Thursday, August 30, 2012

ELECOFLOOR’S SPEEDY INSTALLATION WINS £12M RESIDENTIAL CONTRACT


The speed of installation and acoustic properties of Stramit’s ElecoFloor has recently been utilised in the construction of the West Park Development, Manchester. Renaker Build, with expertise in construction projects of varying complexity and value, specified and installed ElecoFloor at the £12M residential project. The West Park development consists of the build of two apartment blocks each containing 85 individual units.

Appointed as the main flooring product throughout the development, ElecoFloor panels provide the necessary sound insulation for separating floors, without the need to source all the required layers for a built up system. This results in a reduction in thickness above the joist being of 50% or more. The medium weight overlay board, designed for concrete and timber floors, is an acoustic flooring system comprising of moisture resistant chipboard and MDF composite bonded boards, with a resilient central layer and a durable polyester felt backing. This construction helps improve impact and airborne noise.

Stramit Panel Products, a trusted partner in leading partition systems in the United Kingdom for over 50 years, understands the importance of a quick installation process and has utilised its expertise in manufacturing laminated and pre-decorated partitioning panels to develop the ElecoFloor system. With its fast installation time, Elecofloor can be fitted up to half the time it takes to install a batten system. Once in place, the panels take up a third of the overall thickness, delivering material savings on brick courses, whilst additionally significantly reducing the overall height of the building.

Renaker, which awarded ElecoFloor the contract, provided a clear schedule for the quick turnaround required. Phased over a 24-month period to meet the client’s sales requirements, Stramit guaranteed the delivery of the ElecoFloor system could meet the flexible schedule Renaker needed to work within.


A spokesperson from Renaker Build commented, “Due to a positive working relationship with Stramit, we have successfully installed ElecoFloor on several projects over the past few years, including West Park and Delta Point in Manchester. We continue to experience a first class service and I feel extremely confident in the knowledge that ElecoFloor will always arrive onsite on time and of the highest quality.

“With valuable acoustic properties and simplicity of installation, ElecoFloor provides competitive pricing which makes a cost effective and time saving product to install.”

Whilst Robust Details, the Certification Scheme for separating walls and floors in new build joined homes in England and Wales is a popular choice for many, Renaker has chosen the Stramit ElecoFloor system which provides important data in order to help demonstrate what acoustic performance is being achieved.

Furthermore, the composite floor system, which successfully meets Part E of Building Regulations, protects residential properties from the noise of activities in other rooms or adjoining properties. ElecoFloor, designed for use in both new build and conversions, is suitable for use throughout a building, including bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, ElecoFloor is also widely used in the conversion and refurbishment sector, where pre-determined ceiling and door heights can be restrictive.

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ENGINEERING SUBCONTRACTOR EXHIBITION– BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ON TRUST

Having trusted suppliers is acknowledged as an effective route to high quality and low cost production. For companies providing engineering subcontract services, visiting the innovative new Engineering Subcontractor Exhibition (held at the RAF Museum, Cosford on 18th April 2013) provides access to some of the best machinery and equipment suppliers in the UK.

The show takes place alongside the established and highly regarded FAST Exhibition which showcases the latest advances in industrial fastening and assembly. The RAF Museum Cosford venue is a fantastic location for visitors involved in engineering, and offers free entry too.

The roadshow style of the new Engineering Subcontractor exhibition is ideal for visitors who are busy people: easy to get to, easy (and free) to park at, and easy to get round. Subcontract service providers can discover and discuss all the latest new equipment, machinery and processes to have emerged recently from an eclectic portfolio of leading suppliers to manufacturing companies. Included will be multi-axis machining equipment, lathes, turret and bed mills, bridge mills, turning centres, bar feeders, cutting tools and machines, CMM’s, marking equipment, waterjet cutting and much more. 

They will cover the needs of engineering subcontractors active in the fields of machinery, sheet metal working, pressing, plastics moulding and assembly, electronics and additive manufacture amongst more. 

This new event offers a low-cost, easy to manage platform for exhibitors and a focused event designed to deliver visitors with maximum information in the minimum of time and with the minimum of fuss. 

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CWISC Competent Persons Scheme Notifications Up A Third


In the first six months of 2012, just under a quarter of a million Cavity Wall Insulation installations were carried out under the Cavity Wall Insulation Self Certification scheme (CWISC) - a 36% increase in installations under the scheme compared to the first six months of 2011.

The CWISC scheme is operated and administered by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) in association with the British Board of Agrément. The scheme provides homeowners with the comfort of knowing that work by registered contractors is not only covered by the CIGA Guarantee but complies with building regulations requirements.

Registered installers under the scheme must meet detailed technical requirements and are subject to regular independent inspections and surveillance of work. Under the Scheme a certificate of conformity is sent to the homeowner shortly after completion of the installation.

Gerry Miller, Chief Executive of CIGA, commented: “Qualifying installations also receive the CIGA independent 25 year Guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. To date, CIGA has issued nearly 5 million guarantees, which, in conjunction with the certificate of conformity with building regulations, provides householders with complete peace of mind.”

The CWISC scheme was officially launched 1st October 2010.

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140-STRONG ORDER CONFIRMS KUBOTA COMMITMENT TO MINDING THE GAP GROUP


Kubota Construction has announced an order for 140 mini-excavators by GAP Group, the UK’s largest independent plant and tool hire company. The deal marks the first major win since the appointment of Kubota Construction’s first dedicated Key Account Manager.

GAP has been a regular user of Kubota Construction for many years, and today estimates that Kubota accounts for around 95% of its fleet of mini-excavators, situated at 59 depots across the UK.

The 2012 batch demonstrates the breadth of Kubota Construction’s range, as its composition shows a marked shift from previous orders by GAP. Of the 140 machines being delivered, 30 are 6-tonne models and 60 are 8-tonne models.

"The mini-excavator market is skewing towards larger sizes as customers need to handle bigger projects, and we’ve had to take on increased numbers to meet growing demand," explains Ken Stewart, Procurement Manager for GAP. "We’re more than confident, based on past experience, that the Kubota equipment will be up to the task."

Ken Stewart says that GAP sees the Kubota name as a badge of quality. "In addition to their mini-excavators, we use other items that run on Kubota engines. Whatever the application, we’ve always found Kubota products to be well-engineered, reliable and hard-wearing – ideal for customers who require construction equipment that can stand up to the rigors of demanding working environments."

In addition, GAP cites the fact that Kubota Construction fits anti-theft technology to its mini-excavators as standard, as being instrumental in bringing peace of mind to its customers. "Good security is a must, and we use Kubota’s anti-theft technology alongside other systems as part of a robust protocol to protect our investment."

With so many Kubota models in the fleet, GAP’s workshop personnel and foremen have developed an exceptional working knowledge of the brand. "I’ve been told many times by colleagues within GAP that the Kubota products don’t suffer many servicing issues, which is a huge testament to their quality."

He adds that the excellent long-term cost of ownership of Kubota models extends as far as selling them on. "Kubota mini-excavators tend to retain their value, giving us good residual income to put back into the business when we need to upgrade our fleet."

The 2012 GAP order is the first major deal brokered by Rebecca Bryson, Kubota Construction’s new Key Account Manager. Bryson was appointed to this role – a first for Kubota in the UK – in order to bring added value to the company’s nationwide customers such as GAP.

As part of the order, Kubota Construction will be taking a greater role in supporting GAP to get the best of its fleet. "We’ll be helping out on Open Days and liaising with depots on training and sales requirements, in order to help GAP get the best out of their Kubota fleet," explains Rebecca Bryson.

"We’re delighted with Rebecca’s appointment and see this as the start of a new era in our relationship with Kubota," confirms Ken Stewart. "With a Key Account Manager in place, we’re confident that Rebecca will fly the flag for the Kubota range to help increase awareness and highlight the strength of our fleet, both externally to customers and internally to GAP’s own staff."

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2000th Rå Build for H+H


H+H’s Rå Build method of aircrete construction has recently been specified for the 2000th time at a Linden Homes development in Northfields, Colchester, demonstrating the popularity of the system. Originally the build method was to be timber frame, however, the specification changed to aircrete due to the cost saving available.

Craig Hart, MD of specialist contractor Hart Construction explains: ‘Linden Homes was frustrated with timber frame and it was decided that we should use a faster, more robust method and one that was more cost effective. By switching to Rå Build we were able to save in excess of 10% as we can get the inner shell of a masonry home built very quickly.’

The 265 houses and 100 apartments in the second and third phases of Northfields are being constructed using H+H blockwork and Celfix thin joint mortar. The external walls are solid aircrete using 3.6 and 7.3N/mm² 200mm thick Plus Blocks insulated with 150mm EPS insulation finished with a Weber Therm XT render system giving U-values down to 0.19 W/m²K. Separating walls use two leaves of 100mm Jumbo Bloks, complying with Robust Detail E-WM-10.

The Rå Build method uses the fast setting Thin Joint system with large format blocks to build the inner aircrete leaf directly to full storey heights - with intermediate floors and roof installed - ahead of the external brickwork or cladding. This provides a fast, stable and weatherproof shell, allowing first fix trades early access whilst the external cladding is completed. Further time is saved by the use of retrofitted joist hangers, avoiding any block cutting at floor level, and enhancing air permeability levels.

