RABY CASTLE CELEBRATES ITS EQUINE PAST

RABY CASTLE CELEBRATES ITS EQUINE PAST AS WORK COMMENCES ON 18th CENTURY COACH HOUSE AND STABLES

 

Restoration work is underway on the 18th century Coach House and Stables at Raby Castle, a key part of ‘The Rising’ development, the ambitious project to restore historic buildings to create a unique new visitor experience for 2024.

The prominent Grade II* listed Coach House and Stables reflect the Vane family’s long-standing passion for horses. The buildings were designed by renowned architect John Carr in the late 1700s, to house the family’s collection of heritage carriages, as well as its horses. As part of the restoration, each of the buildings’ original features, including cast iron Victorian stable partitions, have been refurbished and repurposed to create a unique heritage space, which will be used for beautiful retail and exhibition areas.

Showcasing Raby Estate’s rich past, the Coach House will house a free-to-enter exhibition, giving visitors a taste of what is to come when venturing into the historic castle, surrounding parklands and wider areas of the Estate.

The centrepiece of this exciting exhibition will be an audio-visual projection onto a bespoke carved oak eight metre table, sourced sustainably from the Estate, crafted by local artisan furniture maker Anthony Nixon, of Barnard Castle. The projection will showcase the unique Teesdale landscape, part of the wider Estate, and highlight iconic landmarks such as High Force Waterfall, as well as the sights and sounds of the local area and wildlife.

In the neighbouring Tack Room, extensive refurbishments are underway, restoring and conserving items from Raby’s proud equine history, including saddles, bridles, carriage sets and a traditional travelling chest which belonged to Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland when he served in the 75th Regiment of Foot. Each restored piece will be displayed in its historic setting.

The Drying Room, traditionally used for storage, will include an additional audio-visual display, presented by Lord Barnard, in which he will provide insight into the work of the wider Estate.

Adjacent to the exhibition space, will be a beautiful new retail space, offering a curated selection of homeware and gifts, displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. Raby’s philosophy is local wherever possible, with the retail space offering high-quality, artisan gifts you can’t find anywhere else.

“The Coach House and Stables have been a fundamental piece of our family’s history”, says Lord Barnard, “and we are pleased that it will play such an important role in Raby’s future. As well as displaying elements of Raby’s equine history, we are delighted to be offering an improved retail space to our visitors, presenting local products – many from our own estate.”

“The restoration of this beautiful heritage building will ground visitors in Raby’s fascinating history”, says head of leisure and tourism, Claire Jones. “Key to its development was the safeguarding and celebration of its original features, whilst repurposing it for an exciting future.

“We want to embrace and celebrate Raby’s unique appeal, creating memorable visitor experiences for all. We look forward to welcoming guests to this unparalleled heritage setting for the opening in spring 2024.”

 

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/  

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The Governments Planning Policies

The government published in December 2023 its delayed new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied.

The focus is on housing delivery, but it does include several other provisions. The main provisions of interest to the sector are summarised below:

  • Plan Making – It emphasises that preparing and maintaining up-to-date locally prepared plans (Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans etc.) is a priority and providing for sufficient housing and other development in a sustainable manner is a main objective of this.
  • Calculating Housing Need – It confirms that the standard method for calculating housing need in a local authority is an advisory starting point but adds that exceptional circumstances will be required for using an alternative method. Local authorities with an up-to-date local plan will no longer need to continually show a deliverable five-year housing land supply.
  • Housing Land Supply Buffers – The 5% and 10% buffers that can be applied to local authority housing land supply calculations have been removed, but where there is a history of under delivery of housing a 20% buffer may be applied.
  • Housing Need – Older people have been added to the list of specific groups for which local authorities must consider meeting their housing need.
  • Neighbourhood Plans – Includes some greater protection for them where proposed housing development conflicts with a neighbourhood plan.
  • Green Belt – The previous requirement that their boundaries should be reviewed or changed when local plans are being prepared or updated has been replaced by that local authorities may choose to review and alter Green Belt boundaries in exceptional circumstances, with changes made through the plan-making process.
  • Affordable Housing/Community-led Development – All references to entry-level housing exception sites or similar have been replaced with community-led developments or similar, (the glossary accompanying the NPPF includes a definition of community-led development, which it is assumed includes town and parish councils). Other text has been amended to encourage community-led development not only in terms of housing.
  • Agricultural Land – Emphasises that its availability and quality should be considered when allocating agricultural land for development.
  • Density of Development – Significant uplifts in the average density of residential development are inappropriate where it would be wholly out of character with the existing area.
  • Design and Local Design Codes – Emphasises the use of local design codes prepared in line with the National Model Design Code as well as beautiful and well-designed places.
  • Planning Conditions – They should refer to clear and accurate plans and drawings.
  • Energy Efficiency – Significant weight should be given to the need to support energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to existing buildings, both domestic and non-domestic.
  • Implementation – Where plans reach pre-submission consultation after 19 March 2024, the policies in the new NPPF will apply. Plans that reach pre-submission consultation on or before this date will be examined under the previous version of the NPPF.

