Spinning electrons open the door to future hybrid electronics

A discovery of how to control and transfer spinning electrons paves the way for novel hybrid devices that could outperform existing semiconductor electronics. Researchers have demonstrated how to combine a commonly used semiconductor with a topological insulator, a recently discovered state of matter with unique electrical properties.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170630105028.htm

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Self-powered system makes smart windows smarter

Researchers developed a new type of smart window: a self-powered version that promises to be inexpensive and easy to apply to existing windows, with potential to save heating and cooling costs. The window powers itself with a transparent solar cell that harvests near-ultraviolet light.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170630115619.htm

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Exciting new material uses solar energy to remove human-made dye pollutants from water

A novel composite material shows promise as a catalyst for the degradation of environmentally-harmful synthetic dye pollutants, which are released at a rate of nearly 300,000 tons a year into the world’s water.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629132009.htm

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Surprising insights into properties of butterfly wings

A collaboration between biologists and materials scientists is yielding new insights into the wings of the “skipper butterfly” in the Costa Rican rainforest. What they learn could lead to technological advancements in systems ranging from power-efficient computer displays to sensors to energy efficient buildings, windows and vehicles.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629105243.htm

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Mace attacks dual training levies as a “tax on jobs”

Mace is calling for a rationalisation of industry training levies as its annual bill is set to hit £2m.

The call was contained in the firm’s latest annual report which revealed a 70% drop in profits lat year to £10.7m on a turnover of nearly £2bn.

Since April Mace has been paying the Government’s apprenticeship levy for big firms and the CITB levy.

Chief Financial Officer Dennis Hone said: “We are now required to pay both the CITB levy and the apprenticeship levy.

“While Mace supports investment in training and apprenticeships, the overall level of these levies, geared to our payroll costs, amounts to over £2m in a full year which has to be absorbed by the business.

“In our view there should be some rationalisation and integration of these two schemes to simplify them and reduce what could be though of as a tax on jobs.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/mace-attacks-dual-training-levies-as-a-tax-on-jobs/

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Hill to build 450 homes near Cambridge Airport

Cambridge major landowner Marshall Group has signed up to a joint venture with house builder Hill to deliver 450 homes around the city’s airport.

The new development, Wing, will sit on a 160 acre parcel of land owned by the Marshall Group and is the business’ first major residential development project.

With a masterplan that allows for a total of 1,300 homes, the first phase of the development will be delivered by Hill and when complete, will comprise 315 private homes and 135 affordable homes – including shared ownership and affordable rent tenures.

Designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards architects, this first phase will offer a range of properties including 1-3 bedroom apartments and 2-5 bedroom houses.

The scheme includes a primary school, sports pitches, allotments and retail and commercial space.

New transport infrastructure will also be delivered as part of the development and nearby Newmarket Road will be upgraded.

Wing masterplan for a new community to the north of Cambridge Airport

Andy Hill, Chief Executive of Hill, said: “Having developed over 1,000 homes in Cambridge over the last five years alone, we take great pride in being able to provide a variety of homes for a range of people.

“We are therefore thrilled to be partnering with Marshall on this development and hope that it marks the start of a successful long-term relationship between two like-minded family firms committed to making Cambridge one of the best cities to live in the UK.”

Sales are expected to launch at Wing in late 2019, with the first homes expected to be complete in the summer of 2020.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/hill-to-build-450-homes-near-cambridge-airport/

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M&E contractor SES appoints new managing director

Wates-owned M&E firm SES Engineering Services has promoted national services director Jason Knights to become new managing director.

He takes over with immediate effect following the departure of current MD, Andy Wall, who joined a year ago.

Wall leaves the business having restructured the M&E firm and put it on track to return to profitability this year.

SES said Wall has decided to seek a new challenge and pursue the next stage of his career outside of the Wates Group.

Knights joined the Wates Group in 2010 from Mace where he was MEP operations director.

He has been instrumental in establishing and growing its successful internal M&E business, Wates Building Services and now moves up to drive SES Engineering Services’ growth strategy.

