Fusion will be fabricating 13,720 square metres of its innovative Trax^TM product to form the steel frame system infill across five buildings of up to 18 storeys on the development. Kew Bridge Rise, located within the heart of the Brentford regeneration area, will deliver 441 new homes, of which 50% will be affordable. Construction of the steel frame system has already begun on site, with the development expected to complete in 2026.

Since its foundation in 2000, Fusion has delivered more light steel residential structures than any other European producer and worked with some of the largest contractors and developers in the UK construction industry. In 2022 Fusion was acquired by Hill to advance Hill’s progress in Modern Methods of Construction practises (MMC) and more efficiently integrate light gauge steel frames on developments such as Kew Bridge Rise.

Mike Fairey, Managing Director at Fusion Steel Framing, comments: “We are delighted to be providing our industry-leading Trax^TM product on this significant residential scheme, and to support our partners at Hill and L&Q in bringing their vision for the project to life. Trax^TM’s custom design, high-precision engineering, and exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation mean our product aligns perfectly with their ambition to deliver high-quality residential units across the development.”

Trax^TM is a highly economical non-load bearing infill system which helps to create rapid dry building envelopes on a range of building types using steel framing. The works at Kew Bridge Rise will involve Fusion forming the openings, applying RCM DensGlas external board, Kingspan K-Roc insulation and fitting of brick tie channels. Fusion expects to be working on-site for around 12 months.

Fusion will manufacture Trax^TM at the company’s high-grade 80,000ft² manufacturing facility in Northampton, which has the capacity to deliver over 30,000m² of light steel each year. The company’s expert engineers will then deliver and install the Trax^TM system at the Kew Bridge Rise site. The development will have a concrete frame structure and Trax^TM will be used for the infill between floors, sitting on the floor slab up to the ceiling. In addition, Fusion will create the window apertures, providing a complete solution for the project.

Cain Peters, Regional Director at The Hill Group comments: “The key advantage of using Fusions’ trail-blazing Trax^TM system is the ability to rapidly accelerate construction projects while de-risking the process of installing a structural framework system. The system also reduces fire risk which is always at the forefront of our construction design. This extensive redevelopment project will be an impressive example of the capabilities of delivering pre-fabricated steel frame systems at scale.”

Hill and L&Q began on-site in Brentford in September 2022. The project also includes a new public square, alongside significant investment in local infrastructure improvements. The joint venture partnership will also provide a range of social benefits for the local area during construction, including investment in significant employment, training and community focussed opportunities.

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The new office, located at Northspring, will be home to a team tasked with replicating Caddick Construction Group’s success in the North East, North West and Yorkshire. 

Taking a 5-year lease at the Temple Street office, the Group is set to target new projects in both the public and private sectors, building its portfolio of commercial, education, industrial, leisure, residential, care and retail projects.

The launch of the new office closely follows the appointment of Ray O’Sullivan as Regional Director for the Midlands, becoming the latest move in the Group’s ambitious growth strategy.

Paul Dodsworth, Construction Group Managing Director, commented: “Launching our Midlands office is an important milestone in our growth strategy; it’s a move that has been in the pipeline for some time and allows us to bring our business’ financial stability, expertise and quality to the regional market. Central to this is our appointment of Ray O’Sullivan to lead the team, and his expertise in the region sets us on a very strong footing as our business embarks on an exciting new chapter.”

Ray added: “There is a wealth of opportunity in the Midlands and Caddick’s established position in the industry places it as the perfect construction partner in the region. Launching our new office is just one piece of the puzzle, and myself and the team here in Birmingham will be spending the coming months building our project pipeline and working with the regional supply chain to support our growth.”

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Farrans Foundation is an award-winning, two year graduate programme which provides applicants with the necessary experience and knowledge to fast track their career in construction, quantity surveying and civil engineering. With a blend of classroom-based learning and on-site experience, this is the starting point on the journey to becoming the future leaders of Farrans.

This year, Farrans will be hosting a series of virtual career open days in September, October and November for those people who are interested in finding out more about what it is like to be a graduate or a placement in the company.

Farrans Construction, a CRH company, has over 80 years’ experience of delivering world-class projects across the UK and Ireland. The company which employs more than 600 people has offices in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds and Belfast with further site offices connecting its regional network.

