Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

JAMES HARDIE LAUNCHES NEW ‘TOOLBOX TALKS’ SERVICE

 

James Hardie, a world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has launched a new ‘Toolbox Talks’ service to provide builders and homeowners with essential installation knowledge across its product portfolio.

 

Two new Technical Support Specialists have been appointed to deliver the service.  Mitchell Pearson will support clients in the South West and South East. He joins from Persimmon Homes where he was Site Manager and brings with him extensive project management and construction experience.

 

Andrew Coote will be responsible for clients in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland. He has worked at James Hardie as a Channel Manager for 2 years and has an excellent understanding of the full product range.  Prior to that he worked as an installer using James Hardie products, giving him a comprehensive knowledge of potential on-site project issues.

 

The new service will include pre-installation training sessions for every project and a pre-project meeting with the builder or developer to ensure drawings and products are aligned before on-site work begins, preventing any costly downtime.  Once the project has begun there will be regular site visits to carry out project audits, ensuring all products have been installed correctly.

 

Simon Buckmaster, Technical and Sales Service Manager at James Hardie said:

“Our new service will elevate the James Hardie offering even further providing our clients with wraparound support throughout the duration of their project.

“Having Andy and Mitchell on board means that any questions or concerns can be dealt with early, and that installation is a smooth and stress-free process.”

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ‘TOOLBOX TALKS’

 

 

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Exciting Times at Breathing Buildings as Company Strides Ahead in Indoor Air Quality

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Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems, is striding ahead in indoor air quality (IAQ) with three exciting developments. Firstly, the company has led the way in innovation by recently celebrating winning ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024. The company won the award with its new NVHRe, Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe), which is the latest addition to its award-winning range of Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling (NVHR®) systems. Secondly, building on this success, the company has invested in a new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper to help grow the Breathing Buildings brand providing industry leading ventilation solutions. Thirdly, Breathing Buildings is exhibiting for the first time in Ireland at the Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition.

 

Breathing Buildings scooped the Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year award at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 12th September at London’s Chelsea Harbour Hotel. Breathing Buildings won the award for its innovative NVHRe, which raises the bar on energy efficient ventilation. Marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology, the key difference between Breathing Buildings’ original NVHR® range and the new innovative Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe) is an addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing great occupant comfort, and allowing users to include it within the building energy assessments (SBEM).

 

Keen to raise the importance of energy efficient ventilation and the benefits of good IAQ in buildings, Breathing Buildings is excited to have welcomed a new member to its team. Matthew Cooper joins Breathing Buildings as Business Development Director. With over 15 years’ experience within the HVAC industry, Matthew comes with drive and enthusiasm to help steer the team to even more wins.

Matthew Cooper, Business Development Manager

 

 

On joining Matthew said “I’m super excited to join the team and it appears to be perfect timing with our new NVHRe winning the Commercial/ Ventilation Product of the Year at the HVR Awards in my second week of joining! I’m eager to go out and about, meeting customers, gaining new contacts and helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand.”

 

 

Expanding its brand presence beyond the UK, Breathing Building is exhibiting in Ireland for the first time at Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition on 6-7 November 2024, collaborating with Lindab on Stand 519 at RDS Dublin, Hall 2. At the exhibition, the company is hoping to share the wealth of experience it has on how to improve IAQ in schools. The event is organised in partnership with the Government of Ireland and comprises a 2-day multi-stream conference and an exhibition. The aim of all those involved is to create high-quality learning environments for all students and learners. IAQ is recognised as an important part of this goal.

 

The focus on indoor air quality in schools is not new. Prior to the pandemic there was already an increasing awareness of how indoor environments impact our health and wellbeing. In the UK ventilation guidance for schools already existed in the form of Building Bulletin 101 (BB101). The document’s last revision, the 2018 edition of BB101: ‘Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools’ looks at the key design elements of modern ventilation systems in schools. The document sets out requirements for schools to improve ventilation to help create a healthy and comfortable environment that will help improve children’s learning outcomes. Breathing Buildings is now hoping to offer its help to improve learning environments in Ireland too by enhancing IAQ.

 

“It is exciting times at Breathing Buildings at the moment. Not only did we win the ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category with our NVHRe at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024 but we have been shortlisted for the H&V News Awards’ ‘Commercial HVAC Product of the Year – Ventilation’ category too, and we are looking forward to the event that will be held on 28th November.