The housing scheme is set within a new sustainable neighbourhood to provide new homes, an attractive open park and school with useful transport links for the local community. The homes will be offered for private sale, some under the Government’s NewBuy scheme, with an additional allocation for social housing.

Craig continues, ‘We have worked with H+H for over 13 years and we are always impressed with the results that can be achieved with their product. The work being carried out at Linden Homes, Northfields has only confirmed my high opinion of the company.’

Properties available at Linden Homes, Northfields include ‘The Ardleigh’ a two bedroom-terraced house and ‘The Farnham’ a three bedroom-terraced house. Both styles have an open plan layout with a separate kitchen area and additional sliding door access to the rear garden. There is a three bedroom - detached house style available with a similar layout. The development also features Waltham Place, a three-storey apartment building consisting of private apartments, ranging from studio flats to two bedroom flats.

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LARKFLEET TARGETS RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SOCIAL LANDLORDS WITH NEW APPOINTMENT


The Larkfleet Group has appointed a new business development manager to help secure contracts for renewable power generation such as solar panels and for energy-saving technologies such as insulation and heat pumps.

Steven Redshaw will work across several group companies including Lark Energy, Eco Building Products and Deepings Plumbing and Building Supplies, integrating their products and services into a single proposal for local authorities and housing associations.

Steven joins the Bourne-based Larkfleet Group from Skanska Residential Development where he was a senior design manager. Prior to that he held technical and managerial posts with Jacobs Engineering, Stamford Homes and Capita.

He has BTec qualifications in mecatronics (mechanical and electrical engineering) and building studies and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Steven’s strong technical background will help us in addressing the needs of social landlords which want to make their homes more energy-efficient, cut energy bills for their tenants and reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

Steven added: “This is a tremendously exciting time to be involved in the renewable energy industry. The expertise within the Larkfleet Group means I will have a really powerful proposition to put to landlords in terms of technology, procurement and experience.”

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SCAPE APPOINTS FAITHFUL+GOULD TO LEAD ASSET MANAGEMENT, SURVEYING AND DESIGN SERVICES FRAMEWORK

Local authority controlled company Scape has appointed Faithful+Gould, a global construction project and cost management consultancy, as the lead supplier in a major, four year, National Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services Framework (AMSandDS).

The new framework supercedes Scape’s design framework which has been successfully providing professional design services since 2008. The scope has widened and enables UK public sector bodies to have instant access to a complete suite of professional construction consultancy services. These include asset management; construction design and management consultancy; building surveying; architecture, structural engineering; building services engineering and planning.

Public sector organisations can use the framework to supplement their own resources when delivering property and construction projects. Feedback highlighted that many state funded organisations like the flexibility of being able to choose how they can access support – either as an external consultancy or an in house service – so that option was retained in response to demand.

Scape awarded Faithful+Gould the contract, which commences on 1st September, on the basis of a high quality submission and the most competitive price. The framework has the potential to generate and contribute a total construction and projects value of £1bn to the Public Sector over a four-year period.

Mark Robinson, Scape’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Faithful+Gould in delivering a more holistic solution to our public sector clients. Many have told us about the difficulties they are facing in managing their estates with reduced budgets and fewer staff. We took the opportunity to respond to that challenge.

“By cutting out wasteful procurement processes, and offering a full range of design and technical services at an affordable price, authorities up and down the country will be better placed to access expert advice to achieve their facilities management programme targets in future.” 

Jon Sealy, Faithful+Gould’s UK Managing Director, commented: “Appointment to the new Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services framework represents a significant opportunity for Faithful+Gould, our supply chain and our SCAPE partners. It is rewarding that they have acknowledged that we were successful because of our high quality submission and the fact we also offered the public sector real value for money. We recognise these are hugely important factors and this valuable contract is a strong addition to our public sector portfolio.

Faithful+Gould was selected for a second term by Scape following a competitive OJEU compliant process. This saw six private sector firms compete for the contract at full tender stage.

Scape specialises in providing a range of national and regional procurement frameworks so that the UK public sector can procure construction services more quickly and efficiently without having to go through lengthy and costly OJEU processes. The firm also offers a range of tried and tested pre-designed building solutions across sectors including education, health, leisure and blue light services.

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Mobile workforce app saves businesses almost £4m


An award-winning mobile workforce management app aimed at engineers and builders out on the road has saved its customers almost £4m since it was launched in November 2011.

MyMobileWorkers, developed by Momote is the UK’s first pay as you go workforce management app which allows a workforce to accurately log any kind of job information on a mobile phone device which is then fed into a back office system

The app eliminates the need for paper job sheets, saving time for both engineers out on the road as well as the administration time taken to process them.

Altogether the app has saved more than 280,000 hours for its customers, breaking down to £3,455,611 in field service hours and £292,782 in administration time. It has also saved customers £8,393 on the 1,721,900 sheets of paper they didn’t need to use, equating to nearly a tonne. Every tonne of recycled paper saves around 17 trees.

The app is used by companies across a variety of sectors including building maintenance, waste recycling and engineering across the North West and UK.

Suffolk based building maintenance company MC Contracts uses the pay-as-you-go mobile workforce management app to assign, track and record job details for its engineers.

The app has already saved the company 45 man-hours a week as engineers no longer have to travel to and from the head office to drop off paper job sheets. Jobs are assigned in the morning via the mobile device and engineers can get straight out on the road.

Mark Calver, managing director of MC Contracts, whose key contract is with a major housing association, said: “Investing in this new technology has been a huge boost to our company, the unique model of paying per job has meant this is affordable.

“Historically we’ve looked at similar systems and they have been cost prohibitive.

“This model of paying per maintenance visit has allowed us to improve the speed with which we can attend maintenance call-outs which benefits us as a business and also benefits the customer.

"The app means the engineer can access all the correct job information instantly at the touch of a button which saves them having to contact the office repeatedly for job details.”

Graham Whistance, founder of MyMobileWorkers, said: “Saving businesses money and increasing efficiency is one of the main reasons we launched MyMobileWorkers in the first place and the results speak for themselves.

“Mobile apps such as ours allow small businesses to get more time out of their day and spend it on higher value work.

“Tough economic conditions have highlighted the need for companies to pay close attention to the way in which their mobile workforce is managed and the pay as you go aspect of MyMobileWorkers makes it inclusive for businesses of all sizes.”

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Redland Acquires Technology for InDax Solar products from Schott SOLAR


Redland, part of the Monier Group, has strengthened its position as a technology leader for the interface of PV products to pitched roofs by acquiring Schott Solar’s InDaX technology for the manufacture of roof-integrated photovoltaics.

The contract was signed on 16 August 2012, and, in addition to the framing technology, includes the rights to use the InDaX name, as well as patents related to the product. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition is a strategic addition to our existing solar and roofing activities. We are planning to develop the InDaX system into a major part of our solar portfolio in future. We are confident that through the integration of this state-of-the-art technology we are well prepared for further growth in the promising in-roof segment along the lines of our strategic priorities”, says Pepyn Dinandt, CEO of the Monier Group.

The system is an essential part of the so-called portrait roof and has already been launched by Monier in Germany, Italy and South Eastern Europe. Further launches are planned for France later this year and the UK in January.

Through the acquisition Monier secures that both its own customers and customers of Schott Solar will continue to be able to be offered a premium in-roof product. “The InDaX allows Monier to tap into promising new distribution channels in the PV market. We are building on a technology that will allow us to more strongly benefit from a trend that sees solar systems becoming independent of feed-in-tariffs and being increasingly used for decentralised own consumption”, explains Jens Milnikel, Director of the Business Line Solar Roof Systems.

Experts from the business line and the Technical Centre of the Monier Group had already closely cooperated with Schott Solar for the market launch and further development of the InDaX system bringing in their leading roofing expertise.

Monier will not take over the PV laminate production, but rather build on partnerships with established manufacturers purchasing their systems, as it does for its other photovoltaic systems.

“By building on our proven model where we focus on leveraging our roofing expertise and partnering with quality PV-laminate manufacturers we will be able to offer a premium product. Experience from the markets shows that InDaX is the leading product in this segment. We are now able to also offer former Schott Solar customers who would have been forced to look elsewhere an attractive roof-integrated photovoltaic system”, says Dr Gerrit Sames, CTPO of the Monier Group.

In June this year, Schott had announced that it will cease production of crystalline photovoltaics. The equipment for framing and finishing, taken over by Monier, will be relocated to a company site north of Milan in Italy.

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AUL14 from Armacell UK Ltd - Successful Launch by Armacell for Fire Class Insulation Materials


Armacell celebrated a successful premiere of their latest Armaflex Ultima insulation material at the ISO’12 European trade fair for insulation technology which was held recently in Cologne. With this blue elastomeric foam, Armacell is believed to be the first manufacturer to offer a flexible insulation material which achieves European fire class B-s1, d0. The insulation material has an extremely low smoke density, making it an important contribution to the overall level of fire safety in buildings. In order to be able to install the new material reliably, Armacell has developed a range of purpose designed adhesives specifically for use with Armaflex Ultima. The product is also patent pending and will be launched on several European markets later in the year. Furthermore, Armaflex Ultima meets the requirements for sustainable construction and green building, such as the criteria for the LEED (US), BREEAM (UK) and GREEN STAR systems. All three are third-party certification programs for measuring the environmental sustainability of new and existing homes and buildings, with BREEAM being mandatory for new housing projects in the UK.

