construction national sept 2012

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CONTENTS

Stirling Prize – the contenders are announced

The front cover of this issue shows the Hepworth Wakefield gallery, a frontrunner for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize architectural award.

read more on p5

COVE

R ST

ORY

Editor: Chris Stokes

Hepworth Wakefield gallery © Iwan Baan

NEWS7 Cameron rolls up sleeves to ‘get

Britain building’7 Industry welcomes new Housing

Minister

HOUSING24 Detached homes offer stunning

country views24 Bag a winning deal from Yuill

THE GUILD OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN25 When looking for a master craftsman,

look no further than the Guild ofMaster Craftsmen

25 Reconciling warring parties26 Quality Endorsement from the Guild27 Why the Guild is a good place to be

LANDSCAPING17 How green is your development? It

could add value28 Naples hosts world forum

CHIMNEYS19 Giant chimneys plan for

Addenbrooke’s29 High CO levels: a tale of two cities

SAFTEY AT HEIGHT30 You don’t need to fall far to cause

injury30 Firm fined after roof collapse injures

worker

TRAINING31 Jay is the first to sign up for new

qualification31 New ‘Outputs’ oriented EHS Training

Courses

BOOK REVIEW34 The guide to assessing the risks your

business poses

CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES35 Classified supplies listing

25

8

30

8 East

11 Northern Ireland & Isle of Man

15 Scotland

17 North East

21 West

22 North West

23 South West

NHBC PRIDE IN THE JOB AWARDS

In the first round of the Pride in the Jobawards some 450 plus site managers havebeen rewarded with Quality Awards on aregion by region basis

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Stirling Prizethe contenders are announcedn On 22 July the shortlist for this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize was revealed, comprising six exceptional and completely different buildings from across the country. They will go head-to-head to be awarded architecture’s highest accolade and a £20,000 prize for the designer of the winning project. The winner will be announced at a special event in Manchester on 13 October.

The seemingly simple yet highly innovative London Olympic Stadium; the thoughtful and intimate Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Glasgow; the stunningly original Hepworth Wakefield gallery in Yorkshire; the beautifully detailed and rule-breaking Sainsbury Laboratory for plant science in Cambridge; the New Court Rothschild Bank in London that rises high while opening new views at street level; and the crafted and careful reincarnation of the Lyric Theatre on a small suburban site in Belfast: are all in the running for the 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize.

Announcing the shortlist, RIBA said: “The buildings on the shortlist are all highly-crafted buildings and use rich materials, with exceptional attention to every detail. These are buildings that clearly value the individual and visitor’s experience – from the very personal and peaceful Maggie’s Cancer Centre to the new Olympic Stadium, which despite its enormity has an atmosphere of intimacy for every spectator.”

The only previous winners of the prize among the shortlisted architects are David Chipperfield Architects, whose Hepworth Wakefield has been posted by William Hill as the early favourite for the prize. It is the eighth time they have been shortlisted, matching the record set by Foster + Partners.

The only practice to have two buildings in the shortlist is Rotterdam-based OMA for Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Glasgow. Rem Koolhaas, who founded the practice, knew Maggie Keswick Jencks (after whom the Maggie’s Centres are named) and her daughter Lily Jencks was the landscape designer on the project.

The other OMA project on the list is New Court in London, on which they collaborated with Allies and Morrison. Rothschild’s Bank has been on the site since 1809 and in replacing the previous 1960s building the architects have opened up views to a nearby Wren church. For both practices it is the second time they have figured in the Stirling Prize shortlist.

There are two newcomers to the shortlist: Populous for the London 2012 Stadium and

Stanton Williams for the Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge.

The design team at Populous aimed to create the most sustainable Olympic stadium to date, reducing the amount of steel and concrete needed and making it one of the lightest stadia of the modern era. It has also been designed so that it can be taken down and reused in another location or taken apart and made smaller.

Stanton Williams have designed the Sainsbury Laboratory for plant sciences to complement its setting, a 19th-century Grade II-listed garden which is central to the building’s identity. It cleverly mixes the private and the public – the security and complex scientific needs of a laboratory with a public botanical garden and café.

For Dublin-based O’Donnell + Tuomey this

is their fourth visit to the Stirling Prize shortlist – and their second in successive years. In their design for the Lyric Theatre in Belfast they have responded to the challenge of a small, awkwardly irregular and steeply sloping site. The seating appears to be twisted ‘like the crease of a hand’.

RIBA President Angela Brady said: “All of the shortlisted buildings demonstrate the essence of great architecture. They are human-scale buildings, places to inspire, entertain, educate and comfort their visitors and passers-by. Every building not only works beautifully from within but has a superb relationship with its surroundings, with a strong interplay between the two. The 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize judges have a difficult job to select a winner from this pool of great talent. I can’t wait to see which project they choose.” q

Two of the buildings on the shorlist are the stunningly original Hepworth Wakefield gallery in Yorkshire (top) and the rule-breaking Sainsbury Laboratory for plant science in Cambridge - © Hufton + Crow


Industry welcomes new Housing MinisterAs part of the Cabinet reshuffle on 5

September, Housing Minister Grant Shapps was made co-chairman of the Conservative Party. His place at the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) was taken by Mark Prisk (pictured). His appointment was generally welcomed by the industry, not least because of his background as a chartered surveyor.

The NHBC’s executive chairman Isabel Hudson said: “NHBC has played a central role working with the Government on a number of policies, such as the Local Housing Delivery Group and Zero Carbon Homes. We look forward to continuing this relationship following the appointment of Mark Prisk as we enter another critical period for the housing sector.

“The new Minister has a number of challenges across the sector. As our latest new home registrations statistics revealed, although

private sector housing registrations in the UK had their best month for over a year this July, registrations in the sector are still down 10% for May to July 2012 compared to the same period last year.”

The Home Builders’ Federation also welcomed the appointment. Its executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “We welcome Mark Prisk to the role. Whilst he has an unenviable in-tray, it is clear that he understands the scale of the job in front of him with his background in the sector.

“We hope he will offer some radical ideas to transform the current housing and planning systems and tackle the housing crisis, providing economic growth and jobs and strengthening communities across the country. In his previous role he undertook some positive work to reduce regulation, a commitment his Government has also made with regards to housing and something we hope he will now deliver on.”

The much anticipated announcement on planning and housing was made on 6 September, jointly by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, together with Communities and Local Government Minister Eric Pickles.

The measures, it is claimed, will help to deliver up to 70,000 new homes, including affordable housing and opportunities for first-time buyers to get onto the housing ladder. The result will be 140,000 new jobs and a boost to the construction sector. The measures, says the Government, are aimed at supporting businesses, developers and first-time buyers, while slashing unnecessary red tape across the planning system.

Specifically, they include:• Removing restrictions on housebuilders to help unlock 75,000 homes currently stalled due to sites being commercially unviable. Developers who can prove that councils’ ‘costly’ affordable housing requirements make the project unviable will see them removed.• New legislation for Government guarantees of up to £40bn worth of major infrastructure projects and up to £10bn of new homes. The Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill will include guaranteeing the debt of housing associations and private-sector developers.• Up to 15,000 affordable homes and the bringing back into use of 5,000 empty homes using new capital funding of £300m and the infrastructure guarantee.• An additional 5,000 homes built for rent at market rates, in line with proposals outlined in Sir Adrian Montague’s report to Government on boosting the private rented sector.• The fast-tracking of thousands of big commercial and residential applications and giving developers the option to have their decision taken by the Planning Inspectorate where councils are ‘poor’.• Putting the worst performing council planning departments into ‘special measures’ if they have failed to improve the speed and quality of their work, and allowing developers to bypass councils. More applications also will go into a fast track appeal process.• Around 16,500 first-time buyers helped with a £280m extension of the FirstBuy scheme.• For a time-limited period, slashing planning red tape, including ‘sweeping

away the rules and bureaucracy that prevent families and businesses from making improvements to their properties’, potentially helping tens of thousands of home owners and companies.

Announcing the measures, PM David Cameron said: “The measures announced today show this Government is serious about rolling its sleeves up and doing all it can to kick-start the economy. Some of the proposals are controversial, others have been a long time in coming. But along with our Housing Strategy, they provide a comprehensive plan to unleash one of the biggest homebuilding programmes this country has seen in a generation. That means more investment around the country, more jobs for our people and more young families able to realise their dreams and get on the housing ladder.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This is a Coalition Government, determined to get on with the job of delivering a healthier economy. Today’s major boost to housing and planning will make it easier to build a home, easier to buy a first home and easier to extend a home – a boost that will get Britain building again, building thousands of affordable homes and generating thousands of new jobs.”

Cameron rolls up sleeves to “get Britain building”


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Battle has been joinedto find the top site managers

On 22 June the National House Building Council (NHBC) announced the 450 or so site managers to be recognised in the first round of its annual Pride in the Job awards. They will now go forward to compete for the various regional titles, to be announced in the autumn, with the successful managers progressing to the Grand Gala Final in London in January.

Pride in the Job recognises outstanding quality in house-building throughout the UK. It rewards the best site managers, who are responsible for managing the construction of new homes from start to finish, having a unique influence on the overall quality of the finished product. The awards are grouped into various categories, according to the number of plots built

by the housebuilder per annum, plus a category for multistorey buildings and, for the first time this year, for ‘single plot’ builds.

Isabel Hudson, executive chairman of NHBC, said: “For over 30 years, Pride in the Job has been one of the cornerstones of NHBC's work to improve housing standards for the benefit of home-owners. It is the only UK-wide competition that is dedicated to, and directly recognises, site managers who demonstrate commitment to achieving high standards in house-building. It has been extremely successful over the years in promoting and encouraging best practice on site.”

The following pages tell the stories of some of the award-winners and the sites they work on in different parts of the country.

WINDMILL WAY, HINCKLEY / FAIRFIELD MANOR, CASTLE DONNINGTON / FOX HILL VIEW, EAST LEAKE EAST

Bloor’s three winners from the EastA trio of site managers from the East Midlands division of Bloor Homes have

helped put the housebuilder firmly on the map with success in the NHBC Pride in the Job awards. The three – Stuart Clay, Richard Gibbons and Clive Vickers – have all won awards for sites in Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire.

Stuart’s site is Windmill Way in Hinckley, where three and four-bedroom homes in five popular styles share a compact site with affordable units.

Hinckley, the second-largest town in Leicestershire, was the birthplace of the Hansom cab and home to Triumph motorcycles. It was also said to be where Luddism first broke out among the stocking weavers.

In the north of the county is Castle Donnington, known for its motor-racing track and near to the burgeoning East Midlands Airport. That is where Richard Gibbons manages Fairfield Manor, a development of no fewer than 15 home styles. They range from the compact Farnham coach house apartment to the grandiose five-bedroom Tunstall.

Just over the border, in East Leake, is Fox Hill View. Clive Vickers is the award-winning site manager of this collection of three and four-bedroom homes in a range of styles, integrated with affordable units and nestling around a green. East Leake is justly proud to have been voted one of the UK’s most desirable places to live.

These three award-winning site managers will be proud to be making a difference with their dedication to their craft, and the East Midlands region of Bloor Homes has also been making a difference to members of the armed forces injured on active service with a recent Help for Heroes weekend, raising a fantastic £2,500 for the charity, alongside Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.


THE GRANGE / SANDLANDS, MANSFIELD

Two PiJs for the price of one!

n Following the success of its completed development at Sandlands Way in the Forest Town area of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, Barratt and David Wilson Homes have commenced construction on adjoining developments under their respective brands. The Grange is being marketed under the Barratt brand and comprises a collection of apartments and houses which have from one to four bedrooms. The homes are in a range of styles – 14 in all – that offer something for all kinds of buyer.

The site manager for Barratt Homes on the site is Roy Eyre. Roy takes great pride in his work as he oversees the build of every home on the development. Indeed, Pride in the Job is what Roy has been rewarded for with a Quality Award in this year’s NHBC awards, his second in successive years.

Roy’s ‘next-door neighbour’ is Ian Bentley, whose Sandlands site under the David Wilson Homes brand complements The Grange, with its 13 home styles ranging from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached houses for larger families or those who just need more space.

Ian has worked for David Wilson Homes for over four years and has won a NHBC Pride in the Job award in each of those years for his outstanding work. This is Ian’s seventh PiJ in total.

The two winners will no doubt be comparing notes across the garden fence. q

Award winners Roy Eyre andIan Bentley

Avtar’s winningways continue

n Avtar Bahra has won a Pride in the Job award for every site that he’s worked on as a site manager for David Wilson Homes. This year he has pocketed his fifth award and the second for The Fairways development in Bedford. Avtar has worked for the company for 12 years, having originally joined as a carpenter.

He told local reporters: “The Fairways development really does the sought-after area of Biddenham Vale justice. We’re all very pleased that the work carried out here has been officially acknowledged by the NHBC for a second time.”

Avtar’s site is a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes for private sale and housing association properties for rent and shared ownership.

Avtar is one of four David Wilson South Midlands managers to be honoured in this year’s Pride in the Job competition He is pictured with colleagues Terry Brand, Craig Gilbert and Andy Martin. q

THE FAIRWAYS, BEDFORD

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Neil and company prepare to repel invadersn In July last year East Anglia’s best known local housebuilder, Hopkins Homes, launched its flagship development in Felixstowe – The Martellos.

Named after the famous fortifications that lined the south and east coasts of England at the beginning of the 19th century to repel an invasion by Napoleon’s army, The Martellos is an elegant development combining

the south of Stowmarket, on the River Gipping. The range of styles includes apartments, coach houses, town houses, semi-detached and detached houses. It is part of the popular Cedars Park development, which has been evolving since the 1990s. More than just a residential development, Cedars Park boasts shops, a primary school and the headquarters of Suffolk County Football Association. A community centre is underway and there are plans for further commercial development. All that means that Nigel’s site is part of a real community. q

Housebuilder’s values promote real pride in the job CEDARS PARK, STOWMARKET

n Bovis have been building houses since 1885 – and there is even a surviving building from 1893 that was built by C W Bovis and Co. So the 32 years that the Pride in the Job awards have been going may seem like yesterday in comparison. However, the attention to detail and the commitment required by the NHBC to gain a Quality Award sit perfectly with a long-standing company which first set up its own School of Building in 1936, taking in 100 apprentices and management trainees.

Bovis is still equally proud of any of its managers who carry off the accolade, including Nigel Whebby of Bovis’s South East division. Nigel won in the NHBC East region for his site Gipping View at the Cedars Park development in Stowmarket, Suffolk.

This year is Nigel’s second PiJ for the site, following his success in 2010. The former carpenter and joiner has been with the housebuilder for five years, although he has worked in the industry for a quarter-century.

Gipping View is a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes to

one and two-bedroom apartments, served by landscaped communal gardens, underground parking and lifts, with two, three and five-bedroom houses. All are designed sympathetically in keeping with the local architecture of the Suffolk seaside town.

The development was soon catching the eye of the judging panel of the

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THE MARTELLOS, FELIXSTOWE

NHBC Pride in the Job awards, for its site manager Neil Wilcockson was straight into the running for best site in the East with a Quality Award.

Neil joins two colleagues from the housebuilder who will be making their way to Leicester on 21 September for the regional awards lunch. He will be joined by David Saunders of Scholars’ Quarter in Norwich – recent winner of a Norwich Society Design Award – and Lindsay Pitcher, who is the site manager at Miller’s Tye in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

In a statement announcing the launch of The Martellos, Hopkins Homes said: “It is important that the towns and villages of the region grow in accordance with the needs of the people.”

By carrying out the work of running their developments in an exemplary manner, the three managers are ensuring that vision is carried out to the best of their ability. q

A Martello Tower still in existence in Felixstowe. Photo by Keith Evans

ROYAL BUILDINGS, ONCHANN. IRELAND

&ISLE OF MANDominic flies

the flag for the Isle of Mann The NHBC region that includes Northern Island also takes in the Isle of Man, that ‘beautiful little gem dotted in the middle of the Irish Sea’. The island has maintained its own unique way of life for generations, including taking pride in everything they do. In terms of housebuilding that means the island has seen at least one winner in the Pride in the Job competition every year for nearly a decade, including providing a Regional Winner last year.

One of the developers whose managers are seen regularly in the lists is Hartford Homes and this year the flag is being flown by

The Royal Buildings site is situated in Onchan


Dominic McGreevy, manager of the developer’s Royal Buildings site in Onchan. The site is on the main Royal Street in what is still administratively a ‘village’ although it has the second largest population on the island. It forms a conurbation with Ramsey and is the base of the Lieutenant Governor.

Royal Buildings is a development of 28 two-bedroom apartments, one three-bedroom duplex apartment and two shop/office units in the heart of Onchan, with direct access to local shops, amenities and bus routes. It also benefits from underground car parking.

Dominic forms part of a small team at Hartford Homes, which draws regular plaudits from customers. The company describes itself as “…a family-run firm that have been building for three generations. Our attention to detail and outstanding team mean that we are truly proud of every development.”

They have a lot to be proud of. According to a report by the company: “The property market on the Island has been affected much less by the global woes than elsewhere. The volume of house sales has dropped a little over 10% and pricing has not seen the huge drops experienced elsewhere.”

Dominic has certainly demonstrated that the little island in the Irish Sea can punch above its weight when it comes to having Pride in the Job. q

Hartford Homes’ The Royal Buidlings, Onchan

It’s seven up for JohnCOOPERS MILL, DUNDONALD

n John Logue is site manager at Coopers Mill, a development by McGinnis Group in Dundonald, and is celebrating his fourth NHBC Quality Award for the site. That brings John’s NHBC awards to seven in total.

Said John: “The award demonstrates to the housebuying market that we are building homes with the correct materials and to the best standards. We are providing high-quality finishes and our level of workmanship speaks for itself.”

Coopers Mill is a large, long-term development now in its fifth phase. Scheduled for completion in six years, it will eventually comprise 450 units. It has also been winning awards, including a Silver in the What House? Awards. q

Winner of seven NHBC awards, John Logue


LAKESIDE, COLERAINE

Steve’s double tops off10th anniversary celebrationsn Celebrating a second successive Pride in the Job Quality Award is Steve Foster of Farrans Homes. Steve’s site is the Lakeside development in Coleraine, a brownfield development at a former quarry site in the town.

Described as ‘a distinctive regeneration development’, the keyword of Lakeside is sustainability. At its heart lies a lake, with a stunning cliff face as a backdrop. Along the lakefront feature buildings interact with tree-lined boulevards. The development comprises apartments, townhouses and semi-detached and detached homes, set in a landscape that minimises the impact of vehicles and

emphasises the lake views.Farrans is one of Northern Ireland’s

major success stories, having expanded its operations over more than 70 years. Its Homes division was founded ten years ago with the ‘specific and simple brief to build quality homes for the discerning homebuyer, regardless of price or location’.

Over the ensuing decade that brief has extended to include building homes with optimum energy efficiency, such that one customer declared they could heat their home and cook for £15 per week. So, what better way to celebrate 10 years of housebuilding than with a Pride in the Job award? q

Jason continues a proud tradition

n Glenavna is an exclusive development of distinctive townhouses and apartments in the village of Whiteabbey near Newtownabbey. Named after a Victorian mansion that later became a hotel, the site has earned Patton Homes site manager Jason McCullough a Quality Award in this year’s Pride in the Job awards.

Jason is in good company – a Patton Homes site has featured in all but one of the past 33 Pride in the Job awards, including a Seal of Excellence last year for Jason’s colleague David Watterson.

The first phase of Glenavna was a complete sell-out and there are now five home styles released on phase two. q

GLENAVNA, WHITEABBEY


MacMic’s winning pair are off again!

n The ‘Dynamic Duo’ from Scottish housebuilder Mactaggart and Mickel are off on another adventure. Stuart Gillespie and Mike Loughran have bagged yet more Quality Awards in this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job awards.

Stuart went the whole hog last year and pocketed the Supreme Winner title in the Medium Builder category for his Marr Meadows site in Troon, following a Regional Award in 2010 and a clutch of Seals of Excellence. He has spent his whole 20-year plus housebuilding career with the ‘MacMic’ team.

He is joined in the despatches by colleague Mike Loughran. Another serial award-winner, Mike handed the Regional Award baton to Stuart, having won the accolade in 2009. Mike’s Hillpark development in Edinburgh is the

MARRS MEADOW, TROON / HILLPARK, EDINBURGH

Historic hospital site becomesa thriving Quartermile

QUARTERMILE, EDINBURGHSCOTLAND

n In 1998 when the contract was awarded to build a new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on the edge of the city, it marked the end of an era for the historic Laureston Place site. The infirmary had been on the site since 1879, although at its foundation in 1729 it was the first voluntary hospital – in the modern sense of the word, rather than a school or hostel – in Scotland. When the Laureston Place buildings were constructed they were claimed to form the largest voluntary hospital in the UK, or indeed the Empire.

However, the sale of the site with its listed buildings in 2001 ushered in a new lease of life, as one of the most stunning mixed commercial and residential sites in the city – or indeed in Scotland. Awe-inspiring new buildings were designed by Foster and Partners to complement the existing Victorian edifices. Those in turn have been extensively refurbished to provide the last word in 21st-century city living.

The world-renowned architects had this to say of the project: “New construction is combined with the selective refurbishment of the historic buildings, with the new woven carefully into the grain of the old. Apartment buildings are located at the quieter edges of the site while offices and shops are concentrated in the centre. The

commercial buildings frame a new public plaza – the ‘Quartermile’ – which accommodates a performance space for concerts and other events.”

The place names echo the history of the site: Lister Square, Nightingale Way and Simpson Loan are all streets or squares on the site.

It is little wonder, then, that the residential elements of the site have been recognised by the NHBC for a Pride in the Job award, awarded to Gladedale Capital’s site manager Graeme Gardiner. Graeme’s was one of nine PiJs won by Gladedale Group site managers – a record for the group. Graeme’s Quality Award is the latest in a string of awards for the development, including Scottish

Home Awards, What House?, Property Week and Estate Gazette awards, a RICS award and the Saltire Society Housing Design Award.

The figures themselves are just as impressive. According to contractor Sir Robert McAlpine: “It will provide more than 900 apartments and 40,000m2 of office, retail and leisure space.” Apartments can be bought for as little as £195,000 or for as much as £410,000. The development will be completed by a 174-unit affordable housing scheme.

Oh, and why Quartermile? Well, according to the development brochure, it’s a quarter mile from Edinburgh Castle, a quarter mile from the Royal Mile and a quarter mile from corner to corner! q

longest-running development by Mactaggart and Mickel and is now in its final phase.

Mike also picked up the NHBC Health & Safety Award for the North region for the second year in a row. He is pictured with Olympic medallist Roger Black, who hosted the ceremony in Birmingham on 6 July. q

Mactaggart and Mickel’s award winners, Stuart Gillespie (middle left) and Mike Loughran (middle right)


Steve’s following in his father’s footstepsn Steve Lyon is back in Inverurie – and back on the winning trail. Two years ago the Malcolm Allan Housebuilders site manager won the Pride in the Job Scottish Regional Award for the Westgate development in the town. It was the pinnacle so far of a career that has netted seven NHBC awards, including a further three Seals of Excellence. Last year he was in Westhill, in Aberdeen, where he netted a Quality Award.

Now back at Westgate, Steve is hoping to emulate the success of his father Bert. Also a Malcolm Allan manager, Bert famously won the Supreme Winner title in the medium builder category four times in succession, which the company described as an “incredible achievement”.

Surrounded by lush countryside and wildlife rich woodlands, with the River Don meandering close by, Westgate has already earned a reputation for its scenic walks and nature trails. Just a short drive away lies the celebrated landmark peak of Bennachie. Now underway is phase four, the previous three phases having been sold out. That’s a phrase that crops up regularly when talking about Malcolm Allan developments. q

WESTGATE PHASE 2, INVERURIE

Highland duo celebrate in stylen There is a last chance to reserve a superb detached home at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ popular and award-winning Osprey Village development at Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. The final phase is underway and the housebuilder has saved the best till last. Each home has stunning views over the beautiful countryside towards the Bennachie hills.

The award winning has included a Pride in the Job Quality Award for site manager Fred Anderson. Fred has been with Barratt for 12 years and has won several NHBC Quality Awards and a Seal of Excellence, which shows his commitment to the high standards used at Osprey Village. Fred also makes himself available to meet prospective buyers at pre-contract meetings.

The surrounding area is steeped in history, as well as being a modern place to live. According to the local Business Association: “Inverurie is a town with a thousand years of history and the good times have come and gone like the seasons – from Bruce battling with the Comyns at Barra in 1308 to the coming of the canals and the railways and then the hectic ebb and flow of the oil industry.”

Fred’s colleague, Alan Fraser, has joined him in the ranks of PiJ winners for his site at The Grange in Elgin, a mix of three and four-

bedroom homes in the historic city, known for its 13th-century cathedral ruins and Elgin City FC,

one of the Scottish League’s newest members.Alan has been in the construction industry for over 16 years, the last

nine with Barratt Homes. His greatest achievement to date with Barratt has been three NHBC Quality Awards as well as a Seal of Excellence. q

OSPREY VILLAGE, INVERURIE / THE GRANGE, ELGIN

Award winners Fred Anderson (left) and Alan Fraser (right)

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ASTLEY PARK, WOMBWELL / LOFTHOUSE PARK, WAKEFIELD / SUMMERVALE, GOLDTHORPE /WENTWORTH GRANGE, WATH UPON DEARNE / THE PASTURES, MELTON VIEW / WOODLAND PLACE, THONGSBRIDGE NORTH EAST

n No fewer than six site managers from Ben Bailey Homes have won PiJ Quality Awards for developments in Yorkshire – an unprecedented number for the regional developer, part of the Gladedale Group.

Steve Baldwin collected his award for Astley Park, a special edition range of two, three and four-bedroom homes in Wombwell, near Barnsley, while Paul Coates put his Lofthouse Park development in Wakefield – a compact development of seven home styles – back on the winning trail.

A trio of sites near Rotherham attracted honours. Dave Mills’ award for Summervale at Goldthorpe completed a hat-trick for him, while Dean Scargill won his for Wentworth Grange at Wath upon Dearne. Dave Smith’s site at Melton View in put him in the news. The list was completed by Dave Norris, who scooped his award for Woodland Place in Thongsbridge.

Mark Mitchell, managing director of Ben Bailey Homes, said: “These awards are testament to the continued commitment and professionalism of all six of these site managers,

as well as suppliers and sub-contractors, all of whom play an important role. They have all shown outstanding capability in delivering excellent homes for our customers and we are extremely proud.”

All Ben Bailey developments feature a wide variety of properties that have been thoughtfully designed to offer living spaces which meet the needs of today’s modern lifestyles. Many properties also boast Ben Bailey’s latest specification which provides an enhanced, stylish combination of form and functionality. The specification now also includes many items which were highlighted by customer research into what people really want when purchasing a new home.

Ben Bailey is enjoying a year of high-profile industry award wins. In addition to these latest NHBC awards it was given a maximum five stars each for customer satisfaction and customer recommendation in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) national survey of homebuyers, followed by a Gold Award for customer satisfaction. q

A winning sextet bring home the baton for Ben Bailey

Top to bottom: award winning Astley Park, Summervale and Wentworth Grange


Exclusive development is set in former hospital grounds

n Set in the rugged and imposing Wharfedale countryside, in the Pennines above Leeds and in the shadow of Ilkley Moor, is the village of Menston. Now a commuter village for those working in the city or farther afield, until 2003 it had been the home of High Royds Psychiatric Hospital – formerly the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum.

The original hospital building and its grounds are currently being developed into highly desirable homes. One such development is The Glade by David Wilson Homes, now part of the Barratt Group: an ‘inspired’ development of four, five and six-bedroom homes ranging in price from £629,995 to £1,075,000.

Described as ‘an enviable balance between secluded privacy and easy access to city life’ the 15 executive homes are surrounded by 200 acres of woodland and parkland. Leeds, however, is just 12 miles away while Bradford is only eight miles.

Angela Horgan, sales adviser at The Glade, was enthusiastic about her up-market charges. She said: “The Glade is an exquisite development that has been designed to offer high quality homes in a dream environment. Buyers can enjoy some of the best views in Yorkshire in their new home at this exclusive development and have the added bonus that

THE GLADE, LEEDS

they are close by to all the amenities that they would need.”

The designs of the homes, built from natural local stone, are said to ‘replicate Dales-inspired, barn conversion style architecture, all with the convenience and technology of a contemporary property’.

Some properties feature private gated access to the cul-de-sac settings and two of them are accessed via a private drive.

The judges of the Pride in the Job competition were certainly impressed by the

manner in which the site is run by manager Adrian Bennett. Adrian has scooped a Quality Award for the development in this year’s contest.

The history of the hospital, which was purpose-built in 1888, is remembered in a digital archive, and the memories of those who lived and died there have been preserved by the restoration of the graveyard and chapel as the High Royds Memorial Garden, a task carried out by volunteers with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. q

High Royds Memorial Garden, picture

courtesy of Community Spaces Fund

The Maple – one of the homes at the exclusive development The Glade

�0�0 www.constructionnational.co.uk


Cheers! Dave just keeps on winningBARLEY FIELDS, BURTON-ON-TRENT

n It seems that Dave Lang of Persimmon Homes has been winning Pride in the Job awards for his Barley Fields development in Burton-on-Trent since the PiJs were invented. His string of successes includes a hat-trick of Seal of Excellence awards as well as a hatful of Quality Awards dating back to at least 2008. Now Dave’s on his way again!

Barley Fields is a major development close to the centre of Burton, in Staffordshire, that boasts a large range of properties, from two-bedroom apartments and coach houses to three-bedroom, three-storey semis.

Burton-on-Trent was chosen by Persimmon for one of its flagship developments because of its location in the very centre of England, surrounded by countryside. It is also famous for being the brewing capital of the country – at one time 25% of all the beer sold in the UK was made in Burton and it still boasts some prestigious beer brands.

Barley is, of course, the central ingredient in beer brewing, which gave its name to the development, and the National Brewery Centre is just down the road on Horninglow St.

Maybe it’s a good thing there is plenty of beer on tap if Dave is going to carry on celebrating Pride in the Job awards. q

Waterside developmentsupports green initiative

DIGLIS WATER PHASE 3, WORCESTERWEST

n As a home builder, Taylor Wimpey also prides itself on playing a key role in supporting the local environments where it builds. And that objective is evident at the company’s beautiful Diglis Water development in Worcester.

The company is actively supporting the Green Infrastructure initiative, which has been developed by Worcester City Council. It denotes the importance of planning and conserving green spaces and environmental features and plays a vital role in the regeneration of Worcester’s riverside, which includes Diglis Water as a key element. Diglis, once the main wharf facility for Worcester, had suffered a major decline before the regeneration project began.

Among the new homes currently for sale at Diglis Water is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments and a selection of three-bedroom townhouses. In August the latest phase, Marina, was launched with a waterside barbeque.

Anne Wallace, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Midlands, said: “Diglis Water not only boasts a stunning collection of houses and apartments, it also offers a desirable lifestyle which is part of our commitment to the Green Infrastructure masterplan. Residents and visitors to the area can take advantage of the picturesque riverside footpath and cycleway, make the most of the attractive green open spaces within the development and enjoy the Waterfront Park situated between Diglis Water and the River Severn.”

The development has also featured as a case study by the Landscape Institute for the design by landscape architects LDA. The article states: “The

strategy behind the masterplan recognises the importance of the appearance of the built environment and how this can transform people's attitudes toward their homes and communities.”

It comes as no surprise, then, that the development has attracted a number of awards. The latest is in the NHBC Pride in the Job awards, with site manager Andy Shaw scooping a Quality Award. It follows success in 2008, when he went on to achieve a Seal of Excellence for the site. q

Diglis Water is part of the regeneration of Worcester

PiJ success follows Rob to Telfordn Taylor Wimpey Midlands site manager Rob Dennant is celebrating yet more success in the Pride in Job awards. This year Rob has pocketed a second Quality Award for his Lawley Farm development in Telford.

Lawley Farm offers a wide choice of three and four-bedroom terraced and four-bedroom detached properties designated as ‘eco homes’. The development took a step forward in January last year with the opening of the Salisbury showhome. At the time Anne Wallace, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Midlands, said: “It can be difficult to get an idea of a new home's size and layout just by looking at development plans, which is why show homes are such a useful tool for helping house hunters envisage what their finished home will look like.”

The Salisbury offers well-designed living accommodation that would ideally suit a young couple or growing family. A reception room with French door access to a private rear garden, kitchen with breakfast area and a useful cloak room are on the ground floor. The first floor features two bedrooms and a modern family bathroom, while the master bedroom with en suite is nestled in the eaves, enjoying privacy away from the rest of the house.

Success has been following Rob around. I n 2009 he was a regional winner for his development in Warwick, for which he also won a PiJ the following year. q

LAWLEY FARM, TELFORD

A water tower from a former brewery in Burton. Photograph © Angella Streluk


SANDHURST GARDENS, CHORLEYNORTH WEST

n The market town of Chorley, in West Lancashire, has a lot going for it. Located near to Preston, with its world-famous Guild celebrations, and within easy reach of the seaside resort of Southport, it sports a range of ancient and modern buildings, including the largest Mormon temple in Britain.

It also sports a range of homes in the New Heritage Collection from Redrow Homes. Sandhurst Gardens is on Pilling Lane to the south of the town centre, conveniently placed between the M6 and M61 motorways and close to woodland and the Anglezarke Reservoir beauty spot.

Looking after the development is Paul Aaron. Paul’s meticulous running of the site has earned him a Quality Award in the NHBC Pride in the Job competition for the second year in succession.

Paul is one of 16 site managers from Redrow to be honoured in this year’s PiJ competition. John Tutte, Redrow’s group managing director, commented: “All of the winning site managers have worked hard to ensure that their sites are managed to exceptional standards.”

Sandhurst Gardens has, according to Redrow, ‘…been carefully designed to complement and complete your quality of life’.

The collection of homes range from the compact Alton two-bedroom maisonette to the imposing four-bedroom Cambridge. q

Bob holdsThe Fort for Bellway

THE FORT, ROCHESTERLONDON

&SOUTH EAST

n The Fort in Rochester is the latest Bellway Homes development in the historic Medway district of Kent. Famous for its Norman castle and its association with Charles Dickens, Rochester can now add The Fort’s site manager Bob Reardon to that list. Bob is the proud recipient of a Pride in the Job Quality Award for the site, one of no fewer than 23 of the housebuilder’s managers to receive the accolade.

John Watson, chief executive of Bellway, said: “The awards are highly regarded within the industry and winners earn the true respect of their peers. Anyone gaining a first-round award is already in the top 3% of their profession and they can be very proud of their achievement. To have improved year after year over the last four years clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing the best quality homes for our buyers.” q

Paul is one of Redrow’s ‘sweet sixteen’


NORTHAM HEIGHTS, BIDEFORDSOUTH WEST

Andy sets out on thejourney to success inthe South Westn Andy Smith, site manager for prestige builder Devonshire Homes, has won his first Pride in the Job award for the Northam Heights development in the village of Northam, near Bideford in Devon. Andy will join colleagues from across the region at the South West regional finals in Bristol on 12 October.

Northam Heights is a development of only 10 executive homes comprising eight detached and two semi-detached houses. All formed part of Devonshire Homes’ Designer Collection.

The Designer Collection has been described as ‘traditional building but with modern designs’. Features include individual drives and

garages and sympathetic street scenes. The internal layouts are designed to ‘complement the demands of modern living’.

This attention to detail is reflected in the house types – Dawson, Letherby, Morgan, Prior and Scott – which are named after famous Arts and Crafts movement architects.

Northam is the site of the exclusive Royal North Devon Golf Club. The district includes the villages of Appledore and the delightfully-named Westward Ho!, the only place name in the UK with an exclamation mark.

In a statement, Devonshire Homes offered its congratulations to Andy on his award and wished him further success at the regional finals.

He follows a proud tradition of Devonshire Homes PiJ winners, in particular the success enjoyed at Moorhayes Park in nearby Tiverton by Andy’s colleague Nick Bateman. Andy will be hoping to match or even outdo Nick’s four consecutive awards up to last year, which included two Regional Awards. q

Two of the homes at the Northam Heights site: the Morgan (top) and the Scott (above)


Bag a winning deal from Yuill

n There’s a winning offer on a contemporary three-bedroom home in Whitby, where buyers can snap up the Burlington showhome from Yuill Homes, available at The Old Creamery.

The innovative three-storey home is perfect for a range of occupiers, including first-time buyers looking to get their foot on the property ladder with the Government-backed FirstBuy shared-equity scheme.

With FirstBuy, the buyer gets to own 100% of their home while potentially only needing up to a 76% mortgage with a 4% deposit. Yuill Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency will provide a loan for the rest.

Within walking distance of Whitby’s historic town centre, the Burlington is an ideal home for all modern needs. A classically-styled entrance hall leads to a handy ground-floor utility room and separate cloaks area. Upstairs, the open plan kitchen and family room provides an ideal space for socialising or entertaining family and friends.

The first-floor living room has French doors opening onto a traditional Juliet balcony. The three bedrooms can be found on the second floor, together with a family bathroom. The master bedroom comes complete with mirrored sliding robes, as well as its own Juliet balcony and an en-suite with large shower.

Whitby is a traditional fishing port, made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula and more recently the TV series Heartbeat. Its abbey, set on a promontory outside the town, is a popular visitor attraction. q

Detached homes offer stunning country viewsn A number of detached properties are now available from Orion Homes at its Spring Place Park development in Northorpe, near Mirfield in West Yorkshire. The homes, in the developer’s Balmoral and Marlborough styles, are situated in a cul-de-sac at the north corner of the development and enjoy beautiful views across open countryside. The panorama also includes the pretty Holroyd Park and the historic Mirfield Parish Church, with its ancient tower alongside.

The four-bedroom Balmorals are priced from £239,995, while the Marlboroughs, which are also four-bedroom homes, are priced from £249,995.

Orion Homes' sales negotiator Wendy Crossley said: "The Balmoral and Marlborough properties occupying plots 46 to 50 are in a prime position, enjoying the best views that Spring Place Park has to offer. In the foreground are some mature trees which provide seclusion.

"Beyond the trees you can see for miles across rural scenery. It will be a stunning sight to wake up to for the purchasers of these particular homes."

The Spring Place Park development also features a selection of three and four-bedroom mews homes priced from £159,995. All the properties are designed to a high specification with superior features such as recessed spotlighting in many areas, heated towel rails and en-suites in at least one bedroom.

Mirfield is situated between Dewsbury and Brighouse, with easy access to the M1 and M62 motorways and to the mainline railway at nearby Wakefield. q


Reconciling warring partiesn The Guild operates a conciliation service free of charge. In the event of a dispute it can act as an impartial third party to open a channel of communication between the customer and Guild member. It can then suggest practical action to both parties and usually a resolution can be arrived at by correspondence alone.

Where that is not possible, the Guild can arrange for an independent inspection to be carried out. It also offers a debt collection service exclusively for its members through specially appointed solicitors throughout the UK. q

GUILD OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN

n With literally thousands of members working in over 400 different occupations, the Guild of Master Craftsmen can confidently claim to be the UK’s leading trade association. Founded in 1976, it is run by what is still a family-owned business. In 1992 it was awarded its own coat of arms.

Most members, but by no means all, are involved in traditional craft occupations often associated with the building trade.

Some are large companies, while many others are sole traders. A significant percentage represent traditional crafts,

working in gardens and on the land with materials like stone, wrought, thatch, stained glass and precious metals. In recent years these traditional crafts have been added to with many new members joining from high technology occupations such as computing. There is also a thriving retail division which includes hotels, restaurants and gift shops. Household names that are members include such diverse enterprises as Harrods, The Ritz, The Savoy and Bentley Motors.

Despite all the diversity, there are some

When looking for a master craftsman, look no further than the Guild of Master Craftsmen



Through its associate company, GMC Publications, the Guild publishes top-quality books and magazines on many different craft subjects. These are sold on news-stands and in bookshops around the world. GMC’s 10 magazines on woodworking, photography, knitting, dolls’ houses and organic living are extremely popular, with regular, dedicated readerships. Plus, its list of some 5,000 top-quality books – covering woodworking skills, gardening, lifestyle and the majority of craft and needlecraft subjects – makes GMC Publications the largest distributor of craft books in the country.

More and more, companies in the building trade are using Guild members when awarding work – and not just in the UK. Recently the Guild was able to help with requests for soft furnishers to work on repairs in Kuwait, a glass restorer to work on a 200-year-old glass goblet, building restorers to repair a wooden mosaic frieze on a house and a request from Germany for enamellers to make reproduction jewellery.

By using the Guild’s online search facility at www.findacraftsman.com, anyone can find builders, plumbers, carpenters, furniture makers, garden landscapers, roofers, stonemasons and even a bagpipe maker!

• The Guild of Master Craftsmen, 166 High Street, Lewes BN7 1XU; tel 01273 478449; www.guildmc.com.

things that all Guild members have in common. They have acknowledged a commitment to work with skill and integrity; they have agreed to abide by the aims and objectives of the Guild; and they have all received praise and recognition from their customers.

Membership of the Guild is by no means automatic. Applicants are required to show that they have earned the right to be called ‘master craftsmen’ – through the quality of their work, their commitment to customer care and the level of service they provide. They should have been practising their trade for at least two years. Details of five recent customers are required and the Guild sends each a confidential questionnaire to obtain opinions about the standard of craftsmanship and service provided by the applicant. Once accepted into membership they are required to maintain the aims and objectives of the Guild. Should they fail to do so they will be expelled from membership.

Although not a consumer organisation, the Guild resolves to pursue the interests of the consumer through careful membership selection and its proven procedure for conciliation and arbitration, which comes into effect should there be a dispute with a member. The Guild believes that the interests of members and customers are best served by opening its doors only to those who work with skill and integrity.

QualityEndorsementfrom the Guild

The Guild logo is now being displayed on a growing number of products. That is because, in response to requests from members, the Guild has agreed to endorse certain selected products and services with the new Quality Approved logo. However, because the testing procedure can be long and involved, Quality Endorsement membership is only available to a small number of companies. That number is growing all the time.



Why the Guild is a good place to ben In recent years there has been a resurgence of pride in British

craftsmanship. The ‘design ethic’ of the 1980s has merged with the current emphasis on environmental issues to initiate a better understanding of – and need for – more traditional skills.

These days, in order to prosper the craftsperson needs more than just their traditional craft skills. They may produce quality products, yet have difficulty selling them because of limited marketing capabilities. They may sell services at a profit and still run into cash flow difficulties because of inadequate financial planning. Awards may be won, designs praised, quality endorsed by all concerned, and yet still the business can fail because of poor promotion.

That is where The Guild of Master Craftsmen comes in. In its role as champion of the skilled and the industrious, the Guild performs a dual function. In the first place it sets out to foster high standards – both to enhance the reputation of its members and to inspire confidence in the customers they serve. Secondly, the Guild works hard to provide business benefits to help its members compete on equal terms in an ever-changing world. Guild members can access a range of professional services, which includes advice on insurance, financial services, health and safety issues, legal matters, sales and marketing and business consultancy.

In addition, the Guild operates credit vetting procedures, a debt collection service to ensure you get paid for the work you do and, in the event of a customer complaint, a conciliation service to help settle disputes.

From its inception the Guild’s objectives have been to obtain extra work for its members, to increase public awareness of their skill and integrity and help them make savings on their business expenses. The important benefit for the public is the peace of mind they get from knowing that Guild members have been thoroughly tested through recommendation of their customers.

The Guild’s name is promoted to the public in a number of ways and its logo is featured prominently. GMC books and consumer magazines are sold in bookshops and newsagents around the world. All are published by GMC Publications, the company that operates the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

The annual membership fee is calculated based on the size of the business and number of employees as assessed by a Guild representative. The cost of membership is easily outweighed by the benefits, cost savings and the business help and advice that the Guild can offer the individual member. q

• Consumers or prospective clients can find Guild members via its dedicated website, www.findacraftsman.com, or by telephone on 01273 478449. To find out more about joining the Guild, visit www.guildmc.com. To apply for membership, fill in the form opposite and return it to: The Guild of Master Craftsmen, 166 High Street, Lewes BN7 1XU.


Naples hosts world forumn At the time of going to press the sixth session of the World Urban Forum is underway in Naples, with the theme The Urban Future.

The World Urban Forum was established by the UN to examine the phenomenon of growing urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies. It has become the world’s premier conference on cities, bringing together international organisations, national and local government officials, NGOs, community leaders, professionals, academics, youth and slum dwellers groups. The sixth session is taking place from 1-7 September.

On 4 September the Intercultural Cities joint programme of the Council of Europe and the European Commission will hold a side event to present the intercultural approach to integration. q

n In 2006 the UK Government signed up for the European Landscape Convention (ELC), otherwise known as the Treaty of Venice. The convention became binding the following year. The ELC defines landscape as: “An area as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.”

According to Natural England, the ‘executive non-departmental public body’ that oversees the natural environment in England, the ELC “…highlights the importance of developing landscape policies dedicated to the protection, management and creation of landscapes and establishing procedures for the general public and other stakeholders to participate in policy creation and implementation”.

In 2010 the Landscape Institute issued a position statement on the place of landscape in housing development – Making it home: the power of landscape to create good housing.

In its forward the authors stated: “Provision of housing cannot be separated from current environmental and social challenges including climate change, biodiversity, energy supply, food security, social cohesion and flood risk management. Ensuring that all of us have access to good quality housing demands that we look again at how we plan and design it. Landscape underpins the environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability.”

Many housebuilders are becoming aware that the placement of a development in its environmental context is part of the planning and design process.

As can be seen from the publicity material accompanying many

developments, housebuilders are using the environmental attractions of their developments as a selling point. These include not only the visual surroundings, but also the environmental features such as SuDS and wild flower meadows.

The Horticultural Trades Association has carried out a project to determine the potential economic benefits that green assets and landscape improvements can add to an area, using the Green Infrastructure Valuation Toolkit, launched in 2011.

It used the Swindon Triangle residential development as a case study and demonstrated that the site has added £453,220 in value simply through the delivery of quality green space. Harvest from fruit trees and bushes and enhanced property values from well-kept green landscaping are just some of the economic benefits that trees, plants and green space have brought to the site.

The toolkit has been designed to show those involved with new developments how they can add value to development projects through planting. It also provides a way for local planning officers to assess and benchmark the value of a landscape in any given project pre or post-development. q

How green is your development?

It could add value


Giant chimneys plan for Addenbrooke’sn Three giant chimneys, each up to 200ft tall, will be built at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge, if plans for a new energy innovation centre go ahead.

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), the trust which runs the hospital, has appointed MITIE as preferred bidder to develop the centre. It will service Addenbrooke’s and Rosie hospitals and potentially future developments on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It will be developed in partnership with MITIE and the NHS Carbon and Energy Fund.

The new energy centre will provide heating, hot water and electricity and reduce the trust’s carbon footprint by 30,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, according to a press report by the trust.

The trust’s existing energy centre houses the NHS’s first combined heat and power plant which, for the past 20 years, has been providing sustainable energy to the expanding campus, as well as being a distinctive landmark. The trust incinerates its clinical waste in the energy centre and uses clinical waste produced on the campus as a fuel source to provide heat and hot water to the campus.

The new energy centre will use a range of energy-saving technologies, including biomass boilers which will burn local woodchip and waste wood.

But according to the Cambridge News, residents are concerned about the impact on the skyline of the new chimneys, each taller than Nelson’s Column. Local councillor Ben Shelton described the proposed chimneys as ‘hideous’.

“While I appreciate the need for environmentally friendly energy, it should not be at the expense of making the skyline an eyesore,” he is reported as saying.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of the year, if planning permission is granted, and the energy centre would be operational by 2015. q

High CO levels: a tale of two citiesn A study carried out by Liverpool John Moores University has found dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in homes and helped save the lives of people in two cities.

A total of 120 homes in Liverpool and Coventry were found to have high levels of CO, but the occupiers were unaware of the threat.

In many cases, carbon monoxide poisoning is the result of poor flue maintenance or installation, an issue which forms much of the campaigning of the National Association of Chimney Engineers. q

Addenbrooke’s Hospital's proposed new energy innovation centre

http://www.fafchimneyservices.com


Firm fined after roof collapse injures worker

A recent court case in Nottingham illustrates how easy it is to sustain serious injury while working at heights that some would not consider to be hazardous.

On 28 August a housing repair and maintenance company was fined £18,000 with £5,452 costs at Nottingham Magistrates Court, after a Nottingham worker suffered serious neck and back fractures falling just 2.4 metres through a fragile roof.

Two workers were replacing cement sheets on a fragile, flat roof of a single storey outhouse back in July 2010. One employee accessed the roof via the top section of a triple ladder placed across it, with his colleague working from the bottom of the ladder, which rested against a wall.

During the work, one of the sheets started to collapse. The worker below was able to hang on to the section, while his co-worker attempted to get off the roof. However, while going back down the ladder, he put his hand on the collapsed sheet and fell through it, head first, landing on a concrete floor.

After the hearing HSE Inspector Nic Rigby said: "Work at height carries significant risk and must be properly planned, particularly when it involves fragile roof surfaces.

"This incident has left a man with life-changing injuries, yet it could have been avoided if a suitable and sufficient risk assessment had been carried out. This would have identified the need for this work to have been properly supervised and carried out by trained staff.”

Falls from height continue to be the most common cause of injury and death among construction workers in the UK. In 2007-8, for example, 34 of the 72 deaths at work in the construction industry resulted from a fall from height. While most people in the construction industry recognise the danger that working at height poses, there are two particular circumstances that give rise to confusion. One is where the work being carried out is at low level and the other is where the workers involved, particularly among small firms, do not habitually work at height and so are unaware of some of the dangers.

The HSE is plain on the first point. In its guidance it states that there is no distinction between low and high. On a poster it states: “More than half of serious fall injuries, such as fractured skulls, broken bones and severe cuts,

are caused by falling from below head height.”

As with all things, the HSE advocates a sensible approach based on an assessment of the risks and the action needed.

To address the second point, the HSE has produced a new toolkit, called WAIT (Working at height Action and Information Toolkit). It is

are caused by falling from below head height.”

As with all things, the HSE advocates a

specifically aimed at helping those who work at height infrequently to identify what equipment and risk assessment is appropriate for the job.

• The WAIT toolkit can be accessed at www.hse.gov.uk/falls/index.htm.

You don’t need to fall far to cause injury

HSE poster promotingsafety at height


New ‘Outputs’ oriented EHS Training Courses

Andy Robertson Associates are launching new in-house EHS training courses with a difference, namely ‘Outputs’ oriented bespoke and IOSH accredited training and follow-up coaching that add maximum value to the client’s organisation. They are all carried out in-house on the client’s premises for convenience, cost saving and minimum disruption to their operations.

Before delivery, consultation ensures that what a client really needs as ‘Outputs’ is understood and designed into each course. An example of this may be that a client not only needs delegates to be able to carry out a Risk Assessment, but that they can also use the client’s software applications to type their Risk Assessments into once completed, before issuing them electronically. Building use of the client’s existing applications into the training course saves the client time in having to carry out this function.

A range of 25 courses are launched this month including 22 bespoke courses combining coaching, consulting as well as formal training on environmental health and safety subjects, including H & S Awareness, Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, Work At Height, Abrasive Wheels, Hand-

Arm Vibration Risk Management and Internal Auditor, in addition to IOSH Working and Managing Safely courses. Bespoke Waste Management courses are also available.

Based in the North East, Andy Robertson Associates have operated as an EHS consultancy and training company for 6 years with a track record of over 50 clients in manufacturing, engineering and waste management. They are enthusiastic, professional and pragmatic by nature, drawing on years of hands-on experience in the workplace.

Additionally Andy Robertson Associates has the flexibility of a small company and the ability to engineer special courses tailored to the client’s precise requirements, even for subjects and areas not included on the standard list.

• For further details and a list of these new standard courses please contact John Staines of JSA Business Development, the Marketing Consultant responsible for the new training courses, on tel 0191 536 1631 or email [email protected].

Jay is the first to sign up for new qualificationLiverpool man Jay Gregson was the first person

in the UK to sign up to complete an innovative new qualification that will help to shape the future of the construction industry.

Just nine colleges in the UK are offering The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Sustainable Built Environment which provides work based learning at university level. The first course started in September and is open to A level students (with 80 or more UCAS points), Level 3 Advanced Apprentices, those with BTECs and people already working in the industry.

Jay (pictured), who works as an air conditioning engineer for an international air conditioning firm, will complete the course at Leeds College of Building where he will study towards an NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management (Sustainability) and a Higher National Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment. He will then choose

Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Services as a specialist subject.

Jay, who is 19 years old, explains: “I’ve always been good academically but when I left school I was keen to start earning a wage, so doing an apprenticeship was the obvious choice. I’ve just finished a Level 3 Apprenticeship and want to carry on gaining qualifications but university and the costs associated with it still didn’t appeal to me.

“This new HLA qualification offers the best of both worlds because I’ll still earn a wage, the course is paid for by my employer and it effectively offers three qualifications rolled into one so it will give me lots of career options in the future.”

• For further information on The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Sustainable Built Environment course visit www.hasbe.co.uk.


Welcome to Hewden TrainingWe offer a comprehensive range of training courses, covering anincreasing range of topics across our hire range, including powered access, crane operation, plant operation and health and safety courses ranging from general site safety to specific industry courses.

All our training courses are accredited, certified and recognised by leading bodies, including IPAF, PASMA and CPCS, ensuring your staff are assessed to the relevant industry standards.

The range of topics covered by our experts and carefully selected training partners is growing constantly, so if you need the best training for powered access, crane operation, plant operation or general site performance, talk to Hewden about our latest courses or check online at www.hewden.co.uk/catalogue/training.

Training is available at Hewden locations UK wide or can be custom delivered on your sites. Course costs vary, so please call our training team on 0161 772 2444 for a quote.

New for Summer 2012Hewden now have a brand new Training Management System which allows customers to register online with us and by doing so can sign up to the benefits of full visibility of all available courses and training programmes, browsing tools and an excellent online booking facility.We make training easy for our customers, with all course information available online - you will know exactly what you are getting from our Training Services including reports, certificate viewing and evaluation monitoring.With the ability to track your employees’ training data, compare job roles and training specifications, Hewden Training will take all the work out of managing training and accreditation, operating as an extra function of your business to provide the best in Health and Safety and Industry accredited courses.

IPAF TrainingInternational Powered Access Federation (IPAF) accredited trainingpromotes the safe use of powered access worldwide. IPAF training is recognised throughout the world as a desired qualification.Qualifications gained last for five years.

1 Day Course AimTo provide delegates with the essential knowledge and skills required for the safe and efficient operation of MEWPs.

Cranes TrainingCPCS Slinger Signaller2-4 Day Course AimTo provide delegates with the training and knowledge to enable them to carry out slinging and signalling duties in the movement of loads with lifting equipment.

CPCS Crane Lift Supervisor2-4 Day Course AimTo provide delegates with the training and knowledge to enable them to understand a crane supervisors’ role and responsibilities.

Crane Appreciation1-2 Day Course AimCrane Appreciation is a 1 or 2 day course tailored to familiarise a range of delegates with Crane legislation, basic strength & stability information of different types of cranes.

CPCS Appointed Person (AP)2-4 Day Course AimTo provide delegates with the training and knowledge to enable them to understand the appointed persons role and responsibilities. To comply with the lifting and slinging equipment regulations and meet the code of practice laid down by the British Standards for the safe use of cranes.

CPCS Mobile Crane5-10 Day Course AimTo provide delegates with the appropriate theory and practical training and assessment to confirm their understanding of safe and correct operation of mobile truck mounted cranes in the movement of loads with lifting equipment.

PASMA TrainingPASMA is the lead trade association in Europe for the mobile accesstower industry. Representing the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and users, it provides and oversees the industry standard training scheme and is a major publisher of safety related knowledge, information and guidance.Qualifications gained last for five years.

1 Day Course AimTo gain an understanding of current relevant legislation and to be able to dismantle, erect and inspect mobile access towers safely, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Health & Safety TrainingVarious Health & Safety courses are available - please ask one of ourteam for more information on the following:• NPORS• Emergency First Aid at Work• First Aid at Work• Fire Marshal• Manual Handling• Risk Assessment• Safe Use of Abrasive Wheels• NEBOSH Certificate• SMSTS / SSSTS• IOSH - Working / Managing Safely• SPA Safety Passport Training

Bespoke Training ProgrammesBespoke Training packages are available, where we will take yourrequirements and the content you need to be included, and create a tailor made course for your teams. These could include Plant Appreciation, Health and Safety Awareness, Management Techniques, Train the Trainer and company Induction Training.

All training that your employees successfully complete will be awarded a card and certificate to recognise that they have passed the training and are able to perform certain duties. These can be Hewden recognised or accredited by a relevant awarding body.

Please contact our friendly and professional team for any further information on 0161 772 2444 or check online at www.hewden.co.uk/catalogue/training.


Construction Industry Publications (CIP) publishes a range of construction, health and safety and environmental titles. It was formerly owned by the Construction Confederation, but following the demise of that body is now in private ownership.

As well as its own publications, including the recently published Construction Environmental Manual, CIP supplies a range of contracts from JCT and NEC, a range of ICE titles and a comprehensive range of price books and other publications for construction companies, sub-contractors, architects, surveyors, civil engineers and health and safety professionals.

All can be purchased from the CIP website at www.cip-books.com, or ordered by phone on 0870 078 4400.

Risk Guide and Sample FormsConstruction Industry PublicationsISBN 9781852631277 £15.95

As has often been reiterated in this publication, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous work activities, with a high proportion of accidents and fatalities. Controlling the risks involved in the industry is therefore a vital part of any management. Numerous pieces of legislation exist to control risk and hazards to both safety and health and the Health and Safety Executive, though often berated by those outside the industry for perceived officiousness, is keen in pursuing those who do not take adequate measures to protect their workforce.

One of the primary ways of achieving the required protection is to carry out regular risk assessments. In fact, it is a requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations that employers assess risks to their employees and others who may be affected by their activities.

The process made easierTo make that process easier, Construction Industry Publications publish

blank forms for filling out risk assessments, and have also published a useful Risk Guide and Sample Forms. In clear and concise terms the guide explains the principles of risk assessment in the construction industry, outlines the relevant legislation and then goes through the process of carrying out a risk assessment.

An Appendix to the book explains the hierarchy of assessment of risk: the ERIC principle – eliminate, reduce, inform, control.

By far the greater part of the book, however, consists of sample forms that are filled in for a number of ‘generic’ risks. The book stresses, however, that each site and activity is unique, so needs its own risk assessment. A further point that is repeatedly made is that sites change and, as they do, risks and hazards change. So an on-going regime of assessment is needed.

One of the wide range of sample risk assessment forms the guide contains


The sample forms are grouped into areas of similar activity: site set-up, working at height, lifting, materials, etc. Each has a sample hazard and its attendant risks filled in, with lists of people affected, what level of risk each carries and what action needs to be taken.

Positive benefitsOne very simple but telling point made early in the book is that the

benefits of controlling risk are positive. In addition to complying with the law and protecting the workforce and the public, there are economic benefits such as a reduction in downtime and a fuller order book.

While no activity is entirely risk-free, this book is a handy reference guide to assessing what the risks of your activities are and how to manage them.

Risk Guide and Sample Forms is part of the comprehensive range of construction industry publications from CIP books, which also includes the famous Blue Book. The full list of CIP titles can be found and purchased at www.cip-books.com.

The guide toassessing the risksyour business poses


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