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NOVEMBER 2017

18 FLAGSHIP MIDLANDS 26 THE FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION: MODELS ITSELF ON BIM HAND-BUILT BY APPLICATION 52 IMPROVING WORKER ROBOTS? SAFETY WITH PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING

WELCOME to the latest edition of UK Technology is often hailed for business hub, catch up with the Construction Excellence. improving energy efficiency, project team in our report. In this month’s edition we focus sustainability and building lifespan, On the other side of the coin is the on the future of construction. but the fear of robots ‘stealing’ skills shortage, and we look at what Where will the digital revolution construction jobs in the future is a can be done to encourage more take us? Is the future hand-built startling one. talent into the industry to fill this by robots? That is one of the The benefits of applying gap now. questions asked by Suzanne Gill BIM technology and digital And, as always, we catch up and Helen Garthwaite, partners construction is demonstrated well with the latest contract news, at Wedlake Bell and co-founders in the Discovery Building. BIM was industry movers and our guest of Tomorrow’s City, Today’s instrumental in the design and contributors, inside. Challenge, in their feature. delivery of this new science and Victoria Maggiani

26 18 52 The future of Flagship Midlands Improving worker construction: development safety with Hand-built by robots? models itself on BIM physiological application monitoring

Publications Editor Managing Director Victoria Maggiani Grahame Steed

Designer Production Manager Seamus Norton Gareth Trevor-Jones

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CelticBio_DPS_adv_ct6409.indd 1 03/10/2017 12:27 NEWS ONS releases 2016 construction statistics

The Office of National Statistics has released its latest statistics for the construction industry to year- end 2016. Figures show that the value of new construction in Great Britain continued to rise in 2016, reaching its highest level on record at £99,266M, with continued growth in the private sector driving new projects and revenue. The steady rise in the value of construction new orders seen since 2011 has continued, owing to the increase in all other work in 2016. However, construction price inflation reached 2.2% in the last month of 2016, above both the CPI and SPPI, at 1.1%. In materials and components, the trade deficit carries on. Imports are more than double the value of exports and this is concerning in the run-up to Brexit with economic and political uncertainty set to continue. The year resulted in growth in employment, with the skills gaps being filled by 55,831 extra jobs compared with 2015. Most employment is found around London, the South East and the North West, and the number of construction companies is increasing across the country. Even more positives can be found in the number of construction firms in Great Britain, which increased to its highest level on record in 2016. The ONS has stated that 2016 was a positive year for the construction industry, and while potential risks lie in confidence in the UK economy post-Brexit, this can be mitigated through government support and investment. Despite public sector output falling in 2016, low interest rates have facilitated private sector investment in the industry, and the marginal fall in public sector National HS2 college work has been far outweighed by the continuing expansion of the private sector; with growth coming launched from the housing sector in particular. Private housing and public other new work provided the main contributions to growth, with only private The Education Secretary, Justine Greening, has opened a new industrial new orders falling in 2016. The growth in all high speed rail college during a visit to Doncaster. new housing has come as a result of both private new The new technical education college, the National College for housing and public new housing increasing. High Speed Rail (NCHSR), is the largest of five new national Construction output grew consistently in real volume colleges that have been developed as part of the Government’s terms in every quarter of 2016, resulting in annual drive to address the skills shortage. The colleges will provide growth of 3.8% in 2016. This expansion in construction young people with world-class technical skills such as output comes after two years of relatively high growth engineering, design, planning, manufacturing and construction. in the industry, with construction output expanding Education Secretary Justine Greening said: “It has been great by 4.4% in 2015 and 9% in 2014. to attend the official launch of the NCHSR. It is part of how we are steadily transforming technical education in this country, training up a new generation of skilled young people and the existing workforce so that British business has the skills it needs and people have the opportunities they want – a win-win for everyone. “We can only do this in partnership with employers – the NCHSR is just one great example of this. "The impressive new building and training facilities are at the forefront of our ambitions to create a world class system of technical education. "Doncaster is also one of the 12 Opportunity Areas that will benefit from a share of £72M to raise attainment and aspirations. NCHSR is part of this work, making sure Doncaster’s local talent gets the opportunity to fulfil its potential and ensuring a prosperous future for the UK.”

6 £50M flood alleviation scheme operational in Leeds

The initial phase of a hugely ambitious gates are supported by giant inflatable Chair of the Environment Agency: £50M flood alleviation scheme which, neoprene bladders, which are lowered “This groundbreaking scheme will not in a first for the UK, employs moveable when high river flows are imminent. It only benefit hundreds of homes and weir technology, has opened in Leeds. should take around two hours for the businesses in the city but it will also Phase I of the award-winning Leeds gates to lower, and it is now possible safeguard 22,000 jobs over the next Flood Alleviation Scheme relies to scale flood defence walls down so ten years due to the increased level of on state-of-the-art engineering as not to obscure views of the city’s protection it provides. It’s been great techniques and represents one of pristine waterfront. to see Leeds City Council and the the largest projects of its kind in the “We are delighted to see this much- Environment Agency working together UK today. needed first phase of the Leeds in partnership to better protect the Leeds City Council has partnered Flood Alleviation Scheme opened,” city – and it is one of many schemes in with the Environment Agency to said Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds the Defra programme investing £430M deliver the landmark scheme, which City Council. “As could be seen by to reduce flood risk across Yorkshire will safeguard more than 3,000 the devastation at Christmas 2015, before 2021. households, 500 businesses and 300 providing increased flood protection in “We’re always looking for new ways acres of development space against Leeds is essential in terms of reassuring that we can use technology to reduce flood waters from the River Aire and our residents and businesses, and flood risk so it’s exciting that this Hol Beck. There’s economic benefit this fantastic state-of-the-art scheme scheme is also a first for flood risk too, with 150 jobs and apprenticeship provides it for the city centre and management in the UK thanks to the places created during its development downstream at Woodlesford.” use of the moveable weirs, which can and construction. Ms Blake continued: “The clever use be lowered when river levels are high. The scheme itself comprises three core of the mechanical weirs is a brilliant On a day-to-day basis, people won’t elements: cutting-edge mechanical idea, and they have also brought even know they are being protected, weirs, merging the river with the about environmental benefits with the and they can enjoy the river, which is canal, and provision of flood walls improved river quality bringing salmon a key aspect of the city’s South Bank and embankments spanning 4.5KM and otters, while the new bridge regeneration plans.” through the city centre proper. looks stunning, offering great views Flood alleviation along the River Aire is Crucially, this marks the first use in of the river and beyond as part of the now complete, though the Hol the UK of moveable weirs for flood TransPennine Trail.” Beck works will continue into alleviation purposes. The new weir According to Emma Howard Boyd, the autumn. 7 NEWS Mott MacDonald appointed to Hitachi Tranista Thameslink roll-out

Network Rail has appointed Mott MacDonald to assist with implementation of the Hitachi Tranista traffic management system as it is rolled out across the wider Thameslink rail network. For the uninitiated, Tranista is one of several new additions being made to allow 24 trains to run through central London in each direction every hour by 2018. It is fundamental to Network Rail’s hugely ambitious £6.5Bn Thameslink Programme. Tranista will manage the railway in real time and support recovery of operations in the event of inevitable delay or disruption. The integrated system will also provide signallers, maintenance staff and train operators with all the necessary information regarding train operational status, and support the planning and scheduling of services. Mott MacDonald will now take on an advisory role, offering guidance on proposed changes to operational roles, processes and decision making in support of Tranista. The consultancy will also explore ways to integrate Tranista within existing operational architecture and the possible impact on staff and accommodation. According to Robert Gray, Mott MacDonald’s Project £2.5M funding Director for the Thameslink Central Engineering Framework: “This is an important project for us as package to speed up Network Rail moves forward with the roll-out of new traffic management systems. The award of this contract recognises the skills and expertise of UK garden towns our team and their ability to deal with technically challenging work such as this. Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has unveiled a £2.5M funding “A key aspect of this project will be our understanding package which will hasten delivery of over 155,000 new homes of the capabilities of the system and how it will affect in garden towns across the country. the workload of operational staff. Traffic management Nine garden towns – including those in Bicester and Taunton – is a paradigm shift in the way a railway is operated, are set to benefit from the newly announce funding package, so we will need to develop a whole new approach to which will fast track construction of each housing development. assessing workload.” Varying amounts will be entrusted to the communities and local authorities responsible, granting them dedicated resources and much-needed expertise. Garden towns are a relatively new concept, spearheaded by central government. They prioritise well-planned and well- designed communities, able to stand the test of time and exemplify housing best practice. The Government defines a garden town as a development of 10,000 or more homes. Meanwhile, the slightly more modest garden village contains 1,500 to 10,000 households. “Locally led garden towns have enormous potential to deliver the homes that communities need,” said Mr Javid. “This new funding will help support the construction of more than 155,000 homes in nine places across the country. New communities not only deliver homes, but also bring new jobs and facilities and a big boost to local economies.” This week’s funding will support locally led garden towns in Bicester, Didcot, Basingstoke, Otterpool Park in Kent, Aylesbury, Taunton, Harlow-Gilston, North Northamptonshire and North Essex. To date, central government is supporting the locally led development of ten garden towns and cities, in addition to 14 garden villages, which have the combined potential to deliver 220,000 new homes across the country.