Dominic Lavery, Managing Director of Farrans, said: “We understand that the move from education to employment can be a big step and we want to make the experience as enjoyable as we can. Our graduate programme, which has recently been CPD Accredited by Engineers Ireland, will provide you with all of the necessary experience and knowledge you need at the start of your career. We will support you to begin your journey to become Chartered with your relevant professional body and, with over 60% of our professional employees Chartered, we are able to give you all the help, guidance and support required to attain your professional qualification.

“We receive a high volume of applications for our programme so I recommend that anyone who is interested should join a virtual open day to find out what we look for in our graduates and placements and to take your time to make your application the best it can be.”

Conor McCourt, senior engineer and Farrans Foundation Graduate, said: “Farrans Foundation is a graduate programme that provides you with an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the business so that you understand the ‘why’ of the work that you are doing. It certainly made me more commercially astute, taught me time management skills and opened my eyes to the many career paths I could take. University focuses on the theory while Farrans Foundation provides a framework to excel on the ground.

“One of the major benefits is that you are able to make connections with colleagues at many levels. The programme gave me a support network of experienced professionals to call on for help if I need it. Skills from Farrans Foundation can be easily transferred to working towards Chartership.”

For more information, to register for an virtual open day and to submit an application to Farrans’ Graduate and Placement Programme visit: www.farrans.com/graduates/ and www.farrans.com/placements/

Virtual open days will take place on 27^th September from 5-6pm, 18^th October from 1-2pm and on 23^rd November from 4-5pm. Register here.

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This year, RIBA President Simon Allford has called this a huge concern and urged the Government to seize this opportunity to invest in good design. 

RIBA President Simon Allford said: 

“All young people and staff deserve to learn and work without fearing for their safety. We have repeatedly raised concerns about the dangerous state of some school buildings – and the Government has failed to fund desperately needed repairs. 

It’s shocking to see this advice issued, just days before schools are due to reopen.  

The Government must now make it an immediate priority to identify the extent of remediations necessary and fund them without delay.” 

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As the leading supplier of corporate services to the NHS, the new four-year framework is divided into 11 service lots that are utilised by both NHS and Social Care organisations along with other authorised public sector bodies. 

As part of the company’s reappointment, EDGE’s service provision has been expanded from its previous single-lot remit to Lots 2, 4, 8 and 11, spanning Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying and Ancillary Services respectively, with a combined estimated project value of £600 million. 

Matt Hill, director at EDGE, said: “We are really pleased to announce our reappointment to the leading NHS SBS Framework, building on our strong healthcare workflow through a compliant delivery vehicle for clients – which forms part of the best-in-class service we provide.” 

“As experts in health and social care property and construction consultancy, we have an ever-expanding range of expertise in the sector and are proud to have not only been reappointed, but to have had the scope of our services broadened widely to the framework’s range of healthcare and public sector partners.” 

EDGE has successfully delivered a series of diverse projects over the gestation of the previous 4-year framework, including Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s new Urgent and Emergency Care Department, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS’ new-build adult acute care unit, Nottingham University Hospitals’ NHP funded National Rehabilitation Centre, and Northern Care Alliance’s new surgical ward block at Royal Oldham Hospital.  

To further support the framework requirements under Lot 11 Ancillary Services, EDGE recently made the strategic appointment of Paula Atkin as healthcare estates lead, strengthening the EDGE health and social care service offer.

Building on Paula’s 22 years working within the NHS enables EDGE to offer business case facilitation, healthcare planning and estate strategy support to their NHS clients. 

Marc Chapman was also recently recruited as national head of building surveying, strengthening EDGE’s position to provide Lot 8 in accordance with RICS professional standards through his 35 years working across the property and construction industry. 

Matt continued: “EDGE has found the framework particularly beneficial for NHS organisations to quickly and directly call on our professional services, knowing that they will receive an experienced, agile and professional service that can evidence high quality services and value for money.  

“We’ve expanded rapidly as a business in recent years and are proud of the position we’ve created for ourselves as a young but incredibly competent consultancy with the ability to deliver high-quality results. Maintaining a presence for EDGE across public sector frameworks is really important to the continued strategic growth of our regional offices, and we are confident that our appointment will help us to build on our strong position going forward.” 

