9% of the UK workforce works in construction, which employs 3.1 million people.

Government estimates attribute 49% of work-related illness to stress, sadness, or anxiety. Work-related ill health accounts for 54% of lost workdays in the UK.

This week at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) conference in Manchester, QBE urged employers to support and safeguard their employees.

QBE Europe Risk Solutions Practice Leader David Dexter said:

Mental illness is the leading cause of lost workdays in the UK and numerous workplace mishaps.

We understand how mental health can cause incidents and claims in the UK construction business.

“Companies should prioritise worker safety after Construction Safety Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. Even a tiny positive improvement in an employer’s wellbeing and mental health approach can significantly reduce workplace stress and accidents.

“Improving workplace culture by encouraging openness and demystifying stigmas when discussing mental health demonstrates to staff that their health and wellbeing should be a business priority.”

Key study findings include:

• Half of industry workers, 1.5m, have worked in unsafe conditions while mentally ill.
• 22%, or 682,000 workers, have been injured at work due to mental illness.
• 76% of people who work with mental illness feel it raises harm risk.
• Mental health costs the UK construction industry £1.2bn annually, with 1.7 days lost per worker[5] and 5.1m last year.
• 27% are uneasy discussing mental health with their workplace.
• 32% of workers reported their employer never checked their mental health.
• Over a third (38%) of respondent construction workers told their employer they were absent from work due to a physical condition, when in fact it was mental illness.
• Workplace stigma prevents 36% from discussing mental health.

Building £60m UK Biobank HQ Location

Original Source: Construction underway on £60m new UK Biobank HQ site

For the £60 million Greenheys development in Manchester Science Park, Bruntwood SciTech has hired Willmott Dixon as lead contractor.

The Bruntwood, Legal & General, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), the UK’s largest specialist property platform for the science, tech, and innovation sector, are making progress in transforming Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter into a life sciences and technology hub.

Greenheys, being built on site, will be 131,000 sq ft over six stories and finish in summer 2026. It pledges to “redefine the landscape of specialised laboratory spaces tailored for diagnostics, genomics, biotech and precision medicine businesses.”

Greenheys will house UK Biobank, the world’s largest health data source for research, on three levels. Modern facilities, including a robotic freezer that can store and retrieve up to 20 million biological samples four times faster than existing norms, will speed up scientific discoveries in its lab. The transfer will speed up sample delivery to researchers, enabling UK Biobank to store more samples, and be more ecologically friendly.

The new UK Biobank building, supported by Manchester University, is near top scientific, academic, corporate and NHS organisations. This would give UK Biobank new options for multi-disciplinary researcher-industry engagement, boosting innovation, health impact, and economic growth in Manchester and beyond.

Greenheys will offer CL2 labs with 2,500 to 22,000 square feet of office space. Advanced technical features will include vibration resistance, piped gas distribution, cooling and ventilation, high-security access, and 100GB ultrafast connectivity.

In addition to being BREEAM Excellent, Greenheys will be the first UK lab space to be 100% electric and net zero carbon in construction and operation in its communal rooms.

Through Bruntwood SciTech’s partner network, life science enterprises at Manchester Science Park, Europe’s largest clinical academic campus, can collaborate with The University of Manchester and MFT. This includes direct R&D and finance support, skilled talent, and clinical trial chances.

Greenheys businesses have access to campus-wide event spaces, café, gym, conference rooms, and parking, as well as grab-and-go food kiosks, communal breakout spaces, safe bike storage, showers, and more.

Development director Sam Darby of Bruntwood SciTech said: “We are delighted to have Willmott Dixon on board for the Greenheys development. Their expertise matches our ambition for a facility that would facilitate life sciences innovation and become one of the UK’s most advanced and specialised life science venues.

We are convinced that Willmott Dixon’s commitment to quality and sustainability will provide a world-class facility that satisfies the scientific community’s needs and benefits Manchester.”

Bruntwood SciTech’s latest commitment to Manchester comes after it announced £500m in financing in October 2023 to drive scientific, technology, and innovation growth and welcomed GMPF to the joint venture. It intends to build a £5bn portfolio that supports 2,600 high-growth enterprises by 2032 as the UK’s largest dedicated property platform for the knowledge economy. In Manchester Science Park’s 1m sq ft vision, Greenheys joins Bruntwood SciTech’s Citylabs 4.0, No. 3 Circle Square, and Pall Mall, the latest city centre innovation hub.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the University of Reading’s Drs. Simon Driscoll and Natalie Harvey investigate the breakthrough in artificial intelligence (AI) weather prediction and its mixed results in recording a record windstorm, all in the interest of making the United Kingdom more resilient to severe weather. Meanwhile, new data from business insurer QBE shows that 1.5 million people in the UK have suffered from poor mental health as a result of working in hazardous workplaces, and that there have been nearly 700,000 injuries. In addition, Bruntwood SciTech has appointed Willmott Dixon as the principal contractor for the Greenheys development in Manchester Science Park, which is valued at £60 million. Efforts are being made to develop Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter into a centre for life sciences and technology by The Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), the biggest specialist property platform in the UK for the science, technology, and innovation sector.

In today’s news, we will look into the United Kingdom, the Construction Leadership Council has published a paper that defines expertise in household retrofitting. In the meantime, a recent analysis reveals that the United Kingdom is the leader in terms of data, but there are still gaps. On the other hand, a building company from Northern Ireland was awarded the greatest distinction in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the building industry in the United Kingdom is expanding at the quickest rate in more than a year.

Retrofit Competence Framework From CLC

Original Source: CLC publishes retrofit competence framework

A report by the Construction Leadership Council defines competency in UK household retrofit.

The 64-page booklet outlines the fundamental knowledge, abilities, and attitudes needed to scale up house retrofits in retrofit-specific and industry roles.

The paper identifies two kinds of ‘statements’ that describe individual skills. They’re transferable and technical.

CLC claimed competency statements can help establish competence frameworks for retrofit occupations.

They also aim to support future workforce training and education for new entrants and up-skilled workers.

Retrofit competency definition

The paper intends to “provide a consistent and clear definition of the cross-cutting, overarching competencies required for individuals working across the whole retrofit process” according to CLC

It added: “These statements can be used to support the update and development of competency frameworks and occupational standards for retrofit-related roles, as well as to evaluate and update training course and qualification content.”

The study lists these competence statements:

Transferable core skills

• Overall technical skills
• Promoting retrofits through communication and collaboration.
• Passion for excellence
• Improving continuously
• Digital

Overall technical skills

• Regulatory environment
• Client needs and guidance
• Assessment of property costs
• Tech and design
• Coordination and integration
• Assessing and monitoring

Over 28 million UK households will need upgrading to fulfil the legally binding net zero objective by 2050.

According to the CLC, current retrofit work will not fulfil this aim. 

UK Building Leads Data but Holes Exist, Says Report

Original Source: New report shows UK construction leads on data but gaps remain

According to Autodesk and Deloitte Access Economics, the UK leads Europe in construction data, but integration and training issues are slowing growth.

Compared to France, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, UK construction has advanced data-use despite recent economic constraints. Profitability climbed 12.8% in Europe in 2023 but declined 3.6% in the UK. The UK has the most data leaders (18%) and the third-most data beginners (23%).

This could increase construction safety and efficiency across all sectors. But the report adds that some obstacles persist.

Due to process and data integration issues, 36% of UK construction firms capture project progress data but do not analyse it. According to 43% of CEOs, their company stores data on too many platforms, and 37% said they have trouble integrating data across platforms.

Before the report launch, Morgan Sindall design management and building information modelling director Lee Ramsey said, “The more systems you have, the more risk of information not being there.” That might be worse now that the Building Safety Act is in place. Ramsey says, “It could be lost in the audit, so the need for system comparability becomes exponentially more important.”

Impending Building Safety Act change

Ramsey attended a presentation on how the Building Safety Act will accelerate data collecting. The Act will require projects to have a ‘single source of truth’ that can be consulted after completion, according to the Building Safety Regulator. This fact will be data proving all work was done correctly.

Good data should validate what is happening, but it may also affect project adjustments.

Cast Consultancy board director Lilly Gallafent stated, “The Building Safety Act has upped the ante on change, which has obviously been a big part of the post contract environment for a long time Construction sequencing has commercial ramifications, but this new procedure of recordable, notifiable, and substantial alterations and their approval periods adds an entire universe of administration.

Using technology to handle it will be crucial. As any project manager in the room knows, our change control procedures are generally Excel-based and manual. This is what the Building Safety Act discourages.”

Many suppliers struggle to invest in new techniques and technology, which may delay change. Worse, BESA CEO David Frise argues that while reputable companies have nothing to worry, many will doubt the shift will materialise and not act.

“People believe the government will change its mind because it always does. I think a minister said net zero is foolish, costs firms money, and we should abandon it. That happened with boiler tax and UK CA marking. Since many assume “we’ve seen this all before,” they wait and don’t do it. That’s quite hard to overcome.”

This is difficult for tiny businesses with little time. Frise says, “To keep their business afloat, they chase money, work, materials, and labour over and over again. Different thinking is needed. Consider something else. By the time it’s seven p.m., you’ve done your metaphorical tray, reached the piece that says ‘I should do something about digital skills’, and they rightly think ‘I’ll go and see the kids. I’ll consider that tomorrow—always tomorrow.”

This requires digital enterprises to make their technologies as accessible and user-friendly as feasible. Autodesk senior technical solutions executive Chris Palmer sees this daily. “A sixty-year-old construction manager says, ‘what I don’t want is more work’. That’s entirely reasonable. So we must help make what we offer on the market user-friendly and save time by having a single system.”

Autodesk director, construction strategy, Matt Keen explains what is at stake as the sector tries to grow and manage more complicated operations. “Every organisation, from owners to small contractors, must use technology and data to meet Building Safety Act requirements and succeed in a challenging macroeconomic environment. The most crucial step is investing in people, and the construction industry must change its capabilities to meet new regulations.

Northern Ireland Builder Wins Top UK Award

Original Source: Northern Ireland construction firm honoured with highest UK accolade

In 2024, Henry Brothers was one of two Northern Irish companies acknowledged for its sustainable development efforts.

Northern Ireland contractor Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

Henry Brothers was one of just two Northern Irish enterprises acknowledged in 2024 for its sustainable development approach, which has benefited the business, the environment, and the construction industry.

The King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development is a great honour, said Henry Brothers CR director Ian Henry MBE.

This achievement highlights our continuous commitment to responsible business, which is deeply ingrained in our company culture.

Since its founding, Henry Brothers has prioritised sustainable methods to reduce our environmental impact and improve social and business outcomes.

“In addition to our ambitious Net-Zero Strategy, our sustainable development approach includes several initiatives to promote staff health and community engagement.”

Judges called the organisation an “excellent example” of motivating people while growing.

Henry Brothers was recognised for its creativity in creating a 27-acre Nature Reserve at their Headquarters in Magherafelt that over 5,000 Northern Ireland schoolchildren have visited.

Ian added: “The Henry Brothers consider sustainable development a commercial essential.

This award is a monument to the dedication and hard work of our people across the firm, who have each contributed to our sustained growth and success while keeping our ideals of sustainability and corporate responsibility, ensuring we remain Together Stronger.

“We look forward to driving positive environmental change and creating lasting impact in our communities long into the future.”

Henry Brothers is one of 252 UK companies to get a King’s Award for Enterprise.

Henry Brothers began as a small, traditional builder in 1976 but now targets larger, sustainable projects. It employs 200 in Magherafelt, Belfast, Scotland, the Midlands, and Manchester.

Last year, the King’s Awards for Enterprise were renamed to recognise His Majesty. The King wants to honour great UK businesses to honour HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Successful enterprises can use the King’s Awards Emblem for five years under the country’s most prestigious business honour, presently in its 58th year.

UK building Grows Fastest in Over a Year

Original Source: UK construction sector expands at fastest pace in more than a year

An April poll issued on Tuesday showed the UK construction sector grew at its quickest pace in almost a year.

The S&P Global construction purchasing managers’ index rose from 50.2 in March to 53.0. This was the second month of positive growth and the fastest since February 2023.

A value above 50.0 suggests expansion, below shows contraction.

The fastest-growing construction sector was commercial building, which jumped to 53.9 in April from 49.9 in March for the first time since August 2023. Survey respondents attributed a turnaround in client demand to refurbishing initiatives.

Civil engineering activity index hit 53.6, the fastest growth in nine months.

Residential building work moderately declined, lowering the housebuilding index to 47.6 from 49.9. It was the biggest decrease since January. Construction firms cited weak markets and hefty borrowing prices.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economics director Tim Moore said: “Amid an order book revival, the construction sector consolidated its recent recovery in April, with overall industry activity expanding at the quickest pace in 14 months. More confidence in the UK economy stimulated demand. April saw a strong increase in civil engineering and commercial building.

House building activities were hampered by weak market circumstances. The current poll showed the fastest residential building work decline since January, while it was slower than in the second half of 2023.”

Moore said hiring trends were sluggish despite a recovery in workloads, which mirrored trends in other parts of the UK economy, as construction firms focused on costs amid significant wage pressures.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed how the CLC asserted that competency statements are useful for developing retrofit job competency frameworks. Their long-term goal is to help fund education and training for both new employees and those looking to upgrade their skills in the industry.

However, building data shows that the UK is leading Europe, although growth is being hindered by integration and training concerns (Autodesk and Deloitte Access Economics).

One more thing: Henry Brothers, a contractor from Northern Ireland, won the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. A sustainable development strategy adopted by Henry Brothers has paid dividends for the company, the planet, and the building sector; the company was one of just two from Northern Ireland to get this recognition in 2024.

Apart from that, there was an increase from 50.2 in March to 53.0 in the S&P Global purchasing managers’ index for the construction industry. Gains continued at a rapid pace, marking the second consecutive month of improvement since February 2023. Values below 50.0 indicate contraction, while those above 50.0 indicate expansion.

In today’s news, we will look into the latest news on the construction of Sonnedix’s largest solar facility in the United Kingdom. During this time, we would like to introduce you to Keepmoat’s exceptional duo of freshly qualified bricklayers for addressing the scarcity of construction skills. In addition, recruiters are warning that the labour shortage in the construction industry is going to get even more severe. In addition, Lain Thomas FCIOB is in charge of the building of the ten billion dollar Toronto GO Expansion. Rod Sweet is the recipient of his description of his role in this enormous undertaking.

Largest UK Solar Facility by Sonnedix Begins Construction 

Original Source: Construction begins on Sonnedix’s largest UK solar plant 

In its 300MW UK portfolio, Sonnedix is building Cowley Complex, its largest solar facility.

The 120 MW ground-mounted solar PV facility, which will be one of the UK’s largest in 2025, will create over 100 green jobs.

In County Durham, the Cowley Complex will include three connected 60MW, 43MW, and 17MW sites.

Sonnedix projected that it will generate 124,600MWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power 35,000 UK homes and reduce CO2 emissions by 48,000 metric tonnes.

EPC contractor Ameresco Sunel Energy is building Cowley Complex to help the worldwide renewable energy producer lead the UK’s renewables transformation.

Sonnedix moved into the UK in 2022 by acquiring Lightsource bp’s 300MW five-project solar PV portfolio.

Sonnedix CEO Axel Thiemann said: “We have reached a major milestone in our UK growth strategy with the construction of our largest plant. We are thrilled to grow our market share and help the UK move to a clean, secure, and sustainable energy system and fulfil its decarbonisation goals.”

The project is the first to employ Sonnedix’s EUR 500 million loan facility from December 2023 to finance European projects, primarily in Spain, Italy, and the UK. Multiple Currency loans help it cluster, contract, and build its renewable plant development pipeline more efficiently and flexibly.

The UK government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanism secures price and income for the entire portfolio. The CfD system will begin in 2026 after Cowley Complex is built.

Jorge Amiano Goyarrola, worldwide head of engineering and construction, said: “We’re thrilled to start work on Cowley. This 120MW infrastructure project will provide over 100 green employment during construction and a secure source of green, affordable energy once operational.

We’re thrilled to be building one of the UK’s largest solar PV installations.” 

Keepmoat’s Brilliant New Bricklayers Are Addressing the Construction Skills Deficit

Original Source: Meet Keepmoat’s talented duo of newly qualified bricklayers tackling construction skills shortage

Keepmoat, a top 10 housebuilder, honoured two youngsters who finished their Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship, a hallmark certificate that is helping the sector fill a talent gap.

A housebuilder hired Evan Browne and Callum Quinn, who started training in October 2022. In conjunction with the National House Building Council (NHBC), Keepmoat offers an 18-month apprenticeship.

For years, the construction industry has struggled with a skills gap. Building companies need 225,000 more workers by 2027 to meet UK building demand due to an ageing workforce and fewer young people joining conventional crafts.

Newcastle 18-year-old Evan says: “I love being outdoors and building things. The bricklaying apprenticeship was great for me because I knew I wanted to work in construction since school.

“I’m glad I finished my apprenticeship and am now certified. Continuing what I love with a wonderful team excites me. My favourite aspect of constructing is seeing a finished home and knowing I helped make it.

NTWDC, a partnership between Keepmoat and Newcastle City Council, is delivering the NHBC Training Hub at Keepmoat’s The Rise development in Scotswood. Both apprentices completed their apprenticeships there.

We’re thrilled to see Evan and Callum finish their apprenticeships and join the next generation of brilliant bricklayers, said Keepmoat Social Value Manager Geoff Scott. I’ve enjoyed watching both apprentices work hard and learn. They were hardworking, resilient, motivated, and had strong communication skills, which we value.

We are happy to see young individuals succeed in their professions at Keepmoat because this field has many advancement chances. It’s rewarding to see young people use industry opportunities. Technical skills are vital, but apprentices’ interpersonal skills are just as important.”

Darryl Stewart, NHBC’s apprentice training programme and hubs manager, added: “It’s great to see Evan and Callum flourishing at the NHBC Training Hub in Newcastle, which is growing the house-building industry’s local talent pool and improving all apprentices’ lives.

Bricklaying is crucial to housebuilding. In order to train the next generation of house builders to produce high-quality homes, NHBC has established training hubs. We have training hubs with realistic work environments, competent educators, and apprenticeships that take 14 months instead of 30 months.

Recruiter Predicts Worsening Construction Skills Shortages

Original Source:  Recruiter warns that construction skills shortages are about to get worse

Construction and engineering recruiting specialist: upcoming skills shortfall will “make 2007’s war for talent look like a water fight”.

A combination of mega construction projects already under way in the UK and those yet to begin, such as water infrastructure developments, the Lower Thames Crossing, the expansion of the National Grid, and the Stonehenge Tunnel, as well as the imminent resurgence of the house-building market, is set to intensify the current talent.

Harris argues projects like HS2 and Hinkley Point are straining the construction workforce.

While employing 30,000 workers, HS2 and its contractors are still hiring hundreds more. The new Hinkley Point nuclear power project won’t be finished this decade, according to EDF. Only in the enabling works stage, Sizewell C is providing hundreds of jobs. Sizewell C could start construction this year and take nine to 12 years, providing thousands of employment.

“The construction industry is already stretched thin,” said Simon Harris. The house-building workforce has shed over half a million people since 2008. The system has minimal slack.”

The current recruiting climate is difficult, but not impossible. However, big construction projects presently ongoing and future projects will worsen the talent gap and cause a manpower crisis. Housebuilders will accelerate as interest rates fall.

“The perfect storm will hit in 2026 when the Lower Thames Crossing opens. Construction firms without a solid long-term workforce plan will struggle. The 2007 talent war will appear like a water fight. As we begin construction on the 1¼ mile Stonehenge tunnel and rebuild eight miles of the A303, the sector’s impact is uncertain.

Construction employed 2.6m people in 2008. Sector employment dropped to 2.1m in 2023.

Randstand thinks production should be restored. Simon Harris said construction businesses must hire half a million people to meet the task. To succeed in the coming years, employers must hire people from diverse backgrounds, fish in more diversified talent pools, pay more for skills, and nurture their own potential. Apprenticeships, new recruit training, and staff upskilling are needed. Instead of prioritising ‘experience’, they must recruit skills first. In certain new occupations, like green skills or AI-based tech, experience is lacking.

Construction of Ontario’s First Rail Megaproject

Original Source: Building Ontario’s first rail megaproject

Iain Thomas FCIOB leads the £10bn Toronto GO Expansion construction. He describes his role in this massive endeavour to Rod Sweet.

After moving from the UK to Canada in 2021, Iain Thomas didn’t expect to head the Americas’ largest transportation network expansion.

“My wife and I travelled the world for a year when we met, and I’d always wanted to live abroad,” he says.

I led major project delivery for SYSTRA UK. As SYSTRA purchased my former employer, TSP Projects, a weekly MD briefing revealed global potential for Canadian project managers.

“I expressed my interest in April 2021, and by August we had sold our house and were moving to Toronto to start our new lives.”

Thomas initially supported the Ontario Line team at SYSTRA Canada, a C$12bn (£7bn) Metrolinx subway line with 15 new stations stretching 15.6km south west to north east through the downtown core to the Ontario Science Centre.

Delivery partner bid

He helped with the final proposal and collaborative behavioural assessments for its bid to be the programme delivery partner on the huge southern Ontario transit project GO Expansion.

Thomas: “In March 2022 we found out our joint venture – Mace, Comtech, and SYSTRA (MCS) – had been successful.

Metrolinx, an Ontario provincial organisation that coordinates and integrates all means of transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, is our customer.

GO Expansion, estimated at C$18bn (£10.5bn), is Metrolinx’s largest project and the province’s largest transport expenditure. The costs for early and complementary works (E&CW) and on-corridor works are still being finalised.

Thomas became MCS head of projects and construction.

Greater Golden Horseshoe Past Toronto transport planning focused on people entering and leaving downtown.

The scope has expanded to include mobility across the “Greater Golden Horseshoe,” a vast area around Lake Ontario’s western end that includes Oshawa, Barrie, Guelph, Kitchener, Grimsby, and Niagara Falls.

Thomas joked that “not the only one who fancied coming here”.

The Horseshoe’s population rose 57% from 6.5 million to 10.2 million between 1996 and 2021.

Metrolinx plans for 14.9 million residents in 2051.

Programme overview

GO will offer quicker trains, more stations, and seamless linkages to the regional rapid transit network beyond rush hour commuter services.

Metropolitan wants all-day services with trains every 15 minutes or better, says Thomas. They use higher-speed electric trains that can reach 120 km/h and feature quick braking and acceleration to reduce station time.

“The GO programme is unprecedented in Canada.”

Recent early works and off-corridor projects include station renovations, grade separations, bridge and tunnel expansions, and maintenance facilities worth over C$11bn (£6.5bn).

The vintage Toronto subway has many renovations (see below).

Work began five years ago and will last 10-15 years.

Delivery of programmes

Thomas says MCS has two key roles as programme delivery partner.

“First, we’re strengthening Metrolinx’s processes, including systems, technology, and people, so they can deliver megaprojects in the future,” he says.

“We use a ‘sunset model’. Our MCS team leaves at the end of our contract, leaving Metrolinx streamlined and seasoned to handle future megaprojects.

Second, we must supply GO Expansion E&CW. We oversee E & CW projects to ensure they’re on time and on budget for upgrades.”

Thomas says the team helps where needed. He has been acting project director for the C$400m (£233m) Lakeshore East-West grading works, which will widen the rail line to four tracks from three.

Thomas says he will think about site work delivery and site health, safety, and quality every day for six months.

I’m also thinking about ways to coach and advise existing teams to better use Lean control boards, Last Planner, and other methods.

We also need to involve more of the construction industry because the work is so big. We need to increase the number of tier 1 and 2 contractors and simplify contracts so tier 2s will commit.”

Working methods change

Metrolinx can test off site fabrication thanks to GO.

Thomas explains that Kenaidan, one of our contractors, built a platform canopy beside the tracks and hoisted it in pieces over a few nights when the railway was closed. Since fabrication was done on dayshifts, it was safer, faster, and less disruptive to the railway and local residents.

New technologies like autonomous train warning and lookout systems are being tested here. Widely employed on UK Network Rail, they increase corridor work time.

Thomas adds that Metrolinx needs international support to develop its systems, techniques, and teams to proactively drive delivery due to the scope of the programme.

“It’s become a global effort,” he says. Tier 1s working on GO include SYSTRA and Alstom from France, Mace from the UK, Dragados, Ferrovial, and Sacyr from Spain, and Deutsche Bahn from Germany.

“Experienced expats can make a big difference.

I have close contacts to the British Consulate, which is promoting UK-Canada commercial agreements and events for UK firms.

“Perhaps we’ll see you in the Golden Horseshoe soon!”

Toronto subway expansion

Toronto commuters are not forgotten, and the expansion of the old subway system is mind-boggling.

The Scarborough Subway Extension will extend TTC Line 2 roughly 8km into Scarborough, together with the new Ontario Line.

The 8km, 5-station Yonge North Extension will take TTC Line 1 north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill.

Eglinton Crosstown Light Rapid Transit (LRT) is a 19km, 25-station midtown light-rail link linking east and west Toronto. With 10km of the road underground, it will save travel time by 60%.

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will extend 9.2km primarily underground from the proposed Mount Dennis LRT station to Renforth Drive in the west, connecting Scarborough to Mississauga through midtown Toronto.

Boring machines Renny and Rexy are digging the twin tunnel east along Eglinton Avenue West towards the Humber River.

To the north, the 18-stop, 10.3km Finch West LRT will run from Keele Street to Highway 27, then south to Humber College near Pearson International Airport.

Further west, the 18 km north-south Hazel McCallion LRT will connect Brampton and Mississauga.

Many tube and LRT expansions will connect to Horseshoe regional trains.

Summary of today’s construction news

In today’s news, we discussed the  largest solar installation in Sonnedix’s 300MW UK portfolio, constructing Cowley Complex. Sonnedix predicted that it will eliminate 48,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and produce 124,600 MWh of renewable energy each year—enough to power 35,000 households in the United Kingdom. In the meanwhile, two young people were recognised by Keepmoat, a top ten housebuilder, for completing their Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship. This certification is a trademark of the industry and is contributing to the filling of a talent gap. In October 2022, a homebuilder hired Evan Browne and Callum Quinn, and they began training. As part of their apprenticeship programme, Keepmoat partners with the National House Building Council (NHBC) for 18 months. In addition, the water infrastructure developments, the Lower Thames Crossing, the expansion of the National Grid, the Stonehenge Tunnel, and the impending house-building market revival are all mega construction projects in the UK that are already underway or will soon begin, which is going to intensify the current talent pool. In another development, the £10 billion Toronto GO Expansion is being built under the direction of Iain Thomas FCIOB. He fills Rod Sweet in on his part of this enormous undertaking. It was not in 2021 that Iain Thomas, who had relocated to Canada from the United Kingdom, anticipated being named CEO of the biggest transportation network expansion in the Americas.

In today’s news, the UK’s ascent to prominence in the global technological arena appears to have been derailed by Rishi Sunak’s ambitious goal. A minimum of 350,000 stakeholder businesses have expressed unhappiness with the way the government’s International Technology Strategy has developed. In addition, fifteen contractors have been chosen to work on road surfacing projects in Yorkshire, including Galliford Try and Colas. The companies secured positions on the £300 million four-year plan, with Galliford Try participating in three lots. Lastly, in Co. Antrim, work has started to convert the location of a former PSNI station into an entrepreneurial hub.

Building a Worldwide Tech Powerhouse in the UK Requires Construction Technology Strategy

Original Source: Construction technology strategy is key to making the UK a global tech powerhouse

Haman Manak, procurement director at Stanmore, suggests that the UK should prioritise a construction technology strategy for global tech powerhouse status. Rishi Sunak’s plan to make the UK a technology superpower has stalled. At least 350,000 stakeholder businesses are dissatisfied with the government’s International Technology Strategy.

These companies lack the infrastructure to implement the approach.

Sunak co-founded an investing firm alongside Silicon Valley’s brightest, demonstrating his dedication for this technique.

As it approaches a failed PR stunt, the Prime Minister and his government must rethink their strategy.

If you want the UK to be a tech powerhouse, look at construction. Tech innovation might have a tangible influence there.

Construction had a rough year by no fault of its own. Insolvencies plagued us in the poor economy.

Housebuilding fell, and S&P PMI data shows that activity has only recently picked up.

The industry is progressively recovering from disaster. After experiencing low margins and less business, firms are scrambling to develop future safety nets.

The sector should work together to improve processes, take on additional projects, and increase revenue.

But present on- and off-site work doesn’t meet those criteria. This industry hasn’t kept up with new technology and has obsolete processes and machinery.

Tech could help there. Tech might be used to improve augmented reality in design, automate monotonous estimating steps, or integrate AI into BIM.

Data-driven insights could improve sector efficiency and inform developments.

Using construction technology

Construction is a blank canvas for tech-savvy businesses to update and optimise all core processes.

Unfortunately, our industry’s severe technological requirement is ignored. This is because key policymakers still choose ‘trendier’ sectors.

That makes sense from one perspective. AI, fintech, e-commerce, SaaS, blockchain, and other lucrative fields appear to attract tech aficionados worldwide.

However, these areas are packed. Competition is so severe that the odds of OpenAI-like success are limited.

Construction doesn’t have this glitch. Startups want to take on a ready-to-take industry, and NBS’ Digital Construction Report shows a growing desire for high-level, complicated innovation.

It appears win-win. Tech will allow construction businesses to cut the construction cycle, take on more projects, finish more developments, and generate the healthy margin they have missed so much.

Tech entrepreneurs may produce their magnum opus and modernise an industry that needs it by tackling construction.

A problem prevents this. Awareness.

Broad construction technology strategy investment

Construction accounts for 7% of UK GDP.

The sector drives the economy and helps run daily life.

This status is undisputed, although its obsolete activities are rarely discussed.

Sunak and his cabinet should examine construction’s volatile previous months and failing technological strategy and encourage entrepreneurs to enter the field.

With net zero in mind, they may offer tax exemptions or other incentives to start-ups in the field, which would help the UK decarbonise.

However, construction firms cannot return to industry practices. They must remove any reservations and welcome British inventors and entrepreneurs to the locations.

Building might be the start of a widespread technology innovation plan. It might turn into the technologically advanced modern world and outgrow its financial problems.

Industry might make the government’s International Technology Strategy perfect. The UK would lead building and ultimately match US and Asian tech heavyweights.

Neglect the past. Innovation is welcome in construction.

Galliford Try Wins Several £300m Road Surfacing Contracts

Original Source: Galliford Try scoops multiple spots on £300m road surfacing framework

Galliford Try and Colas are among 15 Yorkshire road surface firms chosen.

Galliford Try won three lots on the £300m four-year framework.

Up to nine Yorkshire local authorities will use the framework for road-surfacing and planning.

Roadworks may involve recycling, mending, overlays, reconstruction, and resurfacing. North Yorkshire Council’s wholly owned subsidiary NY Highways runs the framework.

Galliford Try is among the first three lots of the structure. Lot one will cover work up to £500,000, while lot two will cover work between £500,000 and £2m. Lot three covers £2m–£6m jobs.

Colas joined lot four, which includes recycling, kerbing, minor drainage, and ironworks.

Local authorities including Calderdale, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Kirklees, Leeds, and East Riding of Yorkshire can use framework services.

NY Highways originally planned to name 10 contractors per property. Seven firms were named on lot four, but ten on lots one, two, and three.

Galliford Try is a major road contractor. It received the eighth-most National Highways funding in 2022/23.

The contractor also benefited in February when the Court of Appeal approved three large Norfolk A47 road works. Campaigners could appeal to the Supreme Court.

Former Co Antrim PSNI Station Site Under Construction

Original Source: Construction work begins to transform site of former Co Antrim PSNI station

An entrepreneurial hub is being built on a disused PSNI station in Co Antrim.

After buying the land from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 2015, Glengormley PSNI station, which closed in 2012, has been vacant. Now, it will house an £8.6m Workspace Hub.

For the redevelopment, the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme provided £3.88 million while Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council provided £4.7 million.

Once finished, the Hub will hold 300 people. This rise in daytime population is expected to enhance the town’s many businesses and restaurants, according to the Council.

According to Belfast Live, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Director of Economic Development and Planning Majella McAlister claimed they bought the site to start a “major regeneration” of the town.

It was purchased to boost town centre growth and investment. Our goal was to give entrepreneurs a modern, accessible, high-quality location. Glengormley and this area don’t have this kind of service, so we’ll have to construct new locations to attract visitors.

Our goal is to establish an environment where we can serve businesses and entrepreneurs. We may run council services, InvestNI programmes, or local enterprise agencies projects to provide entrepreneurs and early-start businesses the best chance.”

