Building and Facilities News Issue 1015

Tel: 0121 550 4593 ● www.buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk ● March ● Issue 1015

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ClassFlo ® from Air Vent Technology

Page 33

Ground-

breaker

Yeoman

14 Adveco

22 Shield

30

Building & Construction

BAQUS Construction & Property Consultancy

BAQUS Construction and Property

Consultancy is a well-established practice

operating at the cutting edge of our profession

with experience in most sectors of the

Construction Industry. As a forward-thinking

business which strives for continued success,

we offer an award-winning customer focused

service always looking for continuous

improvement and delivering added value and

cost efficiency.

Our History: BAQUS was formed in 2007

amalgamating long-established traditional

surveying firms including Fletcher McNeill,

Boxall Sayer, Denley King and Nigel Rose. We

operate from six offices across the UK.

Our ‘One Stop’ Professional Services:

s Project Management, Employer’s Agent and

Contract Administration

s Quantity Surveying and Cost Management

s Building Surveying, Party Walls and

Dilapidations.

s Expertise in Historic Buildings.

s CDM Advice (Health and Safety)

s Access Audits and Consultancy

s Funding advice

s Sustainability and

Renewables

s Assistance with Dispute

Resolution and Expert

Witness

s Project Monitoring and

Independent Certifier

Our Ethos: At the heart of

our business is exceptional

personal service undertaken by

exceptional staff. Every commission, however

large or small is of equal importance to us.

We provide our Clients with personal contact

and dedicate a BAQUS director to all projects.

Every project is subject to regular review at

director level to ensure we are delivering our

promises, creating added value and continuous

improvement.

We are advocates of partnering, collaborative

working and best-value procurement. We

have wide-ranging experience of alternative

procurement strategies aimed at delivering to

our clients brief. Environmental considerations

are important to us, as is the promotion of

sustainable solutions. We employ Chartered

Environmentalists who have represented

our profession in the global promotion of

sustainability issues.

Our Clients & Work Sectors: We have a broad

Client base covering Private and Public Sector

organisations, many of whom have given us

repeat commissions over many years using

Framework Agreements and Term Contracts.

We have a strong track record of working in the

Leisure, Sports, Education, Arts, Commercial,

Healthcare, Heritage, Hospitality, Hotels,

Residential, Retail, and Transportation sectors.

Our People: Our greatest strength is our

people and we work hard to find, develop,

train, motivate and retain the finest calibre of

personnel at all levels who offer a professional

and enthusiastic service. The loyalty shown by

our people is exceptional and many have spent

their entire careers with us.

Accreditations: BAQUS Construction and

Property Consultancy is regulated by The Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors and holds

Quality Assurance, Environmental and Health

and Safety certifications to ISO: 9001, 14001

and 45001. We also hold numerous industry

specific accreditations for health and safety (e.g.

CHAS) and technical competence.

T 020 7831 1283

www.baqus.co.uk

2

BFN is sponsored by Metropolitan Security Services – see them on page 40

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our March

issue, where we dive into

the latest advancements,

practical insights, and

groundbreaking innovations

shaping the building and

facilities industries.

The Flooring Show South

is the brand-new event

bringing the UK flooring

industry together in the South. On page 4,

we have a full preview of the event that is

taking place on 15 - 16 April at Sandown Park

Racecourse.

The UK’s largest construction show returned

to Olympia London’s Grand and National

Halls on November 19th and 20th, marking 10

years of London

Build Expo, a

decade that has

transformed it

from a promising

new event into

the UK’s mustattend

show for

the entire built

environment. Go to page 12

to read the full review and to

see a list of the best exhibitors from last year’s

show: KuhnOdice & Urban Cooling Solutions.

Removal and replacement of lead water supply

pipes is not only good for occupiers’ health but

comes under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Section 11 to maintain the water supply. On

page 14-15, we feature an in-depth article from

Contents

Nicola Yoxall

Editor & Office Manager

Groundbreaker, on Lead Water

Supply replacement, and why it

has become a priority for water

companies across the UK.

Show preview: The Fire Safety

Event 2026, The Safety & Security

Event 2026.

Other topics covered: Awards & Achievements,

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning,

Cleaning & Hygiene, Facilities & Estates

Management, Drainage, Plumbing &

Washrooms, Water Management, External

Works, Building Products & Services, Refurb &

Renovation.

Share all news:

nicolayoxall@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Building and

Facilities News

The Flooring Show

South Preview 4-5

The Flooring Show

South is the brandnew

event bringing the

UK flooring industry

together in the South.

London Build Expo

2025 Review 12-13

The UK’s largest

construction show

returned to Olympia

London’s Grand and

National Halls on

November 19th and 20th.

Water Management 14-16

The industry has been

aware of the potential

damage lead can do to the

environment and health,

particularly in infants and

children, for over 50 years.

Facilities & Estates

Management 20-22

GSM Activate is a leading

manufacturer of electronic

and access control devices.

On the Cover

Air Vent Technology 33

Air Vent Technology’s ClassFlo ® CF350, an advanced (MVHR) system,

meets BB101, BB93 Approved Document F, and Approved Document

L standards, ensuring top air quality, comfort, and sustainability in

schools.

The Fire Safety Event

Preview 24-29

The Fire Safety Event

will open its doors and

will play host to leading

manufacturers and

suppliers to showcase their

latest approved products and solutions.

The Security Event

Preview 31-32

The Safety & Security

Event Series has

announced that every

seminar session delivered

across the portfolio will be

fully accredited by The CPD Group.

Contacts

Editor & Office Manager, Nicola Yoxall – 0121 550 4593

nicolayoxall@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Production Manager, Robert Sharp

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack

Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 4593.

BFN is sponsored

by Metropolitan

Security Services

– see them on

page 40

The Flooring Show South Preview

Bringing the flooring industry together

Flooring Show South offers a convenient,

efficient way to meet suppliers, discover the

latest collections, and discuss business faceto-face,

all without the long journey north. It’s

the perfect setting to catch up with existing

contacts, explore new supplier relationships,

and find fresh inspiration for your showroom or

projects.

The Flooring Show South is the brand-new

event bringing the UK flooring industry together

in the South. Discover new products, meet

leading suppliers, and make connections that

drive business.

Explore the full spectrum of flooring – from

carpet, LVT, and vinyl to underlay, tools,

adhesives, and accessories – all under one roof.

The Flooring Show South will bring together

over 100 top suppliers and manufacturers,

including Furlong Flooring, Kellars, Likewise

Floors, Cormar, Karndean, Tarkett, V4 Floors,

and many more. Whether you’re sourcing new

products, comparing ranges, or placing orders

for the season ahead, this is your chance to

connect with the brands shaping the future of

UK flooring.

Supported by six of the industry’s most

respected & forward-thinking brands – Elements

& Textures Inspirations, F. Ball & Co, Furlong

Flooring, J2 Flooring, Kellars, and Likewise

Floors – The Flooring Show South represents

an exciting new chapter for the UK flooring

community, extending the reach of its trusted

national platform to the South of England.

Wrap up day one with an exclusive drinks

reception from 5pm, Wednesday 15 April at the

Parade Ring Networking Bar in the upper foyer

next to the main exhibition hall with stunning

views over the parade ring.

Enjoy stunning views, connect with suppliers

and fellow flooring professionals, and relax

while exchanging ideas and building valuable

relationships that support your business

growth.

The Flooring Show South is hosted at Sandown

Park Racecourse, (Portsmouth Road, Esher,

Surrey KT10 9AJ). Just 15 miles from Central

London and outside of the ULEZ zone, driving

in you’ll have access to free onsite parking. If

catching the train, Esher station is less than a 20

min walk away.

We’ve partnered with MICE Concierge, our

trusted accommodation specialists, to make

booking your stay simple and cost-effective.

Explore a selection of hotels with preferential

rates, chosen for their excellent value and

convenient access for visitors to The Flooring

Show South.

Designed as a focused buying event, The

Rakata Technology

Rakata Technology continues

to support flooring businesses

with Rakata CRM, a platform

designed specifically for the

unique workflows of the flooring

industry. From managing

enquiries to final installation,

the system brings together

customer data, quotations,

ordering, invoicing, and project

tracking in one streamlined

environment.

One of our

clients' favourite

features is the

automated

order

calculation tool,

which simplifies

complex

measurements

and material

requirements, saving

time while reducing

costly errors. Combined with

easy, professional invoicing,

businesses can move from

quote to payment faster and

with greater confidence. The

result is improved efficiency,

better visibility across projects,

and more time to focus

on customers rather than

administration.

We are excited to announce

that our team will be exhibiting

at The Flooring Show in Surrey

on 15-16 April, where visitors

will have the opportunity to

see Rakata CRM in action.

Whether you are exploring

new systems or looking to

upgrade your current processes,

we would be delighted to

arrange a personalised

demonstration

tailored to your

business needs

or schedule a

one-to-one

meeting

during or after

the event.

If you would

like to book a

demo in advance,

please get in touch

– we look forward to

meeting you.

info@rakata.co.uk

www.rakata.co.uk

www.theflooringshow.com/visit-sandown

JANSER UK – TOOLS &

MACHINES FOR FLOORING

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING ALL

VISITORS TO THE FLOORING SHOW

SOUTH APRIL 2026 STAND A50

0121 561 5888 www.janseruk.com

4


Stainshield

Stainshield will be showcasing

its range of high-performance

Protective Treatments for Carpets

& Upholstery including its premium

Eco-Friendly Stain & Wear Protector

‘Tex-Guard Textile Protector’ that

is environmentally safe containing

no PFAS as well as its ever-popular

Stain & AllergyShield Combination

Protectors for those seeking a 2in1 Hit.

The Flooring Show South Preview

As a UK family-run business of 50

years, Stainshield partner all corners

of the trade including Retailers,

Manufacturers, Contractors &

Specialist Cleaning Companies.

Our range of Protectors with high

active ingredients and Services

have enabled our trade customers

to drive additional revenue of

anywhere £3-7+ per SQM Carpets/

Rugs or £2-5+ per SQM Upholstery/

Furnishing Fabrics on treated items

sold with minimal overheads.

Customers of UK Retailers also have

access to a dedicated aftercare

helpline for advice & specialist spot

remover samples in the event of

accidents in their home for further

peace of mind post-sale.

Please visit us at Stand C90 for a

friendly chat.

For more information, please

contact:

john@stain-shield.ltd.uk

www.stain-shield.com

Local authorities take centre stage at

Traffex, Parkex and Cold Comfort 2026

Events

From Coventry to

Cardiff, Blackpool

to Birmingham:

councils across

the UK will shape

every stage of this

year's programme

as Traffex returns to

CBS Arena on 20–21

May 2026.

The road

infrastructure

sector’s most practically focused event is

back, and this year the people who build,

maintain and manage the UK’s roads are

not just in the audience. Local authority

engineers, service managers, asset managers

and transport directors from councils across

England and Wales have helped shape

the programme, taken to the podium and

are driving the conversation across every

theatre at Traffex, Parkex and Cold Comfort

2026, taking place 20-21 May at CBS Arena,

Coventry.

Produced by Hemming Group in partnership

with National Highways and supported by

the Department for Transport, the 2026

edition marks a deliberate shift in how the

event is built, with

councils not just

consulted, but

firmly embedded

as co-authors of the

content. The result

is a programme that

goes further than

any trade show

in the sector by

grounding every

session, workshop

and debate in the

day-to-day realities of local highway delivery.

It is a positioning that sets Traffex apart.

Where other events in the sector offer

policy announcements and strategic vision,

Traffex 2026 asks a different question: what

does that mean for the team on the ground,

trying to get a project approved, funded and

delivered before the financial year closes?

The programme opens with a keynote from

Elliot Shaw, Chief Customer and Strategy

Officer at National Highways, setting

out the implications of Road Investment

Strategy 3 for local network managers. He

is immediately joined by Rachel Gittens,

Deputy Director for Strategic Road Network

at the Office of Rail and Road, for a fireside

conversation on data capability and

asset management maturity, a topic local

authorities have been wrestling with for

years.

Day two brings a ministerial address

from Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary

Under-Secretary of State for Roads and

Buses, before the floor is handed back to

practitioners. Ruth Cadbury MP, Chair of

the Transport Select Committee, chairs

the afternoon’s road safety panel, bringing

together the Road Safety Foundation,

PACTS, and the West Midlands Road

Safety Commissioner in a session designed

to interrogate the gap between the

Government’s road safety ambitions and

what councils can actually deliver.

www.traffex.com/visit/registration

www.parkex.net

https://coldcomfort.tn-events.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Metropolitan Security Services – see them on page 40 5

Refurb & Renovation

Rider Levett Bucknall completes

Birmingham office refurbishment

Independent construction and property

consultancy Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) has

completed the refurbishment of its Birmingham

office at 15 Colmore Row, creating a modern,

flexible workplace designed to foster collaboration,

sustainability, and engagement. RLB officially

reopened its office at 15 in Colmore Row in

November after a 12 week refurbishment and

reconfiguration project. The refurbishment has

included the integration of sustainable materials,

energy-efficient systems and furniture has been

recycled and repurposed.

Vincent Pegg, RLB’s City lead for Birmingham, said,

“RLB is proud of its Birmingham roots that date

all the way back to 1947 and we are committed to

continuing our investment in the local community

and economy. This is why it was important to us

to work with local contractors, including Overbury

Birmingham, and suppliers such as Quarter

Horse Coffee based in the Jewellery Quarter. This

refurbishment marks a significant step forward in

our journey to create a workplace that reflects who

we are, how we work, and where we are headed.”

Key features of the refurbishment include:

s A welcome space to support client engagement

with facilities designed for hosting town hall

meetings, internal briefings, & external events.

s Reconfigured workspaces to support agile and

hybrid working, including a co-working zone

where staff can work with clients, peers, and

Refurbish, renew, reimagine

Warwick Buildings offers much

more than standard garden

structures – they’re committed

to creating timber-built spaces

that align with refurbishment

and lifestyle upgrade goals.

