Building & Construction Review Issue 431

ISSUE 431

May 2026

0121 824 4746 | buildings@bestpracticeuk.co.uk

www.bcruk.co.uk

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Sailflags

Page 3

At its core, QAR Supplies is a people-focused

business built on relationships, reliability and a

deep understanding of what its customers need to

keep things running smoothly. With over 25 years

of experience, the company has become a trusted

name across the UK, supporting everyone from

boutique hotels and busy restaurants to schools,

universities and professional cleaning teams.

What sets QAR Supplies apart is its hands-on,

personal approach. Rather than simply delivering

products, the team works closely with clients to

understand their day-to-day challenges, offering

tailored solutions and dependable support. It’s this

attention to detail and commitment to service that

has helped build long-standing partnerships with

some of the country’s most respected hospitality

and facilities organisations.

Synergie Futureproofing

Page 5

From essential consumables to specialist cleaning

supplies, QAR ensures quality and consistency

across every order – something that matters in

fast-paced environments where there’s no room

for disruption.

As construction and fit-out projects increasingly

rely on strong facilities management and

maintenance support, QAR Supplies plays an

important role behind the scenes. By keeping

spaces clean, stocked and operational, the

company helps bring buildings to life long

after the final handover.

For more information, please see below:

T 01342 457337

info@qarsupplies.co.uk

https://www.qarsupplies.co.uk

Architects Scotland

Page 8

Independent Access Sales

Page 30

Supporting the spaces that matter: Inside QAR Supplies

Ensuring building integrity with DOYMA Gaskets

In today’s construction

landscape, pipe entry

sealing solutions

deserve far greater

attention than they

often receive.

Penetrations for

pipes and cables

through walls, floors

or ceilings represent

one of the most

vulnerable points in

a building’s envelope.

Without proper sealing,

moisture ingress, gas

penetration and premature

deterioration can lead to costly

repairs and compromised structural integrity.

DOYMA pipe gaskets,

supplied in the UK

exclusively by Service

Sealing Solutions, offer

a robust answer to this

challenge. Designed

with a Double Profile

System (DPS) and

high‐adhesion

elastomeric grip,

these gaskets

deliver enhanced

contact pressure

where it matters most

– ensuring a permanent,

maintenance‐free seal

around services including water,

gas, electrical and waste lines.

A standout innovation in the range is the

Curaflex Nova® gasket insert. Engineered

for both pressing and non‐pressing water

conditions, its Integrated Torque Limiter (ITL)

ensures accurate installation torque, while

non‐conductive frame materials prevent

corrosion. Backed by a 25‐year guarantee

and available in configurations suitable

for retrofit applications, these gaskets not

only protect buildings from the unseen but

also contribute to compliance, longevity

and peace of mind on every project.

For more information, please see below:

T 01952 510050

sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

https://www.servicesealingsolutions.

co.uk/doyma/pipe-gaskets

CONTENTS

On the cover

QAR Supplies

Protek Products

Baqus Group

4

Synergie

Futureproofing

Outdoor Building 3-4

Commitment To Excellence 5

Building Products & Services 6-11

Plant Hire 13

Building Products & Services 14

Classifieds 29

Platform Lifts 30

5

6 Oaksmiths

9

Hello & welcome to

Issue 431 of BCR…

Welcome to our May edition where we’ve got lots of

exciting news to share from across the building &

construction industries.

In the construction and building trade, being seen matters.

Whether you’re managing a busy site, promoting a new

development, or simply making your business easier to

find, high-quality signage can make all the difference.

On page 3, we highlight why Sailflags can be crucial to

clear and professional branding for housing developments,

construction sites, and roadside promotions.

On page 5, we showcase Synergie for its Commitment

To Excellence in providing airtightness products into the

construction industry. With over 20 years of experience in the

development of breathable roofing membranes, airtightness

membranes, airtightness window and connection tape,

adhesives and primer, this article focuses on the company’s

Synergie Sd Variable Airtightness Membrane and Vapour

Control Layer. This year also marks Synergie’s first foray

into the UK market with warehousing storage facilities at

Telford and a new office at Hatfield in Hertfordshire.

Other topics covered: Outdoor Building, Plant Hire,

Building Products & Services.

Have any exciting news to share?

Email: gina@freshmedia-uk.co.uk

Contacts

Publication Management

Sam Morton

Sales Manager

T 0121 824 4746

buildings@bestpracticeuk.co.uk

Production

Robert Sharp

Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Search for us on LinkedIn

and follow us on Twitter

bcr_uk

Accounts

Paul Whitaker

Accounts Manager

T 0121 824 4742

accounts@bestpracticeuk.co.uk

Editorial

Gina Burton

Editor

gina@freshmedia-uk.co.uk

Gina Burton

BCR

Editor

The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 725 1587.

Build visibility that works as hard as you do

In the construction and building trade,

being seen matters. Whether you’re

managing a busy site, promoting a new

development, or simply making your

business easier to find, high-quality

signage can make all the difference.

That’s where Sailflags comes in.

Our custom-printed Sailflags are

designed to stand out in even the toughest

environments. Built with durability in

mind, they’re ideal for construction sites,

housing developments, and roadside

promotions.

With strong, weather-resistant materials

and vibrant print, you’re branding stays

clear and professional day after day.

Outdoor Building

Available in a range of shapes and sizes –

including teardrop, feather, and rectangular

– our flags are easy to install and move as

your project evolves. Whether you need

clear site signage, directional markers, or

bold promotional displays, Sailflags offers a

flexible solution that works around you.

We understand the pace of the building

industry, which is why we offer fast

turnaround times and reliable service

you can count on. From one flag to a full

site setup, we’re here to help you create

maximum impact with minimal hassle.

Make your site stand out and your brand

impossible to miss with Sailflags.

Contact

T 01736 719111

studio@sailflags.co.uk

www.sailflags.co.uk

3

Landscaping & Outdoor Building

Colour to inspire,

protection to last

In an industry where durability,

sustainability, and aesthetic excellence

must co-exist, Protek continues

to set the benchmark for modern

timber protection. As construction

professionals face increasing

pressure to deliver long-lasting

results while meeting environmental

expectations, Protek’s innovative

coatings and woodcare solutions offer

a refreshing blend of performance and

responsibility.

From large-scale commercial builds

to bespoke landscaping projects,

Protek’s products are engineered to

work as hard as the people who use

them. Their commitment to waterbased,

low-impact formulations

demonstrates that high-performance

finishes no longer need to come at the

cost of environmental integrity. Instead,

Protek proves that sustainability can

enhance quality, not compromise it.

What truly sets the brand apart is

its understanding of the real-world

challenges builders, contractors,

and specifiers face. Weather

unpredictability, tight deadlines, and

rising material costs demand solutions

that are reliable, easy to apply, and built

to last. Protek delivers exactly that

Photo credit: Manalo & White

Architects, Protek Royal

Exterior Superior Wood Finish

– robust protection, rich colour, and

trusted consistency across every tin.

Protek leads the industry with

innovations that support both

traditional craftsmanship and

sustainable building. Their advanced

coatings extend wood's lifespan and

reduce replacement, conserving

resources and minimising waste.

Learn more about Protek’s durable

wood protection products and finishes

at: www.protekproducts.co.uk

Contact

T 01749 344697

enquiries@protekproducts.co.uk

www.protekproducts.co.uk

Great new year green

swap: Christmas Tree

Out, Houseplant In

As the festive lights are packed away

and the Christmas tree leaves the

building, offices and workspaces across

the country are often left looking stark,

grey, and empty. To combat the ‘January

Blues’ and the visual void left by holiday

decorations, plants@work is urging

businesses to adopt a new motto for 2026:

‘Christmas Tree Out, Houseplant In.’

Every year, the return to work after the

holidays brings a noticeable dip in energy

in many offices. plants@work members –

the professional interior landscapers who

create, install, and care for plant displays

across the UK and beyond – are using

this moment to highlight the powerful role

indoor plants play in boosting wellbeing,

and creating healthier, happier workplace

environments.

plants@work members are fully

supporting National Houseplant

Appreciation Week by inviting facility

managers, business owners, and

office managers to assess their

indoor environments. While buying a

supermarket plant is easy, keeping it

alive in a complex office environment is a

skill. plants@work members are trained

specialists in designing and maintaining

planting schemes of all scales – from a

single statement plant to fully planted

offices, commercial and public spaces.

Please visit:

https://plantsatwork.org.uk

4

Commitment To Excellence

High-quality airtightness products

at unbeatable prices

In this issue of Building and Construction Review, we are

delighted to showcase Synergie for its Commitment to

Excellence.

Synergie is a wholesale distribution company, providing

airtightness products into the construction industry.