This enhancement is part of a Borough-wide workspace strategy. In addition to similar hubs opening in Antrim and Ballyclare, the Glengormley Workspace Hub will transform workspace amenities by providing wrap-around professional support and top-notch facilities for local entrepreneurs and small enterprises.

The council’s Deputy Director of Investment, Michael McKenna, said: “This project will offer high-quality workspace to businesses of all sizes. Beginning entrepreneurs will have a lot to choose from.

“We also hope the building will be attractive to enterprises who want to grow in a high-quality facility and use the support network.

You’ll find flexible workspaces in this building. You can rent a high-collaboration room to hotdesk for the day. Also available is dedicated office space.

“Central to the building will be our atrium space which runs the full three stories and really what that will do is provide a central activity space for presentations, for workshops and bring a real buzz to the community of businesses in the building.”

From funding to delivering a meanwhile use space, the Department for Communities helped prepare the site for this fascinating project.

Gordon Lyons, Minister for Communities, said: “I welcome this investment in Glengormley to create a modern Workspace Hub on the former Police Station site, which will attract investment and benefit people.

“I was excited to come on site today to start construction and hear about the other ambitious regeneration projects my Department and Council have planned for Glengormley.”

A broader regeneration project in Glengormley includes the rebuilding of shop front façade, extensive improvements to the Farmley Road Car park and commercial area, and a new right-hand turning lane at Church Way and Glenwell Road.

Beginning in early 2025, a major public realm project will provide pathways, street furniture, lighting, and pedestrian space.

Summary of today’s construction news

In summary, the sector could ensure the flawless implementation of the government’s International Technology Strategy. In terms of construction, the UK would lead the world and eventually catch up to the tech giants of Asia and the USA.

In addition, one of the largest contractors in the road industry is Galliford Try. It was the eighth-largest beneficiary of National Highways spending in 2022–2023.

Lastly, the Department for Communities, which provided finance and supported the delivery of a temporary use space on the site, was crucial in getting the site ready for this exciting project.

In today’s news, we will look into over the course of the construction of E-7 Wedgetail facilities at Lossiemouth, Scotland, the United Kingdom purchased 556 tonnes (612 tonnes) of steel from local industry partners. In the meantime, the fight to get an agreement on the remodelling plans for the United Kingdom parliament, which cost £22 billion. In addition, Innocrete3D has introduced its 3DCP product in the United Kingdom. In addition, according to Paul Cave, the sales director of Koppers, in order to accomplish the objectives of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, it is necessary to make an effort to promote awareness that spans multiple industries.

Steel from a Local Business is Used to Build the UK Wedgetail Facility

Original Source: Local Industry Supplies Steel for Construction of UK Wedgetail Facility

The UK acquired 556 tonnes (612 tons) of steel from local industrial partners to build E-7 Wedgetail facilities in Lossiemouth, Scotland.

In 2023, the Royal Air Force signed an 83 million pound ($103 million) contract with Boeing to create a new centre for its E-7 fleet.

Boeing collaborates with Northern Ireland-based McLaughlin & Harvey on technical infrastructure and Scottish firm Simmers Contracts on supply materials for the Wedgetail hub.

Along with steel, the British government obtained 7,000-square-metre (75,000-square-foot) cladding for the E-7 maintenance and mission systems training buildings.

McLaughlin & Harvey reported that the 100-million-pound ($124 million) mission systems training facility is being built next to Lossiemouth’s P-8A Poseidon hangar.

The government said the E-7 infrastructure program will finish in early 2025.

Boeing Defence UK Managing Director Steve Burnell said the company uses its local supply chain to help the communities where it is pleased to live and operate.

As we work with the RAF to prepare the fleet’s introduction into service, we are thrilled to have Simmers Contracts play a crucial part in the development of the new facilities for the UK’s E-7 Wedgetail aircraft through our connection with Mclaughlin & Harvey.

In 2019, Boeing received an order for the E-7 Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft. It will replace the 1990s-era Royal Air Force E-3 Sentry spy planes.

The E-7 Wedgetail wingspan is 35.6 metres (117 feet).

Its two turbofans allow it to reach 853 km/h and a range of almost 6,000 km.

It can carry 10 mission people and is piloted by two.

A multi-role electronically scanned array sensor was installed in 2022 aboard the first British Wedgetail under development as its primary surveillance system.

The Dispute Over UK Parliament’s £22bn Renovations

Original Source: The struggle to agree UK parliament’s £22bn refurbishment plans

Britain’s old parliament building needs restoration due to rodents, mice, asbestos and leaking pipes. Politicians seem to have lost the desire to complete a comprehensive refurbishment following five years of debate and concerns about expenses of much to £22bn (US$28bn). Lucy Barnard learns why.

Members of the UK parliament are used to being wrongly compared to rodents, but many working in Westminster face genuine mice all too often.

“We see them everywhere all the time,” Conservative MP Pauline Latham told the Commons. “Absolutely disgusting. I had computer mice. I have office food eaters. They chewed my plastic tub of biscuits. Totally revolting.”

Latham isn’t alone. Epic pest control difficulties abound in the UK’s historic parliamentary complex, possibly the world’s most renowned set of buildings.

Sir Charles Walker, chair of the administration committee, responded to a written question from the Liberal Democrats by saying that in the year to January 2024, the UK Parliamentary Estate conducted 348 mouse investigations, 61 moth investigations, 107 ‘other’ pest investigations (mostly pigeons), and 33 electric fly killer installations, costing the taxpayer £102,850 (US$131,835).

Pest control isn’t the only pressing issue facing the crumbling Palace of Westminster. The Commons Public Accounts Committee warned in May 2023 that Parliament is spending £2m (US$2.6m) a week on patching up the crumbling estate due to water and sewerage leaks, fire risks, falling masonry, and asbestos, known about for years.

Observing the palace

It’s a huge job for David Goldstone, chief executive of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority (R&RDA), a former Ministry of Defence COO and London Legacy Development Corporation CEO who developed the 2012 Olympics legacy.

The body has conducted 100 surveys on ground conditions, heating and ventilation, archaeology, external fabric and stonework, and drainage over the past five years. Team did 7,500 hours of intensive investigations in 2023.

Geologists, archaeologists, and historians drilled 23 boreholes up to 70 metres deep beneath the Palace of Westminster to examine ground conditions: Surveyors have been raising floorboards, gently drilling into walls and removing ceiling panels to examine wall voids, building materials and historic flooring weight: Specialist teams have also inspected hundreds of miles of interconnecting electricity cables, gas, water, heating and obsolete water and sewerage systems: Acoustics scientists walked 240 km around the structure, surveying 80 rooms, 300 tests and 2,000 measurements.

A thermographic analysis of heat loss from the building, a survey of tree roots and other underground barriers that could hinder restoration work, and a safety study for eventual repair workers have been done.

The team is also creating an initial Building Information Model of the Palace that can generate drawings and plans of any part of the building, enable ‘digital rehearsals’ before construction begins, and add all of the survey data.

Ecology and doors experts from Manchester, window surveyors from Glasgow, historic surveyors from Cambridge, Suffolk, and Hampshire are on the team.

“We’re protecting the Palace of Westminster, carrying out thousands of hours of surveys to understand its condition,” Goldstone explains. “This is a national effort, calling on businesses and experts nationwide.”

2018 renewal and restoration plans

Despite Goldstone’s findings, a bigger plan for an ambitious restoration of the entire parliamentary site is unlikely to happen soon.

The Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority and Sponsor Body were established in 2018 to make major decisions concerning the multi-billion-pound restoration.

British architecture firm BDP was hired to design a temporary solution. To create a temporary House of Commons, Australian construction company LendLease was hired to extensively renovate Richmond House, a 1980s-built former Department of Health office north of the Palace of Westminster. An internal rebuilding of the government-owned Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre outside Parliament Square would have created a temporary House of Lords chamber.

In 2020, as the epidemic hit and a cost-of-living crisis overtook the country and predicted costs rose, many MPs became concerned that voters would dislike the plan.

At the same time, MPs learned that Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower, which houses Parliament’s renowned clock and ‘Big Ben’ bell, had cost 176% more to restore. Due to decay and damage to hundreds of intricate carvings, asbestos in the belfry, extensive use of lead paint, and broken glass in the clock dials, Sir Robert McAlpine’s special projects team’s 2017 clocktower restoration costs rose from £29m to £79.7m.

The BDP masterplan was “paused” in 2021, and parliament wrote off plan and business case design costs. The Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority did not answer Construction Briefing’s project inquiries via email and phone.

MPs requested alternative options from the Sponsor Body to reduce costs and monitor timelines. The Sponsor Body found that the cheapest plan was to decant the Palace of Westminster for 12–20 years, costing £7bn (US$8.8bn) to £13bn. Restoration would take 19–28 years if MPs stayed on the estate for most of the work. A prolonged presence at the palace may cost £11bn (US$14bn) to £22bn (US$28bn) and require 46 to 76 years, according to the research.

Creating a “new approach”

In January 2022, the commissioners for both houses of parliament voted to eliminate the Sponsor Body and create a “new approach” with a board comprising cross-party MPs, peers, clerks, and lay people creating a shortlist of restoration possibilities.

With many MPs focused on the expected general election this year, little progress appears to have been accomplished.

In October 2023, House of Lords deputy speaker Lord John Gardiner de Kimble claimed MPs would only receive fully detailed cost plans in 2025. He suggested moving all parliamentary action out of the buildings to allow work to be done, with one chamber, likely the Commons, returning before completion.

“Having costing proposals for both short-listed options will ensure that both houses can make informed, evidence-based and robust decisions about the best way forward for the programme,” he told a House of Lords debate, “recognizing our role as custodians of the historic building to future generations

However, as lawmakers delay, some worry that Westminster may be running out of time.

Dame Meg Hillier, committee chair, said progress had been excruciatingly sluggish after decades of broad consensus on the Palace of Westminster’s urgent repair and restoration.

If crucial works stagnate, the building may be destroyed by a catastrophic occurrence before completion or even starting’, she warned. After being exposed to asbestos in the structure, which is leaking, dropping masonry and at constant fire danger, people are on decades-long risk watchlists.

Innocrete3D Launches UK 3DCP

Original Source: Innocrete3D debuts 3DCP offering in the UK

Innocrete3D, a young UK 3D construction printing (3DCP) company, will build affordable buildings and be a trusted reseller of CyBe Construction, a market leader in construction 3D printing technology, to provide more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective construction solutions. With CyBe Construction, Innocrete3D is the first official European reseller.

From inexpensive housing and artificial reef projects to infrastructure formwork solutions, the company is using 3DCP to optimise affordability and sustainability in the building sector. The firm provides high-quality 3D construction printing and works as a trustworthy reseller of 3D printing machines, materials, and technology advisory services. To promote sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective building in the UK, Innocrete3D’s commercial launch marks a major step forward.

Even though Innocrete3D launched commercially this month, the team has been 3D printing concrete for years. The company optimised printing speed, cost, and sustainability before its market debut.

UK reseller and CyBe Construction adopter Innocrete3D launches its 3DCP service.Dutch company CyBe Construction has developed 3D concrete printing hardware, software, and materials for over a decade. With a century of construction experience, CyBe knows modern construction issues and how 3D printing may help. By offering Building as a Service (BaaS), CyBe has transferred its substantial experience to Innocrete3D, which has tailored building solutions for the UK market.

Worldwide interest in Innocrete3D has affiliates across the Middle East. Stakeholders in Dubai are also interested in printing projects using Innocrete3D. According to Innocrete3D, many UK customers are interested in its 3DCP, which is already being designed. Models include retaining walls, outdoor furniture, and workplace-sanitary buildings.

The first European CyBe Reseller is Innocrete3D, which partnered with CyBe Construction.

Timber in Construction Roadmap Should Start with Education

Original Source: Education should be the first stop on the Timber in Construction Roadmap

To achieve the Timber in Construction Roadmap’s goals, Koppers sales director Paul Cave says a cross-industry effort to raise awareness is essential.

The Timber in Construction Roadmap announced at the end of 2023 was hailed by the construction sector as an indication that the UK government is serious about bridging the timber building gap with worldwide peers.

Developers need education to understand application needs before diving into timber.

Timber is used in numerous ways depending on its role and location in the project.

Timber used in construction is treated to defend against specific hazards, which vary by location and role.

To maximise timber use, functional understanding of these use classes must be ramped up with timber construction and become second nature.

Without this education, we risk building unsuitable timber structures.

Which Use Class timber is project-appropriate

Based on use, treated timber is divided into three primary use classes: 2, internal, 3 exterior, and 4 exterior in-ground contact.

The treatment needed to prevent decay depends on these classes. Each use class excels here:

Use Class 2

Use Class 2 wood is mostly utilised inside, above ground and in building envelopes.

This wood can still wet from construction exposure and internal sources like ruptured pipes. Use Class 2 includes roof timbers, tiling battens, exterior and internal wall timbers, and ground floor joists.

Use Class 3

Use Class 3 includes treated timber for outdoor applications with frequent moisture exposure without ground contact.

Since it’s the UK’s largest treated timber sector, this category is crucial.

Deck boards, above-ground fencing, structural beams and joists, balcony structures, outside cladding, bargeboards, and soffits are among the components that require strict treatment techniques.

The UK’s authoritative wood preservation requirements ensure these components can resist harsh circumstances by following the highest timber treatment standards. This protects the structural integrity and longevity of the timber and installations.

For durability, safety, and performance in outdoor environments, Use Class 3 timber must be treated according to these requirements due to its widespread use and vital applications.

Use Class 4

Finally, Use Class 4 is the highest category of treated timber, designed for direct ground contact, freshwater exposure, or external structural support.

This division includes fence and deck posts, deck foundations, soil-retaining walls, raised garden beds, and non-waterborne bridge components. According to BS8417, Use Class 4 timber must be treated properly.

These scenarios put inadequately treated wood at danger, with serious consequences. Durability and structural integrity depend on treating timber properly.

Cross-industry education and awareness are crucial.

Basic knowledge: the industry must employ the proper lumber material in the right places, but this won’t happen automatically.

Making resources like those created by the Wood Preservation Association widely available is a good start, but industry stakeholders like timber suppliers, treaters, merchants, developers, and policymakers must push them to quickly establish timber scale-up guard rails.

In the transition, the Timber in Construction Roadmap emphasises industry fluency in timber construction and embodied carbon. It advises boosting Design and Technology degrees in schools and colleges and collating new and developing CPD qualifications to help the sector keep up.

Industry–government collaboration priorities include eliminating operational skills gaps and measuring workforce expansion needs.

A multi-stakeholder industry forum will lead this to establish a common knowledge and skills foundation.

Industry is focusing on charting ‘routes to competency’ on related timber jobs, a vast list that will grow as this information is widely used.

Understanding the applicable use classes is one step towards competency, but industry input is needed to determine routes for every job type. Some will understand these better than others, but fire risk assessors, fire engineers, building control offices, and insurance specialists are equally crucial to widespread acceptance.

Timber in Construction Roadmap is the first step forward

We can find success tales nearby. The Interdisciplinary Association for the Development of Buildings for Living in Wood (ADIVBois) in France includes industry and government sectors. The Association commissioned research on timber construction best practices, resulting in several medium- and high-rise ‘demonstrator buildings’ for the industry.

Timber is ready for UK building, but its major impact will come when it is employed at scale to drastically cut embodied carbon. This requires general buy-in and competence—we must feel as competent building with lumber as with concrete and steel.

Understanding use classes and choosing the right solution for the job is one example that will be repeated thousands of times across the industry. For the sector, timber offers almost endless opportunities, but knowledge is more than half the battle.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed how Boeing was awarded a contract worth 83 million pounds ($103 million) by the Royal Air Force in 2023 to construct a new E-7 fleet centre. Boeing works with McLaughlin & Harvey of Northern Ireland on technical infrastructure, and Simmers Contracts of Scotland on supply materials for the Wedgetail hub. At the same time, asbestos, vermin, mice and leaking pipes necessitate restoration work on Britain’s ancient parliament building. Politicians appear to have lost interest in finishing the extensive renovation after five years of discussion and worries about costs of much to £22 billion (US$28 billion). It is explained to Lucy Barnard. To add to that, Innocrete3D, a young firm based in the United Kingdom that specialises in 3D printing in the construction industry, will construct reasonably priced buildings while also serving as a reliable reseller of CyBe Construction’s (3D printing in construction) cutting-edge technology. Innocrete3D has become the first official European reseller for CyBe Construction. Construction industry insiders also saw the UK government’s announcement of the Timber in Construction Roadmap at the year’s end 2023 as a sign that it was committed to closing the timber building gap with its global competitors. Before jumping into timber, developers need to have knowledge to grasp application demands.

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the new music facility for the British Army Band at Sandhurst has been finished as construction has been completed. During this time, Voltalia has begun work on the Paddock solar project, which has a capacity of 49.9 megawatts. As an additional point of interest, Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope have begun building on the 347-home development. In addition, construction has begun on the next phase of the Television Centre flats, which will cost £200 million. Moreover, Peel Ports is planning to upgrade major ports in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the near future. On top of that, according to S&P Global, the construction industry has experienced growth for the first time in seven months.

The New British Army Band Music Facility at Sandhurst is Finished

Original Source: Construction completes on new music facility for British Army Band at Sandhurst

A new £12 million Army band facility at Sandhurst has been constructed.

The new, acoustically-optimised facility supports British Army Band Sandhurst musicians’ rehearsals, concerts, and collaboration.

RMAS renovated its 1850 stables and offices into an instrument store, music library, offices, rehearsal spaces, changing rooms, and crew area. Sustainable features include solar panels and heat source pumps in two blocks.

In February 2023, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted Willmott Dixon and Pick Everard to deliver the Joint Bands School project. The Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme is spending £3.35 billion over 10 years to improve troops’ living, working, and training quarters.

The new Royal Military Academy Sandhurst music facility. Willmott Dixon Project Manager Michael Ellett, Maj Brendan Wood, Joint Bands School Project Sponsor, Debs Thorne, Programme Manager, Matt Rix, Senior Building Manager, and Kieran Corrigan, Project Surveyor, are from left to right. MOD Crown Copyright.

Joint Bands School Programme Manager Debs Thorne spoke:

This project is an excellent illustration of the Army estate’s major investment in modern, sustainable infrastructure to support military training and future capacity. The finished buildings are impressive, and I’m sure the British Army Band Sandhurst will enjoy their new music facility.

According to DIO Project Manager Aleksia Xhaferraj:

We are happy to have developed this new facility for Army musicians, which will assist them much. This project was completed thanks to DIO, the Army, and our contractors’ participation.

Willmott Dixon MD Richard Poulter said:

We are proud to have helped build this cutting-edge facility for our military. I hope musicians are inspired and thrive in the amazing building.

The RMAS Ensemble Band will move in this summer. A fall 2024 opening celebration is planned for the new Band facility.

The DEO Portfolio, which is investing £5.1 billion in defence estate infrastructure, includes the DEO Army programme.

Voltalia builds 49.9MW Paddock Solar

Original Source: Voltalia begins construction on 49.9MW Paddock solar project

International energy company Voltalia has started building its 49.9MW southeast England photovoltaic (PV) power facility.

This plant, which will start production in the second half of 2025, will sell electricity to firms under long-term contracts like Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.

According to Voltalia CEO Sébastien Clerc, the company has seven UK solar and storage installations with 260 megawatts of capacity. Our future projects will boost national expansion and third-party client service.”

Voltalia UK’s portfolio

In recent years, Voltalia has expanded its UK and Irish solar and battery storage range.

In November 2023, Co-op signed a 15-year Corporate PPA with Voltalia for the full 34MW Eastgate solar project.

Eastgate solar project will power the consumer co-operative’s UK food stores, distribution centres, and funeralcare homes.

The 62,500-panel solar panel farm near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is scheduled to open in 2025. Construction has commenced.

The solar farm’s maximum capacity may supply 7.5% of Co-op’s annual electricity consumption once fully operational.

The business secured a CfD to create two 90MW UK solar projects in September 2022.

The 45MW projects at Clifton Farm in Yeovil and Higher Stockbridge in Sherbourne will be in Dorset.

The Allocation Round 4 (AR4) auction granted Voltalia the CfD, which will help them expand into UK renewables. Contract term is 20 years and delivery is expected in 2024/25.

Voltalia in Ireland

Voltalia has managed 338MW of Irish solar projects in addition to its English portfolio.

Voltalia was selected to develop and manage 230 MW of solar farms in four Irish sites in August 2023.

Ireland-based Power Capital Renewable Energy selected Voltalia to build, operate, and maintain four solar farms (now under construction) for 15 years.

The four solar farms are Lysaghts Town (131 MW), Tullabeg (83.9MW), Painestown (9.3MW), and Beaulieu (6.6MW).

The smaller sites will be finished this year, while the larger ones will launch in 2024. The four solar PV projects will sell power through long-term tech contracts.

Voltalia was selected by ESB and Bord na Móna to develop a 108 MW solar farm in Ireland a month earlier.

ESB and Bord na Móna, semi-state-owned corporations, chose Voltalia as the solar farm EPC contractor in Timahoe North, County Kildare.

By 2024, the Timahoe North solar farm should be completely operational. This is the first large-scale solar project under ESB and Bord’s solar co-development agreement, which plans to build 500 MW solar farms on Bord na Móna property.

Solar farms will result from this partnership.

Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan Start a 347-Home Project

Original Source: Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope commence construction on 347-home scheme

In White City, London, Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope have begun construction on two new residential structures at Television Centre, the second phase of the concept.

Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope are creating two new residential towers at Television Centre in White City, London, for the second phase of the project.

Multiplex is managing construction, which will finish in mid-2027.

The nine-story “scenery house” by dRMM and the 25-story “the Ariel” by AHMM contain 347 apartments and townhouses.

Residents will have access to residents’ lounges, screening rooms, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, private dining rooms, and roof terraces for studios to four-bedroom townhouses.

In and around structures, greening has been prioritised.

Between the two buildings, landscape architect Gillespies developed a courtyard garden, rooftop terrace, and pocket park.

Phase 2 will complete the masterplan and open the site to local residents by adding a second entrance on Wood Lane and a pedestrian connection to Hammersmith Park via interlinking streets.

Mitsui Fudosan UK executive director Tatsu Imamura said: “We are delighted that construction works for the penultimate residential plots are now underway. We will continue to build upon our existing work on the Television Centre site, which already includes over 500,000 sq ft of office space and 574 private and affordable homes.

We and Stanhope are committed to building additional houses on the property while exploring larger investment prospects in London and other parts of the UK.’

Stanhope CEO David Camp said: “It’s great to see Multiplex start work on site and develop this phase of the Television Centre masterplan.

We’ve grown stronger with Mitsui Fudosan over the years, and this is another milestone for the project.

Upgrades for Major UK and Ireland Ports from Peel Ports

Original Source: Peel Ports Lines Up Upgrades for Major UK and Ireland Ports

Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second-largest port operator, calls for bids on $940 million construction projects at its major UK and Ireland ports. Liverpool, Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth, and Dublin Port are all part of the Group’s UK and Ireland port upgrade programme.

For up to eight years, the contractors will work on the projects. building encompasses port infrastructure improvements and new buildings.

“This move is a huge step in futureproofing our network of ports so we can respond and adapt to our port users’ needs agilely,” said Peel Ports Group Managing Director of Port Services Lewis McIntyre.

General construction operations such as drainage, road and carpark construction, warehouse construction, rail and bridge construction, and maintenance are divided into two packages.

In the second framework, marine construction includes berthing furniture, bollards, lock and sluice gate maintenance and repair.

Peel Ports stressed that participating contractors must help the company reach net-zero status by 2040. End-of-year contracts will be awarded.

Maritime Minister Lord Davies opened the bidding process last week for $1.9 million to build green shipping routes to and from the UK. Annually, the UK hosts the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5) to promote clean maritime technology research and development.

Sponsored research should find zero-emission shipping routes from the UK to the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland. Mapping out infrastructure along routes to allow vessels to use green fuels and power charging systems and identifying rules to decarbonise the industry are core priorities.

S&P Global Data Shows the Construction Industry Rising for the First Time in Seven Months

Original Source: Construction sector on the up for first time in seven months, finds S&P Global

New S&P Global UK Construction PMI data shows marginal growth in the UK construction industry after six months of decline.

The sector experienced its largest order rise since May 2023 in March, with input price inflation at a three-month low.

As the economy improves and financial conditions stabilise, companies report a turnaround in their sales pipelines and more new business inquiries.

Despite easing job losses, employers remain hesitant about hiring, with employment figures decreasing for the third month in a row.

Civil engineering output rose little in March, making it the best-performing segment.

House building and commercial construction activity remain steady, while residential work has stabilised for the first time since November 2022.

Subcontractor rates rose at the quickest rate since August 2023 in the latest poll, indicating increased availability.

March saw a third month of rising purchasing costs. Inflation was thin, the lowest during this time.

Rising transport costs were also noticed by sector companies, but robust supplier competition may have limited input price inflation.

March saw a moderate reduction in supplier delivery times for the thirteenth month in a row. Anecdotes suggested that materials availability and low demand improved vendor performance.

In the next year, 49% of S&P Global’s survey panel expects construction production to climb, compared to 11% expecting it to fall.

However, optimism is lower than in February and the lowest this year.

Overall, respondents expect market conditions to improve, especially for house building projects, but political uncertainty, squeezed margins, and financial difficulties are reducing optimism.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economics director Tim Moore said: “UK construction output returned to growth in March as civil engineering work expanded and housing and commercial building conditions stabilised.

As order books improved again in March and to the biggest amount in just under a year, construction workloads appear to be improving.

Construction companies reported a broad resurgence in tender possibilities, boosted by lower borrowing rates and evidence of UK economic recovery in Q1 2024.

Due to margin pressures and significant clients’ risk aversion, construction staff recruiting was sluggish in March.

Construction firms had trouble replacing leaving workers, lowering employment for the third month in a row.

Subdued purchasing activity lessened building supply chain tensions.

Cost inflation slowed to a three-month low in March due to improved supply circumstances.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed Rehearsals, concerts, and collaborations are all supported by the new, acoustically designed facilities for the British Army Band Sandhurst. RMAS transformed its stables and offices, which were built in 1850, into a space for instruments, music libraries, offices, rehearsals, changing rooms, and crew areas. Two buildings’ worth of eco-friendly amenities include heat source pumps and solar panels. Voltalia, an international energy firm, has begun construction on a photovoltaic (PV) power station in southeast England with a capacity of 49.9 MW. Firms can buy power from this plant through long-term contracts such Corporate Power Purchase Agreements once it starts producing in the second half of 2025. In addition, the second phase of the project is underway at Television Centre in White City, London, where Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan UK are constructing two new apartment towers. The construction, overseen by Multiplex, is expected to conclude in the middle of 2027. Additionally, major ports in the United Kingdom and Ireland owned by the second-largest port operator in the country, Peel Ports Group, are advertising $940 million in new projects. The Group’s port upgrade initiative in the UK and Ireland includes Liverpool, Heysham, Dublin, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth, and Manchester Ship Canal. Furthermore, after falling for six months in a row, the UK construction industry has shown slight improvement according to new data from the S&P Global UK Construction PMI. March saw the highest increase in orders for the industry since May 2023, while inflation for input prices hit a three-month low. Sales pipelines are turning around and new business inquiries are increasing as a result of the stabilisation of financial conditions and the improvement of the economy.

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the Hydrogen vehicles being introduced in the United Kingdom in an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the agricultural and construction industries. While this was going on, the micro power tunnel for HS2 was finished in West London. In addition, the influence that English construction and civil engineering have had on the expansion of the nation. In addition, learning about the Spring Budget 2024 and what it implies for the building industry in the United Kingdom.  

UK Develops Hydrogen Vehicles for Carbon-neutral Farms and Building

Original Source: UK introduces hydrogen vehicles to decarbonise farming and construction sectors

In agriculture and construction, the UK government aims to use hydrogen vehicles.

Hydrogen vehicles like tractors, diggers, and forklifts will help these sectors go greener, according to new government regulations released today.

The agricultural and construction sectors emit much carbon. Decarbonising UK economy-critical industries using hydrogen vehicles is possible.

The four-week survey is closed on 24 April and will allow hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers, and forklifts on UK roadways.

“Allowing hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to use our roads is a common-sense move to help reduce emissions,” said UK Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne.

This cutting-edge hydrogen technology will be more inexpensive and common thanks to skilled jobs in British companies, which are part of our aim to decarbonise transport in the UK.

Advantages of hydrogen cars

In agricultural and construction, tractors and digger excavators are essential, yet they emit greenhouse gases.

The promise of hydrogen fuel cell technology is environmental and operational benefits for these vital industries.

H2 vehicles emit no tailpipe emissions. On farms and construction sites, cleaner air improves worker and community health. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, fighting climate change.

Fuel cells are quieter than combustion engines. Operations are calmer and surrounding people and wildlife hear less noise. In noisy settings or at night, this is beneficial.

Modern hydrogen fuel cells can last as long as diesel cars, allowing farmers and construction workers to complete a full shift. Similar refuelling periods to diesel or petrol will reduce downtime.

Farming and construction require tremendous torque and power, which hydrogen cars provide. H2 vehicles can power huge loads, hydraulic machinery, and rough terrain.

Solar and wind power can power hydrogen fuel manufacturing, producing a sustainable transportation cycle. Green practices in agriculture and building are developing.

Hydrogen infrastructure UK commitment

JCB was granted a special order by the government last year to test hydrogen-powered diggers on UK roads.

The proposed extension of this authorization indefinitely will allow manufacturers to efficiently produce sustainable equipment, especially when battery electric power is not practical.

Hydrogen, like electric electricity, is a sustainable fuel that can accelerate decarbonisation.

Green hydrogen in transport is demonstrated by the government-backed Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub, creating jobs, apprenticeships and economic growth in the region.

West London’s HS2 Micro Power Tunnel Finished

Original Source: HS2: Micro power tunnel completed in West London

For HS2 development, UK Power Networks and Barhale created a micro power tunnel under the Grand Union Canal in West London.

The 125m tunnel runs under the Grand Union Canal to an Atlas Road substation.

For the tunnel, UK Power hired civil engineering, infrastructure, and tunnelling expert Barhale. This will transport power cables for HS2’s tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will dig the high-speed train tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston.

UK Power Networks’ nearby substation will feed three new high-voltage cable circuits of about 3 km into the network that will power the manned TBMs.

HS2’s 45 MVA electrical supply comes from UK Power Networks.

It took 6m diameter and 15m deep launch and receiving shafts for the Akkerman TBM to launch and excavate the 120m canal tunnel.

Pipe-jacked pre-cast concrete sections built the tunnel.

Regional manager Ovi Frunza called microtunnelling “another key piece in the HS2 jigsaw”.

He added: “We are pleased to continue to contribute to HS2 project construction. Along the route, we are doing important diversionary work at Ruislip and enabling work at the London terminus.

The completion of the micro tunnel allows UK Power Networks and HS2 to finish the final leg of the 33,000V cable path, according to Barhale.

HS2 utilities chief Niki French said: “Installing this power tunnel is crucial to our plan to build the new high-speed railway into London. Our strong collaboration and great teamwork have kept HS2 on track.”

UK Power Networks capital programme manager Pamela Ali said: “Building the micro-tunnel to install our circuits across the Grand Union Canal safely and successfully has been a success. Thanks to HS2 and the Canal & River Trust for their support.”

SCS JV builds HS2’s London tunnels.

According to SCS Utilities’ Jaione Echeveste, “HS2, UK Power Networks, and its contractors have worked tirelessly with key stakeholders to design and deliver this plan.

The passion and responsibility shown by all partners during the project helped us to achieve this essential outcome.”

The Atlas Road logistics tunnel was constructed two months before the micro power tunnel.

To finish the 853m logistics tunnel from Old Oak Common station to HS2’s Atlas Road logistics hub, a TBM broke through in January.

Supplies for the Euston tunnel will be transported through the tunnel.

Later this year, the SCS JV will lower two more TBMs into the Old Oak Common station box, which Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra is building. After the government approves, the team will assemble and bury the two TBMs beneath Old Oak Common to start boring the Euston tunnel. Two 140m-long, 2,000t TBMs will drive towards Euston.

The government delayed Euston station delivery, delaying construction on the 7.2km tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston station.

Euston station is set to receive private funding after the government cut the northern segment of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester in October.

Effects of UK Construction and Civil Engineering on Growth

Original Source: The Impact of UK Construction and Civil Engineering on National Growth

Building and civil engineering drive economic growth in the UK’s bustling cities and tranquil countryside. This industry supports the nation’s infrastructure, from skyscrapers to transport networks, signalling and driving its prosperity. The UK’s construction sector and economy are interconnected, and modern engineering trends and sustainability, especially steel reinforcement, drive this dynamic.