He will particularly oversee the continued development of SES’ pioneering Prism offsite manufacturing business.

Construction group managing director, Paul Chandler, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to appoint an internal successor of Jason’s calibre to this critical role.

“I look forward to working closely with Jason and his leadership team on the next phase of the exciting growth plan for SES.”

Wates Group acquired SES in 2015. It is currently delivering its sixth M&E project at the heart of the major King’s Cross regeneration in London.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/me-contractor-ses-appoints-new-managing-director/

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Nine firms scoop £1bn Government fit-out bonanza

The Government has selected its preferred nine firms to deliver a massive programme of fit-out work on its estate reorganisation programme.

The Government Hubs office closure and relocation plan will run over the next seven years and promises up to £1bn of fit-out work.

This will be shared between a line-up of big industry players and several smaller firms like Shaylor Group and BW Interiors.

Winners: Govt Hubs Fit-out Framework

All three lots: Mace, Interserve, Overbury, Wates Construction.

Lots 2+3: BAM Construction, ISG Fit-out, Shaylor.

Lot 2 only: Styles and Wood. Lot 3 only: BW Interiors

Lot 1 is for national projects worth over £25m, worth in total over £500m. Lot 2 Northern projects worth under £25m. Lot 3 Southern projects worth under £25m

For HMRC alone, the current landscape of 170 offices will be reoriented into 13 modern Regional Centres, equipped with the digital infrastructure and training facilities.

From a wider Government perspective, the programme will transform central government’s office estate by accommodating departmental workforces in shared regional hubs and supporting office estate.

The major works programme will therefore range from simple to complex fit-out projects across the country..

The Government Hubs Programme aims to reduce the Government office estate from 800 buildings to around 200 by 2023. These will be centralised into 18 to 22 strategic hubs, located in major city centres.

Earlier this year Turner & Townsend was brought on board by HMRC to deliver a full range of advisory services, from project and supply chain management to communications and stakeholder management.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/nine-firms-scoop-1bn-government-fit-out-bonanza/

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Murphy/Hochtief in talks for earlier start on potash mine

Yorkshire potash mine developer Sirius Minerals is in talks to bring forward construction of the £2.5bn project after successfully raising cash for the first phase of the vast project.

Sirius Minerals confirmed the project remains on time and on budget and it is looking to speed up construction start on key elements of the project.

A joint venture between Murphy and Hochtief are in line to construct a 23-mile tunnel to transport minerals from the mine head site at Dove’s Nest Farm near Whitby to a portal near the town of Redcar.

Chris Fraser, CEO of Sirius, revealed he was now in talks with Hochtief and Murphy in relation to agreements for early works activities to form the foundation of the broader tunnelling programme.

He said: “The company continues to evaluate opportunities to accelerate components of the shaft and tunnel spend to further de-risk the implementation of the construction project, and potentially create opportunities for shortening the project schedule.

“Some shaft design optimisations have now been incorporated into the development plan and options to bring tunnelling activities forward are in commercial discussion with the preferred tunnelling contractor.”

Murphy and Hochtief had expected to start work on the main tunnel in 2019 but this may be advanced into next year.

Associated Mining Construction UK will dig the main mine shafts.  Diaphragm walling rigs are due to be mobilised to site in the autumn to commence work.

Planning for securing the winding equipment required for main shaft sinking activities has been completed and delivery of the equipment is on schedule.

The project will have a five-year construction period with first polyhalite produced in 2021.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/murphyhochtief-in-talks-for-earlier-start-on-potash-mine/

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Revised plans for 800 homes on Soho Loop site in Birmingham

Apsley House Capital and Galliard Homes have acquired a 12-acre regeneration site in the centre of Birmingham.

The two companies have bought the Soho Loop site near City Hospital from City and Provincial Properties.

The joint venture teamed up with Claremont Property Group to purchase the site which will now be subject of a revised planning application to build 800 homes.

Birmingham City Council has already given planning consent for 500 homes on six key plots.