Also,

  • Several changes which were proposed in the consultation version of the NPPF have not been carried through into the final one. These include amending the ‘soundness’ test for the preparation of Local and that the past “irresponsible planning behaviour” by applicants could in future be taken into account when determining planning applications.
  • There are further consultations to follow including on climate change adaptation and flood-risk management, provision of social homes and electric vehicle charging points.
  • The government will be issuing guidance clarifying some aspects of the reforms, for example, it has just issued guidance on where brownfield development in the Green Belt can occur provided the openness of the Green Belt is not harmed.

More information about the revised NPPF, supporting documents and the review process can be found at National Planning Policy Framework.

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THE AI DIVIDE IN CONSTRUCTION

  • Study highlights divided opinion around construction’s digital capabilities – over a quarter believe the industry is performing well
  • Over a third (36%) already use ‘immersive tech’ such as AR, VR, and MR within building projects
  • One in five (22%) use AI and machine learning and a similar number plan to use it within the next year (20%)
  • Digital Twin Technology goes from strength-to-strength, with usage up 50% since 2021
  • New report shows 8 in 10 industry professionals use ‘cloud computing’ in daily workflows

NBS, the platform for connected construction information, has revealed the results of its 2023 Digital Construction Report. Focusing on emerging tech and the industry’s approach to digital transformation, the report offers a snapshot of industry professionals’ various views and evolving opinions.

One of the most hotly debated topics from this year’s study concerns the industry’s rate of tech adoption and whether it now excels in terms of digital expertise. Despite an overall rise in the use of digital technologies, nearly half (47%) are concerned the industry is behind the times. Moreover, 36% of respondents said they worry that they will be left behind when it comes to digital know-how.

However, around a quarter (26%) believe this is an outdated view and is no longer the case, and that construction has finally found its ‘digital feet’. With such a divided split, it could suggest that ‘digitisation’ is more prominent in some areas of construction than others.

Further wins for digital twins and off-site

NBS also found that the use of digital twins has increased by 50% since 2021 from 16% to 25%. What’s more, just over half (55%) of those that use digital twins, do so to mirror construction from other projects and to create an ‘as-built model’. This could be evidence that building safety and efficiency is now taking precedence.

Figures relating to the number of projects using elements of off-site construction also showed an uptick. Over half of professionals (57%) had been involved in a project that used MMC in the past twelve months. In 2021, this figure was hovering at around 50% so an upward trend is taking place. Suppliers were the most likely (70%) followed by contractors (63%) and consultants (58%).

The increased uptake of off-site construction has also been reflected in project data from Glenigan. Its industry intelligence shows a value-adjusted percentage of 11% of new-build projects using MMC during the first nine months of 2023.

Glenigan predicts further growth to this figure over the next few years, with nearly 9% of new-build projects securing detailed planning approval during the first nine months of 2023 involving an off-site element.

Becoming Immersed

The study also flagged a growing appetite for the use of immersive technologies, such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed-Reality) which are playing an increasingly important role. More than one in three professionals (36%) are already using this type of technology and a further one in five (20%) plans to within the next three years. Overwhelmingly, its main use is for stakeholder engagement (74%), where upcoming or ongoing projects can be digitally generated to present detailed plans. However, for two in three users (62%), immersive tech offers a way to visualise design interfaces, so they can better understand how construction projects fit within existing surroundings. Just over a third (35%) use it for marketing purposes, particularly amongst suppliers (67%) who recognise its value when selling products and systems.

Machine learning

Interest in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning has also seen a sharp rise within the past year following the launch of ChatGPT and other algorithm-based language models. Looking back to 2020, two in five (38%) said they were unsure if their organisation was using it, of those who did, just 9% were using AI. Although the use of AI in construction is yet to take its grip (43% said they have no plans to use it), signs of early adopters are already visible. More than one in five (22%) have already adopted AI, and a similar number (20%) said they will do so within a year.

