Demonstrating the potential of offsite technology in the North West

The first North West regional event in the Explore Offsite series will take place on 12 September 2018 in Manchester at the University of Salford. The combined conference and exhibition will bring together a range of offsite technology supply chain specialists and industry leaders to discuss the uptake of offsite construction within the region.

Explore Offsite North West will focus on the key themes of offsite technology, supply chain resources and opportunities within the sector. Through informative case studies and presentations from industry pioneers, the event aims to attract construction clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, building product manufacturers and suppliers.

Offsite manufacture is a progressive step that helps to challenge outdated assumptions about the construction sector and encourage more young professionals into the industry. The sector will generate savings in the long term, but the overwhelming message has been, that companies at every level of the supply chain should invest in offsite manufacture and construction processes sooner rather than later, or risk being left behind.

A well-known figure in the North West – Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman for Urban Splash, once sold fire extinguishers door to door. Following a meteoric rise to fame, Urban Splash has developed over a billion pounds of regeneration projects across the country. Tom was awarded an MBE for services to architecture and urban regeneration in 1999 at the age of 35.

In his presentation ‘Urban Splash Modular and why we bought the Factory’ – Tom explains the rationale behind acquiring SIG’s modular factory and assets. “Urban Splash is committed to expanding its offsite construction capacity and this purchase is a way to vertically integrate our business and give us control of the production of our houses,” said Tom. “It is a testament to our commitment to, and investment in, modular housing.”

Osco Homes is all about making a positive social impact, in her presentation Gwen Beeken, Managing Director – discusses how their successful affordable housing projects are employing a different workforce. A wholly owned subsidiary of Procure Plus, Osco Homes’ objective is to deliver affordable houses constructed offsite at a factory based in HM Prison Hindley, Greater Manchester. Within three years Osco Homes hope to reach an output of 1,000 homes a year. The model is for the prisoners to be trained and then supported into full time employment upon release. Of the 14 prisoners who are taking part in the scheme and have been recently released, nine gained full time employment and only one re-offended (7%) – the national average for re-offending within six months is a staggering 60%. This pioneering project uses fully offsite manufactured housing solutions – the aim of filling the skills gap in this way, makes it a truly innovative project. It is not just about building affordable homes but providing training and opportunities for people who may have taken a wrong turn in life but are keen to change.

EOS Offsite Solutions design, manufacture and bring fully tested solutions to market which drives specification in UK construction. Peter Burchill from EOS Offsite Solutions will be presenting ‘Lightening the Load for the Residential Sector’. As experts in load bearing light steel frame (LSF) panelised and preassembled systems – EOS Offsite Solutions design and manufacture innovative load bearing pre-assembled solutions for pod and modular specialists, together with systems for multi-rise developments. With continued investment and expansion of production facilities, underpinned by 14 years’ experience in the offsite sector – EOS are geared up and ready to increase market share in the offsite load bearing market.

EOS Offsite Solutions is part of Etex Building Performance which brings together the products and solutions of four dry construction materials companies – Siniat, Promat and EOS Facades.

These speakers will be joined by experts and academics in the field of offsite technology and applications. Tickets cost just £125 plus vat and include; entry into the conference and exhibition, lunch and refreshments. For more information about the event, speakers and to book your place go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/2018-events/explore-offsite-north-west.