Groundwork for Growth: Construction

The construction and civil engineering sector employs millions of people in the UK and influences manufacturing and services. Investment in infrastructure signals confidence and multiplies economic activity, making it a barometer for the economy. Projects that use steel reinforcement support buildings, bridges, and the economy.

Sustainability of Modern Engineering Steel

Construction has prioritised sustainability in recent years. Greener practices are both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. The unmatched recyclability and strength of steel exemplifies this trend. Steel reinforcement in construction projects signals durability and sustainability, reducing waste and energy consumption throughout infrastructure projects. This approach supports global sustainability goals and eliminates frequent repairs and replacements, boosting long-term economic benefits.

Boosting Jobs and Innovation

UK civil engineers are pioneers in smart infrastructure, BIM, and other digital tools. Advances boost efficiency, lower costs, and create high-skilled jobs, boosting employment. Innovative materials and sustainable construction practices are also opening new domestic and international markets for UK businesses.

Investment in infrastructure boosts economic activity.

Infrastructure investment—public and private—drives economic growth. From steel to professional services, HS2, broadband expansion, and new housing and commercial construction boost demand across many sectors. These investments also boost competitiveness, quality of life, and foreign investment, boosting economic growth.

2024 Obstacles and Advantages

Many obstacles stand in the way of construction and civil engineering’s growth potential:

Issues include skills shortages, regulatory challenges, and the need for ongoing innovation to meet changing demands.

These challenges present opportunities for the UK to lead in green construction, digitalization, and infrastructure finance, positioning it as a global hub for engineering excellence and sustainable development.

Civil Engineering Projects’ Economic Impact

Regional economies are greatly impacted by civil engineering projects, especially those using steel reinforcement for strength and sustainability. They boost business productivity and accessibility while creating immediate jobs. Built bridges, tunnels, and transportation networks can boost local economies and open new markets.

Construction’s Future and Economic Growth

Future economic recovery and growth will depend even more on the UK’s construction and civil engineering sector. Green infrastructure and a low-carbon economy can sustain growth, with the construction sector leading the way. The sector can overcome challenges and seize opportunities by innovating and adapting.

UK economic strength and resilience depend on construction and civil engineering. The sector reflects the economy’s health and shapes its future through innovation, sustainability, and job creation. Steel reinforcement in the construction and civil engineering sector will continue to drive UK growth and prosperity in the 21st century.

How the Spring Budget 2024 Affects UK building

Original Source: Understanding the Spring Budget 2024- and what it means for UK construction

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the 2024 Spring Budget, promising tax cuts but little else.

The chancellor confirmed the 5p gasoline duty cut and extended the freeze as expected.

In the Spring Budget for 2024, the chancellor took several jabs at Labour deputy Angela Rayner’s multiple properties and the Liberal Democrats, who are aggressively campaigning in his constituency, ahead of a general election.

Budget factors most relevant to UK building include:

• Lowering the 28% property capital gains tax to 24%
• A 1% daily public spending rise above inflation
• Full expensing of leased assets allows businesses to deduct investment in new machinery and equipment from taxes.
• Starting in April, raising the VAT registration threshold from £85,000 to £90,000.
• Maintaining inflation below 2% in “just a few months’ time”

Other energy sector announcements included:

• Allocating £120m for green companies to develop offshore wind and carbon capture and storage technologies
• AstraZeneca will invest £650m in the UK, expanding its Cambridge Biomedical Campus and creating a vaccine production base in Speke, Liverpool.
• In the same deal, £160m will be spent on two nuclear sites: Wylfa on Anglesey or Ynys Môn in North Wales and Oldbury in South Gloucestershire, with the second unidentified.

Industry responses: “4/10, must try harder”

Black Capital Group founder Robbie Blackhurst

“A typical Built Environment budget. The Built Environment sector welcomes the announcement that inflation will fall below 2% within months. Material costs have risen significantly in the past year, raising tender and outturn expenses. Contracting firms must balance client needs with variable material pricing and supply chain concerns.

“Devolution is back on the agenda to address regional disparities, promote local governance, and accommodate cultural and political differences. This will boost the sector by allowing Local Authorities to spend on community projects. Devolution looks like a promise without a product from this government.

“The rotational budget still promises more housing, but without much detail except in some isolated areas. Overall: 4/10 (must try harder).

MD Ben Hancock, Oscar Acoustics

“SMEs have been asking for more government support to deal with rising financial pressures, so the fuel duty freeze is welcome. However, energy and material costs remain a big challenge. About every two weeks, prior clients have gone bankrupt in the last six months.

That said, confidence has skyrocketed in the past month, and I think today’s budget will help preserve it. Orders rose 30% in early 2023 and 250% in January, suggesting a quick rebound. We may enjoy a good summer if the administration keeps its promises.”

Insufficient housing, MMC, and sustainability in 2024 Budget

Starship co-founder and CEO Dave Dargan

“Jeremy Hunt’s spring budget neglected sustainability and net zero UK plans. I would have hoped to see a large investment for promoting new construction methods, reflecting the need for more sustainable homes nationwide, especially as the housing crisis intensifies.

Support for first-time buyers is welcome, but there must be houses to buy to get on the housing ladder. Should the government emphasise modular housing and accelerate its delivery, it would help mend our broken housing system.

The budget emphasises the need for a forward-thinking administration that will support the building industry, drive the country forward, and promote resilience and sustainability by investing in green construction practices.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the UK government is planning to employ hydrogen vehicles in the agricultural and construction industries. A new set of rules put forth by the government today would make these industries more environmentally friendly by allowing hydrogen vehicles, such as tractors, diggers, and forklifts. At the same time, a micropower tunnel was dug under West London’s Grand Union Canal by UK Power Networks and Barhale for the HS2 project. To reach a substation on Atlas Road, the 125-metre tunnel passes beneath the Grand Union Canal. However, in both the busy metropolis and the peaceful countryside of the United Kingdom, construction and civil engineering are the engine that propels economic progress. The nation’s skyscrapers and transport networks rely on this business, which both signals and drives its success. Modern engineering trends and sustainability, particularly with regard to steel reinforcement, drive the interconnectedness of the UK’s construction sector and economy. Plus, in the 2024 Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pledged tax reduction but offered few other policies. As anticipated, the chancellor prolonged the freeze and affirmed the 5p reduction in petrol duties.

In today’s news, we will look into the group of heroes who rushed to prevent traffic before the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, with concerns that the construction crew may have perished. Additionally, in 2023, the annual revenue of UK construction and development company Wates exceeded £2 billion (US$2.5 billion). Moreover, a Staffordshire-based company has been recognised as the best small construction business to work for in the UK.

‘Heroes’ Stopped Traffic Before the Baltimore Bridge Fell; Construction Workers Presumed Dead

Original Source: ‘Heroes’ scrambled to stop traffic before Baltimore bridge collapsed; construction crew feared dead

Six people are presumed dead when a cargo ship hits a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse. Recovery attempts will resume.

A dispatcher’s 12-second radio alert came in the middle of the night: a huge cargo ship had lost its steering and was heading towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In 90 seconds, police stopped vehicle traffic over the bridge in both directions. One stated he would drive onto the bridge to notify construction workers.

It was too late. The ship, dead and full of containers, hit a support pillar.

“The whole bridge just fell down,” a panicked cop stated. “Start, whoever, everyone—the bridge collapsed.”

The shipping vessel Dali hit the pillar around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, causing a long section of the bridge, a vital transit link, to collapse into the Patapsco River. Six people are thought dead, and the bridge’s destruction would hamper commuter traffic and a vital cargo port.

Eight people entered the water. Six bridge pothole-filling construction workers were missing, but two survived. The search for their bodies resumed Wednesday morning.

Diplomats from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico reported missing people. The Honduran was Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandova.

State and federal officials said the occurrence was likely an accident. The Port of Baltimore banned ship traffic indefinitely as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates.

Captain Michael Burns Jr. of the Maritime Centre for Responsible Energy called moving a ship into or out of ports in confined areas with limited manoeuvrability “one of the most technically challenging and demanding things that we do.”

“So there really are few things scarier than a loss of power in restricted waters,” he said. When a ship loses propulsion and steering, “then it’s really at the mercy of the wind and the current.”

Video showed the ship going at 9 mph (15 kph) towards the 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) bridge, according to Gov. Wes Moore. Traffic was still crossing the span, and some vehicles escaped with seconds to spare. After the accident, the span broke and fell into the lake in seconds, with jagged fragments visible later in the day.

Police have no evidence that anyone other than the workers entered the water, but they are not ruling out the idea.

Brawner Builders’ senior executive stated the crew was working in the bridge’s middle when it collapsed.

“This was so completely unforeseen,” said firm executive vice president Jeffrey Pritzker. “We have nothing else to say. We take safety seriously and have cones, signs, lighting, barriers, and flaggers.”

Jesus Campos, who worked on the bridge for Brawner Builders and knew the crew, claimed they were on break and sitting in their trucks.

“I know that a month ago, I was there, and I know what it feels like when the trailers pass,” Campos added. Imagine realising it is plummeting. So hard. One would be clueless.”

Father Ako Walker, a Roman Catholic priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus, said at a vigil that he spent time with the missing workers’ families while they waited for word.

“You can see the pain etched on their faces,” Walker added.

Rescuers plucked two persons from the water. One patient was hospitalised and released hours later.

The bridge was used by 12 million vehicles last year, but the incident occurred before the morning traffic.

Ship or barge collisions caused 35 significant bridge collapses globally from 1960 to 2015, according to the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure.

Tuesday’s collapse will disrupt East Coast commerce at the Port of Baltimore for months.

State transport secretary Paul Wiedefeld said vessel movement in and out of the port would be banned until further notice, although trucks may still use it.

“Losing this bridge will devastate the entire area, as well as the East Coast,” stated state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said it was too soon to give a time date for clearing the 50-foot (15-metre)-deep trench, while President Joe Biden said he would come to Baltimore shortly and expect the federal government to pay for reconstruction.

The ship’s manager, Synergy Marine Group, stated the pilots, local experts who guide vessels safely in and out of ports, were in charge when the incident occurred. Synergy reported no injuries and all passengers were on board.

Grace Ocean Private Ltd. owns the ship, which Maersk chartered.

Marine Traffic reported that the 985-foot (300-metre) Dali was flying the Singapore flag from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A June inspection detected a fault with the ship’s machinery, but Equasis reports no issues now.

Former Baltimore fire chief Donald Heinbuch was jolted awake by a powerful rumble that shook his residence for several seconds and “felt like an earthquake.”

He drove to the river and was astonished: “The ship was there, and the bridge was in the water, like it was blown up.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott termed it “an unthinkable tragedy.” Gov. Moore stated “all of our hearts are broken for the victims and their families,” and praised first responders for their rapid response.

Moore called these folks heroes for stopping cars from crossing the bridge. “They saved lives last night.”

UK’s Wates Group Hits £2bn Sales

Original Source: UK’s Wates Group passes £2bn turnover mark

In 2023, UK construction and development firm Wates’ annual turnover surpassed £2 billion (US$2.5 billion).

The 127-year-old company made £46.1 million ($58.4 million) in 2023 pre-tax profit on 15% more turnover. The company has made a pre-tax profit for 20 years.

The company completed the year with a record £8.5 billion ($10.8 billion) forward order book.

Construction division of Wates recorded £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) turnover, up 22% from last year. It won £1.1 billion ($1.4 billion) in new business, averaging £48.3 million ($61.2 million). The AESC UK electric battery gigafactory in Sunderland and a Canada Water town centre in London are its active projects.

Residential sales rose £13 million ($16.5 million) to £323 million ($408.9 million). More than 3,000 homes were under construction and 276 delivered last year.

IN 2023, Wates’ development group earned £147 million ($186.1 million), up 16% from the year before. Its property services industry turnover rose to £545 million ($690 million) in 2023.

Two of its 2025 social value targets were met early this year. The Group’s strategic spending with social entrepreneurs exceeded the £25m 2025 objective with £31m since 2020. Wates tripled its 2025 aim for engagement with the sector’s future skills pipeline by encouraging 80,000 primary and secondary school students to pursue construction careers in 2020, up from 25,000.

It cut scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions 45.3% from a 2019 baseline. Compared to its 2030 science-based aim of 46.2%.

Wates Group CEO Eoghan O’Lionaird said, “We performed well last year despite a challenging external environment. Profit growth is as encouraging as passing £2bn turnover. Our steady family governance and clear goals have helped us grow.

With a strong cash balance, positive tangible net worth, and profitability across our firm, we are in great shape. Our record forward order book shows our customers’ trust in us to deliver projects of all sizes. Wates has gained this confidence by providing profit before tax for over two decades.

Best Small Construction Company to Work for in UK is Staffordshire

Original Source: Staffordshire firm is named UK’s best small construction business to work for

UK’s greatest small construction company to work for is Burntwood’s Keon Homes.

The affordable housing and Extra Care developer rose 27 places to sixth in the Great Place to Work category for firms under 50 employees.

The company ranks first in its category and scored 100% in seven of the 25 survey emphasis areas. It invests more than £1 million in people development, recruitment, and an environmental, social, and governance plan.

“We were absolutely blown away by our progress, going from 73rd to sixth in just three years – now the challenge is to break into the top five,” said Keon Homes managing director Richard Williams.

It’s encouraging that our 51 employees answered 25 questions regarding working at Keon for this ranking.

100% of individuals felt we were a terrific place to work, reinforcing the culture we’ve been attempting to instil since we debuted in 2018.

Great Place To Work UK managing director Benedict Gautrey added: “Our goal has always been to enrich the world of work by empowering companies to become exceptional organisations that serve everyone.

We strongly believe that what’s ‘better for business’ connects with what’s ‘better for people,’ making the world a better place.

Following the completion of four new land acquisitions totaling over £28m, Chasetown-based Tara Group’s Keon Homes has had a strong start to 2024.

Opening three key sites in Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Nuneaton will allow it to create 150 houses and apartments.

As part of the Local Authorities “Our Future City” ambitions, it has signed its first agreement with Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust to build 65 new dwellings, a sports pavilion, and football pitches for the community.

Mr. Williams added: “Our growth has surpassed even our most ambitious projections and, to deliver on the new schemes secured, we have had to hire 14 new staff in the last eight months with more jobs in the pipeline.

While we may be involved in bricks and mortar, people will always be our largest asset, so we invest in apprentices, graduates, and provide all personnel the chance to take training and personal development courses through the Tara Group Academy.

He concluded: “We are passionate about our communities and regularly participate in staff challenges to support The Noel Sweeney Foundation. This improves teamwork and helps many local charities each year.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed a cargo ship colliding with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to its collapse and the likely death of six individuals. We will continue our efforts to recover. Within ninety seconds, police had blocked all traffic on the bridge. Someone else said he was going to drive onto the bridge to let the construction crew know. By that point, it was already passé. The container ship slammed into a support pillar, killing all on board. Amidst a difficult external climate, Wates Group fared successfully last year, according to CEO Eoghan O’Lionaird. Gains in profit are just as promising as a revenue milestone of £2 billion. We have grown thanks to our stable family governance and well-defined objectives. Our company is doing well thanks to our healthy cash flow, positive tangible net worth, and widespread profitability. Customers have faith in our ability to complete projects of varying sizes, as seen by our record forward order book. This trust has been earned by Wates by the provision of profit before tax for more than twenty years. In addition, Keon Homes, located in Burntwood, is the best small construction company in the UK to work for. Among companies with less than 50 workers, the developer of affordable homes and Extra Care jumped 27 spots to take sixth place in the Great Place to Work category. With perfect scores in seven out of twenty-five survey focus areas, the organisation has risen to the top of its category. Over a million pounds are poured into employee training, hiring, and a strategy for ESG (environmental, social, and governance).

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the goal of reaching net zero cannot be achieved without widespread retrofitting. In order to improve our structures, Mike O’Donnell, who works for Sir Robert McAlpine, contends that the problem-solving skills of the construction industry are essential. The construction business, on the other hand, is beginning to welcome members of the emerging generation. Moreover, with the building industry experiencing a slump, Marshalls’ profits continue to decline. On top of this, the use of artificial intelligence in building is becoming increasingly important as the United Kingdom continues to experience economic instability.

Without Massive Retrofitting, Net Zero is Unachievable

Original Source: Without large-scale retrofitting, net zero is impossible

Sir Robert McAlpine’s Mike O’Donnell argues construction’s problem-solving skills are needed to upgrade our structures.

The UK must secure business sector cooperation to meet its legally enforceable net-zero 2050 ambition. The built environment influences 42% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), hence the building industry must make net-zero promises in the same or shorter timeframe.

Net-zero building approaches have evolved in the previous decade, but new structures are only one of the carbon emissions equations. By 2050, 80% of buildings will still be in service.

Global energy efficiency improvements might save more than 40% of energy-related emissions needed to meet climate targets. Decarbonising existing building assets is a fundamental way UK construction can cut energy use and carbon emissions.

It’s now a business case as well as an environmental one. The government’s stricter energy efficiency standards will leave 30 million sq ft of unlettable space in London by 2030.

A blanket commitment to retaining and retrofitting old structures is an accomplishment. Given the age and different standards of the UK’s building stock, retrofitting buildings to modern performance requirements will take extensive labour and may have hidden carbon costs.

Technical issues arise with retrofitting.

Sir Robert McAlpine designed, built, and digitally constructed 100 Liverpool Street, the first net-zero British Land building. 32% of the steel frame and 49% of the concrete foundations and slabs were retained and incorporated into the new building, saving 3,435 and 4,086 tonnes of carbon, respectively.

Retrofitting projects require temporary work that can significantly increase embodied carbon.

By retrofitting The Westbury Hotel in Mayfair, London, Sir Robert McAlpine saved almost 2,000 tonnes of demolition trash and 3,700 tonnes of carbon emissions. But jacking up the eight-story concrete frame needed extensive temporary work using tiny piles with more cement, raising embodied carbon costs. Many refurbishment projects require a lot of steel, yet in the UK, recycled steel is relatively rare.

These carbon costs can be estimated, however upgrading existing structures will add unforeseen carbon budgets. The challenge of older structures is not knowing what a project team will find until renovation begins. Effective planning is needed to provide for carbon budget flexibility and reduce project carbon emissions.

Contractors must involve stakeholders

Contractors must involve stakeholders, clients, and supply chain partners in retrofitting.

Throughout a building’s life cycle, stakeholders should discuss embodied and operational carbon. We can advise stakeholders on their carbon reduction responsibilities, share best practices across the industry, and improve refurbishment project supply and demand.

By engaging contractors early, clients may help us mitigate retrofitting risks and deliver the project on time and within budget while meeting sustainability targets.

The UK’s construction stock remains a problem.

Action is needed now to avoid millions of pounds of stranded built environment assets in the UK. To help attain net zero, building must ensure our client offerings can handle this challenge.

We must rethink some construction sectors, but we are problem-solvers propelled by engineering excellence. We will succeed if we put our greatest minds to net-zero and are open to new methods and innovations.

The Building Sector Welcomes Youth

Original Source: The construction industry opens its doors to the next generation

Open Doors 2024 begins today with the first visitors touring UK construction sites and workplaces to learn about the industry’s many job prospects.

There are 220 activities until Saturday, from high-profile building projects to manufacturing plants, offices, and training centres, presenting a unique look at the construction industry.

Events at London and Birmingham high-end commercial developments, where new technologies are creating Grade A office space, are highlights.

Willmott Dixon is renovating 19 Cornwall Street in Birmingham’s business district into a net zero carbon, smart-enabled office building that satisfies today’s employer criteria.

Open Doors, hosted by Build UK each year, allows young people and career changers to witness construction in action and learn about 180 various occupations.

Build UK is the primary UK building industry representative. It promotes construction’s value and drives sector-enhancing transformation by bringing together customers, contractors, trade groups representing a wide range of specialist contractors, professional services, and other industry collaborators.

It’s exciting to showcase our wonderful sector this week, said Build UK Chair Julie White, who will attend the event at 19 Cornwall Street. Open Doors lets people view our interesting initiatives and outstanding teams using the newest technology to solve a variety of problems. Open Doors is the best method to illustrate that construction is a career for everyone, regardless of skills or interests, as construction needs to recruit 50,000 new entrants each year.

Marshals Profits Plummet as Construction Slows

Original Source: Marshalls profits crumble amid construction slowdown

Groundwork building suppliers Marshalls’ shares fell on Monday after reporting disappointing 2023 results.

As customers spent less due to tough conditions, revenue fell 7% to £671.2m.

Marshalls tried to boost earnings to lower costs, but UK construction industry headwinds caused profit to fall faster than expected. IN 2023, EBITDA fell 24% and operating profit fell 30%.

Marshalls shares fell over 10% at press time. The drop was a reality check after property and construction stocks rallied from year-lows.

The shares appear to have decoupled from business performance in late 2023 and snapped today in line with a weak earnings year.

Marshalls said revenues in the first two months of 2024 were lower than in 2023, highlighting its challenges. Revenues are expected to match 2023 levels in 2024.

The new CEO hired in March has a job.

“Inflation and higher rates have put pressure on the UK building market, including Marshalls and other material suppliers. Adam Vettese, analyst at eToro, said the recovery has been slower than expected, lowering profits.

While there is nothing any company can do about macro factors, Marshalls has focused on keeping costs low in a tough market, which it has done reasonably well, though this has not helped offset the sluggish start to the year. Guidance has dropped to 2023 levels, and new CEO Matt Pullen must turn fortunes around to save the year.

Construction AI: Speeding up and Communicating

Original Source: AI in construction: Transforming speed and communication

As the UK faces economic uncertainty, AI in construction becomes a vital project management tool. AECOM AI and visualisation lead Andy Thomas explains.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been present since the 1950s, but rapid technological advances have put it at the centre of UK economic growth plans.

Like any new innovation, some resist, with roughly a third of Brits fearing that AI would replace their jobs.

AI’s influence on jobs is multifaceted and will provide value and challenge—but it’s here to stay. Thus, understanding how the built environment may benefit from technology is crucial.

Effective project delivery

Using AI in construction will assist contractors and design teams speed up projects. The UK endured economic volatility in 2023, and while lowering inflation and probable interest reduction will improve growth, 2024 is unknown.

Developers will choose organisations that prioritise sustainability, speed, and value in project delivery.

This could involve using machine learning and genetic algorithms in analysis and design and AI tools for project scheduling, resource allocation, and risk assessment in construction management.

Design and imagination

AI in building is transforming 3D visualisation in design. AI-generated graphics can inspire architects to use computer-rendered visuals instead of sketching and painting.

AI-driven solutions can automate initial project chores like creating lifelike conceptual graphics, which formerly required considerable work.

This lets designers focus on their creativity. New technologies like ‘text to image’ and ‘text to 3D model’ could revolutionise designer collaboration and 3D imaging, animation, virtual reality, and real-time experiences.

This will be a tremendous benefit in pre-design and design development, as architects and engineering teams will collaborate to complete projects on schedule, under budget, and to Client specifications.

AI in construction can aid sustainable project design. Some tools can optimise building designs for energy efficiency, structural stability, and cost.

Sustainable architecture relies on energy efficiency, and AI can enhance designs by analysing wind patterns, sun radiation, and building orientation.

It can also assess environmental effect, durability, recyclability, and biodegradability to choose sustainable building materials.

We can now create several images and experiment with forms, design styles, materials, and more during project start-up. This speeds up rejecting inappropriate choices and refining initial concepts based on feedback.

The second use is image post-production. Translating design team ideas into visual concepts that may be modified until they match the client’s vision can also boost client collaboration.

AI in construction allows real-time addition, removal, and modification of trees, people, and vehicles.

It can change background, image format, and rescale without losing detail. This will improve project design efficiency, accuracy, and productivity over manual methods.

Social value and stakeholder engagement

AI in construction may shape technical processes and customer feedback and increase communication and stakeholder involvement, which the built environment industry is often noted for lacking.

We built a virtual consultation platform during the epidemic to simulate in-person consultations with exhibition boards, maps, movies, virtual reality, and sound demonstration.

Tracking anonymous user data gives demographic information on public engagement and helps companies discover the best ways to engage with people and which stakeholders aren’t being represented.

Users might navigate using a keyboard or screen reader. During development, we realised that screen aid technologies lacked the ‘naturalness’ of human communication. We used AI text-to-speech technology to let consumers specify their preferred communication style and tone.

We also introduced an AI-driven chatbot educated on FAQs and consultation materials to manage demand for our ‘live chat’ service and enable continuous engagement. Engagement and response times increased.

To be competitive, the built environment industry must adapt to AI technologies and engage in training.

AI in construction is projected to alter our job, improving efficiency, productivity, collaboration, and communication.

We’ve seen some of AI’s benefits, but this revolution is just beginning. The sector could alter drastically in a few years, and the most successful will adapt.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed about achieving a widespread dedication to preserving and enhancing older buildings is a significant achievement. Retrofitting buildings to meet modern performance requirements will entail a lot of effort and could result in hidden carbon costs due to the older and differing standards of the UK’s building base. The first guests of Open Doors 2024 are touring construction sites and businesses in the United Kingdom today to get a feel for the field and the various opportunities it offers. From prominent construction projects to offices, training centres, and manufacturing plants, there are 220 events scheduled until Saturday that provide a glimpse into the construction industry as a whole. In addition, following the release of dismal statistics for 2023, Groundwork building suppliers Marshalls saw a decline in Monday’s share price. Total revenue dropped 7% to £671.2m as consumers cut back on spending in response to the challenging economic climate. Marshalls attempted to increase profits in order to decrease expenses, however unexpected headwinds in the UK construction market led profits to decline more quickly than anticipated. Both operational profit and EBITDA declined by 30% in 2023. In addition to that, Using AI for building project management is crucial as the UK economy experiences economic uncertainties. Reasoned by Andy Thomas, head of artificial intelligence and visualisation at AECOM. Though it has been around since the 1950s, the UK government has recently prioritised AI development in its strategy to boost the economy. A third of Britons worry that AI would make them obsolete in the workplace, which is typical of those who are resistant to change.

In today’s news, we will look into why the construction industry in the United Kingdom is not successful in promoting women to leadership positions. In the meantime, a new work placement programme is being developed by a college and a construction company to strengthen their collaboration. Read Construction and Coleg Cameronia are helping to educate the next generation of builders. Additionally, Balfour Beatty contributes to an increase in operational profitability. In another development, the United Kingdom’s economy came out of a technical recession in January thanks to the activity of the construction and service industries. Moreover, building work has begun on the first official drug consumption room in the United Kingdom, which will be located in Glasgow.

The UK Construction Industry Fails to Promote Women Leaders

Original Source: UK Construction sector fails to build up women in top roles

Creditsafe reports that the construction industry is lagging in gender diversity, with few women on corporate boards.

The construction industry is still behind other industries in gender equality, despite undertaking programs to increase senior management diversity.

The Women in Business survey found that only 21% of the 458,761 construction firms in the UK have female directors, the lowest number of any sector.

The biggest share of female entrepreneurs was seen in Households as Employers (cleaners, tutors, and secretaries), according to Tutor Hunt with 60% representation at the directorial level. Health and Social Work (54%), Education (56%), and Education follow closely.

Construction, Transport and Storage, and Electricity & Gas are still male-dominated, with less than 30% of enterprises having female directors.

Geographically, the South West leads with 44% female directors.

The East Midlands and Scotland tie for third at 39%, followed by the South East at 40%. At 38%, the North East and Wales combined authority ranks fourth.

A shocking 39% of companies with primarily male boards were more likely to fail in 2023 than those run by women, according to the survey.

Creditsafe statistics director Drew Fahiya lamented the slow pace of advancement, saying, “Although some women work in construction and building companies in the UK, very few occupy management or leadership roles. Only 21% of board directors are women, the lowest representation in all UK main sectors.

Fahiya continued, “Despite the construction industry attracting women and women studying engineering and project management at tertiary levels, there is a significant gap in their workforce progression. Organisational impediments must be addressed quickly, not a lack of ambition or motivation.

Working Together, College and Construction Firm Launch New Work Placement Program

Original Source: College and construction firm cement partnership with new work placement programme

Coleg Cameronia and Read Construction are training future builders.

With funding from the Welsh Government’s Innovation Fund, the award-winning Wrexham developer assisted the inaugural cohort of BTEC Level 3 Technical Construction and Built Environment students through its Placement Enhanced Programme.

Josh and Lois Jones spent months on the college’s £10m Llysfasi building and at Read’s headquarters.

According to Wrexham resident Lois, the event reinforced her building career.

The 17-year-old former St Joseph’s High School student, who received a gold award for Enterprise at Skills Competition Wales last year, said, “My dad works in the plastering trade, so I’ve grown up in that world and always been

After earning Level 2 and Level 3 at Bersham Road, I knew this is my career path.

I want to get an apprenticeship in design or architecture, which is my goal.

It’s been great to observe how construction works and how the company functions, so I’m grateful to Coleg Cambria and Read Construction for the opportunity.

Read Construction’s Improvement and Engagement Manager Kasia Williamson said they were “delighted” to sponsor the Placement Enhanced Programme’s initial trial and were planning to welcome Cambrian students this year.

Read want to inspire the next generation of workers and help them move from education to the workforce, she said.

Events like this help students launch their careers and alleviate the skills gap.

For their placements as part of this new curriculum, Lois and Josh were great additions to the Read team, and we look forward to welcome additional students.

The 1095-square-metre carbon-neutral Llysfasi development will include classrooms, meeting rooms, a coffee shop, HE centre, wellbeing hub, and more, funded by more than £5.9m from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Balfour Beatty Boosts Operational Profits

Original Source: Balfour Beatty improves operating margins

The UK construction business of Balfour Beatty is more profitable.

In 2023, Balfour Beatty’s revenue rose 7% to £9,595m (2022: £8,931), but pre-tax profit fell 15% to £244m (2022: £287m).

A one-time £56m tax credit increased 2022 statistics, lowering Balfour Beatty’s underlying earnings to £205m (2022: £290m). Investment disposal gains decreased as projected.

Average net cash fell to £700m from £804m in 2022.

With a 2.3% operating margin, the UK construction industry made £69m from £3.03bn in revenue (2022: £59m from £2.76bn).

Last year, Balfour Beatty produced £51m operational profit on £3.70bn revenue at 1.4% in the US, but the UK construction sector is more profitable.

Hong Kong was superior. Its Gammon joint venture with Jardine Mattheson had £36m operational profit from £1,357m revenue, a 2.7% margin.

The board hopes to reach 3% operating margin in UK construction this year.

UK and US orders are constant, but Hong Kong orders are down. The company’s 2023 order book was £16.5bn, down 5% from 2022 (2% at constant exchange rates).

Construction orders in the UK remained steady at £6.1bn, with 91% from public sector and regulated industry clients.

Chief executive Leo Quinn said: “Our earnings-based businesses have generated higher revenue and profit and strong operating cash flow. Our meticulous contract risk management across a regionally and operationally diversified portfolio drove our accomplishment in a tough economy.

“The board is confident in Balfour Beatty’s ability to generate sustainable cash for significant shareholder returns, with earnings-based business growth in 2024 supported by the group’s order book. Our unique expertise and complex infrastructure project experience should drive profits growth through 2025 and beyond, with strong possibilities in the UK energy, transport, and defence industries and the US.

Balfour Beatty UK Construction has 700 live projects, up from recent years. Projects completed in 2023 included the Mayfield Retirement Village in Watford, the Forder Valley link road and bridge in Plymouth, the National Treatment Centre Highland Hospital in Inverness, and the University of Edinburgh Institute for Regeneration & Repair. A new facility at AWE Aldermaston near Reading, civil work at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence plan in North Wales and Fife College’s Dunfermline Learning Campus began in 2023.

The Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Investments-led £300m West Slope student accommodation development at Sussex University and a £67m Liberton High School replacement contract in Edinburgh were added to the order book in 2023.

The nearly finished Thames Tideway Tunnel, HS2, and Hinkley Point C are also Balfour Beatty projects. It is the leading contractor for the £250m M25 Junction 10 (Wisley junction) upgrading project.

Construction Services Boost UK GDP

Original Source: UK GDP Rebounds On Services, Construction Output

Services and construction activity boosted the UK economy in January, ending a technical recession.

Gross domestic product rose 0.2 percent in January, reversing a 0.1 percent drop in December, the Office for National Statistics reported Wednesday. The rate met economists’ estimates.

The service sector led the expansion as output rose 0.2 percent after a 0.1 percent drop. Construction output rose 1.1 percent in January after a 0.5 percent dip.

Industrial production fell 0.2 percent after rising 0.6 percent in December. Production was flat in manufacturing.

In January, GDP decreased 0.3% annually as forecast.

Data showed industrial output growth slowed to 0.5 percent from 0.6 percent. Manufacturing rose 2.0 percent, slower than December’s 2.3 percent.