Head in the clouds

Eight in ten now also use a form of cloud computing as part of their daily workflow. While mainly in the form of storage, including Google Drive, OnePoll, DropBox, etc, the study revealed that over seven in ten use it to share documents and information with clients. Three-quarters (75%) also use it to collaborate with other team members, particularly on 3D models and specifications. Given the industry’s push towards the Golden Thread and focus on digital information management, it shows that the sector is making the essential investment to increase efficiency and reduce risk in the built environment.

A point of interest within the report was that despite overall growth in the use of tech, opinions on whether the industry is still lagging behind others remain divided. Nearly half (47%) are still concerned the industry is behind the times when it comes to the adoption of digital technologies, but over a quarter believe it’s no longer the case.

Speaking on this year’s report, David Bain, Research Manager at NBS, said: “It’s clear from the results that construction has ramped up digital adoption in recent years and is a far stride from where it was three years ago.

“Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see next year’s report as 2024 is shaping up to be big on AI and machine learning.”

Russell Haworth, NBS CEO, added:

“Looking at the evidence, we can see that construction is shaking off old and tired misconceptions and now relies on all manner of digital skills to produce building excellence. That said, there are still some areas for improvement and no doubt next year will bring further leaps in tech know-how and application.”

723 construction professionals took part in this year’s Digital Construction Survey, which included views from architects/engineers and other consultants, contractors, clients, and suppliers in the UK and beyond. Previously known as the NBS BIM Report, the study is a benchmark for changing attitudes towards tech adoption and new technologies.

Source: NBS

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Construction Supplies Via Rail Freight

A NEW report setting out the economic and environmental case for more rail freight into Greater Manchester has been published by the Mineral Products Association (MPA) and the Rail Freight Group (RFG).

Published this week, ‘Building Better with Rail Freight in Greater Manchester’ highlights the benefits of rail freight over road haulage for transporting essential construction materials such as aggregates and cement. Rail freight typically produces 76% less carbon dioxide than the equivalent road journeys and a single aggregates train can carry the same load as up to 125 lorries.

MPA members supply around 200 million tonnes of aggregates and 9 million tonnes of cement each year to meet UK demand. Working with the freight operating companies that form the RFG’s membership, around 10% of these materials are transported by rail, with the vast majority going by road.

Whilst that places mineral products as the second largest market segment on the rail network after containerized intermodal freight, the MPA and the RFG believe there is a huge opportunity to grow the use of rail for construction materials, reducing lorry miles, alleviating traffic congestion, and reducing carbon emissions.

The new report sets out the steps the mineral products and rail freight industries are taking to deliver that growth, and explains how local and national government, as well as Network Rail, can help support the industry’s ambitions.

Among the issues highlighted in the report are protecting parcels of land for use as urban rail terminals in the planning system, ensuring affordable and competitive track access charges, prioritizing the timetabled slots for freight, and supporting electrification and other steps that support decarbonization.

Showcasing key investments made by MPA members in Greater Manchester, the report underscores the role played by rail freight in bringing essential materials into the city to support infrastructure improvements, community regeneration, and the building of new homes.

Maggie Simpson, director general of the Rail Freight Group, said:

‘Greater Manchester has one of the fastest-growing economies in the UK and is seeing investment in new homes, offices, and infrastructure.  Rail freight is already helping to minimize the carbon emissions of this construction, and with the right policy environment in place our members will be able to transport more products by rail into the region, reducing the number of lorries on our roads.’

 

Robert McIlveen, director of public affairs at the MPA, said:

‘Rail freight is an environmentally efficient way for MPA members to deliver aggregates and cement to city-centre locations where they are in the greatest demand. We would love to see the market for materials by rail grow to allow the industry to supply more materials in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner, and we hope that government policy will help to deliver more desired outcomes for all.’

Source: AggNet

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Driving Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes

 

 

New plans have been published today to remove barriers and drive energy efficiency in historic homes, cutting energy bills for households across the country, while also ensuring that the important historical and beautiful features of these homes are properly protected.

The Government wants to see the energy efficiency of historic homes improved but without the blight of ugly or inappropriate retrofit damaging these properties.

The Government has published its review into the challenges households face when retrofitting in conservation areas and listed buildings.

Currently, owners of home built before 1919 face paying on average £428 a year more on energy bills if their home is not energy efficient*, while the review found planning was a major issue faced by households, with frustration about the time it takes to get planning permission.

The review has set out a series of commitments to drive energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas across England, as part of the Government’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.