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Concrete for Life NEWS £300M Preston Barracks transformation takes shape in Brighton

UK Summit 2017

16 May 2017, London A transformation is taking shape in Brighton, as plans for the regeneration of Preston The Summit is the first of its kind to address the major Barracks – together with the University of touch points of change, presenting the UK's built Brighton’s Moulsecoomb Campus – are environment sector with both unprecedented challenges given the green light. and opportunities in the coming years. The £300M public private partnership project comes courtesy of the University of Brighton Attend key sessions to: Historic Guinness site and U+I, a specialist regeneration and property developer. Around 1,500 new jobs • Hear about the current and future trends in global real will be created alongside hundreds of new to be redeveloped homes, bolstering the Brighton economy by estate markets with our keynote address from JLL a further £500M over the next ten years. EMEA CEO Guy Grainger. For two decades or more Preston Barracks has lain derelict. Now, the site will reassert • Listen to an interactive panel discussion with Arup The historic St James’s Gate in Initial plans see some 63,000sq m itself as a magnet for enterprise and Associate Global Foresight Manager Josef Hargrave, Dublin, home to the world-famous of office space, 5,000sq m of retail international investment. L&Q Development Director Andy Rowland and British Guinness Brewery, is to be partly units and 22,000sq m of hotel The proposals – authored by HASSELL, redeveloped to provide a range of and leisure accommodation Studio Egret West, TP Bennett and Stride Land Head of Office Leasing Michael Wiseman on how housing, offices, shops and hotels. making up the commercial Treglown – include 369 new homes with UK real estate can and should respond to changing Diaego, owner of the Guinness element, with 48,000sq m set affordable housing provision, while 1,338 workspace, and changing lifestyles. brand, has revealed preliminary aside for residential development. purpose-built student bedrooms will be built redevelopment plans within the 20 Diaego will retain ownership of to address a shortfall in the city. U+I will also • Discuss with Heathrow Development Director Phil hectare site, designed to create a the historic structures within the provide a 50,000sq ft hub to foster start-up Wilbraham, along with other contributors from the road vibrant urban quarter. site, including the famous brewery businesses and entrepreneurs. The plans look to develop five gate and founder Arthur Guinness’s “The Preston Barracks project is one of the and rail sectors where the opportunities in UK hectares within the Guinness site, former residence. largest and most ambitious regeneration infrastructure currently lie. to be renamed St James’s Gate Loomes continued: “This unique projects to have been brought forward in Quarter. Development will include relationship between past and Brighton for a number of years,” said Richard • Observe an in-depth interview session, including the first Guinness vat house, built future makes St James’s Gate Upton, Deputy Chief Executive of U+I. “We Cushman & Wakefield James Maddock looking at how in 1798, and Brewery Room No2, an extraordinary place. It is will deliver world-class, imaginative urban disruption can positively impact your business. which was the biggest brewhouse rooted in history and its future is design, leaving a lasting legacy that befits in the world during the early one of innovation and creating such an inspirational city.” Book now and join senior attendees from high profile 20th century. experiences. We are committed Professor Debra Humphris, Vice Chancellor Oliver Loomes, country director to a long-term sustainable of the University of Brighton, added: “We companies. for Diaego Ireland, said: “Our vision future at St James’s Gate and are are delighted that our plans have been will be that this is a dynamic urban delighted to be opening streets, approved. This partnership aims to quarter with a combination of creating spaces, and generating deliver one of the most ambitious and residential, commercial, leisure opportunity. transformational projects for the city – which is a viable, sustainable “We are transforming our in a neighbourhood where meaningful development. centuries-old vat houses, brew regeneration is long overdue. “Social housing will, of course, be houses and cooperages into “The scheme has the potential to have a a part of that because any large incredible spaces that will house huge positive impact both for the local development has to have it. and inspire a new generation community and wider city, as we look "We have got a long-term of entrepreneurs, residents and to deliver on our aspiration to create an relationship with the Iveagh trust visitors, dreamers and doers.” inspiring place where people can live, work and our ambition is that we would A tendering process is now under and learn together.” work with the trust to have it as way, with Deloitte Real Estate It is thought work will begin in November our social housing partner in looking to secure a development with overall completion scheduled for View the programme and book now at rics.org/uksummit this project.” partner for the project. August 2021.

Untitled - Page: 1 2017-04-12 10:44:02 +0000 UK Summit 2017

16 May 2017, London The Summit is the first of its kind to address the major touch points of change, presenting the UK's built environment sector with both unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Attend key sessions to: • Hear about the current and future trends in global real estate markets with our keynote address from JLL EMEA CEO Guy Grainger. • Listen to an interactive panel discussion with Arup Associate Global Foresight Manager Josef Hargrave, L&Q Development Director Andy Rowland and British Land Head of Office Leasing Michael Wiseman on how UK real estate can and should respond to changing workspace, and changing lifestyles. Graham appointed• Discuss to with Heathrow£73M Development Stockport Director Phil Wilbraham, along with other contributors from the road and rail sectors where the opportunities in UK town centreinfrastructure access currently upgrade lie. Highway connectivity is set to new classified• Observe road with an retaining in-depth interviewlevels session,of expertise including required in order improve in Stockport, with civil walls, which Cushmanchannel the & highway Wakefield Jamesto complete Maddock the looking work – especiallyat how engineering specialist Graham under an iconic Network Rail asset, when you take into consideration the appointed to a £13M transport the Stockportdisruption Viaduct – acan Grade positively II impactGrade II your listed business. viaduct and tunnel.” upgrade contract. listed structure dating back to Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Stockport Council has contracted the 1840s. Book now and join senior attendeesMember for from Economy high profile and Graham – via the Highways England From a civilcompanies. engineering perspective, Regeneration at Stockport Council, CDF Lot 2 Framework – to design the project presents a significant added: “The new link road is vital to and construct the brand new Travis challenge. At various points, the link our vision of continuing to improve Brow link road. This much-needed road will interface with Stockport transport across Stockport town infrastructure, which links the A6 to Viaduct, a disused railway tunnel centre. It will provide motorists the M60 in Stockport, forms part of and the A6 – part of the Key Route with a new route into and around a £73M Town Centre Access Plan Network in Greater Manchester. Stockport, reducing journey times to improve connectivity and ease Graham remains unfazed however. and improving connectivity for congestion across the town centre. “We are delighted that Graham is the thousands of motorists a year.” That plan was masterminded by contractor of choice to complete Graham will now work alongside Stockport Council in partnership with the works for the new Travis Brow Mott MacDonald – together with Transport for Greater Manchester, Link Road,” commented Leo Martin, highway specialist George Cox & with Growth Deal funding secured Executive Director at Graham. Sons – to deliver the new link road, through the Greater Manchester “This link road development forms a with work anticipated to end in Combined Authority. View thekey part programme of an extensive access and planbook nowAugust at 2018. rics.org/uksummit The Travis Brow link comprises a for Stockport town centre, with high-

Untitled - Page: 1 2017-04-12 10:44:02 +0000 LATEST INDUSTRY COMMENT

GOING IT ALONE

Regent House, Folds Point, Folds Road, Bolton BL1 2RZ t. 01204 362888 f. 01204362808 [email protected] www.vinden.co.uk 14 There are times when, for one reason or another, a party to an adjudication decides that it is not going to participate in the proceedings or co-operate with the adjudicator. This has happened to me on at least four occasions I can recall and, coincidentally, I have just issued an adjudication decision where one of the parties in a second adjudication between the same parties concerning a second dispute between them on the same contract, elected, as it did in the first adjudication, not to participate. I can tell you it is quite a strange feeling being ignored by a party in a dispute that you are presiding over. So, when you are faced with such a situation, how should you proceed and is there a risk that your decision might not be enforced?

In answer to the first question, the first the balance of probabilities which position as a consequence Mr Lobo had unfairly thing you must do is to make sure that is more convincing and why? Finally, you received a decision in his favour. All very, you make every effort to contact the must produce a written decision explaining very serious stuff. reluctant party and be careful to record your approach, what matters you have The judgement handed down by Mr your attempts by email and letter. I would considered and how you have reached your Justice Stuart-Smith makes clear that even resort to getting your PA to telephone Decision. In reality, these functions should the court took the view that Mr Corich the reluctant party to make sure they have be capable of being discharged without had ignored the adjudication proceedings received your communications. Again, the need for a meeting with only one party. and had in reality elected not to take part. record both your efforts and your PA’s Keep in mind that meeting with one party The consequences for Mr Corich do not efforts in writing. would incur added cost and could provide make easy reading as it was decided that OK, so let’s assume that it has been made problems for you at a later date if your there could be no challenge to either the crystal clear to you that a party is aware of reluctant party then decides to enter the adjudicator’s decision, the subsequent your appointment and it has, for whatever stage and suggests that you might have enforcement judgement or the charging reason, decided to ignore your directions, heard something at the meeting, at which order granted on Mr Corich’s property. how should you approach the adjudication? it was not present, which it has not heard If this case doesn’t serve as a stark warning Is it appropriate to proceed on an “ex- or been given the opportunity to comment to parties not to ignore an adjudication and parte” basis? How much investigation into upon. These are the sorts of problem the Adjudicator’s directions, I don’t know the referral should you make? Should that might become an issue at a future what will. As for my fellow adjudicators, you have a meeting? What should you enforcement hearing and why I have, thus out there in the construction jungle, it is say in your Decision? All very important far, never met one party alone during the OK to proceed on an “ex-parte basis” if you questions, the answers to which very life of an adjudication. have to, but be careful! much depend on the quality of the Notice Speaking of enforcement, will the courts of Adjudication and the Referral put before enforce a decision where a Respondent you by the claimant. has refused to participate? The answer Peter Vinden is a practising Arbitrator, Put simply, if the Notice and Referral are is yes, demonstrated very clearly in two Adjudicator, Mediator and Expert. He well drafted, crystal clear and evidenced published decisions of the Technology and is Managing Director of The Vinden then you are probably safe to proceed on Construction Court TCC in cases between Partnership and can be contacted by email a “documents only” basis and, if you are Mr Emile Lobo -and- Mr Robert Corich at [email protected]. For similar convinced, grant the redress requested ([HT-2-16-000359] and [HT-2017-000076]) articles please visit www.vinden.co.uk. by the Referring Party in its Notice, taking Mr Lobo had obtained an Adjudicator’s care to confirm your attempts to engage decision in a case against Mr Corich. Mr the reluctant party and your approach Corich hadn’t taken part in the proceedings to deciding the dispute based on the and the adjudicator had decided that a sum claimant’s submissions. of £630,022.66 was due from Mr Corich to The problems arise when there are issues Mr Lobo. The decision was enforced against with the quality of the Notice and/or the Mr Corich and Mr Lobo had obtained a Referral and you consider that questions charging order over a substantial property need to be asked of the claimant in order to owned by Mr Corich. Mr Corich had then explain a point or provide missing evidence commenced his own proceedings to have in order to substantiate an unsupported the adjudicator’s decision set aside, the GOING IT ALONE assertion. How far should you go with enforcement judgement set aside and the this approach? charging order on his property removed. It Remember that you have been appointed is apparent that much of Mr Corich’s case to make a decision. You are expected was based on the premise that he was to fulfil your duties without incurring unaware of the original adjudication. The unnecessary expense. You must decide adjudicator had proceeded on an ex-parte what the relevant facts and law are and basis, which Mr Corich claimed was in if there is conflicting evidence decide on breach of the rules of natural justice and