Real GDP decreased 0.1 percent in the three months to January. Longer-term GDP fell 0.2 percent from January 2023.

Ruth Gregory of Capital Economics said the 0.2 percent expansion signals the UK economy may have moved out of recession and may show some upside to a flat GDP growth estimate.

The British Chambers of Commerce Head of Research David Bharier said the 0.1 percent GDP fall in the three months to January shows the UK economy is still fragile.

The expert noted that January economic growth of 0.2 percent may signal the 2023 technical recession may be finished.

Another ONS report indicated that the visible trade deficit rose to GBP 14.5 billion in January from GBP 13.99 billion in December. The services trade surplus continued at GBP 11.39 billion.

The trade imbalance rose to GBP 3.1 billion from GBP 2.6 billion a month earlier.

The First UK Drug Consumption Room Was Built in Glasgow

Original Source: Construction begins on UK’s first official drug consumption room in Glasgow

The facility is anticipated to be finished in six months to reduce Scotland’s drug fatality issue.

The UK’s first drug consumption room is being built in Glasgow.

The site will let heroin addicts inject under medical supervision.

The £2.3m facility may help reduce Scotland’s biggest drug fatality issue in Europe.

Hunter Street Health and Social Care Centre in the east end will house the safe consumption space.

The Scottish Government supports the plans, but some MSPs worry about the local impact, notably on companies.

The UK government opposes the pilot since there is no safe way to use illegal drugs, but it will not prohibit it.

On Monday, work began to turn the centre into a drug consumption facility, which should take six months.

The Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) recommended “significant building redesign” for the centre.

Officials stated it struggles with ventilation and “ensuring that any fumes from any substances are extracted from the injecting room booths and do not impact on any staff that need to be present in this room”.

Since the pilot operation will be the first in the UK, there is no ventilation guidance, the research noted.

International drug consumption rooms and Police Scotland, which disposes of narcotics in Gartcosh, have advised officials.

Glasgow City Council also wants an exception to add an exterior smoking shelter to the centre.

“This will be key to retaining service users on site after injections, allowing meaningful dialogue in the aftercare area,” the paper said.

This is a major Glasgow advance.

Councillor Allan Casey, city convener for workforce, homelessness, and addiction services, said: “This is a major milestone in opening a safer drug consumption facility.

I’m thrilled we’ve reached this point after years of lobbying and creating a solid case to open such a significant facility in Glasgow.

“After so many obstacles, seeing construction work begin on the site is very promising.

This is a big step forward in how the city handles addiction, and providing this important safe area will lessen the harm caused by problematic drug use and save lives.”

Police Scotland reported a 10% increase in suspected drug deaths in Scotland the day before.

The force reported 1,197 alleged drug deaths in January–December 2023.

This was 10% (105) higher than 2022 (1,092).

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed a lack of female representation on corporate boards as one reason why the construction industry is underrepresented in gender diversity, according to Creditsafe. Programmes to promote the diversity of senior management have not prevented the construction industry from falling behind other sectors in terms of gender equality. At the same time, The prestigious Wrexham developer supported the first group of BTEC Level 3 Technical Construction and Built Environment students via its Placement Enhanced Programme, which was made possible by the Welsh Government’s Innovation Fund. Josh and Lois Jones devoted a considerable amount of time at Read’s offices and on the college’s £10 million Llysfasi building. This, says Lois, a local of Wrexham, “reinforced” her job in construction. Furthermore, Balfour Beatty’s order book in 2024 will support earnings-based business growth, and the board is confident in the company’s potential to create sustained cash for large shareholder returns. With a focus on the energy, transportation, and military sectors in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as a wealth of experience managing complex infrastructure projects, the company is well-positioned to increase its profits through 2025 and beyond. Moreover, the expert also pointed out that a 0.2% increase in the economy in January could mean that the technical recession of 2023 is coming to an end. Along with this, Glasgow is home to the first drug consumption room in the United Kingdom. Under medical supervision, the location will allow heroin addicts to inject. Scotland has one of Europe’s worst drug death tolls, and this £2.3 million facility might be the key to lowering it.

In today’s news we will look into a group of scholars from Sheffield University who will explore whether or not the building assets of the United Kingdom can support the circular economy. Universities in Cardiff, Manchester, Bath, and Cambridge will work together on the BuildZero project, which is supported by the EPSRC and will cost six million pounds. In the meantime, Travis Perkins has issued a warning that the future of the construction industry in the United Kingdom would be tough due to political and economic turmoil. Additionally, the construction industry is waiting for the chancellor’s Spring Budget 2024 at the same time that the United Kingdom is. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is getting ready to make the announcement of the Spring Budget for 2024 in the midst of the crisis in housing, skills, and the cost of living. According to a post made by the firm on social media, the first Type 31 frigate of the Royal Navy, HMS Venturer, has made progress ever since the bow was installed inside the Venturer Building at Rosyth. Because of the plate’s curvature, the geometry of this ship piece is made more complicated.

Sheffield to Assess UK Building Needs with Circular Economy

Original Source: Sheffield University to Probe UK Building Needs via Circular Economy

Sheffield University academics will investigate if the UK’s building assets can support the circular economy.

Cardiff, Manchester, Bath, and Cambridge universities will collaborate on the £6 million EPSRC-funded BuildZero project.

National and regional insights on how to best use existing buildings and waste resources to meet the UK’s building demands with zero new material extraction, emissions, or trash will be provided by the initiative.

Sheffield University academics will investigate whether the circular economy can cover the UK’s building demands without new material extractions, emissions, or trash.

BuildZero, a five-year £6 million EPSRC-funded project, will develop a detailed vision of more sustainable building practices in partnership with the Universities of Bath, Manchester, Cardiff, Cambridge, and industrial collaborators.

Over 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, 60% of its garbage, and 50% of its mined materials come from buildings and infrastructure. Construction must alter significantly to decarbonise.

A well-known way to cut resource use and carbon emissions is the circular economy. A circular economy maximises material value by upgrading and repurposing structures to extend their lifespans.

Circular economy examples for the building sector have primarily concentrated on case studies of individual buildings or recycling individual materials, missing the chance to reform the system. BuildZero seeks to transform the building industry at the system level.

BuildZero will explore ways to build without extracting new resources, avoiding waste and lowering carbon emissions from material extraction and production. The project will evaluate regional and national circular economy viability and create a framework for scaling up these solutions.

The research will examine the existing building stock, resource and waste flows, social attitudes, and economics of potential circular economy business models for the construction sector using methods from architecture, structural engineering, materials science, and social sciences.

The research programme will produce demonstrator projects, interactive tools, detailed strategies, and pathways to BuildZero’s goal of a UK building stock with zero new raw material extraction, zero emissions, and zero waste.

Dr Danielle Densley Tingley, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: “This funding is an exciting opportunity to explore if and when a circular economy can be achieved for the UK’s building stock while meeting essential societal needs. We will work together with industry partners to facilitate practice reforms and accelerate the built environment circular economy.”

Dr. Rick Lupton of Bath University said: “We’re excited to collaborate with BuildZero’s researchers and partners. Through this research, we hope to better understand how different approaches to a more circular economy fit together for the UK building stock and where the biggest potential are. At Bath, we will map UK resource flows and use Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate circular economy policies’ environmental impacts.”

Dr. André Cabrera Serrenho of Cambridge said: “We are thrilled to join BuildZero and discover new ways to improve our building stock with low emissions and material inputs. At Cambridge, we will study the physical aspects of our building stock and develop tools to help stakeholders make decisions.”

Cardiff University School of Geography and Planning’s Dr. Kersty Hobson said: “BuildZero’s goals and outcomes must prioritise social inclusion, impact, and acceptance. I look forward to leading crucial work in these areas, including co-developing sustainable building futures with many partners.”

The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at The University of Manchester’s Professor Maria Sharmina said: “We’re pleased to start the BuildZero effort to turn the UK’s built environment circular. We will use BuildZero’s engineering, material, and social underpinnings to assess the economic viability of a circular building industry in Manchester. We will co-design circular business models and perform techno-economic modelling with supply chain companies.”

Travis Perkins Says UK Construction Will Halt Until Post-Election Clarity

Original Source: UK Construction to Stall Until Post-Election Clarity, Travis Perkins Highlights Sector Challenges

Travis Perkins warns that political and economic instability will make the UK construction sector’s future difficult.

The UK construction sector expects a slowdown due to political uncertainties surrounding the general election. Customer hesitation and a tough economy have led Travis Perkins, a large building materials supplier, to predict a dismal future for the industry. With important decisions on hold until the new administration’s plans are clear, the sector’s revival awaits government stimulus and interest rate clarity.

Anticipating Election Results

Travis Perkins explained the building industry’s caution ahead of the UK general election on January 28, 2025. The company’s recent statements show that large and small clients agree to postpone investments until post-election economic efforts and interest rate directions are announced. The expectation of a government stimulus package to revive the industry drives this wait-and-see strategy. Interest rate volatility complicates matters, making stakeholders wary of new ventures.

Financial Challenges and Strategy

Travis Perkins may sell its French Toolstation business, which struggles with brand awareness, targeting less populous regions, and low demand, in a strategic move. The decision emphasises the company’s focus on more profitable activities as 2024 losses approach £20 million. Toolstation Benelux, with 119 stores, lost £19 million last year despite an 11% sales increase, raising questions about its sustainability. These changes reflect Travis Perkins’ goal to streamline operations and fix failing segments during economic headwinds.

Economic Stress and Market Conditions

Travis Perkins reported a major financial decline due to the broader economic issues. Revenue fell 2.7% to £4.9 billion and pre-tax earnings fell from £245 million to £70 million, indicating challenging market circumstances. The building supply giant attributed these issues to a weakness in new build housing and domestic repair, maintenance, and improvement, as well as commodity product deflation. In response, Travis Perkins has made targeted investments to boost profitability and cash creation despite predicted market headwinds.

The UK construction sector faces uncertain times, and the next general election could boost or hurt the business. Across the board, stakeholders are watching politics for sector-boosting initiatives. Travis Perkins leads the discussion on the industry’s urgent issues, shifting the focus to how the incoming administration will solve this critical sector’s demands. Construction enterprises must be resilient and adaptable to withstand the storm and rebound in a post-election environment.

Construction Firms Plan Spring Budget 2024

Original Source: Construction industry prepares for Spring Budget 2024

As the UK awaits the chancellor’s Spring Budget 2024, the building industry does too.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt prepares to announce the 2024 Spring Budget amid the housing, skills, and cost of living crisis.

Reports suggest that the chancellor may extend Rishi Sunak’s 2022 5p per litre fuel duty cut on petrol and diesel by another year in what may be the last Budget before a general election.

Regardless of the Spring Budget 2024, the chancellor wants to lower the tax burden, which is expected to reach record highs.

Increasing supply requires planning adjustments.

According to Oliver Boundy, executive director of development at Anchor, “It is no secret that the UK is in the midst of a housing crisis, there is a huge shortage of affordable homes. While conversation on this often centres on younger families and first-time buyers, those in later life may be forgotten. We saw that older folks and younger people need suitable housing.

We believe planning reforms and affordable house grant funds are essential to meeting older people’s housing needs. We support a new senior housing planning classification. Please assign 10% of Local Plans sites to age-restricted dwellings. Finally, we think Stamp Duty should be allocated equally to first-time and last-time buyers to encourage ‘right sizing’.”

The government can be bold in the Spring Budget.

The Spring Budget is “even more important” as UK GDP fell 0.3% in 4Q 2023 and the country entered recession, according to BCIS head economist Dr. David Crosthwaite. None sector performed worse than construction. Everyone will watch the government to see if they make a difference.

Thus, the chancellor must take steps to boost the economy and offer the industry renewed optimism.

We have repeatedly urged for ‘clarity and consistency of policy and regulation’ in the government’s infrastructure investment and performance. Current plans are uneven and inadequate, as the long-awaited Infrastructure Pipeline highlighted.

“It failed to bring certainty to a sector still reeling from costly financing, budget erosion, and hyperinflation.

“Investment action plans to boost energy, water, transport, and communications are essential.

“Investing in public transport, improving underperforming parts of the national road network, developing a long-term rail plan, reducing the number of properties at risk of flooding, and adding low-carbon technologies to the electricity system to create a new strategic energy reserve are National Infrastructure Commission recommendations.

Last year, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was developed to address construction labour difficulties. The extra construction roles added six months ago may make a difference, but we’re not sure.

The government still lacks a clear strategy for ensuring we have the additional 224,900 people needed to meet UK construction production between 2023 and 2027, notably the green-collar workforce we need to reach net zero.

Restoring RAAC would demonstrate infrastructural support. The government may improve housing by investing in a social housing initiative as part of a comprehensive housing policy.

We also ask that the government prioritise important repair and maintenance (R&M) work across the public and commercial sectors to protect vulnerable social housing tenants and keep schools and hospitals habitable.

We argue for obligatory reporting of whole life embodied carbon as a crucial step towards 

decarbonisation.

We applaud the government’s investment in energy efficiency in homes and buildings, including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, but operational carbon is only one part of the equation.

“Akerlof, an MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) consultant, found that Scope 3 emissions (embodied carbon) account for 94-98% of UK top contractors’ emissions in Carbon Blind Spots.

“The government should encourage data sharing and subsidise manufacturers’ costs to produce verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on their materials and components to help the industry reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.”

UK’s First Type 31 Frigate is Being Built

Original Source: Construction of UK’s first Type 31 frigate presses ahead

Since the bow was fitted inside Venturer Building at Rosyth, the Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer has advanced, according to the company’s social media post.

The plate curvature complicates the geometry of this ship element.

“The Type 31 bow’s efficient design optimises the ship’s fuel efficiency, speed, and performance. Babcock says its form will cut through water and reduce drag for easy sailing.

The Royal Navy just confirmed HMS Venturer’s Essex ties. Civic leaders in East Anglia choose to affiliate with the Type 31 frigate, presently under construction in Scotland, connecting it to almost 1.8 million people from Chigwell to Colchester, Braintree to Basildon.

“It is wonderful that HMS Venturer is affiliated with the County of Essex,” said frigate Senior Naval Officer Commander Chris Cozens.

Its extensive naval and maritime history and current viewpoint make it a good ‘Next Generation Frigate’. We both emphasise community outreach, tying the sea to STEM and industry to boost national wealth.

Type 31 frigates (Inspiration-class) will replace five Type 23 frigates that have served the navy since the early 1990s. Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design for Type 31 frigates is the Royal Navy’s choice. First-half 2024 will see the launch of HMS Venturer.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, in order to meet the construction needs of the UK without generating additional emissions, waste, or new material extractions, researchers from Sheffield University will study the viability of a circular economy. Collaboration between the Universities of Bath, Manchester, Cardiff, and Cambridge, as well as industrial partners, will form the basis of the five-year, £6 million BuildZero project, which is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). At the same time, political uncertainty surrounding the general election is causing the UK construction sector to anticipate a slowdown. Large building materials supplier Travis Perkins has pessimistic predictions for the industry’s future due to customer reluctance and a challenging economy. Government stimulus and interest rate certainty are awaiting the sector’s rebirth as crucial decisions are put on hold until the incoming administration’s policies are made known. In addition, in the last Budget before a general election, the chancellor may decide to extend Rishi Sunak’s fuel duty cut on petrol and diesel from 5p per litre in 2022 by an additional year, according to reports. The chancellor is determined to reduce the tax burden, which is projected to hit record highs, regardless of the Spring Budget 2024. A change in strategy is necessary to increase supply. Moreover, the Type 31 bow, with its sleek and efficient design, enhances the ship’s performance, speed, and fuel efficiency. Sailing will be easier thanks to its shape, according to Babcock. Just now, HMS Venturer’s ties to Essex were confirmed by the Royal Navy. Connecting over 1.8 million people from Chigwell to Colchester, Braintree to Basildon, civic leaders in East Anglia have chosen to affiliate with the Type 31 frigate, which is currently being built in Scotland.

In today’s news, we will look into Masdar Arlington Energy, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), announced on Tuesday that it has started construction on two 55 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, the UK construction sector’s EV trial is finished by Costain and Enterprise. Additionally, Barbuda locals now have the legal ability to object to airport development due to environmental concerns. Furthermore, the French business Lhyfe has announced plans to construct a commercial hydrogen production facility in North Tyneside, UK, in collaboration with Shepherd Offshore.

Masdar Arlington Energy Begins Building a 55 MW Battery Plant in the United Kingdom

Original Source: Masdar Arlington Energy starts construction of 55 MW of UK batteries

The Royle Barn Road facility in Rochdale and the Welkin Road project in Stockport are both under construction by Masdar Arlington Energy. The batteries, which are both situated on formerly industrialised land, are anticipated to supply enough electricity to run 25,700 houses.

The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) subsidiary Masdar Arlington Energy said on Tuesday that it has begun building two 55 MW worth of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the United Kingdom.

The UK-based Arlington Energy was bought by the UAE renewable energy firm in October 2022. A year earlier, the company declared its intention to invest GBP 1 billion (USD 1.3 billion/EUR 1.2 billion) in BESS in the UK, with a target pipeline of 3 GWh of projects.

“In order to carry out the worldwide energy shift decided in the Wind, solar, and battery energy storage are examples of game-changing renewable energy sources and technologies that must be used to realise the global energy shift outlined in the UAE Consensus. Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi stated, “The two BESS plants we are breaking ground on today highlight the critical role energy storage will play in helping energy systems and infrastructure in the UK and across the globe to move away from carbon-intensive sources of power.”

According to the release, the company’s move from investor to active developer and supporter of the UK’s energy transformation through battery storage offshore wind was sparked by Masdar’s acquisition of Arlington Energy. Masdar established its global offshore wind headquarters in the United Kingdom in 2021.

The UK Building Sector’s EV Trial Has Been Completed by Costain and Enterprise

Original Source: Costain and Enterprise complete UK construction sector’s EV pilot 

The initiative investigated the viability of electric vans (EVs) across three test locations in cooperation with Enterprise Flex E-Rent.

A pilot study to investigate the usage of electric vans (EVs) on significant UK building sites has been completed by Costain.

It is reportedly one of the nation’s first pilot initiatives of its kind in the building industry.

Undertaken in association with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, the project investigated the practicality of electric vehicles in diverse construction settings.

The most recent experiment included three projects: the A12 expansion scheme, the Preston Western Distributor Road scheme, and the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project.

The new 4km Edith Rigby Way dual carriageway is part of the Preston Western Distributor project, which is valued at £207m ($261.54m). 

Meanwhile, the 164-foot Tolgroggan bridge between Scorrier and Boxheater near Redruth is being demolished as part of the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project.

September of last year saw Costain demolish the bridge.

Included in Costain’s larger Climate Change Action Plan is the pilot programme, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon operations by 2035 and a fleet of company cars with zero emissions by 2030.

“Understanding and reducing the impact of vehicle emissions at our project sites will be key to us reaching our net-zero targets,” stated Mark Ashenden, head of Costain’s plant and fleet supply chain.

“We wanted to test how electric vans could be used as a viable vehicle option for major infrastructure projects and how they could be deployed as part of an efficient and more environmentally friendly working fleet.”

Enterprise outfitted the vans with equipment to track usage and collect trial-related data.

Costain set up up to 25 EV charging stations at the trial sites to address the problem of long-distance charging.

Additionally, Transport for London chose the company last month to move on with renovation work at two intersections in London, UK. 

Environmental Issues Raised by Airport Building Can Legally Be Challenged by Barbuda Residents

Original Source: Barbuda residents granted legal right to challenge airport construction over environmental concerns

Two Barbuda citizens now have the legal right to oppose the building of an airport, according to a ruling by the Privy Council in London.

The lawsuit was started in 2018 by retired teacher Jacklyn Frank and marine biologist John Mussington.

Other Caribbean countries battling for land protection are anticipated to follow the precedent set by the London verdict.

A high court in London decided on Tuesday that two citizens of the small Caribbean island of Barbuda are entitled to contest the construction of an airfield, which opponents claim threatens delicate ecosystems and was started without the necessary permissions.

The Privy Council’s decision is regarded as a significant victory for retired teacher Jacklyn Frank and marine biologist John Mussington, who began a legal battle against the Antigua and Barbuda government in July 2018.

“It is no coincidence that this ruling was made nearly seven years after John first discovered the forest being bulldozed,” stated Sarah O’Malley, an attorney with the organisation Global Legal Action Network, based in the United Kingdom, which supported the Barbudians’ legal team. 

“Around the world, environmental activists are frequently hampered by procedural obstacles that make litigation expensive and time-consuming—a ruse used by those who devastate the environment for personal gain.”

It would be simpler for “all who seek to protect nature” to legally contest government acts, according to O’Malley.

Mussington and Frank, according to the Antigua and Barbuda administration, were “busybodies” with no legal basis to challenge the government.

According to Mussington, the decision will have a big impact on Antigua and Barbuda residents, who have long suffered because important organisations and authorities tasked with carrying out the planning laws have not been transparent or accountable.

The decision is also anticipated to provide a precedent for other Caribbean countries battling to save territory that affluent foreign investors wish to develop, particularly in cases where investors take advantage of business opportunities that arise after a natural disaster.

Attempts to reach a representative for the development and a spokesman for Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s office with comments over the decision were unsuccessful.

The Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled in April 2021 that the inhabitants were not permitted to file a lawsuit against the government. The Privy Council’s decision permits the two Barbudians to contest that decision.

Even though Antigua and Barbuda separated from the United Kingdom in 1981, they nevertheless follow a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles serving as the head of state and the Privy Council as the ultimate appellate court.

Judge David Hope of the Privy Council contended that anyone might bring up environmental issues even if they are not directly impacted by a particular action. He provided an example of how wind turbines were built alongside an osprey’s path.

Like any other wild animal, the osprey is powerless to take that action on its own. Someone ought to be permitted to speak on its behalf if its interests are to be safeguarded,” the author stated.

The government, the Barbuda Council, and PLH (Barbuda) Ltd.—founded by American billionaire John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of the Paul Mitchell hair products company—are parties to the agreement that includes the current airport building on Barbuda. Michael Meldman of Casamigos Tequila created the company.

On more than 600 acres of protected marshland, the businesses intend to construct 495 luxurious residences, an 18-hole golf course, a beach club and a natural gas storage facility.

After Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that was the fiercest hurricane to ever be recorded in the open Atlantic, forced the government to evacuate the entire island of Barbuda, the developers started construction on the airstrip in September 2017.

According to Global Legal Action Network, construction started without an environmental impact assessment or a permit from the Barbuda Council to destroy forest. Furthermore, no public meetings were held to inform anyone of the construction, and a development permit application wasn’t filed until after the work started.

The construction of the airport has already involved the clearing of about 400 acres that are home to red-footed tortoises and Barbuda fallow deer.

The island’s groundwater supply may be impacted by the building, according to Mussington and Frank.

As per the verdict on Monday, the airstrip is almost finished, and the government officials have stated that “the airstrip could not be ‘unbuilt,’ even if the airstrip was built in violation of development control.”

A court ruling forcing the land to be returned to its previous state is one of the possible remedies, according to the Privy Council, should it be determined that the government’s Development Control Authority acted outside its authority.

Frank remained circumspect as Mussington and Frank rejoiced over the decision. A second complaint is currently pending in court, brought by a tour guide and fisherman against the Antigua and Barbuda government over the construction of two private houses in a national park.

“Despite having won, we Barbudans recognise that the fight for our land is not over,” she stated. “As our ancestors have done for us, we intend to keep fighting to defend what is rightfully ours and save everything for future generations.”

Plans for a UK Hydrogen Facility Were Revealed

Original Source: Plans unveiled for hydrogen plant in UK

In partnership with Shepherd Offshore, the French company Lhyfe has disclosed intentions to build a commercial hydrogen production facility in North Tyneside, UK.

The facility, which would be built on the site of the former Neptune Bank Power Station, would generate hydrogen for businesses trying to decarbonise their transportation and manufacturing processes.

The initial 20 MW capacity of Lhyfe’s manufacturing facilities at the location is anticipated to enable the company to produce up to 8 tonnes of green hydrogen daily. This would allow a truck powered by hydrogen to go for almost 100,000 miles without producing any CO2.

In the coming weeks, the site’s planning application is anticipated to be submitted. If allowed, the plant would be built on more than 1.6 hectares of leased industrial land along the north bank of the River Tyne.

The strategy calls for using grid-supplied green electricity while Lhyfe investigates possibilities to obtain power from nearby renewable resources including wind and solar energy.

As a catalyst for renewable energy, hydrogen

“The development of green hydrogen projects is critical if major energy users are to decarbonise their operations,” stated Taia Kronborg, chief business officer of Lhyfe. We anticipate that this project will assist the UK as a whole—not just the North East—in achieving its net zero goals. 

“We at Lhyfe are proving that green hydrogen is a major force behind the shift to clean energy and that it is now a reality. Our strong commitment to collaborating with communities and partners to develop projects that truly benefit the local community is a major factor in our ability to expand in response to demand.”

“We at Shepherd Offshore are excited to announce the partnership with Lhyfe on the hydrogen production facility in Wallsend,” stated Charles Shepherd, Managing Director of Shepherd Offshore. Shepherd Offshore is eager to welcome Lhyfe to the Tyne’s north bank and is completely committed to achieving yet another significant turning point in the river’s ongoing growth and development.

In 2021, Lhyfe inaugurated a hydrogen factory in Pays de la Loire, France. The company is now developing or preparing further sites in France and other European countries.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the two 55 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) projects being built in the United Kingdom, according to a Tuesday announcement from Masdar Arlington Energy, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). In October 2022, the UAE renewable energy company acquired the UK-based Arlington Energy. When the firm first announced its plan to spend GBP 1 billion (USD 1.3 billion/EUR 1.2 billion) in BESS in the UK, it had 3 GWh of projects in the pipeline as its aim. Meanwhile, in collaboration with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, the effort tested the viability of electric vans (EVs) at three test locations. Costain has conducted a pilot study looking into the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on major UK construction sites. Furthermore, the Privy Council in London has ruled that two Barbuda citizens are now legally entitled to oppose the construction of an airport. Marine biologist John Mussington and retired teacher Jacklyn Frank filed the complaint in 2018. It is expected that other Caribbean nations engaged in land protection conflicts would take the lead from the London ruling. Moreover, In North Tyneside, UK, the French business Lhyfe has announced plans to construct a commercial hydrogen production facility in collaboration with Shepherd Offshore. Constructed on the site of the defunct Neptune Bank Power Station, the facility would produce hydrogen for companies attempting to reduce the carbon footprint of their industrial and transportation operations.

In today’s news, we will look into the prognosis that the expenses of building in the United Kingdom would increase by up to 3.8% this year. Meanwhile, there is a sense of frustration across the industry as new numbers show that the United Kingdom is experiencing a recession and a slowdown in construction. Additionally, the development of affordable homes in London has come to a complete halt.

Construction Expenses in the UK Could Jump 3.8% This Year

Original Source: UK construction costs forecast to rise by up to 3.8% this year

The increases will cost the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline £1.56bn, according to Currie & Brown.

Following a 4.1% increase in 2023, UK construction expenses are expected to grow 3–3.8% this year. Increases will force construction businesses to develop new methods and capacities to control costs and complete projects.

The findings are in a new analysis by cost management, project management, and advising firm Currie & Brown.

Cost hikes could affect UK important projects like the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline. The cost of delivering £82 billion in 2024, the equivalent of 30 new schools or three new major hospitals, may rise by £1.56 billion.

Unless quickly discovered and managed, such increases could delay pipeline projects or require significant rescoping.

The report urges project teams to act in these areas to handle uncertainty and save money:

Start using modular construction. This will mitigate local skills and materials shortages, reducing building cost uncertainty. Close communication between developers, consultants, and contractors will also clarify timetables to acquire competent workers early.

2: Be sustainable throughout. To ensure projects satisfy current and future standards, firms must assess their carbon footprint throughout development. Doing so will lower future investments for organizations. They will also reduce estate costs and carbon emissions sooner due to operating improvements.

3: Go digital. Digital technology like AI and advanced data analytics can boost project ROI and foresee and control future difficulties. Companies must be open to new technologies and collaborate to use them where they will offer the greatest value to projects.

Currie & Brown Chief Operating Officer, UK and Europe, Nick Grey, says: “Cost escalation is a major challenge for the construction industry, but it is nothing new. Over the previous decade, construction costs have risen 4.6% annually.

Our industry must stop firefighting and cooperate with clients to address this long-term tendency.

UK construction expenses are rising like others. In the coming year, Currie & Brown expects cost rises in all its regions. These vary by market, but common drivers are:

Global instability is caused by geopolitical crises like the Ukraine and Middle East. Continued disruption to Red Sea commercial routes and insurance and travel time hikes would undoubtedly raise prices.

Inflation is the biggest construction sector concern and cost driver. Several markets showed signs of lowering inflation in late 2023. The slight but surprising spike in UK inflation in December 2023 and the unwelcome recession warnings in early 2024 show that the situation is yet to change.

Global sustainability regulations are tightening. The UK construction industry faces several sustainable development building standards and a variety of regulations, such as new biodiversity net gain rules in England’s planning regime.

Compliance with new laws may increase short-term costs, but decarbonisation will reduce operational costs over time.

Skills and materials shortages raise costs nationwide. The UK Government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority anticipates that 600,000 personnel will be needed to complete NCIP projects in 2024, with civil engineers in high demand.

Nick concludes: “2024 will bring new global construction industry challenges. UK economic growth will likely stagnate. Lack of trained personnel, pricey materials, sustainability compliance, and slow productivity will plague the building business.

“But industry-client collaboration to develop new methods of working and utilize technology will help limit cost rises. Importantly, the industry must do this to deliver major projects on time and on budget.”

Frustration Across Business as UK Recession and Building Slowdown Numbers Emerge

Original Source: Frustration across sector as new figures show UK recession and construction slowdown

Civil engineering and construction representatives say new statistics showing a technical recession and decreased UK construction output sends a message to the government that “cuts have consequences”.

Two consecutive quarters of negative growth characterize a recession. The ONS reported that GDP fell 0.1% between July and September 2023 and 0.3% between October and December 2023, putting the UK in a technical recession.

On the same day as new GDP figures showed the economy shrank in 2023, the ONS released data showing construction output down 1.3% from October to December 2023.

ONS claimed the decline ‘came primarily from a decrease in new work (5.0% fall), as repair and maintenance climbed by 4.0%’.

Delays to projects like the Lower Thames Crossing fuelled concerns about a construction industry recession, economists said. The cancellation of HS2’s northern leg exacerbated the recession and lowered government infrastructure expenditure confidence.

Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Ceca) director of operations Marie-Claude Hemming said: “Last year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to grow the economy while putting the brakes on infrastructure spending, including the disastrous decision to cancel the second leg of HS2.

“Today’s numbers show cuts have effects. Construction enterprises went bankrupt in November 2023 at the greatest rate since the Global Financial Crisis.

“This represents people’s businesses and livelihoods, not spreadsheet statistics. Failure to support development and infrastructure will always slow growth.”

Hemming said “strong backing” for the construction industry will “secure recovery, by driving growth in the economy, creating jobs, and delivering the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely upon to thrive”.

Hemming said Ceca members, which include most UK civil engineering firms, wanted political parties “to adopt a sustainable and positive approach to the UK’s infrastructure that prioritizes long-term investment in projects and skills to deliver sustainable growth for all our benefits”.

She added, “2023 may have been an annus horribilis for the UK economy, but we believe that by working with industry government can seize the opportunity to turn a corner by refusing to repeat the mistakes of the past and investing in a prosperous future—for all parts of England, Scotland, and Wales

CPA’s head of construction research Rebecca Larkin said: “Construction activity is struggling due to broad falls in new orders since 2022 and a recession or flatlining economy.

“The CPA envisages it won’t be until the back end of the year that the economy and construction begin a meaningful pickup.”

NBS CEO Russell Haworth said: “Today’s GDP figures will come as little surprise to the construction industry, where a tough economy has been slowing on-site work for some time. Low private sector investment, a housing market slump, sluggish UK economic growth, and high interest rates have periodically slowed activity.

Haworth, CEO of building project data expert Glenigan, saw the news positively. , “Despite the doom and gloom, I’m hopeful.” “Glenigans latest Construction Forecast, based on our extensive database of active construction projects, suggests the end is near.

“Despite first-quarter contraction, our economists expect the construction industry to grow gradually (+8%) in the second half of 2024. A rising economy and market certainty will enhance consumer and company confidence, helping the industry.”

Contrary to Haworth, the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) forecasted a drop in UK building output in 2024.