We also welcome our new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper who has joined the team with 15 years of industry experience and is focussed on helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand,” said Alexis Roberts, Brand Manager at Breathing Buildings.

 

 

The company’s award-winning NVHRe offers the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance IAQ and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary.

 

Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants.

 

The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; needing no radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control.

 

The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver superb thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy efficient mode possible at all stages.

 

Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space, in return reducing energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor, as well as an intelligent controller the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing.

 

Breathing Buildings’ multi-award-winning natural ventilation with heat recycling (NVHR®) range won the Energy Efficient Product of the Year Award at the prestigious Energy Awards, and also recently won three awards for providing ventilation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance project with the Breathing Buildings’ NVHR® range.

CLICK HERE

For further information on NVHR®, NVHRe and E-stack ventilation,

as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings

or call us on 01223 450 060

 

 

 

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Canadian Researchers develop Innovative Connection System for Modular Homes

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Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada have reimagined the construction of modular homes with the development and testing of an innovative new design that allows the structures to be more easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas.

The design of the Structural Timber and Applied Research Team (START), located in Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a wall-to-floor connection with few bolts needed in each connection. Unlike traditional fasteners, the novel connector plate was intentionally designed for ease of disassembly and reassembly, ideal for multiple reuses and relocations.

The demand for flexible housing options — compounded by concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities — is spurring the need for inventive solutions that can expedite the deployment of safe, sustainable and affordable homes. The ability to reuse walls and other parts means fewer materials end up in landfills. The lightweight and durable CLT is ideal for modular housing in remote areas with limited road access. The system is conceived to be transported in a flat pack arrangement and be assembled using little to no heavy equipment.

“Our goal is to redefine how modular buildings are conceived and implemented,” said Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Waterloo and lead on the project. “We are leveraging mass timber in combination with other lightweight and sustainable materials to create a system that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without compromising structural integrity or affordability.”

START’s connector runs counter to common design methodology as it is purposefully designed to allow for multiple reuses and relocations. Moving away from the use of multiple small fasteners closely spaced allowed the team to develop a connector that is practical for disassembly and reassembly.

The researchers tested the strength of their design by standing two CLT panels measuring 2 meters by 2.8 meters upright in a lateral design setup and pushing on it with 60 kN of force, which far exceeds the lateral forces each panel would usually experience. In testing, the novel wall-to-floor connection system proved fit for reuse following several cycles of loading, disassembly and reassembly.

“Reuse means less waste and fewer carbon emissions, so our design’s reusability is an important step forward in circular economy construction methods,” said Daniela Roscetti, who led the research as part of her master’s thesis under the supervision of Lacroix and Dr. Andrea Atkins, a professor in CEE.

START plans to refine their design and conduct rigorous testing in the next stage of development. The team is pursuing partnership and funding opportunities.

Source: University of Waterloo

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Riverside project showcases modern construction techniques

CREAGH Concrete has played a key role in the delivery of Granary Quay, the third phase of the Dandara riverside masterplan in Glasgow Harbour.

The stylish rental development, comprising 342 new homes on the banks of the River Clyde, has helped revitalise an empty area of land and introduced a vibrant way of living to the community.

Creagh Concrete was entrusted with the design, manufacturing, and installation of the precast frame and sandwich panels, a decision that the company revealed ultimately ‘streamlined’ the construction process.

The GH20 project consists of an L-shaped block of accommodation designed to offer a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom flats. Additionally, the ground floor features commercial spaces, social areas, and a gym.

The design incorporated a large podium landscaped courtyard, creating a series of outdoor spaces that provide views of the shipbuilding site on the opposite side of the River Clyde.

Creagh Concrete explained that the use of a ‘limited palette’ of architectural concrete finishes contributed to the building’s aesthetic appeal. The construction involved concrete sandwich panels and a precast frame, all of which were prefabricated with windows fitted prior to delivery to site. The entire on-site assembly was completed within one year.

For the task, Creagh utilised Rapidres, described as a fast-track offsite crosswall build system developed for residential projects, including apartments, student accommodation, hotels, social housing and custodial accommodation.

Creagh design, manufactures and installs the complete structure. The firm added that Rapidres is ideally suited to multi-storey projects where the layout is replicated consistently across each floor.

The system is a ‘high performance precast insulated sandwich panel built offsite for high quality factory internal finishes with a wide range of external finishes that can match that of virtually any other build type’.

