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Last updateTue, 15 Apr 2025 9am

All Powered Access Licence Cards to be Smart

All PAL Cards (Powered Access Licence) issued by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) for training on or after 1 January 2015 will be machine-readable, i.e. Smart PAL Cards. This move aims to improve site safety as Smart PAL Cards may be used to ensure that only trained operators can use mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) on site.

The Smart PAL Card is marked by a wireless icon and has a chip embedded in it. The data stored on the card, such as the operator name, number and categories trained in, is also printed on it, which means that the Smart PAL Card can still be used as a standard version.

Read more: All Powered Access Licence Cards to be Smart

Boningale release 'Plans for Wildlife' with updated BREEM guidance

Boningale Nursery, one of the UK’s largest nurseries and environmental horticultural specialists has released the third edition of its unique ‘Plants for Wildlife’ catalogue for architects and contractors keen to maximise their BREEAM ecological credits.

As the only UK nursery that produces and supplies both traditional nursery and green roof planting stock, Boningale’s ‘Plants for Wildlife’ catalogue is a must have guide for contractors and specifiers involved in planning and drawing up landscaping schemes for building developments. 

Read more: Boningale release 'Plans for Wildlife' with updated BREEM guidance

High security for first combined dental hospital & school in 40 years

Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in door opening solutions, has secured a contract to supply products for Birmingham Dental Hospital & School of Dentistry – the UK’s first new integrated dental hospital and school for nearly 40 years.

The development is seen as highly strategic for the city, being a key element of the new Edgbaston Medical Quarter and further enhances the city’s reputation as a hub for Medicine, Learning and Life Sciences. 

Read more: High security for first combined dental hospital & school in 40 years

Sika investment receives Royal Seal of Approval

Sika’s new £2.5million research and development center in Preston, UK, was opened on 26 November, 2014 by HRH Duke of Kent in an official ceremony to mark the occasion.

Following the acquisition of Liquid Plastics and Incorez in 2009, Sika has continued to invest in this area of its business to support the development of technologically advanced liquid roofing membranes and new developments in its product technologies - such as the low solvent iCure range. From its Preston site in the North West of England, Sika exports these products all over the world and is leading the field in liquid roof waterproofing.

Read more: Sika investment receives Royal Seal of Approval

Wetherby Building Systems invests in local students

Haydock based Wetherby Building Systems, the leading provider of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, has teamed up with St Helens College and invested over £2,000 to provide valuable industry training, knowledge and work experience to its students.

With a widely acknowledged skills shortage in the UK construction sector, Wetherby is committed to helping train the next generation of building professionals and equip them with relevant product and industry knowledge to help prepare them for their entrance into the industry.

Read more: Wetherby Building Systems invests in local students