Since 1988, this family-run

business has manufactured

and installed garden offices,

studios, garages and custom

buildings through a full-service

model: design, manufacturing, delivery and

installation all under one roof.

For homeowners seeking to refurbish or extend their

living or working environment, Warwick Buildings

presents an ideal solution. Their modular timber

buildings are fully insulated, wired for electrics

and designed for year-round use – making them a

smart alternative to a full brick extension.

Whether your project is a home office

transformation, a garden studio upgrade, a gym

Bostik supports refurbishment

of a century-old dining space

Bostik, a leading manufacturer of subfloor

preparation and adhesive products, partnered with

Elvet Flooring Solutions to tackle a technical dining

area refurbishment at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club,

Country Durham.

The project presented several

technical challenges typical of

heritage buildings. The over

100-year-old structure had

high moisture readings, and

remnants of bitumen adhesive

from previous floor coverings.

Bostik's technical support

and comprehensive flooring

system enabled the contractor

to deliver a modern, durable

LVT installation completed

on schedule for an upcoming

wedding celebration.

The dining area at Brancepeth

Castle Golf Club had become

dated, prompting the club to commission a

complete refurbishment of the approximately 85m²

space. The room's age and condition presented

obstacles that needed addressing before any new

flooring could be installed.

Once the old carpet was lifted, the project

team discovered aged Marley tiles adhered to

the concrete subfloor with bitumen adhesive.

Removing these tiles and the adhesive residue

was only the first hurdle. Given that the building

pre-dates 1924, there was

believed to be no structural

damp-proof membrane

present - a common issue in

period properties. Moisture

testing readings confirmed the

challenge, with measurement

levels that would compromise

any flooring installation without

proper treatment.

Matt Williams of Elvet Flooring

Solutions contacted Bostik's

technical team early in the

project to ensure the right

approach from the outset. The

team conducted a thorough

site inspection and provided

a detailed technical report with step-by-step

recommendations tailored to the specific

conditions at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club.

https://bostik-profloor.co.uk

space or a smart storage

solution, Warwick Buildings

supports customers through

the specification and build

process with personalisation,

efficient installation and high

quality materials.

In the refurbishment realm,

Warwick Buildings adds value

by offering a way to renew

and enhance outdoor spaces, sidestep large scale

construction upheaval, and implement a tailored

building that matches the existing property and

lifestyle. With in-house manufacturing control,

a dedicated showroom and a reputation for

craftsmanship, Warwick Buildings positions itself

as a strong partner for homeowners looking to

upgrade their living environment through smart,

modular timber building solutions.

T 01926 815757

https://warwickbuildings.co.uk

visitors outside of meetings.

s Enhanced meeting and collaboration zones,

which incorporate open desk space for team

working and quiet spaces.

s Improved wellbeing areas and breakout spaces

with sofas and blankets that can be used for

breastfeeding, meditation and prayers.

www.rlb.com/europe/offices/birmingham

Iconic St

John’s Tavern

to reopen

Urban Pubs & Bars, London’s largest independent

pub and dining group, has recently announced the

reopening of St John’s Tavern, Archway’s muchloved

local and one of North London’s most iconic

Victorian pubs.

Following its acquisition from an independent

leaseholder at the end of September, the classic

19th-century tavern is currently undergoing a £1

million refurbishment, set to reopen on Friday 31st

October, with a launch celebration planned for

Friday 7th November.

Located in the heart of Archway, Islington, St

John’s Tavern has long been known for its seasonal

British menu, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful

heritage interiors.

The forthcoming relaunch will retain the venue’s

distinctive character while introducing a refreshed

design, updated garden space, and extended

lounge area, ensuring the tavern continues to feel

both timeless and contemporary.

The reimagined space will accommodate around

250 guests across its bar snug, main bar area,

lounge, dining room, and a charming garden.

The design stays true to the pub’s Victorian roots,

preserving its original bar and dining room features,

while introducing comfortable new furnishings,

subtle modern details, and a fully upgraded kitchen.

At the heart of the relaunch is a renewed focus

on food and drink. Guests can expect a menu of

modern, seasonal British fare complemented by

an exceptional drinks list of craft beers, signature

cocktails, fine wines, and distinguished spirits.

www.urbanpubsandbars.com

6


Building Products & Services

Forterra brings

festive cheer

As part of its Community Fund scheme, building

products manufacturer Forterra recently

contributed £500 to support the Christmas party

for Mycenae House’s ‘Reach Out’ Project. The

festive event brought together participants of the

project for a day of celebration, connection, and

community spirit, helping to combat loneliness

during the holiday season.

Mycenae House, a Community Centre hub in

Blackheath, runs the ‘Reach Out’ Project to

provide social and creative opportunities for

vulnerable individuals in the local area. This

annual Christmas party, made possible through

Forterra’s donation, was designed to foster

meaningful connections and promote mental

well-being during a time of year that can be

particularly isolating for some.

The Christmas party has been a cherished

component of the ‘Reach Out’ Project since its

inception in 2017. The event complements the

project’s weekly well-being sessions, which offer

conversation and activities aimed at combating

isolation.

Attendees ranged in age from 25 to 86 and

included individuals supported by Oxleas Mental

Health, as well as those in supported living

environments, and other vulnerable community

members. The event provided a rare opportunity

for joyful social interaction for people who

struggle with disability, loneliness or socioeconomic

hardship.

www.forterra.co.uk/about-us/community

Eurocell introduces a new

150mm cavity closer system

Eurocell, the UK’s leading

manufacturer and distributor of

PVC-U building products, has

introduced its advanced 150mm

Cavalok cavity closer system,

this evolved design builds on

the original 150mm system

to support housebuilders as

they embrace the ‘fabric first’

approach amid a growing

demand towards wider cavities.

A new survey from Professional

Builder and Knauf Insulation has

revealed that 150mm cavities

are fast becoming the preferred

choice for housebuilders in the

UK, with 41% of participants

already implementing the wider cavity approach

in new builds and over a quarter considering it for

upcoming projects.

Eurocell’s investment in 150mm Cavalok cavity

closers is directly aligned with this industry shift,

allowing builders to meet and exceed future

carbon reduction targets through improved

thermal performance. This wider cavity system

supports reduced heat loss -

one of the largest sources of

energy inefficiency in homes.

The 150mm Cavalok cavity

closer system has been refined

through rigorous trials to

meet the evolving demands of

housebuilders and regulators.

150mm cavities play a

crucial role in the ‘fabric first’

approach by significantly

increasing a building's

insulation capacity, allowing

housebuilders to achieve

greater energy efficiency

through the structure

itself. This strategy enables

housebuilders to meet the 31% carbon reduction

targets of Part L21 and prepares them for the

75% reduction target anticipated with Part L25.

By enhancing U-values with thicker, well-insulated

walls, heat loss can be reduced by up to 35%

through walls alone, minimising the reliance on

additional renewable technologies.

www.eurocell.co.uk

GLP advances Clean Energy

programme in Spain

GLP, a leading global business

builder, owner, developer,

and operator of logistics real

estate, digital infrastructure,

renewable energy, and related

technologies, announces

that GLP Clean Energy, its

renewable energy business in

Europe, has completed a new

installation of a rooftop solar

photovoltaic (PV) system at

G-Park Sagunto in Valencia, in

eastern Spain.

GLP’s 51,800m 2 warehouse at G-Park Sagunto

features a rooftop solar PV plant of 6,720 solar

modules. With 3.7MWp of power generation

capacity, the installation will supply the equivalent

of 1,642 Spanish households. The system is

projected to generate savings of around 2,000

tons of CO 2 per year over its

life span.

The building was delivered

to its tenant, Romar Global

Care, the Spanish hygiene,

cosmetics and homecare

goods manufacturer, in

September 2023. GLP Clean

Energy signed a Power

Purchase Agreement with

Romar Global Care later that

year. The solar PV plant will not only provide

Romar Global Care with direct access to clean

energy but will also channel excess power into

the local grid, providing additional support to the

municipality of Sagunto with a reliable, green, and

local electricity supply.

https://eu.glp.com

Protal liquid epoxy coatings celebrate

40th anniversary: 1986-2026

Winn & Coales International Ltd

[WCI] proudly commemorates the

40th anniversary of its Protal range

of liquid epoxy coatings in 2026.

The trusted solution for pipeline

protection, Protal’s 100% solids

epoxies are suitable for an array of

above and below ground corrosion

prevention applications. At the time of

the product line’s acquisition in 1986,

Protal was a well-established range of

liquid coatings that was obtained to

further strengthen WCI’s portfolio of

corrosion resistant tape systems.

In line with the company’s mission

of continuous improvement and

innovation, WCI’s North American

subsidiary responded to market

demand in the 1990s with the

development of Protal 7200 – an

advanced two-part liquid epoxy

coating designed to complement

factory-applied FBE coatings. Later,

Protal 7300 (UK) was reformulated

to comply with EU and UK REACH

regulations and is approved for use in

the National Grid Coatings Register in

multiple product groups.

WCI Group Chair, Chris Winn, said,

“As we commemorate forty years

of Protal , we celebrate a journey

defined by innovation and resilience.

This milestone underscores our

unwavering commitment to

advancing corrosion prevention

technologies and providing

solutions bearing a name that our

customers know and trust. Our

continued investment in research

and development ensures we can

respond to consumer demand,

manufacturing sustainable solutions

for an evolving commercial

landscape.”

The WCI Group of companies has

been creating bespoke and off-theshelf

solutions that provide enduring

protection against corrosion for over

95 years.

T 020 8670 7511

mail@denso.net

www.denso.net

8


External Works

Maintaining your

garden and keeping

little ones entertained

As the days get shorter, and trees

start to shed their leaves and

transform in colour, Sales Director

at Oxfordshire’s Pye Homes,

Danielle Simpson, shares her

guide on keeping your garden

maintained this autumn season,

as well as fun ideas for keeping

little green fingers entertained this

season.

Arts and crafts

When leaves transform into

beautiful shades of browns and

oranges and fall to the ground it

provides the perfect opportunity

for families to get crafty with a

variety of activities including:

Leaf rubbing – choose several

different colored crayons,

some thin paper and a variety

of textured leaves. Place a leaf

bottom side up under a sheet of

paper before rubbing a crayon

over the surface of the paper

directly over the leaf, making sure

to keep the leaf in place, and you’ll

see the textured art come to life.

Preserving beautiful leaves – collect

your favourite fallen leaves, and

place them in between the pages of

a book, ensuring they’re dry before

closing the book, placing a heavy

object on top to add pressure and

leave for a couple of days. Your

leaves will stay perfectly preserved

for years to come and can be used

for seasonal cards, artwork or

seasonal posters that will no doubt

find their pride of place on family

fridges or bedroom walls!

Leaf collages – create a piece of

colourful art when you glue dry

leaves to a canvas or paper.

www.pyehomes.co.uk

Builder-proof your

garden

For homeowners looking to start

house renovations and extensions

next year, the time to start planning

is now. Preparation is key, as

delaying decisions can often

turns last-minute fixes into costly

mistakes. Fortunately, Garden

Design Expert, Agata Henderson,

has shared five top tips that

homeowners should consider right

at the start of the planning process

to seamlessly integrate their indoor

and outdoor spaces and avoid

expensive issues down the line.

Agata’s advice details five planning

points from ensuring the new

kitchen doors are flush with the

patio to securing essential side

access for future landscaping, saving

thousands in remedial work and

guaranteeing a seamless transition

between the new indoor and

outdoor living spaces.

1. Garden access and levels – Talk to

your builder and architect about

how the new extension will meet

the existing garden. Many people

are surprised by the difference in

height between their new kitchen

doors and the garden.

2. Doors, windows, and thresholds

– The choice of doors can greatly

affect how you use your outdoor

space. While bifold doors are

stylish, they can overwhelm

smaller patios – sliding or French

doors often work better.

3. Side access – If your extension

reduces or removes side access,

consider how this will affect future

landscaping. Without a clear

route, materials and plants may

need to be carried through your

finished kitchen – adding time,

cost, and risk of damage.

4. Avoid false economies in

landscaping – It can be tempting

to ask your builder to “prepare the

garden,” but unless landscaping is

part of their regular work, this can

lead to costly mistakes.

5. Protect your existing garden –

Don’t let your garden become

a construction wasteland. Ask

your builder how they’ll protect

existing plants and soil during the

build.

www.agatahendersongardendesign.

co.uk

Shou Sugi Ban ® :

Adding timeless style

to every exterior

Perfectly blending with other

building materials, charred timber

cladding is the exterior finish of

choice for contemporary builds and

heritage renovations.

Timber is recognised as a

sustainable, thermally insulating

and beautiful building material.

Yet, as a natural product, it needs

protection from the elements.

Exterior Solutions Ltd looked to

the Japanese timber preservation

technique, yakisugi. This controlled

charring process increases biological

resistance which includes:

s Minimising the effect of UV light,

which causes weathering &

fading in untreated timbers

s Limiting water ingress to reduce

expansion, contraction & warping

s Preventing deterioration caused

by insects, mould & fungi

The result is a low-maintenance

exterior timber cladding. Having

mastered this art, Exterior Solutions

Ltd developed the Shou Sugi Ban ®

range. For over a decade, the

specialist team has handcrafted

School installs lighting

to protect bats

A school in Market

Bosworth, rural

Leicestershire, has been

equipped with special

outdoor wall lighting

designed to preserve

dark skies for multiple

species of local bats and

other nocturnal animals.

Glamox, a world leader in

lighting, is providing energy-efficient

LED wall lights, specifically designed

to minimise light spillage and

approved by DarkSky International,

a non-profit organisation that aims

to restore the nighttime environment

and protect communities and wildlife

from light pollution.