Vacant and derelict buildings will make way for a variety of energy efficient homes that will help to address the city’s housing shortage.

Robin Norstrom, director of Apsley House Capital, said: “We are really excited about the Soho Loop development.

“It is going to transform what is a neglected and derelict area of Birmingham into a canal-side quarter of high quality homes with character in a green pocket.

“It is an ambitious project which will deliver well-managed good quality housing. We see it as an innovative response to today’s changing needs in accommodation.’

Soho Loop sits next to Icknield Port Loop and features in the Greater Icknield Masterplan, part of the Birmingham Development Plan, which has outlined plans for 3,000 new homes and 1,000 new jobs in the area.

Apsley House Capital is also working with Galliard on another site in Birmingham’s Southside district on a development of 385 apartments.

Norstrom added: “We have identified Birmingham as a key city in Europe for further investment.

“We really believe it has an enormous amount to offer both now and in the future with the arrival of major projects such as the new HSBC headquarters, the Paradise development and the start of work on HS2. Birmingham is calling.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/revised-plans-for-800-homes-on-soho-loop-site-in-birmingham/

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Interserve finance director to exit

Interserve group finance director Tim Haywood is leaving the business in the autumn after seven years to pursue other interests.

He will remain with Interserve to support incoming CEO Debbie White who joins the firm from support services group Sodexo at the start of September.

She is replacing existing chief Adrian Ringrose, who is leaving the business after over 15 years, this years.

The changes at the top come after a poor financial year which saw Interserve plunged into a £94m loss last year after making a £160m provision for exiting its waste business and troubled contracts.

This prompted the board to suspend this year’s dividend.

Interserve’s problems stemmed from being kicked off its delayed Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy project late last year. It has now has installed a large team to chase claims on this and other waste projects.

The Interserve board said it was undertaking a process to appoint a new group finance director and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Chairman Glyn Barker said: “I would like to thank Tim for his significant contribution over the last seven years to Interserve and wish him every success in his future ventures.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/interserve-finance-director-to-exit/

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Driver falls from crane on McAlpine site

A mobile crane driver was taken to hospital after falling from his machine at a Sir Robert McAlpine site in Barrow, Cumbria this week.

The worker was employed by Billington Structures who are a subcontractor on the site where McAlpine is building a £25m paint plant for BAE Systems.

A McAlpine spokesperson said: “Sir Robert McAlpine can confirm that a mobile crane driver on its BAE Systems’ site in Barrow in Cumbria was injured following a fall yesterday (Wednesday).

“The worker is employed by Billington Structures, one of Sir Robert McAlpine’s subcontractors on the site.

“The emergency services were called immediately and the worker was transferred to hospital.

“The safety of all our workers on site is Sir Robert McAlpine’s highest priority and together with Billington Structures we have started an investigation into the cause of this accident.

“We cannot provide any more information at this time.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/30/driver-falls-from-crane-on-mcalpine-site/

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Dual-arm construction robot with remote-control function

A new concept construction robot has been developed for disaster relief situations. This robot has a double swing dual arm mechanism and has drastically improved operability and mobility compared to conventional construction machines.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629085138.htm

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Researchers push metals to their limits

Modern aircraft and power generation turbines depend on precision-machined parts that can withstand harsh mechanical forces in high-temperature environments. In many cases, higher operating temperatures lead to more efficient performance. This motivates the search for new ultrahigh-temperature metal alloys that can maintain their shape and strength at temperatures where ordinary steel would melt.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170629085140.htm

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BAM Construct targets 3% margin by 2020

BAM’s property and building business in the UK is aiming to deliver 3% margin in the future by targeting complex projects.

Graham Cash, chief executive BAM Construct UK, said the firm aimed to make the most of its capabilities in design, construction, services engineering, FM and property development to drive growth in profitability.

The group has targeted 16 major clients with complex needs both existing and new to offer its integrated range of services to add value and improve margins.

Reporting on a year of strong growth in 2016, Cash said pre-tax profit more than doubled to £26m including a one-off exceptional gain of £12m from changes to two defined benefit pension schemes.