“The GH20, Granary Quay project stands as a successful collaboration between Dandara, the architects, and Creagh Concrete Products Ltd. The innovative use of precast concrete components not only accelerated the construction process but also ensured a high level of quality and durability,” Creagh stated.

“Granary Quay has become a landmark in Glasgow Harbour, showcasing the potential of modern construction techniques to create sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional living spaces. Creagh Concrete’s expertise and commitment to excellence have played a crucial role in the success of this transformative project.”

Source: Project Scotland

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CLAY: cheap, abundant, and sustainable (video)

Printing with earth-based materials ETH Zurich researchers have developed a fast, robot-assisted printing process for earth materials that does not require cement.

 

Entire houses can be constructed using clay or excavated earth, materials that are inexpensive, widely available, and sustainable as they do not require cement. However, traditional building methods for these materials are labour-intensive, slow, and therefore costly.

 

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a rapid robotic printing process for earth-based materials that eliminates the need for cement. This process, known as “impact printing,” involves a robot shooting material from above to gradually build a wall. The components bond upon impact, requiring minimal additives. Unlike concrete 3D printing, this method does not necessitate pauses for the material to solidify. The current mixture used includes excavated materials, silt, and clay. 75 per cent of the material is reclaimed waste.

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ZENTIA’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

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The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for change within our industry. At Zentia, we are working hard to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible and help in the journey towards a better future.

Our comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report details our ongoing efforts and ambitious targets to significantly reduce our environmental impact and support the global drive towards Net Zero by 2050.

 

What we have achieved so far

In our ceiling tile manufacturing process, we repurpose 1,400 tonnes of pre-consumer waste, sourced from local suppliers. That is the equivalent to the weight of approximately 12 blue whales! When newspaper production was in decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing trends of online readership compared to traditional print, we reviewed our manufacturing process and now we also incorporate 200 tonnes of pre-consumer egg cartons into our ceiling tiles, the equivalent of 16 cruise ship anchors.

Our recycling initiatives extend beyond our manufacturing process. Members of our award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme gain access to our off-cut recycling scheme, allowing them to return tile off-cuts to our factory in Gateshead. These off-cuts are then reintroduced into our manufacturing process to create new tiles, promoting a circular economy.

We aim to conserve as much water as possible by also recycling the water used in our manufacturing processes.

Our commitment to ESG goes beyond just our environmental impact. As members of the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, we are passionate about apprenticeships and retaining core skills within our local area. This initiative helps to ensure a skilled and competent workforce for the future.

Our promises and targets

Zentia’s journey from Armstrong Ceilings to an independent UK manufacturer marks the beginning of our focused ESG efforts. By 2025, we aim for all UK-made products to be covered by single product-level Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). We predict that 91.8% of our products will be manufactured in the UK by then. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we have started measuring resource usage at the product level and are working with BRE to enhance the value of our EPDs.

We have set a target to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025, supported by £4.5 million investment and various process improvement projects. Our commitment to providing transparent information about our sustainability credentials will help us gain recognition in the market.

Health and safety best practices are also integral to our operations at Zentia. We strive for zero recordable incidents across our business, reflecting our responsibility towards our people and our dedication to creating a sustainable business environment.

We are proud of the strides we have made and remain dedicated to achieving our ambitious targets, ensuring a positive impact on the environment, our community, and the industry as a whole.

For more detail CLICK HERE to see our report

 

 

 

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Rinnai: Quality is Our Destiny – The Commitment to Manufacturing Excellence

Chris Goggin explains how “Kaizen” and “Kanban” methodologies provide insight to the high standards of production values that globally renowned Japanese brands embed into the totality of the manufacturing practices.

 

Japanese manufacturing is renowned for high levels of aesthetic and operational function. Many of the globe’s leading brands in electrical and combustion technology are from Japan, such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Sony, all of which incorporate the “Kaizen” and “Kanban” methodology into daily operations.

The term Kaizen has come to mean “continuous improvement,” a broader interpretation can be translated as continuous improvement in personal life, home life, social life and working life. A Kaizen approach focuses on implementing gradual and incremental changes that will produce long-term improvements in efficiency and quality in private and professional life.

To create continuous improvement across multiple platforms in professional and general life, the Kaizen attitude suggests adopting 5 key principles to improve an individual’s approach in work, social life and at home.

These five principles that facilitate the concept of Kaizen are as follows: Know Your Customer, let it Flow, Go to Gemba, Empower People and Be Transparent. Together, these elements encourage personal and group progression in professional and private life quality output.

