Construction National

New WOW project set to ‘raise a barn’ in 24 hours

Women and non-binary people are invited to play an integral part in the first WOW - Women of the World Festival to take place in Leeds during the city’s Year of Culture. 

‘The WOW Barn’ will be a new temporary event space on Cinder Moor in Woodhouse, Leeds, and the project team are on the lookout for women and non-binary people from across West Yorkshire to help literally raise the roof – building the structure from the ground up in a true city spectacle over 24 hours. 

Read more: New WOW project set to ‘raise a barn’ in 24 hours

A change of leadership at the ASFP

This month sees a change of leadership at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP). Current ASFP CEO Steve Davies is stepping down to take up a new challenge with Corrosion Resistant Products Ltd, a division of Indutrade. The ASFP’s Business Manager Mike Ward will be taking over as the Association’s new Managing Director.

Read more: A change of leadership at the ASFP

Jacqueline O'Donovan named as Business Leader of the Year

Jacqueline O'Donovan, the trailblazing managing director of O'Donovan Waste has done it again and has been honoured at the inaugural Business Post Global Irish Diaspora Awards in London. Known for being a disrupter and innovator in the construction and waste sector, not only in the UK but in Ireland and the USA, Jacqueline was awarded the Business Leader of the Year title at the glittering event.

Read more: Jacqueline O'Donovan named as Business Leader of the Year

NFDC issue statement on investigation into Didcot Power Station incident

On the seven-year anniversary of the tragic collapse at Didcot A Power Station, which claimed the lives of four demolition operatives, NFDC has reached out to investigators to offer assistance.

NFDC CEO Howard Button, has been in contact with senior officials at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to offer the support of the NFDC in investigations, with the hope of expediting a conclusion. At this time the HSE have advised that the police have primacy in the investigation.

Read more: NFDC issue statement on investigation into Didcot Power Station incident

House of Lords committee supports Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Ground Source Heat Pump Association are elated that the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee supports the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and finds that significant changes must be swiftly made to give the heat pump industry the opportunity to deliver on the original policy intent.

Laura Bishop, Chair of the GSHPA said: “As we are all aware within our industry the BUS at the moment is the beacon of government policy with its remit to decarbonise domestic heating, but the BUS’s first year of operation has been challenging for all the reasons outlined by the Lords Committee.”

Read more: House of Lords committee supports Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Watch out for non-compliant PPE and safety equipment, warns safety body

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is warning those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement to be vigilant about substandard products, as their latest non-member product tests highlight the availability of high levels of non-compliant products.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF completed tests on 127 non-member products which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15%) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users.

Read more: Watch out for non-compliant PPE and safety equipment, warns safety body

‘Power Package’ for UK infrastructure as Hünnebeck and Strukturas join forces

Leading European formwork and scaffolding system suppliers Hünnebeck have extended their strategic working partnership with top bridge construction equipment brand, Strukturas – with immediate effect.

Dosthill, January 2023 The new working relationship will benefit UK construction clients working on complex bridge and infrastructure projects – allowing them to tap into a wealth of design and engineering expertise under oneroof, for greater efficiency, safety and productivity.

Read more: ‘Power Package’ for UK infrastructure as Hünnebeck and Strukturas join forces

ASFP updates its online passive fire protection training

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has updated its generic Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection, which provides a basic overview of passive fire protection (PFP) and its role in the overall fire strategy of a building. In addition, a new version of the course, Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection (Installation) has been developed with new content specifically designed to cover the particular needs of passive fire installers.

Delivered in eight learning modules, the new improved Online Introduction course covers key elements of design, installation and inspection. It is intended to provide a first step for those considering a career in the passive fire protection industry.

Read more: ASFP updates its online passive fire protection training

Signing ceremony marks milestone of New College Durham building

Durham student Michael Soler joined dignitaries from New College Durham and Esh Construction to take part in a ‘steel signing’ ceremony to mark the completion of the first phase of work on the college’s new technical and higher education building “T.H.E. Hub”.

On Tuesday 7 February, Andy Broadbent, Principal & Chief Executive of New College Durham, Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal, Paul Bradley, Chief Finance Officer, Karl Fairley, Deputy Chief Executive alongside Grant Watson, Contracts Manager and Kate Marshall, Social Value Manager from Esh Construction signed their names on the building’s steel framework. Michael Soler was asked to join them as a representative of the student body. Michael is currently on extended work placement at Esh Construction as part of the T-Level in Construction: Civil Engineering he is studying at the college.

Read more: Signing ceremony marks milestone of New College Durham building

Leeds College of Building showcases higher-level training for #NAW2023

Higher and degree apprenticeships are the focus for Leeds College of Building as the country marks National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (#NAW2023).

Taking place this week from 6th – 12th February, #NAW2023 is the 16th annual celebration of apprenticeships. The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, industry, and the economy.

Read more: Leeds College of Building showcases higher-level training for #NAW2023