Revenue at the business was up a fifth to just over £1bn.

Cash added:”We have been tendering ever more selectively to ensure we focus on those schemes which maximise our differentiating capabilities.

“The final limb of the strategy involves BAM being at the forefront of new digital construction and data management techniques.

“The development of intelligent data will have a profound effect on the built environment and we will innovate and assist clients to use such data to make the most of their buildings.”

Over the year cash rose to £117m from £79m while the order book dipped to £1.65bn from £1.7bn in 2015.

“Our aim is to secure long-term strategic alliances with our clients. In 2016, 55% of our new work secured was repeat business with existing clients.”

The mainstream building business, BAM Construction, saw pre-tax profits dip from £5.5m to £5.3m in 2016 as revenue rose 20% to £988m.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/bam-construct-targets-3-margin-by-2020/

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Police to quiz 60 construction companies over Grenfell fire

A team of 250 detectives investigating the Grenfell Tower tragedy will be looking to question at least 60 firms involved in the building’s refurbishment programme.

Lead investigator Detective Chief Superintendent Fiona McCormack said: “Specialist experts – BRE – are working on a flat by flat assessment of every safety feature so we can provide individual accounts to families, the public inquiry and my investigation.

“This is so we can be clear on the state of each flat and any specific fire safety features as well as every part of the building.

“We are continuing to seize material on a daily basis and the number of companies and organisations that we know so far to have played a role in the refurbishment alone is over 60.

“It is a priority for the Met Police.

“Our investigation will be exhaustive – it must provide the answers that so many people are seeking and so desperately deserve.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/police-to-quiz-60-construction-companies-over-grenfell-fire/

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Bechtel to lead £370m London City Airport expansion

Bechtel has been confirmed as delivery partner for a £370m development programme at London City Airport.

The airport has also announced that Highways England major projects chief Peter Adams will join in September as its new Chief Asset and Programme Officer.

Planned work includes expanding existing terminal facilities, building seven new aircraft stands and a full length parallel taxiway.

The new facilities will allow for 6.5 million passenger numbers by 2025 and the potential to accommodate 111,000 flight movements per year.

As part of the five-year contract, 50 Bechtel staff will work as part of an integrated team with London City Airport officials.

Paul Gibbs, Bechtel’s UK Managing Director said: “Delivering London City’s expansion in an operational, urban airport surrounded by water, presents complex challenges that our team can meet.

“We will partner with London City to enhance this important gateway with minimum disruption to passengers, airlines and the community.”

Declan Collier, CEO of London City Airport, said: “The appointments of Bechtel and Peter Adams signal the next important steps towards the start of construction on this significant development.

“Their combined expertise and experience will ensure that the programme is delivered responsibly, professionally and skilfully, while the airport remains operational.

“Meanwhile our millions of passengers will continue to recognise the speedy and efficient customer experience that differentiates the airport as one of the most convenient in the UK.”

Adams said:  “Although leaving is an incredibly hard decision to take, I do feel that I have played my part in the evolution of Highways England and that now is the right time for me to take the next step in my own career and join London City Airport in what is a hugely exciting time for the business.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/bechtel-to-lead-370m-london-city-airport-expansion/

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Call for ‘gas safe’ style register for all trade contractors

Specialist engineering contractors and construction union Unite are both calling for a licensing system to be introduced across all construction trades following the Greenfell Tower disaster.

The register would be in line with the existing gas engineers licence scheme operated by Gas Safe, which means that it would be illegal for non-licensed practitioners to undertake specialist work.

Already many trade associations run robust accreditation schemes for technical performance but are frustrated that public bodies rarely require compliance.

Professor Rudi Klein, group chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors, said: “Accreditation schemes set up by trade bodies belonging to the SEC Group could form the basis of a new licensing scheme in the UK.

“It is something that the United States and Australia have done successfully across most trades.”

Klein has also called for a national enforcement agency for building control to be set up as concern grows about inspection regimes that have allowed unsafe cladding to be fitted to more than 100 tower blocks.

