construction

TV presenter and architect George Clarke looks at the global shortage of construction materials.

The global pandemic has been difficult for everyone. I still remember the turmoil in the first few weeks of the national lockdown with everyone trying to work out what we could do and couldn’t do.

Construction was allowed to continue and was seen as ‘essential work’ to the UK economy.

However, there was still massive disruption across the industry. Fearful of catching the virus some construction workers simply wouldn’t turn up to work, others found it difficult to travel to physically get to site.
 
Some would catch the virus and have to self-isolate for weeks, others would catch the virus and not make it through. My heart goes out to anyone who lost a friend or relative to Covid.

Safety signs are everywhere: in the workplace, public spaces, and construction sites just to name a few. They act as an essential warning of any upcoming dangers that could cause potential injury or fatality. To create a safe working environment, the correct safety signs should be displayed in clear and visible positions to warn workers and visitors of any hazards and dangers. They are a critical element in a risk assessment where they serve as strong control measures to reduce the risk.

The recent statement by Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick, announcing the 2021-2026 £11.5bn Affordable Housing Programme, sets out a series of ambitious housebuilding targets to help improve the efficiency of the UK development sector.

Organisations seeking Grant and looking to sign “strategic partnership” deals with Homes England to build large numbers of affordable homes will have to commit to using modern methods of construction (MMC) to build at least 25% of their pipeline.

Regeneration specialist Urban Union has been wholly acquired by Robertson Group, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services businesses in the UK.

Urban Union, established as a 50/50 joint venture in 2011 by Robertson Group and McTaggart Construction, was created in response to a substantial Town Centre Regeneration opportunity in Glasgow. Several similar opportunities followed, and Urban Union now delivers affordable and private housing in key regeneration areas across Scotland. It currently operates four developments – Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow, Pennywell Living in Edinburgh and Muirton Living in Perth.

The company is also working in partnership with Robertson and Queens Cross Housing Association delivering a 600-unit mixed tenure development at Hamiltonhill in Glasgow.

More and more designers, specifiers and building contractors are incorporating JJI-Joists into their designs as JJI-Joists tick all of these boxes – and more.
JJI-Joists, from James Jones & Sons Ltd, were the first timber I-Joist to be manufactured in the UK, entering the market in 1999. Since then, as timber I-Joists have gained in popularity, the JJI-Joist has become the clear market leader, with an estimated 45% market share.

Preston-based family business Readyfix has experienced steady year on year growth and as a result have further invested in a second warehouse at their premises on Croft Street. The business, which employs 35 staff, added an extra 350 pallet spaces, equivalent to the size of a football pitch, allowing the 27-year-old firm to hold onto their ‘huge stocks’ promise as they continue to grow.

Started in 1992 by Richard Burwood, Readyfix supplies construction site materials, fixings and consumables to some of the country’s largest housebuilders and contractors as well as sub-contractors and independent tradespeople throughout the North of England. The company sets itself apart by offering impeccable customer service and next day/same day deliveries by their own drivers.

Increasing pressure on contractors to deliver bigger, quicker and cheaper builds can result in mistakes that can sometimes cost lives. The construction industry shoulders much responsibility, so the importance of making fundamental changes to methods of working is immeasurable. Glyn Coates from Zeroignition looks at the flaws in traditional methods of construction – and the solutions offered by adopting an off-site approach, particularly when concerning fire protection.

Select the right contractor

A finished building should be fully compliant and fit-for-purpose. To accomplish this it is essential projects are designed, specified and constructed by accredited professionals. However, it appears in practice that many contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder rather than to well researched and vetted companies.