Minister for Housing and Communities Baroness Penn said:

“Our historic homes are the jewel in the crown of this country’s heritage and must be protected.

“This review will ensure they are preserved for future generations to enjoy, while also improve the lives of those who live in them by reducing their energy costs, supporting us in our shared goal to reach Net Zero by 2050.”

Minister for Arts & Heritage Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

“People who own and live in historic homes are their custodians, and want to take responsible action to protect them for the benefit of generations to come.

“That isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, so this review has looked at how we can make it easier, while continuing to protect our historic environment.”

Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

“We’ve already made huge progress in improving energy efficiency – with almost half of all homes in England at an EPC rating of C or above, up from 14% in 2010.

“Today’s measures will now help to keep historic homes warm for less, while protecting our heritage as we progress towards our net zero goal.”

Commitments set out in the review to drive energy efficiency include:

  • A consultation on new national development management policy specially for historic buildings, ensuring greater certainty and consistency in decisions.
  • Consulting on the greater use of Listed Building Consent Orders to support building improvements, removing the need to submit individual listed building consent applications.
  • Developing clearer guidance for historic homeowners on improving energy efficiency and supporting the construction industry to better deliver retrofitting services.
  • Consulting on reforms to Energy Performance Certificates to ensure they are accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said:

“Historic England welcomes this Energy Efficiency Review and the positive actions it highlights. Historic buildings can and must accommodate change if they are to play a crucial role in helping the UK to transition to Net Zero.

“This review demonstrates that heritage needn’t be a barrier and identifies opportunities to unlock the potential of historic buildings in England to contribute to meeting our Net Zero target.”

The measures outlined in ‘Adapting Historic Homes for Energy Efficiency: A Review of the Barriers’, will make life easier for those who own and live in historic homes, while ensuring the country’s heritage is protected.

The review has been developed in partnership with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, supported by Historic England.

In the British Energy Security Strategy, published April 2022, the Government committed to undertake a review of the practical planning barriers households can face when installing energy efficiency measures such as improved glazing in conservation areas and listed buildings.

Evidence collected during the review and feedback from stakeholders highlighted that barriers were wider than just the planning system. The scope of the review was therefore, broadened to examine a wider set of challenges to retrofitting historic homes, and to identify where further work is needed.

Source: Mirage News

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Meet David Cook – new Managing Director of Saniflo 

 

Following the retirement of long-standing Managing Director, Tim Pestell, Saniflo is delighted to announce the appointment of David Cook to the position with effect from 1st January 2024.

David joined Saniflo as Sales Director & MD Designate in May 2023 and has spent the last few months shadowing Tim, meeting customers and gradually taking the helm. He has joined at an exciting time in the company’s development as the commercial product range grows following the acquisition of Zehnder Pumps. It also comes as the Kinedo range of products continues to expand with the launch of Kinewall; a stunning new range of decorative bathroom wall panels.

 Prior to joining the company, David was Sales Director at Baxi Heating. He was there for 26 years having joined as an Area Contracts Manager in the Southeast of England and worked his way up the ladder as Divisional Sales Manager, Key Account Manager, Brand Manager – Main Boilers and more.  With common trade and consumer customers he very much understands the sector and has been able to hit the ground running. David’s aims and aspirations in his new role at Saniflo include building on the success of the previous incumbent, with a focus on the commercial pump range and Kinedo showering range.

“I am delighted to join the Saniflo team and make official my new role as Managing Director. Following in the successful footsteps of Tim, my aim is to increase Saniflo’s share of the commercial pump market, whilst also focussing on the Kinedo showering range. We have a great team here at Saniflo who are enthused to achieve the companies’ ambitions.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE SANIFLO WEBSITE

 

 

 

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UPFRONT COSTS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF SCOTTISH ROAD

A staggering £246.7 million – more than half of the money spent on the project so far – has been handed over to cover “preparation costs”.

Transport bosses have paid design consultants and planners almost double what has been spent on actual construction to dual the A9.

We can reveal a staggering £246.7 million – more than half of the total money spent on the project so far – has been handed over to cover “preparation costs” including designers.

This figure dwarfs the £133 million spent on construction, £62 million spent on ground investigation and surveys, and £9 million on land purchases.

The latest costs were revealed following a freedom of information request to the Scottish Government.

Completion of the project to dual the stretch between Perth and Inverness has been delayed by 10 years until 2035, confirmed in a government statement before Christmas.

Project repeatedly delayed

Alex Neil, the former SNP minister who was responsible for committing to the works, warned it could now go more £1 billion over budget.