“Know Your Customer” identifies what is truly required by the customer and delivers enhanced end-product that exceeds demand. “Let it Flow” concentrates on creating a smooth flow of processes and practices. Identifying and eliminating production bottlenecks and reducing customer waiting times. This principle focuses on eliminating waste in all aspects of the commercial operation – waste is viewed as any culture or practice that does not benefit the customer or encourage professional productivity.

The third principle “Go to Gemba” translates as being always concerned with all matters in every department. “Be Transparent” is the idea of utilizing and measuring data that improves company progress. The final principle “Empower People” relates to providing appropriate tools to successfully complete group targets that maximize production efficiency.

Toyota engineer Taiichi Ohno

Kanban was invented by Toyota engineer Taiichi Ohno during the late 1940s. The term “Kanban” when broken down into two words from Japanese to English means “Kan” (sign)” and “Ban” (board). Kanban is a philosophy that seeks to encourage continuous improvement in production and business methods by measuring project progress through visual Kanban boards.

A Kanban approach was employed to improve Toyota’s production system by incorporating elements of lean manufacturing into their process. Kanban framework allowed Toyota to transition from a “push” process (products are pushed on to the market) into a “pull” system (products that are created due to market demand). This idea allows companies to risk low inventory levels whilst remaining competitive.

Kanban is also referred to as the “Just in Time” (JIT) system, company production can concentrate on creating products because of consumer demand as opposed to manufacturing products that rely on anticipated demand.

Kanban boards are organised into columns – each column contains visual cards that represent a task during a separate stage of work. The team can easily track task progress and share necessary information that assists in task completion. Kanban boards are an agile and fluid visual form of measuring group progress during the completion of a task.

The creator of the Kanban framework Taiichi Ohno maintains strong links to Rinnai and has had a discernible influence and impact on Rinnai’s production system. Ohno visited Rinnai’s Japanese production plant and provided critical observations and advice that led to Rinnai adopting lean manufacturing principles that enhanced product producing efficiency.

Japanese electrical goods manufacturing is globally recongnised as the highest in performance and production efficiency due to a selection of professional techniques, amongst these are Kaizen and Kanban methodologies. Many Japanese companies adopt elements of both Kaizen and Kanban ideals which has led to Japanese engineered and manufactured products being regarded as being amongst the finest in the world.

Rinnai products incorporate the best manufacturing techniques
ensuring robust product performance, extended warranties and cost effectiveness

 

To learn more about Rinnai products

CLICK HERE to join our monthly newsletter

 

 

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY  

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.
RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of
ALL HOT WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-

 SAVINGS OF

    20%    REDUCTION of opex cost

30%   REDUCTION of initial cost

15%   REDUCTION in carbon

75%   REDUCTION of space

 

 

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MKM Launches ‘Dug the Digger’ Competition

MKM Building Supplies (MKM) Launches ‘Dug the Digger’

Competition to Celebrate Upcoming Tool Hire Milestone

 

MKM Building Supplies (MKM), the UK’s proper independent builder’s merchants, has announced its ‘Dug the Digger’ competition, coinciding with the upcoming addition of the 100th machine to its Tool Hire fleet this October. To mark this significant milestone, MKM is offering customers the chance to win a JCB 16C-1 Canopy Mini Excavator, affectionately named “Dug the Digger,” complete with an exclusive MKM wrap.

 

The competition is part of MKM’s effort to spread the word about the wide range of tools, machinery, and equipment we have available for hire. With the 100th machine on the way, it marks another step forward for our Tool Hire division and shows our dedication to offering customers an even bigger selection of top-quality hire products.

 

“Since launching MKM Hire back in 2022, I’ve had the pleasure of watching it thrive as the business has invested in what is now an outstanding range of equipment.” said Lee Armsby, MKM’s Head of Tool Hire.

 “The ‘Dug the Digger’ competition is our way of saying thanks to our loyal customers while showing off the variety and strength of our hire range. With the 100th 1.5T excavator coming soon, it’s proof of how well our Tool Hire service is doing, and we’re thrilled to give one of our customers the chance to win this awesome prize.”

