December 2019 Newsletter

 

‘Crowdfunding helps seven homeless people into the plumbing, Plans lodged for £30m Teeside indoor ski centre, Brexit overshadowing construction issues, Oxford Science Park expansion approved, Mace takes jump factory system to next level‘.

 

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Crowdfunding helps seven homeless people into the plumbing trade

Seven homeless men and women are on their way to becoming plumbers, after members of the public donated more than £25,000 to help them get on their feet.

The money was donated through Beam, a site that crowdfunds employment training for homeless people and supports them into stable, paid work. Launched in 2017, Beam has already helped over 140 homeless men and women crowdfund their employment training in more than 42 career paths.

So far, seven homeless people have chosen to complete their plumbing diploma at one of London’s largest training providers in the building and engineering skills sector. The £25,000 raised will cover their plumbing diploma course fees, as well as associated costs including childcare, travel, tools, and safety gear.

One of the people that Beam has supported is Mutaz, a 29-year-old Sudanese refugee who was granted asylum by the UK government. But when he arrived in the UK, he had nowhere to live. While he was living on the streets, homelessness charity St Mungo’s helped him into temporary accommodation, and then referred him to Beam. Mutaz went on to raise £4,180 from 366 supporters to do his plumbing course. After completing his training five months ago, Mutaz is now looking for full-time work.

Mutaz said: “Plumbing is a trade I did many years ago in my home country. I know I can do it well and enjoy the process of fixing things. Now I have the relevant qualifications, I can’t wait to start working and finally move into my own flat.”

Another homeless individual who has crowdfunded to become a plumber is 26-year-old single mum Emily, who had to stop working when her son was born. Without her wages, she couldn’t afford the rent on her flat and had to move into emergency accommodation for two years. Through Beam, Emily was able to raise £6,360 from 389 supporters and is currently looking for work as a plumber.

Emily said: “I wanted something I could thrive in so I chose plumbing! There’s demand for female plumbers as lots of people want women working in their houses. Some of my friends were a bit surprised when they heard. Maybe some people still think it’s just a job for men. But I don’t mind getting my hands dirty and I believe I have what it takes. My dream is to rent my own place and not have to keep moving around. I’d love to make it into a beautiful family home. When I heard about Beam I thought this is my chance to turn my life around and become someone – the role model to my children I’ve always wanted to be.”

Gary, aged 51, is currently in the middle of his plumbing training. Before being referred to Beam, he spent a long time moving around the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK, seeking out jobs in security, heavy lifting, moving, and demolition. However, when he returned to the UK full-time, he found himself homeless with no job prospects. He was sleeping on the streets when a homeless charity helped him find a place to stay.

Gary said: “I’m really looking forward to learning something new, a skill that I can take with me anywhere in the world. Helping people really makes me smile, and I like fixing things with my hands, so I think that training to be a plumber is a great next step for me. Getting back into work will help me keep moving forward, closer to a better life. It will help me save for rainy days, and for a nice home and a car. I’ll be able to take care of myself, my own responsibilities and my own bills. I’ll enjoy life again. And then, in a couple of years, I can try giving back to others.”

Another individual in the middle of his training is Adam, aged 35. He became homeless five years ago after a relationship breakdown. He was sleeping rough on and off, staying on buses, sometimes sofa surfing and staying with others. He was placed in emergency accommodation and, from there, was referred to St Mungo’s and later Beam.

Adam said: “I’ve completed general construction training but would like to specialise in plumbing now. I was always interested in plumbing in school but just never had the opportunity to pursue it.”

Alex Stephany, founder and CEO of Beam, said: “We’re excited to place some highly-trained and highly-motivated people like Mutaz and Emily with employers in the plumbing industry, so that they can truly reach their potential. In the process, we will provide the plumbing industry with a new and diverse talent pipeline.”

If you’re interested in employing trained plumbers through Beam, the organisation asks that you get in touch at hire@beam.org.

 

 

Source: HVP Magazine

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TrustMark Offers Protection To Households And Tradespeople

Following on from the recent inclusion in the ECO3 regulations, TrustMark is offering an additional level of consumer protection and trade accreditation to both householders and tradespeople looking to do any repair, maintenance or improvement work in or around the home.