BCIS said its data ‘indicates a decline in construction output as recessionary pressures struck the industry’. The cost-of-living problem continues to impair the repair and maintenance sector, but excessive borrowing prices have hurt the new work sector, preventing investment. In 2024, BCIS expects new work output to shrink 5%.

BCIS chief economist David Crosthwaite said: “Persistent low growth has become characteristic of construction, as it has the wider economy, and it is highly likely that the industry is currently in a recession.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “High inflation is the biggest barrier to growth, so halving it has been our top priority. High interest rates allow the Bank of England to lower inflation, but sluggish growth is expected.

The British economy is turning a corner, with experts predicting stronger growth in the coming years, salaries growing faster than prices, mortgage rates falling, and unemployment low. We must decrease taxes on employment and business to establish a better economy, even while many families are struggling.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The prime minister can no longer credibly claim that his plan is working or that he has turned the corner on more than 14 years of Conservative economic decline that has left Britain worse off.

“This is Rishi Sunak’s recession and the news will deeply worry British families and businesses.”

London Affordable Housing Construction Has Stalled, Gove Said

Original Source: Construction of affordable homes in London is grinding to a halt, Gove told

Housing groups have warned the government that London housebuilding is “grinding to a halt” after affordable home construction dropped by three-quarters in the past year.

In a letter to Michael Gove, the G15, which represents the capital’s 11 largest housing associations, said his measures did not raise supply enough and urged for billions of pounds for an affordable houses building programme.

The letter also indicated that G15 members, the largest affordable housing builders in London, will build 1,769 units this year, down 76% from 7,363 in 2022-23.

This week, Gove outlined ideas to increase urban home development.

One of the biggest improvements was a planning system revamp that made it simpler for developers to build on brownfield sites in cities and towns.

A government-commissioned evaluation of Sadiq Khan’s 25-year London plan was also released.

The study noted the scheme “frustrated” brownfield home deliveries and that the new proposals might add 4,000 homes each year. Khan called the review “nothing more than a stunt”.

The letter to Gove, signed by G15 chair Fiona Fletcher-Smith, CEO of L&Q Group, stated the initiatives were good but would not fulfill London’s needs.

It said: “Your recent interventions do not go far enough to address what, by your own admission, the broken system. Londoners are in crisis, yet the government has failed to invest in social housing.

G15 members own and manage over 770,000 houses and develop 15% of affordable homes nationwide.

Affordable housing includes all non-market rent and sale tenures. This includes social rent, where tenants pay half market rent, and shared ownership, where people acquire a piece of the home and pay rent on the rest.

These associations’ affordable house starts dropped dramatically in recent years, according to Guardian data. In 2021-22, 5,231 affordable house starts were built, the lowest in five years. More than quadruple this year’s amount.

As funds tighten, Fletcher-Smith warned London’s housing associations of a development “cliff-edge”.

Property associations must spend more on existing stock after the Grenfell Tower fire to fix aging property and handle damp and mold issues, in addition to increased building material prices.

Fletcher-Smith said L&Q, which rents 105,000 houses, had spent over £450m on fire safety repairs since 2017 and set aside £3bn over 10 years to bring aging stock up to the government’s decent homes benchmark.

Large housing associations, which borrow money in bond markets to build, pay higher interest rates. Servicing current loans costs L&Q £200m more.

Fletcher-Smith said: “Once you take all of those costs out, there is just nothing left for development. We would love to build more, we just don’t have the cash. The current government prioritizes house ownership, which is important, but we need substantial social housing.

The Centre for London think tank co signed the letter, which projected that one in four Londoners lived in poverty after housing costs.

One in 10 children and teens in some districts of the capital lived in temporary housing, according to the Guardian.

The G15 letter urged the government to invest £15bn a year over the next decade to build 90,000 social rent homes, including 30,000 in London.

Between 2021 and 2026, the government will spend £11.5bn on affordable housing, including £4bn in the capital.

A representative for the Department for Leveling Up, Housing, and Communities said: “We have an ambitious long-term housing plan to deliver the homes local communities want and need. Our £11.5bn affordable housing initiative is on track to produce 250,000 affordable houses.

“We recently announced a £3bn boost to the affordable homes guarantee scheme, which will deliver 20,000 new affordable homes nationwide.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, the Building costs in the UK are predicted to rise 3.3% to 3.8% this year, following a 4.1% increase in 2023. As a result of the increases, construction companies will need to innovate new ways to manage costs and finish projects. Meanwhile, a recession is defined by negative growth for two quarters in a succession. According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK entered a technical recession in 2023 after a 0.1% decline in GDP from July to September and a 0.3% decline from October to December.

Concurrent with the release of revised GDP estimates showing a contraction in the economy in 2023, the ONS also revealed figures showing a 1.3% decline in construction output between October and December of that year. In addition, following a three-quarters decline in affordable home development over the last year, housing groups have cautioned the government that London housebuilding is “grinding to a halt”.

The G15, on behalf of the eleven biggest housing associations in the city, wrote to Michael Gove to complain that his policies were insufficient in increasing supply and to request billions of pounds to fund a scheme to construct affordable homes.

In today’s UK construction news, we will look into the latest. Despite the stabilisation of values in the United Kingdom, Scotland’s housing market continues to operate exceptionally well. Additionally, Merit, a pioneering offsite construction provider, has confirmed that they have experienced tremendous growth. Furthermore, these construction lifts are capable of reaching heights that are greater than the Town Hall in Birmingham. Furthermore, how Kier and Costain are succeeding while their competitors are failing.

Scottish Housing Outperforms as UK Values Stabilise, says Savills

Original Source: Savills: Scotland’s housing sector outperforms as UK values stabilise

According to Savills, the UK’s total home worth is £8.678 trillion, with Scotland outperforming the rest of the UK by 1.3%.

Savills Scotland head of residential research Faisal Choudhry said: “Scotland’s housing sector remains robust and resilient, with housing stock value rising despite a marginal drop in UK stock.

Scottish growth is driven by comparative affordability, the value differential between Scottish and southern locales, which allows for additional growth. Property investors from throughout the UK continue to flock to Scotland.

Despite falling somewhat from 2022, the UK’s housing stock is £1.585tn larger than before the epidemic (2019).

“Despite higher mortgage costs, the market’s resilience means UK housing remains a significant and secure wealth store. Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, said net housing worth exceeded £7tn, 2.6 times the UK economy, even after deducting £1.652tn in mortgage debt.

“New housing delivery added £80 billion to the total value in 2023. However, stricter mortgage regulation, the rise in fixed-rate mortgages, and lender aid to financially troubled borrowers shielded the market from interest rate pressures.

We may see mortgage prices fluctuate in 2024 as markets react to changing predictions of when and how much the Bank of England will decrease the base rate. We expect affordability pressure to lessen over the medium term, therefore the current value drop should be temporary.”

Though mild, Savills reported value drops in the south. Housing stock in London fell by -£39.3bn (-2.1%), whereas the South East, South West, and East of England fell by -£16.5bn (-0.5%).

Further from London, markets with more growth potential saw valuations rise year-over-year. The biggest increases were in Northern Ireland (3.2%), North East (1.4%), Scotland (1.3%), and East Midlands (1.3%).

London represents the majority of UK housing value, however it has only contributed 12.01% of growth since 2016. Due to this, its share of UK housing value fell from 24% in 2016 to 21% in 2023.

“A geographical rebalancing of the UK housing market will continue in 2023,” Mr. Cook said. Most healthy regional markets were those where mortgaged buyers borrowed less than their income, as expected at this time in the cycle.

Outright owners benefit most from value increase. Homeownership accounts for approximately 40% of UK housing value, according to Savills.

The data shows that mortgage-free owner occupiers’ property value has soared by £1.505tn (£1,505bn) over the previous decade, whereas mortgaged owners’ has increased by £978bn.

The value of unmortgaged and mortgaged owner-occupied homes was similar in 2013. The difference between the two has grown significantly in the last decade due to demographic shifts and house ownership changes, said Mr. Cook.

We saw more people who benefited from the late-20th century homeownership boom becoming mortgage-free in 2023. Last year, hopeful homeowners faced high deposit requirements and rising mortgage costs.

“Despite rising tenant demand, increased taxation and regulation have constrained supply in the private rented sector housing,” Mr. Cook said.

Offsite Construction Pioneer Merit Reports Tremendous Growth.

Original Source: Pioneering offsite construction specialist Merit confirms significant growth

Northumberland-based Merit, the UK’s largest industrialised construction and digital manufacturing company, saw consolidated revenues rise 46% to £88.4m.

Merit’s achievement has several causes. First, a patented platform design and 71.9% productivity growth between 2016 and 2022.

Merit expanded its offsite approach in 2023 with a 44,000 sq ft extension at its Cramlington factory, one of the UK’s largest construction production sites at 263,000ft2. June 2023 saw the enlarged high-bay facility open.

Merit invests roughly £5m in new intellectual property in R&D to improve its products. Advanced technology and software make the organisation a digital manufacturing leader.

Merit’s pioneering approach to offsite construction and digitalized manufacturing of technically challenging buildings with a Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) of 75%–95% supports its better financial performance. The company can provide fixed-cost, sustainable, high-quality, bespoke-specification buildings to clients in a third of the time using these methods.

Merit CEO Tony Wells said: “We are thrilled to report another year of positive financial results, which continues our long-term growth strategy. Our automated and digital-led strategy builds complex, high-quality buildings three times faster than traditional alternatives, demonstrating our dedication to excellence and innovation.

Our product platform designs are delivering actual, tangible growth and promise higher performance, quality, reliability, and 60 years of longevity than traditional construction. Net Zero remains a key motivator and subject of significant R&D investment in 2024.”

Our parametric cost modelling provides real-time cost feedback during design development for inexpensive fixed-price cost certainty, unique in construction. Merit’s goals for the year include increasing industrial automation for productivity and launching our V7 platform.

Berwick’s 10,500m2, £35m community hospital, Solihull Hospital’s Elective Hub (Operating Theatre Block), and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s sterilisation services and decontamination supercentre are recent initiatives. A 2000m2 multi-million-pound therapy-led facility for Norwich Community Hospital is planned to be completed in five months by Merit.

Building Lifts can Reach Birmingham’s Town Hall

Original Source: These construction lifts can reach higher than Birmingham’s Town Hall

Hire Safe Solutions has Dingli machinery for large-scale construction.

The UK’s construction industry is growing tenfold in industrial, residential, energy and utilities, IT infrastructure, and other sectors.

Over the past few years, high-rise office complexes, flats, and other commercial establishments have increased in the country.

The city of Birmingham has around 312 high-rise buildings above 30 metres tall. The BT Tower, at 152 metres, is the tallest.

As our city has more rising buildings, the need for reliable, high-quality equipment that promotes efficiency and worker safety rises.

Hire Safe Solutions has extensive expertise delivering mechanical-powered access solutions for high-rise construction teams.

It strives to provide excellent customer service and stock a variety of equipment to transform the UK construction industry.

The Dingli 2212DC, BA28RT, 3225RT, and 3214DC lifts are among the company’s most popular. They can run on electric/battery or diesel power and have different maximum heights and safe working loads, so firms can choose the right equipment for their project.

These lifts may not reach skyscraper levels, but they can help construction companies develop outstanding public and private structures in our city’s diverse and ever-changing surroundings.

Dingli 2212DC Scissor Lift can reach 22 metres, taller than Birmingham’s Town Hall.

Its 600 kg lifting capacity, 1.25m width, and 4×4 steering make it easy to handle in tight areas. It can travel at full height and has a pure electric motor with no noise or emissions, making it ideal for sensitive flooring and quiet indoor situations.

However, the Dingli 3225RT and Dingli 3214DC versions can work at 32 metres, equivalent to seven double-decker buses.

The Dingli 3214DC is ideal for working in clean air zones like Birmingham city centre because it’s totally electric. It works well in warehouses, power plants, and tunnels.

Construction teams looking to handle unprecedented heights may benefit from the Dingli BA28RT Articulated Cherry Picker. It can stand at 28.1 metres, almost as tall as three Birmingham ‘Raging Bull’ versions assembled.

Any Hire Safe Solutions Dingli lift can be leased, hired, or bought. The company might also suggest a machine-safety training course for staff.

As Rivals Fail, Kier and Costain Thrive

Original Source: How Kier and Costain are thriving as rivals fail

More construction companies failed last year than any other sector for the third year in a row, yet most major listed contractors thrived.

Mazars’ study of Insolvency Service data found 4,370 construction companies insolvent in the year ended November 2023, 17% of all UK corporate insolvencies. There are now on average a dozen building enterprises going under every single day in the UK’, the firm’s restructuring services partner Mark Boughey said. Federation of Master Builders: Small and medium-sized contractors reported 15% lower workloads and almost half fewer new enquiries last year.

Top contractors are thriving, with most listed operators posting share price gains that exceeded the market.

Over the past year, Kier (KIE) shares have risen 82%. Costain (COST) shares rose 55%, Galliford Try (GFRD) 47%, and Morgan Sindall (MGNS) 31%. Only Balfour Beatty (BBY) has lagged, with shares down 8%. Investor fears about a deteriorating US construction industry and HS2 cancellations were cited by Jefferies analysts.

Most listed contractors have benefited from their lack of exposure to the UK’s dying residential new-build sector. Private home output fell 19% last year and is expected to fall 4% this year, according to the Construction Products Association.

Over the past decade, Kier, Costain, and Balfour Beatty have focused more on significant infrastructure projects domestically. After Carillion and Interserve high-profile failures in 2018 and 2019, this area is less congested and contract terms are more industry-friendly. It is usually done on a ‘cost-plus’ or target cost basis, so contractors don’t risk huge losses on fixed-price, multi-year projects if materials or labour prices rise.

“You’ve got arguably less of the more ill-disciplined players left because the likes of Carillion have gone bust and the ones that remain are just managing that whole risk, contract appraisal and bidding process a lot better,” said Investec analyst Aynsley Lammin.

According to Balfour Beatty’s latest annual report, only 10% of UK construction work is fixed-price, down from 50% in 2018.

Smaller firms can’t afford this, and Boughey said risk is typically “passed down the supply chain” to tier two and tier three suppliers through fixed-price contracts.

He continued, “They don’t seem to have much bargaining power with the main contractors.”

Solid foundations

Balance sheet strengthening has also helped listed contractors rerate.

Before the pandemic, Kier had two rights offerings between 2018 and 2021, generating approximately £500mn and selling non-core companies to survive.

Investors fled, and it took two years of improved trading and debt reduction to entice them back. Average monthly net debt declined from £582mn in 2021 to £232mn last year, and the corporation announced a £250mn bond issuance this week to repay its debt. The five-year notes had a 9% interest rate and a BB+ Fitch grade. The ratings agency reported that 60% of Kier’s contracts include pass-through clauses to recover costs.

Costain had to perform a £100mn rights offering in March 2020 during the pandemic, when revenue and earnings plummeted. It also had to reestablish trust—when we highlighted the company in our ideas section in September 2022, its shares were so lowly rated that it was barely worth half its net assets. Their valuation is six times expected earnings despite their recent upgrading.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed how the Scots outperformed the rest of the UK by 1.3% when it came to the total home worth of £8,678 trillion, according to Savills. The value disparity between southern and Scottish locations enables extra expansion, which is driven by comparative affordability. Investors from all around the United Kingdom keep coming to Scotland to buy property. However, consolidated revenues for Northumberland-based Merit, the biggest industrialised construction and digital manufacturing company in the UK, increased 46% to £88.4m. In 2023, Merit added 44,000 square feet to its Cramlington plant, making it one of the biggest construction production sites in the UK at 263,000 square feet. This allowed the company to further develop its offsite approach. The expanded high-bay facility was opened in June 2023. In addition, the construction business in the UK is experiencing exponential growth across various sectors, including residential, energy and utilities, IT infrastructure, and industrial.

A growing number of apartment buildings, office complexes, and other types of commercial buildings have sprung up around the nation in recent years. The demand for dependable, high-quality machinery that boosts productivity and worker safety is growing in tandem with the city’s skyscrapers. Also, for the third year running, the construction industry had the highest number of company failures, while the majority of the major listed contractors did quite well. Listed operators, including top contractors, have seen share price rises that have outpaced the market. The listed contractors have mostly profited because they have avoided the crumbling home new-build market in the UK. Production of single-family homes dropped 19% in 2017 and is projected to drop 4% in 2018, according to the Construction Products Association.

In today’s news, we will look into the construction optimism in the United Kingdom reached a two-year high. In the meantime, the largest housebuilder in the United Kingdom, Barratt, has agreed to acquire its competitor, Redrow, for a sum of £2.5 billion. In addition, the first carbon capture cement production facility in the United Kingdom is located in North Wales. On top of that, members of parliament advise the building industry to “embrace technology” in order to prevent falls from heights.

Building Optimism in the UK at Two-year High

Original Source: UK construction optimism at two year high

In spite of lower order books, UK construction business activity estimates are at their highest since January 2022, indicating a boost in optimism.

Despite a minor fall in industry activity, the index remained below 50.0 for the fifth month.

Still, the measure rose to 48.8 in January from 46.8 in December.

Civils remained strong, but housebuilding plummeted.

Civil engineering output was highest in January 2023 (index 49.8), while commercial activity held steady at 49.1.

House Building declined (index to 44.2), with anecdotes of low demand and a lack of work to replace completed projects.

Residential activity contracted at the lowest rate since March 2023.

New work barely declined.

New work fell for the sixth month in a row in January, but the fall was small.

Many companies reported a drop in new business, citing delayed customer decisions and depressed market circumstances, especially in house development.

Construction firms were hesitant about recruiting in January.

Total employment declined somewhat, but subcontractor usage was steady from the previous month. Subcontractor rates rose at the quickest pace since September 2023, despite a sharp rise in availability.

UK construction business optimism at its greatest since January 2022.

Despite weak order books, recent data showed company activity expectations rising sharply. Only 12% of respondents expect business activity to diminish, while 51% expect it to rise.

Lower borrowing costs and more consumer confidence could stimulate development in 2024.

Construction input demand fell for the fifth month in January, with survey respondents citing weak demand and inventory reduction initiatives.

The fastest input cost increase since May 2023 occurred.

As demand and supply recovered, suppliers’ lead times fell again, reducing delivery delays.

After three months of declining prices, building prices rose in January.

Some firms reported on increasing import prices, notably those with greater delivery expenses.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economics director Tim Moore said: “UK construction companies seem increasingly optimistic that the worst may be behind them soon as recession risks fade and interest rate cuts appear imminent. The possibility of looser financial conditions and a stronger economy boosted company activity forecasts to a two-year high in January.

Market semi-stable, eyes on Spring Budget

Gowling WLG construction partner Daniel Wood said: “Despite rising inflation, construction has remained resilient in terms of project commissioning and record revenue.

A rise in student accommodation commissions and commercial projects in town and city centres have offset a reduction in homebuilding.

The recent COP28 summit and climate-action measures to lower emissions in the building and construction sectors mean that profitability is not the primary objective for the sector. Thus, winning work, especially commercial projects, requires prioritising this aspect.

It will also be fascinating to watch if the Spring budget provides further government help for reducing planning issues and other impediments to these and other new projects in 2024.

Redrow to be Acquired by Barratt for £2.5bn.

Original Source: UK’s biggest housebuilder Barratt to buy rival Redrow for £2.5bn

Companies agree to an all-share bid to build a £7bn-plus entity.

Barratt, the UK’s largest housebuilder, will buy Redrow for around £2.5bn.

The two businesses have agreed to Barratt’s all-share bid, which will make it the country’s largest housebuilder.

The united group plans to build 23,000 homes a year and earn over £7bn. Tuesday’s financial markets ended at £7.2bn.

Both boards approve the purchase, as does Steve Morgan, who started Redrow 50 years ago and still owns 16%. Morgan claimed the merger will produce a “standout builder” that may speed up homebuilding.

Barratt shareholders will keep 67.2% of Barratt Redrow, while Redrow stockholders get 32.8%. New homes will be marketed under the Redrow brand and its Heritage collection added.

Mid-May shareholders will vote on the agreement, and the firms intend to finish it in the second half of the year.

It comes as builders face the worst housing decline since the financial crisis.

David Thomas, Barratt’s new CEO, said: “We respect Redrow, its strategy, leadership, employees, and high-quality homes and communities. The merger would benefit our employees, supply networks, and most crucially, customers by leveraging Barratt and Redrow’s capabilities.

On the news, Redrow shares rose 13% to 674p and Barratt slid more than 7% to 491p.

Redrow shareholders will receive 1.44 Barratt shares each Redrow share. Morgan’s investment is worth £373m at Barratt’s current share price, down from £400m on Tuesday’s closing price of 530p.

Redrow CEO Matthew Pratt holds £760,000 in shares, while CFO Barbara Richmond owns over £4m. Pratt will administer Redrow, while Richmond will oversee integration for 12 months.

Barratt chair Caroline Silver will oversee the amalgamated board.

I admire Barratt because of their quality-focused approach to homebuilding, Morgan stated. I believe the Barratt-Redrow merger with its three high-quality complimentary brands will produce a leading home builder and speed up the delivery of much-needed UK homes.”

Steve Hoey, CEO of Turning Lives Around and Homelessness Prevention Forum chair, tweeted: “Surely this will be the biggest builder; will they build what we need?”

This is Barratt’s second acquisition in 16 years after buying William Bowden for £2.2bn in 2007, making it the UK’s largest housebuilder. As a development arm, the corporation still operates David Wilson Homes.

Barratt finished 17,200 homes last year, outperforming Vistry Group with £705m in earnings on £5.3bn in sales. Vistry Group’s Bovis, Linden, and Countryside brands built 16,124 homes last year.

Redrow, the seventh largest builder, completed 5,400 homes last year and earned £395m pre-tax on £2.1bn in revenue.

Aynsley Lammin of Investec said, “The deal looks very sensible given the challenging planning and land backdrop, especially assuming sales rates and the profit outlook gradually improve from here. The all-share deal is smart, maintaining a strong financial sheet.”

Directors said merging will retain a better balance sheet, protect the group through the present market cycle, and provide a strong platform for higher shareholder returns over the medium term.

Through procurement savings and “rationalisation of divisional and central functions” in the company, the companies expect to save £90m a year in three years. Site and sales office staff should be unaffected.

Interactive Investors head of markets, Richard Hunter, said: “The move is a seismic shift for the sector, reflecting not only the economic challenges housebuilders have faced recently, but also a move to shore up the capabilities of two major players.”

North Wales Hosts UK’s First Carbon Capture Cement Plant

Original Source: UK’s first carbon capture cement production facility in North Wales

Heidelberg Materials UK granted Worley and MHI Group a FEED contract to create a carbon capture facility at the Padeswood cement mill in North Wales.

A system that captures 800,000 tons of CO2 annually would eliminate 320,000 autos. 

Worley’s London, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Glasgow teams and global carbon capture experts will complete the project.

The UK Government has designated Padeswood a Track 1 capture project and a vital part of the HyNet industrial cluster.

Heidelberg Materials can receive UK government clearance, a favourable final investment decision, and EPC in Q1 2025 through the FEED project stage.

Heidelberg Materials UK CEO Simon Willis stated, “This is a decisive next step in our plans to install carbon capture technology at our Padeswood cement works. Once operational, it will deliver net zero building materials for large projects nationwide, helping us decarbonize the construction industry and become a net zero enterprise.

MHI CEO and Head of Engineering Solutions Kenji Terasawa said, “The cement industry is ‘hard to abate’ because CO2 emissions cannot be avoided in production. Heidelberg Materials UK will lead the UK cement industry by using our Advanced KM CDR ProcessTM carbon capture technology to reach net zero carbon by 2050. We’re happy to help with this dedication through Padeswood CCS.”

To Prevent Falls from Height, MPs Advise Building to ‘Embrace Tech’

Original Source: MPs tell construction: ‘embrace tech’ to stop falls from height

A group of MPs wants construction and other businesses to use virtual and augmented reality and wearable technology to avoid falls from height.

At its latest meeting, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height released a manifesto with four pledges to address this type of accident, the leading cause of workplace fatalities.

It calls for simpler reporting. The APPG reports that “several government agencies and organisations collect elements of accident data with varying effectiveness”.

The height safety charity No Falls Foundation “fully supports” the APPG’s proposal for streamlined reporting and “for data on how and why falls happen to be more easily accessible”.

At the APPG conference, No Falls Foundation charity manager Hannah Williams said: “The No Falls Foundation is conducting the largest research survey of its kind into the underlying causes of a fall from height.

The poll will target all industries and anyone who witnessed, investigated, or experienced a fall from height. They can communicate detailed fall-from-height accident information. It will guide our future research efforts and help us and others allocate resources to avoid height falls.

The manifesto encourages using technology to prevent falls, including:

• Promoting HSE Science Discovering Safety’s leading indicators to predict danger.
• Wearable gadget for safety and alarm.
• Need-based mobile apps for information, competence verification, and micro-learning.
• VR/AR for realistic training scenarios and improved planning.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the business activity estimates for the UK construction industry are at their highest point since January 2022, suggesting a surge in optimism, even though order books are smaller. Concurrently, in order to establish a company worth more than £7 billion, the Companies have agreed to an all-share bid. Meanwhile, the biggest UK housebuilder, Barratt, will acquire Redrow for approximately £2.5 billion. Barratt will become the biggest home builder in the UK after the two companies accepted its all-share offer. In addition, the Padeswood cement plant in North Wales was awarded a FEED contract to construct a carbon capture facility by Heidelberg Materials UK to Worley and MHI Group. Eliminating 320,000 vehicles might be possible with a system that gathers 800,000 tons of CO2 each year. The project will be finished by Worley’s teams in Glasgow, Aberdeen, London, and Manchester, as well as by carbon capture professionals from throughout the world. Over and above that, a number of members of parliament have called for the use of VR/AR and wearable tech in the construction industry and other sectors to reduce the risk of falls from great heights. This kind of mishap is the top cause of workplace deaths, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height produced a platform with four promises to address it at its most recent meeting.

In today’s news, we will look into the following: Following the failure of 4,370 businesses, the construction industry in the United Kingdom is facing a “difficult period.” Meanwhile, Australian huge cranes have the potential to bring in a new era for the building industry in the United Kingdom. In addition, Hercules Site Services has presented the Hercules Construction Academy with its official opening. Additionally, the construction of the HS2 station on Curzon Street in Birmingham comes to an end. 

After 4,370 Enterprises Folded, UK Construction Faces ‘Difficult Period’

Original Source: UK construction sector faces ‘difficult period’ after 4,370 firms collapsed

After 4,370 construction companies failed last year, fresh data shows the UK construction sector is facing an “immensely difficult period”.

Mazars reports that the sector has had the most UK bankruptcy for three years.

The year to November saw 4,370 company failures, up from 4,086 in 2021/22 and 2,481 in 2020/21.

Due to rising material and labor expenses, insolvencies rose 7% from 2021/22 and 76% in 2020/21.

Growing borrowing costs have hurt profit margins of present and planned development projects, according to the auditing firm.

Additionally, rising mortgage rates, which have reached a 15-year high, have lowered consumer confidence. This has lowered prices following years of rapid residential property price increases.

Mazars partner Mark Boughey said: “There are now a dozen building companies going under every day in the UK. This is a tough time for construction.

“Since the commercial viability of many today’s projects was assessed three or four years ago, with fixed price contracts often negotiated, costs have skyrocketed and buyers’ appetite has plummeted.

Contractors have limited margins even at the best of times, so the sector is particularly stressed at both ends.”

Demolition, electrical, and plumbing accounted for 58% of construction bankruptcies in the past year.

The “well-regarded” construction firm Kenham Building went into administration due to financial losses on a home restoration project with technical groundworks, laying off all workforce.

ReSolve, a business consultancy firm, became joint administrator of the luxury residential development company on January 9.

ReSolve partner Chris Farrington said: “It is unfortunate to see a business with a strong trading history and a portfolio of superb construction projects completed over many years, encountering the difficulties Kenham Building has experienced.

“It is also regrettable that staff were not able to be retained through this process, reflecting the extremely difficult conditions affecting Kenham and the wider construction and homebuilding sector.”

Mazars expects sector issues through 2024/25.

Mr. Boughey said: “We saw a number of larger contractors file for insolvency 12 to 18 months ago, and now those failures are felt downstream in the supply chain.

“Subcontractors aren’t getting paid on time or at the agreed levels, causing them financial problems.

When smaller organizations fail, it can delay significant projects for the main developers.

“While some of the headwinds around rising borrowing costs and material prices have eased, we’re unfortunately likely to see these difficulties persist through 2024 and 2025.”

Mark Allen, CEO of Landsec, the UK’s largest property development company, told the PA news agency: “Inevitably, when you go through cycles–such as the one we are in–and you see very rapid inflation in costs that squeezes margins all the way through the supply chain, that can catch some people out.

He stressed the necessity of Landsec planning for adverse times and said insolvency is “normal” for enterprises.

“I think it does make it even more important for us and people like us to understand the expertise, financial capacity of the supply chain,” he said.

How Gigantic Australian Cranes Could Change UK Construction

Original Source: How giant cranes from Australia could usher in a new era for UK construction

Offsite manufacturing has seen high-profile corporate closures. The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement may allow larger, record-breaking Australian cranes to assist modular projects.

Offsite manufacturing was originally the UK’s carbon solution, with modular construction reducing emissions and speeding project delivery.

After a series of high-profile corporate closures, the UK offsite manufacturing situation seems dismal. Major modular manufacturers collapsed, raising questions about the sector’s financial soundness as rising material costs and inflation made project financing harder.

Many significant projects were choosing modular building as the offsite construction scene grew stronger and gained confidence internationally.

The larger Australian cranes allow large-scale offsite building.

Global heavy lifting tower crane specialist Marr Contracting is revolutionizing modular construction with bigger and easier craneage solutions.

This technology lets construction teams bring larger prefabricated elements to the site for large-scale offsite building.

Modules and larger components can be constructed off site and put with a few crane lifts instead of one piece at a time. Instead of welding many components at height, assembling and installing them on the ground in one lift provides more control and safety.

Due to their capacity and reach, larger cranes require fewer lifts and on-site cranes.

Decluttering a workplace improves safety, productivity, and groundwork.

Opening the door

Australian companies like Marr can enter the UK market and sell their products thanks to the December 2021 UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Marr, which worked with Balfour Beatty on the UK’s Hinkley Point C Tunnelling & Marine Project, now has a strong pipeline of important infrastructure projects that will use their record-breaking cranes nationwide.

Marr’s experience delivering large-scale projects in Australia and the Middle East makes him a good fit for supporting UK MMC trends and policies.

Its expansion in the UK will allow contemporary methods of construction (MMC) in large-scale projects, where lift weight and feasibility have limited modular options.

Marr is working with Black & Veatch on the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) in Cheshire, which will power 125,000 homes. Marr used the M2480D, the world’s largest luffing tower crane, for a two-crane solution.

This solution supported MMC construction by allowing larger sections of plant and equipment weighing up to 85 tonnes to be installed in fewer lifts with a lift capability of 110 tonnes and a reach of 73m.

Marr’s method benefits design teams and contractors how?

Marr’s technique gives design teams and builders more freedom and vision.

After completion, Powerhouse Parramatta will be New South Wales’ largest museum at 30,000 sq m and one of Australia’s greatest structural engineering and architecturally challenging undertakings.

Construction challenges included installing the large steel trusses to create a column-free display area on the building’s façade and meeting the architectural team’s vision.

Lendlease engaged Marr early in the design stage of the Sydney project and developed the craneage solution around its chosen construction methodology rather than the crane’s restrictions. Thus, site labor involved lifting modularized exoskeleton pieces, including 120-tonne steel trusses.

Bolder, bigger projects

Designing without craneage constraints enables larger, bolder constructions, as seen in the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey, the world’s longest suspension bridge.

DL E&C-Limak-SK ecoplant-Yapi Merkezi Joint Venture (DLSY JV) approached Marr for a craneage solution to build the 4.6km project, which connects Europe and Asia.

Marr used eight 160-tonne lifts and around 35 150-tonne lifts to realize his idea, which needed creative thinking.

The solution opened the bridge over a year early. Modularizing the structure into larger, heavier parts lowered lifts, cut construction time, and improved site safety.

These techniques allow huge projects to use more ambitious modular design and construction in the UK. Construction can be simplified, timetables shortened, and safety increased.

Opening of Hercules Construction Academy by Site Services

Original Source: Hercules Site Services officially opens Hercules Construction Academy

Hercules Site Services PLC (AIM:HERC), a UK infrastructure and construction labor supplier, unveiled the Hercules Construction Academy on Wednesday.

The academy in Nuneaton, West Midlands, will teach 400 new hires in its first year and thousands more over time.

From the start, the academy will employ eight people and offer health and safety courses, National Vocational Qualifications, T-levels, and degree-level apprenticeships.