Regent House, Folds Point, Folds Road, Bolton BL1 2RZ t. 01204 362888 f. 01204362808 [email protected] www.vinden.co.uk 15 LATEST INDUSTRY COMMENT

The Mayor of London’s draft London Housing Strategy

In September, the Mayor published be addressed before it is pushed ahead. his draft London Housing Strategy for Planning policy support: The draft consultation until 7th December 2017. outlines a need for the Mayor to We spoke to Claire Fallows, Partner at work with the London Boroughs and Charles Russell Speechlys, about Sadiq Government to ensure that planning Khan’s strategy for London and her policies support additional housing opinion on the effectiveness of such land supply, including through clear a plan. housing delivery targets for Boroughs. The draft is wide-ranging and there Housing-led regeneration of London’s Claire Fallows, Partner is much to be welcomed, she said, town centres and high streets and at Charles Russell including, as a starting point, the maximising opportunities arising Speechlys Mayor’s acceptance of the extent of the from new infrastructure make for housing crisis in terms of the quantity sensible planning. On the other hand, of new homes needed and issues the Mayor’s continued support for around affordability. However, at this protection of the Green Belt will stage, it offers little radical by way of disappoint those who consider a solution. Claire highlighted a number wholesale review of Green Belt policies of issues with the plan that will need to and boundaries to be in the best 16 interest of the capital. granted. Boroughs may well be continue to work in London and the Higher density: A shift to higher concerned about the impact on their importance to the Mayor of the UK density development via new ever-decreasing stock of industrial remaining in the Single Market. design-led density policies is to be and commercial land and their rightful Transport: It is no surprise that encouraged. However, planning desire to maintain an appropriate the draft Strategy acknowledges policy alone will not deliver the balance of uses across their area. that a step change in housing increase in density required. Too often Direct intervention: The Mayor delivery requires a step change in authorities accept the theory of denser himself promises to refocus City Hall investment in new and improved development but find reasons to reject resources towards projects releasing public transport. The opportunities detailed proposals, failing to work with more land for housing and, where that arise for the unlocking of new developers to produce viable solutions. necessary, to adopt a more hands-on housing sites by schemes such as The Mayor will need to be ready approach by intervening directly to Crossrail are obvious. The draft refers to intervene directly and to use his co-ordinate key projects and assemble to consideration of mechanisms for powers to take over decision-making land, including through compulsory raising investment including by forms where appropriate, to drive a more purchase. He continues to look to of land value capture. The future positive attitude towards higher public sector landowners to lead by of the Community Infrastructure density schemes. example. Direct public investment Levy remains uncertain, but with Co-location of uses: To make more in site assembly, infrastructure, public spending stretched, land value efficient use of land, the draft provides site clearance and remediation is capture looks set to remain a hot support for greater co-location to be welcomed and could act as topic in the future. of uses within buildings, sites and a catalyst for complex brownfield Build to rent: The Mayor remains neighbourhoods. This will present redevelopments stalled due to the keen to support build to rent, opportunities for those prepared to burden of upfront costs – but only including through planning guidance look at and invest in new models of provided any repayment terms and policy. The recognition of the combining commercial or industrial imposed are not unduly onerous. distinct economics of this sector, and residential uses. Investment: The draft highlights including its reliance on a revenue The Mayor also wishes to explore the need to target investment to stream funded by rents rather than new fiscal incentives to encourage accelerate and de-risk housing and upfront return on sales, is to be landowners to release inefficiently regeneration sites, including through acknowledged by the embodying of used land for redevelopment, such as supporting access to finance for guidance from August’s Affordable surface car parks and single storey retail home builders and lobbying for a Housing and Viability Supplementary stores. The idea sounds promising. Yet sustainable successor to Help to Buy Planning Guidance within the draft incentivising landowners could well when it comes to an end in 2021. The London Plan. Whilst it is too early conflict with the desire to increase role of Help to Buy in London’s low to to judge the effect of the guidance, affordable housing delivery, the cost mid value housing market should not those looking to invest in the sector of which, when added to community be underestimated and the Mayor’s will take some comfort from the infrastructure levy payments, drives support for a replacement scheme will Mayor’s continued support. down returns to landowners. be welcomed by residential developers. All in all, the draft Strategy includes Small sites: Recognition of the need Construction skills: With current and much by way of positive intent and to help small builders is positive and future concerns about a construction there is a lot to support. It will be follows recent Government support for skills shortage, the Mayor is eager to interesting to see how Boroughs smaller developers in the White Paper. encourage more Londoners to take respond. The Mayor’s willingness to In particular, a planning presumption up a career in construction. Initiatives intervene in the planning system to in favour of appropriate residential include a Construction Academy for deliver new housing and the balance development on small sites, alongside London and a London Skills Strategy. he strikes between achieving delivery specific Borough-level targets for such With Brexit ahead, the draft Strategy of more houses overall, as against sites, could be helpful and is likely to highlights the urgent case for certainty more affordable houses, will remain increase the number of permissions over the rights of EU nationals to under scrutiny. PROJECT REPORT

18 Flagship Midlands development models itself on BIM application

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is floor. It is an impressive 6,830sq m construction began, the quantity of becoming an influential process within with three of its five floors occupied by fume cupboards required increased from the construction industry. This practice, the project’s main tenant, Sygnature 80 to 120. This meant a full redesign of which is now fundamental in the design, Discovery – an independent provider the mechanical and electrical services creation and development of public of integrated drug discovery resource in lab areas and doubling the size of sector buildings, is increasingly being and expertise.” the fume extract risers. Traditionally applied to schemes across the UK. CPMG is an architectural practice with this would be extremely difficult to Within the East Midlands, the offices in Nottingham, London and accommodate at such a stage in the construction of a new £30M science Hangzhou in China, with extensive project – however, as BIM requires an and business hub benefited from the experience in both the public and accurate 3D representation of all building use of BIM, which after three years of private sectors. elements, the design team confidently planning and development opened its Instrumental to the successful delivery redesigned the ventilation and extraction doors earlier this year and now supports of this complex and high-profile project systems to accommodate the increased hundreds of specialist jobs was the adoption of BIM Level 2 to requirements without compromising the in Nottingham. bring the scheme to fruition. internal quality of lab spaces. BIM was instrumental in the design CPMG acted as the focal point between Working collaboratively with the and delivery of the Discovery Building, the contractor and design teams to structural engineers, CPMG rationalised which was built next to the city’s existing ensure industry best practices in BIM the central service and circulation core BioCity complex as part of the UK's were adopted across the project for the enabling the service risers to be doubled largest bioscience incubation centre. successful co-ordination and delivery of in size whilst improving the net to Matt Greenhalgh, lead architect on the design and construction information. gross ratio of the laboratory and office project, said: “CPMG Architects was Informing design development accommodation. appointed to design the contemporary A 3D modelling environment was used Incorporating unique design elements five-storey facility, which features state- to quickly accommodate operator and CPMG designed the building to make of-the-art laboratories, open plan offices, tenant design changes post-tender it simple yet elegant. It consists of a and meeting rooms on the upper levels without impacting on the design or stone ground floor podium which as well as a lecture theatre and office construction programmes. accommodates the irregular shape of and conference spaces on the ground For example, shortly before the site, and an attractive four-storey Precast Building Product DRAINAGE Solutions FP McCann offers a range of high quality precast concrete building products including lintels, padstones, cills, pier caps and wall copings. All of our building products are manufactured to British and Irish standards. FENCING Products manufactured include: • Pier Caps & Wall Copings • Beam & Block Flooring • Lintels & Padstones BEAM & • Drainage Products • Fencing Products BLOCK Visit us at FLOORING • Concrete Cills NBG Conference Liverpool, Stand G42 13-14 November 2017 01455 290780 [email protected] BUILDING fpmccann.co.uk/building-products PRODUCTS Precast Building Product DRAINAGE Solutions FP McCann offers a range of high quality precast concrete building products including lintels, padstones, cills, pier caps and wall copings. All of our building products are manufactured to British and Irish standards. FENCING Products manufactured include: • Pier Caps & Wall Copings • Beam & Block Flooring • Lintels & Padstones BEAM & • Drainage Products • Fencing Products BLOCK Visit us at FLOORING • Concrete Cills NBG Conference Liverpool, Stand G42 13-14 November 2017 01455 290780 [email protected] BUILDING fpmccann.co.uk/building-products PRODUCTS PROJECT REPORT