In partnership with Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, the two government organisations are delivering the ‘Trading Standards Approval’ scheme to help consumers gain confidence when looking to employ a trader.  The scheme is an accreditation that reassures and protects homeowners that the firm they employ to work in their home complies with TrustMark Government-endorsed quality for workmanship, understands fair trading practices and has consumer protection as an integral part of their business.

The scheme, which is being delivered by local authorities across the UK, gives firms local reassurance with national recognition.  It also provides firms with further credibility that they are reputable and have a solid trading history as customers will know they have been thoroughly checked and approved by both Trading Standards and TrustMark to use this accreditation.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, comments: “With rising consumer expectations, homeowners are seeking higher levels of service and quality workmanship, resulting in tradespeople having to meet and deliver better standards of work and customer service for every job they do. The Trading Standards Approved scheme isn’t just another ‘badge’ to add to a firm’s website, van and marketing materials, it’s an investment offering great benefits – consumers like the added confidence when seeing businesses that have been ‘approved’ directly by Trading Standards and businesses want to provide a clear message that they can be trusted and relied on.”

Steve Ruddy, Head of Service Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, adds: “We are keen to help residents find reputable traders to work in their homes.  We are proud to work with TrustMark to provide this reassurance to residents and to support local businesses. I think it’s a great example of how organisations can work in partnership to deliver more.”

To join the scheme, firms will need to be TrustMark registered and then they will be able to apply to TrustMark to complete the necessary checks in order to gain the approved accreditation.  Trading Standards will carry out a background check, and subject to passing[MME1] [g2] [g3] these safeguards, the firm will then be accredited with trading standards approved status.

The cost of becoming Trading Standards Approved through TrustMark is £90 + VAT per year and is in addition to any Scheme Provider fee.

 

 

Source: Electrical Contracting News

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BMF backs more stringent water use regulations
More stringent regulations governing personal water use are necessary if rising residential demand is to be met and managed in coming years.

That was the message from the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) to ministers in a consultation that closed just before the general election was called.

Demand for water is increasing due to societal factors, including a rising population. Supply is threatened for several reasons, including increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall, the BMF said in its response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

DEFRA sought views on whether the current minimum standard of 125 litres per person per day for new homes in England should be changed. The BMF agreed and said the optional standard of 110 litres allowed in the Building Regulations in water-stressed areas ought to apply to all new homes.

Brett Amphlett, BMF policy and public affairs manager, said: “Consumers do not give water a second thought unless there is too much – namely floods – or too little – notably hosepipe bans. Information and advice only go so far. I suspect an unspoken belief held by many is that water is a basic right and residents do not care enough yet to change habits. Until there are financial consequences to water use, rising demand will not be halted by urging people to change behaviour. More stringent Building Regulations on new homes are necessary.”

 

 

Source: HPM Magazine

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Aico’s Electrical Contractors Handybook Gets New Look

Aico, an expert in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, has updated and given its Electrical Contractors Handybook a brand new look. The Fourth Edition has been designed with the customer in mind. Following comprehensive feedback from customers, the new edition has all the essential information needed to help contractors choose, install and maintain domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection.

The Handybook features the latest standards and legislation and the different types of sensors available across Aico’s extensive range of Fire and Carbon Monoxide products. It has been designed to help customers site alarms correctly and provide assistance with installation.

The Handybook also provides information on the importance of the initial testing of a system following installation and then regular testing on an ongoing basis, as well as maintenance and fault finding.

To make installation and product identification easier the Handybook also details the wide range of accessories available, and how to improve the protection the system provides. Looking for a wiring diagram? The technical details are all included.

Alongside Aico’s new Product Selector and handy pocket-sized guides, customers now have a comprehensive information tool kit to help them with all aspects of alarm installation and testing.

In addition, Aico’s team are always on hand to answer any questions on 01691 664100 or technical.Aico@aico.co.uk.

Visit www.aico.co.uk/technical-support/guides-publications/#navigation to request copies of the new Electrical Contractors Handybook and other publications.