Hinckley House School is an

independent day school designed

specifically for students with special

educational needs. It serves children

aged 5 to 11 with Social, Emotional

and Mental Health (SEMH) needs,

alongside a range of other associated

conditions. The school is housed in

a Grade II-listed Old Rectory within

a conservation area. During its

renovation, careful effort was made

to preserve and enhance its historic

character while protecting local

wildlife.

“In 2018, a bat detection study

identified five distinct bat species and

responsibly-sourced timbers in

their Buckinghamshire workshop.

From light, smooth brushed, to the

traditional black crackled texture,

this cladding offers the ideal finish

to any build.

To ensure compliance with UK &

EU building regulations, Exterior

Solutions Ltd applies a treatment.

Independently tested, Shou Sugi

Ban ® is certified as a fire-rated

timber.

Specified by architects for urban &

rural developments, this premium

cladding is a market-leading product.

T 01494 711800

https://exterior.supplies/charredtimber-cladding

indicated a thriving bat community

with a variety of roosting and

foraging sites,” said Jake Smith,

Senior Electrical Engineer at Crookes

Walter Consulting, the electrical

design consultant on the Hinckley

House School renovation project.

“For lighting the school perimeter,

we specified lighting that was

durable, energy efficient, and which

would provide sufficient illumination

for the safety of pupils and staff

whilst minimising light spillage that

could affect nocturnal species. Our

goal was to preserve the nighttime

environment as best we could.”

Glamox provided the DarkSkyapproved

version of its O21-W

wall light for lighting the perimeter

of the school building. The tough

luminaire emits light only where it is

needed – in a downward direction –

minimising light spill into the night

sky.

www.glamox.com

10


London Build Expo 2025 Review

London Build Expo 2025: A decade

of innovation & collaboration

Build 2025 transformed Olympia into a festival

of construction – complete with live DJs,

entertainment, interactive workshops, and

networking parties. The anniversary edition

provided a vibrant atmosphere that blends

business, learning, and celebration like never

before.

The UK’s largest construction show returned

to Olympia London’s Grand and National

Halls on November 19th and 20th, marking 10

years of London Build Expo, a decade that has

transformed it from a promising new event into

the UK’s must-attend show for the entire built

environment.

Over the past ten years, London Build has

evolved into the most

influential show for

professionals across

construction, architecture,

engineering, and

infrastructure. Each year,

it attracts thousands of

innovators and decisionmakers,

creating a dynamic

space where ideas are

shared, partnerships are

formed, business is made,

and the future of the

industry takes shape.

In celebration of its

10th birthday, London

Olympia welcomed more than 38,000 attendees,

750 speakers, and 450 exhibitors across 12

CPD-accredited stages. Across two packed

days, delegates gained insight and inspiration

from experts shaping the next generation of the

built environment. Attendees could also explore

hundreds of cutting-edge products and solutions

from leading suppliers across sustainability,

digital construction, building materials, and

design innovation.

Key stages included the UK Housing & Real

Estate, Skyscraper & Tall Buildings, Diversity in

Construction, Fire Safety, Sustainability, AI &

Digital Construction, Architecture, Construction

Marketing, Networking Hub, Modern Methods of

Construction and Building Safety & Security.

London Build 2025 featured the

most diverse and ambitious

conference agenda in its history,

uniting over 750 leading voices

from across the sector from

housing and digital innovation

to sustainability and design

excellence.

From digital twins and AI-driven

design to sustainable materials

and smart construction

solutions, London Build 2025

showcased the technologies

transforming how we plan,

design, and deliver projects

across the built environment.

This year’s show highlighted cutting-edge

innovations driving productivity, resilience, and

environmental performance across the sector.

Networking and community remained at the

heart of London Build. Each year, thousands

of architects, contractors, developers, house

builders, housing associations, and civil

engineers gather to connect, collaborate, and do

business across 450+ exhibitors and 25 industryled

networking events.

The celebrated Ambassador Programme once

again took centre stage in 2025, bringing together

thousands of professionals driving positive

change across the built environment. The

initiative champions key communities, including

Diversity in Construction, Women in Construction,

Sustainability, Future Leaders, Mental Health in

Construction and Digital Construction.

London Build Expo moves next year to London’s

ExCeL from 25-26 November 2026. This is our

pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show,

listed here in alphabetical order: KuhnOdice &

Urban Cooling Solutions. Further details can be

found on this page and the next.

www.londonbuildexpo.com

12


Urban Cooling Solutions

Urban Cooling Solutions is at the forefront of

HVAC innovation, tackling the modern challenges

of climate, comfort, and compliance with

advanced, design‐led technology. We bring a

fresh perspective to residential air conditioning,

challenging traditional norms and redefining

what’s possible for indoor climate control.

Through forward‐thinking engineering and a

commitment to excellence, we consistently raise

industry standards for performance, efficiency,

and integration.

What we do

We specialise in delivering high‐performance,

energy‐efficient air conditioning systems designed

specifically for apartments and listed buildings –

environments where conventional HVAC solutions

often fail. Our systems are compact, reliable, and

engineered to blend seamlessly into modern

living spaces without compromising aesthetics or

functionality.

By reimagining air conditioning from the ground

up, we help construction professionals overcome

long‐standing limitations in residential cooling.

Our technology ensures optimal comfort for

residents while simplifying compliance with

increasingly stringent building regulations. Every

solution we create is built to deliver superior

performance, long‐term reliability, and exceptional

user experience.

Why we do it

Our mission is to revolutionise air conditioning

for apartments and listed buildings, ensuring

people can enjoy comfortable, healthy homes

all year round. We

believe climate control

should enhance a living

space – not detract

from it. That’s why our

systems are designed

to be discreet, efficient,

and architecturally

sympathetic, adding

value to both the

building and the resident

experience.

Who we help

We support professionals

across the residential

construction sector,

providing solutions that

make integrating air

conditioning simpler,

more efficient, and more compliant.

Property developers

We address the key challenges developers face:

space constraints, capital expenditure, and

regulatory compliance. Our compact systems

minimise the loss of sellable area and reduce

installation costs, helping developers maximise

ROI while delivering premium comfort to

residents.

Architects

We recognise the importance of preserving

a building’s visual identity. Our systems are

designed to integrate harmoniously with

architectural elements, ensuring cooling and

heating capabilities do not compromise the

aesthetic integrity of the building – whether

modern or heritage.

BIM & mechanical consultants

With Part O (overheating) now

central to residential design,

effective cooling is essential. Our

systems integrate seamlessly

into BIM workflows, simplify

cooling‐load calculations, and

support compliance with regulatory

requirements. They also contribute

positively to sustainability

frameworks such as BREEAM, the

London Plan, and WELL Building

Standards, helping projects achieve

higher environmental performance.

T 01634 563299

M 07777 665349

kevin@urbancoolingsolutions.com

www.urbancoolingsolutions.com

KuhnOdice: Your vital partner in fire safety

Following a highly successful appearance at

the London Build Show in November 2025,

momentum continued to build behind the

scenes. January 2026 marked the beginning of

an exciting new chapter for KuhnOdice when two

companies became one.

A strategic merger between Mann McGowan,

based in Aldershot and at the forefront of

intumescent seal technology for more than five

decades and CH Materials, a long-established

specialist in passive fire protection products

based in Lancaster, united two industry leaders

under the new company name KuhnOdice UK

Ltd.

The move represented a significant milestone

for both organisations creating a truly

comprehensive, single-source solution for the full

spectrum of fire protection requirements.

Now operating from a unified base in Aldershot,

KuhnOdice UK designs, manufactures, and

supplies an extensive range of fire, smoke, and

acoustic seals. Each product is developed to

meet industry standards, customer specifications,

and evolving regulatory requirements.

To ensure safe compliance across all fire door

applications and to continuously enhance

product performance, KuhnOdice UK works in

close collaboration with door, hardware and glass

manufacturers.

Every product undergoes stringent quality

control processes and, crucially, independent

third-party evaluation and testing to both national

and international standards – a cornerstone of the

company’s continued success.

Complete fire protection

solutions

KuhnOdice UK goes

beyond standard

supply. The company

delivers tailored fire

protection solutions to

meet the specific needs

of individual projects,

offering a comprehensive

portfolio that includes

intumescent strips and

seals, fire-rated boards

and adhesives and

coatings.

This holistic approach

ensures customers benefit

from fully integrated fire

protection systems – all

from a trusted partner.

London Build Expo 2025 Review

The strength of the FLAMRO range

Further enhancing its one-stop-shop capability

is the respected FLAMRO range of passive fire

protection products which provides a wideranging

portfolio designed to protect human life,

minimise property damage, prevent operational

disruption and reduce environmental impact in

the event of fire.

The range includes cable, pipe, mixed and

joint penetration seals; cable ducts with

specialist fittings; fire protection bandages,

coatings, open state cavity barriers and collars –

delivering dependable protection across diverse

applications.

Bringing it all together

From fire doors to

complex service

penetrations, from

product innovation to

rigorous third-party

testing, KuhnOdice UK is

committed to delivering

compliant, reliable, and

forward-thinking fire

safety solutions.

Come and see us at

the Fire Safety Event

on Stand 4/E60 at the

NEC Birmingham on

28th-30th April, we are

excited to showcase

what we can do for you!

info@kuhnodice.com

www.kuhnodice.com


Water Management

Take the lea

undertaken. However, with wider use of

modern boilers, the lower water flow of old

lead pipes can cause problems and are often

the incentive for supply replacement.

“Lead Water Supply replacement has

become a priority for water companies

across the UK. Systems such as INSUduct®

can overcome user reluctance and provide

and time and cost-efficient methods of

water supply pipe reluctance.”

Steve Leigh, Managing Director,

Groundbreaker

Replace lead water supply pipes in under

2 hours… no major excavations, minimal

disruption.

Removal and replacement of lead water

supply pipes is not only good for occupiers’

health but comes under the Landlord and

Tenant Act 1985 Section 11 to maintain the

water supply.

The industry has been aware of the potential

damage lead can do to the environment and

health, particularly in infants and children,

for over 50 years. Houses built before 1970

would have been constructed with lead

water supply pipes and in some areas of the

UK up to a third of these older properties

are still receiving their water through these

original lead pipes.1 UK water companies

are actively engaged in replacement of

these old lead supplies, with many offering

free replacement of supply to the property

boundary.

In any brown field development removal

of a lead water supplies should be a

priority. In addition to removal of potential

contaminants, these new pipe materials

improve flow rates and reducing pipe

noise. Traditionally, any lead replacement

programme requires major excavations

outside a property and causes huge

disruption within. Resulting in mess and

disturbance to householders over several

days. This disruption has often been the

cause of users’ reluctance to have the work

An innovative solution to water supply pipe

replacement which significantly reduces

disturbance, time and cost is the routing

of the new supply pipe up the external

face of the building. Now recognised by

some of the UK’s largest water companies

as the preferred method of lead supply

replacement, INSUduct ® by Groundbreaker

is revolutionising lead supply replacement

practice.

Traditionally, pipes needed to be within the

thermal envelope of the building or buried to

minimise the risk of frost damage and freeze

thaw bursts. “We’ve been putting pipes in

holes in the ground to protect them from

14


Water Management

d on LEAD

frost for decades,” Steve Leigh, Managing

Director, Groundbreaker, explained. “Although

it works, today’s new materials allow for a

much better solution. Keeping pipes on the

surface reduces the risk of leaks developing

and allows for easy repair and maintenance.

It’s just a must better method of working.”

The insulated ducting products are designed

to provide long lasting and effective thermal

protection to water pipes and fittings outside

the thermal envelope of a building. To

achieve the level of protection required by

British Standard 5422 and all relevant Water

Regulations for frost protection, the ducting

must be carefully fabricated to provide long

lasting protection and should be tested and

approved to Water Supply (Water Fittings)

Regulations, Regulation 4 or listed as an

approved product by WRAS Approvals.

Easy installation, saving time and money.

Installation of a new supply using INSUduct ®

is straight forwards, enabling most water

supply replacements to be completed within

a couple of hours, without the traditional

mess and disruption to the householders

or occupiers. The improvement in work

efficiency and reduction on the impact to

occupants is a win for both contractor and

customer. There is also little impact to the

exterior appearance of the property, as the

system provides a neat, clean finish to the

job.

The insulated ducting allows the new water

service to be routed up the external face of

the building and connected to the internal

plumbing above ground level, whether this is

the ground floor or upper storey.

In multi-occupancy properties INSUduct ®

allows multiple supply pipes to be installed,

as it is designed to provide frost protection

for up to three 32mm OD water pipes

installed to the exterior of the building.

The use of insulated ducting also allows

compliance with British Plumbing Employers

Council (BPEC) best practice of joint free

supply installation. In their Groundworker,

Service Pipe and Meter Housing Installation

Training, the use of joint free installation is

recommended and is recognised to minimise

the risk of future joint failure and leaks.

In addition to providing a simple solution to

lead free water provision, INSUduct ® can be

used in association with Groundbreaker’s

surface mounted meter housings, ideal for

where the new generation of smart meters

are being installed.

www.groundbreaker.co.uk

1. www.lovemoney.com/news/19726/themost-common-home-insurance-claims


Water Management

Across the UK, water scarcity

is no longer a distant concern

– it is a pressing reality

Enabling Water Smart Communities

reports that the UK faces significant water

challenges, which are expected to worsen

by 2050. Projections indicate a daily deficit

of 4.6 billion litres by then. Already, 12,000

homes a year cannot be built due to water

constraints, translating into an estimated

£25 billion economic loss over the next five

years.

Adding to this, water companies are

struggling with ageing infrastructure, and

it will be many years before new reservoirs

and wastewater treatment facilities become

fully operational. Against this backdrop,

building regulators

are pushing for

domestic water

consumption to fall

below 100 litres

per person per day.

Greywater re-use –

recycling lightly used

bath and shower

water for toilet

flushing – offers one

of the most practical

and scalable ways to

achieve this.