With over 30 years of experience operating in the

construction sector, Synergie have built a reputation for

top quality products, attention to detail and impressive

customer service.

The company offers a comprehensive range of wind

tightness membranes, airtight membranes, airtight tapes,

sealants and other products for achieving optimum

rain tightness, wind tightness and airtightness results.

All its products are manufactured in Germany to the

highest standards by manufacturers with over 20 years

of experience in the development of breathable roofing

membranes, airtightness membranes, airtightness

window and connection tape, adhesives and primer.

Especially celebrated is the company’s Synergie Sd

Variable Airtightness Membrane and Vapour Control

Layer. This product has the ability to change its water

vapour performance (SD value). The membrane

becomes more diffusion open depending on the relative

humidity (RH) in the area. In the colder, winter months,

the micropores of the membrane stay diffusion tight,

preventing vapour from the warm interior of the building

diffusing into the timber roof or wall structure, or insulated

layer. However, in the summer months, the micropores

of the membrane open, allowing any vapour or moisture

trapped in the insulated material to escape back into the

building interior and ventilate naturally. In the long run,

over a few years, this ability to act as a barrier in winter

and a breathable membrane in summer, helps to protect

the building from structural damage caused by excessive

moisture trapped in the building fabric.

The Synergie Sd Variable membrane is ideally suited to

flat roof make-ups which are not adequately ventilated

or diffusion tight towards the outside. The Sd Variable

membrane is also suitable in new buildings where

excessive moisture accumulation has occurred during

the initial construction phase of the building process

where timber elements and thermal insulation have

suffered an unplanned wetting.

The Synergie airtightness system carries several

benefits for clients. Firstly the removal of draughts helps

to cut heating bills, prevents condensation and protects

and improves the performance of thermal insulation. The

effective use of Synergie products also helps to protect

against mould development and allows ventilation

systems to work more efficiently.

Synergie’s airtightness products are also environmentally

friendly. Using no harmful toxins or solvents in construction

or installation. This sustainability also extends to the overall

buildings CO 2 emissions, as increased airtightness in

buildings helps to lower energy usage and supports the

building in attaining good Building Energy Rating (BER).

With these products being used extensively in both

residential and commercial construction projects, the

company carries a large range to cater for all possible

scenarios on a building project in traditional masonry

construction, timber frame construction, steel frame

construction and modular build.

Building companies of all sizes use Synergie to achieve national

building code standards and to build energy efficient and

passive buildings to the highest of standards. All Synergie’s

products are built in line with European harmonised standards

for energy saving; as well as carry CE Markings, where

required, under the Construction Products Regulation.

Beyond providing the highest quality products, certified

across Europe; Synergie has also garnered a reputation

for impeccable customer service. Its long tenure in the

industry means the company has a wealth of experience

with a variety of different products and the projects they

could be used in. Utilising this bank of knowledge allows

Syngerie to offer bespoke advice to clients and point

them in the right direction when it comes to airtightness.

As well as this Syngerie has been praised for its attention

to detail. By working closely with both its manufacturing

partners and its clients, the company has established

relationships built on understanding the finer details of

the industry. Leveraging this eye for detail to offer keen

support no matter this size of the project. Furthermore this

attention to detail has led to the development of Synergie’s

outstanding delivery service. Allowing the company to

fulfill orders on schedule and giving customers peace of

mind that when they need materials, Synergie will be there.

Alongside this Synergie offers airtightness test where it

can inspect a client’s property or site and suggest ways

in which airtightness could be improved and how it could

benefit overall operations. As well as this, the company

engages in Building Energy Rating (BER) testing. These

tests can determine a building’s overall energy use

and can inform clients on the best ways to improve the

building’s energy efficiency and use.

This year marks Synergie’s first foray into the UK market

with warehousing storage facilities at Telford and a new

office at Hatfield in Hertfordshire . With over fifteen years

of experience of supplying its extensive product range in

Ireland, the company is now poised to become a trusted

partner to UK firms.

As airtightness products become more mainstream

in response to soaring energy costs for consumers,

Synergie offers the most competitively priced product

range in the UK and Irish markets.

With Synergie’s reputation for excellent quality products,

at excellent prices, all backed by expert technical service

built up over thirty years operating in the construction

industry; the company’s expansion is poised to explode.

As it continues to grow, Synergie is set to prove its mantra

that high quality isn’t cheap… it’s priceless.

For more on Synergie, please see below:

info@synergiefps.com

www.synergiefps.com

5

Building Products & Services

BAQUS Construction and 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:

▲ Project Management, Employer’s Agent and

Contract Administration

▲ Quantity Surveying and Cost Management

▲ Building Surveying, Party Walls and

Dilapidations.

▲ Expertise in Historic Buildings.

▲ CDM Advice (Health and Safety)

▲ Access Audits and Consultancy

▲ Funding advice

▲ Sustainability and

Renewables

▲ Assistance with Dispute

Resolution and Expert

Witness

▲ 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.

Contact

www.baqus.co.uk

6

Market performance

indicates encouraging signs

for future of BEMS sector


Screwshop: Complete

fastening solutions

Highlighting an increased desire from

property developers, architects and

designers to decarbonise the UK’s

building stock through the specification

and implementation of building controls

and automation, the building energy

management systems (BEMS) market

showed steady progress in Q3 – rising

2.6% compared to the previous quarter.

While the wider construction industry

saw its performance hampered by rising

material costs and ongoing skilled labour

shortages, the BEMS sector saw its total

revenues rise to £210.1 million, according

to the Building Controls Industry

Association’s (BCIA) latest market report.

Analysing the data in great detail, the

BCIA’s Market Intelligence Report –

released

every quarter–

breaks down

the BEMS

market into

three key

areas; product,

installation

value

added, and

service and

maintenance.

Product

revenue held relatively firm in Q3, sitting at

£38.8 million, with most routes to market

recording growth during the three-month

period. In fact, manufacturer’s own

systems saw a substantial uplift of 8.3%,

while distributor and other channels rose

by 7.4% and sales to system installers also

saw an increase of 2.1%.

OEM activity did see a drop in the third

quarter of 2025. However, this remains

one of the smaller routes within the

Product category. The overall rolling-year

total for product stood at £162.1 million – a

marginal decrease of 0.6% compared to

the previous 12 months.

Please visit:

https://www.bcia.co.uk

We understand that when it comes to

construction, repairs, or decorating,

having the right materials is essential for

success. That’s why at Screwshop, we are

committed to offering an extensive range

of fasteners, screws, and fixings for every

application. Whether you need the perfect

screw for a specific material or high-quality

fasteners to secure vital structures, our

product range has you covered.

Our commitment to quality and service is

second to none and we are always adding

to our portfolio. Its not just fasteners

and screws, we offer tools, accessories,

sealants, decorating preparation and

more, we have maintained our reputation

World’s Happiest Workplaces

announced

The official World’s

Happiest Workplaces

2026 List had been

published 14th January

2026 by the leading

employee experience

platform, WorkL,

showcasing the happiest

workplaces globally.

for brilliant products and reliable services.

Our knowledgeable team is always

available to provide advice and guidance

on choosing the right materials for your

specific requirements.

Screwshop continues to expand its

range of products to meet customer

needs and provide alternatives and

brands you are looking for. We update

our website with new products. Some

of our latest additions are here.

Please visit:

www.nefasteners.co.uk

www.screwshop.co.uk

The comprehensive list

of winners, compiled by

WorkL, the employee

experience platform

that measures, tracks, and improves

employee engagement and employee

happiness at work, saw over 120,000

organisations entered for their 2026

awards. The list can be searched by

organisation name or filtered by 25

different industries, countries and

10 categories.

Over a million employees took WorkL’s

Happy at Work Test to enter their

organisation into these awards. The

anonymous test, which takes less than

ten minutes for employees to take

for free, looks at various areas that

impact work life, including WorkL’s

Six Steps to Workplace Happiness;

Wellbeing, Job Satisfaction, Reward

& Recognition, Information Sharing,

Empowerment and Instilling Pride.

Organisations who scored 70 and

over are included in the exclusive list.

Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL

comments on the list, “I’m delighted

to publish the World’s Happiest

Workplaces 2026 List today.

Organisations who are recognised

report higher productivity, lower staff

turnover and lower sick leave as a

result of employees being happier.

Our research shows that nearly 50%

of people are unhappy, anxious or

depressed at work. It’s our mission to

make the world’s workplaces happier,

and it starts with acknowledging the

ones who are doing a good job.”

Please visit:

https://app.workl.com/worldshappiest-workplaces

7


Vintage painted furniture,

revived and lovingly

restored

Revived & Restored specialises in

transforming and revitalising vintage

and existing furniture, giving well-crafted

pieces a renewed purpose in modern

homes. We believe quality furniture should

be reimagined, not replaced – combining

sustainability with thoughtful design.