 

 

Source: Electrical Contracting News

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Plans lodged for £30m Teesside indoor ski centre

Plans have been submitted for a £30m indoor snow and leisure centre attraction in Teesside.

Developer Cool Runnings confirmed plans to build the three-storey complex on a seven-acre site at Middlesbrough Dock in Middlehaven.

The Sub Zero centre will feature a main slope spanning 165m x 30m and a 52 x 50m nursery slope for beginners.

Designed by acclaimed architects, FaulknerBrowns the 220,000 sq ft centre will also include indoor skydiving, a climbing wall, soft play area, trampoline park and bowling alley will complete the exhilarating, family-friendly experience.

The adjacent listed dock Clock Tower is being incorporated into the design of the project.

If constructed, Sub Zero would be the seventh snow centre in the UK and the first in the North East.

 

 

Source: Construction Enquirer

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London Resort reveals next generation theme park designs

The London Resort has revealed the first glimpse of designs for its planned 500-acre theme park on the Swanscombe peninsular in Kent.

The visuals are the first to be revealed since The London Resort announced its partnerships with the BBC, ITV Studios and, most recently, Paramount Pictures.

It has been designed around six lands offering “next-generation” rides and unique experiences for visitors when it opens in 2024.

Construction is targeted to begin in 2021, subject to planning, and will see an overall investment of £1bn.

The ambitious project, which would cover the area of 136 Wembley stadiums, is being delivered by London Resort Company Holdings, which is owned by the Kuwaiti European Holding Company Group.

“We are creating a first-class theme park. A destination that maximises all the new, immersive and interactive technologies and experiences in the world,” said PY Gerbeau, Chief Executive of London Resort Company Holdings .

He said it would also be one of the most sustainable theme parks on the planet.

Billed as one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe, the London Resort will be the first European development of its kind to be built from scratch since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992.

It will eventually be a two-park resort – the first ‘gate’ will open in 2024 and the second within five years (2029) and it is expected that around 70% of attractions will be undercover.

 

 

Source: Construction Enquirer 

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Green light for Birmingham’s tallest resi tower

 

Source: Construction Enquirer

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Brexit overshadowing construction issues

Plumbing and heating professionals across the UK have called on politicians to make room amid the Brexit tumult to focus on critical changes needed to create a resilient and sustainable construction sector.

A joint election manifesto issued by the leading trade bodies for plumbing and heating professionals in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales highlighted four key areas where change is required.

These included payment abuse, pensions, green economy targets and skills. The changes were aimed at creating a fairer competitive landscape where firms can develop and thrive.

The call to the incoming government has been issued by SNIPEF– the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation – and APHC, the equivalent trade body for the industry in England and Wales.

Together they represent 1,770 businesses and 25,155 plumbing and heating operatives.

SNIPEF and APHC say the bane of payment abuse is causing insolvencies across the sector, while encouraging poor standards of work and a reduction in investment. In addition, it was affecting the mental health of business owners worried about when or even if they will ever be paid for their work.

The trade organisations are urging legislation to impose penalties on serial late payers, while establishing the use of project bank accounts in the public sector. They also want new laws to protect cash retentions.

They are additionally pushing for amendments to current pensions legislation which is having devastating consequences for hundreds of UK plumbing and heating businesses.

“Owners of firms that have provided pensions to their employees through a multi-employer industry scheme are being hit with staggering bills under what is known as Section 75 employer debt,” a joint manifesto stated. “Calculated on a buy-out basis which is expensive, these payments – which are not necessarily required by the pension fund – are burying otherwise financially strong businesses under a mountain of unaffordable liabilities.”

SNIPEF chief executive Fiona Hodgson added: “In the most extreme cases, we are seeing firms fold as a result of these liabilities. But with no incentive for businesses to grow, there is a further economic drag as many more are downsizing, cutting back on investment and declining to take on new apprentices.

“For those now in retirement, these Section 75 payments are putting them under threat of personal bankruptcy. The 2019-20 Pension Schemes Bill does not address any of these unintended consequences, which is why amendments are required to take account of multi-employer industry schemes.”