Utility identification, working at height, overhead powerline awareness, highways, and other industry-specific courses will be offered.

The CITB, the UK construction industry training board, the National Open College Network, and the Energy & Utility Skills Register will accredit the qualifications.

In its Construction Skills Network report, the CITB predicted it will require 225,000 more workers by 2027 to meet demand.

The academy will address this skills shortage and benefit major UK infrastructure and construction projects like HS2, the planned AMP8 water sector infrastructure works, Highways England projects, the Lower Thames Crossing, renewable energy, and nuclear energy infrastructure.

In the heart of the UK, Hercules Construction Academy is between Birmingham and Coventry, where important infrastructure and construction projects like HS2 are located.

“This landmark launch represents an incredibly exciting time for Hercules and the wider industry,” said Hercules Site Services CEO Brusk Korkmaz. “We recognise the rapidly changing training and skills landscape and believe we can deliver the best construction training in the UK.”

Korkmaz said that professors with real-world industry experience will teach students, “whilst our location and connections throughout the sector mean learners will be extremely well placed to secure employment and others will return to their employers with enhanced skill sets”.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education Robert Halfon said it was “fantastic to see key employers like Hercules offering gold standard T-Levels, alongside high-quality apprenticeships, and other qualifications”.

“I’m also delighted it will expand access to more degree-level apprenticeship opportunities, allowing people of all backgrounds to earn while they learn without the student debt and climb the ladder of opportunity,” said.

HS2’s West Midlands Senior Legacy Manager Julie Venn Morton said, “We’re excited about the Hercules Construction Academy’s opening, which will train locals for construction jobs.

“In the months ahead, construction of the two new HS2 stations and the network control centre will really start to take shape, creating hundreds more local job opportunities.”

Beginning Birmingham Curzon Street HS2 Station Construction

Original Source: Construction of Birmingham Curzon Street HS2 station begins

January 24 marked the start of Birmingham Curzon Street High Speed 2 station construction.

The station was designed by WSP and Grimshaw Architects and inspired by ‘the huge arched roofs created by the Victorian railway pioneers’, according to HS2 Ltd.

As lead contractor, Mace Dragados Joint Venture won a £570m station construction contract in 2021. After developing a precise construction program, it has commenced substantial earthworks to prepare the site for piling and foundations.

Construction of the main building should begin in July. In summer 2025, façade work will commence, followed by concourse steelwork and roof construction in autumn 2025. Internal fit-out will begin in late 2025 and end in 2028. Operational testing and commissioning will occur from summer 2026 until autumn 2028. Expect HS2 to open between 2029 and 2033.

“Curzon Street will become one of the most environmentally-friendly stations in the world, and the gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers,” said Rail Minister Huw Merriman.

HS2 construction is booming in Birmingham, supporting thousands of employment and apprenticeships.

Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair of HS2 Ltd., said Birmingham Curzon Street station and its public realm will connect the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments, and the city centre, creating far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside.

As activity increases in the following months, many employment, apprenticeships, and supply chain opportunities will be available, building on the region’s economic benefits.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed about the new statistics reveal that the UK construction industry is going through an “immensely difficult period” following the failure of 4,370 firms in the industry last year. This industry has seen more bankruptcies than any other in the UK for the past three years, according to Mazars. In the meanwhile, some well-known companies have shut down their offsite manufacturing operations. Modular construction projects may be able to benefit from the use of record-breaking, larger Australian cranes thanks to the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Modular building reduced emissions and sped up project delivery; offsite manufacturing was initially the UK’s carbon solution. Also, on Wednesday, the Hercules Construction Academy was revealed by the UK-based infrastructure and construction workforce supplier Hercules Site Services PLC (AIM:HERC). Initially, 400 new recruits will be trained at the academy in Nuneaton, West Midlands, with the expectation of teaching thousands more in subsequent years. The building of the Birmingham Curzon Street High Speed 2 station began on January 24 along the way. The enormous arched roofs erected by the Victorian railway pioneers served as an inspiration for the station’s design by WSP and Grimshaw Architects, as stated by HS2 Ltd.

In today’s news, we are looking unto the United Kingdom and Europe have joined forces to start the construction of the largest European Solar Telescope ever. Meanwhile, workers in the energy construction industry in the United Kingdom have received a 17% pay raise. Furthermore, as an additional point of interest, the number of construction enterprises that are in serious difficulties has increased by a third. Moreover, investing in real estate debt can also help increase construction and solve problems related to planning.

Construction of Biggest European Solar Telescope by UK and Europe

Original Source: UK and Europe join forces for construction of largest ever European Solar Telescope

The University of Sheffield announced its support for the construction of Europe’s largest solar telescope, which will provide unique insight into space weather.

The 2008-launched European Solar Telescope (EST) project seeks to understand solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These events dictate ‘space weather’, which can cause geomagnetic storms (the northern lights) and affect our technological culture.

Sheffield University, leader of UKUC, signed the EST’s Canary Foundation deed in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, today. The deal commits six UK universities—Aberystwyth, Belfast, Durham, Exeter, and Glasgow—and six European countries to building the telescope at Spain’s world-famous El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma.

UKUC project primary investigator is Sheffield University School of Mathematics and Statistics Professor Robertus von Fay-Siebenburgen. He said: “It’s great that so many UK partners have joined the EST Canary Foundation today. The EST will be Europe’s largest ground-based solar telescope and keep its European partners at the forefront of solar physics research.

“This unmatched research infrastructure will give European astronomers and plasma-astrophysicists a unique tool for observing the Sun and its space weather, paving the way for scientific advances in some of the world’s biggest and most pressing issues, such as green fusion energy.

“For the first time, we can examine the physical processes in the solar chromosphere in depth, which will help us understand plasma heating mechanisms. Discovering how nature achieves it will help us reproduce it for humans.”

The EST aims to better comprehend the Sun by examining its magnetic fields in unprecedented detail. Once operational, it will show signals concealed in noise and possible small magnetic structures.

The optical arrangement and instrumentation of EST have been carefully constructed to explore the magnetic and dynamic coupling of the solar atmosphere and capture interactions between its atmospheric layers.

Installing a complete set of sensors will allow simultaneous observations across several wavelengths. This unique capacity will make the EST more efficient than ground-based or space-borne telescopes.

Sheffield University will create the project’s ability to process the telescope’s massive data. It generates a petabyte of data per day, enough to hold 220,000 DVDs. Sheffield will manage and analyze some of this data, something few scientific projects worldwide can do. This requires new capacities for large-scale research.

European Commission Horizon 2020-funded telescope preliminary design is complete. The EST is scheduled to open in 2028–2029 after six years of construction.

The creation of the EST Foundation today is a major step toward project construction. The Foundation aims to establish a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) with national ministries from partner nations. The EST ERIC will legally manage the building and operation of this vast research infrastructure.

Glasgow University School of Physics and Astronomy Professor Lyndsay Fletcher helped define telescope specs. She said: “The University of Glasgow has a long history of world-leading solar physics research, and I welcome our investment in this exciting new facility. 

The telescope’s novel design optimises it for studying the Sun’s magnetic field, which governs solar flares and prominences, which greatly benefits our research. Novel instrumentation recording the Sun’s structure and dynamics with four times the spatial detail of any European solar telescope will improve our understanding of intense events on our nearest star.

Professor Andrew Hillier of Exeter’s Mathematics and Statistics Department. According to him, Exeter solar research concentrates on theoretical aspects of fluid-magnetic field interaction. Participating in EST investing allows us to test our ideas in an exciting way. Our research ranges from prominence eruptions to energy transmission and dissipation to understand how mass and energy are moved in the solar environment. EST’s design allows us to examine very small spatial scales, providing important insights to explain transport and dissipation processes, while recording larger processes in great detail to understand them.

Aberystwyth University Head of Solar System Physics Professor Huw Morgan said: “We are proud to join the UK consortium for the European Solar Telescope. This continues our long tradition of participating in multinational missions and facilities to study the solar system. Our researchers have made important Sun discoveries using ground-based solar telescope data in recent years. Thus, we are thrilled to join the European network of organizations pushing for this new facility’s construction.”

Avoided Strike: UK Energy Construction Workers Get 17% Pay Raise

Original Source: Strike Averted: UK Energy Construction Workers Secure 17% Pay Raise

Professional construction workers celebrate after GMB Union negotiates a big salary raise.

After thousands of experienced construction workers in the UK unanimously accepted a substantial salary offer, a potentially crippling strike at energy sites nationwide was put off. 

The GMB Union, representing these loyal workers, announced the successful conclusion on January 19, 2024, ending weeks of anxiety and uncertainty.

Over 3,000 workers at Stanlow, Fawley, Valero, Grangemouth, Mossmorran Oil Refineries, and Sellafield Nuclear Facility had voted for strike action to improve their pay.

Today’s historic announcement saw these workers accept a salary contract that was a major victory for them. The two-year pact raises salary by over 17%.

The National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) will enhance wages by 11.3% in 2024. Another 5.5% gain is expected in 2025. The arrangement also improves sick pay and other perks, giving these loyal workers financial security.

GMB National Officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs was pleased, “These skilled workers have fought valiantly for the pay rise they so richly deserve. They gathered in unity and obtained this astonishing deal despite rising prices and pay losses. Their unflinching dedication to their cause should be admired.”

A Third More Construction Firms Are in Trouble

Original Source: Number of construction companies in critical distress jumps by a third

In the previous three months, 33% more UK construction enterprises have entered significant financial difficulties.

According to the latest Begbies Traynor Red Flag Alert report on corporate health, 7,849 construction companies are in ‘critical’ financial difficulties, up from 5,919 three months earlier.

The number of construction enterprises in ‘significant’ financial difficulties has increased 15% from 72,257 three months ago to 83,332 today.

Accountancy firm Begbies Traynor again ranks construction as the most distressed sector, followed by support services and real estate & property services.

Real estate & property services had a 25% increase in ‘critical’ financial difficulty, from 4,994 to 6,228, and a 21% increase in ‘significant’ distress, from 51,240 to 62,176.

The survey estimates more than 47,000 UK businesses open 2024 on the brink of failure, up 26% from the previous quarter. The fourth quarter of 2023 had the second consecutive critical distress increase of this size.  

Begbies Traynor partner Julie Palmer said: “After a difficult year for British businesses with high interest rates, rampant inflation, weak consumer confidence, and rising and unpredictable input costs, we are now seeing this perfect storm impacting every corner of the economy.

“Now that cheap money is gone, hundreds of thousands of UK businesses that took out affordable debt during those halcyon days are facing the added financial burden.

For some, a better-than-expected Christmas may delay these concerns, but the rapid rise in serious financial hardship points to an economy waking up to the danger of debt-laden enterprises in a rising rate environment.

As we observed in the previous quarter, enterprises are under pressure beyond consumer-facing businesses, with over 15,000 businesses in construction and real estate at high risk of failure.

“Sadly, the debt storm that has been brewing for years looks like it is breaking across the country, threatening the survival of tens of thousands of British businesses who should be optimistic about 2024.”

Executive chairman Ric Traynor said: “As we start the new year, the UK economy is in a difficult position after a challenging 12 months for British businesses when they faced unrelenting macro-economic pressures that made business leaders’ lives difficult.

As a result, UK insolvency rates are rising, and our empirical evidence suggests they will accelerate in 2024 as the environment takes its toll on firms.

Companies may receive some relief later this year when inflation falls and interest rates fall.

Unfortunately, there is no easy remedy, and with geopolitical instability rising and a national wage boost coming, the background is scarcely encouraging for an economy still recovering from the pandemic.

I worry soldiering on in this atmosphere will be one step too far for many businesses, and I expect thousands of debt-laden businesses to fail this year.”

Real Estate Debt Investing Improves Planning and Construction

Original Source: Real estate debt investing can address planning issues and boost construction

Boutique real estate finance company ASK Partners, led by CEO and co-founder Daniel Austin, offers flexible lending options across the capital structure. 

Whilst buy-to-let investors profit from double-digit rent rises across the UK, higher interest rates and taxes will likely drive many private investors out of the sector. Many open and closed-ended property funds have closed due to liquidity mismatches. This will make real estate debt investing more appealing, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and buy and sell investments as needed.

Which sectors will lenders back?

Despite increased borrowing costs, the UK’s housing infrastructure crisis will maintain house values. Widespread predictions of a major slump in residential prices linked to higher borrowing rates seem to have been overstated, and with many private investors exiting the market, we will see a further reduction in rental stock, which will fuel residential rent rises, currently running at 12% year-on-year. Build to Rent (BTR), Private Rented (PRS), Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and Co-Living spaces still have possibility and liquidity due to rising demand that build rates can’t match.

We can help developers in those areas with flexible lending conditions including no interest coverage ratio, which has been a barrier for those with constructed stock wishing to leave or refinance.

The city’s economic strength and allure to international and rich UK purchasers should protect the prime London market from price decreases, but political uncertainty in an election year and increasing taxes will impact on prices.

Life sciences should also see more investment. The UK sector is still young, but ageing demographics, growing healthcare spending, robotics and AI developments, and an R&D revolution that is driving lab space demand from small start-ups rather than large pharma are extending its appeal.

Quality and location will trump sector.

Low interest rates promoted property investment for cash yield. We believe knowing the sector and supporting high-quality plans in the correct place is more important. Location and quality now matter more than loan yield or cost, and sponsors need long-term capital to survive the cycle. Opportunistic acquisitions for prime locations will occur when prices fall.

ASK has a pipeline of loans closing in Q1 2024 across multiple sectors. We predict more residential opportunities than others, but offices, retail, logistics, and leisure have great chances as market demands evolve and those who can meet them will have a legitimate offering.

2024 presents problems and chances

While the Autumn election may slow development, productivity should rise and interest rates decrease. The expectation is that any new government can address local planning difficulties to stimulate construction and help us recover from the downturn. Labour’s ambitious social housing plans may assist.

As a debt provider, we will back top sites in top locations with well-capitalized sponsors who know their product. With this formula, we can assist developers’ goals by being flexible in our underwriting and continue to offer opportunities to the growing number of private investors in property loans.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed about the move that will shed new light on space weather, the University of Sheffield has pledged its assistance for the building of the biggest solar telescope in Europe.

 The goal of the European Solar Telescope (EST) project, which began in 2008, is to learn more about solar flares and CMEs. These phenomena determine what is known as “space weather,” which impacts our technological civilization and can trigger geomagnetic storms, which are often known as the northern lights. At the same time, professional construction workers are jubilant following GMB Union’s successful negotiation of a substantial wage increase. A nationwide walkout at energy projects was averted as hundreds of experienced UK construction workers accepted a large salary offer in unison. Along with that, 33 percent more UK construction businesses have experienced serious financial problems in the past three months.

 The number of construction companies experiencing ‘serious’ financial issues has increased from 5,919 three months ago to 7,849 according to the most recent Begbies Traynor Red Flag Alert report on corporate health. On top of this, under the leadership of CEO and co-founder Daniel Austin, the boutique real estate financing firm ASK Partners provides adaptable loan solutions throughout the capital structure. Many private investors would undoubtedly leave the buy-to-let business due to increasing interest rates and taxes, even though they profit from double-digit rent growth across the UK. Because of insufficient capital, several real estate funds, both open and closed-ended, have gone out of business. Real estate debt investing will become more attractive as a result, giving investors more flexibility to acquire and sell investments as needed and diversify their portfolios.

In today’s news, a while we look at the number of project launches drops by a third, London defies the trend. In the meantime, construction companies in the United Kingdom are providing young people and those who are contemplating a change in their career with an exclusive opportunity to learn about the industry of construction during Open Doors 2024. In addition, the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear reactor in the United Kingdom has moved one step closer to completion. On top of that, Montego Homes enters into administration simultaneously with the suspension of construction projects by a Victorian construction company. Apart from that, in regard to the problem in the Red Sea, how concerned should construction truly be? As Houthi rebels continue to block ships, professionals from the business examine the impact that this will have on the supply chain.

Project Starts Drop by Third, but London Defies it.

Original Source: Project starts fall by third but London bucks the trend

The value of UK project starts declined by over a third in Q4 2023, but grew by 29% in London.

In its quarterly Construction Review, construction analyst Glenigan discovered UK project starts ‘plummeted’ by 31% in October, November, and December 2023 compared to 2022.

The figure fell 19% from the previous three months.

Main contract wins dropped 34% in 2022 and 11% in the third quarter of 2023.

London defied the national trend, with project starts rising 29% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter, after declining 11% in 2022.

Private housing project starts rose 19% in the final three months of the year compared to the three prior months (but still down 9% from 2022).

Glenigan’s economic director Allan Wilen called the surge in private home projects a ‘positive sign’ that ‘developers’ hopes for the housing market in 2024 may be on the up’.

He blamed ‘persistent, external economic challenges which are pulling the industry down’ for dismal building performance in late 2023.

‘High interest rates, decreased company investment, and the projected Christmas slowdown led to pauses and delays in project launches as we came to the end of 2023’.

He linked a drop in primary contract awards and planning approvals to the UK’s economic crisis and “febrile political environment less than a year away from a general election.”

Separate ONS figures showed UK construction work value fell to a six-month low in November 2023.

According to our sister title Construction News, sector work declined 0.2% from October and 0.6% from September to £15.6 billion.

Based on anecdotes, the Construction Leadership Council blamed ‘adverse weather, particularly heavy rains and strong gusts, [which] led to delays in scheduled work’ for the November drop.

Industry analyst Barbour ABI reported that UK construction spending fell by £11.1 billion to £69.2 billion in 2023, a 14% down from the record £80.4 billion in 2022.

Seek Construction Jobs with Open Doors 2024

Original Source: Discover Careers in Construction with Open Doors 2024

UK construction companies are offering young people and those considering a career shift an exclusive opportunity to discover the business during Open Doors 2024, from Monday, March 18th to Saturday, March 23rd. 

Build UK’s Open Doors provides a unique behind-the-scenes view at construction sites and workplaces, revealing the industry’s many job prospects.

Over 150 events in England, Scotland, and Wales allow visitors to experience the business. Visit major projects including One Leadenhall in London, the new Aquatics Centre in Manchester, and the Paisley Museum in Scotland to see the construction industry in action and learn about its 180 careers.

Construction needs almost 45,000 new hires annually. Open Doors attempts to show that the business provides fascinating and lucrative careers for all ages, backgrounds, and skills. 

Schools and colleges should organize group visits for students to learn about the sector and its many apprenticeships.

Build UK Chair Julie White said, “I am passionate about making the world of construction open and accessible to as many young people as possible, so they can see all the different career opportunities there are in our industry. Book your visit to Open Doors today to learn about the great things we build and what the industry has to offer and where a career in construction could take you.”

“Open Doors definitely sparked my interest in a career in the construction industry,” said Willmott Dixon Management Trainee Quantity Surveyor Michael Oppong, who attended an Open Doors visit in 2015. I now combine on-the-job training with university study in a degree-level apprenticeship. I recommend everyone attend an Open Doors visit and explore a career in the field, like me!”

New 300 x 250 AdLayher: listen, respond, succeed

The Open Doors website will continue to add activities in the coming weeks, so individuals and educational institutions should check back to find local events.

Build UK hosts Open Doors, a week-long event that lets visitors visit construction sites and businesses around Britain and learn about construction jobs. Visit the Open Doors website to book.

Build UK, the leading UK construction industry representative organization, brings together clients, main contractors, trade associations representing specialist contractors, and other industry collaborators to promote construction’s value and drive positive change.

The UK Nuclear Reactor Project Sizewell C is Nearing Completion

Original Source: Sizewell C / Construction Moves A Step Closer For UK Nuclear Reactor Project

After a Development Consent Order (DCO) was issued, Suffolk’s two-unit Sizewell C nuclear power station project is moving forward.

The two France-supplied EPR units were approved for construction in July 2022, allowing preparations to commence.

The government also required crucial road surveys and governance groups before building the plant. Sizewell C said these commitments were fulfilled.

A DCO is a request for permission to build a “nationally significant infrastructure project,” including power plants.

Before construction begins, the government must raise £20bn (€23bn, $25bn) from outside investors through debt and equity, with a surcharge on energy bills to cover the cost.

To recruit private investors, the government, Sizewell C, and EDF announced an equity raising last September.

Nuclear minister Andrew Bowie called the DCO trigger “a major milestone for Sizewell C and our ambition to deliver up to 24GW of low-carbon nuclear power by 2050”.

Sizewell C joint managing directors Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann said: “This is a big step for our Suffolk project and British energy security.

“We’ve had a successful year of pre-commencement works on site, and we’ve been working hard with local partners and organizations to prepare for this next step for the project.”

Last week, the UK government announced plans to build 11 additional reactors by 2050, enough to cover 25% of national electricity demand, in its biggest nuclear power development in 70 years.

Ministers released a blueprint committing the government to building 24 GW of nuclear reactors by 2050, up from 5.8 GW now.

From 2030 until 2044, one or two new reactors will be approved every five years and another large-scale nuclear station will be supported, along with Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.

Montego Homes Goes Bankrupt as Victorian Builder Halts Projects

Original Source : Montego Homes goes into administration as Victorian construction company hits pause on projects

Another construction company went into voluntary administration, halting all projects.

Montego Homes in Victoria named Cor Cordis administrator on Monday.

We’ve started an urgent investigation of Montego Homes’ financial status and are urgently seeking a buyer to restructure or recapitalize the company,’ administrators stated.

The house-and-land package builder has 18 projects on hold.

Eleven staff were laid off and 90 customers affected. 

Several clients reported being unable to reach the builder. 

The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority has given the firm 78 domestic building insurance coverage since 2021. 

According to Master Builders Victoria CEO Michaela Lihou, it was the latest company to collapse due to inflation, borrowing rates, and supply and demand. 

Surfers Paradise-based W3D Constructions Pty Ltd, owned by Ross Wolbers, went bankrupt on December 7.

Mr. Wolbers’ company owes $1.2 million, and the collapse would delay building at his former school, The Southport School (TSS).

According to liquidator Matthew Bookless of SV Partners, W3D Constructions owes roughly 50 creditors $1.278 million, including $275,000 to NAB, the Courier Mail said.

Albert Wolbers’ wife Louise is the daughter of Queensland’s richest property developer Norm Rix.

Aluminium and Fabrication, due roughly $208,000, and the Australian Tax Office are also creditors.

TSS contracted Mr. Wolbers’ company to renovate the sports pavilion and day care.

The school now works with different builders.

Construction projects halted, forcing subcontracted workers to pack up and depart.

‘We didn’t deserve it, especially at Christmas,’ one Courier Mail reader said.

The creditor’s report lists just over $30,000 of the company’s roughly $275,000 assets as cash.

Red Sea Crisis: Should Construction Worry?

Original Source: Red Sea crisis: how worried does construction really need to be?

As Houthi rebels block shipping, industry executives discuss the impact on the supply chain.

Rebel militants target Red Sea cargo ships. Building asked industry executives about any effects on the construction supply chain.

What’s up in the Red Sea?

After Hamas’ October attacks on Israel and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, a Yemeni Houthi rebel unit has attacked southern Red Sea ships. 

Houthi attacks on cargo ships began in November. The group believes Israeli-affiliated ships are being targeted, although other commerce ships have also been fired on.

Hamas’ Gaza allies, the Houthis, are thought to be sponsored by Iran. 

After weeks of warnings, the UK, US, and three other western allies bombed 13 Houthi sites in Yemen last week. 

The Houthis called the assaults a “mistake” and “the greatest folly in their [the UK and the US] history” but said they would continue.

Whatever happened to shipping? 

The Suez canal, at the top of the Red Sea, offers a faster route to Europe, although most freight companies avoid it due to military activities.

Nine out of 10 container ships are now rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, adding up to 20 days to Rotterdam. 

Freightos reports that 40ft containers from the Far East to northern Europe have tripled in price since December, from $1,170 to $4,400 last week.

How worried should we be?

Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association (CPA), encourages prudence but suggests the industry not panic yet.

“It is certainly an issue to keep an eye on, especially given the number of large one-off disruptions that we have had in recent years; global pandemic, lockdowns, supply chain issues, war in Ukraine, energy and commodity price spikes,” he says

Companies should source from a secure, diverse supply chain, not just the cheapest. They must also be adaptable to handle the enormous one-time events that will come continuously yet unpredictably. 

Iain Parker, head of London cost management at Turner & Townsend Alinea, says regional shipping issues have not yet affected the business. “We have not seen or heard of any real impact on construction,” he says. 

However, “We know from experience that these situations are very delicate and a heightened or prolonged situation would not be welcome and runs the risk of becoming more of a business issue.” 

Construction isn’t overexposed 

Francis notes that three-quarters of UK construction items are created in the UK and unlikely to be affected, unless machinery components are.  

Two-thirds of the 24% of construction items imported are from EU nations, thus they are mostly unaffected. The UK buys the most building products from China, thus Asian imports will be affected.”

British Merchants Federation CEO John Newcomb says: “At this time it is difficult to predict the impact on UK businesses. Product prices have not changed here, but if the disruption persists, they may.”

Newcomb said the BMF and CPA, which chair the CLC’s Material Supply Chain Group, will “work with government and industry to monitor the developing situation”. 

Home Builders Federation executive director Steve Turner says he has not been informed of any issues with its members’ supply chains. 

The majority of materials for new homes are UK-sourced, and those imported are primarily from Europe, so the impact will likely be less than when Russia invaded Ukraine or with covid.”

What items are risky?

Francis warns that delays and price increases may affect electrics, white goods, lighting, kitchen and bathroom products, ironmongery, and plywood.

Turner said Chinese solar panel deliveries may be affected.

The limited number of delayed or scarce items may have solutions, according to Arcadis head of strategic research and insight Simon Rawlinson.

As for the things that are frequently sent, they’re lightweight and can fit in a container. These are tiny things like bathroom fixtures, he explains.  

“Compared to other inflationary pressures, the actual cost of transporting an individual component part will be manageable. Though not great, it’s manageable.”

It’s not as bad as two years ago.

business leaders said the business has faced greater challenges recently, such as when the cargo ship Evergiven blocked the Suez canal in March 2021.

Two and a half years ago, ships couldn’t get into ports because there wasn’t enough room to unload cargo, Rawlinson adds.  

The situation differs from 2021, when the Evergiven shut the Suez canal after global lockdowns caused supply chain challenges.

Noble Francis, CPA, economics director

Multiple supply chain impediments occurred. What we’re witnessing is a predicted stretch in delivery times for things where you can probably acquire an alternative.”

Francis believes the industry’s three-year crisis has made it robust.

How much worse will the UK housebuilding recession get?

Francis thinks the scenario is different than when the Evergiven closed the Suez canal, which occurred after global lockdowns caused supply chain challenges.

“A 40ft shipping container from China to Northern Europe cost $1,500 in summer 2020 and $14,500 in October 2021, so the cost rises we see now are nowhere near that.”

‘If it continues, costs may rise’

Arcadis CEO Alan Brookes says: “We’re not seeing an impact now but it depends on how long it lasts. If everyone keeps diverting trade, supplies may be delayed.

The actual risk is inflation, precisely when we think we have it under control.

Increasing inflation undermines confidence. The world needs stability. Everyone relies on confidence. People become hesitant when circumstances are uncertain.”

If everyone keeps diverting trade, supplies may be delayed. The actual risk is inflation, precisely when we think we have it under control. – Arcadis COO Alan Brookes

Despite the early stages of the crisis, Francis says the CPA has not observed big affects on construction product costs.

“Clearly, if disruptions persist, it will significantly affect some imported products through delayed supply and freight price increases,” he says.

“Current product supply is not an issue, and UK construction product prices have been falling recently, with prices 2.3% lower in November 2023 than a year earlier.

Although building product costs are 38.5% higher than in January 2020, pre-pandemic, enterprises on fixed-price contracts signed years in advance are especially affected.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed Project starts in London rose 29% from the third to the fourth quarter of 2023, following an 11% decline in 2022, going against the national trend. In the last quarter of the year, private housing project starts increased by 19% over the previous quarter, although they were still lower than in 2022. At the same time, Open Doors from Build UK gives viewers an exclusive look at construction sites and workplaces, illuminating the numerous job opportunities in the sector. Guests may get a feel for the company at more than 150 events around the UK. The Suffolk government has given the go-ahead for the two-unit Sizewell C nuclear power station proposal, which was previously known as a Development Consent Order (DCO). In July 2022, the two EPR units supplied by France were given the green light to begin construction. In addition, a different construction firm voluntarily entered administration, which effectively put a stop to all ongoing projects. One eighteenth of the house-and-land packager’s projects are currently on hold. There were eleven layoffs and ninety-nine customers impacted. The constructor could not be reached by some of the clients. Furthermore, business leaders are debating the effects on the supply chain as Houthi rebels jam shipments. Rebel militants attack cargo ships in the Red Sea. If there were any repercussions for the supply chain for construction, Building wanted to know from industry leaders.

In today’s news we will look into the increasing number of women working in construction will help to address the scarcity of skilled workers. The construction industry, on the other hand, has a 4% increase in the number of project starts during the fourth quarter of 2023. Further, the downturn in the building sector in the United Kingdom eases in December. Furthermore, the United Kingdom is struggling to cope with the economic impact of severe weather and rising construction costs.

How More Female Builders will Solve Talent Gap

Original source: How more women in construction will fix skill shortage

An extraordinary skills shortage is affecting the UK construction industry, a key economic driver.

Catherine Storer, ESS Executive Director and WICA contender, thinks labor diversification is key.

Storer observes that an ageing workforce contributes to the shortage of experienced professionals, saying: “Diversifying the workforce is a valuable strategy for addressing these challenges, [bringing in] various perspectives, skills and experiences, which can contribute to innovation, increased productivity and a more resilient workforce.”

After 10 years, ESS has taught over 8,500 women, but Storer believes more is needed. The newest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report predicts that 225,000 more construction workers will be needed by 2027 as almost 60% of companies struggle to locate the skills they require.

Being what you can’t see

Storer has company. Core Recruiter Ltd. owner and director Kelly Cartwright says, “A push for diversification in the construction industry is crucial.”

Cartwright, one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction for 2022 and 2023, believes “You Can’t Be What You Can’t See” and pushes to close the gender gap in construction.

She says, “Diversifying the workforce in the construction industry can [bring] in a broader range of skills, perspectives, and ideas – helping address current skill shortages by tapping into a more diverse talent pool.”

Teamwork and Diversity

Construction has generally been male-dominated. However, studies demonstrate that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones due to their fresh perspectives, inventive ideas, and wider skill set.

Storer said inviting all “is a key component of a broader strategy to address the challenges facing the construction industry.”

Only 15% of UK construction workers are women, according to the ONS. This underrepresentation shows deep-seated social biases. Undoubtedly, women in construction have untapped potential.

Storer says, “Women in the construction industry bring valuable contributions through their diverse perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches.” This diversity of thinking drives innovation.

Storer has seen how her female colleagues’ outstanding interpersonal skills improve team communication and collaboration over her 20 years in the sector.

“These skills improve teamwork and client, subcontractor, and stakeholder relations, improving project outcomes.”

Obstacles for Women in Construction

Despite these clear benefits, gender diversity is lacking in practically every field. Storer thinks this is because people think the industry is inaccessible and underpaid.

Some people may think construction jobs are inaccessible or only for those with a history in the field. While entry-level roles may have lower compensation, competent craftsmen and experienced professionals can earn competitive salaries.”

Another hurdle for women is a lack of building industry professional expertise, says Storer. This lack of understanding about construction options and pathways can deter women from studying construction.

Cartwright lists physical difficulties, job progression, and gender preconceptions as fallacies that deter women from the business.

According to her, individuals face many obstacles when seeking upskilling or education in construction. Colleges and training firms help diversify and close the construction gender gap.

Mentorship and Training

One such company is ESS, which provides industry upskilling and training. Our organization strives to diversify the construction industry and personnel, says Storer.

We recognize the significant impact diversity has on innovation, creativity, and performance in our sector. We believe that embracing diversity will create a more resilient and dynamic team better suited to navigate the changing construction industry.”

Storer feels that training businesses like ESS will lead this workforce change and that “companies have a responsibility to provide upskilling opportunities in construction.”

These opportunities reduce barriers for women, enabling their success in the sector. We encourage more women to enter these industries by actively showcasing successful female professionals as role models.

Cartwright offers mentorship programs for newcomers and networking events to assist women feel comfortable and make professional contacts.

These efforts level the playing field, giving women equal access to resources and assistance they need to succeed.

According to Storer, including women in building curriculum creation improves inclusion. “ESS strives to make all employees feel valued, respected, and given equal opportunities for growth and advancement.

By providing fair career advancement possibilities and displaying successful individuals from varied backgrounds, construction companies can build a resilient workforce that matches the population.