Our focus is on updating vintage furniture

to suit its new surroundings. This may

involve refinishing the wood to reveal

and refresh its natural grain, restoring

surfaces where the original lustre has

faded, or painting pieces in carefully

selected colours to create a fresh,

contemporary feel. Each piece is carefully

prepared and thoughtfully finished to

ensure durability as well as visual impact.

We also custom-transform vintage

furniture into distinctive bathroom vanities,

blending character and practicality. By

adapting solid, well-built pieces into

functional statement features, we create

unique alternatives to mass-produced

cabinetry while retaining the charm and

craftsmanship of the original design.

At Revived & Restored, sustainability is

at the heart of what we do. By breathing

new life into existing furniture, we reduce

waste, preserve skilled craftsmanship

and create bespoke pieces tailored to

modern living.

We are proud to demonstrate that vintage

furniture, when thoughtfully revived, can

become both a design statement and a

lasting investment.

T 01283 815307

M 07747 057823

M 07966 616670

sales@revivedandrestored.co.uk

www.revivedandrestored.co.uk

FY25 Trading and Operational

Update: Another record year

expected as investment in UK

infrastructure ramps-up

Hercules plc (AIM: HERC), a leading

technology enabled labour supply

company for the UK infrastructure

and construction sectors, is pleased

to provide a trading and operational

update for the year ended 30th

September 2025 (‘FY25’).

FY25 Trading Update

The Company expects another

record year, with Hercules’ revenue,

adjusted EBITDA and adjusted Profit

Before Tax (PBT) for FY25 in line

with market expectations*. Revenue

is expected to be more than £118m,

representing an increase of c. 16% on

the prior year ended 30th September

2024 (£101.9m), as Hercules

continues to benefit from increased

investment in UK infrastructure.

*Market expectation – revenue of

£112.1m, adjusted EBITDA of £6.1m,

and adjusted PBT of £3.3m.

Brusk Korkmaz, Chief Executive

Officer, commented, “Hercules will

again deliver record results, with

more to look forward to in FY26, and

beyond. With strong support from

the UK Government, the country’s

infrastructure sector is buoyant,

with £750 billion committed across

numerous sectors, where Hercules

has a strong and growing presence.”

“Major projects such as Sizewell C,

Net Zero Teesside, the Lower Thames

Crossing, AMP8 water projects, and

upgrades to the power and energy

transmission network are still in their

early stages and Hercules is well

placed to benefit as they ramp-up.”

Please visit:

https://hercules-academy.co.uk

8

18 new jobs for Congleton

as MKM opens major new

builders’ merchant in the town

MKM Building

Supplies (MKM),

the UK’s proper

independent

builders’ merchant,

opened the doors

to its brand-new

Congleton branch

on Monday 19th

January 2026. The

new site is MKM’s

137th branch and

will create around

18 new jobs for local

people, with further growth expected as

the branch becomes established.

Leading the new branch is Branch

Director Ric Bauer, who brings 30 years

of experience in the builders’ merchant

industry. Having started his career in the

yard before progressing through the

trade counter and into senior leadership

roles including Head of Building

Materials at MKM, Ric has seen every

level of the business and knows exactly

what it takes to build a successful,

customer-first branch.

Ric has lived in nearby Wilmslow for

around 15 years and knows Congleton

and the surrounding area well. What

stands out most to him is the town’s

strong sense of community and support

for local businesses.

The new MKM Congleton branch will

bring together a full range of building

materials alongside specialist areas

including landscaping, plumbing and

heating, wood burning and multi-fuel

stoves with full flue systems, a huge

range of quality treated C16 and C24

timber, a large shop floor and a stunning

kitchen and bathroom showroom.

The branch is designed to be a true

one-stop shop for both trade and retail

customers.

Please visit:

https://mkm.com


Travis Perkins expands

flagship Birmingham branch

The UK’s leading builders’ merchant

has expanded its Birmingham Central

branch – with the store more than

doubling in size.

Travis Perkins, located on 1 South

Road in Hockley near the Jewellery

Quarter, has greatly increased its

capacity and created new jobs

after work to improve its flagship

Birmingham branch was completed in

December.

The site, which has been home to

a builders’ merchant since 1946,

was just an acre in size, but it is now

roughly 2.2 acres and boasts a brand

new Benchmarx Kitchen showroom

as well as an expanded Hire service.

The improved branch was officially

revealed last week, with tradespeople

able to purchase all their essential

heavyside and lightside building

materials – including timber, bricks

and blocks as well as a wide variety of

landscaping, drainage and lintels.

The expansion has seen a significant

increase in the team with eight new

jobs created. The branch is open from

Monday to Friday from 7am-4.30pm,

and 7am-11am on Saturday.

As part of the expansion, Travis

Perkins donated £1,000 to

Alzheimer’s Society, the business’

nominated charity.

Travis Perkins is part of Travis Perkins

plc and is the UK’s largest supplier of

building materials to the building and

construction industry.

Featuring a network of more

than 550 branches, it supplies

thousands of products and materials,

including a tool hire service, to trade

professionals and self-builders across

the nation.

For more information, please visit:

www.travisperkins.co.uk

Sturdy & Sustainable Oak Framed

Structures in Lutterworth &

Surrounding Areas

Bring warmth, character, and craftsmanship to your

home with bespoke oak porches, garages, trusses, and

extensions by Oaksmiths. Our independent joiners in

Lutterworth proudly serve the wider surrounding areas,

partnering traditional techniques with modern designs to

create one-of-a-kind structures for homes and businesses

across Leicestershire.

GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY

Please visit: oaksmiths.co.uk

Email info@oaksmiths.co.uk or contact 01455 247722

9

Inspection-Ready Compliance Training and

Defensible Competence for Strong Governance

IFSM Approved Training Centre

with IFE-recognised CPD

Focus on building demonstrable fire safety competence,

not just policy compliance

Aligned with key regulations: Awaab’s Law, Fire

Safety Order 2005, Building Safety Act 2022

Designed for housing providers, residential

building managers, and accountable roles

Emphasis on protecting disabled

and vulnerable residents

Includes PEEPs, PcFRAs, and

lawful emergency planning

Over 20 hours of

accredited training

Covers Awaab’s Law-related fire,

electrical emergency hazards

Training is assessed, documented, and audit-ready

(not attendance-based)

Supports inspection readiness, regulatory

compliance, and governance assurance

Enables organisations to provide defensible

evidence of competence under scrutiny

Annual Training Pass available – access all

current courses plus future courses and updates

Volume discounts available for

organisations on annual training passes

Training Courses/Focus Areas

Personal

Emergency

Evacuation Plans

(PEEPs)

Person-

Centred Fire

Risk Assessments

(PcFRAs)

Lawful

Emergency

Planning for

Residential

Buildings

Role-Based Fire

Safety Competence

Training for Housing

Providers & Building

Managers

Person-Centred

Fire Safety for

Vulnerable &

Disabled Residents

Enrol today at:

www.3asolutions.tech

Raising the bar in roofing

and timber construction

From 24th to 27th

February 2026,

DACH+HOLZ

International once

again was at the

central meeting place

for the roofing and

timber construction

industry – and fischer

was right in the middle

of it, at booth: 304

in Hall 9. On 157 m²,

visitors expected a

wide range of the latest

products and proven

classics for roofing and

timber construction

– hands-on testing is expressly

encouraged. A dedicated hands-on

area invited visitors to try out products

themselves. Shows, activities and live

demonstrations provided additional

crowd appeal.

Hourly tradesperson challenges

combined with product presentations

ensured plenty of action at the fischer

DACH+HOLZ booth. The format was

hosted by Jens Pflüger (among others

ARD, hr) and fischer application engineer

Roberto Weyda. Two teams of two

competed against each other, racing

against the clock to build a typical timber

construction application – including

demanding tasks such as overhead

installation. The FAFS adjustment

screw for infinitely adjustable stand-off

installations was used, along with other

fischer screws. Teamwork, dynamism

and speed are key. Attractive prizes

await the daily and challenge winners,

including a fischer table football game

every day as a special highlight. The

hands-on area also invited visitors to

test fischer products themselves in

wood, concrete and perforated brick.

Also on display: the FGW 90F setting

tool, enabled nails to be driven into wood

efficiently, economically and safely.

Please visit:

www.fischer.group


Fix Radio Prediction:

Construction’s 2026 recovery

will stall without skilled people

to deliver it

Industry forecasts suggest construction

output could edge up in 2026, but Fix

Radio’s view, shaped by daily on-air

conversations with trades across the UK,

is that growth on paper will not translate

into jobs completed on site unless labour

pressures ease.

