Construction contracts awarded increase by 81%
Industry analysts say UK contract award numbers in June have increased by 81.4%, signalling an improvement in conditions.
A market review by industry analysts Barbour ABI shows the total value of construction contract awards in June 2020 was £2.2 billion based on a three-month rolling average. Compared to May, this is a decrease of 9.2% and is also 57.3% lower than June 2019. However, contract award numbers in June increased by 81.4% to 477. The residential sector again dominated the share of contract awards with a total of 33.9%. Despite this, the largest project awarded for June was the in the Infrastructure sector with the Gatwick Airport railway station refurbishment, valuing in at £150M. The analysis shows that London has had the largest share of contracts awarded in June at 26.1%. This is followed by the South East at 16.4% and then the North West at 13.6%. Wales was the smallest region with only 1.4% of awards. Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “The UK economy plateaued in May as the easing of some lockdown restrictions mid-way through the month failed to significantly increase output. In-month GDP growth was 1.8% after the 20% contraction in April. With the outcome underwhelming compared to city economists’ expectations of 5.5% growth, output remains 25% down compared to February. June’s figures published next month will give a better understanding of how quickly lost output can be regained as larger parts of the economy resumed activity.” Download the full report here.Hydrajaws Launch New & Improved Digital Bluetooth System
British pull-test manufactures Hydrajaws has launched a new and improved version of its Digital Bluetooth System.
Like the previous version, the Hydrajaws App connects by Bluetooth to a gauge and records pull-test results digitally and stores them in a report complete with result graphs. The new system now goes a step further by including an online customer cloud-based dashboard that can collect these results from a team of users, providing a comprehensive pull-test management system. Instead of purchasing a Bluetooth Digital Gauge, customers can now simply subscribe to an online licence. These licences provide access to the app and online dashboard. Used in conjunction with any Hydrajaws Digital Gauge, pull-tests can now be recorded and stored in a cloud-based database. This database provides a wealth of testing information including a test location map, service centre information, user licence details, gauge calibration dates and full reporting facilities, including the ability to add photos and notes.
Data in the cloud database is connected to the ‘Evident Proof’ platform; its unique systems encrypts the data, timestamps it and stores it securely on Blockchain technology making it immune to tampering and indisputable proof of the pull test taking place.
Adrian Morgan, Managing Director at Hydrajaws, said: “We are extremely excited about our new app and the powerful pull test management system.”
“When life-threatening incidents occur the consequences and repercussions are very high. Unfortunately for the responsible parties there can be an overriding incentive to corrupt or tamper with the original data so that there is little or, no evidence to apportion blame.”
“Using the Evident Proof’ verification platform mitigates this risk by providing a fully auditable and transparent data provenance trail that is admissible in a court of law.”
Hydrajaws Ltd are a SME, based in Birmingham, who develop, manufacture and sell a range of portable testers for testing the crucial holding force of anchors, fixings in construction materials and engineered lifeline systems for personal fall protection.
For over thirty years their testers have been confirming the on-site safety of fixings in countries worldwide. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, they are regularly approached to provide solutions for a particular testing requirement. Scaffolder seriously injured after falling at Scottish factory
A scaffolder has been rushed to hospital after falling at a factory in Scotland
The 39-year-old worker reportedly fell through the roof of Norbord’s MDF mill in Cowie, Scotland. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 9.30 am yesterday (21 July). It is understood an air ambulance was also called to the chipboard factory. The worker was scrambled to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University hospital to be treated for his injuries. One person who claimed to be onsite at the time told local media “A scaffolder fell through the roof and a girder landed on top of him.” The local police have launched an investigation into the incident and the Health and Safety Executive has been made aware. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 9.35 am, officers were called to a report of a worker injured at premises on Station Road, Cowie. “Police and ambulance attended and the 39-year-old man has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed. “Officers are currently carrying out enquiries into this incident.” A spokesman for Norbord said: “A contractor erecting scaffolding fell from a platform. Our on-site medical team provided immediate assistance and emergency services were called. “The Health & Safety Executive is currently investigating and we are cooperating with their enquiries.”PERI’s scaffolding division set for growth following key appointment
System scaffolding manufactures PERI has appointed Charles Stratford as its Business Development Manager for PERI UP.