Cascade Water

Products, a purposedriven

Scottish

enterprise, is at

the forefront of

microgreywater

re-use technology

designed for

real homes, real

buildings, and everyday use. Their flagship

system, Aqua Gratis, captures, filters, treats,

and stores bath and shower water, and then

reuses it for toilet flushing. Quiet, compact,

and engineered for low-maintenance

reliability, Aqua Gratis fits neatly behind the

toilet and delivers immediate, measurable

savings.

Independent operation in the founders’ own

home for over 1,000 days has confirmed

its long-term reliability, with reductions

in domestic water use of up to 45%. The

system surpasses British Standards, stores

up to 140 litres of treated greywater, and can

service up to five toilets per home. This is

practical circularity in action, closing the loop

between water used for bathing and water

used for flushing, a synergy where these two

demands almost perfectly align.

Designed with today’s sustainability needs

in mind, Aqua Gratis is energy-efficient, lowcost

to run, and simple to maintain. It is ideal

for new-build projects, where installation

can be integrated from the start, and equally

suitable for refurbishment and deep retrofit

projects. It has broad applications, including

private homes, self-builds, social housing,

holiday parks, HMOs, modular housing, and

student accommodation.

With regulators, developers, and property

managers under pressure to reduce

emissions and operational costs, Aqua

Gratis offers a ready-to-deploy solution

that improves water efficiency, reduces

sewage volumes, and strengthens climate

resilience. Recent angel investment from

European, Indian, and American investors

is accelerating manufacturing and market

rollout, reflecting strong confidence in the

system’s technical credibility and commercial

potential.

At the Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater

Conference in February at The Building

Centre, London, keynote speaker Niki Roach

delivered a clear message: progress will not

come from technology alone, but from the

champions willing to advocate for it. She

posed a question that cuts to the heart of the

challenge: “Who isn’t in the room?”

The answer reveals a structural gap:

developers and architects. These

professionals determine building

specifications, shape planning decisions, and

influence whether sustainable technologies

like greywater reuse become mainstream or

remain exceptions. Their absence highlights

the need for engagement, conversation,

and clear demonstration of what is possible.

Decision-makers have questions around

reliability, performance, compliance, cost,

and long-term value, and the most effective

answers come

from seeing

technology

in action.

Demonstrator

projects build

trust, showing

developers,

architects, and

housing providers

exactly how Aqua

Gratis performs in

real-world settings.

Another barrier to progress is incentives.

Current support mechanisms largely

prioritise new builds, yet millions of existing

properties could benefit from water-saving

technologies. Refurbishment and retrofit

projects must have the same access to

funding if the UK is to meet its water

resilience goals. Aqua Gratis is uniquely

suited to this challenge, with a compact

footprint, low-energy profile, and simple

installation that make it suitable for both

new-build and retrofit environments.

Meeting the UK’s water resilience challenge

will require more than a single product;

it will require collective will. Cascade

Water Products is calling on the industry

to take action: to champion sustainable

water management, to build demonstrator

projects, to encourage policymakers to

create incentives that make water-efficient

design accessible, and to ensure the right

people – developers, architects, planners,

and decision-makers – are in the room.

The technology is ready. The need is urgent.

Now is the time for

champions to step

forward. Cascade

Water Products is

ready. Aqua Gratis

is ready. Together,

we can build the

water-resilient

future we all

depend on.

Come and visit

Cascade Water

Products at the

Building and

Renovation Show,

NEC Birmingham,

19th-22nd March, and Futurebuild, ExCeL

London, 12th-14th May.

info@cascadewater.life

www.cascadewater.life

16


Service Sealing Solutions is

the sole UK distributor for the

sealing industry’s top pioneering

manufacturers: DOYMA and HKD.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd specialises in highquality

service duct sealing systems for utility

services and watertight seals, offering a high level

of expertise to developers and specifiers for sealing

against water and gas ingress around service

entries in basements and high-rise buildings.

With over 50 years of experience, DOYMA

compile both their knowledge and skill

into their seal range, to create effective,

but simple solutions to meet all watertight

service sealing requirements. DOYMA

products provide the highest level of

safety when sealing buildings where

pipes and electrical cables pass through.

DOYMA stands on the front line when it comes to the development

of innovative, practical solutions for sealing and fire systems.

Their goal is to create safe building penetrations for pipes and

cables that seal off fire, gas and water. The rubber mouldings

are what ensure the gas and watertight features.

Here at Service Sealing Solutions, we supply HKD

service seals throughout the whole of the UK. HKD,

now owned by DOYMA, manufactures a wide range of

pipe sealing systems and service conduits – which is

forever growing. All seals in the range are guaranteed

to withstand up to 4 bars of pressure! Also available

in varying sizes and shapes for different access points.

HKD systems have a sealing solution for service conduits cast into

concrete without the sleeves. HKD service conduits are supplied ready for

use, requiring no site preparation work prior to installation. With options

such as KE Socketless service conduits, KG Wall Ducts and Floor Ducts,

together with KG Twin Sockets for installation in pump sumps and where

suitability for thin-walled concrete structures is vital.

For more information, please call us on 01952 510050

or visit www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

or email sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

Drainage, Plumbing & Washrooms

Velair: Trusted washroom & facilities

solutions for modern environments

Velair is a UK-based supplier of energy-efficient

hand dryers, washroom and fragrance solutions,

trusted by facilities nationwide. Since 2012,

the company has built a strong reputation for

delivering reliable, high-performance systems that

enhance hygiene standards, reduce operational

costs and simplify maintenance.

value, Pebble Mini combines a low-carbon

motor with an IK10 impact rating and a sleek,

contemporary design. Ideal for low-medium use

environments seeking cost-effective performance.

https://velairehd.wistia.com/medias/cqe8gviwmj

F4 Eco Plug & Play ®

Designed for efficiency and durability, the F4 Eco

features a switchable heat function, quiet mode

and H13 media filtration for improved air hygiene.

Its 304-grade stainless steel casing ensures longlasting

performance with a premium finish.

https://velairehd.wistia.com/medias/nfkxnjonoa

responsible waste management and circular

sustainability.

Also new for 2026, Velair introduces two additions

to its urinal care portfolio. The V-Mat 30D urinal

screen provides reliable 30 day odour control

with a flexible anti-splash, anti-clog design.

Complementing this, the V-Mat Bio is a 60 day

enzyme urinal block mat that eliminates odours at

the source by breaking down bacteria rather than

masking them. Both products are fully recyclable.

At the core of Velair’s offering is its innovative

Plug & Play ® hand dryer range, including Pebble

Mini ® , F4 Eco and Pebble+, all designed to

integrate seamlessly with the patented Terra4

docking station ® . As the world’s first multi-dryer

Plug & Play ® platform, Terra4 enables easy

installation and effortless maintenance. Units

can be replaced or upgraded within seconds,

without skilled labour, minimising downtime and

significantly reducing lifecycle costs.

Find out more about the Terra4 Docking Station:

https://velairehd.wistia.com/medias/8r4p7vx2jn

Pebble Mini® Plug & Play ®

A compact, entry-level solution offering excellent

DIYers told to avoid

these common winter

patio mistakes

Garden experts are warning

homeowners to prepare their patios

and pathways before the cold sets

in, or risk seeing their outdoor

spaces covered in algae and organic

staining. With the Royal Horticultural

Society (RHS) reporting that 42% of

domestic garden space is now paved

over, including more than half of

all front gardens, millions of patios

could face seasonal staining and

surface damage if left untreated.

According to Patio Black Spot

Removal Company, organic growth

such as green algae, moss and black

lichen affects all types of paving,

regardless of material or age.

However, natural stone surfaces tend

to show it more clearly due to their

texture and porosity.

“It’s a common misconception that

sealing your patio prevents algae

growth, it doesn’t,” explains Alex

Pebble+ Plug & Play ®

Velair’s most advanced hygienic solution,

the Pebble+ incorporates H13 filtration, UV-C

disinfection and ION particle technology to

remove 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. With an

antimicrobial cover, digital brushless motor, quiet

mode and adjustable heat, it is ideal for high-use

environments where hygiene is critical.

https://velairehd.wistia.com/medias/dtpy9l2iux

New for 2026: Sustainable innovation in

fragrance & washroom care

Velair’s new Serenity large space fragrance

diffuser range delivers consistent, scalable

scenting across a wide range of environments.

The Serenity diffuser covers areas up to 900m²,

while Serenity Lite ensures seamless fragrance

continuity across corridors, meeting rooms and

adjoining spaces. Both systems utilise a no-pour,

no-waste design and are supported by Velair’s

Return-Recycle-Re-use programme, promoting

Essex, Managing Director at Patio

Black Spot Removal Company. “Most

sealers are microporous, organic

growth such a lichen can still grow

within the stone. During wet periods,

algae will thrive, sealers won’t stop

this and can be expensive, needing

to be re-applied every few years.

Instead, prevention starts with

good patio design, proper drainage,

avoiding puddling, and allowing

sunlight to reach the surface.”

Beyond appearance, Alex highlights

the importance of using gentle, ecoconscious

cleaning methods.

“Using non-toxic, stone-safe cleaners

protects not only your patio but

the wildlife around it,” he explains.

“Strong detergents and acidic

products can harm soil life and

pollinators. Eco-friendly ‘spray-andleave’

solutions allow homeowners

to maintain their patios safely

throughout winter, with minimal

effort and maximum benefit.”

Contact

T 0800 500 3032

info@pbsr.co.uk

https://patioblackspotremoval.com

DALROD

For four decades, DALROD has

been a trusted leader in drainage,

pumping, and wastewater

solutions across the UK.

Established with a commitment to

exceptional service and technical

expertise, DALROD delivers

reliable, cost-effective support

to commercial, industrial, and

residential customers nationwide.

The company has built

its reputation on

rapid response,

high-quality

workmanship,

and a

customer-first

approach

that ensures

every job –

no matter

the size – is

handled with

professionalism

and care.

DALROD offers a

comprehensive range

of services, including drain

unblocking, CCTV drain surveys,

drain repairs, relining, tanker

services, and planned preventative

maintenance. With advanced

technology and fully trained

technicians available 24/7, the

company is equipped to resolve

both routine and complex

Learn more about all our products by viewing

our full range brochure on our website:

www.velair.co.uk

Velair’s ‘Good, Better, Best’ tiered approach allows

organisations to align hygiene performance

with sustainability targets, usage demands and

budget requirements across single and multi-site

operations.

For more information, contact us on:

01425 616103 or email: orders@velairgroup.com

drainage challenges efficiently and

safely.

A key strength of DALROD is

its level of coverage delivered

through a network of locally

owned service centres. This

structure combines the reliability

of a UK-wide brand with the

personal service of dedicated

regional teams. Quality,

innovation, and

continuous

improvement

remain at

the heart of

DALROD’s

operations,

helping

customers

reduce

downtime,

manage costs,

and protect their

assets.

As a trusted partner

in drainage and wastewater

management, DALROD continues

to set industry standards through

its commitment to quality, integrity,

and long-term customer support.

T 0330 1003 222

drains@dalrod.co.uk

www.dalrod.co.uk

www.dalrod.co.uk/news

18


Facilities & Estates Management

Aico launches new ‘Connected

Home’ City & Guilds Assured course

Aico, leading home life safety provider, is

proud to announce the expansion of their

award winning training courses with the

launch of a brand new City & Guilds Assured

course: The Connected Home.

The free, full-day course has been

specifically designed for landlords and

housing professionals. As the housing

industry shifts towards data-driven

solutions, this session explores how

connected home hardware and software

can provide meaningful data and actionable

insights to strengthen compliance, protect

residents, and support informed, proactive

decision-making.

The course has been carefully refined

through extensive pilot sessions

with industry stakeholders, housing

professionals, and internal colleagues.

Feedback gathered during these sessions

has ensured the content is both practical

and relevant, with a strong focus on

real-world challenges faced by housing

providers. As a result, the training has

been meticulously tailored to meet the

sector's specific needs, while ensuring

attendees remain up to date with the latest

technologies in an evolving legislative

landscape.

Bridging the gap between technology and

legislation

The recent introduction of Awaab’s

Law has brought increased attention to

indoor air quality, damp and mould, and

the importance of proactive property

maintenance. With housing legislation

evolving rapidly across the UK, connected

home technology is becoming an essential

tool for housing providers looking to

demonstrate compliance, identify issues

early, and improve resident outcomes.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive

understanding of:

s Compliance – Navigating differing

legislation and regulation across the

UK, including Awaab’s Law, and the

requirements defined within these

documents.

s HomeLINK Technology – A

comprehensive overview of the

capabilities and benefits of Aico’s Internet

of Things technology.

s Data and insights – Leveraging datadriven

insights to enhance efficiency,

compliance, and awareness, while

maintaining responsible data practices.

This course provides a thorough overview

of Aico’s Connected Home Solution,

covering everything from theory to practical

application. Participants will be introduced

to the HomeLINK Portal, gaining hands-on

insight into how to effectively manage their

portfolio and monitor data at scale.

s Navigation – Detailed walkthroughs of

the Portal, SmartLINK App and Resident

App.

s Management – Using Aico’s Case

Management system to assist with

proactive maintenance.

s Installation – Technical guidance

on system installation and device

compatibility.

s Future-proofing – Insight into upcoming

developments and technologies.

This City & Guilds Assured course offers

housing professionals the opportunity

to build confidence in connected home

technology while a gaining recognised

accreditation that demonstrates

commitment to professional development.

To register your interest in this inviteonly

course, please contact your local

Relationship Manager at:

www.aico.co.uk/contact

20


Advanced GSM

electronics

for modern

security needs

GSM Activate is a leading

manufacturer of electronic

and access control devices,

specialising in GSM (SIM

card-based) technology.

Headquartered in West

Sussex, GSM Activate has

developed an innovative

range of products that

leverage GSM technology

to deliver exceptional

levels of safety and security

for both residential and

commercial applications.