The Construction Products Association

(CPA) forecasts total construction output

growth of 2.8% in 2026, with infrastructure

expected to rise by 4.4% and private

housing by around 4.0%. (Construction

Products Association, 2025)

Fix Radio’s prediction for 2026 is that the

biggest challenge will not be winning work,

but having the people, time and resilience

to deliver it. Labour shortages, rising costs,

tool theft and burnout dominated trade

conversations throughout 2025, and those

pressures remain unresolved heading into

next year.

Trade research across the sector

shows seven in ten tradespeople say

skills shortages are stopping them from

expanding, while 79% say rising materials

and tool costs make growth unviable

even when order books are full.

(Checkatrade, 2025)

The labour picture remains tight. Screwfix

warns the UK could face a shortfall of

around 250,000 tradespeople by 2030,

and reports that 25% of tradespeople

plan to retire within the next five years.

(Screwfix, 2025)

Security has become a parallel constraint.

Direct Line research indicates almost

four in five tradespeople (79%) have

experienced tool theft at some point.

(Direct Line Group, 2025) Each incident

results in downtime, missed jobs and

immediate income loss, particularly for

sole traders and small firms.

Please visit:

https://www.fixradio.co.uk

Award winning architects

designing new homes and

transforming existing buildings

Pricegore architects design homes, and buildings for artists

& cultural organisations. We welcome all enquiries and

opportunities to collaborate with new clients.

Our recent private residential project in London was shortlisted

for the RIBA House of The Year Award 2025. The jury said,

“The real strength of this project is the deeply considered

and consistently applied design philosophy, to create a more

sustainable and healthy home...materials are exposed in their

raw state, plasterboard is replaced with lime plaster, and lime

slurry was applied to the exposed soffits of the clay-block

floors. Internal insulation is 100mm thick breathable wood fibre,

floorboards are reclaimed, and joinery was dyed, practically

eliminating the use of paint throughout.”

The project has also been awarded an AJ Retrofit & Reuse

award and a DMI Urban Oasis award.

Other projects include new build homes in Oxfordshire

and Somerset, as well as many conversion, extension,

and transformation projects across the United Kingdom.

pricegore.co.uk

0207 846 0106

11

CASE Construction

Equipment appoints EMH

Plant as new dealer for UK

CASE is delighted to announce that EMH

Plant has been appointed as the new

CASE Construction Equipment dealer

for the North East and North Yorkshire.

This appointment strengthens our

commitment to the Region and offers

customers access to the complete CASE

Construction Equipment range, backed by

a dedicated team delivering machine sales,

genuine parts, responsive service support.

“I’m proud to welcome EMH in our family. This

new dealership, led by a young and forwardthinking

team, represents a further step in

CASE’s renewed strategy toward proximitybased

service with a stronger focus on

customer support and full life-cycle of our

machines. EMH fully reflects our proactive

approach to customers and our commitment

to sustainable, long-term growth in the

North East and North Yorkshire.”

– Valentina Versino, UK&ROI Business

Director – CASE Construction Equipment.

Ian Phillips, Director of EMH Plant said,

“Being appointed as the authorised CASE

Construction Equipment dealer for the

North East and North Yorkshire is a huge

milestone for EMH Plant. Our focus is

simple: to back every machine sale with

fast reliable service & genuine parts.”

“We’re building a dealership that’s easy to do

business with - knowledgeable people, strong

stock availability, and a team that genuinely

cares about long term customer support.”

We look forward to working closely with

existing and new customers and setting

a new standard for dealer support across

the area.

More information is available at:

www.CASEce.com

More information about CNH can be

found online at: www.cnh.com

Plant Hire

Road sweeper manufacturer

praises new Made in Britain

Certification for adding ‘trust’

and ‘credibility’

Scarab Sweepers has been awarded

the new Environmental and Social

Value Certification for its commitment

to people, planet and place.

A global leader in the design and

manufacture of road sweepers

has praised Made in Britain’s

Environmental and Social Value

(ESV) Certification for delivering

‘trust’ and ‘credibility’ on its journey

to deliver change.

Scarab Sweepers, which is part

of the global Fayat Group, is on a

mission to continuously improve its

environmental and social practices –

focusing on methods of sustainable

procurement, the impact it has on

the environment and local area,

and how it supports its employees.

Now, the ESV Certification is

complementing this mission by

communicating the organisation’s

commitments to the environment and

society to customers and stakeholders.

To find out more about the ESV

Certification and its benefits,

please visit: www.madeinbritain.

org/about/environmental-socialvalue

For more information about Made

in Britain and to discover verified

UK manufacturers, please visit:

www.madeinbritain.org

13

Energy & Power News

Fero Tracked Carriers, powered by Danfoss, ease material

transport, improve safety at job sites and workshops

Danfoss Power Solutions is supplying its Editron eDrive

to VTS Track Solutions to propel the company’s new Fero

Tracked Carriers. The ETP-10 and ETP-20 are remotecontrolled

battery-electric carriers designed for effortless

material transport in construction, forestry, landscaping,

workshops, and other applications. The low-voltage eDrive

from Danfoss – a compact, integrated system solution

– was the perfect match for Fero Carriers, offering high

efficiency and reliability as well as precise control.

Moving heavy materials around job sites – bricks,

bags of sand and cement, fence posts, windows – has

traditionally required manual labour, which carries a risk of

injury. Heavy machinery reduces physical strain, but the

machines are not always available when needed and, in

Eaton unveils Brightlayer Energy, an

AI-powered energy management

and optimisation software to drive

new levels of efficiency and flexibility

Intelligent power management

company Eaton today announced

the availability of Brightlayer Energy,

an AI-powered energy management

and optimisation system (EMOS). It

is designed to help building owners

manage, optimize and monetise energy

investments, while meeting local

regulatory requirements. The platform

delivers real-time data analysis,

forecasting and automated control to

help maximise benefits from building

electrical infrastructure and distributed

energy resources.

some cases, not right for the job. Material carriers solve

this issue, easily and safely transporting heavy items.

Electric carriers produce no exhaust fumes and make

little noise, making them ideal for interior and exterior

There are significant opportunities to

improve building energy performance.

The average commercial building in

the U.S. wastes 30% of its energy, while

75% of buildings have poor energy

performance in the European Union.

Brightlayer Energy software helps

address these challenges as part of

Eaton’s Buildings as a Grid approach,

which transforms buildings into

strategic and dynamic energy hubs that

drive new efficiencies, advance energy

resilience, reduce costs and accelerate

progress toward sustainability goals,

which are required in Europe under

the revised Energy Performance of

Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Founded in 1911, Eaton has

continuously evolved to meet the

changing and expanding needs of

our stakeholders. With revenues of

$27.4 billion in 2025, the company

serves customers in 180 countries.

For more information, please visit:

www.eaton.com. Follow us on:

LinkedIn

work. They also comply with regulations requiring use of

emission-free machinery on urban building sites, and they

may qualify for subsidies in some jurisdictions.

VTS Track Solutions saw an opportunity to improve

on the material carriers available on the market.

Drawing on their expertise in designing and producing

undercarriages and power packs for tracked machinery,

VTS began development work in early 2024 on Fero

Carriers, a new generation of rugged, compact batteryelectric

tracked vehicles capable of operating on multiple

terrains and conditions.

For more information, please visit the Fero Carriers

website or the Danfoss Editron eDrive webpage.

Atlantic Shrike achieves 11%

fuel reduction with SeaQ

Energy Storage System

Atlantic Towing Limited has achieved a

major milestone in its decarbonisation

journey with the successful retrofit

of the Atlantic Shrike. Equipped with

Vard Electro’s SeaQ Energy Storage

System, the Platform Supply Vessel has

recorded an 11% fuel savings across all

operations and substantial CO 2

savings.

As the maritime industry faces mounting

pressure to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions and enhance fuel efficiency,

vessel owners are seeking innovative

solutions to modernise their fleets.

In 2021, Atlantic Towing Limited,

a subsidiary of J.D. Irving Limited,

embarked on a mission to upgrade their

diesel-electric Platform Supply Vessel

(PSV), Atlantic Shrike, aiming to meet

the environmental requirements without

compromising operational reliability.

In close collaboration with Vard

Electro, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri

owned Vard Group, Atlantic Towing

implemented a comprehensive battery

retrofit onboard their PSV that has not

only ensured compliance with evolving

emissions regulations but also delivered

Danfoss announces production launch of

Editron ED3 onboard charger and ePTO

significant measurable improvements in

fuel savings and operational efficiency.