The company says the appointment will enable it to develop its scaffolding proposition, so that it is more aligned to meet the growing demand for skilled workers, efficient solutions and digitalisation, now and in the future.
Charles joins PERI with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. The balance between his practical knowledge as a scaffolder early on in his career, coupled with his strategic acumen in recent senior roles made him the right candidate to navigate this new journey for PERI.
Charles will focus on how key challenges such as productivity and safety on site can be overcome by leveraging the benefits of system scaffolding.
Supported by a network of specialists across PERI and a new multimillion-euro production and galvanising plant in Germany, Charles is looking forward to growing PERI UK’s scaffolding division.
Commenting on his appointment, Charles Stratford said, “The features of system scaffold are inherently aligned to the productivity and safety measures that are expected on-site today. Something I am excited about is working with our designers on larger, more bespoke scaffolding solutions for our customers.
We have the right people, the right solutions and the right product for any scaffolding-related service our customers require, giving us the confidence to fulfil any requirement here at PERI.”
Small Business Confidence Bounces Back After Lockdown
Business finance study reveals predictive growth for UK small businesses has almost doubled in just three months.
Research carried out by Hitachi Capital Business Finance shows the proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months from 14% to 27%. It could be one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy. The quarterly tracking study goes beyond sentiment and confidence, says the business finance company. It examines the percentage of small businesses that actually predict growth in the next three months. Following last quarter’s report, which saw the percentage of small business owners predicting growth plummeting from 39% to just 14%, the new findings show the highest quarter-on-quarter rise in five years. With 27% predicting growth overall, there were significant rises in the percentage of small businesses predicting moderate expansion the next three months (up from 10% to 23%) or no change (26% to 43%). This meant there has been a huge reduction in the percentage of businesses that fear contraction (down from 31% to 19%) or collapse in the next three months (down by almost two thirds from 29% to 11%). By sector, the IT/telecoms sector had the highest proportion of small businesses that predicted growth for the three months to 30th September (44%). The biggest rises in confidence since lockdown were evidenced in and transport and distribution (up from 8% to 34%) and manufacturing (9% to 30%), where the resurgence of growth forecasts was striking. There were also significant rises in sectors hardest hit by lockdown: In retail, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth rose from 21% to 27% – and in hospitality growth forecasts rose from 11% to 16% in the three months since April. The research also suggests that smaller, more agile enterprises will be the fastest to adapt to the UK’s re-emergence from lockdown: Small businesses that had been trading for less than five years (35%) and those that employed 10-49 employees (37%) were most likely to predict business growth for the next three months (to 30th September). Gavin Wraith-Carter, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance commented: “The latest Hitachi Capital research findings are remarkable for both the scale and the speed of the revival in small business confidence. We knew last quarter that small business confidence would fall as lockdown started and the scale of the fall was a concern, particularly the steep rise in the number of business owners fearing for their survival. Our new research – just in – shows what an immediate and positive impact the easing of lockdown has had on the small business community. Whilst bigger businesses are having to adjust and adapt at a slower pace, small business confidence across the UK has bounced back and as the engine room of the British economy, today’s figures can give us confidence that small businesses will lead the nation’s effort to rebuild the economy and secure growth.”System scaffolding can help with social distancing, says TRAD
TRAD UK believes the use of system scaffold, and in particular, their own PLETTAC METRIX system can help with social distancing, productivity and cost savings.