By using your mobile phone

as the central control point,

their devices provide seamless management of

security, access control, and automation systems.

With connectivity options including strong WiFi

and Bluetooth, and the near-universal availability

of GSM signals, these products offer virtually

unlimited range – ensuring reliable performance in

almost any environment or location.

Following a recent upgrade, most of the product

range now supports 4G networks, significantly

enhancing both security and convenience. These

advancements allow facility managers and property

owners to monitor and control systems remotely,

streamlining operations and improving oversight

across large estates and complex sites.

GSM Activates comprehensive range of GSMbased

products include alarm systems, access

control solutions, accessories, and a unique

Hearing Fire Alert System. Among its most popular

offerings are the GSM Auto Dialler, GSM Multi

Switch, and 4G GSM Intercom – three best-sellers

trusted for their reliability and performance.

As a forward-thinking and innovative company,

GSM Activate products are used worldwide – from

residential homes across the UK to integrated

automation systems in commercial facilities as far

as Australia.

T 0800 772 0783

sales@gsm-activate.co.uk

https://gsm-activate.co.uk


Gates for added protection

For homeowners or

businesses looking to

improve security, installing

a gate is a step in the

right direction. Gates are

an important deterrent in

residential and business

areas against opportunistic

burglary or even

vandalism, making homes

and properties less of a

target for criminals.

Castle Gates & Automation

is a leading bespoke gate installation company,

from wooden, metal to metal frames gates

clad in wood or composite, with many other

options available. The company is based in Great

Gaddesden, Hertfordshire and can offer modern

upgrading of existing gates, through to installations

of bespoke, new designs. With an extensive

portfolio, customers can choose from manual

and automated gate options, with a further choice

of above-ground, or concealed underground

automated gate motors. For level driveways,

homeowners can opt for sliding gates, if preferred.

For additional ease and convenience, each gate

Q3 Services’ FM on Demand

Q3 has launched

FM On Demand, a

subscription-based

service designed to

simplify compliance,

risk management, and

operations for growing

businesses. With a

technology-driven

approach and the

expertise of Q3’s ‘people and place’ professionals,

FM On Demand provides a seamless, scalable,

and cost-effective way to manage facilities.

Q3 is changing the way SMEs approach facilities

management. FM On Demand removes the

burden of facilities management for businesses

without a dedicated FM team, streamlining

operations and ensuring compliance. By reducing

time spent on supplier management and

administrative tasks, businesses can stay ahead of

regulations, avoid costly penalties, and focus on

their own growth.

The new service from Q3 offers numerous

benefits, including:

s Live compliance tracking with actionable

insights

FM professionals weigh the

price of digital transformation

automation has a remotecontrol

fob access, with

keyboard entry systems

or audio/video systems

optionally available for

added security measures.

Intercoms have become

standardised now

with many homes and

businesses around the

country and Castle Gates

& Automation can supply

GSM Audio Intercoms,

GSM Video Intercoms,

Wired Audio Intercoms and Wired Video

Intercoms.

Installing state-of-the-art CCTV gives optimised

security, day and night and when you’re not at

home or on holiday. Castle Gates & Automation

provides an extensive range of cameras including:

short and long range, through to wide-angles, so

your whole property is always expertly covered.

Enquire today to find your perfect gate:

T 01442 253341

enquiries@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

s A 24/7 helpdesk

s Access to a vetted supplier network

s A flexible, transparent subscription

model with no lengthy

commitments and the option to

scale up and down as needed.

Support can be tailored with

customisable services including

sustainability reporting, invoice

validation, and carbon management support.

Mark Hazelwood, Q3’s managing director,

said, “We know facilities management can be

a minefield for small and medium enterprises

without a dedicated FM resource. FM On

Demand puts control in the hands of business

leaders while ensuring compliance, productivity

and safety. By combining expert support with

cutting-edge technology, we’re making facilities

management simpler, smarter, and more costeffective

for our customers, leaving them to do

what they do best - growing their business.”

FM on Demand is already supporting businesses

such as Chelsea Harbour and Embark. Visit:

www.q3services.co.uk/services/fm-on-demand

to find out more.

The 2025 Voice of the Facilities Manager

report reveals that facilities management (FM)

professionals are ready to take the next step

in digital transformation. More than two-thirds

(68%) of FM professionals expect to invest in new

technology within the next 12-18 months, with 42%

of respondents reporting increased budgets to

support these initiatives. However, cost remains a

significant challenge, with nearly half (46%) citing

high expenses as a barrier to adoption.

The annual report, based on insights from over

1,000 FM professionals across the EMEA region,

highlights the evolving priorities and challenges

in the sector. Key findings reveal the growing

demand for AI-driven solutions, the need for clear

technology ROI, and the role of digital tools in

tackling compliance and workload pressures.

Technology and AI investment remains a strategic

priority with efficiency and productivity driving

FM teams toward new technology. Nearly threequarters

(73%) of respondents cited streamlined

processes, reduced manual workloads, and

optimised resource allocation as key motivators.

Mid-sized teams (10-50 members) report

the highest levels of frustration with current

technology, making them prime candidates for

innovation-driven solutions.

AI is emerging as a decisive factor in technology

investment decisions with almost half (45%)

of FM professionals stating they would switch

to AI-integrated technology. This reflects the

growing importance of automation and data-driven

decision-making in facility management. AI’s most

valued benefits include improved efficiency (40%),

enhanced decision-making (24%), and streamlined

data analysis (16%).

www.mrisoftware.com/uk



Finding a balance between gas

& sustainable water heating

One of the great challenges that faces the

UK is the retrofit of HVAC systems across the

commercial built environment. The UK Green

Building Council (UKGBC) estimates that 80%

of non-domestic buildings, of which there

are 1,755,000 in England and Wales alone,

will still be in use by 2050. A large proportion

currently depend on gas for heating and hot

water services that are coming to, or have

already exceeded, end-of-life expectations,

and therefore require retrofit. Given that

the lifespan of these systems can be

extended with adequate maintenance, it

is not surprising to see budgets typically

being directed to maintenance and repair,

as opposed to carrying out replacement –

unless there has been a major failure – or

committing to major renovation projects.

Renovating water heating alone can,

however, provide some middle ground

between ongoing maintenance of outdated

systems and expensive, large-scale building

refurbishment.

Water heating will typically be a businesscritical

service, which also impacts the

health and well-being of staff, visitors and

customers. It is also energy demanding,

with both implications for running costs and,

increasingly, decarbonisation goals. This is

a challenge, but for many organisations, the

capital expense of transitioning away from

gas, as well as ongoing operational costs

associated with low-carbon electric systems,

can be punishing, despite ticking the box for

reducing corporate emissions.

Because of this, gas water heating remains

relevant, providing an alternative path

ultimately to zero emissions operations.

Familiar and well understood, gas water

heaters remain low-cost to purchase

(which will be allowed until 2035) require

little change to the building fabric, and

running costs are still considerably lower

than electricity. However, there remains the

stumbling block of the variety of ageing

appliances in buildings, limiting the choice

of replacement and often forcing the use of

the same outdated technology if extensive

building work is to be avoided.

Addressing this requires gas water heaters,

which can match or better still reduce the

footprint in the plantroom of older systems.

Critically, new appliances need to be able

to support universal connectivity, directly

aligning with, or requiring little additional

work, to connect to existing pipework.

Versatile flueing is also a necessity when

supporting universal retrofit of older

systems. This delivers low to no impact

on building fabric or change in space

requirements, even if converting to highefficiency

gas.

As well as ease of installation, operational

functionality and system durability are key.

The latter is especially true in soft water

regions where the corrosive nature of local

water can greatly limit choice to systems

typically constructed of more durable, but

expensive, stainless steel. However, the use

of high-quality steel and double porcelain

coating techniques means this is no longer

the case. The application of advanced power

anodes also helps to greatly minimise wear

and extend a water heater’s life in soft water

conditions.

The advances in appliance design,

diagnostics and onboard monitoring are

also helping reshape the approach to gas

water heating. Operationally, next generation

gas water heaters must meet high thermal

efficiency, where as much as 98% is readily

achievable, reducing energy demands and

therefore running costs. This, when coupled

with condensing technology, the capability

to use natural gas/

hydrogen blends and

intelligent monitoring,

helps control emission

levels wherever

possible. Diagnostics

also allow for

proactive monitoring

of the systematic

health of the tank by providing alerts and

maintenance reminders, all of which can be

integrated into the building management

systems (BMS). Wi-Fi connection also opens

options for app-based remote control and

smart energy use monitoring. With onboard

metering, estate managers and operators

can better manage energy demands as well

as detect and deal with problems before they

become critical, ensuring their business is

not penalised with any downtime.

All this functionality has been incorporated

into Adveco’s Astute ® range of intelligent

commercial gas water heaters. The 300 and

380-litre variants, available from 37 up to

111kW, provide capacity typically demanded

by commercial applications seen in the likes

of schools, colleges, hospitals, residential

care homes and hotels, such as the

Lismoyne in Hampshire, which was an early

adopter, replacing its ageing gas-fired water

heaters with new Astute units with absolute

minimal disruption to guest operations.

More compact units from 22kW and 190 litre

capacity are available to support smaller

projects such as retail outlets, smaller offices

and other businesses with lower daily hot

water demands.

With market leading warranty, and the

innovative LeakSense ® detection system

which identifies when the appliance

approaches the end of life, Astute can help

organisations with gas-connected buildings

navigate towards sustainability at a pace that

suits them, leveraging high temperature,

lower cost water heating now, while allowing

for transition to zero carbon alternatives

potentially into the mid to late 2040s when

new technologies are more cost effective

and application is better understood.

https://adveco.co

22


Kärcher UK unveils

MC 250 e!ectric

Kärcher UK has announced the

launch of its new sustainable

electric sweeper, the MC 250

e!ectric, an innovative product

that is set to clean roads more

quietly and more efficiently than

ever before.

The MC 250 e!ectric is emissionfree,

thanks to its all-electric

drive, making it not only

environmentally friendly but

also ideal for councils and

businesses striving to improve

urban air quality and meet

sustainability targets.

Built for urban cleaning, the

MC 250 e!ectric delivers

exceptional manoeuvrability

and capacity in a compact

footprint. At just 1.30m wide

and under 2m tall, it still houses

a 2.5m³ stainless steel waste

container, emptied easily at a

height of 1,600mm into standard

containers or trucks. The

vehicle’s two- or three-brush

systems allow sweeping widths

up to 2,710mm, and its chassis

features like hydropneumatic

suspension, all-wheel steering,

and a two-person comfort cab,

bring car-like driving dynamics

even in tight city environments.

Thanks to its all-electric drive

system the MC 250 e!ectric also

runs much more quietly than its

diesel-powered counterparts.

It’s so quiet, it can even operate

in noise-sensitive areas like near

hospitals or schools, or during

early morning and night hours

without disturbing residents –

ideal for those councils cleaning

roads in busy urban areas.

www.kaercher.com/uk/

professional/municipalequipment/mc-250-e-ectric.

html

BCIS reveals updated

five year forecast

Maintenance costs, as measured

by the BCIS All-in Maintenance

Cost Indices, are set to rise 15%

by 2Q2030, according to the latest

forecast data from the Building Cost

Information Service (BCIS).

Cleaning costs, mainly driven by

labour costs, are expected to rise by

24% over the same period.

Dr David Crosthwaite,

chief economist at

BCIS, said, “The

UK economy is

facing persistent

challenges, with

zero expansion

recorded in July

2025.

“Inflation continues

to erode real incomes,

intensify cost-of-living

pressures and keep prices

elevated across many sectors, while

tariff headwinds and uncertainty

around tax rises add further strain.

Higher wage costs, volatile energy

prices driven by geopolitical unrest,

and inflationary pressures from both

domestic and international sources

all remain obstacles.

“Despite this difficult backdrop,

Cleaning & Hygiene

the repair and maintenance (R&M)

sector is showing modest growth

in 2025, with output edging upward

and further increases forecast over

the next four years. For facility

managers, the major challenges to

cost control remain rising labour

costs and limited funding.”

BCIS expects energy costs to fall by

26% between 2025 and 2030,

reflecting the anticipated

easing of wholesale

gas and electricity

prices as supply

chains normalise,

new generation

capacity becomes

available, and

energy-efficiency

measures take

effect across the built

environment.

Dr Crosthwaite added,

“Lower wholesale prices and

reduced demand pressures should

help to stabilise energy costs over

the medium term, though volatility

and geopolitical risks mean facility

managers will still need to plan

carefully for fluctuations.”

Contact

www.bcis.co.uk


The Fire Safety Event Preview

Bringing together over 13,500

fire safety professionals

The Fire Safety Event will open its

doors at the NEC Birmingham on

28-30 April 2026 and will play host to

leading manufacturers and suppliers

to showcase their latest approved

products and solutions. Dedicated

to supporting industry practitioners,

professionals and organisations

in achieving and maintaining the

very highest standards of fire safety

management.

With over 300 exhibitors

participating at the show, some

of the industry’s leading brands

including: Apollo, Checkmate Fire,

LFS, Sentry Doors, Strongdor and

many more, will be showcasing their

latest research and development,

product and solution launches and

live demonstrations.

A number of key association and

industry bodies will be supporting

The Fire Safety Event and will be on

hand to offer guidance and expert

advice to visitors. These include

the Association for Specialist Fire

Protection, BAFE, FireQual and

many more.

Education is at the heart of The Fire

Safety Event. Boasting five industryled

theatres and offering 60+ hours

of free-to-attend CPD content this is

the perfect opportunity for visitors

to gain direct insight into improving,

maintaining, and championing fire

safety for all businesses.

The Fire Safety Leaders’ Summit,

sponsored by RiskBase, will feature

a line-up of leading industry experts.

Get the insight and expertise on

best practice, regulatory updates

and topical areas impacting the

fire safety sector. There will be

dedicated panel discussions in

support of our Women In Industry

and Next-Gen Network Ambassador

Programmes.