Statistics indicate that fires kill between 6,000 and 10,000 people annually in Europe alone. But only a few of these are killed by the flames, the majority die as a consequence of smoke inhalation. In the event of a fire it is vital that escape routes can be found quickly – which is only possible with minimal smoke development. The new European fire classification takes this fact into account, and when assessing the fire behaviour of building products not only tests the flammability, but also the smoke density and the production of burning droplets. The new Armaflex Ultima is the first flexible insulation material to achieve fire class B-s1, d0 in the European fire test. The insulation material releases only a minimal amount of smoke in a fire and thus makes an important contribution to the safety of people in buildings.

For maximum safety and sustainability, all public, commercial and residential new-builds should be planned and built incorporating the principles of sustainability, with the renovation of existing buildings also being given the same consideration. A Green Building certification is now important, and buildings certified under LEED, BREEAM or a comparable national scheme, such as the German DGNB, are characterised by high resource efficiency in the areas of energy, water and materials to have as little negative impact on health and the environment as possible. A range of tubes and sheets, in various sizes and thickness combinations is available in the Armaflex Ultima range, which in combination with the solvent-free Armaflex Ultima SF990 adhesive, can contribute to fulfilling the criteria for LEED certification. As with all Armaflex insulation materials, Armaflex Ultima conserves natural resources and reduces the emission of climate-damaging CO2. The range of purpose designed adhesives developed for the Ultima insulation systems include:

- Armaflex Ultima SF990 Adhesive: the first solvent and VOC-free adhesive for installing elastomeric insulation materials
- Armaflex Ultima RS850 Adhesive: High-performance adhesive with reduced solvent content for clean, non-drip installation
- Armaflex Ultima 700 Adhesive: reliable special adhesive for a wide temperature range

The choice of adhesive depends on the requirements of the project in question, and Armaflex Ultima is available in both standard and self-adhesive versions. In order to provide a reliable insulation system for the sensitive area around the pipe bracket, the Armafix pipe support is also offered in the new Armaflex Ultima quality.

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Monday, August 27, 2012

ACOUSTIC TESTING - PRACTICAL HELP FROM CHILTERN DYNAMICS


ACOUSTIC testing of building products is fast becoming key to planning and design to meet both regulatory and customer requirements.

To meet the construction industry’s needs, Chiltern Dynamics, part of the BM TRADA Group,
has produced a free Technical Information Sheet outlining current requirements, benefits and processes of acoustic testing and common problems areas to consider before testing.

Paul Andrews, Head of Mechanical Testing at Chiltern Dynamics, said: “Noise is an important element in all kinds of planning projects, be they multi-occupancy buildings or developments close to roads, railways etc. Environmental impact assessments may show that external influences mean buildings will need higher levels of sound insulation. Buyers, both residential and commercial, are increasingly likely to consider noise factors, and products proven to provide a specified level of sound insulation will have the commercial edge over those which cannot.”

Evidence of acoustic performance over and above the minimum requirements is increasingly being required to meet wider sustainability initiatives, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM.

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Repairs app rolled out to Sheffield and Gosport


Following the successful launch of its smartphone application earlier in the year in Harlow, Kier, a leading construction, services and property group, has rolled out the Kier Repairs app to tenants and leaseholders in Sheffield and Gosport. The free to download app enables tenants and leaseholders, eligible for Kier’s repairs and maintenance services on their home, to report repairs directly using their smartphone. Kier is still the first, and currently only, contractor to have launched a repairs app for its customers.

In Gosport, the app will enable the 3,186 Gosport tenants eligible for Kier’s repairs and maintenance services to report repairs directly using their smartphone. With nearly half of all adults in the UK now estimated to use a smartphone (around 40 million people), the free Kier Repairs app provides eligible Kier customers with even more choice in how and when they can report responsive repairs.

The launch of the app for Sheffield City Council tenants and leaseholders coincided with the opening of its dedicated Tenants Resource Centre. The new Kier Tenant Resource Centre has been opened to provide residents with a dedicated hub where they can use space for community group meetings, training events and to meet other tenants. Kier is also hoping to offer the use of its resource centre to local charities.

The app has been designed to further simplify the repair reporting process and includes a camera function allowing customers to take a picture of the issue they are reporting. This not only helps the customer in accurately describing the issue, but also saves the call centre time in diagnosing the repair and, on some occasions, means that solutions can be offered over the phone. This process also helps break down some language barriers for tenants who may find it difficult to communicate via the telephone.

Furthermore, the app allows customers to report repairs at a time convenient to them rather than being restricted to call centre opening times. Repairs can also be reported on behalf of customers who do not own a smartphone themselves – for example, by the relatives of elderly residents.

Kier Managing Director, Peter Brynes, said: “We developed the app through close consultation with tenants of council properties in order to guarantee customers and clients a new, convenient way of reporting repairs, in addition to existing methods such as telephone, email or in person at Kier’s local call centres. Sheffield and Gosport tenants are the latest tenants to have access to the app and we are liaising with all our clients on looking at rolling the app out to their tenants and leaseholders.”


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ISG Checks In With Luxury Evesham Hotel Scheme


ISG has secured a £2 million fast-track project to redevelop Wood Norton Hall in Evesham, Worcestershire into a luxury hotel, conference and wedding venue. The grade II listed Victorian property will undergo a comprehensive programme of sensitive refurbishment and modernisation, with ISG creating additional guest accommodation and upgrading communal facilities.

Wood Norton Hall was once the family home of the Duc d'Aumale, the fourth son of the king of France, and in 1939 was acquired by the BBC as a war time broadcasting base and in use by the corporation as a training facility up until 2001. The renaissance of this historical property will see ISG create an additional five luxury guest bedrooms in the main hall, whilst restoring and upgrading accommodation in the existing 15 rooms.

Blending contemporary style with historical architectural elements, a number of the guest rooms will feature glazed central bathroom pod structures. Extensive areas of oak panelling will be sensitively restored and all rooms redecorated and furnished to a high standard. Structural alterations will be carried out at ground floor level to enable ISG to create a new bar and wedding reception area.

In the adjacent Pear Tree Stable Block, work will commence on the modernisation of 30 existing guest rooms, with upgraded en-suite bathroom facilities. Rooms will be redecorated, as will lobby, bar and ancillary areas. A new highly efficient boiler will also be installed as part of the project to provide heating for the entire hotel complex. Externally, ISG will carry out minor repair works to the building’s façade and supervise the landscaping of the extensive grounds, with the hotel set to open for guests in September.

ISG’s Jonathan Kell, managing director - Midlands, commented: "The new owners have ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Wood Norton Hall under its new name of The Wood Norton and this initial phase sees the property open to discerning guests as an idyllic retreat and imposing wedding venue. A collaborative approach has been of critical importance in developing a workable programme capable of delivering a scheme combining complex structural alterations to a historically protected building within an accelerated timeframe. This close working relationship is synonymous with ISG’s contracting approach and we are confident that The Wood Norton will prove to be an outstanding success.”

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Kier welcomes students to help expand environmental initiatives


Repairs and maintenance provider Kier welcomed two university students to further extend the work its team does to be environmentally conscious, while carrying out work for social housing tenants across Lincolnshire.

The new recruits, Freddie Bell and William Green, both aged 20 and from the Boston area, are working with the Kier team to help develop a strategy of environmentally friendly work practices and cultural change while gaining invaluable on-site experience.

By carrying out home visits alongside Kier employees, meeting with work schedulers and analysing data including fuel costs, mileage and productivity, Freddie and William have begun to understand the nature and implications of working within such a large team. Both have been working with Kier management to develop strategies to enhance the behaviour of team members, for example how to plan the most efficient routes between jobs in order to reduce fuel consumption.

Freddie, who is currently studying at Brunel University London, commented: “With the job market being in its current state, it has never been more important for students to enhance our understanding of the work environment and to gather valuable experience. This placement allows me to put into practice the analytical skills my degree has taught me, and to apply what I’m learning into a busy work environment.”

William, who studies at the University of Birmingham, expressed: “I wanted to do the work placement as it gave me the opportunity to work on a live project with Kier. This has allowed me to not only develop my project management skills, but has taught me how to collate and learn new information quickly."

Kier senior operations manager in Boston, Heidi Thompson, said: “At Kier we strive to provide valuable work experience placements for young people to help them find a way in to what is currently a very competitive job market. The ideas and initiatives William and Freddie have already devised are really strong and we feel their fresh outlook on the challenges our business faces and will support our drive to reduce carbon and be a more environmentally friendly business.”

In the first year of the five-plus-five-year contract in Boston, Kier carried out more than 15,000 repairs on local homes, over 2,000 of which were emergencies. The company, which employs 80 staff from within the Boston, Lincoln, Grimsby and Nottingham areas, is also providing benefits to the local community.

Earlier this year, four Kier employees in Boston embarked on a 33-mile sponsored cycle ride from Lincoln to Boston for the company’s nominated charity, The Butterfly Hospice, to help raise enough money for the hospice to achieve its goal of opening to patients by September 2012.