Atlantic Shrike is a diesel-electric PSV,

built in 2017. It measures 85.6 metres

in length with a beam of 22 metres,

and has a dead weight capacity of

4,200 metric tons. The vessel operates

primarily on the Grand Banks, off the

coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Please visit:

www.vard.com

Danfoss Power Solutions today announced the

production launch of its Editron ED3 onboard charger

and electric power take-off (ePTO). Initially designed

for on-highway applications and currently in use in

thousands of Volvo electric trucks, the ED3 has now been

standardised with communication protocols, software,

and documentation for off-highway applications. The

ED3 enables rapid overnight and opportunity charging

for heavy-duty electric machinery using readily available

AC chargers. Its three-in-one functionality – AC charger,

DC ePTO, and AC ePTO – reduces complexity and

streamlines machine design and integration.

The Danfoss Editron ED3 can deliver up to 44 kilowatts

of power to a machine’s main high-voltage battery,

the highest AC charging power currently available.

By delivering twice the power of the market standard

22kW onboard charger, the ED3 halves charging

time, minimising machine downtime. This power

level can fully charge heavy-duty electric vehicles

overnight using AC chargers. It also minimises charging

infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for DC

chargers, which can cost up to 10 times more to

procure and install than AC chargers.

To learn more, visit the ED3 onboard charger and

ePTO webpage.

Please visit:

www.danfoss.com

15


Recofloor surpasses 8,200

tonnes, assisting contractors with

vinyl flooring waste management

More than 8,000 tonnes of waste vinyl

flooring have now been collected and

recycled through Recofloor, the UK’s

industry-led scheme founded by Altro

and Polyflor in 2009. The milestone

underlines Recofloor’s growing role in

helping main contractors and flooring

contractors meet waste flooring

management and sustainability targets

set out in their business plans.

With flooring projects typically producing

substantial quantities of waste, the

choice about vinyl disposal must be

taken responsibly. Flooring contractors

who adopt Recofloor, know it becomes

a straightforward way to save waste for

recycling, reduce disposal costs by up to

60% and improve project’s environmental

impact by offering an alternative to

traditional waste disposal routes through

waste contractors.

Recofloor accepts a wide range of

commercial vinyl, including luxury vinyl tiles

(LVT), smooth, safety and loose lay vinyl

offcuts and roll ends, as well as uplifted

smooth and loose lay flooring. The service

integrates easily into large live construction

sites through lockable wheelie bins or bulk

bags, with free collections from site or from

contractors’ premises.

Importantly for contractors, Recofloor

provides collection certificates upon

request of a project’s completion, outlining

volumes collected and associated

savings. These can be used directly within

waste management plans, BREEAM

assessments and client reporting.

Recofloor is the UK’s leading vinyl

take back scheme. It is free to join

and simple to use. To find out more,

go to: www.recofloor.org or contact

Recofloor on: 0161 355 7618 or at:

info@recofloor.org.

The unifying power of

SterlingOSB Zero

As the annual SterlingOSB Zero/

RIBAJ competition celebrated

its 10th anniversary, the 2025

competition entitled Powers of Ten,

challenged architects to explore the

principles of scale. Entrants were

unrestricted by building standards

and were free to play with the concept

of scale and design a structure from

competition sponsor West Fraser’s

SterlingOSB Zero.

This year’s commended winners,

Olivia Dolan and Sem van der

Straaten, designed their Monolithic

Playhouse; a set of eight wooden

monoliths linked together with

SterlingOSB Zero to create one

unified structure.

Here Olivia and Sem explain the

inspiration behind their entry and what

they lie about SterlingOSB Zero.

Q) What inspired your design for the

competition?

When we were looking into the ideas

of scale originally, we wanted to do

something that was big. Then we

reconsidered and thought we’ll do

something that was small. We wanted

to play on the idea of something that

you would initially see as being like

a monolithic object, like a cathedral

or a church. We would then try and

scale that down to see how you

could interpret it in different ways.

We decided to have eight different

categories of elements, and we

wanted to have a very playful scene

where people could crawl under

or come on top of them. We put all

these elements together to produce

a versatile play stage; that was the

concept idea.

Q) As architects, what do you like

about SterlingOSB Zero?

The benefit of OSB is that you can use

it outside as it is durable; it opens up

more possibilities for design.

For further information, call:

01786 812921 or visit:

https://uk.westfraser.com

Award winning solutions, designed by an installer for installers

Introducing the future of heating efficiency

– The boiler & hot water protector:

Tired of emergency boiler or cylinder breakdowns,

skyrocketing energy bills, and wasted water?

This innovative, easy-to-install device acts

as a 24/7 guardian. Meet the revolutionary

device, designed to transform reactive repairs

into proactive, managed maintenance.

hotun detect® World’s first and only

in-tundish alarm

For your customers:

In the event of failure, the user is alerted

instantly to passing water with 4 ranges

of temperature to aid diagnosis. They can

intervene before a lockout or waste cycle

and arrange a managed repair.

It offers absolute peace of mind, replacing

the panic of a cold home with scheduled,

proactive servicing:

▲ Saves money: Reduces energy and water

waste, protecting capital expenditure.

▲ Early identification of failure: Avoids

further damage and loss and enables

consistent performance.

▲ Customer peace of mind: Instant alerts

enable them to halt waste and arrange

early repair.

For installation businesses:

Convert expensive, emergency callouts into

cost-effective managed maintenance. Stop

fighting emergencies and start managing

efficiency. Upgrade today – retro-fit with any

hotun® dry trap tundish.

Building Management system

The hotun detect® BMS reports instantly to

your system.

Visit us at Installer 2026, Stand: 5E10, ,

23rd-25th June 2026, NEC Birmingham,

entry is free, to see hotun® working live

under pressure.

Installation out of sight

(e.g. attic or plant room)?

The hotun detect®

remote is wired to a

secondary device located

in an occupied space

(kitchen, office, etc).

Officially accepted for use by some of the world’s largest manufacturers’

RA Tech UK Ltd

www.hotun.co.uk | 01332 702678 | info@ratechuk.co.uk

16

CHEP Spennymoor enhances fire safety

with advanced Honeywell Gent Self-

Testing System

CHEP Spennymoor, a key facility

specialising in the construction and

handling of product loads, has been a

long-term customer of FISCO, a facilities

management provider with over 8

years of partnership with Kings Secure

Technologies. Since 2019, Kings Secure

Technologies has been responsible for

the fire and security needs of the CHEP

Spennymoor site. In 2024, CHEP Spennymoor embarked

on a major refit, requiring an upgrade to their life safety

system. Due to the site’s 24/7 manufacturing operations,

the project demanded a solution that would ensure fire

safety compliance without disrupting production.

The challenge

During a routine inspection, a service engineer identified that

the existing fire alarm system at CHEP Spennymoor was

outdated and insufficient for the facility’s needs. The system

lacked adequate coverage, particularly in critical areas such

as the main warehouse, pump house, and welfare facilities

warehouse. The deficiencies highlighted a pressing need

for a comprehensive upgrade to meet current safety

standards. The challenge was to implement this upgrade

swiftly and without interrupting the site’s

continuous operations, especially given

the concurrent £4 million upgrade to

plant equipment in Unit 1.

The solution

KST group company, E-Fire (Honeywell

Gent Partner) carried out the system

refit. E-Fire proposed a state-of-theart

addressable fire alarm system that included Gent’s

innovative Self-Testing technology. This system allows

for fully compliant fire maintenance without halting

production, thus maintaining productivity and efficiency.

The result

The installation was completed on schedule, ensuring

that the broader site upgrade remained on track. CHEP

Spennymoor now benefits from a modern, addressable

fire alarm system that offers precise detection and easier

management.

Please visit:

https://www.chep.com/uk/en

https://www.edelman.com/uk

CheckFire partners with Bridgehill to

deliver industry-leading fire blankets for

lithium-ion battery fires

Leading fire safety supplier

CheckFire Ltd introduces

Bridgehill fire blankets into the LFX

range of lithium-ion battery fire safety

solutions. Designed to contain and

extinguish lithium-ion battery fires –

one of the fastest-growing fire risks

in modern industries – Bridgehill

fire blankets offer a cutting-edge

solution for fire safety in electric

vehicles (EVs), fossil fuel vehicles,

and industrial equipment such as forklifts.

As lithium-ion batteries increasingly power vehicles,

tools, and consumer electronics, the demand for

effective fire safety measures has grown significantly.

These batteries store vast amounts of energy, and when

damaged or if they overheat, they can enter thermal

runaway – a chain reaction

that generates intense heat

and flames, spreading to

nearby battery cells.

Bridgehill fire blankets

are specifically designed

to tackle these threats

– smothering flames,

isolating harmful smoke

and fumes, and reducing

the risk of fire spread. Unlike traditional solutions, such as

water, these blankets act quickly – deploying in seconds

to protect people, property, and the surrounding area

while minimising environmental impact.