“There is clearly a need to consider how to improve enforcement process for building control after Grenfell he added.

Calling for a radical new approach to regulations and safety laws, Unite national officer for construction Bernard McAulay, said that all construction companies should be registered in order to undertake public sector contracts.

“We now need to have a major sea change in the way that we view regulations. Rather than a knee jerk reaction to cutting red tape we should be educating people to understand that properly enforced laws and building regulations are essential in ensuring safety.

“In particular, we need to professionalise the construction industry by introducing a licensing and company registration system so only fully accredited workers and bona fide construction companies can undertake construction work on all future public sector contracts, especially involving safety critical work.”

Today the Prime Minister revealed that retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick would head the Public Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Inquiry will have the power to compel the production of documents, and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath. The Inquiry will be held in public.

Theresa May said: “We must get to the truth about what happened. No stone will be left unturned by this Inquiry, but I have also been clear that we cannot wait for ages to learn the immediate lessons and so I expect the Chair will want to produce an interim report as early as possible.”

“The immediate priority is to establish the facts of what happened at Grenfell Tower in order to take the necessary action to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

“But beyond that immediate focus it is also important that all the wider lessons from both this catastrophe, and the inspections of other buildings around the country that followed it, are identified and learnt.”

 

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/call-for-gas-safe-style-register-for-all-trade-contractors/

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Housing chiefs call for halt to cladding tests

Social housing leaders are calling for a halt to Government cladding tests in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

All cladding tested so far has failed.

And David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, said further testing is simply wasting resources when the results are “already known”.

Orr said: “Since the tragic fire colleagues across the housing sector have been doing everything they can to reassure residents and take action to make homes safer.

“This includes urgently submitting data and samples to the Government’s testing programme.

“These tests were the right thing to do, but the results are now conclusive: ACM cladding simply does not pass these tests and is deemed unsafe.

“Across the country, valuable resources – from specialist equipment to expert time – are being poured into a testing process of which the results are already known.

“We are calling on the Government to halt the testing on ACM cladding and shift its focus to making people safe.

“It is highly likely that this means removing the cladding from hundreds of buildings we were assured were safe – including hotels, private sector blocks, hospitals and student accommodation.

“This process has powerfully demonstrated a systemic failure in construction, manufacturing and the way that regulation has been applied.

“Putting this right will require a strategic look at the issue of fire safety in buildings as a whole, as well as clear prioritisation and funding from Government – the costs should not fall on the residents of these properties.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/housing-chiefs-call-for-halt-to-cladding-tests/

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B&K bags British Sugar HQ

Bowmer & Kirkland has just started site preparation work on a landmark headquarters building for British Sugar in Peterborough.

The new three-storey building has been designed by CPMG Architects and is being built 0n a 4.5 acre site in Hampton.

Energy efficiency will play a significant role within the new building; the positioning and size of the windows will allow for minimal artificial lighting. PV roof panels will also be installed, and a high thermal mass construction combined with bris soleil will help to regulate the temperature of the building.

B&K aims to complete the project towards the end of 2018. The project team also includes Couch Perry & Wilkes and Curtins Consulting.

Stephen Chambers, regional director from Bowmer & Kirkland said: “This will be a unique head office for British Sugar that will provide an excellent working environment whilst enhancing the local landscape in an area that has benefited from recent improvement.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/bk-bags-british-sugar-hq/

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Problem jobs see profits slump at Mace

Mace suffered a slump in pre-tax profits to just £10.7m on the back of turnover at nearly £2bn last year.

The wafer-thin margins were blamed on a number of problem jobs including the Nova scheme in Victoria which finished late and over budget.

Pre-tax profits were down 70% from £36.2m last time despite a rise in turnover to £1.97bn from £1.73bn.

Executive chairman Stephen Pycroft said: “It is fair to say last year was a challenging one for us.

“A small number of our projects were, for a variety of reasons, harder to deliver than first envisaged.”