Q4 2023 Construction Project Starts Grow 4%.

Original Source: Construction sector sees 4% rise in project starts during Q4 2023

The Glenigan January 2024 building Index shows a revival in project starts and private home building.

Construction project values declined due to seasonal variables in the fourth quarter of 2023, but after correcting for these, they rose 4%.

Private residential construction improved and boosted residential growth by 14%.

Overall project starts were 20% lower than last year despite residential sector optimism.

Most non-residential projects started a third less than last year.

Seasonality hindered Q4 on-site work.

Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s economic director, said seasonal reasons delayed on-site activity in the fourth quarter.

After accounting for Christmas, starts rose modestly in these three months. A little increase in private home developments suggests developers are feeling more confident in the New Year.

The sustained weakening of non-residential and civil engineering project starts was less reassuring. This means building will face tough times soon.

“March’s Spring Budget will be eagerly awaited. After the pullback on HS2 plans last year, many contractors would want the Government, especially in an election year, to clarify or update on the significant infrastructure projects put forward in 2023 as part of a wider package to kick-start activity.

Private housing rose 19% from the previous quarter.

Residential construction starts rose 14% in Q4 2023 but were 8% lower than a year earlier.

Private housing rose 19% from the previous quarter but down 9% from 2022.

Social housing fell 2% in Q4 and 5% year-over-year.

Industrial and office projects fell 48% year-over-year.

Mixed results for non-residential construction.

Retail starts rose 20% and community and amenity projects 6% in Q4, a great performance.

However, industrial and office developments fell 48% year-over-year. Education and health projects also failed.

Project starts in London rose 29% in Q4 2023.

London led regionally with 29% more project starts in Q4 despite an 11% drop from 2022.

The South East grew 16% from the previous quarter but fell 29% from 2022.

The West Midlands and North East did well, but the East of England fell 11% in Q4 and 32% year-over-year.

Northern Ireland and the East Midlands saw major project start decreases.

December UK Building Slowdown Eases

Original Source: UK construction sector downturn eases in December

According to a Friday survey, UK construction fell less in December.

As the house building sector continues to decline, the S&P Global construction purchasing managers’ index fell to 46.8 for the fourth month in a row.

Although housebuilding remained the weakest category, its index rose to 41.1 from 39.2 in November, slowing the rate of decrease to its slowest since July 2023. Meanwhile, the civil engineering activity index was 47.0, indicating a slower downturn.

Commercial building fell slightly to 47.6 in December from 48.1, although the fall accelerated to its quickest since January 2021. Some firms claimed consumers were more cautious due to domestic economic concerns and high borrowing prices.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economics director Tim Moore said: “Weak order books prevented construction companies from replacing completed projects, causing another business decline in 2023. House building was the worst-performing construction sector, but there were hints of a recovery.

“In the second half of 2023, rising borrowing rates and waning market confidence drove construction sales down. Survey respondents also expressed concerns about the UK economy, particularly commercial construction.

Expectations of falling interest rates in the coming months have boosted construction company confidence. December statistics showed that 41% of construction firms expect business activity to improve in 2024, while 17% expect it to fall. It contrasted with negative attitude a year earlier.”

Capital Economics: “Higher finance costs and capital value worries will put developers on the sidelines for the next few months, limiting construction activity. Capital values are near a trough and the bank of England will reduce in June, thus construction will rebound gradually over H2 2024.”

Bad Weather and Rising Construction Costs Hit UK Economy

Original Source: UK Grapples with Economic Impact of Severe Weather and Rising Construction Costs

The UK has been plagued by extreme weather for a year. From Storms Babet, Ciaran, and Debi to Elin, Fergus, Gerrit, and Henk, the nation has seen unparalleled stormy weather. These storms have cost insurance firms an estimated $560 million to compensate victims.

Construction Costs and Shortages Rise

Construction is struggling with rising material and gasoline prices due to the storms. The scaffolding sector has suffered. A global supply-demand imbalance drove softwood timber prices to 113% in 2021. Steel prices have risen due to inflation and electricity expenses. A shocking 25% of scaffolding firms have declined work due to material shortages due to economic concerns.

The Economic Impact of Storms

Storms cause physical destruction and economic devastation. Insurance prices and construction strains show this. The UK insurance industry paid out 560 million to victims of recent disasters.

Severe Weather’s Global Impact

Other parts of the world have been experiencing severe weather while the UK struggles. Families in Greater Manchester, Australia, are still recovering after a tornado that damaged their homes. Nottinghamshire has declared a serious flood incident and advised locals to evacuate. Extreme cold, strong winds, and snow have left thousands without power in Nordic countries and many stranded on jammed highways across Europe.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed about one of the main engines of the UK economy, the construction industry, is feeling the effects of a severe lack of skilled workers.

 Diversifying the workforce is crucial, according to Catherine Storer, executive director of ESS and a candidate for WICA. At the same time, private home construction and building starts have shown signs of life again in the January 2024 building index from Glenigan. After adjusting for seasonal factors, the values of construction projects increased by 4% in the fourth quarter of 2023, despite a fall in the first quarter caused by same factors. On top of that, companies in the construction industry are more optimistic now that interest rates are expected to reduce in the near future. According to data collected in December, 41% of construction companies anticipate an upturn in commercial activity in 2024, while 17% predict a decline. After a year of pessimism, it was a welcome change. Further, severe weather has been a recurring problem in the UK for the past 12 months. The country has witnessed unprecedented stormy weather, with names like Babet, Ciaran, Debi, Elin, Fergus, Gerrit, and Henk. Insurance companies have paid out about $560 million to victims of these hurricanes.

In today’s news, we will look into this article discuss how a novel strategy has the potential to revolutionize the building industry’s sustainability. In the meantime, construction is going to start on a crucial Bridgwater road intersection very shortly. Moreover, a cutting-edge construction company from the United States has established a platform for its operations in the United Kingdom by establishing new offices in Rotherwas, which is located in Hereford.

A New Method of Materials Procurement can Improve Building Sustainability.

Original Source: Materials procurement: How a new approach can transform the sustainability of the construction industry

Build Chain explains how a new materials procurement strategy might cut construction industry carbon emissions.

After COP28, sustainability will remain a hot concern in the construction business. Businesses of all kinds must change to help the UK reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Construction accounts for roughly 40% of worldwide carbon emissions, putting pressure on our business to lessen its environmental impact.

Materials procurement is an underappreciated component of the building cycle that can make a big difference. A fresh approach to this crucial industry activity could revolutionize it.

Current materials procurement sustainability issues

Materials manufacturing and transportation account for a large amount of construction industry carbon emissions, indicating that material purchasing can be improved.

Adopting a local supply chain decreases transportation-related carbon emissions from each project by minimizing material travel distance.

Additionally, resources must be created and packed more sustainably. Materials buyers should prefer Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) ratings above less sustainable solutions.

To increase materials procurement sustainability, procurement teams must alter and innovate due to time demands and industry concerns like price inflation.

Sustainable procurement with digital solutions

Modern technology alters procurement and embeds sustainability.

Digital technologies can improve materials procurement’s environmental impact in many ways:

• Simplify supplier selection with sustainability accreditations
• Local vendors for your locations
• Use less paper for procurement.
• Reduce waste by avoiding unnecessary delivery and overordering.
• Technology can validate sustainable sourcing claims and track commodities to promote supply chain transparency.

Digital systems can correctly predict material demand and requirement, reducing waste and giving procurement teams more time to choose sustainable alternatives.

As the industry adopts more sustainable methods, lifecycle assessment technologies, which analyze products’ environmental impact, will become increasingly important.

Along with sustainability, digital procurement platforms offer real-time data, transparency, and material sourcing efficiency.

To achieve sustainability, construction procurement teams must abandon paper-based, manual methods and adopt digital solutions.

SME contractors cut carbon emissions by using local supply networks.

THB and Rasico Construction in the UK use a digital procurement platform to leverage local supply chains and reduce material transit.

This new procurement method allows Rasico to easily get supplies from smaller, local vendors, decreasing the distance their materials travel to the site.

THB, which does specialized work and previously used international vendors, has been able to use a procurement platform to identify new local suppliers, reducing their carbon footprint and cost management.

Sustainable building procurement’s future

In the coming years, construction supply chains will become more environmentally and socially responsible. Collaboration, innovation, and technology will drive this change.

The building sector will evolve as the public and government encourage companies to lessen their environmental effect.

Procurement teams must adopt digital systems or risk falling behind. Sustainability-proven suppliers and manufacturers will be prioritized.

The Bridgwater Road Junction will be Built Soon

Original Source: Construction to begin on key Bridgwater road junction soon

A Somerset town’s edge will get a new road junction that will open up more than 1,000 homes by the end of the month.

Sedgemoor Local Plan allocates land either side of the A39 Quantock Road, at the western entrance to Bridgwater, for new housing, along with a new school and “neighbourhood centre” (shop, village hall, or healthcare facilities). The two sites are expected to deliver up to 1,200 new homes.

Various legal negotiations between developers and municipal planning officers are ongoing after councillors approved planning applications for both sites.

After repeated delays, Bridgwater Town Council will begin building a signal-controlled crossroads connecting the two sites to the busy A39 by the end of January.

Near the Greenway Farm wedding venue, Cokerhurst Farm is between the A39 and the existing properties on the B3339 Wembdon Hill.

Cavanna dwellings (South West Ltd.) and Martin Grant Homes proposed 675 dwellings, a primary school, and a neighbourhood centre, which Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee approved in October 2020 and corrected in December 2021.

Cavanna proposes building 238 dwellings at the southern end of the land, in addition to a pedestrian and cycling link to Wembdon Hill, public open space, and two A39 access points, one of which will be the new crossroads.

Another 437 homes, a bus gate onto Inwood Road, the neighborhood center, and the new primary school will be built in a later phase. Somerset Council, the local education authority, will determine the school’s delivery date based on local demand.

Even though councils approved the plans twice, the developer and council signed the legal agreements in August 2023.

As per the Local Plan, the Section 106 agreement requires the construction of the new crossroads before any new dwellings are occupied.

As of March 2021, councillors approved Persimmon dwellings Severn Valley’s plans to build up to 354 dwellings on the southern land west of Quantock Road Cemetery.

After this date, the multi-use games area (MUGA) was moved and the number of residences was reduced to 352, bringing the total number of Quantock Road sites to 1,027.

First 112 homes will be erected in the eastern end of the Persimmon site, near the new crossroads, with the other 240 built out gradually to the western border (retaining the public right of way from Holford Road).

In contrast to Cavanna Homes, the Persimmon site’s legal agreement has not been completed, hence there is no start date for construction.

Cavanna Homes presented to Bridgwater Town Council’s planning committee before Christmas on the crossroads’ delivery timeline and how vehicle disturbance would be minimized.

In the town council minutes, a spokeswoman said: “The 50-week access construction and primary works will begin in late-January 2024.

Both junctions into Cavanna Homes will be completed simultaneously to reduce A39 traffic management.

We have coordinated with EDF Energy to preserve dual lanes (no traffic lights) during the project and coordinate with Hinkley Point C construction.

An A39 speed limit of 20mph will be imposed during construction, and the 30mph zone will be extended past the new road intersections.

The traffic-light-controlled four-way junction will allow the Persimmon development to add its estate entrance.

Buses will loop around Cavanna Homes, however they won’t be used until phase two roads are finished.

First residences will be occupied around Easter 2025, depending on market forces.

Cavanna Homes would pay for the new junction, with no taxpayer support, Somerset Council announced in August 2023.

An Innovative US Construction Company Has Opened Offices in Rotherwas, Hereford, to Expand Its UK Presence

Original Source: A cutting-edge US construction company has taken on new offices in Rotherwas in Hereford to establish a UK base for its business

A cutting-edge US construction company opened offices in Hereford to expand in the UK.

Blueprint Robotics UK leased space at Stirling House in Skylon Park, an office complex created by Priority Space, the Hunt Group, and Herefordshire County Council.

This is where the American timber-framed construction manufacturer and installer will station its new European design engineers.

The satellite Hereford team will collaborate with Blueprint’s Baltimore facility and have substantial knowledge with Dietrich’s, Europe’s premier timber-framed 3D design program.

Blueprint Robotics UK head of engineering Tim Griffiths said: “Our role in Hereford is to create a 3D digital twin of Blueprint’s American building projects, including architecture, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Our exact production files are sent to Blueprint’s state-of-the-art facility in Baltimore, where modern robotic technology precision manufactures all the component parts for a new construction. After that, site assembly.”

Four Blueprint engineers will work at Stirling House, with plans to add four more over the next two years. Blueprint will not build in UK.

Tim said: “We look forward to growing our Hereford team. After years of working from home, we picked Stirling House because we could customize the space to create an appealing and functional working environment. Superfast broadband, air conditioning, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle charging sites were all popular.”

Blueprint also chose Stirling House to be near Hereford’s new university campus from NMITE, which opened at Skylon Park this summer. Building on Hereford’s reputation for timber-framed engineering and off-site manufacturing, its new CATT teaches sophisticated and sustainable design and construction processes.

Blueprint Robotics is excited to collaborate with NMITE on education and hire new talent.

“We’re pleased Blueprint Robotics has chosen Stirling House as its UK base,” said Adam Richardson, director of commercial property developers Priority Space. We welcome the company’s digital modelling team to Hereford’s inventive and tech-driven business community and wish them success in the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) sector.”

Mark Pearce, Managing Director of Skylon Park, Hereford’s Enterprise Zone, said: “We’re thrilled that Blueprint Robotics picked Hereford for their UK operations. We are delighted that such a cutting-edge company has recognized Skylon Park’s commercial and competitive advantages from Centenary Court’s high-quality workspace and direct linkages to NMITE’s new Centre for Timber Technology.”

Stirling House is a high-end 14,708 sq ft office building with various suite sizes for sale or rent. Priority Space’s Centenary Park development of speculative office, industrial, and warehouse units in Skylon Park, the government-backed Hereford Enterprise Zone, includes it.

US surgical equipment business LeMaitre Vascular is Blueprint’s Stirling House neighbor.

Priority Space develops UK locations to build high-quality, sustainable workspaces that boost regeneration and economic growth.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed In order to reduce carbon emissions in the building business, Build Chain proposes a new approach to acquiring supplies. Even after COP28, sustainability will be a major issue for the building industry. Helping the UK achieve net zero emissions by 2050 will require changes from all types of businesses. In the meanwhile, new homes, a school, and a “neighborhood centre” (which might be a store, village hall, or healthcare facilities) are allotted property on either side of the A39 Quantock Road, near the western entry to Bridgwater, according to the Sedgemoor Local Plan. Up to 1,200 additional dwellings are anticipated to be delivered by the two sites. Following the approval of planning applications for both sites by councillors, developers and municipal planning staff are currently engaged in a number of legal negotiations. Also, a state-of-the-art American construction firm went global by establishing a presence in Hereford. The office complex known as Skylon Park, which was developed by Priority Space, the Hunt Group, and Herefordshire County Council, is where Blueprint Robotics UK rented space at Stirling House. The American maker and installer of timber-framed structures will post its new design engineers from Europe here.

In today’s news, we will look into a Significant Step Forward for the United Kingdom’s Rail Network, the Construction of the Birmingham Curzon Street Station Is About to Begin. In the meanwhile, let’s get started on learning about A Straightforward Guide to Buying Used Construction Equipment. However, The Yimbys are working to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing by putting pressure on developers to make changes.

Start of HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street Station Construction: U.K. Rail Network Advancement

Original Source: HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street Station Construction to Commence: A Leap Forward in U.K.’s Rail Network

In the coming year, building will begin on the Birmingham Curzon Street station, a critical component of HS2. Despite the cancelation of its phase two extension to Manchester in October, HS2 continues to advance with the goal of dramatically cutting travel time between Birmingham and London. The HS2 railway is expected to shorten the Birmingham-London commute from 81 to 52 minutes between 2029 and 2033.

Birmingham Curzon Street Station: Progress’s Milestone

With a £5 billion contract for Curzon Street station development, HS2 Ltd. will issue eleven similar contracts for the project’s railway systems. These systems will have tracks, signaling, electricity, and overhead wires. Phone conversations and streaming should continue along the route, even in tunnels. This project employs over 30,000 people, supporting tens of thousands more supply chain employment.

Recent and Future Milestones

This year, HS2 completed the twin-bore tunnel beneath Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire, began platform installation at Old Oak Common station in West London, and advanced the Colne Valley Viaduct. In addition, a 10-mile twin-bore tunnel under the Chiltern Hills should be finished next year. The main civil engineering work for the project is expected to finish in 2026 and 2027, with several related contracts starting.

HS2’s 2024 Vision

HS2 Ltd.’s executive chair, Sir Jon Thompson, expressed delight and satisfaction in 2023’s progress and promised no slowdown in project construction next year. To cut expenses, Manchester and Leeds extensions were scrapped, but 2024 construction milestones remain. Building the new Curzon Street station in central Birmingham and finishing the Chiltern Hills tunnel are examples. HS2 Ltd. is also hiring a new CEO after the last one left in September.

Buying Used Construction Equipment: A Quick Guide

Original Source: A Quick Guide for Purchasing Used Construction Equipment

Buying old construction equipment is like finding treasure. The appropriate equipment can make or break your project. Choosing from the many possibilities can be difficult.

Builders, fear not—we have a fast tutorial that feels like a coffee discussion to help you make a smart choice.

Define Your Needs: Consider your project’s specific requirements before exploring used construction equipment. Consider the project kind, size, and features needed.

Clear needs will guide your choice of excavators or loaders for excavating or heavy lifting.

Create a Budget: Finances are the unsung heroes of any enterprise. Set a reasonable secondhand construction equipment budget. Remember to budget for equipment maintenance and refurbishment.

As with sailing, a solid budget helps you navigate the choppy waters of building.

Discover Trusted merchants: Finding a trustworthy vendor in the enormous sea of merchants is like finding a reliable compass. Find sellers with a solid reputation, track record, and excellent customer reviews. There are many possibilities online, and Mascus is a good site to get used construction equipment.

Imagine finding a Mascus backhoe that will alter your project.

Thoroughly inspect: Just like buying a car without test-driving it. Use that logic on construction equipment. Check the machinery for wear and tear. Make sure the engine, parts, and functionality operate.

Be thorough in your search for reputable equipment, like a detective.

Review Maintenance Records: Maintenance records tell the narrative of each machine. Request full equipment service history from the seller. This will show how effectively the machine has been maintained and its future reliability.

Like reading a book, the maintenance records tell the machine’s story.

To effectively negotiate for secondhand construction equipment, it is important to learn the art of negotiation. Be polite when haggling. Check the market value, list repairs, and stick to your budget. Finding the proper dance rhythm assures a smooth deal.

Consider Financing Options: Not everyone has a nearby treasure box. Consider financing to reduce costs. Many sellers and banks provide customized financing. It’s like having a financial partner to help you achieve construction greatness.

When searching for old construction equipment, employ your detective skills. Check every crevice for wear and tear. Test its functions like a ride.

Leave no stone untouched, from engine heartbeat to part condition. Like a detective solving a riddle, comprehensive inspection reveals your possible building partner’s genuine personality.

Conclusion

It’s exciting to buy used construction equipment, but each piece has a story. Every step is vital to finding the right machine for your project, from describing your demands to carefully inspecting it.

You might find the perfect equipment to save your construction story. Happy searching, builders! Hope your projects are as durable as your gear.

Yimbys Urging Developers to Reform to Solve Affordable Housing Dilemma

Original Source: The Yimbys tackling the affordable homes crisis by forcing developers to change

Local councils are fighting developers to build affordable housing amid a shortage.

Local Conservative councillor Olly Monk says, “I don’t care if I am not re-elected,” as we travel through Cornwall. “I just want to ensure future generations have homes here.”

Mr. Monk, 56, is Cornwall Council’s housing and planning portfolioholder. He showed me Langarth Garden Village near Truro, his pride and joy, to build 10,000 homes.

Cornwall Council’s civil engineering arm, Cormac, is creating a new town to alleviate the area’s severe housing shortage and improve infrastructure.

UK construction activity fell for the third month in a row in December due to falling housebuilding. In England, over a million households are on social housing waiting lists. 104,510 households, including 131,370 dependent children, were homeless in temporary housing in 2023, a record high.

Recently, Cornwall has been impacted severely due to a growth in second houses and holiday lets. This has increased homelessness and made it harder for low-income households, especially important workers, to dwell in the neighborhood.

Langarth, nestled between two hills, is the kind of future-focused new town that Leveling Up and Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have been asking for as Labour and the Conservatives want to be the party of “builders, not blockers”.

Political oxymoron: policy planning. It is technical, boring, and controversial enough to spark Westminster backbenches and social media conflicts.

These camps are called pro-building Yimbys (Yes In My Back Yard) and anti-development Nimbys. They often fight on X (previously Twitter) or leaflet political conventions.

About 3,550 new dwellings will be offered to locals in Langarth. The plan comprises a new 8km road, cycle lane, two schools, a rugby pitch, a football pitch, and an eco-friendly geothermal heating network to sustain these dwellings.

Not everyone supported Cornwall Council’s essential new housing initiative’s planning permission.

In England, private rents are rising above what people can afford, social housing waiting lists are growing, and private developers are accused of “land banking”—waiting for land’s value to rise before building on it.

Sometimes builders obstruct.

Langarth was developed after Mr. Monk, who was first elected in 2017, took on private developers who controlled some of the site. He used Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to acquire the land they were sitting on but not building on back into public control. Even then, landowners objected to planning due to a “conflict of interest”.

“I believe that councils shouldn’t be afraid to use [CPOs] for the greater good,” Mr. Monk said.

Everyone has their reasons for supporting or opposing development, but I don’t think councils should be scared to push forward a proposal like this—we need local housing.”

He continued, “We’ve got the resolve and determination to deliver houses. “If you listened to every objection, you’d never build a house.”

Mr. Monk, unlike most politicians, doesn’t care about popularity. He’d rather know he helped Cornwall’s future.

He advises local governments to be “strategic” and “thinking about what they need to be doing in the next 10, 20 or 30 years”. He said that included “making plans for garden villages and formulating a strategy to accumulate land and deliver”.

Without forward planning, Mr. Monk argues “balance in the housing will never materialise and things will just become more and more unfair”.

Mr. Monk worries that housing will become “ever more out of reach” for “exactly the type of people you need living in communities”—key workers, young families, and low- and middle-income people.

In many ways, Mr. Monk’s Cornwall approach is what Mr. Gove wants from local governments. While launching his long-awaited planning reform in a new National Planning Policy Framework, Mr. Gove blasted 20 local authorities for not providing enough housing and seven for not having local plans.

However, 60 Conservative Nimby MPs rebelled against Mr. Gove’s plans to reform planning, which included forcing local councils to meet mandatory housebuilding targets to build urgently needed homes, at the end of 2022, forcing them to be watered down.

Mr. Gove now promotes planning but not housing targets.

However, Labour wants to enhance Section 106, which requires developers to build social dwellings.

Investors panicked when Liz Truss scrapped the Conservatives’ “Stalinist” 2022 housebuilding objective of 300,000 new houses. Housing targets, like the local plans Mr. Gove wants, demonstrate investors—who fund developers—that housebuilding is serious and that demand will be met.

One investor told me at Mr. Gove’s planning reform launch: “Things keep changing and we don’t really know what they [the government] are planning for.”

Mr. Gove criticized London’s Labour-run Wandsworth Council. The Housing Secretary claims Wandsworth is “exacerbating” housing shortages by pressuring developers to build affordable housing instead of private homes.

Wandsworth housing cabinet member Aydin Dikerdem is 32. Elected in 2016,

He told me at Battersea Arts Centre that “local government needs more powers and more grants to ensure developers are delivering [affordable social housing], not further deregulation”.

As part of austerity measures to reduce the public funds-spending imbalance, the Conservatives decreased affordable housing funding by 60% in 2010. Today, the £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme has not kept pace with inflation.

Like his Cornwall Conservative counterpart, Mr. Dikerdem has fought Wandsworth developers. His Regulation 18 redrawing of the local plan and Homes for Wandsworth strategy, which will build 1,000 council homes on council-owned land, have made more affordable homes possible.

Nearly 10,000 Wandsworth families are on the social housing waiting list.

“We inherited a local plan from the previous Conservative administration we were unhappy with,” Dikerdem remarked.

When building in Wandsworth, developers only have to create 35% affordable dwellings.

“We want an affordable housing/housing for private sale split that favors social rent at 70% and intermediate products like shared ownership at 30%,” Mr. Dikerdem said. This is the maximum allowed by the Greater London Authority’s London plan and the most progressive a local council may be.

Instead of developers and their PR reps entertaining local lawmakers, Mr. Dikerdem welcomed them to Wandsworth town hall for “sandwiches and tap water”.

Stability is what developers seek, said Dikerdem. “They want to know your position and consistency. It was crucial for us to define what we wanted.”

Mr. Dikerdem says his team wants stability to build homes.

“Developers came to sandwiches and tap water,” he said. “The meeting was very productive. They were delighted to invest. Delivering homes people need is our goal, not speculative profit extraction.”

Mr. Dikerdem goes beyond creating individual residences that London investors buy. Building affordable homes for locals would reduce social housing waiting lists and get people out of emergency temporary housing.

Mr. Dikerdem said, “I think political leadership needs to be really tough on planning and not be scared to push plans at the review stage.” “Newly built social homes in London are worth fighting for. If you can acquire 10, 20, 30 more. Well worth it.”

Mr. Dikerdem disputes Mr. Gove’s claim that local governments like his trying to “negotiate essential social housing” with developers are to blame for poor housebuilding.

Mr. Monk also criticizes the 13-year Conservative rule.

He remarked, “I don’t think local councils have enough power to build. “We want to build homes in Cornwall but planning is too difficult.”

Give telecoms businesses development rights to build 5G masts, Mr. Monk says, and “if they did something like that for housing, you’d see a much bigger increase [in the volume] of affordable housing rolled out across the country”.

“I’m disappointed with all governments, not just this one. Due to this protectionist stance, they have failed to make major planning rule adjustments to allow home delivery.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokeswoman said: “As the Housing Secretary has recently stated, we must build more homes, but they must be in desirable locations. An ambitious long-term housing plan has put us on track to build one million houses this Parliament.

“We know that current local plans deliver housing. With the new National Planning Policy Framework, authorities are more likely to create local plans. It’s no longer acceptable for municipal governments to lack a strategy, leaving residents without housing.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed the crucial Birmingham Curzon Street station, which is part of HS2, will start construction in the next year. High Speed 2 (HS2) is still moving forward with the intention of drastically reducing travel time between Birmingham and London, even if its second expansion to Manchester was canceled in October. Between 2029 and 2033, the HS2 railway is projected to reduce the Birmingham-London commute time from eighty-one to fifty-two minutes.

 At the same time, it’s like striking gold when you buy used construction equipment. Having the right tools might determine the success or failure of your project. It can be challenging to choose among all the options. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of affordable housing, and local councils are battling developers to address the issue. “I don’t care if I am not re-elected,” remarks local Conservative councillor Olly Monk as we travel through Cornwall. I simply want to make sure this place is home to generations to come.

In today’s news, we will look into the Thieves and trespassers are becoming more common on UK construction sites, according to industry experts. At the same time, Guildhawk’s new construction safety AI is showcased in the Made in the UK film. Moreover, Future Homes Standard: essential details summarised. In addition, ‘AccXtraveganza’ was an opportunity for the Forest’s top construction school to recognise its employer partners.

UK Builders Report Rising Thefts and Trespasses

Original Source: UK construction professionals report worsening thefts and trespass incidents on jobsites

Crime on energy, infrastructure, and commercial building projects has increased for 60% of UK construction professionals in the past year.

The BauWatch poll of 500 construction workers found that.

Survey results show that 6/10 believe crime is becoming more sophisticated.

Two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed reported greater theft and trespassing on sites in winter when the clocks go back and sites get darker early.

BauWatch will release a more complete building crime report early next year.

Recent Allianz Cornhill estimates show that construction crime costs the UK construction business £800 million (€932 million) annually.

Oscar Acoustics, which makes architectural acoustic treatments, reports multiple vehicle break-ins due to the deteriorating economy.

He said thieves target white work vehicles because they think they contain valuable tools. We no longer leave equipment in vans (even briefly). Even if the robbers depart empty-handed, we still have to repair and repaint the vehicles, which will slow down the project and reduce our team. The expenditures go beyond repairs, and we now have a van only for break-ins.”

We’re also establishing our Kent headquarters. Our contractor has reported opportunistic occurrences and more sophisticated drone site reconnaissance. They had to boost onsite security. Even temporary road signs were stolen.”

BauWatch managing director Alexis Potter said, “Construction sites are ripe for theft, with valuable machinery, materials, tools, and appliances at every turn. However, our study reveals offenders are growing more brazen and the issue is increasing.

“Preventing criminals from entering is the best way to reduce theft. As the nights get darker, firms must prevent theft.”

Guildhawk’s Innovative Construction Safety AI is Shown in the UK Film

Original Source: Made in the UK film showcases Guildhawk’s new safety AI for construction

The female-led British SME Guildhawk has developed a game-changing AI-powered tool based on their clean, high-quality data that will change multilingual safety in mining, heavy engineering, and construction. The latest Made in the UK, pioneered in Hong Kong film by the UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT) explains the narrative.

UK-Hong Kong innovation and commerce growth

The DBT’s new film shows how Guildhawk and other UK companies are boosting tech innovation and trade with Hong Kong. Guildhawk is using multilingual data to pioneer new AI technology to improve engineering and construction safety, says Jurga Zilinskiene.

Jurga and other British entrepreneurs believe partnerships may enhance trade and innovation in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s Asia gateway

Hong Kong and Asia demand UK goods and services. Hong Kong is an ideal entry point for UK SMEs looking to export to Asia due to its strong commercial relationship, business support, and cultural similarities.

Jurga was inspired by Hong Kong’s embracing of new technologies. Despite a tough global economy, the city is recovering. The government expects 4%-5% GDP growth in 2023. A beacon of opportunity for UK enterprises seeking to avoid the UK/European economic crisis.

The Hong Kong government extensively invests in IT, trade, maritime, aviation, and IP trading. It is investing over HKD $100 billion (GBP 10.2 million) on I&T and launching new programmes to recruit foreign companies and expertise.

Hong Kong is adopting AI, GenAI, Web3, and blockchain, giving UK enterprises in these fields additional chances.

New AI improves site safety

Hong Kong aims to be an innovative, skilled innovation and technology powerhouse for Asia and the world. Jurga says, “Construction and engineering firms are looking for new technologies that give them the edge and help protect the environment”.

New AI can boost productivity, but the real benefit is daily insights like risk detection.

Guildhawk works with a renowned Hong Kong company to employ AI to examine multilingual data to improve worker safety. Jurga calls this “a game changer for safety and engagement with a multilingual workforce”.

This was a popular issue when Guildhawk hosted a Hong Kong Construction Industry Council delegation in July 2023.

Accurate Large Language Model training requires masses of reliable data. Guildhawk excels at organising multilingual data to teach AI, which has raised global customer demand.

UK-Hong Kong exports rising

Jurga says “Hong Kong is the place to do it” for SE Asian trade. British companies like Guildhawk trade easily in Hong Kong for various reasons:

The legal system and contractual duties are international and familiar.

Hong Kong’s business environment, assistance, and talent attraction benefit UK enterprises like Guildhawk.

Technology companies will welcome the city’s entrepreneurial culture and ambition to advance technology.

Besides Hong Kong’s proximity to China, it is digitally connected with the Greater Bay Area. The June 2023 data transfer accord guarantees safe and efficient data transmission between Hong Kong and China for UK companies.

Hong Kong’s established, common law legal system protects UK firms. Asia’s best IP protection is consistent with the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

The setting makes Hong Kong a great market for UK enterprises to innovate.

Future Homes Standard Highlights

Original Source: The Future Homes Standard: key points condensed

Construction experts can get a quick understanding of the Future Homes Standards in our Discrete Heat article.

After the Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 update, the UK construction industry is entering a new age.

According to the government’s consultation, these guidelines will revolutionise building practises to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Insulation Standards Maintenance

Insulation is key to the new regulations. Future Homes Standard insulation levels are mostly similar with past building standards, balancing innovation and practicality.

This decision supports energy efficiency without radically changing construction practices. The following excerpt describes U-Values, heating, and hot water strategies:

Transition to Low-Carbon Heating

The shift away from fossil fuels for heating is perhaps the biggest.

The regulations prohibit gas, hydrogen and hybrid boilers in new residences and recommend air-to-water heat pumps for heating and hot water.

This adjustment is part of the UK’s carbon reduction efforts and worldwide environmental goals.