NHS SBS is one of seven national frameworks and 16 regional frameworks that EDGE is currently part of, which will help to expand its framework and healthcare project portfolio over the next four years.  For more information on EDGE and its services, follow the link below: https://www.edgeps.co.uk/

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In line with an increased project portfolio and capabilities, a milestone for the consultancy came with the appointment of director Richard Osbond at the end of 2022, spearheading Hexa’s growth into Leeds and the north of England.   

Richard, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, has since been working to build the team further. Three new experts have joined bringing a wealth of experience and skills from a mix of engineering backgrounds, which follows the appointment of senior technician Jake Adams in May, 

Bringing with them varied backgrounds in the industry, principal engineers Matt Freeman and Alex Hopton are now supporting Hexa’s capabilities in sectors including commercial, industrial and education. Alex experience is in building structures, while Matt has previously specialised in sustainable drainage systems and highway design.  

Speaking on his time with Hexa so far, Matt said: “Since joining the Hexa team in Leeds, I’ve been able to apply the knowledge I’ve earned throughout my career while also gaining new insight and skills.  

“From my first day, I’ve been excited by what we’re planning to achieve. I’ve had the opportunity to work on innovative projects, such as the civil engineering design for the UK’s first Passivhaus hotel in Runswick Bay; the kind of project every engineer wishes for when starting their career.” 

Balancing work and study, Usaama Yate, a project structural engineer is the third newest addition. Usaama has a background in various engineering realms including developing design concepts and ensuring compliance. Having spent five years in the sector, Usaama is also studying part time for a civil engineering degree at Leeds Beckett University.   

The team now reside at Studio 22 at 46, The Calls in Leeds City Centre, with Richard at the helm.  

Richard said: “Hexa’s expansion to the north started as a small idea and to now have an established team of five in total with a project portfolio that has grown organically, is something I am exceptionally proud of.  

“We’re lucky that with our Hexa North team, we’ve all had the pleasure of working with each other before, so we have those strong relationships that we’re able to continuously build on.”  

Since establishing its team in Leeds, Hexa has been working on several projects in the region including a multi-storey car park and multi-storey office block as part of the redevelopment of Whitehall Riverside. Hexa North is also involved in a number of high-level projects across England, alongside colleagues based at the Hexa head office in Nottingham city centre. 

For more information about Hexa, please visit https://www.hexaconsulting.co.uk/  

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The full revision of BS 5422:2023 takes into account the latest influences on the energy landscape. The objective of the revision is to update insulation types and performance levels to those who currently dominate the market. The revised standard offers improved insulation options, aiming to reduce losses and anticipate a greater future contribution from district heating systems. Additionally, it provides greater clarity on insulation fire performance, ensuring the construction industry’s focus remains on safety.

The main commentary on the revised standard highlights several principal changes. The tables have been simplified, removing thermal conductivity values for materials that are no longer supplied or rarely used. The revision also introduces the use of ‘less than or equal to’ values for all pipe sizes, reducing the need for interpolation and increasing overall thermal efficiency. The standard defines reaction to fire in terms of Euroclass, providing a more comprehensive assessment of materials’ behaviour in fire conditions. Enhanced insulation thicknesses have been captured from the legacy Energy Technology List/Capital Allowances levels, offering further enhancements and aligning with other emerging pipework insulation standards.

Regarding the wider context, BS 5422:2023 is referenced in the Building Regulations Merged Approved Documents, specifically Approved Document L Volume 1 and Volume 2. The standard provides a method for compliance in “limiting heat losses and gains from building services.” Additionally, the revised standard complements other standards such as CIBSE CP1 Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK (2020).

Alex Hill, Managing Director of Whitecode Consulting, commented, “We are pleased to work alongside the British Standards Institution to provide expert commentary on BS 5422:2023 and expert advice at the committee. This revised standard reflects the latest advancements in thermal insulating materials and aligns with the evolving energy landscape. We believe that this update is a necessary step towards achieving lower carbon emissions while adhering to other parallel normative standards.”

Whitecode recommends several next steps for organisations in response to the new standard. These include conducting a Gap Analysis to assess compliance requirements, informing relevant stakeholders, updating internal procedures and documentation, and reviewing training needs.