A stand-out feature of the design is the solar screen designed by artist and sculptor Wolfgang Buttress – constructed from more than 1,000 stainless steel cables, which wrap around the southern and western façades of the building, providing it with solar shading and a distinct identity. bronze aluminium structure above. Delivering a sustainable building recognised by BSI (British Standards Offices and conference facilities are Sustainability was an important Institution) for its capability in the on the ground floor level and upper consideration when constructing use of BIM to PAS 1192-2:2013. storeys are dedicated to laboratory and the Discovery Building, which was The firm, which employs a BIM associated office space. designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent. manager and a large team of expert Matt continued: “A stand-out feature of The facility’s power and heating are users, joins just a small group of the design is the solar screen designed provided by the local district heating other British architects to hold this by artist and sculptor Wolfgang Buttress system. The solar screen also controls prestigious accolade. – constructed from more than 1,000 thermal gains and solar glare. Nick Gregory, director for CPMG stainless steel cables, which wrap Matt said: “Particular attention was Architects, added: “Our team has around the southern and western paid to the building envelope where a been using BIM technology for a façades of the building, providing it with fabric-first approach was taken. This not number of years. This is just one solar shading and a distinct identity.” only increased thermal performance, example of several varied Level 2 Streamlining the construction process but also significantly reduced air projects we have delivered whilst Navisworks, the preferred clash permeability to lower the building’s working with clients, design teams, detection software for the project, was heating and cooling loads.” contractors and supply chains. used which resulted in a streamlined, Providing benefits and improvements “We’re committed to growing our efficient and well-managed to the wider community BIM expertise and capability in- construction process. Successful co- This new building has put Nottingham house to comply with managing ordination of architectural, structural on the map for leading bioscience and information for the delivery phase of and service elements resulted in biochemistry career opportunities. construction projects. Recognition numerous time savings, most notably More than 300 jobs have been of our capability is a testament to the the construction of the concrete frame created, boosting the city and wider hard work of the team to continually three weeks ahead of programme. Midlands economy. improve the way we support teams Matt commented: “The use of BIM by The wider community and passing to deliver building projects.” mechanical and electrical contractors pedestrians are also benefiting from Partners involved with the and supply chain partners enabled the much-needed external amenity space Discovery Building project manufacture of many components to which has established greater links to The Discovery Building was be carried out off-site, whilst work was the east side of the city centre – an delivered by a number of local simultaneously taking place on-site. area which is expected to improve from partners under the Scape Major This provided many benefits, including further regeneration. Works Framework. The site was improved quality control of all modules An award-winning project bought, cleared and decontaminated constructed, reduced waste and a more The Discovery Building has been hailed by Nottingham City Council and the efficient installation process. as a flagship project as part of the project funded by the city council Off-site manufacturing resulted in a Midlands Engine initiative, and three and the D2N2 Local Enterprise two-week saving on the mechanical quarters of the building is Partnership. Other partners involved and electrical first fix.” already occupied. were contractor Willmott Dixon, Integrating the solar screen was The use of BIM has been a monumental M+E contractor Briggs & Forrester, particularly challenging and required success, which was recently recognised consulting engineers Morgan Tucker, significant changes to the structural by industry experts at this year’s electrical engineers Couch Perry frame, building envelope and cladding prestigious RICS BIM4SME Awards, Wilkes, construction consultancy setting out. BIM simplified these tasks where CPMG scooped the prize for Gleeds, and multi-disciplinary and provided a level of design accuracy subcontractor engagement. It also won practitioner Pick Everard. that was essential to the successful the Judges’ Special Award at the 2017 installation of this key feature. East Midlands Property Dinner. Furthermore, CPMG has been

Reinforcement clash detection Carriageway and earthworks modelling Highway design and BIM modelling solutions Cassidy Forsythe are experts in the 3d modelling of highway schemes to the BIM protocols. We can provide a 3d model of your design or we can design your scheme for you to DMRB standards or your adopted standards. We have extensive experience in the design of highway schemes, including feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed design, contract preparation and construction supervision. We can create 3d models for you which comply with the BIM principles. These models will show all 3d elements, such as pavement layers and street furniture, allowing quantities to be extracted directly from the model and 4d schedule simulation to be carried out. The models created will capture the design intent and will facilitate clash detection. The models will also feature elements which are capable of being attributed with information for asset management purposes, which is a key requirement of BIM level 3.

Are you still designing the same way as you did in the eighties ?

Are you still using a computer like this to do your highway design ? No – of course not – it’s antiquated and not up to the job. So why do your highway designers still want to design using software which was created around the same time ? Why do your designers want to write input files which were designed to run on computers like the one shown ?

In the early eighties, the industry standard software programme for highway design was called MOSS. MOSS was written using Fortran and BIM wasn’t even a dream. To use MOSS you had to write an input file, run it and then come back tomorrow to see if it had worked. Unfortunately, many highway designers have held on to this way of working and won’t move on.

One of the problems with 3d models created using this way of working is that it isn’t suitable for BIM and isn’t BIM compliant in any way. One of the basic ideas of BIM is that you can attribute data to the elements you design, so that the information can be harvested at a later date. This is impossible with a 3d model created using MX (formerly MOSS). Bentley Systems, who are the current owners of MX, realised this and have completely rewritten the software using modern computer language and called the new package Openroads. Models created using the Openroads technology allows elements to be attributed with data which can be harvested at a later date. Openroads also remembers your design information and retains on the drawing for design checking purposes. The latest version of the software is called the Openroads Designer Connect Edition and does not include the ability to create input files. Bentley have eventually removed the link to the past and produced a modern software package which is fit for purpose.

A 3d string model created using input files A 3d model created using Openroads

So, you may have designers who are very proficient in creating highway designs to DMRB standards however they need to be retrained to use the latest software and this is where we come in. We can train your Engineers to use the latest software and create BIM compliant models. We can come to your offices or you can come to our offices in Newcastle.

Call now on 0800 061 4594 for an informal discussion or email [email protected]

FEATURE

The future of construction: Hand-built by robots? Technological convergence and disruption is driving innovation, and raising new challenges, for industries across the economy. We speak to Suzanne Gill and Helen Garthwaite, partners at Wedlake Bell and co-founders of Tomorrow’s City, Today’s Challenge about the ever developing technological landscape.

26 According to the World Economic contractors and disparate suppliers of Brexit points to a shrinking workforce, Forum, however, construction and across geographies and sectors. providing a compelling case to embrace engineering have to date been hesitant With the pace of technological change change. In a survey recently undertaken to ‘fully embrace the latest technological rapidly increasing it is little wonder, by the Institution of Civil Engineers opportunities’. This has, in many cases, therefore, that some are predicting (ICE), nearly 80% of respondents believe led to productivity stagnation, with worker-free building sites by 2050. that AI will have a positive impact on McKinsey estimating that if global Where once we saw hard hats and the infrastructure sector, leading to construction sector productivity high vis jackets, there could well be substantial improvements to design and achieved its potential it would boost the autonomous bulldozers coordinated by delivery, in turn boosting productivity. sector by $1.6Trn – adding two per cent drones circling overhead with 3D printers Indeed, the future is closer than we think to the global economy. churning out new designs at a pace with September seeing construction Technologies that previously existed beyond that of human skill. However, begin on Europe’s first 3D-printed only in the realms of science fiction – there remain real challenges to make building. Likewise, the precast ‘Tech drones, augmented reality, autonomous today’s fiction tomorrow’s reality. Not Crete’ method used at Victoria Gate, equipment, 3D printing, to name least the threat of cyber attacks, that Leeds, has taken BIM to whole new but a few – are now mainstream come with increased digitalisation and levels of design intricacy, though as and are beginning to be adopted by the fast-paced adoption of emerging stated “the machine to replace human construction operators to enhance technologies. This year saw 200,000 creativity has not yet been invented”. output and productivity. Perhaps the organisations in 150 countries hit by the Legal, financial and insurance biggest success story to date in this ‘WannaCry’ ransomware, with the NHS organisations have a role to play in setting is Building Information Modelling in the UK being particularly impacted, enabling modernisation, and traditional (BIM), with the UK government and partly due to its outdated systems and procurement and contract structures, as Digital Built Britain putting BIM at the under-investment in cyber security. Real well as debt financing models, will need forefront of achieving the goals set estate business and buildings themselves reviewing. In particular, any increase in out in the Construction 2025 strategy: are similarly under threat, particularly as off-site construction (for instance) will including 33% reduction in the upfront smart becomes normative. require the consequential realignment and lifetime costs of built assets, as well In an industry that is traditionally risk- of construction and new approaches as lowering built environment emissions averse, it is understandable there has to development risk. The support of by 50%. been hesitancy to fully embrace the professional bodies will also be key to Alongside this, technology is also opportunities new technologies bring. direct the refocus of design into early disrupting the construction method Indeed, blockchain is still classified as stage manufacturing and to recognise itself. Offsite and modular techniques an ‘emerging technology’ and take-up the requirements of an off-site modular are promoted as an enabler with has been slow, perhaps partly due to the approach in the tender process, if construction able to learn the negative connotations associated with delivery cost and productivity benefits production-line lessons from the early crypto currencies in addition to are to be maximised. manufacturing space. privacy concerns around sharing data. The Farmer Review has promoted the Many in the industry argue that Furthermore, such technology requires consideration of the opportunities and this change is long overdue and significant changes to be made to challenges for the construction industry indeed essential. Other industries existing systems as well as a complete in the digital age with the headline call such as automotive have long been cultural shift to a decentralised network, to the industry to “modernise or die”. at the forefront of production-line requiring the opt-in of all parties – a The pace of technological innovation manufacturing, while, looking further potential logistical nightmare in itself. is rapidly increasing and as a relative afield, the maritime and aerospace Technology solutions are often latecomer to the digital revolution, industries have demonstrated how trumpeted as improving energy the construction and development far remote and robotic construction efficiency, sustainability and building industry requires proactivity to ensure methods can be pushed. lifespan, but in an industry that accounts procedures and policies are in place Meanwhile, a number of international for three million jobs, equal to 10% of from the outset. Today’s challenge is businesses are turning to blockchain total UK employment, the fear of robots not only to keep up but also to think technology to track and manage taking over and ‘stealing’ construction ahead and future-proof the industry for payments and commercial contracts. jobs is a startling one. However, industry tomorrow’s city. In an industry with so many moving age demographics and the likely impact parts, this technology brings with it the opportunity to increase the efficiency of developments whilst also near eliminating costs associated with procurement fraud and contractual disputes. The creation of ‘smart contracts’ allows information to be shared securely at speed, by way of a continuously reconciled database, ensuring all parties in the blockchain are informed, and providing control to what can be incredibly complex payment structures. Just this year, the Republic of Georgia committed to use the bitcoin blockchain network to authorise property-related government transactions. Other countries are set to follow suit, seeing the potential to revolutionise supply chain management in the property industry and bring together multiple HELEN GARTHWAITE SUZANNE GILL

27 Reduce cable strikes with C.A.T Manager® Online Reduce cable strikes with C.A.T Manager® Online FEATURE Improving worker safety with physiological monitoring