He added: “Such unprecedented growth brings with it certain challenges in terms of delivery, not to mention the impact of the industry-wide issues we predicted in last year’s annual report and additional issues such as high risk projects, incomplete designs and a reliance on the performance of our construction partners.

“2016 has taught us some very valuable lessons and as a result, we have put in place additional measures to prevent these problems happening again.”

Chief executive Mark Reynolds said a “stronger bidding process” has been introduced alongside “more regular and intensive project risk reviews.”

Construction continued to make up the major share of turnover accounting for £1.67bn of revenue.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/problem-jobs-see-profits-slump-at-mace/

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Total buildings failing fire tests climbs to 120

Prime Minister Theresa May has revealed that the number of tower blocks fitted with cladding failing fire safety tests has risen to 120.

She also admitted there were now wider questions that needed to be addressed about why the system of inspections was not working in the country.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, she said that 37 local authorities in England had tower blocks that failed tests, and confirmed 100% of cladding samples tested so far have combustible material.

She also confirmed that her understanding was cladding at Grenfell Tower was not in line with building safety regulations but refused to be drawn on details because of the criminal investigation.

“My understanding is that this particular cladding was not compliant with the building regulations.

“This raises wider issues, as the House will recognise, and it is important that we are careful in how we talk about this because there is a criminal investigation taking place and it’s important that we allow the police to do that criminal investigation and take the decisions that they need to take.”

In heated exchanges with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn she said: “It is not just a question of what laws you have. It is how those are being applied.

“We have the building regulations about compliant materials. The question is why we have seen in local authority area after local authority area materials being put up that appear not to comply with those building regulations. That is what we need to get to the bottom of.”

The prime minister said she expects to name a judge for the public inquiry into the disaster soon.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/total-buildings-failing-fire-tests-climbs-to-120/

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Voting starts for the best companies in construction

Voting is now open for the 2017 Construction Enquirer Awards.

The awards reward the best in the business and Top Ten winners in each category will be decided by an online vote.

More than 11,000 votes were cast in the inaugural awards last year.

And this year’s shortlists are stronger than ever as leading contractors,specialists,clients and suppliers look to make the Top Ten.

Simply click here to see all the nominees and back your favourites.

Companies are competing to be the best places to work and the best firms to work with.

This is your chance to vote for your own company if you think they are a great employer.

And you can vote for main contractors, specialists, clients and suppliers who are a pleasure to do business with.

Construction is full of great companies who deserve recognition so step forward and vote for your favourites today.

Voting is quick and easy – just tick the box of firms you enjoy working for or with.

Winners in each category will be decided by the number of votes in relation to the size of their workforce and turnover to make sure everyone has an equal chance.

Online voting on the awards website will be open until the end of July when Top Ten winners will be revealed.

Winners will be presented with their prizes at the awards evening on October 10 held alongside UK Construction Week in Birmingham.

Supreme winners in each category will also be revealed on the night which promises to be another great evening for the industry.

Sponsors are lining-up to have their names associated with construction’s newest and most innovative awards.

The current role of sponsors includes Cemex, Torsion Group, JLT, Hadley Group and Screwfix as a host of other firms look to join them.

Further sponsorship opportunities are available to associate your brand with the one of the most exciting new construction launches of recent times.

The whole supply chain including clients, contractors, specialists and suppliers will be in the room in October to celebrate the best the industry has to offer.

Award category sponsorship packages cost £7,500 including a table of ten on the night.

For more details please email Lucy Stott

Tickets for the awards night cost £250 or £2,500 for a table of ten.

To book your places please click here

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/voting-starts-for-the-best-companies-in-construction-2/

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B&K to change cladding midway into Lincoln Uni job

Builder Bowmer & Kirkland is having to remove and fit new cladding midway through a student accommodation project for Lincoln University.

Issues with the cladding on one of the three buildings on Cygnet Wharf at the Brayford Campus was uncovered following a post-Grenfell review of the university’s estate.

The tallest was understood to be in the process of being fitted with at risk cladding.