He previously told MSPs that a “realistic” and fully-costed 2025 target date for completion was set out by officials from the government agency Transport Scotland in May 2012, on his instruction.

Within a decade, officials were saying the date was not attainable.

The project has repeatedly been delayed, despite campaigners warning lives are being lost every year while deadlines are extended.

Laura Hansler, from the A9 Dual Action Group, said it beggars belief that so much has been spent on planning while so little work has been done.

She said:

“It seems ludicrous that so much money has already been spent on design and planning without a single shovel being in the ground.

“It’s a bit rich for them to go on about getting value for money when such vast amounts  are already being spent in this way.

“Bearing in mind that they have only delivered 11 miles in the past 16 years, how they think they’re going to deliver another 44 in the next five years, let alone the whole project by 2035, is completely beyond me.”

Setting a glacial pace

Earlier this year, members of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association accused the government of deliberately setting a “glacial” pace because of a lack of funding.

They claimed the civil engineering sector in Scotland has known for many years that the promise to dual the A9 by 2025 would not be met.

The group also blamed a “dated” bespoke contract which places all financial risk on the contractor for issues such as weather and ground conditions.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said the SNP-Green government

“mismanagement” of infrastructure “seemingly knows no end”.

He added: “Instead of dualling the A9 from Perth to Inverness by 2025 as they promised, they have dualled less than 20% of the necessary sections, invested at rate that would take over a century to make up the necessary project budget, and spent twice as much on design consultants as on actual construction.

“Communities along the A9 have been crying out for concrete progress and they are angry that the SNP have so little to show after so long.

“Not only have they under-funded this key project, they have been shockingly inefficient with the funding they have actually put forward.”

SNP transport chief Màiri McAllan told MSPs that the cost of the project is now expected to be £3 billion, making it one of the most expensive in the history of the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Government first pledged to dual the long stretch of road shortly after taking power in 2007.

It will be at least another seven years until even half of the overall project has been completed.

Construction on the first section – the £35 million, 4.6 mile Kincraig to Dalraddy stretch – started in 2015 and was completed in 2017.

What does Transport Scotland say?

A Transport Scotland spokesman described dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness as one of the biggest and most complex transport infrastructure projects in the country’s history.

He said it requires careful, in-depth planning and design to ensure the delivery of projects that bring benefits to local communities, businesses and road users living, travelling and working along the route.

The spokesman added:

“The up-front preparation costs on the A9 dualling are a normal aspect of delivering infrastructure projects of any scale.

“The design and assessment phase clearly must take place before construction.

“The Transport Secretary confirmed in Parliament the Scottish Government’s commitment to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness and set out a concrete plan, meaning that the Highlands can have confidence that A9 dualling will be delivered in full.

“When construction starts on Tomatin to Moy next year, under the delivery programme set out by the Cabinet Secretary, it will roll continually until the route between Perth and Inverness is fully dualled.”

 

Source: Press & Journal

 

 

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CHAS becomes “Veriforce CHAS”

Veriforce CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon 

Following the acquisition of CHAS by Veriforce in January 2023, CHAS has announced its company brand name will become ‘Veriforce CHAS’, reflecting its position as a key part of the Veriforce group.

 

The products and services of Veriforce CHAS, including its accreditation offerings and certification, will continue to be known as ‘CHAS’.

 

Being part of Veriforce enhances CHAS’s stability and market impact, enabling CHAS to expand its reach and influence and build on its position as the UK market leader in risk prevention, compliance and supply chain management.

 

Veriforce CHAS will continue to focus on delivering award-winning customer service while developing innovative products and services that help buyers, suppliers, and contractors thrive in an ever-changing market. This will include assisting customers in managing and mitigating risk across their supply chains in areas including health and safety, equal opportunities, diversity and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

 

As CHAS has done for 25 years, notably as a co-founder and pioneer of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and the Common Assessment Standard, Veriforce CHAS will remain at the forefront of setting compliance benchmarks that improve supply chain risk management standards. Meanwhile, contractors and suppliers will be able to continue to rely on Veriforce CHAS to help them comply with complex regulations and to provide recognised accreditations quickly, easily and cost-effectively.

 

Commenting on the name change, Veriforce CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon says: 

“We are extremely proud to become an increasingly integral part of the Veriforce family during an exciting period for both our business and our customers.