Despite the bad weather, the team (joiner Pete Booth, team leader Dean Brookes, customer services team leader Trisha Sweeney, and operations manager Bob McMath) raised an impressive total of £770 for the charity.

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ISG Secures Further £4.7 Million Scheme With Octave


ISG has been awarded a £4.7 million project to construct a development of 40 residential units for existing client, Octave Homes.

The new project, which starts on site in September in the East Sussex town of Hailsham, will see the contractor carry out a 57-week programme involving the construction of a mix of 40 residential units, 19 of which will be marketed by Octave Homes, with the remainder offered for shared ownership or rental by Affinity Sutton Housing Association.

Located in a popular residential south side area of the town, the houses will be of timber frame construction and feature a range of architectural finishes, including brick cladding, tile and render. The development has been designed to Code 3 for Sustainable Homes standard and includes two-, three- and four-bedroomed houses in a variety of detached, semi-detached and terrace house types, all of which will have a high quality internal specification.

ISG’s Ian Gifford, managing director – South East, commented: “Generating repeat business is an important indication of the confidence clients have in our ability to consistently deliver high quality construction solutions. This mixed-tenure scheme plays to our considerable strengths in the residential sector, further demonstrating our ability to deliver outstanding homes in a considerate and environmentally sustainable manner.”

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£1.3M UCLan Dental Clinic constructed by Bamber Bridge-based Conlon Construction


Work is now complete on a £1.3M refurbishment project to provide a new state-of-the-art Dental Clinic at the University of Central Lancashire.

Conlon Construction has transformed the existing 515 sq m facility located in the Harrington Building on Adelphi Street, Preston. The space was previously used as offices and seminar rooms and is now ready to welcome its first intake of students in September.

Since Conlon commenced work in January 2012, the new Dental Clinic has been formed by converting part of the ground floor of the Harrington Building and linking through to a newly constructed single storey extension, finished in a state-of-the-art zinc cladding system.

Conlon Construction has also created new external landscaping, fire escapes and access ramps into the building.

The Dental Clinic will be equipped with the latest high specification dental chairs, x-ray machines and de-contamination facilities. This will allow UCLan to deliver the latest dentistry practices and procedures to its post-graduate teaching.

Construction director at Conlon Construction, Michael Conlon, said: “The construction of the new UCLan Dental Clinic will provide excellent facilities for UCLan’s students and will offer a base to train budding future dentists.”

Paul Walsh, Clinical Director of the UCLan Dental Clinic said: “We are delighted that this is an initiative which will benefit our students, the local dental profession and the people of the region.

“We have offered specialist training to dentists in a number of expert areas for some time and now those dentists will offer their skills to benefit the local community.

“The investment from UCLan in setting up UDC will not only improve our dental education and training in the region but also provide high quality care to the local community.”

Iain Scales, director at appointed architects for the project, Cassidy + Ashton, said: “Conlon Construction has completed the works to a very high standard with the installation of complex building services and the high-tech metal cladding system.

“After working closely with the firm during the design and planning stages, the result is fantastic and we are confident that the new building will provide first class dental care for students, staff and others who use the facilities.”

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New BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance Scheme provides specifiers with complete peace of mind


BM TRADA Certification has launched a new Q-Mark scheme for Fire Door Maintenance to complement its Fire Door Manufacturer and Fire Door Registered Installer Schemes.

Working closely with sister company Chiltern International Fire (CIF), BM TRADA has responded to considerable demand from both specifiers and installers to introduce this new scheme, which meets all the complex demands of on-site maintenance required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

The Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance scheme has been developed as a result of extensive consultation and a three-month pilot programme.

Commenting on the new scheme, Simon Beer, Product Certification Manager - Doors and Windows, BM TRADA Certification, said: “Previously we have operated an installation scheme that demonstrates competence to install. This new scheme now helps to ensure that the ongoing performance of a doorset is maintained after the initial installation.”

The specific requirements of the scheme include initial training, delivered through CIF’s ‘Fire Doors Explained’ - incorporating additional installation and maintenance modules, followed by a written exam; initial audit; and ongoing surveillance audits. Accepted Repair Techniques are a key part of the scheme, allowing maintainers to repair moderate damage, with traceability back to supporting evidence.

Simon adds: “Together with the Fire Door Manufacturer scheme and Fire Door Registered Installer scheme, the specifier can now be confident that the product, its installation and on-going maintenance are all covered by Q-Mark third party certification.”

Read more...

ISG Takes £7.8 Million Contracts At West Suffolk College


ISG has been awarded two projects at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, with a combined value of £7.8 million. The most high profile of these awards is the brief to create a stunning new £7 million teaching block at the entrance to the main Out Risbygate campus site.

Both schemes form part of the college’s overall masterplan to further enhance teaching facilities across its two main sites in Bury St Edmunds. Creating a purpose-built hub for the college, the new three-storey concrete framed teaching block is set to provide 3,600 sq m of accommodation, with high specification classrooms, tutorial facilities, student support and recreational areas.

Designed to reflect the architectural style of surrounding buildings on the campus, the new Further Education block will showcase the college’s sustainable ambitions and incorporates high performance building materials and a biomass boiler. Featuring a large atrium to maximise the volume of natural light entering the building, the structure also makes extensive use of curtain walling to its façade to reduce the requirement for artificial lighting.

Externally, ISG will carry out extensive landscaping, creating a sustainable urban drainage system to regulate the volume of surface run off entering natural watercourses. The contractor is also tasked with remodelling the existing car parking provision as part of the project.

During the ten-month new build programme, ISG will additionally deliver a programme of general refurbishment works to the college’s Higher Education facilities during an £800,000 upgrade. Operating across a live campus environment, ISG has worked closely with staff to develop a workable programme that delivers to expectations whilst minimising the potential impact of these essential works on students.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director – East, commented: “What we are providing at West Suffolk College is a full turnkey delivery solution following an extensive value engineering exercise to help the scheme meet budgetary constraints. Colleges face the challenge of balancing reduced public funding with the need to invest to attract students, and this scenario is where the influence of contractors with sector-specific expertise is increasingly important. Our ability to offer both quality and value, while maintaining continuity of college operations, proved a critical element in ISG securing this high profile contract.”

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Benchmark Building Supplies becomes latest NIA Affiliate Member


Benchmark Building Supplies, based in Greater Manchester, has become the latest company to take up Affiliate Membership of the National Insulation Association (NIA).

Bev Coombe, Membership and Communications Manager commented: “we introduced the new Affiliate Membership category last October in order to accommodate the growing number of applications from organisations who were not directly involved in the installation or manufacture of insulation products. With the introduction of Green Deal/Energy Company Obligation next year Affiliate Membership is proving extremely popular and costs only 70p per day!”

The benefits of becoming an Affiliate Member include the following:

-Company details listed on the NIA public website
-Access to the members only area of the website
-Regular e-briefs on policy, industry news and events
-Monthly E-News
-Use of Affiliate logo

Affiliate Membership is open to organisations such as:

-Charities
-Trade Associations
-Component Suppliers
-Membership Service Providers
-Suppliers to the Industry
-Companies involved in the construction industry but are not installers or manufactures of insulation products
-Companies involved in Environment Services

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ELECOFLOOR’S SPEEDY INSTALLATION WINS £12M RESIDENTIAL CONTRACT


The speed of installation and acoustic properties of Stramit’s ElecoFloor has recently been utilised in the construction of the West Park Development, Manchester. Renaker Build, with expertise in construction projects of varying complexity and value, specified and installed ElecoFloor at the £12M residential project. The West Park development consists of the build of two apartment blocks each containing 85 individual units.

Appointed as the main flooring product throughout the development, ElecoFloor panels provide the necessary sound insulation for separating floors, without the need to source all the required layers for a built up system. This results in a reduction in thickness above the joist being of 50% or more. The medium weight overlay board, designed for concrete and timber floors, is an acoustic flooring system comprising of moisture resistant chipboard and MDF composite bonded boards, with a resilient central layer and a durable polyester felt backing. This construction helps improve impact and airborne noise.

Stramit Panel Products, a trusted partner in leading partition systems in the United Kingdom for over 50 years, understands the importance of a quick installation process and has utilised its expertise in manufacturing laminated and pre-decorated partitioning panels to develop the ElecoFloor system. With its fast installation time, Elecofloor can be fitted up to half the time it takes to install a batten system. Once in place, the panels take up a third of the overall thickness, delivering material savings on brick courses, whilst additionally significantly reducing the overall height of the building.

Renaker, which awarded ElecoFloor the contract, provided a clear schedule for the quick turnaround required. Phased over a 24-month period to meet the client’s sales requirements, Stramit guaranteed the delivery of the ElecoFloor system could meet the flexible schedule Renaker needed to work within.


A spokesperson from Renaker Build commented, “Due to a positive working relationship with Stramit, we have successfully installed ElecoFloor on several projects over the past few years, including West Park and Delta Point in Manchester. We continue to experience a first class service and I feel extremely confident in the knowledge that ElecoFloor will always arrive onsite on time and of the highest quality.

“With valuable acoustic properties and simplicity of installation, ElecoFloor provides competitive pricing which makes a cost effective and time saving product to install.”

Whilst Robust Details, the Certification Scheme for separating walls and floors in new build joined homes in England and Wales is a popular choice for many, Renaker has chosen the Stramit ElecoFloor system which provides important data in order to help demonstrate what acoustic performance is being achieved.