Moreover, HSE reported 27 construction resulting from confined, overly hot or Construction workers accept that worker deaths at work last year, with the fume-filled environments. Beyond these certain risks to health and safety are majority of those attributed to falls from immediate symptoms, noise induced an inherent part of their job and/ a height or vehicle accidents. The three hearing loss following regular exposure or working environments. While biggest safety hazards on construction to excessive noise from machinery health and safety standards have sites are widely acknowledged to or plant equipment is becoming a certainly improved, mitigation of be excavations, working at height commonplace concern for employees all risks and dangers within the job and movement of vehicles and plant and their employers. cannot be comprehensive. Yet, despite machinery. Falls and tumbles account With so many factors to take into new health and safety fines being for a significant number of incidents consideration, it makes for an incredibly introduced in February 2016, the each year, and if a lone worker falls, it complex and potentially costly problem value of fines collected by the Health may go undetected for a longer period for health, safety, environment and and Safety Executive (HSE) in the of time. A recent high-profile case at quality managers to solve. Clearly more last year has dramatically increased EDF’s Hinkley Power Plant saw a worker needs to be done to prioritise health and to £12.96m, up 83% from £7.09m fall and crack vertebrae, resulting in safety, and elevating the discussion to for the same period the year before the Office for Nuclear Regulation board level is the first step to engender (according to a recent report by law investigation citing ‘gaps in compliance change and improve upon current firm, Clyde & Co). And this is on top of of legal requirements’; EDF was served solutions. Fostering and promoting a the already high insurance premiums an improvement notice. Other risks culture of safety from the top down that construction companies have to to construction workers’ health may is important to reduce risk, and for pay. include heat stroke or cardiac strain, many construction organisations it’s

30 New physiological monitoring innovations are undoubtedly a large part of the answer. Wearables like smartwatches and health and activity trackers have gained huge momentum in the consumer world, and now industry is keen to understand what benefits wearables could offer them too.

embedded software and can be sent wirelessly to a smart device, such as a ruggedised tablet, a smartwatch or via a communications device, or is simply stored on the device for download later if appropriate. Perhaps more importantly, immediate alerts can be raised by the earpiece to enable timely intervention to significantly reduce the risk of injury or, for example, other physiological stresses, or from falling. The transmission of personal data may be a concern for some construction organisations, especially as they consider the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into play next year. Data communication strategies are implemented to ensure that only data that raises an alert is also necessary to educate workers to variability, VO2, distance and cadence. transmitted to the supervisor, enabling ensure they actively participate in safety Importantly for construction workers, immediate actions to be taken, either on procedures and adhere to guidelines and fall detection is possible from the same site or remotely. regulations, even without supervision. ear-worn device, meaning earlier Full data can then be sent in real time Technology is increasingly becoming a intervention or faster treatment could or retrospectively, if required, directly to realistic consideration for construction minimise injury, or even save lives. For a medical practitioner or occupational companies looking to significantly example, a worker experiencing a raised health, for example, for a quicker improve worker safety. Automatic CBT could indicate they are suffering and more informed response to an auditing systems are already going some from heat stress, which can lead to emergency or to improve potential way to simplify compliance and ensure dehydration, delirium or in the worst return to work strategies. that health and safety guidelines are met. cases, hyperthermia; while abnormal Forward-thinking construction But what about workers’ personal safety heart rate readings could detect fatigue companies implementing new and well-being? or stress, which frequently leads to technologies as part of a health and New physiological monitoring severe injury, especially when operating safety management system or risk innovations are undoubtedly a large machinery or vehicles. safety strategy demonstrate they are part of the answer. Wearables like Another important consideration taking worker safety and well-being smartwatches and health and activity for construction workers is reducing seriously, and embedding it into their trackers have gained huge momentum noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). culture. The automated and intuitive in the consumer world, and now Currently hearing protectors such as experience of an in-ear device means industry is keen to understand what ear defenders are single-purpose, and minimal training is required for each benefits wearables could offer them construction workers need to remove construction worker, meaning adoption too. Such technology is already being these to communicate. In-ear devices rates are high. Given the complexity of trialled in the defence, security and integrate hearing protection with health and safety in the construction public safety sectors, where small body- existing radio communication, providing sector, a single in-ear device that worn trackers are used to monitor the a more effective barrier to noise. In-ear can monitor the well-being of every vital signs of soldiers and workers in devices can also include noise metering individual on a site at any given moment real time, providing automated alerts capabilities, which measure the sound is a significant breakthrough, and a cost- to ill health, with the aim of preventing exposure of the wearer to determine effective one at that. injury and protecting lives. Could the risk level of NIHL. At the same Measuring multiple physiological vital this technology become a reality on time, such devices can allow ambient signs, fall detection and noise exposure construction sites too? pass-through of sound at safe levels to within a single device and in real time For industrial well-being, a new wave ensure the wearer can maintain a safe means warning signs can be identified of ear-worn – rather than wrist- level of hearing for communication and early, enabling rapid intervention, based – physiological tracking devices situational awareness needs. whilst in the longer term improving the (known as ‘hearables’) is emerging. Bodytrak® is one of the few in-ear worker’s overall health and well-being, The ear is the only place in the body monitoring devices available for and perhaps reducing the risk of injury where all vital signs like core body industrial use. From a single earpiece as well as costs in fines, compensation temperature (CBT) and heart rate can be – which sits snugly under protective and even insurance premiums. accurately and unobtrusively monitored headgear – physiological factors, continuously and in real time. Devices fall detection, fatigue levels and By Leon Marsh, CEO at Bodytrak are also capable of measuring heart rate NIHL data is processed onboard via

31 3D Laser Scanning Services

Trimble’s 3D Laser Scanning Services Benefits of immigration to mean you can reap the rewards of construction pin-point accuracy without the need to invest in scanning hardware or training. As globalisation gathers pace, so industry. Construction work could be points are awarded in line with local immigration is an increasingly hot described as a moveable feast, and labour market needs. However, this topic. The breaking down of national most of the great construction projects must be flexible and adaptive enough borders is largely business driven, worldwide have historically been built to allow for sufficient movement to as international companies pick and by migrant labour. The great pyramids quickly meet changing requirements. choose where to base their operations. at Giza are now believed to have been This decision is often motivated by mostly constructed by skilled migrant Construction is a naturally itinerant factors including local labour costs, labour, and certainly the railways, industry, reliant on migrant labour legal and tax regulations, and proximity bridges and viaducts of Britain's to meet its needs. The work moves to raw materials and consumers — industrial revolution were largely the around; as a result, so do the workers. although these last two factors are work of skilled Irish navvies, though Integrated labour markets and diminishing in importance as fast frequently suffering from appalling increased mobility have generally transportation and e-commerce employment conditions. been beneficial to the sector. The become the norm. construction industry in a country While recognising the benefits of with closed borders will suffer as major Free movement of labour is also immigration, governments should act projects will simply not get off the beneficial to business and to some to protect the rights of workers both ground due to the lack of available degree this has followed on from at home and from abroad. Providing labour. Obviously this will mean fewer globalisation. Just as companies appropriate training structures and jobs for native workers too. We can will often move to locations where opportunities will help native workers see then that if a level playing field is 3D Laser Scanning 3D Point Cloud they can employ skilled or unskilled find jobs, while fair competition can established via the processes outlined labour at the lowest cost, so skilled be ensured by tackling exploitative above, immigrant labour benefits the Using Trimble’s 3D Laser Scanning A fully registered “point cloud” of the and unskilled workers will head for employers rather than by obstructing interests of native labour, rather than technology, a physical scan of your project existing environment that can be used as those territories where they can earn or penalising those traveling in search being detrimental to it. the most money for their toil. This of work. Enforcing a minimum wage will be conducted. Depending on the size of an export into your 3D Modelling solution movement is made easier by the is another step that governments can Construction workers must go where the project, the scan could take a few hours as an as-built comparison to modelled expansion of integrated labour markets take, with unions acting as watchdogs the work is, and the industry relies on such as the European Union. on behalf of their members. There them doing so. As a result, immigration to several days. components. are advantages from the construction has kept the sector vibrant and But migrant labour is nothing new, sector's point of view to a points-based profitable. Hopefully it will continue to especially within the construction managed migration system, where do so for generations to come. mep.trimble.co.uk 0800 028 28 28

Scanning Services A4 Advert.indd 1 25/01/2017 11:01:24 3D Laser Scanning Services

Trimble’s 3D Laser Scanning Services mean you can reap the rewards of pin-point accuracy without the need to invest in scanning hardware or training.

3D Laser Scanning 3D Point Cloud Using Trimble’s 3D Laser Scanning A fully registered “point cloud” of the technology, a physical scan of your project existing environment that can be used as will be conducted. Depending on the size of an export into your 3D Modelling solution the project, the scan could take a few hours as an as-built comparison to modelled to several days. components.

mep.trimble.co.uk 0800 028 28 28

Scanning Services A4 Advert.indd 1 25/01/2017 11:01:24 FEATURE

Looking for choice in construction and contracting software?