During the current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government has stated that the construction industry has a huge role to play in supporting the health of the economy and is making a highly valued, and somewhat critical, contribution. However, the difficulties this brings to the workplace, with sites striving to comply with the Site Operating Procedures developed by the Construction Leadership Council, are hard to overcome when related to safe systems of work in the scaffolding sector. TRAD UK believes that these problems and issues can be somewhat alleviated by careful planning, and the use of system scaffold such as the highly developed PLETTAC METRIX system. TRAD UK’s Head of Technical Sales, Alan Slater explains; “With the system being much faster to install than traditional methods, the reduction in erection times for PLETTAC METRIX can go some way to offset the extra time required and the decrease in productivity that the new COVID-19 working practices bring. The very nature of the system means fewer small components are required, which helps to avoid close proximity contact, therefore allowing for easier adherence to the current Social Distancing rules. The use of base collars on the bottom lift makes it far easier for members of scaffold gangs to keep a Social Distance from one another. When commencing a build, two operatives are not required to hold and fix standards, ledgers and transoms until they are all secure, as it is possible for one operative to complete this task whilst the other members of their gang can work nearby on other tasks and areas of the structure being built, although it should be noted that it is not implied that lone working should be employed, as a minimum of two operatives should be working within the same vicinity, while Socially Distancing. Furthermore, as it is only the base lift which needs to be levelled, productivity is increased with PLETTAC METRIX as this repetitive process, which is completed at every level on traditional tube & fitting scaffolds, is only required once.” Alan goes on to say: “The efficiencies that PLETTAC METRIX can generate, with a general reduction in labour costs of up to 30% to 50% when compared to tube & fitting scaffolds, gives our customers an edge in the market place, making them more streamlined and better placed to cope with the added pressures that an economy affected by recession brings, helping to manage current outgoings whilst investing for the future. Generally, as there are less components and weight of materials required per job, this means there is less transport required, which therefore necessitates less visits to site for transport personnel, the consequence of which is less exposure to risk. The “divisibility” of the components – which improves flexibility & adaptability – when compared to other similar systems, means a reduction in the amount of components required, again helping with productivity and less close proximity contact. In addition to the improved safety and adherence to SG4 that the optional Permanent Advanced Guardrail brings, this award winning feature has a positive effect on productivity. The one fix installation process of the guardrail replaces either two or three ledgers (depending on the size and type of guardrail), reducing the amount of equipment which is required to be manually handled and subsequently lessens the risk to the operatives. The PLETTAC rosette & wedge head junction forms an incredibly strong joint, allowing up to eight components to be fixed in the one node. This allows for a far less reliance on small fittings, with the wedges being much faster to secure than traditional fittings, once again helping with productivity and social distancing.” Plettac Metrix is available on a hire or sale basis at six TRAD UK locations strategically positioned throughout the country. If you would like to try this revolutionary product for yourself, to experience the difference it can make, please contact 0845 899 0845 / [email protected] or your local depot: Andover 01264 350 505 | Birmingham 0121 522 2333 |Stockport 0161 430 4666 | London 020 8517 1212 | Leeds 0113 249 9555 | Glasgow 0141 550 3666NASC Update COVID-19 Guidance
The NASC has updated its guidance for Scaffolding Operations During Coronavirus Pandemic
The updated COVID-19 guidance published by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation is now at version 3. The latest guidance from the NASC comes after the Construction Leadership Council updated its own Site Operating Procedures, and to ensure the NASC remains inline with the relaxing of Government guidance – ‘Working safely during COVID-19 in construction and other outdoor work – Version 4’. The twelve paged NASC document titled Scaffolding Operations During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Version 3 mainly covers the ‘relaxed’ social distancing rules, it now allows 2.0m or 1.0m with risk mitigation measures where 2.0m is not viable and a few other relatively minor additional requirements. The latest version is available hereNew Fleet Acquisition for Caspian Group
Caspian Group continue their expansion with further investment in their transport fleet.
The Scunthorpe based scaffolding supplier recently added a new Renault D26 wide 6×2 truck to their growing range of vehicles, acquired from Thompson Commercials Ltd, with whom they have worked with to secure most of their current fleet. With the fleet ranging from 3.5 tonne vehicles through to 26 tonne vehicles, which also includes HIAB loader crane trucks, Caspian have incredible flexibility and reliability to meet the growing requirements of their customers across the UK. “Our in-house transport is vital to the success of our business, ensuring our customers receive their orders on time, every time, anywhere in the UK” says Managing Director, Neil Garrison. “Our fleet gives us total control and full flexibility to be able to meet any demands that our customers have, enabling us to provide even higher levels of service.” Investing in their transport fleet is just part of Caspian’s continued growth, having already invested significantly in their Scunthorpe scaffold board manufacturing facility and acquiring a new three-acre site on Scunthorpe’s Grange Lane over the past 18 months.Actavo expands Shoring operations into Scotland