Meanwhile, to address the on-going skills shortage in the sector, the trade bodies also called for government support for apprenticeships. This includes backing for older entrants, where the costs for employers are higher.

“Plumbing and heating apprentice levels have not recovered from those pre-recession, during which they dropped by half,” APHC chief executive officer John Thompson added. “We are now faced with a skills shortage, and in the light of Brexit the position is only likely to get worse.

 “Skills are at the core of our industry, so there are serious long-term consequences for our industry if we don’t address this issue now.”

The full SNIPEF & APHC election manifesto can be accessed here.

 

 

Source: HPM Magazine

 

 

 

 

Source: Plumbing Magazine

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2019 ‘a turning point’ for the lighting industry

A strong rebooking rate of over 50% at the LuxLive 2019 exhibition has defied the general economic narrative and demonstrated a confidence in the widely-anticipated recovery of the lighting market, organisers of the show said today.

LuxLive and lightspace featured a newly launched VIP meeting programme which was widely received with commendation by the targeted buyers who took part.

“The coming years will see the biggest investment in public-sector lighting in a generation”, says Lux Portfolio Director, James Samuel. “And LuxLive will be a key part of that transformation.

“With economic uncertainty, the continuing squeeze on public sector budgets and pressure on margins, 2019 has been a challenging year for the lighting industry in the UK. That mood has pervaded for an extended period, and no event in the sector has been immune from an understandable sense of caution.

“However, despite that wariness, exhibitors who put their best foot forward had an exceptional show, with firm orders taken and great relationships established. Our exceptional rebooking rate shows that brands which market themselves positively have made significant gains and will do again in the future.”

Major sponsor Bluetooth described LuxLive as ‘a valuable platform’ to promote its advanced wireless mesh technology to the industry.

“LuxLive’s focus on relevant and actionable content sessions and presentations from industry leaders is a big reason why it’s a standout lighting event in the UK and indeed across Europe,” the tech giant said.

“LuxLive provides us a great opportunity to connect with influencers in lighting and continue to promote the value proposition of Bluetooth smart lighting and its associated benefits.”

Daniel Carel of Ubisys said the show was “quite a home run” for the firm.

The newly launched VIP meeting programme was widely received with commendation by the targeted buyers who took part. The programme was tested in a small scale this year to see how the industry would react to this type of initiative.

Buyers from across industry took part in a series of targeted meetings that allowed them to increase their return on time at the event, as well as the exhibitors’ return on investment.

“Perfect meeting matches,” said the estate electrical officer from Kettering NHS Trust. “I already have a follow-up meeting booked with one of the exhibitors.”

A building surveyor from Savills said the programme was ‘very useful’, while Steve Davies, CEO of the Lighting Industry Association, said LuxLive was the organisation’s ‘cornerstone promotional event’.

He notes, “This year, it gave us another amazing opportunity to meet new and existing members, deliver educational content to specifiers, designers and buyers as well as update the wholesaler community through the EDA Regional Forum.

“It has been a tough year for the lighting industry as a whole with economic uncertainty, coupled with increased international competition. However, if we are to take the opportunities the sector has on the horizon then we all must continue to educate the supply chain about compliance and the dangers and commercial risk of specifying poor products.

“The LED revolution is all but over, but the so called ‘Internet of Things’ or enhanced lighting controls will keep driving our industry beyond the current political turmoil. So it is events such as LuxLive that keep our message alive and gives lighting a platform to broadcast its positive message.”

James Samuel adds that 2019 will be seen by the lighting industry as a major turning point: “I strongly believe that 2019 will be seen as a turning point. There are real grounds for renewed optimism and confidence for the coming year.

“Political uncertainty will be partially ended with the general election, and whoever wins will end austerity with unprecedented investment in eduction, healthcare, social housing and infrastructural projects. This can only be good news for the industry.”

His plans for the 2020 event include a range of initiatives, such as the extension of VIP Buyer Programme and a special public-sector advisory board.