The Innovation Theatre, sponsored

by Hochiki, will spotlight the

latest advancements, emerging

technologies and forward-thinking

solutions shaping the future of

fire safety. Separately, The

Compliance Theatre, sponsored

by UL Solutions, will host essential

sessions focused on legislation,

standards, and regulatory updates,

helping fire safety professionals

stay ahead of compliance.

The Passive Fire Conference is in

partnership with the Association

for Specialist Fire Protection

(ASFP), this conference theatre will

cover passive fire protection topics

and various fire safety measures in

the built environment. Hear from the

experts and get the essential advice

from specification, installation,

inspection and maintenance.

Lastly, The FIA Guidance Theatre at

the Fire Safety Event will be offering

expert insights and practical advice

on fire safety regulations and best

practices, led by The Fire Industry

Association.

To enhance networking

opportunities and foster new

connections, networking receptions

will be held at the end of day one

and two. Visitors, exhibitors, and

partners are invited to relax and

recharge in a casual atmosphere

to enjoy complimentary drinks and

live music, whilst building valuable

relationships.

The Fire Safety Event 2026 will be

co-located with The Security Event,

The Health and Safety Event, The

Workplace Event, Pro Integration

Future Europe and the National

Cyber Security Show. Access all

shows with just one pass.

www.firesafetyevent.com

24



Grady Joinery (UK) Ltd

Grady Joinery (UK) Ltd, part of the

GDWM Group established in 1979,

combine traditional craftsmanship with

modern manufacturing technology

to deliver high‐performance fire

door solutions. Since 2019, we have

invested more than £3 million in

automated production capability

and primary testing to ensure our

Golden Thread range of fire doorsets,

including toplights and sidescreens,

performs reliably in everyday use and

in an emergency.

Manufactured using proven timber

technology, the Golden Thread range

includes FD30 and FD60 designs

suitable for front entrance doors and a

wide variety of communal applications

such as cross‐corridor, risers, bin

chutes, cupboards and stairwell

doors. The range offers extensive

choice in colours, configurations and

accessibility‐focused options to support

inclusive design.

acoustic performance, durability, weather

performance and thermal performance.

a key requirement for any installation

company seeking approval to fit the

Golden Thread range.

From design to installation, we support

clients at every stage. Alongside

providing reliable, fully certified

fire doorsets with built‐in tracking

software, we offer survey, inspection

and remedial support, comprehensive

technical documentation and

dependable lead times. With extensive

experience in social housing, we

work closely with providers to

deliver targeted social value in the

communities they serve.

Our rigorous approach to manufacture

and supply has seen us appointed

to the South East Consortium Fire

Safety Works Framework, ranking 1st

for the manufacturer supply‐only of

fire doorsets (Lot 1b), and to the Hyde

Building and Fire Safety Framework, ranking

1st for Fire Doors – Supply Only (Lot 2).

Our testing strategy has been developed

to certify the full scope of fire doorsets -

configurations, sizes, hardware and glazing.

All fire and smoke tests are carried out by

independent test houses to EN 1634‐1 and

EN 1634‐3. To ensure optimal performance

and full compliance with building regulations,

our testing and certification programme also

covers smoke leakage, enhanced security,

Fire protection

specialists

Firefly Fire Protection Ltd is a UKbased

company that emphasises

reliability, industry expertise, and

exceptional customer service.

Its role is crucial in helping

organisations meet legal safety

standards whilst protecting lives

by preventing and managing fire

hazards effectively.

As a family-run and owned

business, it has fast become

one of the North Wests most

trusted fire protection providers.

Offering affordable solutions

that ensure compliance with fire

safety regulations, the company is

fully versed in all relevant British

Standards to help fulfil your legal

obligations.

Being prepared for a fire and

keeping all fire safety equipment

tested and up to date is critical.

Continuous improvement is central to our

approach. We invest in primary testing and

accreditation through BM Trada Q‐Mark and

Secured By Design, alongside ISO 9001, ISO

14001, ISO 50001 and full chain‐of‐custody

certification for responsible timber sourcing,

including FSC ® and PEFC . We are BM Trada

Certified Installers and operate an approved

installer training programme, which forms

Ensuring your team is correctly

trained and that your fire products

are regularly tested will ensure

readiness, if and when, an

emergency should occur.

FireFly Fire Protection Ltd offers

a vast range of services to help

your organisation be prepared.

Some of these services include:

Fire Extinguisher Servicing, Fire

Alarm Servicing & Installation, Pat

Testing, Fire Risk Assessments,

Fire Training, Evac Chair Servicing

& Training, and Emergency Light

Servicing. Firefly Fire Protection Ltd

also prides itself on quality, offering

only the best quality Kite marked

extinguishers to purchase including

Lithium Battery & Regular Fire

Extinguishers.

As proud members of the UK

Fire Association, FireFly Fire

Protection Ltd can confidently

provide evidence of training and

competence for every service it

provides, giving you peace of mind

that all work is carried out correctly.

For a free on-site inspection and

consultation, get in touch below:

M 07399 444312

www.fireflyfireprotection.co.uk

Emergency lighting

P4 has been leading the market

in designing and manufacturing

self-testing emergency lighting,

exit signage and converting

mains luminaires to self-testing

emergency lighting for over 30

years.

We manufacture all products

at our purpose build facility

in Norfolk and employ an

inhouse team of fully qualified

service engineers to provide

maintenance and service

support. All products comply

with BSEN 60598-2-22:2021 and

BSEN 62034:2012.

Our success and continued

growth are based on continuous

innovation, exceptional service,

and a total focus on providing

the most cost effective, reliable,

and compliant emergency

lighting solution for all premises.

At the heart of P4’s commitment

to excellence is the desire to

ensure the safety of any person

facing hazardous situations and

needing the benefit of the very

best emergency lighting.

Fire systems may alert you to

an emergency situation but its

emergency lighting that guides

Come see us on Stand 4/G90.

T 020 3026 1135

info@gdwmgroup.com

https://gdwmgroup.com

you to safety.

Come & see us on Stand 4/L92

where we can discuss the best fit

solution for you.

You may even quality for a free

emergency lighting controller

worth over £1,800!

T +44 (0)1328 850555

www.p4fastel.co.uk

26


Air Pressure Solutions Ltd: World-leading

specialists in pressure venting solutions

For over 23 years, Air Pressure Solutions Ltd has designed and

manufactured specialist pressure vents and gas extract systems

for gaseous fire suppression and ARC blast applications. We

also manufacture smoke control products for the fire protection

industry and provide expert design and technical assistance. We are

recognised globally as leaders in this highly specialised field.

All products are designed and manufactured in the UK, supported by

a well-established worldwide distribution network.

Visit us to discover our innovative MPV range – versatile pressure

vents that operate as one-way vents for inert gases and arc blasts,

and with the removal of a single screw, convert into two-way vents

for chemical fire suppression systems (FK, FM200, etc).

We are also launching our latest pressure vent development for the

European market, delivering fire ratings up to EI120, which will be on

display at the exhibition.


Live demonstrations of our Smoke Control Products and Pressure

Vents will run throughout the three day exhibition at the NEC.

We look forward to seeing you at Stand 4/K27.

T +44 (0)1732 757431

sales@airpressuresolutions.co.uk

www.airpressuresolutions.co.uk

Fire & Evacuation Services Ltd

(F&ES): Professional waking watch &

evacuation management specialists

Fire & Evacuation Services Ltd (F&ES) delivers

high-quality fire safety solutions through a

professional, reliable, and compliance-driven

approach to Waking Watch and Evacuation

Management services. With a strong focus on

protecting residents in high-risk buildings, the

organisation combines frontline firefighting

experience with structured operational delivery

to ensure the highest

standards of safety

and accountability.

Founded and led

by experienced

firefighters, F&ES

brings real-world

expertise that

sets it apart from

traditional securitybased

providers.

This knowledge

is embedded

throughout the organisation, enabling teams

to assess risk effectively, act decisively in

emergencies, and maintain constant vigilance.

The company’s origins supporting fire safety

efforts following the Grenfell Tower tragedy

continue to shape its culture, reinforcing a

commitment to responsibility, professionalism,

and continuous improvement.

A core element of F&ES services is the delivery

of Waking Watch provision for residential

buildings where fire risk mitigation is essential.

Unlike standard approaches, F&ES deploys

trained fire safety professionals who are

capable of identifying hazards, initiating

emergency procedures, and coordinating

directly with Fire & Rescue Services when

required. This

specialist capability

ensures a higher

level of protection

and reassurance for

residents, property

managers, and

stakeholders.

F&ES adopts a

structured and

methodical approach

to all operations.

Wardens utilise

digital reporting systems to maintain accurate

records, conduct proactive risk assessments,

and ensure full compliance with the Fire Safety

(England) Regulations 2022. The organisation

also prioritises inclusive safety through

the effective implementation of Personal

Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), ensuring

that vulnerable residents receive appropriate

support in the

event of an

emergency.

In addition to

its operational

services,

F&ES delivers

accredited training

programmes

designed to

enhance fire

safety awareness and preparedness. Led

by experienced firefighters, fire-wardens,

and health and safety professionals, training

is practical, scenario-based, and directly

applicable to real-life situations. This approach

helps build confidence, strengthen safety

culture, and ensure that individuals are

equipped to respond effectively.

Fire & Evacuation Services Ltd is a trusted,

professional, and forward-thinking partner,

dedicated to safeguarding lives, supporting

compliance, and raising standards across the

fire safety industry.

T 020 8087 0343

info@fireandevacuationservices.co.uk

www.fireandevacuationservices.co.uk



Build Concierge’s AI-powered

customer engagement platform

drives profit and productivity

The AI-powered customer engagement platform

captures, responds and automates service

operations in real time.

Go from email, call or portal request to a fully

structured job in seconds, without manual input.

Fire safety and facilities service providers are under

increasing pressure to respond faster, manage

complex service contracts, and maintain clear,

auditable communication across every job.

Yet in many organisations, enquiries are still

missed, calls go unanswered and critical job

information is spread across emails, phone

calls, WhatsApp messages and internal systems.

Office teams are left manually piecing together

information, creating jobs, chasing updates and

trying to stay on top of SLAs.

The result is lost revenue, delayed response times,

inconsistent service and growing administrative

overhead.

Build Concierge changes this.

Build Concierge is an AI-powered customer

engagement platform that captures every enquiry,

responds in real time and automates operational

workflows, giving service businesses a single

system to run their entire operation.

“I was sold within the first five

minutes,” says Amy Charman

(pictured right), Operations Manager

at facilities management contractor

Corb. “We are managing multiple

trades and sites. It’s a business that

needed a really smart workflow

approach. Build Concierge are taking

care of all the workflows for us

and the level of support has been

refreshing.”

Every enquiry captured. Every time

Missed calls and slow responses are one of

the biggest causes of lost revenue in service

businesses.

Build Concierge acts as a 24/7 digital front desk,

ensuring every call, enquiry and service request is

answered and captured instantly.

Whether it is an

emergency callout,

a routine service

request or an out of

hours enquiry, the

platform captures

the right information

at the first point of

contact, including

site details, job

requirements and

urgency.

No missed calls. No

lost enquiries. No

gaps in communication.

David McMillan from specialist maintenance

company AGS One explains, “When a customer

asks, ‘What time is the technician coming?’ or

‘When is my next visit?’ the AI agent takes the call,

leaving the humans to do revenue-generating tasks

such as closing sales rather than just the admin.”

All communication. One view. Full context

Build Concierge brings every interaction into

one platform across calls, emails, messages and

service requests, giving teams full visibility of every

conversation and job.

AI summarises conversations, captures key job

details and keeps customer and job

records updated automatically.

This means no platform switching,

no manual note taking and no lost

information. Every team member

works with complete, real-time

context from first contact through to

job completion.

From incoming request to job

creation in seconds

Once an enquiry is captured, Build

Concierge automatically turns it into structured,

actionable work.

AI reads emails, attachments and call transcripts,

extracting key job information and organising it

into clean, usable data.

Intelligent workflows then apply business rules,

identify job type and urgency, check existing

records, avoid duplication, and create or update

contacts, sites and jobs automatically. Priorities are

assigned and SLA workflows triggered instantly.

What previously required multiple manual steps is

completed in seconds.

Built for real world service operations

For businesses managing compliance critical

services such as fire alarms, emergency lighting,

extinguishers and reactive maintenance, accuracy,

speed and traceability are essential.

Build Concierge ensures every request is captured

and actioned, jobs are created with consistent,

structured data, and response times and SLAs are

applied automatically. Out of hours enquiries are

handled correctly,

and communication

remains consistent

across every job.

This reduces

operational risk while

significantly lowering

administrative

workload.

Visibility, compliance

and control

In regulated

environments,

communication is essential for compliance.

Build Concierge captures every interaction across

every channel, creating a complete, centralised

audit trail of communication and activity.

Leadership teams gain full visibility of operations,

confidence that SLAs and contractual obligations

are being met, and clear records for reporting

and audit. Automation is combined with control,

with exceptions flagged for human review where

needed.

Increase revenue and protect margin

“Build Concierge is already saving us around

800 minutes a day through job raising and note

automation alone," says Kevin Wiltshire, director

of facilities maintenance specialist Sherwoods.

"We have reduced the back-and-forth caused by

missing information”

By capturing every enquiry, responding faster and

removing manual admin, Build Concierge improves

commercial performance.

More enquiries captured means more

opportunities converted. Faster response times

improve customer experience and win rates.

Engineer updates surface additional work

opportunities instantly, while SLA risks are

identified early, protecting margin.

Teams spend less time processing information and

more time delivering and winning work.

See Build Concierge at The Fire Safety Event

At Stand 4/J22, see how Build Concierge captures

calls, emails and service requests, responds

instantly and turns incoming work into fully

structured, ready to schedule jobs in seconds.