“The strength of Veriforce’s global experience will allow us to provide even more market-leading products and services. At the same time, it was important to us and our customers that the CHAS name, widely respected across industry and seen on 10s of thousands of vans all over the UK, was retained. Plus we will continue to maintain the outstanding customer service for which Veriforce CHAS is renowned.”

 

CEO of Veriforce Colby Lane adds: 

“CHAS has a formidable reputation in the UK as a leader in supply change risk management and pioneer in setting compliance benchmarks.

“We are excited to bring the Veriforce brand alongside CHAS’s very strong name and work together to deliver our mission to make the world of work a safer place for businesses, employees and the public.”

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

OR CALL 0345 521 9111

 

 

 

 

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Sentry Doors win at Construction Marketing Awards 2023

Sentry Doors have been announced as the winner of Best Branding & Positioning at the Construction Marketing Awards 2023.

 

Having just celebrated its 130-year heritage, Sentry Doors is the UK leader in timber fire safety and security doorsets. UK Manufacturers of bespoke, fully certified doorsets across the social housing, public sector, education, healthcare, commercial and residential markets.

 

Widely recognised as the secure choice for fire safety, Sentry Doors recognise the industry need for reliability and this is reflected in a vast portfolio of accreditation, a commitment to quality and an unrivalled approach to service.

 

Led by Head of Marketing & Strategy, Catherine Clarkson, the team launched a new brand identity; a move that positioned them as the secure choice for fire safety and today the UK leader in timber fire safety and security doorsets.

 

Utilising market intelligence, the team implemented a strategic marketing plan which brought all elements of the project together. The plan centred on the refreshed brand identity, new digital presence, and a multi-channel marketing campaign.

 

The judges said;

“Great branding comes from market understanding, and the research foundations of this entry were seriously impressive. Unsurprisingly, this led to fantastic results. Exemplary!”

 

Catherine Clarkson, Head of Marketing & Strategy said; “We are extremely proud to have been awarded this accolade. To bring home the trophy for Best Branding & Positioning in our first year of entry is a proud moment and testament to the team’s hard work, creativity, and commitment.”

 

Endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG), The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in marketing.

 

Sentry Doors is honoured to have received this accolade in what is such a competitive category. With a record number of applicants this year, the team is proud to have come out on top at the most prestigious awards in the built environment.

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUR MORE ABOUT SENTRY DOORS

 

 

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McAvoy celebrates award-studded year

 

 

Leading offsite manufacturer, McAvoy,  has garnered significant industry recognition, receiving multiple prestigious awards in quick succession.

Established over 50 years ago, the company has delivered over 10 million square feet of high-quality space across the UK & Ireland to a range of sectors including healthcare, education and commercial.

McAvoy was awarded ‘Healthcare Project of the Year’ at the Offsite Awards for its project with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Using its SmartCare rental solution, the offsite manufacturing specialist delivered two 48-bed wards at Good Hope and Heartlands Hospital – which were delivered in 14 and 18 weeks respectively.

McAvoy’s commitment to innovation was recognised at the Digital Construction Live Awards where it secured ‘Best Offsite Modular Innovation’ for its recently launched SmartSpace offering – an adaptable space solution for rental or sale.

Developed following an increased demand for flexible space that could meet immediate needs, the range provides customers with ready-to-use space, delivered within a short timeframe – without having to make a large capital investment.

Its Merstham Park school project, was awarded ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ at the Graphisoft UK Awards where McAvoy was recognised for its groundbreaking work delivering the purpose-designed 6,850m2 school within just 66 weeks.

The pioneering ‘Low Carbon Pathfinder’ project minimises energy usage by implementing the ‘Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green’ energy hierarchy which focuses on reducing the demand for energy at source through passive measures before considering efficient systems and renewable technology.

The project was also honoured with the ‘Consideration of Net Zero using MMC Construction’ Award as well as being Highly Commended for ‘Project of the Year’ at the inaugural MMC Awards, which seek to celebrate excellence and achievement in Modern Methods of Construction.

Recognition of McAvoy’s achievements on Merstham Park School also extended to the prestigious Construction News Awards, where they were ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Project of the Year’ category.

These best-in-class awards recognise companies who not only deliver high-quality projects but deliver them on time and to budget.

Ron Clarke, CEO at McAvoy, said: “Winning these awards has showcased our ability to deliver state-of-the-art facilities and is testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in providing offsite solutions within multiple sectors. We couldn’t be prouder of our team.

“The winning projects present ground-breaking solutions, and their learnings will strongly influence the design and performance standards for modular buildings in the future.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MCAVOY WEBSITE

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