Furthermore, the composite floor system, which successfully meets Part E of Building Regulations, protects residential properties from the noise of activities in other rooms or adjoining properties. ElecoFloor, designed for use in both new build and conversions, is suitable for use throughout a building, including bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, ElecoFloor is also widely used in the conversion and refurbishment sector, where pre-determined ceiling and door heights can be restrictive.


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Friday, August 24, 2012

The sky’s the limit with the help of Barbour ABI leads!


Finding new business opportunities poses a challenge for most, but since Limitless signed up for contact data updates on projects from Barbour ABI, they have not looked back.

Limitless Limited design, supply and install bespoke daylight and sunlight solutions to a growing marketplace. It’s a vibrant company, with a wealth of knowledge about bringing natural light into basements and other areas of darkness in buildings, both commercial and residential. Established five years ago, Limitless aim to use innovative low energy products to bring natural light into homes and workplaces.

Their environmentally friendly systems can make a huge difference from a spatial awareness perspective – and their fully tailorable products are quality assured. Although Limitless’ relationship with Barbour ABI is in its infant stages, they are already more than satisfied with the service so far.

Pandora Jacobs, Director at Limitless says: “Having the ability to define and customise prospects is perfect for our needs; this is definitely the main reason why we turned to Barbour ABI in the first place. By manipulating ABI’s lead management system, we are able to reach and specify our target market at the click of a few buttons!”

“The quality of the data we’ve been looking closely at is excellent and we are aiming to gain even better results as we become more familiar with Evolution’s capabilities. Our database mining efforts are proving very beneficial, we will be trying other Barbour ABI products as our relationship evolves.”

Barbour ABI prides itself on treating every customer on an individual basis and we work hard to focus on helping everyone get the best out of their subscription. Pandora goes on to say: “Your training package was brilliant, it was easy to understand, well presented and simple to implement. In addition to training, support from my Account Manager has further enhanced this vital business service. We have already recommended you to many of our contacts!”

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APS RECOGNIZES KONECRANES NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES AS AN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNER


On May 17, 2012, Arizona Public Service (APS) recognized Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services, LLC along with five other suppliers, for going above and beyond what is expected as a business partner.

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves more than 1.1 million customers in Arizona. Providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to customers across more than 34,000 square miles takes considerable resources. APS requires business partners who can supply equipment, deliver and produce materials and share expertise across a variety of industries.

APS recognized six suppliers; one company for each of its supply chain categories: Corporate Services, Energy Delivery and Facilities Services, Generation Services, Information Technology, Major Equipment and Materials.

“Through their actions, these companies have demonstrated a dedication to customer service and a commitment to providing additional value to their relationship with APS,” said Barbara Gomez, APS Vice President of Supply Chain Management. “We would like to see our other business partners emulate the actions taken by our six award winners. Our customers directly benefit from the great relationships we have with these suppliers and the value they provide.”

Konecranes was recognized in the category of Major Equipment for expertise in the design, engineering, purchasing of materials and the safe replacement of a polar crane trolley at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. The work was done on schedule and on budget despite short notice and a small time frame to complete the job.

Nominated for the award by APS employees, Konecranes was evaluated not only for its customer service, but for their support of APS’s values including: showing a commitment to sustainability; being actively involved in the community; and focusing on health, safety and environmental concerns.

Konecranes relationship with APS will continue. In May 2011, Konecranes was awarded a contract to modernize three existing 225/35 ton polar cranes at the APS, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station. The first crane will be installed in the fall of 2014 and the last in June 2015.

“A key motivation for APS to modernize the cranes at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is to improve the safety and reliability of their aged lifting equipment by implementing the latest Konecranes SUPERSAFETM patented single-failure proof technology,” says Steve Waisanen, Head of Business Unit Nuclear at Konecranes.

About Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services LLC
Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services LLC (formerly part of Morris Material Handling, Inc., the original manufacturer of P&H equipment) provides a full range of nuclear services and regulatory-approved overhead lifting equipment for nuclear power plants throughout the world for all types of nuclear lifting equipment including, polar reactor and BWR cranes, spent fuel handling cranes, nuclear dry cask transporters, manipulator cranes, fuel handling equipment, robotic cranes, radiation waste cranes, containment jib outage support cranes and missile shield cranes.

About Konecranes
Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes.

In 2011, Group sales totalled EUR 1,896 million. The Group has 11,700 employees at 609 locations in 47 countries. Konecranes is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (symbol: KCR1V).


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LARKFLEET AND ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS SPONSOR CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT AWARD


Housebuilder and developer Larkfleet Group and specialist builders’ merchant Eco Building Products are to sponsor Peterborough City Council’s 2012 Development and Environment Awards.

The awards aim to recognise design or construction projects which are innovative or lead the way in sustainable development.

It is the second time that the council has run the awards and the second time that Larkfleet has been involved – it also sponsored the first set of awards in 2010.

This year some new categories are being introduced and the awards now cover a range of projects from housing and commercial buildings to open spaces.

To be eligible, a project must have been completed between 1 June 2011 and 23 September 2012. The winners of the construction categories will be entered into the relevant category of the 2013 LABC (Local Authority Building Control) East Anglia Regional Awards.

Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Group, said: “These awards are especially relevant to Larkfleet as the company is leading the way in building development.

“Houses built by Larkfleet Homes are more energy-efficient than those of any other builder operating in this area and many are fitted with technologies such as solar power generation. At the same time, other Larkfleet Group companies are involved in the development of innovative new building materials and processes and in retrofitting existing homes with energy-saving technologies.”

Eco Building Products, which is part of the Larkfleet Group, is a leading supplier of alternative energy technologies, insulation materials and other products aimed at making new and existing buildings ‘greener’.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Peterborough has an excellent reputation for energy-efficient building and we hope these awards will help to further promote that approach to design and development in the local construction industry.”

Kevin Dawson of Peterborough City Council, said: "We are grateful to Larkfleet and Eco Building Products for their support for these awards. It is great to have Larkfleet involved for a second time.”

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Cardiff firm announce global plans for new energy saving technology that is set to transform work environment


SolaVeil®– an advanced energy saving technology for both retro-fit and new build windows that optimises natural light, reduces glare and deflects solar heat, has had the seal of approval from the Technology Strategy Board.

TSB described SolaVeil® as one of their Energy Efficiency Whitehall* successes after it was trialled on a Government building in London resulting in significant energy savings.

Daylight Business Solutions - the Cardiff based company behind SolaVeil® - is now expanding rapidly to commercialise SolaVeil globally. Technical Director Brian Hughes said the endorsement by TSB was excellent news.

Developed over the past five years with help from Cardiff University, SolaVeil® is a fine polyester material with digitally applied three dimensional surface micro-arrays. It is engineered to deflect solar glare, heat and harmful rays, while diffusing natural daylight into buildings reducing the need for blinds and artificial light.

Retrofitted to windows and credited with transforming the working environment in offices, schools, hospitals and supermarkets, SolaVeil® also reduces air conditioning requirements, significantly cutting energy costs and carbon emissions.

The company has received ongoing advice and support in a number of areas from Welsh Government innovation specialists, who also helped with regard to intellectual property and funding towards patenting of the SolaVeil technology.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said SolaVeil® is an example of highly innovative research being undertaken in Wales by small but very smart companies.

She said: “It also illustrates the importance of industry collaborating with universities on research and development to bring new and novel products to market, helping to create jobs, growth and wealth. In this instance the product also has the potential to support government targets to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.”

The technology carries a ten year warranty, with trials showing a 30% reduction in cooling energy costs and a 20% reduction in artificial lighting costs. It typically provides a return on investment in the UK of under four years.

It is now being targeted at a number of sectors, including the heath sector as new tests reveal SolaVeil has significant antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacteria such as e.coli and MRSA.

Warwick NHS Hospital is currently undergoing a second phase of trials which are testing the antimicrobial properties and its impact on health care, energy costs and cleaning costs.

Brian Hughes said the energy efficiency of the technology is proven and the latest tests show it also has great potential for use in healthcare facilities.

“Not only can it improve the environment for patients and staff but could play a key role in the overall cleaning regime of hospitals, helping eliminate extremely dangerous bacteria.”

Read more...

New BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance Scheme provides specifiers with complete peace of mind


BM TRADA Certification has launched a new Q-Mark scheme for Fire Door Maintenance to complement its Fire Door Manufacturer and Fire Door Registered Installer Schemes.

Working closely with sister company Chiltern International Fire (CIF), BM TRADA has responded to considerable demand from both specifiers and installers to introduce this new scheme, which meets all the complex demands of on-site maintenance required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

The Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance scheme has been developed as a result of extensive consultation and a three-month pilot programme.

Commenting on the new scheme, Simon Beer, Product Certification Manager - Doors and Windows, BM TRADA Certification, said: “Previously we have operated an installation scheme that demonstrates competence to install. This new scheme now helps to ensure that the ongoing performance of a doorset is maintained after the initial installation.”

The specific requirements of the scheme include initial training, delivered through CIF’s ‘Fire Doors Explained’ - incorporating additional installation and maintenance modules, followed by a written exam; initial audit; and ongoing surveillance audits. Accepted Repair Techniques are a key part of the scheme, allowing maintainers to repair moderate damage, with traceability back to supporting evidence.