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The £7.15 million contract will see Beard transforming the Grade II listed building into an eye catching music hall for live concerts. This will include the demolition of existing offices and workshop spaces, as well as the removal of the suspended ceiling to expose the hall’s impressive vaulted ceiling. This will be paired with a brand new roof installed by Beard.

The remaining floors of the building will also see significant remodelling to create recording studios, offices, performance spaces and breakout rooms which will be open to the public and used by local community groups. In addition, essential repairs and restoration work will take place including the exterior stonework, internal stone archways and exposed timber trusses. The hall’s stained glass windows will also be repaired and retained.

Beard is also tasked with improving access to the building, installing an exterior ramp for disabled users and an internal lift to the new music hall. This will be the largest part of demolition to make space for both the lift shaft and new lift.

The 18-month project will commence this month and is set to complete in 2025, ready to reopen in the summer. With plans to scaffold the entire building, access the roof and manage deliveries, the town hall’s central location presents significant logistical challenges for Beard to overcome.   

In preparation, the team at Beard has spent the past six months working closely with the local council, highways and all major stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep the public safe. As part of both its management plan and enabling works package, Beard has engaged with all parties to plan hoardings, suspend one bus stop and relocate another, and rationalise scaffolding to not impact the highways.

Ahead of work beginning, Beard will be setting up hoardings and site boundaries over the course of three nights to avoid disruption to bus services and the local community. One of the suspended stops will also serve as a drop-off point for daytime deliveries.

The team also attended a ‘meet the contractor’ event as part of its engagement with the local community, allowing residents and interested parties to find out more about the project and the measures Beard has put in place.

Jamie Harwood, director at Beard, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Trowbridge community once again and playing our part in safeguarding the future of the historic town hall. We will call upon our expertise in the heritage sector and with complex listed buildings to ensure the town hall will continue to support the community for many more generations to come.

“While the project does present challenges, our team has worked incredibly hard to maintain an open dialogue with all parties to mitigate these and ensure all work can be conducted safely. As a result, we’re confident we can deliver the necessary changes to realise the council’s exciting vision, bringing the quality of construction Beard has become synonymous for over our 130-plus year history.”

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Strategic Assets at Wiltshire Council, added: “We are delighted to be working with a renowned local company such as Beard Construction. Their extensive knowledge of working sensitively on historic buildings will ensure the Town Hall remains a landmark community asset for future generations to treasure.”

Beard has completed a number of projects in Trowbridge and the surrounding areas, including the complete refitting of the Grade II listed Mill Building at Trowbridge Museum and the sensitive refurbishment and extension of both the Grade II listed Corsham Mansion and the multi-award-winning Corinium Museum, which has doubled exhibition space and improved visitor facilities.

For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk.

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Building upon over 12 years’ experience working in the Cambridge Technology sector for leading semi-conductor designer, ARM Holdings, Marchini Curran will be assisting Abcam with identifying strategic opportunities to improve its existing laboratory and production facilities at the Biomedical Campus, Cambridge.

This new appointment complements Marchini Curran’s ongoing role as lead architects and designers for Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), working on the regeneration and retro fitting of the former Clarendon shopping centre building into new flexible research and laboratory facilities.

The OSE labs in Oxford will provide world-class laboratory and serviced incubator accommodation,

a steppingstone for the burgeoning university spin-out sector. The laboratories are conveniently located for postgraduate researchers, on the doorstep of Oxford’s renowned Universities and Colleges.

Back in Cambridge, Marchini Curran has also provided architecture and interior design services for Napp Pharmaceuticals at the Cambridge Science Park, Qualcomm semi-conductors at the Cambridge Business Park, and The Judge Business School in the heart of Cambridge University.

The Abcam opportunity builds upon Marchini Curran’s previous experience working in the Life Sciences arena where they were lead architects and designers of the Joseph Banks Laboratories for the University of Lincoln, at the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park.

With an estimated 1.8 million square foot shortfall of high-specification laboratory space identified within the ‘Golden Triangle’ region of Cambridge, Oxford and London, there is much opportunity on the horizon.

Marchini Curran Associates are excited by the prospect of growth within the Life Sciences sector and hope to expand their profile in the Cambridge, Oxford and London regions and capitalise on their expertise to deliver both new build and retrofit opportunities.