No matter what size your construction or house building business, how fast you want to grow, or what stage in the project lifecycle you need to streamline, Eque2 is likely to be the last software provider you’ll ever need to buy from. The Optimum Offsite Solution Steve Thompson, MD of EOS Facades – specialists in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of steel section solutions – shares his views on why offsite manufacture is vital to the construction sector. Contractors Enterprise Contractors Estimators House Builders Light steel framing is used in offsite Construction Institute (SCI) on a four- reduction of overall costs. construction for a wide range of storey residential building estimates Our approach to design and value building types and can be developed that the total amount of site labour can engineering is inclusive – working side- in the form of panelised or volumetric be reduced by as much as 75% simply by-side with our clients and systems. Following several years of through using offsite construction. their designers to create a complete relatively flat growth, contractors have This process is also significantly solution incorporating design with Contractors Enterprise Contractors long been anticipating an impending less weather dependent – avoiding structural calculations. Including the rise in material costs. The most recent possible setbacks to the build schedule. supply chain in the design phase It’s important to manage your job costing With very tight margins, your construction increase in material prices has been Fast installation reduces labour enables developers to expediently referred to by Associated Builders and requirements and time on site, as well procure materials to avoid issues with processes effectively to protect your margins business needs to run at optimal efficiency. Contractors (ABC) as, 'the calm before as reducing health and safety risks lead-in periods. This allows time to and have visibility of your cash flow. Eque2’s Eque2’s construction ERP software, built on the storm'. from working at height. The factory substitute materials, if those originally construction-specific software for small-medium Microsoft Dynamics NAV, helps your projects This is further exacerbated by a rise in application of coatings and bending specified are at a higher cost than labour costs – threatening what are reduces the risk of delays to follow-on anticipated or cannot be secured to businesses with Sage Accounts at its core, helps come to completion on time – and to budget – already tight margins. The industry trades and helps minimise the onsite meet the brief or programme. you monitor cash flow, manage variations, by giving you full control of your commercial, is able to counteract the rise in construction programme, thereby Steel offers architects greater and reduce costs and enhance margins by financial and operational processes and your labour costs through innovations in making savings on labour costs. versatility than other building construction technologies. Businesses The combination of accelerated solutions, particularly in terms of cost. increasing efficiency. data. that have not yet recognised the handover times combined with Productivity advances have been benefits of such innovations and reducing repair and maintenance achieved throughout the steel supply have not adapted to the changing costs throughout the lifecycle of chain and such cost-saving benefits can Estimators House Builders environments, could potentially be the building, are two major financial be shared with contractors. forced out of mainstream construction advantages to offsite construction The manufacture of steel in factory Managing subcontractor enquiries and No matter the size of your housebuilding activities. Technical change is without which are particularly important for controlled conditions enhances build processing accurate and consistent estimates is business, managing processes and information doubt taking place but apparently at a public sector health, education and programmes, eradicates the risk slower pace than in other sectors of social housing providers. of onsite variability, and improves key to any estimator. Produce fast, accurate and from one phase to the next can be complex the economy. Another financial benefit gained from onsite health and safety – and these consistent tenders, budget cost plans and final and lead to inaccuracies. Gain a competitive Offsite construction, where buildings offsite construction is the improvement combined benefits provide more accounts with Eque2’s pre- and post-contract advantage with Eque2 house building software are manufactured in factory controlled of the cash-flow for contractors and predictable outcomes. Contractors and environments, for onsite installation developers. Through the use of offsite developers that go down the route of construction estimating software. to increase speed, efficiency and accuracy; – provides a viable alternative. technologies, a building schedule can procuring offsite manufactured steel from land-purchase through build and sales to Employment is factory based and be reduced, delivering a faster return on solutions will reap these benefits. customer care. therefore permanent and a more their investment. Buildings can be on- As an advanced high-performance attractive proposition for securing stream and operational or sold faster, offsite solution, steel is not susceptible and maintaining a skilled workforce. crucial to retailers and commercial to shrinkage, warping, cracking, rot Wherever a factory is based, the local housing developers. infestation or moisture absorption. Steel economy will thrive through the New technologies allow lower capital is a robust, rigid and dimensionally provision of long-term sustainable jobs requirements and deliver cost and stable material that does not suffer from and income. programme assurances. Management movement created by moisture-related Offsite construction technologies of materials is a vital element in project issues. In my opinion, light gauge reduce the reliance on traditional planning and control. As materials steel is perfectly positioned to meet labour – mitigating the impact of now represent a growing expense, construction industry demands – it is skills shortages and increased wages. minimising procurement or purchase future proof and future ready. A study carried out by the Steel costs plays a significant part in the www.eque2.co.uk | 0845 080 4940 | [email protected] 34 Looking for choice in construction and contracting software?

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Estimators House Builders

Managing subcontractor enquiries and No matter the size of your housebuilding processing accurate and consistent estimates is business, managing processes and information key to any estimator. Produce fast, accurate and from one phase to the next can be complex consistent tenders, budget cost plans and final and lead to inaccuracies. Gain a competitive accounts with Eque2’s pre- and post-contract advantage with Eque2 house building software construction estimating software. to increase speed, efficiency and accuracy; from land-purchase through build and sales to customer care.

www.eque2.co.uk | 0845 080 4940 | [email protected] FEATURE

Three ways construction can cut the skills shortages It’s not an easy time to be working industry. How many people know in construction really means. They within the construction industry. There’s that the skills of an accountant and could offer mentoring or shadowing simply not enough talent in the market, a quantity surveyor, for example, are opportunities, work experience or projects are being put on hold and remarkably similar? From our experience apprenticeships, anything that shows firms are being more selective about it’s very few, but you can guarantee youngsters that construction is even an what they invest in, largely because of that more people would rather have option on the table for them. Currently, workforce-related issues. The cost of the chance to be on-site, outdoors and schools get visits from legal firms, hiring construction professionals on a contributing to something visible and accountants, technology companies contingent basis has skyrocketed which impactful than being sat in an office and almost everything else, except for means that many employers could even every day working on a spreadsheet. construction. We’re trying to change be forced out of business in the coming The construction industry has so much that and our One Way into Construction years. Traditional approaches to end the more potential to attract people – we’re initiative attempts to explore the true crisis have all but failed because of a just not talking about the right things. potential that a career in the field can lack of focus on actually getting more hold. Hopefully, more employers will people into the industry. However, help Widen talent pipelines into the start to do the same. is at hand and we’ve outlined our top industry three ways to tackle the construction This can only realistically be achieved Improve gender diversity skills crisis. by promoting a more positive image This suggestion could certainly provide of the industry as, currently, few the biggest long- and short-term impact Promote a better image of the youngsters actively seek out a career to the construction industry. The levels industry to the public in construction. This is a major issue – of gender diversity within the industry If you asked the average person what there are more workers aged over 60 are incredibly low. Just one per cent they thought of the construction than any other age group and around of onsite roles are held by women and industry, chances are their answer 400,000 professionals are set to retire construction trails behind almost every wouldn’t be overly positive. We’re within the next five years. To put it other industry when it comes to gender behind the times and most would bluntly, it’s highly unlikely we’ll be able diversity. At a time when skills shortages probably think of standing in a trench to find anything close to the 400,000 are rife, this is bizarre and frankly, getting dirty and not being paid a lot. entry-level professionals to replace negligent. The industry essentially rules However, as we all know that’s not them in the current market. out half of the workforce from working a fair representation of the industry, That means something has to change. within it because so little is done to not all of the time anyway. Instead Firms need to take the bull by the horns attract women to it outside of initiatives of promoting that outdated view we and start being proactive. This isn’t a like #GirlsAllowed. As mentioned above, should be focusing on the good things completely altruistic move, it’s one that construction has one of the most construction has to offer. That means can make recruitment much simpler outdated and unappealing external talking about the potential to contribute and remove some of the headaches – images around and this has to change if to game-changing infrastructure or a and costs – from hiring professionals the industry is to tackle its recruitment major new skyscraper, rather than just on a short-term basis. Employers need woes and get back to profitability. digging trenches. to engage with schools, colleges and We also need to think about the way training providers and actually speak Paul Payne is managing director and potential recruits are attracted to the to youngsters about what a career founder of One Way, the construction and rail recruitment specialist.

36 FEATURE

How to make a successful career change within the construction industry For years, the construction industry has progress and grow your career at a each of your soft skills can work together been plagued by an acute skills shortage. fast pace. harmoniously to support you in finding The Federation of Master Builders’ State Unfortunately, there has long been a a rewarding new role. For example, you’ll of Trade Survey Q4 2016 revealed a broad lack of understanding about what need strong communication skills in shortage of skilled workers in carpentry jobs are available in the construction order to work as either a site manager and bricklaying with roles in plumbing industry, with jobs in the sector often or a bricklayer – however, the other soft and roofing also identified as being portrayed as being limited to manual skills you’ll need to succeed in each role particularly difficult to fill. labour roles based on a construction site. are widely different aside from this. Meanwhile, figures released by the Mayor You may have found yourself in a If you’re finding it hard to connect each of London earlier in the year showed line of work that doesn’t feel right for of your soft skills together, try speaking to that one in four construction workers in you, or perhaps you’re simply feeling a construction recruitment specialist to London are from the EU. This makes up disinterested with your job after years talk through all of your options at greater an enormous 95,000 workers throughout in a role that has started to become length. You could also use Randstad’s the sector – many of whom may monotonous – but are keen to stay construction career match tool to choose to leave the country as Brexit working within the construction industry help you narrow down your potential negotiations wage on. all the same. career paths, which works by allowing This means that the capital’s It might be time to make a move. You can users to select their top three soft skills, construction industry is set to need start by looking at vacancies throughout and then suggests job matches based 13,000 new workers each year until 2021 the construction industry, but with on each of these. The results will also to close this skills gap and to meet the such poor education and information provide a comprehensive job description, market’s demands. around what jobs are on offer this can be experience and requirements, typical And it’s not just London where demand overwhelming, to say the least. career routes and a salary guide. for skilled staff is high. The Queen’s Instead, you should start by considering Once you’ve found a role that appeals Speech earlier this year demonstrated an where your existing soft skills and to each of your abilities, try speaking to ongoing commitment to infrastructure personal attributes could be put to best colleagues or reaching out to those in projects across the country, with plans to use. Would you be happier managing an your wider network who have experience continue working on the HS2 rail network entire team on a construction site, for in that area. You can then begin building and promises of more new homes to be example, or working alone on tasks as a a personal career plan outlining the built announced in the speech in June. plumber or a painter? appropriate skills and experience you’ll Taking each of these factors into Of course, you shouldn’t pursue a specific need to develop in order to succeed in account, the construction industry offers career path simply based on your ability your chosen career path. incredibly attractive prospects at this to manage others, or your preference specific moment in time. Regardless of to work unassisted and manage your the area of the industry you wish to work own workload. in, there are countless opportunities to You need to think carefully about how