Simon adds: “Together with the Fire Door Manufacturer scheme and Fire Door Registered Installer scheme, the specifier can now be confident that the product, its installation and on-going maintenance are all covered by Q-Mark third party certification.”

Read more...

RINGWAY MOBILISES IN PREPARATION FOR NEW HIGHWAYS CONTRACT


Ringway, the leading service provider for Local Authority Highways Term Maintenance, is currently mobilising in preparation for the new Highway Service Term contract with Hertfordshire County Council, which goes live on 1 October 2012.

The seven-year contract (with a potential five-year extension) is estimated to be worth approximately £35 million in the first full fiscal year. The contract will cover all aspects of road and footway maintenance and improvement, street lighting and winter service.

Matt Kelley, Ringway Divisional Manager, said: “We are obviously delighted to have secured this prestigious contract with Hertfordshire County Council and believe our commitment to quality at Ringway will ensure that all the work we are responsible for will make a real difference to the county in the months and years to come.”

Vince Gilbert, Head of Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “We are looking forward to working closely with Ringway. Having followed a rigorous tender process to achieve the very best value for Hertfordshire and to deliver a local service which meets the needs of local people, we believe we have chosen the right company for the job.”

In carrying out small repairs and routine maintenance to winter maintenance and larger construction projects, Ringway will be able to deploy its vast experience and range of services across Hertfordshire.

Subject to performance, the Hertfordshire contract may grow in size and scope throughout the contract period, encompassing additional schemes and major maintenance projects. Awarded in March 2012, after an 18 month tender period which included an extensive period of competitive dialogue, the contract sees Ringway replacing the incumbent contractor, Amey Lafarge.

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Griptop proves its 'staying power' with real road testing


Iron technology market leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company Saint-Gobain, has returned to its original pilot project to undertake independent testing of its GripTop® high friction anti-skid access cover range. The results further highlight the product’s superior road safety performance and durability credentials, particularly when compared with those using other, non-ductile iron materials.

When the GripTop® ductile iron access cover was first launched, a comprehensive field trial was organised in conjunction with Bristol City Council as part of its initiative to provide safer roads for users. Positioned at various points around the road system of Bristol city centre, the access covers have now been in situ for approximately five years and the testing was undertaken to determine how the slip resistant characteristics of the surface had changed, if at all, as a result of exposure to weather and wear and tear from traffic.

Four locations were selected as they offered worst case scenarios for testing due to their high volume of traffic and because the covers were positioned in the wheel track of the roads. Each cover was tested in an ‘as found’ condition and the results produced an average pendulum test value (PRAV) of 80, giving an overall slip potential rating of ‘low’ for all four sites.

Mike Brewer of Bristol City Council said: “The GripTop® covers have performed in an exemplary manner and we’re delighted to learn that they’ve maintained such good skid resistance. The new covers continue to provide a safer environment for road users in Bristol and we are pleased to have been able to support this highly successful trial.”

Paul Thompson of Saint-Gobain PAM UK said: “GripTop® was originally developed and launched to improve safety for road users and at the time we ran our pilot project in conjunction with Bristol City Council, so we were keen to return to these original test sites to see how it had stood up to real road use over the years. We’re delighted with the results that show how the covers have stood the test of time and are providing virtually the same level of skid resistance they gave on the day they were installed.

“What is particularly exciting for us is that the weather was extremely wet on the test day and we were unable to undertake dry testing. However, it is widely acknowledged that wet and contaminated surfaces offer the worst case scenario and those that give good readings in the wet will at least perform as well and usually better when the conditions are dry.”

Carried out by independent NAMAS accredited provider Ceram of Stoke-on-Trent, the tests involved the use of specialised pendulum apparatus and the method was based on that outlined in BS 7976:2002 and BS EN 13036-4:2011, which is recommended by the Health & Safety Executive.

The GripTop® range has been designed and engineered to bring together the benefits of ductile iron, high performance bonding agents and resins and bauxite aggregate. The result being a durable, high friction, anti-skid surface which, as the testing has shown, maintains a high PSRV and ultimately prolonged grip over time. Ductile iron has a proven track record as the material of choice for carriageway access cover applications giving many years of service. In areas of high traffic volume, it is not uncommon for standard access covers of whatever material to become polished over time through the abrasive action of vehicle tyres, potentially resulting in poor skid resistance for road users.

Paul Thompson continued: “Since we launched this product, it has been specified and installed by a number of the UK’s largest local authorities and utilities as well as making its mark in the private sector. This recent round of testing undoubtedly further highlights the level of its performance and suitability for making our roads safer for all types of users.

“These real life results support those gained from of our other recent testing project, where polished access covers were compared to other materials, and further demonstrates how GripTop® significantly outperforms even the best non-ductile iron products by more than 20 per cent. Those specifying our aggregate-coated cover can be reassured and confident in the quality and performance when selecting GripTop®.”

Method of Measurement
The test results are obtained from averaging five values at a given point. Three points on the surface are measured (horizontally, vertically and diagonally) this is to ensure that the slip values are not influenced by the effects of any directional surface characteristics. The measurements are normally conducted in both the wet and dry conditions but due to inclement weather it was impossible to obtain a true dry reading. It is widely acknowledged that wet and contaminated surfaces give the worst case scenario and surfaces that give good values in the wet will at least perform as well and usually better in the dry conditions. The measurements were undertaken used Ceram pendulum number 669 Calibration Certificate CN16 and Rubber Sliders number 121, 122 and 21.

The four locations tested were as follows:

-Area 1 – Eastbound Carriage Way Junction with Bond Street and York Street
-Area 2 – Eastbound Carriage Way Bond Street (Bupa Building)
-Area 3 – Eastbound Carriage Way Junction with Bond Street and Pritchard Street
-Area 4 – Eastbound Carriage Way Bond Street South (Phoenix House)

The areas were tested using two rubber sliders, test slider 55 which is a softer rubber and a slightly harder rubber slider 96. The rubber sliders were pre-condition as described in BS 7976-2:2002 Section 5.2.2.2. The covers were measured in the ‘as found condition’ with no pre-preparation prior to rest.

It is normal during testing to take surface roughness measurements using a surtronic duo roughness meter, however on this occasion, the surface roughness was found to be very high and outside the measuring parameters of the machine.

A Skid Resistance Value of 55 is recommended by the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) as a minimum for high risk situations.

The minimum level of slip resistance value, measured on the pendulum that is deemed to be safe for pedestrians as set by the HAS, is 36 in the worst foreseeably contaminated condition.

Furthermore, the UK Slip Resistance Group, a body set up in 1986 and made up of flooring manufacturers, representatives of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), test houses, forensic engineers who all have long experience of slip resistance testing, identifying the following categories of slip.

Slipping Potential SRV
High 0 - 24
Moderate 25 - 355
Low 36+

Reference: Modified from UKSRG Guidelines Issue 3 2005, page 20, Table 5.


About HA104/09
Document HA 104/09, entitled ‘Chamber tops and gully tops for road drainage and services: installation and maintenance’ is the latest Advice Note from the Highways Agency and forms part of the ‘Design Manual for Roads and Bridges’ which is the accepted industry ‘bible’ for highways specifiers.

The document states that ‘where chamber tops are likely to be subject to trafficking, including vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or equestrians, covers proven to provide an adequate level of skid resistance shall be selected.’

It also recommends that products to be used at potentially high risk* sites on trunk roads and motorways should offer a minimum PSRV (Polished Skid Resistance Value) of 60.

* Potentially high risk sites include those containing traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, railway level crossings, roundabouts, bends, and gradients.

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ISG Adds Link To Growing Portfolio Of Client Framework


ISG continues to highlight its credentials within the social housing sector, following confirmation of its inclusion in the Link Group Main Contractor Framework.

Over the next four years, Link will unveil a series of affordable housing developments, encompassing an estimated 600 new build or refurbished homes, ranging in size, type and tenure incorporating mainstream and amenity housing in locations across Scotland.

The framework procurement route was preferred for the delivery of these important developments as this methodology promotes collaborative working, drives efficiencies across the supply chain and encourages sustainable construction solutions. Best practice will be shared amongst framework partners and there is a key drive towards creating employment and training opportunities within local communities.

ISG’s Andy Mallice, managing director – Scotland, commented: “ISG’s inclusion in this influential framework further enhances our growing reputation within this burgeoning sector and provides the business with forward visibility in our order book over the next four years.”

In Scotland, ISG is involved in a number of key social housing projects, including the major £45 million regeneration scheme at Mill O’Mains in Dundee for Home Scotland, and the refurbishment of 13 multi-storey blocks located throughout Glasgow, on behalf of GHA. In addition, ISG is also part of the Home Scotland Framework agreement, which represents a £40 million investment over four years.

Across the UK, the strength and depth of ISG’s experience within the social housing sector is illustrated by the contractor’s involvement in numerous partnering frameworks with leading providers including Genesis Housing Group, Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, Network Housing Group, Sanctuary Hereward, Swan Housing Association and Flagship Housing Group.