 

How to Enter the Dug the Digger competition:

Customers who spend £250 (EXC VAT) or more on Tool Hire at any of the 18 participating MKM Tool Hire branches between 07:00 am on October 1st, 2024, and 11:59 pm on October 31st, 2024, will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

 

MKM Tool Hire branches are Banbury, Berwick, Bromsgrove, Blackpool, Eastleigh, Edinburgh, Grantham, Kings Lynn, Leeds, Lincoln North, Manchester Central, Norwich, Perth, Retford, Derby, Chester, Galashiels, Alnwick

The competition is open to both new and existing customers.

 

Robert Wilson, MD of T C Harrison JCB, one of MKM Hire’s partners, added,

 

“Since their Tool & Plant Hire launch in 2022 MKM Hire have purchased over 300 JCB units including micro and mini excavators, site dumpers, compaction rollers, access platforms as well as tracked dumpsters.  I would like to say a huge thanks to the team for their continued business and support”

 

Tool Hire at MKM

 

MKM offers an extensive range of equipment to meet the needs of both construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Working in partnership with leading brands including JCB, Dragon, and Bosch, MKM provides everything from power tools and site dumpers to lighting and landscaping equipment, ensuring that whatever your project demands, you have access to the best tools for the job.

 

The Prize

One lucky winner will receive their very own JCB 16C-1 Mini Excavator, ‘Dug the Digger’. The mini digger, featuring a limited-edition MKM wrap, is a powerful addition to any business, offering unmatched versatility and performance.

 

The winner will be drawn on 4th November and announced shortly after.

 

Terms & Conditions:

Participants must spend £250 (EXC VAT) on hire in October at participating Tool Hire branches to be eligible for the competition. The winner will be selected at random, and the prize cannot be exchanged for cash or any other monetary value. The winner will be responsible for the storage and maintenance of the mini-digger. Full terms and conditions can be found on the MKM website.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MKM WEBSITE

 

 

 

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MODULAR SUCCESS FOR INTEGRA

From left, Chris Turner and Gary Parker

 

 

Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year, and has highlighted a string of contracts which have underpinned this growth.

East Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history.

Income reached £50.4m in the year ending December 31, 2023, up 18% on the previous 12 months, with pre-tax profits of £6.6m, up from £2.8m in 2022.

Key to the success were a series of projects, including the delivery of a £6m new facility for a world-class sports organisation, as well as contracts won with blue chip clients including Network Rail and Transport for London.

Integra says it continues to deliver major investments at its headquarters site in Paull, near Hull, including an expanded head office and wide-reaching sustainability initiatives.

It has set its sights on exceeding £60m turnover in 2025 and is investing in its team to lay the foundations for continuing growth.

CEO Gary Parker said:

“Hitting £50m turnover for the first time reflects a hugely successful period for Integra, delivering impactful projects for clients spanning both the public and private sectors.

“As we have grown organically, we have evolved from a modular manufacturer to a full-service modular construction company which is delivering turnkey projects spanning design, consultation, planning, manufacture, delivery and installation.

“Throughout our history, we’ve remained focused on delivering buildings of outstanding quality. Our reputation for excellence and consistently exceeding expectations is driving ever-growing numbers of enquiries from clients looking for modular solutions to their projects.”

As well as smaller scale contracts, a total of 15 projects worth at least £1m each were successfully delivered during 2023.

Integra’s single biggest project during the year was a development for one of the world’s best-known sports organisations.

The business also delivered a Wellbeing Hub for NHS staff at Southampton General Hospital.

Other important contracts included a staff accommodation and maintenance building at Transport for London’s Neasden Depot and a new training centre for Network Rail at its Innovation & Development Centre in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.

Integra continues to work with leading organisations including National Highways and the Ministry of Defence with a healthy order book and pipeline of high-quality contracts.

Chris Turner, managing director, said:

“Our strong performance is in line with a structured growth plan which was put in place to ensure we remain at the forefront of a fast-growing modular construction industry.

“It means, as a business, we are well placed for the next chapter of our story, as we continually look to evolve the services we offer to our clients.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our team who have played a massive part in what was the most successful year in Integra’s history.”

The firm is also midway through a £2m investment programme at its East Yorkshire site, including a self-built expansion to its modular head office.

Over the past six years, Integra’s workforce has grown from a team of 80 to around 180, and the new space will cater for the company’s expanding office-based team.

 

Source: Business Desk

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UK COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC AIR COOLING: A POLICY BLIND SPOT

 

Rinnai’s Tony Gittings looks at the future demand and effects of air cooling on domestic and commercial properties across the UK and Europe. As global temperatures increase, air conditioning units will likely become a requirement for UK and European domiciles and the built environment. What will the effect of air cooling be upon the national electrical grid and UK/ European NetZero ambitions?