37 FEATURE

'Big Data' will streamline fleet efficiency Big Data puts Fleet and Travel the moment.” and then look for the ‘big data’ required.” Management on collision course to an However, he told the Masterclass, He advised: “It is not the amount of anefficient efficient business business mobility mobility as aas service a that change to a total cost of mobility data that is important. It is what is done servicefuture. future. solution was happening at a rapid pace with the data that matters. Managers The worlds of fleet management and and by mining ‘big data’ for information should be focused on small incremental travel management are colliding at a the hyper convenience required by pockets of mobility and using ‘big rapid rate driven by technology and employees would bring the corporate data’ to make a start and step into ‘big data’ that will underpin Business costs of fleet and travel on to one BMaaS. Implement, evaluate, refine and Mobility-as-a-Service (BMaaS). platform giving managers a “single implement again.” ICFM’s ‘Big Data’ Masterclass analysed company view”. Employee engagement is at the the changing landscape and how the Some employees with fleet “epicentre” of business mobility - unprecedented stream of information management responsibility had an not just drivers but all employees with the arrival of the ‘connected car’, “inability to measure, manage and - and Paul Hollick chairman of ICFM, the Internet of Things and the concept monitor vehicles and drivers” and that, which is dedicated to advancing the of BMaaS would help managers drive said Martin Evans, managing director of profession of car and light commercial “unbelievable efficiencies” across their Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet and asset fleet management through a range theirbusinesses. businesses. management software company and an of externally endorsed qualifications, Justin Whitston, chief executive of ICFM director, was “a recipe for disaster”. said: “The fleet manager ecosystem is Fleetondemand, one of Europe’s BMaaS However, he told delegates: “The benefit changing. Currently it is quite messy leaders, told Masterclass delegates that of ‘big data’ will enable the management and not particularly streamlined. a “paradigm shift” was taking place in of an efficient and compliant fleet in a “But that is changing with telematics fleet explaining: "Today“Today managers are complex environment, while satisfying becoming far more key and far more focussed on owned assets, but by using the demands of stakeholders including reliance on a communications platform. ‘big data’ they could look at introducing includingdrivers.” drivers.” The business model is shifting to car alternative modes of transport and But, said Mr Whitston, the volume of ‘big services because of ‘big data’. The analyse employee movements. data’ from multiple sources - notably industry is moving from being asset - "The“The company car is hyper convenient relating to driver behaviour and vehicle the vehicle - driven to be focused on so it is only when BMaaS is as performance - available to fleet and employees and their movements.” convenient as the company car can travel managers could be daunting. Mr Hollick, who is managing director of managers make the move from one to Therefore, he advised managers: global mileage audit and fuel expense the other. They are complementary at “Understand and define your objectives management specialist TMC, said as 38 a result of a range of factors including fuel purchasing data, but by working chief executive of Fleetondemand, told increasing urbanisation, pollution, with a wide range of suppliers, the Masterclass audience. congestion and the impact of the including vehicle manufacturers as The company’s Mobilleo platform, changing behaviour of generation Y well as leasing and rental companies claimed to be the first MaaS technology - those born in the 1980s and 1990s - and travel management specialists, the platform dedicated to business, offered managers had to consider “the future volume of mobility management data organisations the ability to assess shape of their fleets”. would accelerate. any corporate journey, compare the Moving into what he called “the fourth He outlined a vision in which all journey available modes of transport and industrial revolution” underpinned by costs - private and public transport- allow the user to find, book and pay the internet and the smartphone, he related as well as associated fines, for most suitable whether preference- said: “Technology is ballooning out of road tolls, car parking and taxi fares - based, travel-policy based or on a cost control. It is evolving at an exponential would be automatically collated on a reduction basis. rather than a linear pace and that is per employee basis with an automatic He described the “four pillars” of impacting on fleets and in particular ‘payroll feed’ to deduct costs from an mobility as being: fleet and whole life what managers are doing with ‘big data’. employee’s mobility budget. costs, on-demand mobility, business “Massive momentum is being built so That strategy, said Mr Hollick, would travel and expense and the output of fleet managers need to think about their both “manage and steer employee ‘big data’ and insight. operational model.” behaviour” by influencing their salary “By bringing those together we Fleet managers will “cease to exist” and reducing the administration can drive ‘big data’ initiatives and unless they embrace ‘big data’, burden of “chasing” drivers to complete empowerment. ‘Big data’ underpins the says expert documents relating to, for example, whole world of mobility,” said Fleet managers will “cease to exist” driving licence validation checks. He Mr Whitston. unless they embrace ‘big data’ to make pointed out: “If employees don’t comply The benefits of ‘big data’ included, he better informed decisions enabling then they won’t get paid.” said: Increased employee engagement, them to become “less doing and more Mr Hollick continued: “Setting a smart decision-making, cost and time strategic” in their roles. mobility budget for each employee will reduction, the introduction of new That’s the view of Paul Hollick, ICFM influence the mode of transport they mobility services and greater corporate chairman and managing director of take. Employees will be able to access social responsibility. TMC, the global mileage audit and travel options via their own portal, He continued: “An essential part of fuel expense management specialist, make bookings and keep a track of their recruitment is working with employees who believes managing all employee budget. The journey to mobility on on their mobility objectives. Choice journeys via a single access online demand is occurring very quickly.” is key and they must feel empowered platform will enable businesses to set a Employee mobility objectives and trusted. The ability to converge all mobility budget for individual staff. underpinned by ‘big data’ modes of transport - public and private Business could already make ‘big data’ Companies must work with employees - means better business impactful by, for example, overlapping to understand their mobility objectives journey management,” in-vehicle telematics derived data with with “choice being key”, Justin Whitston,

39 ‘Big data’ explosion puts corporate to the 1998 Data Protection Act are as they will have a holistic picture,” said focus on tough new law compliance eight data protection “principles” and Mr Evans. ‘Big data’ enables fleet managers GDPR reforms those and introduces Penalties for breaching the core to understand in real-time vehicle new “principles” of transparency and “principles” of GDPR are potentially huge performance and driver behaviour, but accountability with the ability to “prove with a maximum fine for companies the explosion in available information consent” a significant pillar of the of €20M or four per cent of total means employers must be vigilant in new regulations. worldwide annual turnover of the complying with tough new laws. “Fleet managers are worried about preceding financial year, whichever The General Data Protection Regulation data protection. In conversations with is the higher. What’s more, while the (GDPR) comes into force on May 25, customers it is a real concern because financial cost of data breaches is 2018 replacing the Data Protection Act legislation is tightening and the potential potentially huge reputational damage and, reflecting the move to a digital for fines is increasing,” said Mr Evans. of businesses misusing data or losing it age in which ‘big data’ is powerful, it “Responsible companies should have must also not be under estimated. will have a significant impact across systems and processes in place to keep organisations, and particularly for fleet data secure. First published by Hire Association introduction of connected cars. “Understanding and embracing ‘big Europe (HAE) www.hae.org.uk Martin Evans, managing director of data’ is important, but it is also vital for Jaama and an ICFM director, said: businesses to protect themselves.” “Much can be achieved with ‘big data’ Furthermore, Mr Evans warned that to enable fleet managers to make fleet operators could find themselves informed decisions by understanding capturing so much ‘big data’ that driver behaviour and vehicle a failure to act on the information performance and utilisation. obtained could prove to be “But the flipside of that is fleet managers counterproductive in terms of ensuring being mindful of businesses holding compliance with, for example, road large volumes of data, which will traffic and health and safety legislation. contain information deemed personal “It is therefore vital that businesses under GDPR.” have in place good systems that will GDPR builds on existing data protection take vehicle and driver information and legislation with a particular focus on digest it. In turn that will enable fleet digitalisation and technology. Core managers to make informed decisions 40 ONE CALL TO SORT IT ALL: SNAP ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

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Hillhead 2018 gets special guest Hillhead 2018 will be visited by a very special guest. The premier construction plant show will see a special appearance from the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain, The Man Engine. Powered by a Volvo L220 Wheel Loader, The Man Engine, was voted the UK’s Best Arts Project and presented with a National Lottery Awards trophy this summer. The ten metre high ‘miner’ spectacular mechanical puppet will be in residence for the duration of the 2018 event taking place at the Hillhead Quarry near Buxton from 26 – 28 June next year. The Man Engine will be located in the newly redeveloped Registration Area A-Plant is 'highly which has been expanded to meet strong demand for exhibition space at the show. The demonstration area commended’ at National has been redesigned for 2018 to accommodate additional stands Apprenticeship Awards 2017 showcasing working plant, including EvoQuip, a new brand launched in the UK from Terex Mineral Processing. Other companies joining Evoquip in the A-Plant, the UK’s largest plant, tool dynamic between experienced newly expanded area include among and equipment hire company employees and future talent - others; Weir Minerals Europe Ltd, MDS received glowing recognition at apprentices are keen and motivated International, Red Rhino, Rees Machinery the National Apprenticeship while experienced employees have Group, MEKA Crushing and Batching Awards 2017. an opportunity to pass on their Technology, Renault Trucks, Gap Hire The Company was awarded the extensive skills and knowledge. Solutions and Indeco. Large Employer of the Year at a "A-Plant's apprenticeship Event Director Richard Bradbury explains: glittering awards ceremony held programme has become much "Outdoor space is already 90% sold with at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. sought after and is widely the newly extended area nearly full. Organised by the National recognised across our industry." "We are very excited by the changes we Apprenticeship Service, the awards Sue Husband, Director of the have made at the top end of the site to recognise excellence in businesses National Apprenticeship Service, accommodate more exciting working that grow their own talent. said: "The National Apprenticeship demonstrations which are synonymous A-Plant's Head of Training Bob Awards allow talented apprentices with Hillhead, and the Man Engine will Harper said: "We are extremely and committed employers from provide a spectacular focal point to pleased to have received this across our regions to receive the area." We know the measure recognition which reflects A-Plant's well-deserved recognition for their The 2018 event takes place from 26 – 28 exceptional commitment to apprenticeship achievements. June at Hillhead Quarry near Buxton. training the next generation of "The highly commended finalists Exhibitor rebooks for Hillhead 2018 are of a great account future leaders. at these awards show the range already 30% ahead of where they were at "Last year we invested more of sectors and variety of job roles the corresponding period two years ago. than £1.8M in our apprenticeship apprenticeships are available in, This follows on from a record-breaking programme and we currently have and how they can deliver the skills 2016 event which attracted over 18,600 147 apprentices in all areas from employers need. I congratulate visitors and more exhibitors (476) than engineering and customer service all highly commended finalists on ever before. to plant maintenance and driving. their success in this competition." "The programme creates a healthy FORS reaches out to SMEs

FORS, the Fleet Operators’ Association, against the financial, reputational, legal Guests heard from FORS Business participated in a roundtable event, and human cost of road traffic collisions. Services Manager, Paul Wilkes, along Choose from our options; parking, washing, recovery, repair, hosted by Brake and Ambit, on 19th With the cost to employers of at- with Jeremy Hubbard from Aviva Dartford Toll and Daily Checks and build your cashless payment October in Birmingham. The event was work road incidents hitting billions of Insurance Risk and Drew Spellar aimed at educating small and medium- pounds a year, investing in fleet risk from Ambit. account around your own needs. sized enterprises (SMEs) on how they management tools can create savings in The event centred on three core can maintain and enforce fleet safety the long run – particularly for themes: employer’s responsibilities, policy. By following these guidelines, SMEs, with their tighter budgets and driver’s responsibilities, and what to do companies can protect themselves profit margins. should the worst happen.

