Construction National

Fine margins: delivering financial sustainability in UK construction?

A new report by the CBI provides interesting insight into the health of the UK construction sector.  Whilst it highlights that the construction industry is a vital part of the UK economy, it reinforces that the business models that underpin this are breaking.

The report starts by drawing out the importance of the sector noting that every £1 spent on UK construction creates £2.92 of value to the UK. The industry employs 2.3 million people directly – supporting over 3 million more indirectly – and construction activity contributes 6% of GVA.

Read more: Fine margins: delivering financial sustainability in UK construction?

‘Made to Order’ radius gutter from Rainclear - true cast or mitred

Sometimes you need to replace a radius gutter (guttering that follows the shape of a circular roofline) on a conservation or renovation project and it needs to be ‘like for like’. The original pattern for ‘sand casting’ of that specific Cast Iron radius gutter may be long gone, but we can use the pieces you still have to create new ‘patterns’ and cast new matching radius gutters for you. This is known as a ‘True Cast’ Radius Gutter.

Read more: ‘Made to Order’ radius gutter from Rainclear - true cast or mitred

SOCOTEC launches bespoke health and safety training day for new recruits

SOCOTEC, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, has launched a bespoke health and safety training day for new starters within its Ground Investigation division.

Ground Investigation staff will be required to complete this training day early on within their employment and prior to them undertaking other accredited courses, such as the Site Management Safety Training Scheme and/or Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. Every new recruit will be required to participate, even if they have completed health and safety training in a previous role. 

Read more: SOCOTEC launches bespoke health and safety training day for new recruits

Bull maximises fire safety during major London demolition

Bull Products, a leading manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, has been selected to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to protect the demolition of London’s Landmark House and Thames Tower.

Commencing in January 2020, the demolition of the high-rise office buildings will make way for a new development that will be split into three buildings, accommodating two office blocks at six and 22-storeys, as well as a 22-storey hotel.

Read more: Bull maximises fire safety during major London demolition

Cemfloor Liquid Screed awarded BBA Accreditation announce suppliers

Mick George Concrete, official suppliers of Cemfloor Liquid Screed and Cemfloor High Performance - Self Compacting Concrete, are pleased to announce that after extensive testing by the British Board of Agrément, Cemfloor has become the first cement based liquid screed to be awarded BBA Certification in the UK & Ireland.  

Padraic McGrath, Head of Research & Development said that the Certification was “the result of a continuous commitment to ensure that Cemfloor is of the highest standard. The BBA issued this certificate after a rigorous testing period that showed the reliability and high quality of our product.”

Read more: Cemfloor Liquid Screed awarded BBA Accreditation announce suppliers

Mick George set to commence earthworks at new crematorium in Gwent

A project to create a ‘state-of-the-art’ crematorium in Blackwood, Gwent is underway with the Mick George Group set to commence Earthworks and Stabilisation works on behalf of Wales based Encon Construction Ltd.

The development is considered by local residents to be ‘much needed’ as the crematorium represents the first to be built in Caerphilly county borough and will be the nearest facility within a 30-minute drive of the 154,000 population. 

Read more: Mick George set to commence earthworks at new crematorium in Gwent

Nationwide Platforms commits to improving mental health

The UK’s leading powered access rental company, Nationwide Platforms, is making strides towards battling mental health with the launch of a mental health colleague support programme.

The initiative named ‘Hey… you ok?’ is designed to foster a culture of awareness throughout Nationwide Platforms and the UK arm of the Loxam Powered Access Division to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, whilst providing the company’s 1,140 employees with a wealth of advice, guidance and support.

Read more: Nationwide Platforms commits to improving mental health

Multiplex signs NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter

Construction giant Multiplex has become the latest main contractor to sign the NASC’s Safe Scaffolding Charter.

The multinational firm, which builds large-scale and complex structures across the globe, specifies ‘NASC-only’ for its UK-based scaffolding-related works.

Read more: Multiplex signs NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter

HSE look to industry leaders for bespoke MEWP Technical Awareness Course

The Health & Safety Executive have recently harnessed the expertise of the UK’s market leader in powered access, Nationwide Platforms, to develop and deliver a bespoke MEWP Technical Training Course to their team of Mechanical Inspectors.

The HSE HM Principal Mechanical Inspector approached Nationwide Platforms Health, Safety & Environmental Director, Mark Keily, to develop the bespoke course which looks to upskill HSE Mechanical Inspectors knowledge on MEWP’s.

Read more: HSE look to industry leaders for bespoke MEWP Technical Awareness Course

Thermal insulation provides corrosion protection with 'cool-to-touch' properties

Industries and facilities around the world face challenges linked to the maintenance of pipework, tanks, and vessels. Damage and deterioration of pipes, valves and fittings are a widespread problem and occur due to corrosion, erosion, thermal cycling, and chemical attack. In order to save energy costs and reduce waste, companies are recognising the importance of insulating their equipment to prevent heat loss and increase efficiency, however, this creates another issue, corrosion under insulation (CUI). CUI is a major issue which occurs on equipment operating in low, ambient, and high-temperature environments. 

Read more: Thermal insulation provides corrosion protection with 'cool-to-touch' properties