Watch the platform operate across multiple

communication channels, apply intelligent

workflow logic and integrate seamlessly with your

existing systems.

For fire safety and facilities professionals looking

to eliminate admin, improve response times and

scale operations without increasing headcount,

Build Concierge offers a smarter way to run service

operations.

T 0333 011 1111

enquiries@buildconcierge.com

www.buildconcierge.com

28



Innovative UK manufacturer

Ritherdon to exhibit new fireproof

housing at Fire Safety event

Leading British manufacturer Ritherdon & Co are set to unveil

their latest range of fireproof products at the country’s premier

fire protection industry exhibition, as Ben Cusack discovers.

Lancashire based Ritherdon, known for their

high-quality electrical enclosures and engineering

solutions, will be exhibiting for the first time at The

Fire Safety Event, showcasing their growing fire

safety product range, including their FireSeal Fire

Rated Access Panel.

The FireSeal Fire Rated Access Panel is the third

iteration of fireproof access panels developed in

house at Ritherdon’s factory in Darwen, Lancashire,

and will be on display at the event at the NEC

Birmingham, from April 28 to 30.

The new panel cover was designed to upgrade the

fire performance of an existing panel or opening

in a wall, that protects from smoke and fire from

both sides. It is believed to be the first retro fittable

panel designed to upgrade existing panel, door or

opening in the wall.

Brian Derbyshire, Ritherdon Operations Director,

has led this project for a number of years, including

overseeing the latest fire safety tests that took place

earlier this year.

He said, “Originally, following direction from a

client, we created a door and frame that fits over

plastic meter boxes.

“Our steel unit was an answer to the flimsy plastic

doors that often cover access panels and electricity

boxes.

“Initially it wasn’t fireproof, but we decided that, if

we were to create the entire housing unit, it would

be better if it offered something different, along

with the sturdiness that comes with building access

panels from stainless steel.”

Originally developed more than 15 years ago, the

Ritherdon design team has reworked the design

to make the latest FireSeal products even safer,

as recent tests showed fire was unable to breach

the access panel after more than an hour of 1,000

degree Celsius heat from the testing furnace.

FireSeal Fire Rated Access Panels can be used to

protect wherever there is an opening from outside

a property that leads inside, but their primary use is

within buildings where multiple access panels are

necessary between interior walls.

Brian said, “Usually, there is a fireproof board

placed at the back of

electricity boxes, but

we realised that this

was not enough –

especially because the

standard units do next

to nothing to prevent

the spread of smoke.

“We use fireproof

glands and

intumescent seals in

our devices to create an airtight

seal that stops flames, and

smoke, from passing through

the access panel covers.

“Our FireSeal Fire Rated Access

Panels could be used on

external walls, but their main

use would be inside blocks

of flats and office buildings,

where they would prevent fire

and smoke from breaching an

internal wall in the event of a

fire.”

The FireSeal Fire Rated Access

Panel was tested at Element

PFP in High Wycombe, Bucks,

where it successfully survived

not only the hour-long fire and

smoke test, but also an additional 12 minutes.

Brian added, “This product has gone through a

lot of testing, and we’re on the third iteration now,

which prevents smoke transfer as well as fire, from

both directions.

“All of our FireSeal products have been

smoke-sealed and thoroughly fire tested.

“Some manufacturers only test access

panels in one direction, whereas we

wanted to make sure our products

are fire and smoke resistant from

either side.

“So all of our FireSeals have been

smoke-sealed and tested two ways.”

Each unit is screwed onto a wall, possibly

over a hole within the wall. In the event of fire,

intumescent seals within the unit, and the door,

expand when temperatures rise rapidly.

The FireSeal expands and fills all gaps, preventing

fire transfer, and stopping smoke from pouring

through the unit.

Brian said, “While the cost of the FireSeal panel is

a little more than a standard panel, it is a specialist

product.

“If there is no real possibility of fire on both sides

of the panel, then a

normal, GRP access

panel could be used.

“But, while the FireSeal

Fire Rated Access Panel

is overkill on external

walls in this country,

where we do not really

suffer from extreme

wildfires, there is

certainly an argument to be had

for them to be installed in areas

regularly plagued by fires, such

as in California or Australia.”

Ritherdon has already had a

number of big orders, from

commercial construction

companies and house builders.

The latest iteration also allows

access through the sides of

the unit, a requirement from a

customer that Ritherdon was

able to fulfil with the addition

of fireproof glands, which also

passed the latest round of fire

and smoke testing.

Brian added, “Cable access is a

common question from our customers, we listened

and decided to further test our methods in the

latest round of testing.”

Brian will be attending the prestigious trade show

with a number of other Ritherdon members of staff,

including Managing Director, Ben Ritherdon.

Ben Ritherdon (pictured) said, “FireSeal is

just the latest in a long line of innovative

products we have developed in house.

“Like the Passively Safe Cabinet,

and the world’s first PVC Electrical

Housing units, we designed our

product with a specific purpose,

which has wide reaching applications

but does not negate the need for

standard access panels.

“The ‘FireSeal’ in its name comes from the fact that

our product actually seals itself when exposed to

temperatures in excess of 150 degrees Celsius.

“As far as we are aware, there aren’t any other

products like this on the market, and we are

delighted to be able to exhibit that, and our range

of other FireSeal products, at the Fire Safety

Event.”

The panel combines durability with ease of

installation, making it suitable for a wide range

of applications including commercial buildings,

public sector projects, transport infrastructure and

industrial facilities.

Other FireSeal products by Ritherdon include

FireSeal Risers, R5 Meter Boxes and Vented Panels.

Please visit the Ritherdon team on Stand 4/J25

at The Fire Safety Event. For more information

about Ritherdon and their products, visit:

www.ritherdon.co.uk or watch the video here:

www.youtube.com


The Security Event Preview

The Safety & Security Event Series

partners with The CPD Group for 2026

Development (CPD) points by attending

educational sessions throughout the threeday

exhibition, taking place on April 28-30.

This accreditation ensures that the seminar

programme delivers measurable learning

outcomes aligned with recognised

professional standards, supporting

visitors in maintaining and enhancing their

professional competence in an increasingly

complex risk, safety and security landscape.

The Safety & Security Event Series has

announced that every seminar session

delivered across the portfolio at the NEC

Birmingham in April 2026 will be fully

accredited by The CPD Group, reinforcing

the event’s commitment to professional

development, skills advancement and

industry best practice.

The CPD accreditation applies across all

seminar theatres and content programmes

within the Safety & Security Event Series,

including The Security Event, The Fire

Safety Event, The Health & Safety Event,

The Workplace Event, Pro Integration

Future Europe, and the National Cyber

Security Show. Attendees will be able to

earn recognised Continuing Professional

“The Safety & Security Event Series has

always placed education at the heart of

its value to the industry,” said Mark Tilley,

Content & Community Manager at Nineteen

Group. “Achieving CPD accreditation across

all seminar sessions underlines the quality,

relevance and rigour of our content and

gives professionals confidence that the time

they invest at the event directly supports

their ongoing development.”

The CPD-accredited programme will cover

a wide range of critical topics, including

physical and cyber security, fire safety,

health and safety compliance, workplace

strategy, AV and systems integration, digital

transformation, resilience, and emerging

technologies. Sessions will be delivered

by leading practitioners, consultants,

manufacturers, integrators, end users and

industry bodies, offering practical insight

alongside strategic perspective.

Matt Hardy, Event Manager for The CPD

Group, added, “We are pleased to accredit

the full seminar programme at the Safety &

Security Event Series 2026. The breadth of

content and the clear focus on professional

learning make it a strong example of highquality

CPD provision for the sector.”

The Safety & Security Event Series takes

place at the NEC Birmingham in April

2026 and is expected to welcome tens of

thousands of professionals from across

the UK and Europe. CPD certificates will be

available to attendees following participation

in accredited sessions.

www.thesecurityevent.co.uk


The Security Event Preview

Celltech Battery Solutions (formerly

Fairfield) returns to The Security

Event with new brand identity

Celltech Battery Solutions will be exhibiting

once again at The Security Event this April,

marking its return to the show after first

joining the exhibitor lineup in 2023.

Many visitors will know the company under

its previous

name, Fairfield

Solutions, but

this year’s

appearance

comes with

a refreshed

identity and

an expanded

message for

the sector.

The rebrand to

Celltech Battery

Solutions

aligns the UK

business with the wider Celltech Group

(which it has been a part since 2012). While

the Fairfield name has long been associated

with dependable battery supply within

the fire and safety sector, the updated

branding is intended to better reflect the

Meet the perimeter

protection specialists

With four decades of expertise

behind us, Alexandra Security

is the high-security perimeter

protection partner chosen by

leading organisations, from

critical infrastructure to major

commercial sites, where getting it

wrong isn't an option.

We design,

engineer and

manufacture

high-security

perimeter

protection

systems built

for a sector that

never stands

still. Because

security isn't

just a boundary.

It's your first

line of defence.

Protecting your people, your

property and your reputation.

We work as a true partner from

the ground up. From initial site

consultation and risk assessment

through to bespoke CAD design

and in-house manufacturing, we

offer a single point of contact,

broader capabilities now available through

the group’s international engineering,

manufacturing, and power solutions

network.

Alongside its established expertise in VRLA

batteries for

fire alarm and

emergency

systems, as

well as a strong

presence in the

retail/wholesale

sector, the

company is

highlighting

new

opportunities

in areas such

as UPS power

systems, and

fully bespoke

battery solutions.

These developments aim to support

installers, integrators and OEMs who require

more complex or application specific

systems than traditional catalogue products

so everything stays on track

between design, manufacturing

and delivery. For projects large

or small, we eliminate delays,

doubt and downtime. Delivering

on time, on spec and without

compromise.

Making our debut at The Security

Event this year,

we're looking

forward to

meeting the

teams behind

the projects.

Visit us at

Stand 5/C145

to speak with

our specialists

and see a live

demo of our

Protek Defender

SR2 fencing

system, our unique high security

fencing solution designed from

the ground up specifically with

the contractor in mind.

Alexandra Security. Partners In

Protection.

T 01892 833001

www.alexandrasecurity.com

can provide.

Despite

the wider

offering, the company stresses that its core

focus remains unchanged. Supporting the

fire and safety market continues to sit at the

heart of its operations, with the same team,

product availability and technical knowledge

that existing customers rely on. The new

brand signals growth rather than a shift

away from its longstanding base.

Attendees will be able to meet the

team and see the new Celltech Battery

Solutions brand on stand 5/A30, where

representatives will be in full show-andtell

mode, and available to discuss both

everyday battery requirements and more

advanced or custom-build power solutions.

T 01825 593012

www.fairfield-solutions.com

32


Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

ClassFlo ® : Transforming school

environments for pupil well-being

Air Vent Technology’s ClassFlo ® CF350,

an advanced (MVHR) system, meets

BB101, BB93 Approved Document F,

and Approved Document L

standards, ensuring top

air quality, comfort, and

sustainability in schools.

Designed for mainstream

and (SEN) settings, it

creates healthier, quieter,

and more efficient learning

spaces, enhancing pupil

focus and well-being.

In line with BB101, ClassFlo ® CF350 keeps

CO 2 levels below a daily average of 1,000

ppm, with peaks above 1,500 ppm limited

to under 20 minutes, providing 5-8 litres per

second per person of fresh air. Its

heat exchanger achieves 88% efficiency

maintaining warm classrooms with

minimal energy loss, supporting Approved

Document L’s low-carbon goals for

reduced carbon emissions.

Unlike hybrid systems that

alternate between air quality

and warmth, ClassFlo ®

CF350’s full heat recovery

design delivers consistent

fresh air without mixing

stale air, ensuring stable

temperatures

for an ideal learning environment.

Acoustically, it performs well below BB93’s

35 dB(A) classroom standard and 30 dB(A)

for SEN sensory spaces, ensuring clear

communication, especially for pupils with

sensory or hearing challenges.

With F7 filtration, it captures fine particles

and allergens, improving respiratory

health, while dynamic and

CO 2 sensor-driven demandcontrolled

ventilation, as

per Approved Document

F, optimises airflow for

freshness and efficiency.

ClassFlo ® CF350 enhances

classrooms with fresh, filtered

air to boost focus and reduce fatigue,

stable temperatures for comfort, and quiet

operation for inclusive learning, especially

for SEN pupils. Its advanced filtration

supports health and attendance, setting a

high standard for school ventilation.

AVT‘s Site Engineering Services offer a

full installation package for any of AVT’s

extensive range of ventilation products

which include energy efficient, custom

built air handling units with or

without heat recovery,

cabinet and twin fans, and

high temperature fans for

commercial kitchens.

Contact

T +44 (0)1264 356415

sales@airventtechnology.co.uk

https://airventtechnology.co.uk

Panasonic powers

vertical strawberry farm

Grow Dynamics, specialists in the

design and delivery of integrated

vertical farming and controlled

environment systems for agricultural

projects, were commissioned to

deliver a vertical farm research

facility in Suffolk dedicated to

strawberry and vanilla cultivation.

The project required highly

precise environmental control,

including reliable low-temperature

performance, to support crop

optimisation and variety testing.

Working in

collaboration

with Panasonic’s

Technical

Sales Account

Manager, Rob

Towell, Grow

Dynamics

selected

Panasonic’s

advanced lowtemperature

heat pump technology

as part of the overall system design.

The Grow Dynamics scope included

full system design and integration

across climate control, irrigation and

fertigation, grow lighting, automation

and centralised monitoring. Alfonso

Cenname, Head of Engineering,

and Vlad Petryk, Director at

Grow Dynamics, led the design,

specification and installation of four

Panasonic 14kW adaptive ducted

twin split systems. This configuration

delivers precise and consistent

climate conditions, enabling accurate

control of the crop environment and

supporting the testing of new crop

varieties.