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+44 (0)1603 777242 | www.snapacc.com FLEET & PLANT NEWS

Following an investigation by the HSE, were not always applying trailer an Essex-based road haulage firm has parking brakes. been fined. YCT Limited, previously of Port Centric HSE Southend Magistrates Court heard House, Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury, how an HGV driver employed by YCT pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 Limited suffered fatal injuries when his (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc prosecutes vehicle rolled forward out of control Act 1974. The company has been whilst he was coupling the HGV fined £170,000 and ordered to pay road haulage tractor unit to a trailer. costs of £6,268.80 The incident, which occurred on 20th Speaking after the case, HSE inspector October 2015, was investigated by the Jessica Churchyard said “This tragic company HSE, who found that YCT Limited failed incident led to the avoidable death to implement safe systems of work. of a young man, and was caused in Monitoring arrangements to ensure part by the failure of his employer to that its drivers were consistently implement and monitor safe systems undertaking coupling and uncoupling of work to prevent vehicle runaways. operations safely, in line with widely “This death could have easily been available industry guidance, were prevented if his employer had acted to also neglected. As a result of this, a identify and manage the risks involved, culture developed whereby its drivers and followed the industry guidance.”

The star system rates HGVs from zero (lowest) to five (highest) TfL unveils based on how much HGV drivers can see directly from their cab, as opposed to indirectly through draft of cameras or mirrors. Under the proposals ‘zero star rated’ Direct Vision HGVs would be banned or restricted from London’s roads by 2020, and only HGVs rated three star and above Standard would be allowed into the capital from 2024. The plans are part of steps being TfL has released initial direct vision star taken to directly tackle the amount of ratings for Euro VI HGVs as part of the cyclist and pedestrian deaths caused proposed Direct Vision Standard (DVS) by HGVs. draft. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched the DVS to improve the safety of road users, particularly vulnerable road user groups.

44 FTA issues checklist for no-deal Brexit "Business cannot be expected to sort • Learning support for the 185,000 UK the last minute. It is not just about it all out at the last minute. It is not just businesses that currently trade solely the Government being ready.” about the Government being ready." with the EU and will need to learn how Mr Hookham continues: “The James Hookham, FTA's Deputy Chief to do Customs declarations for the first customs White Paper is also silent on Executive time. the need to agree a quota with the Prime Minister Theresa May and her • Equally frictionless arrangements by EU over the number of trucks that government might think they are ready other EU countries – our exports are will be permitted to travel between to walk out of the EU talks but the UK their imports so it’s not just a question the UK and the EU after Brexit. This is logistics sector is urging caution to of getting the goods out of the UK, currently unlimited, but the automatic ensure that UK trade and industry can they will need to clear EU Customs as right to send a truck abroad will end continue to operate seamlessly post- well. upon Brexit. There is also a need to Brexit. • Avoid vehicle checks at “roll on, agree to continue to recognise the Following the publication of White roll off (ro-ro)” ports at all costs – an licences and qualifications of the Papers on trading and customs additional two minutes in clearance drivers driving them. agreements to be implemented in times at Dover will create a motorway “But by far the bigger issue, given the event of a “No Deal” outcome queue 17 miles long, and delays in the the balance of trade, is with imports to the ongoing EU talks, the Freight days following the UK’s departure from and the White Paper says very little Transport Association, the UK’s largest the EU could be significantly longer about how the UK will impose and most active membership body in than this at peak times. Customs tariffs and border checks on the logistics sector has issued its list of No-cliff edge. Exporters and importers freight flows from the Continent and conditions which it says are required will need time to learn what they have Ireland. Disruption to imports will to Keep Britain Trading: to do under the new trading regime, be felt far quicker by businesses and • Customs systems big enough to as well as changing their procedures consumers than will a disruption to cope with the 255 million additional and instructing their staff. As James exports. declarations that will need to be Hookham, FTA’s Deputy Chief “None of these issues need be made each year, including fast-track Executive says, so far these businesses showstoppers but it is urgent that the arrangements for approved traders, have no details of what is expected of Government commences detailed pre-clearance of goods before a them beyond the broad statements discussions with the logistics and journey begins and post-payment of in yesterday’s White Paper: “Business supply chain sector immediately. FTA duties to avoid detention in ports. cannot be expected to sort it all out at and its members await their call.”

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Street Lighting Parking CPA sets out recommendations to the Chancellor

With the Autumn budget on the In addition, manufacturers in many (NIDP) and National Infrastructure horizon, Dr Diana Montgomery, of our sub-sectors have invested and Construction Pipeline must be Chief Executive of the Construction heavily here to establish a competitive commended for encouraging longer- Products Association, has written to global advantage with advanced term planning for skills, materials and the Chancellor. Whilst welcoming the manufacturing and innovative products. plant investment in the infrastructure renewed commitment to an Industrial As we prepare for Brexit, we recognise sector. However, without major Strategy, she acknowledges industry’s industry’s responsibility for working projects coming through in the responsibility to work with government in partnership with government to short-term, total construction output Graphic Design Signage to ensure the competitiveness of UK plc address key issues and ensure the will contract in 2017, 2018 and 2019, on a new global stage. competitiveness of UK plc on a new consequently adversely impacting on Outlining the contribution the global stage.” UK economic activity and productivity. construction products industry makes The letter outlines the industry’s Investment and UK Competitiveness: Insurance Paper/Stationary to the UK economy; directly providing readiness to support government The vast majority of our largest employment for almost 300,000 people initiatives with tools and resources. construction product manufacturers Flooring Storage across 22,000 companies; the letter The CPA also suggests a range of are foreign-headquartered, with urges the Chancellor to consider a measures the government could adopt overseas boards making major range of short and long-term measures back this growth. investment decisions. It is imperative Catering Alarms covering housing, infrastructure, and Housing: In order to meet the that the UK is viewed as an investment and UK competitiveness. government’s house building ambition, attractive, competitive place to She says: “Approximately 78% of the CPA therefore recommends the do business. Policies must offer construction products used in the UK government commit to Help to Buy our industry a level playing are made here, reflecting a sector that beyond 2020/21. field with international competitors to Try Tracker for free: plays a central role in nearly every Infrastructure: The government’s ensure further investment in new plant construction project in the country. National Infrastructure Delivery Plan and machinery. www.trackerintelligence.com/ukc 46 Discover more UK construction contracts & project leads with Tracker Intelligence

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The UK Infrastructure Show – Leeds are also building offices at the valuable relationships and develop Constructing the Future, taking place highest rate in a decade. market insight that creates lasting at NEC, Birmingham on Tuesday Officially supported by CompeteFor competitive advantage by exhibiting 17 April, is a must-attend event – the leading infrastructure supply or sponsoring at this event. All on for those working in all areas of chain service – and celebrating one day, in one place at the UK infrastructure - from construction major ongoing and future Infrastructure Show 2018. to technology - as UK infrastructure infrastructure projects including investment is set to reach a record HS2, Tideway and Crossrail, the high of over £500Bn and a building second annual UK Infrastructure boom is under way in the UK’s large Show 2018 will provide exhibitors, regional cities, with construction sponsors and delegates with a For early bird exhibition and finally returning to levels last seen unique opportunity to engage, sponsorship opportunities before the 2008 financial crisis. connect and collaborate with call the UK Infrastructure Key findings from a recent Crane a vast array of key projects, a Team on 0845 270 7066 Survey report that the volume of captive audience of 1,000 decision or email exhibitions@ office construction in London has makers and influencers ukinfrastructureshow.co.uk increased by 4% over the past six representing all areas of the months to an eight-year high of supply chain. 14.8 million sq ft. Birmingham and Make your business known, build

REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PLACE LONDON OLYMPIA • 20TH APRIL 2018 The UK Infrastructure Show 2018 is FREE to attend for anyone working in the infrastructure sector – SMEs, Prime Contractors and representatives from major projects across the UK. To register for your complimentary place, simply click here.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT THE UK UK’s leading projects, both those these projects to learn more about INFRASTRUCTURE SHOW 2018? under way and those planned, with the supply chain opportunities details of supply chain opportunities open to organisations like yours. KEYNOTE ARENA available to organisations like yours. PRIME CONTRACTOR The Keynote Arena at the COMPETEFOR SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT VILLAGE UKInfrastructure Show 2018 will ADVICE HUB showcase presentations from The UK Infrastructure Show Prime some of the organisations charged CompeteFor is a free service that Contractor Engagement Village with setting the strategy of future enables businesses to compete will allow visitors the opportunity infrastructure plans as well as some for contract opportunities linked to meet directly with many of the of the major projects currently to major public and private sector key Prime Contractors currently under way across the UK. buying organisations. engaged in the delivery of live Do not miss out on this unique The CompeteFor Supply Chain projects, providing an insight opportunity to hear from a range of Advice Hub is the go-to place for into possible opportunities for the most important speakers in the any organisation looking to improve developing ongoing working infrastructure industry. their procurement capability, get a relationships. complimentary profile check-up or The UK Infrastructure Show 2018 OPPORTUNITY AND have your questions answered. is FREE to attend for anyone TRAINING ZONES working in the infrastructure PROJECT PARTNER PAVILIONS sector - SMEs, Prime Contractors Designed to educate delegates and representatives from major on the key issues common to We are delighted to be working with projects across the UK. To register large-scale infrastructure projects, some of the largest infrastructure your complimentary place, simply these zones will take you through projects currently under way across click here. all you need to know in order the UK. to make the most of the supply Our project partners will each have a For early bird exhibition and chain opportunities available in dedicated pavilion within the Product sponsorship opportunities call the this sector. You will also hear from Showcase Exhibition. Come along UK Infrastructure Team on 0845 representatives from some of the and meet with representatives from 270 7066 or email exhibitions@ ukinfrastructureshow.co.uk.

LONDON OLYMPIA • 20TH APRIL 2018 WWW.UKINFRASTRUCTURESHOW.CO.UK OFFICIALLY SUPPORTED BY

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