Construction National

Evolving Connectivity 2023

Evolving Connectivity, being held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, is the UK’s leading trade show for the signal reception, content delivery and smart home industry. Evolving Connectivity allows the showcasing of new industry products along with live seminars from keynote industry speakers about the future changes the industry will experience. 

This one day event is informative, fun and imperative to attend if you're a new start-up or long standing business.

Read more: Evolving Connectivity 2023

York Handmade unveils 'transformational' £1.5m state-of-the-art machinery

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which will transform how the company makes bricks.

York Handmade, who are now the UK’s leading small independent brickmaker, is confident this investment will open a new chapter in the company’s illustrious history.

The first bricks from the new plant will be available in March.

Read more: York Handmade unveils 'transformational' £1.5m state-of-the-art machinery

Learn on your own terms – Burnley College launches FREE* online learning

Burnley College is launching its pioneering new online learning which will give everyone access to real qualifications in highly desirable skills – and with full funding available, learners won’t have to pay anything.

This brand-new blended, flexible approach to learning allows people to shape their own education to fit around their lives.

Learners won’t even have to attend the College if they choose not to – however, in-person support is available on their £110 million campus for everyone who wants it.

Read more: Learn on your own terms – Burnley College launches FREE* online learning

Five tips for staying protected in winter weather

Clair Weston, marketing manager at uvex, outlines some key considerations for staying safe and comfortable when working in winter.

uvex has a long history of keeping people safe in winter conditions. We were the pioneers of the first anti-fog ski goggle in 1964, and our name is an abbreviation of “UltraViolet Exclusion.” So whether it’s at work or play, we know that having the right equipment to protect against the elements is key to comfort, performance and safety.

Read more: Five tips for staying protected in winter weather

CHAS 2013 Limited is now part of Veriforce

London Borough of Merton-based CHAS 2013 Limited (CHAS) has announced receipt of all customary regulatory approvals and confirmed that its acquisition by Thoma Bravo-backed Veriforce, LLC (Veriforce), the supply chain risk and compliance management industry’s fastest-growing solution provider, is now complete.

CHAS, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of the London Borough of Merton, is the UK’s leading provider of risk prevention, compliance, and supply chain management services, and has built a strong reputation for simplifying health and safety prequalification and raising standards of risk management.

Read more: CHAS 2013 Limited is now part of Veriforce

Leeds College of Building appoints new assistant principal

Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education.

Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy.

Speaking of his appointment, Chris said:

“I am thrilled to start in this post at Leeds College of Building. I’m passionate about how education can raise prospects and know that gaining a sought-after trade or profession while attaining maths, English, and digital skills can be life changing. Studying part-time or following a vocational higher-education pathway like a degree apprenticeship is a hands-on and economical route that ultimately leads to the same successful career destination as traditional academic routes.”

Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO Nikki Davis, said:

“Huge congratulations to Chris after a competitive selection process against a high calibre of candidate. Chris succeeds outgoing Assistant Principal Brian Duffy, who worked at the College for many years before retiring in December. Brian was critical in the growth of our higher education provision, and I know that Chris will be instrumental in building on this success. May I join others in wishing Chris well as he moves into this role.”

Chris has over 33 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering industry and Further and Higher Education sectors, initially qualifying as a gas engineer. After 19 years in engineering, Chris transitioned to teaching in 2008 when he became a lecturer in Building Services Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building.

Following this, Chris was appointed Curriculum Manager for Building Services & Civil Engineering and then Assistant Faculty Director for HE, Construction Design & Management at the College.

Chris will oversee adult learning and funding to combat regional skills shortages, plan for future skills needs (such as sustainable construction), and widening participation in education. Chris will also lead on higher education strategy, which incorporates the new Leeds College of Building University Centre, and work closely with employer partners and other professional bodies.

Chris continued:

“I came from a working-class background when university wasn’t an option, so I started my career as an Apprentice with British Gas. I progressed to a qualified gas engineer, technical engineer, quality assurance engineer, and then technical support manager. I am also a professionally registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council through membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I always took any opportunity to better myself and gain extra qualifications through work.

“I have first-hand experience of learning on the job as an adult and understand the challenges of studying part-time while balancing life and family commitments. Through the Open University, I progressed to a BSc in Engineering, Science & Design before gaining a master’s degree in Building Services Engineering – all while working. I hope these experiences will help me in my new role, having walked in our students’ shoes and lived it myself.”

For further information visit www.lcb.ac.uk

O'Donovan launches hazardous waste management service

O’Donovan Waste is thrilled to announce that it has successfully added hazardous waste management to its already comprehensive portfolio of wide-ranging waste services. The new hazardous licence will allow the award-winning business to handle an array of different hazardous materials such as asbestos sheeting, paints, aerosols and other chemically contaminated wastes. O’Donovan will deal with the hazardous materials from ‘cradle to grave’ including free site visits, completion of required legal documentation, the provision of instructions for different wastes segregation as well as the transportation and final disposal requirements.

Read more: O'Donovan launches hazardous waste management service

Product safety to come under the spotlight in 2023

BSIF CEO Alan Murray explains why 2023 will see a greater focus on product safety, including increased scrutiny on the safety and compliance of goods sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces. 

The UK has always had a reputation for stringent product safety standards but with constant innovation and the rise of e-commerce many markets have become increasingly hard to regulate.

Read more: Product safety to come under the spotlight in 2023

Seven issues that will affect supply chains in 2023

The last year has been challenging for supply chains, with 2023 set for similar pressures and a raft of new legislation to boot. But forewarned is forearmed. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, looks at ten issues companies should be aware of when shoring up supply chain resilience for the year ahead.

1. Public procurement changes

Public procurement is set for a big shake-up in 2023 with the new Procurement Bill currently making its way through parliament.

Read more: Seven issues that will affect supply chains in 2023

Expansion of pioneering private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval

Planning approval is set to be granted for the second phase of a pioneering private hospital in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings.

Leeds City Council planners are ready to give the green light to a brand-new 6,500 sq ft extension at the 17th century Red Hall House estate near Roundhay Park.

Phase One of the £8m development is complete with the multi-disciplinary Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall now fully operational.

Read more: Expansion of pioneering private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval