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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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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Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has secured the contract with Cyngor Gwynedd to deliver civil and structural work on the new Community Campus in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon.

Funded via the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools’ Challenge, £12 million will finance the net zero project, which includes community facilities on the wider campus, such as a hall, office space, and car charging points. 

There are currently two buildings on the site, a community centre located in a former Victorian school, and the current Ysgol Bontnewydd in a 1970’s building. Both are part of Cyngor Gwynedd’s plan to reuse materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the new development.

Caulmert has so far completed a survey of the current school site to assess what can be repurposed prior to demolition and is set to carry out further investigations.

Reflecting Wales’ net zero carbon mandate, the firm’s analysis of the current structures will feed into the building information modelling (BIM) team’s recommendations.

David High, associate at Caulmert, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Cyngor Gwynedd again, they are a great client and we enjoyed working with them on the £9m new Ysgol Y Garnedd project in Bangor.

“A key element of this project will focus on minimising carbon emissions for the construction process, keeping sustainability front of mind.

“We welcome the opportunity to be part of such a pioneering scheme, a new net zero school in North Wales, which will no doubt set a precedent for other institutions in the region.”

Richard Farmer, project manager at Cyngor Gwynedd, added: “Bontnewydd Community Campus is an exciting and innovative opportunity for us all.

“The Welsh government has challenged us to demonstrate our vision for sustainable construction and community involvement in school construction.

“Both the design process and the final building will be exemplars and we are pleased to welcome Caulmert to the team.”

Cyngor Gwynedd also has plans to introduce as many types of renewable energy as possible, and to utilise surplus locally where achievable.

A nearby river, Afon Gwyrfai, also has the potential to provide a source for hydroelectric and water source heat pumps. 

Transport to and from classes will factor into the school’s sustainable ethos too, with safe travel links for walking or cycling to be established.

Founded in 2009, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan.

Its expertise in a variety of planning, environmental and engineering disciplines is supported by its use of BIM to a level two standard in many of its projects.

For more information visit www.caulmert.com

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Gateley’s Property Platform combines the expertise of its legal professionals with the tax specialists, surveyors, architects and engineers within its consultancy businesses to produce full-service solutions for a range of construction, development and property matters.

Based out of offices in Leicester and Nottingham, RJA Consultants (RJA) is a chartered quantity surveying practice providing surveying and project management services nationally across a variety of property and construction projects. The business advises on a wide range of residential development and commercial property matters, as well as supporting building projects within the health and insurance sectors. RJA also has a dedicated clerk of works team strategically positioned to deliver quality inspection services on construction sites across the country.

RJA Consultants will trade as Gateley RJA and Richard Julian and directors Steven Collin, Liza Julian, Hardeep Kooner and Chris Clubb will continue to work as part of the RJA management team post acquisition.

Richard Julian, founder and managing director at Gateley RJA, explained: “Joining a larger professional services company is a really positive move for our consultancy. Our culture is very in line with how Gateley operates so it will not only enhance our strategic growth plans but also allow us to build upon the great service and client focus that we are well known for. As far as our clients are concerned its very much business as usual but we are looking forward to being able to develop the depth of our offering and collaborate on projects with our new wider Group colleagues.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Callum Nuttall, partner and Property Platform head at Gateley, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome the RJA team to our Property Platform. RJA’s services share key commonalities with our legal teams and other consultancy businesses, especially Gateley Smithers Purslow and Gateley Vinden, and will complement our full-service offering. The acquisition will also bring opportunities to increase our market share and extend our services within resilient sectors such as affordable housing and insurance services.”

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This new role will deliver focused local support to the company’s existing and prospective clients across the UK life sciences and industrial sectors. Richard will be tasked with nurturing current client relationships and overseeing the delivery of their programmes of work, as well as developing new business opportunities in the region. This appointment follows on from the expansion of BakerHicks’ Life Sciences & Industry division across Europe. He will work closely with the business’ Swiss, German, Austrian and Belgian operations to continue building the company’s impressive portfolio.

Richard has over 30 years’ experience of working in multi-disciplinary engineering and project management environments for high profile life sciences and industry clients. His career began as a civil & structural engineer, working on a range of projects in the pharma, chemical and heavy industrial process engineering industries. Amongst his previous roles, he was Head of Engineering for WSP CEL and, most recently, was the director responsible for the EMEA region at Integrated Project Services (IPS).

Richard says he has been immediately impressed with the BakerHicks team: “They have developed a strong reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in a number of very high-profile projects, and I am very much looking forward to the opportunity of building on this success. The scale of opportunity for an organisation with this level of multi-disciplinary skills and a proven track record is significant, and what is more, everyone in the organisation is truly engaged and committed towards its success. This, above all else, makes me excited about getting started.”

Mark Dickson, Managing Director for Life Sciences & Industry at BakerHicks, says Richard’s experience of working with blue chip clients in the sector will be invaluable: “We work with global brands to bring new thinking to the design and delivery of complex process, manufacturing, and science facilities. This requires in-depth industry knowledge and Richard knows the sector inside out, having worked with clients with a significant portfolio in this industry for many years. His understanding of the need to get to know our clients to deliver solutions that work for them is what makes him the ideal candidate to lead our UK sector. I look forward to working with him to continue growing the sector over the coming years.”

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A further £3 million of funding has been made available from the Mayor of London to support organisations to deliver clean and flexible local energy projects and help to meet London’s ambition of being net zero carbon by 2030. 

Buro Happold will work closely with partners Turner & Townsend and communications consultancy Camargue to continue the work done to date to decarbonise London and tackle the climate emergency. 

Through the continued programme, funded support and expertise will be provided to organisations including local authorities, government departments, NHS Trusts, and housing associations to develop projects such as district heat networks and technologies, including heat pumps and solar PV.  

Buro Happold will continue to lead on the delivery of the programme, working closely with beneficiary organisations across London and providing technical expertise to support the development of projects. Their extensive energy consulting work will help guide organisations across London to benefit from low carbon, low-cost energy solutions that are suited to the challenges faced because of climate change.  

Turner & Townsend will continue to provide programme management services for the GLA and support the Local Energy Accelerator’s beneficiaries.  As well as supporting the application process, the firm will provide guidance and oversight throughout the projects to help ensure effective delivery. 

Camargue will continue to provide communications and engagement support, including promoting the programme to potential beneficiaries across London and driving applications for funding.  

Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: “The Mayor is committed to making London net zero by 2030 and as we see the growing impacts of climate change on our world and our city we know we must accelerate our work on this target. We all need to work together and make the bold decisions now.  

“I’m pleased that the Mayor is providing further funding to support the delivery and development of local energy projects and that Buro Happold will continue their excellent work as lead consultant for the Mayor’s Local Energy Accelerator. This programme has already helped hundreds of London based organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and work towards achieving net zero in 2030. Working together we can build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.”  

Alasdair Young, Director of Energy at Buro Happold said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our work, along with our partners, to support organisations across London developing clean and locally generated energy projects. The Mayor has set ambitious targets to decarbonise London. Scaling up local net-zero carbon energy systems requires a step change in the pace of deployment. It is an exciting time, but there are huge challenges for councils looking to transition to low carbon energy. However, with the right guidance and leadership, the opportunities to reduce energy, reduce cost and cut carbon are real. We have found that many organisations are committed to reducing their emissions but often struggle to access specialist, independent expertise. Buro Happold is relishing the opportunity to lead in this critical area for London to deliver on important net zero targets and are delighted to be supporting the GLA in providing access to skills which will help to tackle this huge challenge.”  

Matt Sutton, Director at Camargue, said: “It’s brilliant to see the progress that has been made over the last few years by organisations across London to decarbonise the city, and to have worked closely with the GLA to support this work through the Local Energy Accelerator programme.   

“Over the coming months we’ll be helping the GLA to promote the extended programme and drive applications for funding – supporting the delivery of more essential clean energy projects.  We’ll also be telling the story of the success of the programme to date and fostering collaboration between beneficiaries to continue the move towards net zero over the coming years.” 

Richard McWilliams, Director of Sustainability at Turner & Townsend, said: “Decarbonising the UK’s energy and heat networks is central to achieving our net zero ambitions, and strengthening national energy security.  This award demonstrates our ability to drive complex programmes and it’s fantastic to be able to continue our work in supporting the delivery of essential local energy projects.    

“Our long-standing relationship with the GLA and strong track record of working in partnership with local authorities makes us well placed to support the energy transition across the capital.” 

Buro Happold is leading the design and deployment of innovative net-zero carbon heat and renewable energy systems across the UK. This ranges from river, lake and mine water source heat pumps to district energy schemes which recycle waste heat from sewage to provide hot water and heating to homes and workplaces. Their specialists work with clients to tackle technical and commercial challenges. They prepare investment cases and high-performance designs which enable clients to decarbonise the built environment across scale – buildings, campuses, and cities.  

Buro Happold is committed to developing and sharing knowledge of this critical issue across engineering and construction. They were among the first signatories to the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration and have a seat on the steering group for the UK Green Building Council net zero carbon buildings framework definition task group.  

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Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy & Ancillary Services Framework Agreement, spanning architectural and project management services to net zero environmental consultancy.

Open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS and the wider public sector, the new agreement builds on the previous NHS SBS Framework Agreement and a nine-year working relationship Pick Everard has held with the organisation on the NHS SBS framework agreement.

Alex Hamilton-Jordan, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “This agreement provides an efficient route to market to procure our services, and offers flexibility for organisations to adapt to meet their requirements.  

“Collaboratively, we aim to deliver better, together. Nothing can be achieved in isolation, and key to our continued success on this framework will be to engage and work with a full range of partners throughout the supply chain, including local SMEs that can offer valued, local insight.  

“We’re excited and open to the opportunities this will bring to appoint our professional services, engaging public bodies through the framework agreement.”

Pick Everard has successfully delivered a wide range of projects through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, including the relocation of congenital heart services for the Leicester Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which had been threatened with closure until campaigning efforts ensured the centre received part of a £450m pot of government funding.

The firm also designed and managed a £250m+ schools expansion programme for the London Borough of Hounslow, which delivered more than 1,000 new school places.  

Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our strength as a business is being able to create a positive impact for local communities, that scale regionally and nationally. We’ve made huge strides in growing our operation over the past five years, and part of this owes to our framework appointments, which have a real focus on quality, a broad range of service delivery and technical excellence.

“We’re hugely proud to be able to continue our journey with NHS SBS and the success the framework agreement delivers – ensuring the best possible outcomes for clients and end-users.”

Melissa King, senior category manager – construction and infrastructure at NHS SBS, said:  

“We’re excited to launch our Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services framework agreement, which replaces our successful Construction Consultancy Services 2 framework agreement.  

“It is designed to support the NHS and wider public sector by providing high-quality, innovative and cost-effective solutions through UK-wide coverage, a unique depth of expertise and a broad range of suppliers.”  

For more information on Pick Everard and its services, visit: https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/

Further details on NHS SBS can be found at: https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/

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