Construction National

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.

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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.

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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

York Handmade plays pivotal role in new Easingwold housing development

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a pivotal role in the construction of an attractive new-build housing development in Easingwold.

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied tens of thousands of bricks for the Pastures in Stillington Road, a development of nine new quality houses.

Read more: York Handmade plays pivotal role in new Easingwold housing development

Hoist & Winch elevates success of large construction project

Hoist & Winch Ltd has recently completed a challenging project for one of the UK’s biggest construction companies involved in large-scale new home development projects. Faced with a demanding and highly technical brief, Hoist & Winch rose to the task, providing a turnkey lifting system solution to ensure complete success for its client.

The requirement was to install a concrete ceiling mounted 7.5t swl (safe working load) lifting beam and manual chain hoist into the basement energy room of a large new tower block. This development is part of a large-scale prestigious regeneration project providing 5500 sustainable new homes in North London.

Read more: Hoist & Winch elevates success of large construction project

Turn up the heat on cold stress awareness this winter

With extreme weather events on the increase, CHAS looks at the impact of cold weather on outdoor workers and discusses what can be done about it.

While it may appear that a warming climate is incompatible with harsher winters, extreme cold weather events do still occur. 2021 saw the lowest temperature recorded for the month of February since 1955, with the thermometer falling to as low as -23°C. However, it’s not just temperature that can lead to issues with cold. Wet and windy conditions all play their part in winter storms, and many counties saw their wettest winters on record in 2021. Being prepared for working in weather extremes is now more important than ever.

Read more: Turn up the heat on cold stress awareness this winter

ASFP recognises excellence at the 2022 Passive Fire Protection Awards

The winners of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) 2022 Passive Fire Protection Awards were announced at the Association’s Awards Dinner at the Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham on 25 November. Members gathered at this sell-out event to recognise and celebrate the sector’s achievements and hear all the latest news from the ASFP.

Read more: ASFP recognises excellence at the 2022 Passive Fire Protection Awards

BGF backs Environmental Essentials for future growth

Environmental Essentials, one of the UK’s leading asbestos service providers, has secured follow-on investment from BGF to support the acquisition of Adams Environmental.

Adams Environmental, which specialises in the listed building and education sectors, servicing high-profile buildings such as the National History Museum and Imperial College London, is the company’s first acquisition.

Read more: BGF backs Environmental Essentials for future growth

Essential reasons to switch to renewable energy sources

More property owners realise the advantage of incorporating renewable energy systems into their sites to ensure energy sustainability. Furthermore, they understand that they must be proactive in protecting the environment through various initiatives promoting ecological stability. The efforts of the green movement are becoming more evident as people become more aware of the various advantages of switching from fossil fuel-centric energy to renewable and clean energy. 

Read more: Essential reasons to switch to renewable energy sources

Kirklees College’s construction department win City & Guilds Award

In October this year, staff at Brunel Construction Centre, Kirklees College, were presented with their City & Guilds Excellence in End-Point Assessment (EPA) plaque.

This was the first year their construction apprentices undertook their EPA at Kirklees College, which showcases their competence in their chosen career. Students demonstrated to independent assessors the knowledge, skills and behaviours they gained thanks in part to the outstanding training delivered by the college in Brickwork, Joinery, Plastering, Plumbing and Property Maintenance.

Read more: Kirklees College’s construction department win City & Guilds Award