Please visit:

https://www.checkfire.co.uk

Fire Safety News

Hochiki Europe

and Jendee

Trading join forces

for Caribbean fire

safety seminars

Hochiki Europe, a leading manufacturer of

innovative life safety solutions, is partnering

with Jendee Trading, a global provider with

nearly 50 years of experience exporting

British electrical and fire safety products

to the Caribbean, to deliver a series of

educational seminars and customer meetings

across the region. A key element of this

initiative will be the active participation of the

local Electrical Inspectorates on each island,

underscoring the commitment to ensuring

compliance with local laws and regulations.

From May 4th to May 22nd, a joint team from

Hochiki and Jendee will travel to St. Vincent,

St. Lucia, Trinidad, and Grenada. Critically,

they will be presenting alongside the local

Electrical Inspectorate to a wide array of

professionals, including fire safety installers,

electrical engineers, building owners, and

insurance companies. This collaborative

approach will ensure that the information

shared not only reflects international best

practices but also aligns directly with the

specific fire safety regulations and legal

frameworks in each island. The seminars will

cater to diverse industries such as tourism,

commercial, retail, entertainment, healthcare,

agriculture, food production, renewable

energy, and technology.

To learn more about Hochiki Europe and

their range of fire safety products, please

visit the website: hochikieurope.com

More than just ticking a box: Embracing EPDs at every level

Sustainability targets for design-led commercial

projects have now moved on from being a

badge of honour to a necessity for those facing

fast-approaching net zero deadlines. As a result,

contractors and specifiers are under increasing

pressure to deliver against these goals, adding

another layer of complexity to an already

crowded market of product choices.

This often creates a balancing act between

meeting regulations and achieving the

necessary compliance - especially in critical

areas like fire safety. EPDs simplify this

process, offering specifiers reassurance and

enabling them to select the most sustainable

products without sifting through complex

emissions reports.

EPDs are also essential for certifications like

BREEAM and LEED. While some forwardthinking

manufacturers are embracing EPDs

across all aspects of a building’s design, they

remain the exception, particularly with more

traditional construction projects.

By reversing this trend, we can make it

easier and faster for specifiers to achieve

emissions savings, particularly with products

as critical as fire doors. The entire sector

must move forward to better support the built

environment.

In this piece, Will Hunnam, Managing Director

of Forza Doors, will explain:

▲ The value of EPDs in specifying decisions;

▲ Why a sector where more products have

EPDs is a healthier and more sustainable

one;

▲ How EPDs that integrate with BIM and

digital twin software will be crucial in a

sustainable future.

Please visit:

https://www.forza-doors.com

17

Training & Development News

Is this the life I want? The 2026 career reset driving

Britons to quit, retrain and build something new

Louis Timpany, CEO of Fix Radio, on

why office workers are rethinking work

and turning to self-employment and the

trades.

January has long been the UK’s peak

moment for career change, but this

year the conversation feels sharper.

Research from Totaljobs found that

over four million workers (11%) were

actively looking for a new role heading

into the New Year, while ACS research

suggests 41% of workers expect to

make a significant career change in 2026, with more

FMB highlights power of

mentoring to strengthen

construction’s future

As the construction industry marks

National Mentoring Month this January,

the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

is calling on building firms to step up

their mentoring efforts to help tackle the

sector’s deepening skills crisis.

With the UK construction industry

requiring an estimated 47,860 additional

workers per year through to 2029, and

35% of the current workforce over the

age of 50 and approaching retirement,

the need to attract, train and retain the

next generation of skilled tradespeople

has never been more urgent.

SME construction firms train

approximately three-quarters of all

construction apprentices, demonstrating

the sector’s proud tradition of developing

the workforce. However, with 61% of

building firms reporting that their work

has been affected by skills shortages,

expanding mentoring programmes has

become essential to the industry’s future.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB,

said, “Mentoring has always been at

than a quarter planning to start their

own business and nearly one in four

considering retraining.

The jobs market is already reflecting

that mindset as we move into 2026.

REC and Lightcast data reported

by The Guardian showed new job

postings rose 34.4% in January 2025

compared with December, with overall

vacancies up 7.2% month-on-month,

the first increase since June 2024.

That early rebound has helped set the

tone for 2026, signalling renewed employer confidence

the heart of how our industry passes on

skills and values. The best builders I know

learned from someone who invested

their time to support and develop them.

As we face an ongoing skills shortage,

creating opportunities for experienced

tradespeople to mentor others isn’t just

good for individual building companies,

it’s essential for the future of construction.

Through mentoring, builders not only

give back but also strengthen their own

businesses by developing leadership

and communication skills, building

trusted networks and supporting the

next generation.”

Please visit: www.fmb.org.uk

at the same time workers are reassessing what they want

from work, security and progression.

Where people want to go next is also shifting. City & Guilds’

2024 Great British Skills Index, drawing on YouGov data, found

that nearly a third of UK workers are considering changing

careers, with under-35s most likely to look towards vocational

training and hands-on roles as alternatives to traditional officebased

work. The findings point to growing appetite for practical,

skills-led careers among those reassessing long-term

security, progression and job satisfaction.

Please visit:

https://www.fixradio.co.uk

Simon Acres Group partners with

Adroit Services to showcase the

apprenticeship journey

Specialist KBB recruitment agency, and

online training provider, Simon Acres

Group Limited is working in collaboration

with Adroit Services to document the

entire journey of hiring and developing

apprentices. The docuseries project is

in association with SENSTEC anti-slip

shower tray, and will span over 18 months.

Established in 1989, Adroit Services

is a family business that specialises in

bathroom installation. They employ all of

their multi-trade installers with a mission

to grow the next generation of talented

professionals within the business by

passing on the extensive knowledge

accumulated by their multi-award-winning

team over the years. Recently, Adroit

Services has taken on two apprentices to

support their goals. Emma Butt, Managing

Partner, Adroit Services, says, “We were

inspired by the focus on apprenticeships

and the panel discussions hosted by Simon

Acres Group and BiKBBI at InstallerSHOW

in 2024 to double our planned intake of

apprentices and accelerate our efforts to

address the skills gap in the KBB industry

ourselves.”

As an advocate for apprenticeships,

Simon Acres Group is working with

Adroit Services to address the questions

that many business owners have

about bringing an apprentice on board.

Each step in Adroit Services’ real life

apprentice journey will be filmed to

create a practical guide to help KBB

businesses navigate the skills gap and

build a stronger workforce for the future.

To find out more about the

apprenticeship journey project and

to follow the docuseries, please visit

Simon Acres Group’s Apprenticeship

and Skills Hub: https://simonacres.

co.uk/apprenticeship-and-skills-hub

BESA training aims to inspire future generations

The Building Engineering Services Association

(BESA) has launched a training programme to help

building services firms work more closely with

schools and inspire future generations of building

services engineers.

The BESA School Engagement and Engineering

Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by

the Association and was developed by the schools

engagement specialists Built Environment Skills in

Schools (BESS) which has worked with more than

4,000 schools across the UK.

The 12-week programme is designed to give

engineers and business owners the skills and

knowledge they need to engage effectively

with their local schools and promote career

opportunities in the building services industry.

BESA members regularly cite long-term skills

shortages as the biggest challenge to their

businesses and this new fully funded scheme is part

of the Association’s response. Members will now have

the chance to work with experienced

educators to gain insights into engaging

the interest of school children and

inspiring them to want to work in a sector

that can make a huge difference to major

social issues like climate change, air

quality, and health & wellbeing.

Sign up for the free BESA School

Engagement and Engineering

Discovery (SEED) Programme

and become part of this major new

initiative to inspire future generations

of building services engineers and

secure your skills pipeline.

Please visit:

https://www.thebesa.com

19

Appointments News

Schneider Electric appoints Alice Williams

as VP Digital Energy UK&I

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology

leader, has appointed Alice Williams as VP

Digital Energy UK&I.

Alice’s role will be to drive growth and impact

across the UK and Ireland Digital Energy

business. She will focus on delivering end

user energy savings and more resilient,

efficient operations for customers through

Schneider’s innovative energy management

and automation solutions. Alice succeeds

Kasim Mohammed who took on the role of VP

for Services UK&I earlier this summer.

Alice has been with Schneider Electric for over

six years. She is returning to the UK&I business

following time in the US as VP US Services

leading a team of 600 across multiple functions

and countries. In this role, she drove sustainable

improvements in execution, employee

engagement, and commercial outcomes,

supporting over $1 billion in revenue and laying

the foundation for scalable, data-driven growth

across five business units.

Prior to her time in North America, Alice held a key

role on the UK&I Executive Committee leading

Stepnell appoints senior leaders

to drive regional expansion and

framework excellence

COMPLETE construction

partner Stepnell has reinforced

its commitment to regional client

service and delivery on competitive

frameworks with the appointment

of Graham Lambert as director

for the Midlands region (pictured

left) and Craig Finn as framework

director (pictured right).