Now the contractor is stripping the cladding to replace it with a new safety-approved material before any students move in.

A spokesman for the University of Lincoln, said: “As part of the review, we have also looked at the materials used in buildings currently under construction.

“It was identified that cladding on a small proportion of one of the buildings within our new Cygnet Wharf accommodation development did not meet newly issued Government guidance. We have immediately begun work to remove the cladding and replace it with a suitable material, prior to it being occupied.”

Planned Cygnet Wharf scheme with affected student block at rear

Progress on the job earlier this year before cladding was fitted

The Cygnet Wharf scheme is located on the south bank of the Brayford Pool and will provide 442 new study bedrooms over three buildings.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/bk-to-change-cladding-midway-into-lincoln-uni-job/

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Valuable substances extracted from conifer stumps and roots

The stumps and roots of coniferous trees contain extractives which can be processed into highly valuable products.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628131935.htm

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Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Combining nanophotonics and thermoelectrics, engineers generate materials capable of distinguishing between tiny differences in wavelengths of light.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628172154.htm

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Six North Wales councils plan £400m framework

Six councils across North Wales are planning to invite bids shortly for a next generation construction framework.

The councils propose to renew the current North Wales Construction Framework and extend its scope to cater for all construction projects over £250,000.

Existing framework firms include Balfour Beatty, Kier, Galliford Try, Read, Willmott Dixon and Wynne Construction.

They now face a fight for places on the new framework which will be broken down into seven lots based on region and project size.

North Wales Construction Framework 2

• Lot 1: West Wales (projects worth £250,000-£1m)
• Lot 2: East Wales (projects worth £250,000-£1m)
• Lot 3: Regional band (projects worth £1m-£2.5m)
• Lot 4: Regional band (projects worth £2.5m-£5.5m)
• Lot 5: Regional band (projects worth £5.5m-£10m)
• Lot 6: Regional band (projects worth £10m and over)

The framework will be used to deliver public projects in the region and previously consisted mainly of school projects. The Blue Light services will also be free to use the selected panel of firms.

NWCF2 Engagement event — Tuesday 4th July at 10:00, Conference Room St. Asaph Business Park, Ffordd William Morgan, Saint Asaph, LL17 0JD

To sign up for the event return the form at this link.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/29/six-north-wales-councils-plan-400m-framework/

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Super-strong metal made for next tech frontier

Engineers have developed a strong, durable new material to help shape advanced MEMS sensors needed for the internet of things.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628172146.htm

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Engineers design a robotic gripper for cleaning up space debris

Researchers combined gecko-inspired adhesives and a custom robotic gripper to create a device for grabbing space debris. They tested their gripper in multiple zero gravity settings, including the International Space Station.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628144912.htm

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Bacteria-coated nanofiber electrodes clean pollutants in wastewater

Researchers may have created an innovative, cost-competitive electrode material for cleaning pollutants in wastewater.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628144829.htm

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Ruthenium rules for new fuel cells

Scientists have fabricated a durable catalyst for high-performance fuel cells by attaching single ruthenium atoms to graphene.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628095940.htm

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Cheap, energy-efficient and clean reaction to make chemical feedstock

Combining experimental and computer chemistry, scientists find the conditions to break carbon-hydrogen bonds at low temperature with cheap titanium in place of rare metals.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628095901.htm

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Construction starts on £1.7bn Royal Albert Dock scheme

Chinese state-owned contractor CITIC has started construction work on a £1.7bn development at Royal Albert Dock in east London.

The scheme is backed by Chinese developer ABP and will act as a new gateway to Europe for Asian businesses.

Plans for “London’s next business district” have seen £320m in funding raised for the first phase which should be completed in the spring of 2019.

The initial development includes seven new public squares and a new waterfront walkway.

ABP signed an agreement last week which will see the Chinese province of Guangdong set up a major base at Royal Albert Dock to boost trade between the UK and China.

Guangdong Province has appointed a private Chinese enterprise, Tian’an Group, to set up a 3,000 to 5,000 sq m centre to raise awareness of consumer brands not yet established in the UK and to find local suppliers and businesses to trade with.