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Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.
After sustained growth, the company relocated to The Lace Market in Nottingham in 1998 and is this year celebrating being in the city for 25 years, operating as both design and build contractor (Clegg Construction Ltd) and food sector specialists (Clegg Food Projects Ltd).

On Nottinghamshire Day (25th August), Clegg Group is reflecting on the way it has helped to shape the city and the county, and the links the company has built with a range of good causes and charities in the area.

Key projects delivered by Clegg Construction include the £27m River Crescent apartment development, which is at the forefront of the Trentside regeneration, Center Parcs’ highly sustainable offices and headquarters, situated within Sherwood Energy Village, two state-of-the-art stands (Bridgford Road and Fox Road), floodlights and an electronic scorecard for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge, plus a first-class training facility created for Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Clegg has developed multiple projects with the city’s universities and also local schools. Its partnership with the University of Nottingham began in 2000 with an extension to the East Midlands Conference Centre and the company is currently on site modernising the university’s historic Florence Boot Hall building – a project that was highly commended in the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards.

Clegg also delivered the University of Nottingham’s Energy Technology Building – which was awarded the country’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for an educational building – plus the RIBA Award-winning, BREEAM Excellent Lyth Building recently completed for Nottingham Trent University, as well as a sixth form centre for Rushcliffe Academy in West Bridgford, Victoria House student accommodation in the city centre, and a 191-bed student accommodation scheme on Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus.

The company is currently on site at Carlton le Willows Academy.

In addition, Clegg Food Projects, which designs and builds specialist manufacturing facilities nationally, has delivered a wide range of schemes in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the years, including multiple projects at Pork Farms, including factory extensions, three developments at Northern Foods in Bulwell, including a pizza factory, two projects at Freshcut Foods, plus two schemes at Riverside Bakery, which included a food factory extension and office refurbishment.

Clegg Construction Pre-Construction Director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Clegg Group has a long history in the East Midlands, having been founded more than 90 years ago in Derbyshire.

“Today, on Nottinghamshire Day, it’s fitting that we celebrate and look back on the 25 years that we have been based in Nottingham. We are immensely proud of the role we have played in the community – helping to shape the city and the county, and supporting a number of good causes.”

In 1998, following almost 70 years of being based in Derbyshire, Clegg (then known as D.E. Clegg) made the decision to switch counties, with the company’s 23-strong employee base packing up the office and moving to Nottingham’s vibrant and historic lace market – based at the Grade II listed Bishops House building, which overlooks St Mary’s Church – the oldest parish church in Nottinghamshire. Coincidently, Clegg had refurbished the building some years previously.

Clegg Construction PA Julie Dallison is one of a handful of employees who have been with the company since it was based in Ilkeston.

She said: “Clegg has grown considerably in the years that I have worked for the business, and it’s been great to have shared several significant milestones in the company’s history, including our move to Nottingham 25 years ago and the subsequent growth that has been achieved. Nottinghamshire continues to offer us a wealth of opportunities and we are proud to be a key member of the construction and development sector here. It’s also been a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting in the Lace Market, in the heart of the city.”

Clegg Group, which had a joint turnover of more than £165m in 2022, is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) company which ranked 34th in the Nottinghamshire Top 200 list last year. Focusing on repeat business it continues to work with some of the world’s largest companies.

During its long history, it has built strong relationships with charities and social enterprises and to mark its 25th anniversary of being in Nottingham is supporting 25 good causes including continued sponsorship of Erewash Partnership, participation in EDGE’s and SCAPE’s charity football matches, and collections for Peterborough and Maltby foodbanks. Clegg representatives have also taken part in two careers days at South Notts Academy and have supported numerous local and national charities such as Emmanuel House Support Centre, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army, Prostate Cancer UK, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. In addition, the Clegg Group supports Nightingale Primary School in Eastwood through the Greggs Breakfast Club, which provides a free, nutritional breakfast to children who need it, to ensure pupils are prepared for the day ahead.

Clegg Group is a privately owned company that has been delivering construction projects across a range of sectors for over 90 years.

Its services are provided through two principal operating companies – Clegg Construction and Clegg Food Projects – to offer specialist knowledge and experience as well as deliver a tailored service for clients.

For more information visit www.clegggroup.co.uk

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