Assessing Heating System Efficiency

Different heating systems’ efficiency is also regulated. Infrared electric panels, which have a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1.0, are less efficient than heat pump systems, which have a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 3.5.

This analysis suggests future building designs will favour heat pump systems.

Emitter Selection Issues

Low-temperature systems like heat pumps require proper emitter selection. Traditional radiators would need to be much larger, affecting space and aesthetics.

Underfloor heating is performance-efficient, but developers avoid it because to the extra floor buildup, longer construction delays, and environmental impact of the concrete.

ThermaSkirt: Low-Temperature Solution

ThermaSkirt Skirting Board Heating is a UK innovation that addresses these issues.

This medium-range system combines radiator and underfloor heating benefits.

At low temperatures like heat pump systems, ThermaSkirt distributes heat evenly across the space. Notably, it maintains space and aesthetics, important in modern home design.

Even at -10°C, Barratt Developments’ ThermaSkirt and Vaillant Arotherm heat pump trials proved effective.

Future of sustainable construction?

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 advance UK sustainable construction.

These guidelines require construction consultants, architects, and developers to rethink existing building methods and use more energy-efficient technologies.

While heating system specs and emitter selection are difficult, innovation and environmental care are also possible.

As the sector adjusts, solutions that meet regulatory criteria and handle building design practicalities will become more important.

Innovative devices like ThermaSkirt will help this shift by delivering efficient, effective, and attractive heating solutions.

In conclusion, the Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 consultation is crucial for the UK construction industry, providing a roadmap for sustainability and environmental responsibility.

All construction parties must understand these standards and find creative ways to address these difficulties as we move forward.

Visit the UK government’s website and the Construction Leadership Council’s summary at The Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 consultation for more information and to participate in the consultation.

Employer Partners Honoured at ‘AccXtraveganza’ by Forest-leading Construction School

Original Source: Industry-leading construction school in the Forest awards employer partners at ‘AccXtraveganza’

Trailblazer construction school AccXel learning facility honoured employer partners for “constructing futures” for students this month. 

At its 2023 ‘AccXtravaganza’, Accxel, the UK’s first construction skills accelerator centre, presented the Constructing Futures Awards to partners on December 1. 

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley (shown) won a bronze for financing three Cinderford college apprenticeships.

The Severn Valley business of Persimmon employs hundreds and builds many homes from Gloucestershire to Somerset. 

Fiddington Fields in Tewkesbury is closest to AccXel.

Persimmon Construction Director Robert Simpson said: “We are proud of our partnership with Accxel and Persimmon’s apprenticeship tradition, so winning this award was an honour.

“Accxel is a natural partner for us because Persimmon builds high-quality homes for local residents and employs many skilled workers in the region.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Accxel and congratulate them on a successful year, which was well celebrated at this event.”

Accxel Operations Director and Vice Principle Natalie King said: “We are thrilled to recognise Persimmon Homes as one of our award-winning Employer Partners for 2023.

It’s been a pleasure working with the team, and we’re glad Persimmon Homes values investing in its staff and the next generation.

“We look forward to working with them into the future, as we construct futures together.”

The ‘AccXtravaganza’ event comprised workshops and competitions where Accxel workers and students demonstrated their talents and facilities, including construction truck simulators.

AxxCel, co-funded by the Government, GFirst LEP, and Cinderford-based KW Bell Group, began in 2022 and has since gained plaudits, particularly from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne earlier this year.

The team created the UK’s first co-funded, industry-led construction school to address a skills shortfall “plaguing” the industry.

The team recruits new talent, helps current employees advance, and connects school and industry to “accelerate new skills” to grow the sector.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed for over the last 12 months, 60% of UK construction industry experts have seen an uptick in crimes committed against energy, infrastructure, and commercial building projects. Of 500 construction workers surveyed for BauWatch, that is what they discovered. The results suggest that 6 out of 10 people think that criminals are getting smarter. Meanwhile, a British small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) run by women called Guildhawk has created an AI-powered solution that will revolutionise bilingual safety in the mining, heavy engineering, and construction industries using their own free and high-quality data. The story is explained in the most recent Made in the UK, which was begun in Hong Kong by the UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT). Additionally, our Discrete Heat article provides construction industry professionals with a concise overview of the Future Homes Standards. Following the revision of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards in 2023, a new era has begun in the UK building industry. The government’s consultation points to these standards as a game-changer for greener construction methods that use less energy and produce less carbon. As of this month, AccXel, a trailblazing construction school, recognised its employer partners for “constructing futures” for students. December 1st, during their 2023 “AccXtravaganza,” Accxel—the first construction skills accelerator centre in the UK—presented the Constructing Futures Awards to its partners. 

In today’s news, we will look about the construction industry that is pleased with the commitment made by the United Kingdom government to increase the use of timber in construction. Meanwhile, Dome Construction has appointed Mike Firenze as the Chief Business Officer. Additionally, there have been fewer offenders caught among UK builders who have gone rogue. Apart from that, Marsh and Beazley have formed a partnership to provide additional coverage for the construction industry.

Industry Applauds UK Government Plans to Utilize more Timber in Construction

Original Source: Industry welcomes commitment by UK Government to expand use of timber in construction

Today, the UK Government released its Timber Construction Policy Roadmap to enhance domestic wood supply and safe use of sustainable UK timber in construction.

Priority themes in the policy roadmap include improving data, promoting timber, boosting skills, and addressing fire safety to identify timber construction potential and impediments in England.

The roadmap follows the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI)’s policy report Timber in Construction: Barriers and Solutions, political site visits, and APPG engagements.

After working with government and industry partners in the Timber in Construction Working Group for a year, CTI members Timber Development UK and Structural Timber Association are prominent in the roadmap.

“This roadmap is a commitment to increasing UK timber use and a turning point for our exciting, low-carbon industry,” said Confederation of Timber Industries Chair Alex Goodfellow.

As we highlighted in our recent APPG report, the government must provide appropriate environmental legislation and market incentives to boost UK timber building.

“The roadmap provides a solid foundation for achieving this goal, demonstrating government intent to address timber construction barriers.

We think the report could be bolder, especially on embodied carbon. Shame on the government for delaying this till 2025.

“The CTI will work with all political parties long-term to ensure these positive commitments are actioned and, in some cases, expanded.”

It’s excellent to see the government commit to developing low-carbon timber building in this strategy document, says Timber Development UK CEO David Hopkins.

By expanding low-carbon timber construction, especially in housing, we can decarbonise our built environment while producing high-quality, efficient buildings.

Expanding timber construction helps regions ‘level up’ with green jobs and creates localised manufacturing bases that add value to raw timber goods.

“The roadmap has many positives, but it should be seen as a start rather than the finished product.

Despite its importance to net zero, several policy areas, particularly the carbon section, are timid about addressing embedded carbon.

“The CTI/TDUK will continue to engage with government to ensure commitments are actioned and expanded in the coming years.”

According to Structural Timber Association CEO Andrew Carpenter:

We are pleased that the UK Government has acknowledged the need to securely increase timber use in building and appreciate its leadership in setting this goal.

“The TIC Roadmap will help stakeholders in the construction industry meet the UK’s net zero carbon commitments by providing clarity and guidance.

It’s been a joy to participate in such vital work, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration between Government and industry as we move forward with implementation.”

CBO Mike Firenze Joins Dome Construction

Original Source: Dome Construction Names Mike Firenze Chief Business Officer

The 54-year-old California general contractor Dome Construction has named veteran Mike Firenze its new Chief Business Officer. This significant hire strengthens Dome’s senior leadership team for future growth.

Rob Lynch, President & CEO of Dome Construction, says, “Mike’s extensive experience and strategic vision make him the ideal choice for the Chief Business Officer role, and we are confident in his ability to drive Dome Construction forward.”

Firenze will oversee Dome Construction’s internal divisions and field staff’s alignment with strategic goals. This requires optimising operations and promoting departmental collaboration.

Firenze started with Dome in 1995 as a summer worker and became Executive Vice President in 2020. His firm history shows a dedication to quality, preparing him for this crucial leadership job.

About Dome Building

Dome Construction was founded in 1969 on the principles of Value our People, Seek to Understand, and Do it Right. Dome prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion with a 93% employee engagement rate. Dome wants everyone to have a voice, see opportunities, grow, and be themselves.

Dome is one of the top five California general contractors with the lowest EMR rate, making it one of the safest builders. The Construction Employers Association (CEA) has recognised Dome for Excellence in Safety for 20 years due to their robust safety culture. As innovators in construction, Dome uses methods and technology that improve worker safety, such eMOD.

Fewer UK Builders Caught Committing Malpractice

Original Source: UK builders going rogue but fewer offenders caught

MAST Quay, a 23-story tower structure overlooking the Thames, warns unscrupulous builders intending to circumvent London’s planning system.

In September, scores of planning violations led to the demolition of the £36 million (S$60.7 million) Woolwich apartment complex. The developers failed to offer a roof garden, commercial floorspace, or disability access, among other things, per the planning agreement.

Not everyone is caught. Bloomberg FOI requests show that planning permission cases have been declining for years. Since 2010, the average number of new cases has practically halved, causing local communities anxiety and safety worries while illegal developers operate unpunished. Local authorities in 17 London boroughs and nine large UK cities provided that data.

The data reveal another consequence of Britain’s clogged planning system, which homebuilders are criticising and is shaping up to be a major political battleground before the next general election. Departments are staffing low after years of underfunding, which Bloomberg discovered through separate FOI requests earlier this year. 

“Rogue housing developments are a symptom of chronic under-resourcing,” said Goldman Sachs Group-owned TopHat managing director Andrew Shepherd. Political parties must fund planning departments to build nationally significant infrastructure to effect meaningful change.

According to self-employed television producer Samantha Stein, a developer began rebuilding a hotel next to her Lincoln home without planning permission this year, causing her distress. 

Stein requested guidelines from the city’s planning department to limit midnight building noise, saying it was distressing and that her living room was once filled with odours. The officer indicated the planning department could not handle the issue, directed her to a separate council team that also failed.

“This should never have been kicked to another department,” Stein added. “Protecting the public from upcoming development health hazards is a planning department issue, but their team has not been helpful.”

Lincoln City Council rejected comment.

Stein believed she had moved into her dream home overlooking Lincoln Cathedral two years ago. She claims the hotel’s construction noise has reached 100 decibels inside her house, forcing her to lose sleep and hindering her remote work.

“I’ve had to take time off work several times,” Stein said. “I couldn’t sleep last night because they were drilling, hammering, and moving furniture past midnight.”

The most recent noise survey by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health found that sound complaints in England jumped 54% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, with Greater London three times the national average. Only 3% of local authorities’ 350,000+ noise complaints were addressed.

Death can result for some. The Housing Ombudsman, which investigates property complaints, judged social housing provider Clarion’s handling of noise concerns by a resident who committed suicide to be inadequate earlier this year.

Absence of enforcement raises builders’ and locals’ injury risk. The Health and Safety Executive reported 45 construction-related deaths in 2022-23, up from 30 in 2021-22.

“Planning enforcement suffers from less resource and enthusiasm than other parts of the planning function,” said Forsters lawyer Matthew Evans. “Overstretched councils will have less time to agree on changes, whether voluntary or forced.”

Nine in 10 local authorities have a backlog of enforcement notifications, according to a Royal Town Planning Institute report. 80% of respondents said there weren’t enough cops to handle the workload, allowing unscrupulous developers to go undetected. 

According to FOI requests, Hounslow, which has cut its planning spend by almost half since 2010, issued 21 enforcement letters last year compared to 150 in 2014.

Although UK housebuilding is below century-low levels, annual homebuilding has increased since 2010. Even though construction has accelerated, local authorities have taken less action on illegal developers.

Enforcement personnel are the backbone of the planning system, defending the public and the environment from planning control violators’, said RTPI head of policy practice and research Richard Blyth. “Unmanageable workloads and insufficient staff have left most councils unable to meet public demand.” 

After Labour leader Keir Starmer highlighted housebuilding failures at his party’s annual conference in October and made a number of development pledges, the Conservatives are trying to regain public support. 

A month later, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced proposals to allow Britons to fix or extend their homes without planning permission next year. It allows residences to be converted into two flats without public consultation. 

According to Forsters’ Evans, that shows the government prioritises new dwellings over planning violations.

He stated central government policy may indicate less enforcement. The increase of approved development rights reflects a light touch approach and an acceptance that delivery is paramount.”

Mast Quay had too many problems for the council to overlook. At least 26 major alterations were made to the 2012 planning authorization, including noticeable architectural changes, different cladding, fewer glass, smaller balconies and windows, and lower-quality residential accommodation. 

The council issued an enforcement notice to demolish the building and restore the property. Developers have 12 months to comply but can appeal.

“Without enforcement, our planning system can have no integrity,” said Royal Borough of Greenwich councillor Ann-Marie Cousins. 

Marsh and Beazley Expand Construction Coverage

Original Source: Marsh and Beazley team up to offer additional coverage for construction industry

ESG performance of building contractors will determine it.

Marsh, an insurance broker and risk advisor, and Beazley, a specialty insurer, will provide building contractors additional professional indemnity (PI) cover depending on their ESG performance.

“ESG concerns are a growing area of scrutiny for the global construction sector, and financial institutions are looking to ESG performance as a marker of sustainable and resilient businesses,” said Marsh Specialty CEO Kelly Looney, UK construction, infrastructure, and surety. “Despite their best efforts, many contractors are not always able to satisfactorily display their positive ESG goals in a way that provides meaningful risk and insurance benefits.”

Marsh will offer more capacity to non-US clients that complete its ESG Risk Rating. ERR scores that meet Marsh and Beazley’s criterion will determine their coverage.

We help ESG-focused construction contractors. Andrew James, focus group leader, big client professional liability, Beazley, said companies that care about the environment, their communities, and their governance are more likely to manage and mitigate their risk landscape.

Construction contractors who fulfil underwriting conditions can get $1 million in PI coverage if they score a six or better on the ERR. This was 20% above Beazley’s $5 million limit.

Contractors and subcontractors are protected by PI insurance for professional errors, such as Building Safety Act 2022 and cladding concerns.

“A specialty insurer’s role is to work with clients to improve risk management, and we are pleased to offer construction contractors that perform well against ESG criteria additional capacity,” added James.

Marsh’s ERR, announced in March 2022, evaluates an organization’s ESG performance. It helps the firm evaluate sustainability and climate risks and opportunities and access insurance market capacity.

As well as accessing additional insurance market capacity for professional indemnity risks, our contractor clients can use the ESG Risk Rating to identify their most critical sustainability and climate-related risks and increase transparency as they develop their ESG strategies, said Looney.

The ERR evaluates a client’s performance across 19 ESG themes against more than 10 internationally recognised standards and frameworks from leading organisations like the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and World Economic Forum.

Summary of today’s construction news

Overall, we discussed in this article about improving the availability of domestic wood and ensure the safe utilisation of sustainable UK timber in building, the UK government has published its Timber building Policy Roadmap. The policy roadmap aims to identify the potential and obstacles of timber building in England by prioritising data improvement, promoting timber, enhancing skills, and addressing fire safety. In the meantime, Mike Firenze has been chosen Chief Business Officer of the 54-year-old general contractor Dome Construction in California. With this major addition, Dome’s executive team is better prepared for the company’s future expansion. In addition, the 23-story tower MAST Quay, which stands guard above the Thames, serves as a warning to shady developers who want to get under London’s planning system. Furthermore, the it will be decided by the ESG performance of construction contractors. Depending on their ESG performance, building contractors will receive supplementary professional indemnity (PI) cover from Marsh, an insurance broker and risk advisor, and Beazley, a specialised insurer.

In today’s news, following a challenging year for the building industry in 2023, Pablo Cristi Worm is optimistic about the new year. As for the future of the economy, will 2024 offer stability or further uncertainty for the building industry in the UK? On the other hand, the December Construction Index from Glenigan showed a 25% annual decrease in the number of project starts. In addition, CIP will move on with the development of a 1GWh BESS in Scotland. Furthermore, Laing O’Rourke has disclosed that the group’s records for the previous year revealed a deficit of £288 million before taxes.

Economic Outlook: Will 2024 Offer UK Building Stability or Uncertainty?

Original Source: Economic outlook: will 2024 bring stability or more uncertainty for UK construction?

After a rough 2023 for construction, Pablo Cristi Worm is optimistic for the new year.

Construction and the economy struggled in 2023. 

Along with rising inflation and a 15-year high in borrowing rates, the second quarter saw the most construction insolvencies ever.

Construction was incredibly durable. It prevented a UK GDP contraction because construction was the only economic sector still growing, although by 0.1%, by Q3 of this year.

This weak growth was partly due to investment cooling due to economic uncertainty. The main construction sector, housing, was affected by rising mortgage rates, household financial difficulties, and the termination of Help to Buy.

An anticipation mid-year that the bank rate could reach 6.1% by 2023 lowered investor confidence in the construction business, resulting in a 7.7% drop in new orders between Q1 and Q2. Q3 confidence recovered, limiting the loss to 4.1% for the first three quarters of 2023.

It’s not all horrible.

Since July, building production prices have fallen as inflationary pressure has decreased. By September, they were 1.9% higher than January 2023. As the year winds down, the industry is enjoying cost relief from decreased construction material prices, transportation expenses, and natural gas import prices.

These patterns meant September construction output volume was 2% higher than January. Repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives have fuelled growth in all industries.

Construction output prices fell after peaking in July.

Notably, non-housing R&M rose 4.8% from January to September 2023. R&M has been fostered by government retrofit programs and the sector’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Look forward to 2024 with optimism.

The bank rate is projected to peak in October as inflation fell quicker than expected. Construction sentiment is also rising. Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors UK Construction Monitor predicts a favorable workload for the next year, and housebuilders will be encouraged by inflation-driven mortgage rate reductions.

Private commercial and office fit-outs are still in demand as firms update and upgrade their footprints post-pandemic, while infrastructure investment is boosted by the new asset management plan-period in the water sector (AMP8, the eighth asset management period regulated by Ofwat) and the need to invest in renewable energy.

A cautious optimism

Despite this optimism, the construction industry must be aware of future headwinds and long-term concerns. Turner & Townsend data from across the supply chain shows that contractors are challenged by investment in new projects, high construction costs, and skilled labor shortages, even as pressures ease. 

In a turbulent market, caution is wise. The two major political parties disagree on sustainability, planning, infrastructure, and housebuilding, adding to the uncertainty of 2024’s general election. Insolvency rates remain high. Skills shortages remain dangerous. Labor shortages may keep construction costs high despite lowering inflation.

To make the best New Year’s decisions, clients must get closer to suppliers to grasp business-to-business difficulties. More data and digital tools across projects will help analyze trends, spot issues early, and optimize investment. 2024 calls for vigilance and cautious optimism.

According to Glenigan’s December Construction Index, Project Starts Fell 25% Annually.

Original Source: Glenigan’s December Construction Index reveals 25% yearly drop in project starts

Glenigan’s December Construction Index shows project starts down 25% from last year in the UK. The built environment faced challenges in residential and non-residential sectors.

Glenigan’s December Construction Index shows a year-long fall in new project starts.

Site work started 12% less in the last three months than in 2022.

Private investor confidence has plummeted due to the economic downturn, reducing construction activity across sectors.

Compared to 2022, project starts fell 39%.

Glenigan’s December Construction Index showed residential starts fell 3% from the previous three months, while private housing remained resilient.

However, non-residential performance was poor, with project starts down 24% from the previous three months and 39% from the previous year. Retail was the only sector to rise 5% in the past quarter.

Regional performance differed in the UK.

Regional performance varied greatly during the Index.

Project starts rose 18% in Yorkshire & the Humber, while other regions fell.

London and the South East had 3% and 8% gentler declines than the previous three months.

It was worse in the North East, Northern Ireland, and East of England, where starts fell 30%, 29%, and 19% over the preceding three months.

Despite low construction starts, residential activity is stabilizing.

Glenigan economic director Allan Wilen said: “Construction starts remain low after sharp falls earlier in the year“ regarding the December construction index.

However, there are faint signs of residential activity stabilizing. The prior three months saw minimal change in private housing starts. According to our newest Forecast, this may be the first indicators of the second-half 2024 recovery.

However, high borrowing rates and a poor economy continue to hinder private non-residential investment, and government-funded health and education starts fell dramatically from the previous three months.

CIP to Build 1GWh BESS in Scotland

Original Source: CIP to proceed with construction of 1GWh BESS in Scotland

UK BESS project London Gateway (rendering above), developed by gas trading business Intergen, has planning clearances for up to 900MWh capacity. Alcemi’s project could surpass that. 

Renewable energy investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has announced the start of construction on its 500MW/1,000MWh Scottish battery energy storage system (BESS).

The ‘Notice To Proceed’ project, developed by network solutions provider Alcemi through CIP’s Flagship Funds, will be built in Coalburn, southeast of Glasgow. Operation is expected in Q4 2025.

Solar Power Portal previously reported that Alcemi chose the project’s location to minimize network constraints and support the national transmission grid. The company claimed the project had “undergone extensive environmental impact assessments to ensure it meets the highest sustainability and safety standards”.

The Alcemi-CIP partnership developed, built, and operated a 4GW portfolio of UK energy storage assets in March 2022. 

Alcemi CEO Mark Williamson said: “This is a huge first step for the Alcemi-CIP partnership, and we look forward to continuing working with our partners on projects like this, that enable the UK to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.”

Alcemi said e-Storage will supply the SolBank battery system for the 2-hour project. The remaining plant work will be done by H&MV.

Canadian Solar’s e-Storage, a component of CSI Solar’s manufacturing business, launched SolBank in September 2022. The technique uses liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, active cell balancing, multi-level fire safety systems, and more.

Our sister publication Energy-Storage.news reported that Solbank is helping CIP expand into Australia with its 240MW/480MWh Summerfield battery storage project in South Australia.

The 2025 project will discharge surplus renewable energy generated at off-peak times to support the South Australia and Victoria grid during demand peaks.

Pre-tax loss for Laing O’Rourke is £288m

Original Source: Laing O’Rourke posts £288m pre-tax loss

Group accounts released by Laing O’Rourke today show a £288m pre-tax loss last year.

Laing O’Rourke’s top line revenue grew 13% to £3.4bn in the year to 31 March 2023, but it lost £276.6m operatingly and £288.1m pre-tax.

£195m of exceptional items are mostly related to an Australian contract that was terminated in 2017 but is still being arbitrated.

Inflation decimated profit margins on some UK contracts, causing Laing O’Rourke to lose £78.8m in pre-exceptional EBIT.

The current financial year began with a record order book of £10.0bn, up 16% from £8.6bn.

CEO Ray O’Rourke said: “During FY23, geopolitical upheaval had profound inflationary effects, impacting the global economy, households, the sector, and our business. Official estimates revealed building inflation reached 26% in 2022, the highest in 40 years.

“I thank all our colleagues for their hard work over the years that has kept Laing O’Rourke resilient. I am optimistic with a record order book and a return to profitability in the first half of FY24.

We keep winning work in our priority sectors, which boosts our order book and reduces our vulnerability to market conditions beyond our control. Our investment in goods, digital tools, and systems to harness advanced manufacturing’s productivity, quality, and safety benefits fuels our business confidence. Our intentions to accomplish large, complex infrastructure projects in a new way excite me.”

CFO Rowan Baker said: “I am encouraged by the fact that in FY23 we delivered strong pre-exceptional group revenue growth of 13% (to £3.4bn) versus FY22, ended the period with gross cash of £428.1m, net cash of £286.3m, and added £1.4bn to our group order These bode well for our future.

We faced exceptionally difficult market conditions this trading period, together with the entire UK construction sector. Few of our UK fixed-price projects were affected by unprecedented inflation. While it had no immediate cash impact, provision for an extraordinary item on an Australian legacy project increased our loss.

“The business performed well in the first half of the current financial year. Our revenue rose 22% year-over-year and £31.4m EBIT exceeded management’s expectations.”

In the company’s annual report, Ray O’Rourke again criticized clients and called for industry change.

He stated, “During my long career, I cannot recall such a sharp cost surge. We have worked with customers to mitigate these effects and keep projects on pace, but they have not always supported us in challenging situations. Inequitable risk-sharing fuels construction turmoil. It affects our business and employees, and it tells me that fundamental change is needed more than ever.

“The sector must adopt manufacturing-led construction methods enabled by technology and innovation. Our DfMA 70:60:30 operational model, which is being implemented on projects, shows the sector how to engage in advanced manufacturing.

“It is the only way to change our work. Making such a transformation will allow us to recruit more diverse people to the greatest industry and increase productivity, giving clients assurance. It will also make the built environment more sustainable and improve the health, safety, and well-being of our greatest asset—the people who deliver every day.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Economic growth and the building industry both faltered in 2023. Investment cooled as a result of economic uncertainty, which contributed to this lacklustre growth. Rising mortgage rates, household budget crises, and the end of Help to Buy all had an impact on the housing market, the primary building sector. Meanwhile, there were record-high borrowing rates, increasing inflation, and the greatest construction insolvencies ever recorded in the second quarter. Furthermore, the December Construction Index from Glenigan reveals a 25% decline in project starts compared to the previous year in the UK. Both the residential and non-residential sectors of the built environment encountered difficulties. An annual decline in new project starts is shown in Glenigan’s December Construction Index. In addition, the 500 MW/1,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Scotland is set to begin construction soon, according to renewable energy investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Coalburn, to the southeast of Glasgow, will be the site of the ‘Notice To Proceed’ project, which was created by network solutions firm Alcemi with the help of CIP’s Flagship Funds. In Q4 of 2025, operations are anticipated to begin. On top of that, the top line revenue for Laing O’Rourke increased by 13% to £3.4 billion in the year ending 31 March 2023, but the operating loss was £276.6 million and the pre-tax loss was £288.1 million. Laing O’Rourke lost £78.8m in pre-exceptional EBIT due to contract profit margins being slashed by inflation in the UK. At the start of the current fiscal year, the order book was £10.0bn, a 16% increase from £8.6bn.

In today’s news, we will look into the report from REHAU demonstrates how offsite construction may help the United Kingdom’s building industry meet the ever-increasing demand. On the other hand, Henry Boot Construction has been given the responsibility of delivering the most recent AMRC Innovation Facility development. Additionally, Smart Strategies for Beginning Your Construction Business: Saving Time and Money is a book that you should read. Moreover, Grenfell has exerted pressure on housing associations to enhance the handling of their information.

The REHAU Report Shows How Offsite Construction May Meet UK Building Industry Demand

Original Source: REHAU Report Shows How Offsite Construction Can Overcome Skyrocketing Demand on UK Building Industry

A new analysis advises mechanical services contractors, specifiers and developers to speed offsite construction, especially for building services, as pressure for big UK construction projects rises.

The UK is falling short of its annual commitment to create 300,000 new homes in England[1], and 90% of student accommodation rooms for the 2023/24 academic year were sold by April 2023[2]. Over 2024, hotel construction projects increased 17%[3], putting pressure on the construction sector to build quicker as city centre building confidence rises.[4]

The REHAU report Offsite Trends in Building Services examines how modern methods of construction (MMC) might address this issue. It examines ways to establish mechanical service in offsite projects to speed up developments and address a 937,000-person construction sector skills gap by 2032.[5]

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical, REHAU Building Solutions, said: “Building quickly in tight footprints requires non-traditional methods like MMC. This new paper shows how alternative offshore methods can help contractors build faster, better, and simpler projects in a factory-controlled environment.

As high-density urban regions require high-rise development, REHAU’s guide shows how the company can help build at height in lesser places. It also highlights challenges contractors, specifiers, and developers have when adopting offsite building methods to ensure quality.

This guide covers crucial components that can be constructed in the factory and brought to site for a high-quality build. Modular shafts, pre-wall constructions, bathroom pods, polymer risers and emerging technologies like thermally activated building structures (TABS) can heat and cool.

Steve says, “There have already been many exciting innovations across the globe to further improve offsite construction methods that we have included within this new guide. Like many industries, MMC is constantly evolving, and this whitepaper aims to help readers learn about these creative methods and solutions and apply them to fulfil market demand.

Henry Boot Construction to Build Latest AMRC Innovation Facility

Original Source: Henry Boot Construction appointed to deliver latest AMRC Innovation Facility development

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)’s next development will be built by Henry Boot Construction.

The new open-access research facility will house Composites at Speed and Scale. Project COMPASS develops and tests novel technologies to fulfil future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and support the aviation industry’s 2050 net zero goal.

The Boeing-led Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project alongside AMRC, Loop Technology, and Spirit AeroSystems will be the facility’s inaugural research programme. Henry Boot Construction began construction this month after the development’s planning application was approved earlier this year.

Modern 29,700-square-foot research facility will lie south of the AMRC’s Factory 2050 and accommodate 60 workers and visitors. A big open-plan factory, separate workshop sections, and flexible ancillary spaces will be included. Industry-leading environmental, social, and economic responsibility are built into its sturdy and sustainable design.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield University, and High Value Manufacturing Catapult sponsor the building. It will house cutting-edge equipment funded by a £29.5m UK Government Aerospace Technology Institute Programme funding.

Henry Boot Construction managing director Tony Shaw said:

“We are proud to be the lead contractor on the AMRC’s newest research facility. After completing the Royce Discovery Centre in 2022, it is our latest university initiative.

We are known for delivering high-quality projects, and our contribution in the newest AMRC development shows the University of Sheffield’s commitment to building a world-class facility that propels Sheffield and South Yorkshire globally.

AMRC ideals and aims match Henry Boot Construction’s.

Tony stated, “As a company with significant experience in the region, we are committed to working with local supply chain partners wherever possible and helping grow the regional economy.

Our choice of Sheffield-based Elecomm as our project’s main MEP partner shows this.

“As with all our projects, we have committed to a social value strategy to unlock multiple local charity, community, and education benefits.”

Head of estates development at the University of Sheffield Mark Holden said: “We’re delighted to work with Henry Boot as part of the project team to deliver the AMRC’s new research facility, which will put South Yorkshire at the forefront of UK aerospace manufacturing.

The new facility is the newest addition to Sheffield University’s Innovation region, a world-leading research region where local inventions have real-world impact.

Award-winning Henry Boot Construction works on high-profile public and private development projects across the UK, including Sheffield’s Heart of the City and York’s Cocoa Works.

The new AMRC facility’s capital build programme includes Gardiner & Theobald, Rex Procter, Bond Bryan, Curtins, and Arup. It is projected to be finished by 2024.

Smart Construction Business Startup Strategies: Time and Money Saving

Original Source: Smart Strategies for Launching Your Construction Business: Saving Time & Money

Starting a construction company is exciting and difficult. Starting with the appropriate strategy is vital in a sector where time equals bricks and mortar. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness must be balanced for success.

Let’s explore the basics of starting a successful construction business and saving time and money.

Know the Market and Plan

Market knowledge is essential for building and construction professionals. Market research is essential before starting. This involves finding clients, understanding their needs, and assessing competition. Based on this information, a solid company strategy may guide decisions and determine direction.

Planning helps connect services with market expectations and anticipate obstacles for proactive solutions. A well-planned strategy based on market research can help you navigate the construction industry and succeed long-term.

Opening a Trade Account and Bulk Buying

New construction companies can save money and ensure a steady supply of supplies by buying in bulk. This method keeps projects on track and improves budget management.

Following this, ADA Fastfix trading accounts offer extra benefits. Trade accounts simplify purchases and offer discounts and a wider product selection. It streamlines order administration and interacts with accounting systems, making spending tracking and financial management easier.

Quality Tools and Equipment Investment

Construction companies must invest in high-quality tools and equipment to succeed. Quality tools last longer, require fewer replacements, and improve task efficiency and precision. Well-made tools are less likely to break down or delay, saving time and money.

Using trustworthy brands boosts your company’s credibility and builds client trust. The initial expenditure may be expensive, but the longevity, performance, and professional reputation make it a smart construction investment.

Effective Site Management

Good site managers are essential in construction. They order supplies, manage the staff, and ensure safety. They discover issues early and fix them promptly, saving time and money.

A good site manager can create a great work environment by managing resources and leading the team. For team happiness and productivity, this is crucial. They are essential to any construction project since they manage it well and complete on schedule and under budget.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Construction operations can be more efficient with technology in the digital age. Project management software simplifies task scheduling, budget tracking, and team communication. Digital technologies provide real-time data and improve decision-making and project management.

Using technology can ease inventory management and timekeeping, decreasing paperwork and administrative tasks. Digital solutions save time, improve accuracy, and boost productivity, enabling the construction industry to adapt to new expectations.

Reliable Team Building

A dependable crew is essential for every construction enterprise. It begins with hiring talented people that suit the company culture and have the requisite technical skills. Training and development are essential to keeping the workforce up to speed on construction safety and procedures.