Graham Lambert brings extensive

expertise across construction

and property development,

encompassing sectors including

urban regeneration, education,

healthcare, STEM and cross-tenure

residential. Most recently, he spent six

years as managing director at Vinci UK

Developments leading regeneration and

urban development schemes. Prior to this

he held senior leadership roles at Linkcity

and Leadbitter, where he gained significant

experience securing and delivering public

sector schemes and frameworks.

Graham will oversee Stepnell’s operations

across the Midlands from its head office

in Rugby, focusing on strengthening

client relationships and expanding the

company’s portfolio of regional projects.

Craig Finn has been appointed to the

leadership team as framework director,

bringing significant expertise with

more than two decades of framework

procurement and delivery at central

and local government levels. His career

includes work winning roles at Tarmac

and more recently in a leadership

capacity at Henry Boot Construction,

where he served as a statutory board

director and led preconstruction and

framework strategies.

Craig will be responsible for ensuring

excellence across Stepnell’s existing

framework agreements while

spearheading growth into new regional

and national frameworks for the firm.

To find out more about Stepnell, please

visit: www.stepnell.co.uk

the Strategy Team. Her responsibilities spanned

strategy, commercial excellence, software

solution deployment, and emerging markets.

Alice’s career began in the British Army, where

she led technical and multifunction teams around

the world. This experience has equipped Alice

with a diverse skillset, including a particular talent

for managing large-scale teams and driving

operational excellence across diverse regions.

Please visit:

www.se.com

Planon appoints Sylvain Lamy

as Chief Revenue Officer for

facilities and field services

Planon, the leading global provider of

smart sustainable building management

software, has appointed Sylvain Lamy as

Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for Facilities

and Field Services, joining the company’s

Executive Management Team.

In this position, Sylvain Lamy will lead

Planon’s global commercial organisation

for the Facilities and Field Services

business lines, driving sales, services,

and partner growth worldwide.

“Sylvain brings a strong track record in

scaling enterprise software businesses

and leading high-performing international

teams,” said Peter Ankerstjerne, CEO

Planon. “His commercial acumen

and customer-centric mindset will

be instrumental as Planon continues

to advance its position as the leading

operating platform for buildings.”

“Planon has built a powerful foundation

as a global leader in smart building

management software,” said Sylvain

Lamy. “I look forward to collaborating

with our teams and partners worldwide

to deliver outstanding customer value

and accelerate our global growth.”

With more than 20 years of global

experience in enterprise software, sales

leadership, and business transformation,

Sylvain Lamy brings deep expertise in

driving predictable, recurring revenue

growth and empowering teams to

enhance customer success throughout

the life cycle.

Sylvain Lamy holds bachelor’s and

master’s degrees in Science from École

Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées and

Marnes-la-Vallée University in France.

Please visit:

https://planonsoftware.com/uk

Servomex appoints new Senior Global Product Manager

Servomex, international experts in gas analysis,

has appointed Giovanni De Dona as its Senior

Global Product Manager. He joins the Purity &

Specialty (P&S) gases team at the US Technical

Center in Woburn, Massachusetts.

With extensive experience in analytical

instrumentation, hazardous Industrial installations,

high-purity water and gas measurements, Giovanni

brings a strong background in managing global

portfolios of process analyzers and sensors. His

career includes senior roles at Oxford Instruments,

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Mettler Toledo, TASI, and

Galvanic Applied Sciences, where he successfully

developed long-term growth strategies and

product roadmaps that drove substantial market

competitiveness.

In his new role, Giovanni will be responsible for the

SERVOPRO DF-500, DF-700, and MonoExact

DF150/DF310 product ranges, with a particular

focus on leading efforts in the semiconductor

market. Acting as both an internal and external

advocate for this sector, Giovanni will work

closely with marketing, sales, technical, and

operations teams to deliver profitable growth

and further strengthen Servomex’s position as

a reliable leader in high-purity and specialty gas

analysis.

Fluent in several languages and equipped with

a global outlook, Giovanni brings a collaborative

approach and a dedication to deliver meaningful

solutions for Serovmex customers.

Please visit:

https://www.servomex.com

21

Elevate your home to new heights

Founded with a clear vision to

lead the platform lift industry,

Gartec has not only met this goal

but far surpassed it!

For over 30 years, Gartec has

been the UK’s leading supplier

of award-winning Aritco

platform lifts. Designed for both

commercial and residential use,

these lifts come with a five-year

warranty, and feature one of

the safest systems available

– including a built-in battery

backup in every model.

Gartec is a multi-award-winning lift provider

backed by a team of industry experts with years

of experience. This collaboration ensures that

every aspect of your lift solution is expertly

When it comes to safeguarding your property from

the elements, compromise is not an option. That’s

why Yeoman Rainguard has been a trusted name for

architects, contractors and homeowners across the

UK for decades. Our high-performance rainwater

systems combine durability, style and long-term

value – all backed by proven expertise.

handled, helping to elevate your

home to new heights.

Gartec offers a stylish and

practical range of home lifts

designed to make everyday

life easier and more accessible,

whether you’re a wheelchair

user, elderly, or have limited

mobility, its solutions help

futureproof your home, making it

comfortable and accessible for

years to come.

The range includes the Aritco

HomeLift, a luxury, highperformance

platform lift that’s compact and

quick to install; the Aritco HomeLift Access, its

most flexible and customisable lift designed for

private residences and utilises the screw and nut

technology which drives the lift via an energyefficient

electric motor; and the Aritco HomeLift

Compact, which provides the benefits of a lift in

the space of a wardrobe. For a more premium

feel, the VIMEC AR:IA offers a conventional

lift experience with telescopic doors, elegant

styling, an array of internal cabin finishes and

bespoke sizes, ideal for multi-level homes.

With Gartec, home accessibility is simple, stylish,

and built around your needs. Gartec also has a

range of lifts suitable for Commercial use that are

versatile and can be fully customised to suit your

business and environment.

Homebuilding & Improvements

Finding the right lift solution enhances

operational efficiency while saving both time and

money. Gartec offers a complete turnkey service,

guiding you from the initial consultation to the

final installation. With a dedicated maintenance

team, they ensure your lift operates at peak

performance, providing everything from routine

inspections to emergency repairs.

Choose Gartec for your next platform lift solution

– proud winners of the BUILD Design and Build

Awards 2024 for Best Platform Lift Supplier in the

UK and a Corporate Champion of the National

Paralympic Heritage Trust.

T 01296 397100

sales@gartec.com

https://gartec.com

Rainwater protection that performs – and impresses

We offer one of the widest ranges on the market,

with solutions to suit every property type. From

sleek, ultra-modern new builds to sensitive

heritage restorations, our systems are designed to

complement and protect. The XL-MOG aluminium

gutter system, with round or square downpipes,

is perfect for contemporary designs, delivering

clean lines with excellent water flow. For traditional

properties, cast iron-style gutters, galvanised

steel downpipes and decorative hoppers provide

authentic period charm without compromising

performance.

Every property is unique, and so are our solutions.

We specialise in made-to-measure systems, tailored

precisely to your project. From first enquiry to final

installation, our experienced team ensures every

system not only performs flawlessly but enhances

your building’s appearance.

At Yeoman Rainguard, we don’t just supply quality

products – we deliver confidence. Free samples,

detailed site surveys and no-obligation quotations

make it easy to plan your project. Our skilled in-house

installation team guarantees a perfect finish, working

cleanly, efficiently and with meticulous attention

to detail. Prefer to install yourself? Our nationwide

delivery service ensures your chosen system arrives

promptly and safely. You also have instant access to

our full range, design inspiration, and the convenience

of online shopping available on our website.

Choose Yeoman Rainguard for rainwater systems

that combine innovative engineering, proven

strength and timeless style. Protecting your home

has never looked so good.

Quality that endures:

T 0113 279 5854

info@rainguard.co.uk

www.rainguard.co.uk

23


Aquacut relocates

to state-of-the-art

Warrington facility

We’re excited to announce the

completion of our move to a brandnew

facility in central Warrington!

This significant investment

represents a major step forward

for Aquacut, allowing us to

expand our services, increase

efficiency, and continue delivering

the highest quality

craftsmanship to our

clients.

Our new premises

is equipped with

cutting-edge Ferrari

& Cigarini machinery,

enabling us to offer

an even wider range

of services, including

tile cutting, bullnosing, step treads,

cladding, and brick slip cutting.

Whether it’s precise profiling or

bespoke fabrication, we now have

the tools to take on even more

complex and creative projects.