Mr Xu Weiping, Chairman and President of ABP, said: “Today marks an important milestone in establishing London’s next business district at Royal Albert Dock and promoting trade between London and China in post-Brexit referendum uncertainty.

“It is an endorsement for London that there is already a great deal of occupier interest from Asia in this project and today is a positive step forward in cementing east London’s future as one of the most exciting places to do business.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/28/construction-starts-on-1-7bn-royal-albert-dock-scheme/

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Graphene and terahertz waves could lead the way to future communication

By utilizing terahertz waves in electronics, future data traffic can get a big boost forward. So far, the terahertz (THz) frequency has not been optimally applied to data transmission, but by using graphene, researchers have come one step closer to a possible paradigm shift for the electronic industry.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170627141952.htm

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Scaffold firm offers to help strip Camden towers “at cost”

North London based specialist Artel Scaffolding is offering to help strip tower blocks at cost in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy.

Owner Brendan Morrisey said he has a yard of scaffolding and workers “ready and waiting” to help out in neighbouring Camden.

Morrisey said: “We want to help in any way we can.

“We’ve all seen the people evacuated from their towers in Camden and how they want to get back home quickly, as soon as everything is safe.

“The solution is to get the towers declad as soon possible which is where we can help out.

“Artel will do any work at cost on the estate we are ready to start straight away.

“Our team will work 24 hours a day to get this done as quickly as possible so I’m just waiting for the phone to ring now and we can get started.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/28/scaffold-firm-offers-to-help-strip-camden-towers-at-cost/

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Former bricklayer jailed for £1.5m tax scam

An Essex tax adviser who instructed his construction clients on how to fraudulently claim £1.5m in tax repayment has been jailed for five years.

Former bricklayer Jeffrey Bakewell, 69, of Wickford set himself up as a tax adviser to crane drivers and other construction trades.

An investigation by HM Revenue and Customs revealed he kept around £300,000 from his clients’ false claims.

Bakewell’s clients made claims for travel and subsistence payments but HMRC investigators found these had been covered by their employers.

A total of £1,507,965 was paid to Bakewell between 2009 and 2015.

He kept £301,897 and used it to finance his gambling while the rest went to his clients.

Bakewell failed to register as a tax agent with HMRC as legally required, did not complete due diligence checks on his clients and failed to keep the records required by the Money Laundering Regulations.

Paul Barton, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Bakewell had no financial qualifications and set himself up solely to advise people on fraud.

“He charged for advice on how to steal money from our vital public services but his appalling conduct has now put him behind bars.

“We will not allow criminals to attack the tax system and cheat the honest majority.”

Bakewell admitted tax fraud and was jailed for five years at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

Confiscation proceedings to recover the money he stole have begun.

Money is being recovered from Bakewell’s clients for the false repayments by civil means.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/28/ex-bricklayer-jailed-for-1-5m-tax-scam/

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Kier takes £73m hit to “get its house in order”

Kier is setting aside a £73m charge in its upcoming results as it shuts down  its Hong Kong and Caribbean operations.

The firm is also putting aside £10m for potential safety fines following new tougher sentencing guidelines.

Closure of the overseas operations is costing £79m while the hits have been offset by income from the sale of Mouchel Consulting last October which raised £39m.

It is the latest phase of Kier’s “portfolio simplification programme” which started after the acquisition of Mouchel.

Kier said: “Since the acquisition of Mouchel in June 2015, the Group has undertaken a programme of portfolio simplification allowing it to focus on, and grow, its market leading positions in regional building, infrastructure services and housing.

“This portfolio simplification programme is nearing conclusion and, taking into account the other non-underlying items, will generate cash for the Group to enable it to focus on the future growth of its core operations”

Kier said full-year underlying profit was forecast to be in-line with expectations with construction expected to deliver a 2% margin following a strong regional building performance.

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/28/kier-takes-73m-hit-to-get-its-house-in-order/

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