He comments, “This board will comprise specifiers and budget-keepers and they will help us precisely address the educational needs in the public sector. It will target end users with responsibility for lighting in schools, universities, FE colleges, hospitals, healthcare centres, social housing, care homes and sheltered housing.

“The private sector, too, has many bright spots, including warehouse, office and leisure, and we’ll be tailoring our programme to these areas too. Specifically, we’ll explore the opportunities for upgrading from traditional lighting technology to LED, the implementation of smart controls and the transformation of emergency lighting installations to current best practice.”

He concludes, ‘We will build on our key strength in cutting-edge lighting technologies such as IoT and smart lighting controls to deliver a future-facing event. The icing on the cake will be the expected arrival of the Elizabeth Line railway (formerly Crossrail) in the coming 24 months, which will make ExCeL one of the best connected venues in the UK.”

 

 

Source: Electrical Contracting News

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Oxford Science Park expansion approved

Architect Perkins and Will has got the green light for two new buildings in The Oxford Science Park on the southern edge of the city.

The new buildings on plot 16 will provide 168,000 sq ft of flexible office and laboratory space to the 500,000 sq ft expansion planned for Littlemore site by 2025.

Beyond Plot 16, Magdalen College plans to further expand The Oxford Science Park with an additional 325,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space on the remaining 10 acres of land, over the next 3-5 years.

Plot 16 is a linear site at the north-east corner of the park between railway tracks and Littlemore Brook.

The complex has been designed to facilitate access to the planned new railway station due to be built as part of the reopening of the Cowley branch line in 2022.

The client team includes Core Five as the cost consultants with Hoare Lea providing M&E design and Campbell Reith the structural design.

Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, Chief Executive at Oxford Science Park, said: “Oxford is at the forefront of the UK’s fast-growing STEM sector and The Oxford Science Park is witnessing unprecedented growth.

“Perkins and Will has taken a challenging site and turned it into an exciting prospect for a thriving gateway into The Oxford Science Park.”

Science park managers hope to start construction in the autumn of next year. Building work is set to be completed in early 2022.

 

 

Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, said: “This publicly owned asset is one of too many that have sat redundant for too long.

“Our unique partnership with London Fire Brigade will breathe life and productivity to this heritage site on the River Thames.

“With more than 1,000 new jobs, a reprovisioned fire station, a fire museum and 40% affordable housing our proposals will deliver huge social and economic growth for London.

“We have designed a world class regeneration project at 8 Albert Embankment and now we can deliver it.”

 

 

Source: Construction Enquirer

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Mace takes jump factory system to next level

Mace is rolling out its next-generation construction method to transform the building of high rise flats.

The new building system developed with an Australian firm will be used on its twin-tower East Village residential project in Stratford.

The system, which is an evolution of the thinking behind Mace’s award-winning ‘Jump Factory’ used at the Olympic Park, combines the latest advances in digital technology with a new offsite manufacturing approach to construct buildings faster, safer and to a consistently higher quality.

The launch of the new High Rise Solutions system comes as Mace officially unveiled its new business unit, Mace Tec, to manage the deployment and delivery of advanced offsite sub-assembly construction methods.

Shaun Tate, business unit director of Mace Tech, said: “HRS is more than just a new offsite construction method – it is a new digital approach to how we assemble and construct buildings.

“We interrogated the entire production to delivery cycle, taking inspiration from the auto industry with its integrated production and assembly line, looking at how we can develop smarter and more efficient offsite assembly methods to drive better outcomes.”

Mace hopes its assembly system will reduce design and construction programmes by 25%, vehicle movements by 40% and waste by 70%.

Using parametric modelling tools and artificial intelligence, HRS draws from a catalogue of components to design and manufacture the structure and façade sub-assemblies offsite.

Mace aims to convert site activities to an assembly process by installing modules concurrently with bathroom pods, utility cupboards and MEP service modules, to slash programme times and improve productivity up to six times.

The HRS system is now being used to construct N06, a 524-home build to rent scheme in East Village, which involves two towers of 26 and 31 stories.

Mace hopes to shorten the construction programme by 18 weeks with 20% less workers onsite compared to a traditional building approach.

 

 

Source: Construction Enquirer

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