Construction National

One hundred days of helping from Hope Construction employees

This week, Hope Construction Materials’ employees completed 100 days of voluntary work, as part of the organisation’s “Hope for Others” initiative.  

The scheme, launched by the firm in 2014, sees Hope employees choosing to partake in charity work close to their heart, with the organisation offering two fully paid days leave to each employee per year.

Read more: One hundred days of helping from Hope Construction employees

Evolve reveal how construction businesses can protect their bottom line

The construction industry is at the forefront of the UK’s vibrant business community; working in partnership with clients and suppliers to keep Britain at the lead of domestic and international markets.

But, those working within the construction industry have a lot more to contend with than just ‘building a better Britain’ (if that weren’t enough) and navigate a highly competitive marketplace daily both as vendors and suppliers.

Read more: Evolve reveal how construction businesses can protect their bottom line

Industry benchmark event on BIM returns to ICE

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) BIM 2015 event opens its doors on 21 October, leading the conversation on BIM ahead of a crucial year for the UK construction industry and its public sector clients. From next year, all new publicly procured construction projects must be compatible with BIM Level 2.

Read more: Industry benchmark event on BIM returns to ICE

Allianz Park has Olympic Track covered for events

Allianz Park in North West London, home of the Saracens Rugby Club, has chosen carpet tiles from Heckmondwike FB to provide temporary cover for its 2012 Olympic training track, known as the ‘Olympic Bar’.

The 80m warm-up track used by Usain Bolt, Mo Farrah, Jessica Ennis-Hill and other top athletes at London 2012 was moved from Stratford’s Olympic stadium and installed at Allianz Park.

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Construction companies need to cash in on assets according to latest research

Ultimate Finance, which provides funding to SMEs, is keen to raise awareness among construction companies that outstanding billing, be it ‘Uncertified Applications for Payment’ or invoices are one of their most valuable assets to help them avoid cash flow difficulties.

Read more: Construction companies need to cash in on assets according to latest research

Nationwide Platforms introduces ‘Intelligent Secondary Guarding'

Nationwide Platforms has become the first access hire company to develop and introduce a secondary guarding system designed to prevent a trapping or crushing incident before a collision can occur.

SkySiren® PCS™ (Pre-Crush Sensing) represents a major step forward in powered access safety. It automatically stops a mobile elevating working platform (MEWP) boom before the operator comes into collision with an object that could lead to a trap or crush incident.

Read more: Nationwide Platforms introduces ‘Intelligent Secondary Guarding'

Rainclear Systems’ aluminium range – can it replace cast iron guttering?

Of course aluminium guttering will never completely replace cast iron. Cast iron is often obligatory on our oldest buildings - and with good reason, it offers an unmistakable appearance and has proven to last up to one hundred years with sensible maintenance. It is generally the more expensive system to purchase but still represents great lifetime value when you factor in longevity.

Geraint Jones, managing director of Rainclear Systems, the UK's leading stockist of metal guttering, is a huge fan of cast iron: "As well as its strength and efficiency, the wonderful thing about a modern cast iron system is that it's now available in a pre-painted factory applied finish. Ready to install, this removes all the hassle and concerns of onsite painting.

Read more: Rainclear Systems’ aluminium range – can it replace cast iron guttering?

Mirfield Health Centre, West Yorkshire is a vision in blue

Patients at Mirfield Health Centre in West Yorkshire will reap the benefit of new carpet tiles in stunning Array from Heckmondwike FB’s Creative Range in their waiting and communal areas.

180m2 of Array carpet tiles  in blue were chosen for the busy GP practice with 36m2 of Dreadnought tiles selected in Anthracite for the entrance area. 

Read more: Mirfield Health Centre, West Yorkshire is a vision in blue

Big news for the future of Scottish solar investment

The Scottish Government have taken positive steps towards developing the future of Scottish solar investment under the Renewables Obligation (the main support mechanism for renewable electricity projects in the UK). Unlike England and Wales, the Scottish Government will retain the “Grandfathering” guarantee.

Read more: Big news for the future of Scottish solar investment

An ace idea - with the potential to solve the world's housing shortage

An innovative modular building system which has the potential to plug the massive shortfall in low-cost housing and schools, not just in Britain but across the world, is using expanded polystyrene (now known across Europe as airpop™) at the centre of its unique patented design. In its most recent project, the Acermetric building system has just slashed costs and build-time at a London primary school where a two-storey multi-purpose 466m2 “Centre of Excellence” was assembled in around 13 weeks on site by just four builders lifting panels by hand and installing the elements with a single tool!

Read more: An ace idea - with the potential to solve the world's housing shortage