The fully enclosed facility comprises

four independent grow rooms

constructed from insulated, foodgrade

panels, each designed to

house approximately 4,000 plants.

Achieving

consistent,

high-quality

yields required

meticulous

control of

temperature,

humidity, lighting

and irrigation

within each

room. Three

rooms were dedicated to strawberry

cultivation and one to vanilla,

each with distinct environmental

requirements. Strawberries thrive

at 10-12°C at night and 22°C during

the day with 60-70% humidity, while

vanilla requires warmer, more humid

conditions to replicate a tropical

climate.

www.aircon.panasonic.eu

www.growdynamics.co.uk


AIKO’s N-Type ABC Infinite module

wins pv magazine Awards 2024

Awards & Achievements News

AIKO, an industry-leading solar manufacturer

and BloombergNEF Tier 1 company, has proudly

received the pv magazine Awards 2024 in the

Module category for its cutting-edge N-Type ABC

Infinite modules.

Recognised by PV Magazine for its groundbreaking

innovation, AIKO’s third-generation ABC modules

deliver industry-leading performance. The Infinite

design boasts efficiencies exceeding 25%, with

outputs ranging from 665W to 700W+.

Launched in June 2024, these modules leverage

advanced technologies such as high-resistivity

N-type wafers, 0BB interconnection, hidden

busbars, and precise overlapping techniques

Kingdom Security shines

Kingdom Security, a proud part

of The Kingdom Group, has

celebrated an extraordinary

evening at the prestigious

Security and Fire Excellence

Awards 2024, taking home two

of the industry’s top awards.

The Kingdom team took

centre stage at the glittering awards ceremony

held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in

London on Monday, 2nd December. Kingdom

Security was awarded the ‘Security Customer Care

Initiative Award’ and the ‘Inspiration in HR Award,’

showcasing the team’s dedication to delivering

exceptional results.

Adding to the night’s success, Kingdom Security

also received the bronze award for ‘Security or Fire

Best Company to Work For,’ rounding off a truly

remarkable celebration.

Terry Barton, CEO and Founder of Kingdom

Services Group, reflected on the achievements,

"From our beginnings in 1993 to where we stand

today, these milestones make me immensely

proud. These awards reflect

the exceptional work of our

talented colleagues and their

commitment to delivering

Service with Care. Every day,

I’m inspired by the projects

our teams undertake and the

impact they create for both our

colleagues and customers."

"The Kingdom story isn’t just about success –

it’s about evolution. Together, we’ve reached

incredible heights, and as a united team, we’ll

continue to innovate and grow, always grounded in

care and purpose."

The awards also highlighted the outstanding work

of the Kingdom Human Resources team, led by

Karen Kelly-Williams, Assoc CIPD. Recognised for

championing colleague well-being and long-term

development, the HR team has built a workplace

culture that sets a high standard across the

industry.

Contact

www.kingdom.co.uk

Magenta Security triumphs again

Magenta Security

Services has once more

demonstrated its leadership

in sustainability, securing

the coveted ‘Security or Fire

Sustainability Champion’

award at the prestigious

Security and Fire Excellence

Awards 2024 for the second

consecutive year.

The awards ceremony,

a hallmark of excellence in the security and

fire sectors, celebrates organisations that set

benchmarks in innovation, performance, and

commitment to sustainability. Magenta Security’s

pioneering sustainability initiatives and steadfast

dedication to eco-friendly practices earned them

this outstanding recognition.

"Winning this award for the second-year running

is an incredible achievement," said Abbey Petkar,

Managing Director of Magenta Security Services.

"It underscores our unwavering commitment to

sustainability and reflects the transformative steps

we have taken to reduce our environmental impact

while inspiring our industry peers to adopt greener

practices. This honour strengthens our resolve

to lead by example and continue setting new

to maximise sunlight

absorption and energy

yield.

The PV Magazine

Awards, judged by

20 independent solar

experts, highlights

AIKO's leadership in

technological innovation

and its commitment

to delivering differentiated value. AIKO remains

dedicated to driving zero-carbon progress through

relentless innovation.

AIKO, a top-ranked solar technology leader with

sustainability standards."

Magenta’s groundbreaking

achievements include:

s Achieving carbon zero

status in 2022, years

ahead of schedule.

s Fully transitioning its

vehicle fleet to electric

and installing solarpowered

charging

stations.

s Significant investments in energy-efficient

infrastructure, reducing energy consumption

by 75%.

s Championing a paperless workplace, saving

over 150 trees annually.

s Engaging in industry forums, contributing to

global sustainability conversations, and leading

initiatives like the Carbon Database Initiative

(CaDI) for transparency in emissions reporting.

The judging panel applauded Magenta Security’s

comprehensive sustainability strategy, which goes

beyond operations to influence supply chains,

engage communities, and foster collaboration

within the industry.

www.magentasecurity.co.uk

BloombergNEF Tier 1

status, focusing on the

R&D manufacturing of

solar generation products

and PV-Storage-Charging

integrated solutions,

providing customers with

solar cells, ABC (All Back

Contact) modules and

scenario-based packaged

solutions. With the

mission of “Empowering transformation towards a

carbon-free era”, AIKO keeps on pursuing extreme

innovation and cutting-edge technology.

https://aikosolar.com

ASFP announces

2024 PFP Award

winners

The Association

for Specialist Fire

Protection (ASFP)

has revealed the

2024 Passive

Fire Protection

(PFP) Awards

winners at the

Association’s

spectacular

Passive Fire

Protection Awards

Dinner at the

Athena Hotel in

Leicester on 28

November.

Selected by an independent judging panel,

comprising fire industry leaders, this year’s winners

include:

Best Large Scale Installation/Project of the Year:

LDD Construction – Installation of passive fire

protection systems at Powergate, a 96MW

Hyperscale Data Centre campus in North Acton,

London. The judges commended LDD for its

detailed account of the obstacles faced, offering

insight into their problem-solving approach and the

complexities of the project.

Best Small Scale Installation/Project of the Year:

Novus Property Solutions – Working in partnership

with Platform Housing Group since 2018 to deliver

approximately £3.5m of passive fire protection

works each year. This project demonstrated a

strong level of technical detail in addressing the

challenges encountered by effectively engaging

its staff, resources, and expertise to navigate and

overcome these factors.

Passive Fire Innovation of the Year (Project):

Knauf Insulation – Rocksilk ® RainScreen FFCB,

an innovative cavity barrier made from rock

mineral wool, that is designed to be face-fixed to

Rocksilk ® RainScreen Slab as the masonry façade is

constructed. The judges felt this product offers ease

of fitting and installation, it is non-combustible and

meets the Euroclass A1 classification for fire safety.

It presents a cost-effective alternative and provides

designers and architects with confidence in their

design choices.

www.asfp.org.uk


Lifting & Moving Equipment Company of the Month

Driving innovation in powered

access and material handling

In this issue of Building & Facilities

News, we are pleased to feature

Hird Ltd as our Lifting & Moving

Equipment Company of the Month

With more than four

decades of experience,

Hird Ltd has earned its

place as one of the UK’s

most trusted names

in lifting, access, and

specialist material handling.

Established in 1982, the

company initially focused

on machine moving

before steadily expanding

its services to meet the

evolving needs of industry.

Today, Hird provides cranes

and platform hire, specialist lifting equipment,

operator training, and equipment sales,

delivering solutions that support complex

projects nationwide.

Headquartered in Hull, East Yorkshire, with

additional depots in Doncaster and Redhill,

Surrey, Hird’s strategic presence allows it to

serve customers across the UK efficiently and

reliably. This national reach, combined with

deep technical expertise, has positioned the

company as a long-established leader in the

powered access and specialist lifting sector.

Its services span multiple industries, including

construction, facilities maintenance, and

manufacturing, where precision, safety, and

reliability are paramount.

What sets Hird apart is its consultative,

solutions-led approach. Rather than operating

purely as a hire provider, Hird places strong

emphasis on specialist

advice and technical

understanding.

Dedicated teams

work closely with

clients to assess

site requirements,

conduct surveys,

and determine the

safest and most

effective solution

for each project.

This ensures that

equipment selection is

not only appropriate

but optimised for

efficiency and

performance,

reflecting Hird’s

commitment to

service excellence.

“Providing powered

access equipment,

mini cranes, and vacuum

lifting and handling

equipment is at the core

of what Hird offers,”

says Rhiannon Young,

Social Media & Marketing

Coordinator. “Alongside

this, we provide machinery

moving, operator training,

and equipment repair and

servicing carried out by

LEEA-trained engineers,

including LOLER inspections.

What truly sets Hird apart

is the breadth of our equipment and the

depth of our expertise, supported by strong

relationships with leading manufacturers,

which allows us early access to new products

entering the market. This enables us to offer

a diverse, modern, and high-quality fleet from

industry-leading brands such as Genie, Winlet,

Valla, and Maeda. Just as importantly, we have

strong relationships with our customers and

place service at the heart of everything we do.”

Hird’s commitment to innovation and

sustainability goes beyond providing highquality

equipment. The company operates

one of the largest and most modern fleets

in the UK, offering hybrid and 100% electric

access and lifting solutions, from scissor lifts

to spider cranes. This focus on efficient and

environmentally conscious machinery allows

Hird to provide solutions even for sites that

demand low noise or require operation in

clean environments.

The company has

also worked closely

with manufacturers to

help design and refine

specialist equipment,

including the MFC750K

floor crane, developed

in collaboration with

Weinold, and a series

of attachments and

systems for Tadano

Valla Cranes, including

promoting fully batterypowered

equipment

suitable for sensitive

sites. Hird’s dedication

to performance

innovation is further

highlighted by the

‘Hird Test’, a battery

performance evaluation

they developed, which

has since been adopted

by Genie for their battery-powered machinery.

Alongside its equipment expertise, Hird

Training has developed specialist courses in

partnership with accredited bodies, including

the LEEA-accredited Vacuum Robot operator

course. This ensures that customers not

only have access to cutting-edge machinery

but also the knowledge and skills to operate

it safely and efficiently, reinforcing Hird’s

commitment to raising industry standards.

Looking ahead, Hird remains committed to

evolving its fleet to meet the changing needs

of the industry. By introducing more ecofriendly

options, including hybrid and fully

electric machinery, the company continues to

modernise and expand its offerings, keeping

pace with industry trends and requirements.

Hird’s goal is to provide a complete 360°

solution for all types of powered access and

material handling, ensuring customers have

not only the right equipment but also the

expertise, support, and training to use it safely

and efficiently. With a focus on innovation,

sustainability, and service excellence, Hird is

well-positioned to continue leading the way in

lifting and access solutions, delivering value

and confidence to clients across the UK.

T 01482 227333

northern@hird.co.uk

www.hird.co.uk

www.hirdsales.co.uk

36


STEEL BUILDING

SOLUTIONS

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At Castle Steel Buildings, exceptional service is our cornerstone. We understand

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GET A FREE ONLINE QUOTE AT

WWW.CASTLESTEELBUILDINGS.CO.UK

OR CONTACT US ON

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Recommended Supplier Directory

We believe that embedding sustainability,

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Because nobody wants knotweed, discover how

Japanese Knotweed Ltd supports you. We’re

national Japanese knotweed specialists, delivering

expert services to survey, treat or eradicate

knotweed across commercial sites and property.

Consistently 5* rated, we are fully accredited to

industry standards, including Constructionline Gold

and CHAS, insured and H&S compliant to operate

on any site type or contract value up to £1.5M.

Up in the world. Up any building. Up on

every level. Direct Hoist takes you up in

the world with market-leading construction

hoists for any commercial project. Direct

Hoist deals with hoists, and only hoists.

Goods hoists, personnel hoists, goods

and personel hoists, on contract hire, or to

purchase.

Fridgenius have been supplying National

and International Distributors & Partners with

the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet since

1995. Designed and manufactured in the

UK, the innovative tool is a valuable addition

to any HVAC service engineer’s toolkit.

Fridgenius supplies a range of Magnet sizes

for use in refrigeration, air conditioning,

water, oil, gas, and fuel installations.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

The Original KSE Range is renowned for its

robust construction and proven reliability.

It provides a solid, watertight solution

suitable for environments where durability

and consistent performance are paramount.

This range is well-suited for installations

where the primary focus is on long-term

resilience and straightforward functionality.

Service Sealing Solutions is the sole UK

distributor for the sealing industry’s top

manufacturers; DOYMA, FRANK and HKD.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd specialises in highquality

service duct sealing systems for utility

services & watertight seals. Offering a high level

of expertise to developers & specifiers for sealing

against water and gas ingress around service

entries in basements and high-rise buildings.

CheckedSafe delivers straightforward,

customisable and cost-effective compliance

tools that enhance safety and efficiency

across diverse sectors. After all, why work

harder, when you could work smarter?

Together with our dedicated team of

developers and account managers, we offer

comprehensive compliance services across

various platforms.

Adveco Ltd. and sister-company Adveco

(AWP) Ltd, which trades as AO Smith Water

Heaters, have been suppliers of products

and services for commercial water heating

projects for the past 50 years. Today, Adveco

Ltd. is the trusted specialist provider of

bespoke, low carbon hot water and heating

systems to the building services industry.

Gold & Wassall Hinges is the leading name

in hinge manufacturing in the UK, and has

been manufacturing hinges of all types,

including continuous hinges, heavy duty

hinges, butt hinges and special purpose

hinges. Our impressive stock range boasts

over 25,000 continuous hinges and over

120,000 other hinges.

DCON Safety Consultants is an

independently owned Built Environmental

Safety, Health & Wellbeing Consultancy. We

prioritise and specialise in the highest levels

of informed & intelligent advice, senior

project resource allocation and compliance

assurance. We know that every project with

potential benefits also has potential risks.

38


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METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICES

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS

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Welcome to Metropolitan Security Services

Ltd, a leading UK security company providing

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operations@metropolitansecurity.com

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Building and Facilities News Issue 1015

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