In addition, we’ve relocated our

Proseam from The Bradclad Group

Proseam is a standing seam panel system

based on the well established principle of long

strip metal roofing. It was launched in response

to the growing demand for fully supported metal

roofing in the UK – especially in the residential

sector.

two advanced waterjet machines

capable of CNC cutting on almost

any material. To further enhance

our operations, we’ve implemented

a Dal Prete water filtration system,

allowing us to recycle water

and reduce waste as part of our

commitment to sustainability.

This move marks the beginning of

an exciting chapter for Aquacut,

and we’re ready to tackle your next

project. Contact us today to see

how we can help your project!

T 01565 344860

sales@aquacut.co.uk

secured to the roof by means of a

stainless-steel clip. Adjacent panels

are fitted or ‘snapped’ in place

with a soft hammer or mallet. No

additional seaming or ‘zipping’ of

panels is necessary.

Kudos Interior Design has over 28 years of experience

in the Commercial & Residential Interior Design industry,

we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to tackle any

project, intimate or large scale.

From the first idea to the final touches, we’re all about

bringing your vision to life and delivering something truly

special.

Our team are a fun mix of quirky, animal-loving,

confectionery guzzling, creative spirits who aren’t afraid to

voice our bonkers yet thought through wonderfulness. We

get excited about space and totally obsess over the details.

Let us bring that spark and a touch of our playful energy

into your home or workplace. We promise it will be a

design journey you won't forget!

T 0113 521 3777

hello@kudosid.com

www.kudosid.com

Panels are factory produced in a variety of

materials and finishes, and in different widths.

They are typically laid onto a ventilated plywood

deck as part of a trussed rafter system, or

perhaps a SIPS modular construction. A

breathable separation membrane is laid

between the metal panel and timber deck.

The standard Proseam panel is of a ‘Snaplock’

type design, where individual panels are

Proseam panels are manufactured

in 3000 series aluminium alloy,

with a PVDF paint system. The

aluminium is coil coated on modern

high speed lines and comes with a

30 year warranty.

Flashings and trims to complete

the perimeter detailing of the roof

are offered in the same material,

ensuring full colour matching of all

external roof components.

Proseam Energi-Roof in Anthracite, Minster precinct York

Working in conjunction with leading

manufacturers of light weight flexible solar

modules, Bradclad can offer a fully integrated

solar roof system – Proseam Energi-Roof.

Individual modules are laminated on to

Proseam panels in the factory under controlled

conditions. The result is a unique roof panel

system which turns the building into a power

station.

Contact

T 0191 233 6318

enquiries@bradclad.com

www.bradclad.com

Proseam roof on barn conversion,

Peak District

24


Better fit a FAKRO

At FAKRO, we are known for our knowledge,

trusted for our expertise, and celebrated for our

innovative solutions that redefine the standards

of architectural design and construction. From

our advanced roof windows to our highly rated

loft ladders, every FAKRO product embodies

our commitment to quality, functionality, and

security. With a dedicated team of experts ready

to support you at every step, FAKRO is simply a

better fit for your next project.

Our roof windows are at the forefront of

innovation, offering intelligent features designed

to enhance both performance and convenience.

For instance, we strategically position easyreach

handles lower on the window frame,

enabling the placement of windows higher in

a room. This thoughtful design floods interiors

with natural light while ensuring accessibility.

The V40p automatic air inlet optimises the

flow of fresh air, maintaining a healthy indoor

environment while minimising heat loss.

Furthermore, our pioneering topSafe antiburglary

system delivers an elevated level of

security, giving you peace of mind without

compromising style.

Beyond our product innovations, we

provide unmatched contractor support to

streamline your project from start to finish.

Our knowledgeable specification managers

offer tailored assistance with design, costing,

advanced scheduling, and technical guidance.

Whether you need detailed CAD resources or

access to our RIBA-accredited CPD program,

we are equipped to empower your vision and help

you achieve exceptional results.

At FAKRO, we understand that

every detail matters. That’s why

we offer an inspirational range of

colours and designs to ensure our

solutions integrate seamlessly into

your architectural plans. It’s also

why our loft ladders combine ease

of use with robust construction,

delivering reliability every time you

step on them.

We pride ourselves on being more

than just a supplier – we are a

partner in your success. Our focus

on combining unrivalled security, exceptional

performance, and forward-thinking design is

what makes FAKRO the perfect choice for any

project. Whether you’re seeking innovative

ways to brighten a space, improve ventilation, or

ensure security, FAKRO delivers solutions that

exceed expectations.

Discover the FAKRO difference for yourself. With

our expertise, innovative features, and steadfast

support, FAKRO is the partner you can rely on

to bring your vision to life. For your next project,

make the better choice.

Better fit a FAKRO.

Contact

www.fakro.co.uk

www.linkedin.com/company/fakro-gb-ltd

www.instagram.com/fakrogb

www.youtube.com/@fakrogb997

26


369 Construction Universe Group: Helping you

build and develop with confidence

At 369 CUG, we help everyday people, business

owners, and developers turn their building and

property dreams into reality. Whether you’re

looking for a plot of land, a property to renovate,

or starting a new build, we’re here to guide you

every step of the way. Our approach ensures you

maximise opportunities, avoid costly mistakes,

and achieve real results, making us the go-to

choice for anyone looking to build or develop.

What we do

Building or developing can feel overwhelming,

but with our help, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve

designed a simple process to make everything

straightforward and stress-free:

1. Find Your Land or Property: Whether

you’re searching for a plot of land or a

property to renovate, we’ll help you find the

perfect opportunity to start your journey.

2. Plan and Build: From renovations to new

builds, we create a strategy that’s tailored to

your unique needs and goals.

3. Complete and Succeed: We work with

you to ensure everything is finished to the

highest standards, helping you reach your

goals efficiently and effectively.

Results-driven success

We don’t just teach – you’ll see real, measurable

results. Our step-by-step system is built on

years of experience, and we estimate that

we help our clients avoid wasting an average

of £52,000 on a £400,000 project, based

on industry statistics. Our approach delivers

not only education but also tangible financial

savings and benefits. By steering clear of

common pitfalls and making smart decisions,

our clients achieve more without overspending.

Check out our testimonials to see the results

for yourself!

Why choose 369 CUG?

▲ Tailored Support: Every project is unique,

so we provide solutions that are designed

specifically for your needs.

▲ The Complete Package: From finding the

right property to completing your build,

we’re with you at every stage.

▲ Build Confidence: We give you the skills,

mindset, and focus to take control of your

project and succeed.

▲ Maximise Opportunities: Whether you’re

building your dream home or developing

for profit, we ensure you get the most out of

your investment.

The obvious choice

If you’re looking to build your own home or

become a successful developer – whether

through renovations or new builds – working with

us is a no-brainer. Our proven process, combined

with our hands-on support, ensures your project

is completed with confidence and success.

Ready to build?

Let’s turn your vision into reality. Visit:

www.369cug.com or email us at:

info@369cug.com to find out how we can help.

Educate. Empower. Prosper.

Building smarter, together.

28

Est. 1968

Sealing Solutions

The sole UK distributor for pioneering

the sealing industry’s top manufacturers;

DOYMA, FRANK and HKD

Visit www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

Telephone 01952 510050

Email sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

UK Manufacturer

Tree Suppliers

Rooted in quality, cellgrown

and 100% peat-free

Please visit www.rymertrees.co.uk

Joinery & Woodturning

Traditional Joiners using modern

machinery & techniques

Classifieds

Custom Made Joinery

Quality, custom made joinery

www.bluerunltd.co.uk

Outdoor Building

EXPERIENCE OUR QUALITY AND RANGE

OF GARDEN ROOMS AND GARAGES

Tel: 01484 850892

Web: www.croxfords.co.uk

CROXFORD’S

Joinery Manufacturers & Woodturners

Explore our range at

warwickbuildings.co.uk

Environmental Solutions

Timber Build

Health & Safety

Fireglass

We are an independent family owned

and run timber importer based in

Goxhill, North Lincolnshire. We mainly

specialise in large-section timber,

irregular sizes and long lengths.

Please visit www.longlengths.co.uk

T 01469 532922 | info@longlengths.com

Project Management

The foremost distributor of

building and industrial safety

signage in the industry

NEXT DAY DELIVERY

GIVE US A TRY! YOU WON’T BE

DISAPPOINTED

Bulk Handling

THE UK’S MOST

SPECIFIED

FIRE-RATED

GLASS COMPANY

FOR A REASON

GLASS WHEN YOU NEED IT

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IGUS | INTEGRAL BLINDS

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#TRUSTTHEEXPERTS

0121 667 9089

WWW.FIREGLASSUK.COM

Time Tracking & Project

Management Software for

Professional Services

Please visit:

www.coretime.com

29

Building & Construction Review Issue 431

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