 

All present energy policy is firmly centered on reducing fossil fuels and increasing renewables as well as the effects these two fuels produce. Nothing is mentioned of an increase on future demand for commercial and domestic cooling and air conditioning technologies that will influence energy demand and NetZero aims.

Considering rising global temperatures and an increase in UK national humidity levels it would make sense to examine available information that provides some insight into what could happen when domestic and commercial cooling & air conditioning units become a property necessity.

A recent article in the Independent newspaper quoted a survey held by insurers Direct Line questioning London estate agents on air conditioning demand.

“Some 95% of estate agents are seeing an increase in demand for homes with air conditioning as temperatures rise, a survey has suggested. More than four in five agents (88%) also reported a rise in homes coming to the market with built-in air conditioning,” said the report.

 

This survey suggests that air conditioning is at the very least a sought-after luxury, if not a ‘must have’ appliance such as a washing machine or microwave. A sharp rise in future UK cooling & air conditioning unit demand is expected and the extra power they require for operation passes on strain to the electrical grid.

Last June when temperatures exceeded 30°C (86˚F) the national grid had to utilize coal to provide enough power created by air conditioning usage. This was the first time in 48 days the UK grid had to use fossil fuels.

The Statista webpage has published a number of projections solely focused on the UK air conditioning market. The UK air cooling market is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 3.78% between 2024-2029. Additionally, there is an anticipated volume growth of 2.9% in 2025. There were also record UK sales of air cooling in 2021 at 213,000 confirmed purchases. 2021 is the last available year for definitively confirmed statistics in air cooling sales.

International usage of air-cooling units is also expanding due to sharp rises in regional temperature. Southern France, Italy and Spain now regularly experience plus 40°C heat throughout their summer months. All mentioned countries have had to place into effect a limit on air cooling temperatures so not to place too much strain on the electrical grid.

According to Idealista, a European real estate company, 41% of Spanish housing stock is equipped with air cooling technology. The Spanish air conditioner market is expected grow an annual rate of 4.25% from 2024 to 2029 and an anticipated volume growth of 3.6% in 2025.

In 2022 Spain had to introduce measures that ensured a reduction of energy usage following the Ukraine invasion and successive heat waves that have been attributed to global warming. Spanish authorities maintain legitimate concerns that an increase of electrical demand from air cooling technology could potentially lead to grid malfunctions.

Italy has experienced grid difficulties that amount to periodic blackouts specifically in the business capital Milan during July of this year – 2024. A spike in air cooling technology used to negate severe heat is thought to be a major contributing factor towards these electrical grid shutdowns due to exceeding grid capacity.

Growth in Italian air cooling is projected to increase sharply in the coming years due to excessive heat caused by rising global temperatures. An annual growth rate of 6.96% from 2024 to 2029 is expected as is volume growth of 6.9% in 2025 of Italian purchases of air-cooling technology.

France is another country affected by a rise in uncomfortable summer season temperatures. French domiciles and commercial properties are resorting to purchasing air cooling technology.

French electricity operator RTE has reportedly decided to refrain from exporting end-product electricity. RTE aims to protect the grid from increased demand attributed to air conditioning technology usage. Italy relies on French electrical imports to meet demand and could potentially feel ramifications due to the heat and air-cooling demand in France and in Italy.

French purchases of air conditioning technology are projected to increase over the coming years, with a domestic market annual growth rate of 8.45% between 2024 and 2029 and volume growth of 8.5% in 2025.

Separate national electric grids from across notable economies in Europe are struggling to provide energy demand that satisfies domestic and commercial air-cooling requirements during elevated temperatures. UK, European and international growth in air conditioning units is expected to rise in the coming years with electrical grids requiring updating and maintenance in order to deal with added demand.

UK, European, and global NetZero objectives will be impacted by an expansion in air-cooling technology usage due to the added pressure they impose on electrical grids. In a global movement towards electrification supplied by renewables, national infrastructure that transports electrical energy requires updating costing billions in finances and many, many hours of intricate labour.

It could be argued that grid complications will undoubtedly become more prevalent whilst rising global temperatures cause customers to seek air cooling solutions for their commercial and domestic properties.

Rinnai is determined to keep all customers informed of any changes relating to policy amendments and nuances that affect customer energy options and choice.

 

 

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