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ISG Books £61 Million Center Parcs Woburn Forest Scheme


ISG has secured the £61 million contract to build the accommodation element of the new Center Parcs holiday village development in Bedfordshire. Center Parcs Woburn Forest is the operator’s fifth UK village and the project sees ISG deliver 625 lodges across the 365 acre site, which is scheduled to open to guests in spring 2014.

Commencing in November, the 59-week fast-track scheme involves the construction of two, three and four bed lodges, built using off-site manufactured timber frames, structural insulated timber wall panels and traditional tiled roofs. Various styles of accommodation will be available to guests, including Woodland, Executive and Exclusive lodges.

Following the format of existing Center Parcs villages, the accommodation will be configured around woodland clusters, with linked lodges forming each cluster. Careful consideration has been given to the environmental performance of each lodge, which will be built using sustainably sourced timber and benefit from modern insulation materials.

This latest win sees ISG building upon its relationship with Blackstone, owner of the Center Parcs business and the Nido student accommodation brand. Within London, the contractor has successfully delivered Nido schemes at Notting Hill and Spitalfields, with the latter project valued at £120 million and, at 34-storeys tall, is the world’s tallest student accommodation hall.

ISG’s Craig Tatton, managing director – UK Construction, commented: “There has been a great deal of interest in this high profile development and I’m delighted that ISG has emerged as Center Parcs’ contractor of choice. Delivering 625 lodges across such a large site over an accelerated timeframe is a logistically challenging undertaking, especially when you factor in the restricted woodland setting and simultaneous infrastructure development works on site.

“Our extensive experience of off-site construction and just in time delivery solutions will prove critical to the success of this scheme, as will be the adoption of direct learning from our Olympic projects, in terms of waste management implementation and fostering positive behavioural change from our workforce.”

Martin Dalby Center Parcs’ CEO said: “High quality accommodation is a huge part of the Center Parcs experience, so we are delighted to have signed this very important contract with ISG. We are looking forward to work commencing on our new lodges later this year.”

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Welsh Government News: Global plans for energy saving technology


SolaVeil®– an advanced energy saving technology for both retro-fit and new build windows that optimises natural light, reduces glare and deflects solar heat, has had the seal of approval from the Technology Strategy Board.

TSB described SolaVeil® as one of their Energy Efficiency Whitehall* successes after it was trialled on a Government building in London resulting in significant energy savings.

Daylight Business Solutions - the Cardiff based company behind SolaVeil® - is now expanding rapidly to commercialise SolaVeil globally. Technical Director Brian Hughes said the endorsement by TSB was excellent news.

Developed over the past five years with help from Cardiff University, SolaVeil® is a fine polyester material with digitally applied three dimensional surface micro-arrays. It is engineered to deflect solar glare, heat and harmful rays, while diffusing natural daylight into buildings reducing the need for blinds and artificial light.

Retrofitted to windows and credited with transforming the working environment in offices, schools, hospitals and supermarkets, SolaVeil® also reduces air conditioning requirements, significantly cutting energy costs and carbon emissions.

The company has received ongoing advice and support in a number of areas from Welsh Government innovation specialists, who also helped with regard to intellectual property and funding towards patenting of the SolaVeil technology.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said SolaVeil® is an example of highly innovative research being undertaken in Wales by small but very smart companies.

She said: “It also illustrates the importance of industry collaborating with universities on research and development to bring new and novel products to market, helping to create jobs, growth and wealth. In this instance the product also has the potential to support government targets to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.”

The technology carries a ten year warranty, with trials showing a 30% reduction in cooling energy costs and a 20% reduction in artificial lighting costs. It typically provides a return on investment in the UK of under four years.

It is now being targeted at a number of sectors, including the heath sector as new tests reveal SolaVeil has significant antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacteria such as e.coli and MRSA.

Warwick NHS Hospital is currently undergoing a second phase of trials which are testing the antimicrobial properties and its impact on health care, energy costs and cleaning costs.

Brian Hughes said the energy efficiency of the technology is proven and the latest tests show it also has great potential for use in healthcare facilities.

“Not only can it improve the environment for patients and staff but could play a key role in the overall cleaning regime of hospitals, helping eliminate extremely dangerous bacteria.”

Brian Hughes added Daylight Business Solutions is already working with multi-national companies such as Saint Gobain and FujiFilm to develop its global channel strategy and is now proactively seeking further partners with the resources and expertise to commercialise SolaVeil on a global scale.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Haul of stolen plant machinery recovered with TRACKER Plant


Police in Chorley, Staffordshire has recovered £300,000 worth of plant machinery, thanks to TRACKER. Police on the trail of a stolen vehicle, used its fitted TRACKER device to follow the signal to a remote farm, which led to the discovery of a haul of machinery and resulted in the arrest of three people. Large items of plant were found on the farm, including JCB diggers, Caterpillar vehicles, road rollers and forklift trucks, as well as an assortment of smaller items such as generators.

Using VHF and GPS technology, TRACKER’s SVR system enables the police to pin-point a stolen vehicle, whether it is hidden in a container or lock-up. To date TRACKER has recovered more than 19,500 stolen vehicles - worth a staggering £428 million - since 1993. Each month TRACKER helps to recover an average £2million worth of stolen vehicles.

Inspector Dave Challinor, commander of Burntwood neighbourhood policing unit said, “It was a good partnership, working with TRACKER and the police. This is a really good recovery of property believed to be stolen from all over the UK.”

“TRACKER is the only stolen vehicle recovery provider working with all 52 police forces in the UK and once again this partnership has proved a thorn in the criminal’s side,” explains Stuart Chapman, Police Relationship Manager for TRACKER. “The power of our unique vehicle recovery system helped police uncover a plant theft operation and a collection of vehicles worth over £300,000. By working together with police, we are sending a clear message to thieves, as well as helping to return stolen vehicles to their rightful owners.

“Security is a high priority for the plant sector, as thieves target sites for expensive pieces of machinery, as this case shows. With this in mind, we are bringing plant owners a powerful security system with the launch of TRACKER Plant. Designed specifically for the plant sector, this new product will help protect valuable assets and close the net on criminals.”

TRACKER Plant has been created to offer protection against the growing threat of plant theft. Based on TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) system, TRACKER Plant significantly increases the chances of recovery. It is Thatcham approved, offering added quality assurance and the possibility of an insurance discount. Furthermore, TRACKER has combined the power of its SVR technology with its fleet tracking capabilities to ensure that TRACKER Plant enables owners and hirers of plant machinery to also monitor its actual usage on and off-site. This helps to boost efficiency whilst benefiting from the ultimate security system in the event of theft.

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Four more dates for Kubota Live in September 2010


Kubota Live! is the only event where customers get to put the complete Kubota line-up of mini excavators, tractors and groundcare equipment through its paces.

Following the success of this year’s Kubota Live! at Rockingham, the company has announced four more dates for September 2010:
14 September Wetherby Racecourse (LS22 5EJ)
16 September Writtle College, Essex (CM1 3RR)
21 September Bath Racecourse (BA1 8BU)
23 September Western Park, Shropshire (TF11 8LE)

The event at Rockingham attracted a wealth of quality customers, many of whom had travelled especially to the event in order to help them decide which machine was right for them before they placed an order. One such customer was John Carhart, owner of Phoenix Park in Trematon Saltash, Cornwall, who drove more than 300 miles to attend the Rockingham Kubota Live!

He said: "I've always used Kubotas because of their build quality, reliability and dealer back-up. Because I've recently bought some more land, I needed a bigger tractor and knew I wanted another Kubota. The B2530 compact tractor was perfect for my needs, but I couldn’t decide between manual or HST options, so I decided to go to Kubota Live! so I could try the two different options back to back. After putting them to the test, I decided that manual was the right option for me.

"Kubota Live! is a fantastic event – it’s the only place where you can try out all the equipment on display and get expert advice from both the manufacturer and the dealers. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to buy Kubota equipment – it was certainly worth the trip."

Visitors to the free events in September will be amongst the first to try their hand at new machines from Kubota Tractor and Groundcare division, including the M130X Kubota’s biggest tractor to date, the B2420 compact tractor, the new HST version of the L4100 and the T1880 petrol ride-on mower.

And of course, the company will be exhibiting all the 'old favourites' too, from the GR1600 ride-on mower through to the M Series tractors and not forgetting the RTV 900 all-terrain utility vehicle.

This will be complemented by the comprehensive range of mini excavators from Kubota Construction, which range in size from 980 kg to 8 tonnes. Three new machines will be introduced at the show, including the much-anticipated 5 tonne models.

"Kubota Live! is a fantastic event that gives visitors the chance to ride, drive and dig using all the machines, providing them with an unparalleled insight into each model’s suitability for their individual needs," commented Dave Roberts, Kubota Tractor and Groundcare Sales and Marketing Manager.

"For the September events, we have worked hard to choose venues that not only offer great testing facilities but will also attract maximum visitor numbers thanks to their strategic locations across the UK. There will be plenty of free parking and refreshments available – wherever you are Kubota Live! is certainly an event not to be missed."

Kubota's experienced and qualified staff will also be on-hand throughout the event to advise people about the best model for their needs. Representatives from all the local Kubota Dealerships will also be attending each event.

To put these and other machines through their paces, all people need to do is register on-line by visiting the Kubota website and clicking on the Kubota Live! link. Entry is free and refreshments are available.

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Ritchie Bros to sell complete crushing plant, mining equipment and trucks in unreserved Dubai auction


Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers will sell a 2004 SBM STE160x130 closed circuit jaw/impact crushing plant along with hundreds of other equipment items and trucks during a three-day unreserved equipment auction in Dubai, UAE from September 27 – 29, 2010. The highly automated plant includes primary and secondary crushers, screens, generators, conveyors, a control house and more.

It will be sold as one auction lot, with no minimum bids or reserve prices on Day 1 of the auction (Monday, September 27th).

“It’s unusual to find a complete crushing plant of this size and in this condition for sale,” said Steve Barritt, Regional Manager Middle East, Turkey and the Red Sea, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. “The fact that it will be sold without minimum bids or reserve prices, just like every other item we sell at our auctions, makes it an extraordinary opportunity. If you’re in the market for a large industrial-sized plant, make sure you register to bid at our upcoming auction – because this plant will be sold to a new owner on auction day, regardless of price.”

The primary crusher is capable of running quarry material of up to 1.2 meters using a sensor-equipped dumb hopper and a hydraulic reciprocating feeder. This allows the plant to automatically feed the single toggle STE 160x130 primary jaw crusher, manufactured by MFL. The secondary crusher consists of two identical lines, each consisting of sensor-regulated hoppers, a crusher and two screens capable of producing 1,000 tons of finished products.

The three-day unreserved auction in Dubai will also feature a variety of used and unused construction and mining equipment, including crawler tractors, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, rock trucks, generator sets and many more items. All equipment items will be sold to the highest bidders with no minimum bids or reserve prices.

Ritchie Bros. will continue accepting equipment consignments in the coming weeks; owners interested in selling their equipment in the auction can phone the Dubai site to discuss their options.

Auction details
· Location: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers’ Dubai auction site: Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
· Dubai auction site phone: +971.4.812.0600
· Time and date: Monday, September 27 to Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Auction starts at 9:30 each day (crushing plant will be sold September 27).
· Interested buyers can visit and inspect the crushing plant at its current location on Saturday, 25 September 2010. For more information, contact Steve Barritt at sbarritt@rbauction.com or +971.50.650.9540.
· Registration to bid is free. Interested buyers can bid in person at the Dubai auction site; online in real time at www.rbauction.com; or by contacting the Dubai auction site to place a proxy bid in advance.

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Mascus partners with RCS MediaGroup to expand in Italy


Mascus has signed a license agreement with RCS MediaGroup, an international multimedia publishing house, in Italy. RCS Media Group operates in daily newspapers, magazines and books, radio broadcasting, new media and digital and satellite TV. The company holds a leadership position in the area of daily newspapers with brands like Corriere della Sera and La Gazzetta dello Sport. In the classified ad sector RCS Digital is present with successful products like TrovoLavoro.it (recruitment), TrovoCasa.it (real estate) and Automobili.com (cars).

"Italy is among top five countries regarding the size of the markets in Europe in the business areas of construction, agriculture, ground scare, transportation and material handling. Therefore, this establishment is important for Mascus in South Europe, and Europe as a whole" says Fredrik Larsson Managing Director of Mascus.

Currently, Mascus has customers from 42 countries and over 1.200.000 unique visitors monthly. Products listed on Mascus cover a wide range including, tractors, trailers, forklifts, diggers, used trucks and much more. The company has fast expanded its operations in Europe, North America, Oceania and South Africa and has partners altogether in 32 countries worldwide.

"Mascus’ concept proves to be applicable in any country around the globe and we are glad to be able to expand our international presence in partnership with such respectable names in the media world. By partnering with major media houses such as RCS in Italy, Mascus now extends all across Europe and the globe in all key languages" added Fredrik Larsson.

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Mini-diggers, mini-excavators and compressors are the most commonly stolen plant equipment


TRACKER has announced that it recovered over 3.5 million pounds worth of stolen plant and farming equipment between June 2009 and July 2010.

Supporting efforts to raise awareness of the issue, TRACKER confirms that the highest value item of stolen plant recovered by TRACKER was a Caterpillar Excavator worth £74,000, followed by a John-Derre 7930 Tractor worth £70,000. However, farmers and plant owners with smaller value items shouldn’t count themselves safe from thieves, warns TRACKER, as it frequently recovers trailers, compressors and loadalls worth just £1,000.

“Our figures show that plant machinery worth £10,000 or less accounted for 48 per cent of the total items we recovered, highlighting that thieves don’t just target expensive tractors,” says Stuart Chapman, police liaison officer for TRACKER. “Plant machinery worth £50,000 or more accounted for just 6 per cent of the total items recovered. The fact is that mini-diggers, mini-excavators and compressors are the most commonly stolen and thanks to our market leading technology, the most commonly recovered pieces of plant. Indeed we are recovering on average, two items of plant equipment a week.”

JCB and Kubota are the makes of plant machinery stolen the most and then recovered by TRACKER, however no make is safe from thieves. When it comes to the regional picture, Kent and Manchester are the UK’s hot spots for stolen plant recovery, followed by Essex and Surrey.

“All rural areas are hotspots for crime, as Country File highlights, making it essential that plant owners take proper security measures,” Chapman concludes. “Secluded lanes and empty farmyards make for easy picking for thieves sweeping through the countryside looking for plant machinery.

“An estimated £50 million to £70 million worth of plant and agricultural machinery is stolen in the UK annually and currently only five per cent of those are recovered. For peace of mind I would recommend any tractor, plant or farm machinery owner to invest in a tracking unit just in case it is stolen, it can save thousands of pounds in the long term.”

TRACKER Plant has been created to offer an unrivalled level of protection against the growing threat of plant theft. Based on TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery system, TRACKER Plant significantly increases the chances of recovery. The system is Thatcham approved, offering added quality assurance and the possibility of an insurance discount.

A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief would not know it is there. Unlike other tracking systems, TRACKER Plant works even if the vehicle is hidden in a garage or taken abroad, offering owners the ultimate in peace of mind should the worst happen.

Plant and Agricultural Theft Regional Hotspots
· Kent
· Manchester & Greater Manchester
· Essex
· Surrey
· West Yorkshire
· Berkshire
· Buckinghamshire

Plant and Agricultural Theft Most Popular Items Stolen
· Mini-diggers
· Mini-excavators
· Compressors
· Forklift Trucks
· Tractors

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Victoria Park renovations completed


London’s historic Victoria Park has been restored to its former splendor following the completion of a £12 million, 16 month renovation project.

The project, funded by Tower Hamlets Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund was carried out by family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services firm Osborne, which involved full renovation of the park’s facilities and grounds.

Work on the park included the construction of two large play areas with play equipment, water play features, and a Wheels Park for skateboarding and bikes as well as restoration on the Old English Garden and other landscaping work.

Additional work included restoring the listed Burdett Coutts Fountain; the Rustic Shelter; the Bandstand; and all entrances and gates and Bonner Bridge. Many of the Bonner Bridge balustrades had to be replaced, and were cast from the original panels. More than one third of the materials and labour for this project came from within a 10 mile radius of the site.

The park remained open throughout the renovation work, so the site team worked around staff, residents and the local wildlife, scheduling work around nesting season for the birds and working with English Heritage to obtain approvals for refurbishing listed structures.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “The refurbishment was a once in a life-time opportunity to bring a much loved park up to date and the multi million pound transformation will ensure the park continues to provide excellent facilities for years to come.

I am proud of the investment which has been made as it really is the jewel in the crown for the borough.”

Tommy Chambers, Managing Director of Osborne’s Civil Engineering team, said: “The whole community have joined us in refurbishing this magnificent park, with residents getting involved in planting, and some local school children painting murals to go on our hoardings while the work was taking place. With the park remaining open throughout the renovation works, we made communication with residents and staff a key priority, so they knew what was going on and why. This park has been a key feature of the local landscape and in the lives of its residents since 1845, and these renovations have been designed to improve the experience for visitors while complimenting the park’s Victorian heritage.”

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ISG Secures Sheffield Teaching Hospital Scheme


ISG has secured its latest project via the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Contractors Framework, taking a £1.5 million scheme to deliver a new endoscopy decontamination unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The contractor framework encompasses refurbishment and new build projects across the Trust’s five teaching hospitals in Sheffield.

Occupying an underused area of the hospital previously used for storage, the new unit will enable the Trust to relocate endoscopy services to a purpose-built facility that incorporates an endoscopy suite, two operating theatres and associated preparation areas. The unit will be handed over to the hospital in two phases, with the operating theatres delivered in November and the endoscopy suite at the end of the year.

To form the new unit, ISG will carry out a comprehensive strip out of the existing accommodation and rationalise and reconfigure space within the hospital. The unit is being created adjacent to laboratories and busy out-patient areas within a live hospital environment and effectively segregating the works is an essential element of the project. The scheme includes a major mechanical and electrical package, with complex interfaces with the hospital’s existing infrastructure.

ISG’s John Gittins, managing director - North East, commented: “The framework procurement methodology is ideally suited to complex, phased live environment projects, where high quality contractors can engage with clients at an early stage to ensure a successful project outcome. The Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust framework has been instrumental in driving efficiencies throughout the supply chain and reducing the time taken to get schemes to site, as well as promoting shared knowledge and the delivery of best practice solutions.”

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