University of Hertfordshire open new £120M accommodation

New student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane Campus officially opened.

A redevelopment plan that has been ongoing for three years has reached completion, with the £120M new student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane Campus officially now open.

The project, which was developed by Uliving and built by Bouygues UK, is made up of a 3,000 bed accomodation, and marks a significant milestone in the University’s Estates 2020 Vision and the transformation of the College Lane campus.

Four ex-university students were chosen to open the new accommodation, with each area named after them.

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “Our architects have done an absolutely magnificent job. I am delighted that we now have space for so many more students yet have managed to keep our wonderful green space on campus. We have a truly fantastic campus here and I’m delighted we have four of our most prestigious alumni here to open the buildings which have been named after them.”

Photography by Pete Stevens ©

Dr Julia Schofield MBE, a leading technology consultant and champion for utilising technology to meet the needs of people with disabilities, opened the Schofield accommodation. Julia was first blind female to study Computer Science at the University in the 1970s.

Julia said: “I am lucky because my time here enabled me to get into a field I really wanted to work in. I was surprised to be asked and I am extremely honoured.”

Diane Maclean, sculptor and environmental artist, opened the Maclean accommodation. Diane studied Art and Design at the University in the 1980s and is a long-standing supporter of the University. Her stainless steel creation “The Mountain”, commissioned for the Natural History Museum, sits outside main reception.

Mike Newton, a Computer Science graduate who has been a major contributor to the development of the computing industry, opened the Newton accommodation. Mike has worked with well-known companies such as Apple and Dell. He is an advocate for technology education and supports early career technologists.

The residences were officially opened on the same day as the opening of The Oval, a centre providing sports and social facilities as well as an information point for students, and the Hutton Hub, which brings together all student services in one location. Services include the Student Centre, Careers Service, Campus Pharmacy and Medical Centre, Student Union and a branch of Santander.

The Oval will be named Sir Stuart Matthews Centre in recognition of alumnus Sir Stuart Matthews and his long-standing contribution to the aviation industry which began at Hatfield Technical College. Sir Stuart Matthews also helped build the Comet, the world’s first jet airline.

Sir Stuart Matthews said: “I want to take the opportunity to say how proud I am to have graduated from Hertfordshire and to have this building named after me. I was one of the very first students here sixty years ago when it was Hatfield Technical College and it’s hard to believe that the University has become what it is today.”

The Hutton Hub takes its name from the Hutton building, which was built on the site in 1948 and named after Dr Hutton, the first head teacher of Hatfield School.

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UK told Nissan it wants tariff-free trading for motor industry

Business Secretary says UK has told Nissan it would seek tariff-free access to EU markets for the motor industry as part of Brexit talks.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said that within a statement of government objectives, the UK has told Nissan it wants tariff-free trading for the motoring industry, which had helped persuade Nissan to boost its investment in the UK, securing thousands of jobs.

Ministers have been under pressure to clarify the “support and assurances” Nissan said it received.

Labour said Nissan had been told more about the Brexit strategy than MPs had.

The government are receiving calls from opposition parties, to clarify in parliament what it wants to achieve from its Brexit talks before they formally begin.

The Japanese company’s commitment to Britain’s biggest car plant had been in doubt following the referendum on EU membership, but it has now confirmed the major investment in its Sunderland site, and will build its next-generation Qashqai and add production of the new X-Trail model at Britain’s biggest car plant. The investment will secure more than 7,000 jobs and 28,000 more in the supply chain.

Speculation began earlier this week, after Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said the company’s decision was driven by Government “support and assurances”.

Mr Clark denies there has been any compensation deal, which would not be possible under World Trade Organisation rules if Britain relinquishes membership of the single market.

He said: “For the continental European car manufacturers, they export a lot to us, we export a lot to them, components go backwards and forwards.

“If you conduct the negotiations in a serious, constructive and civilised way there is a lot in common that we can establish.

“I was able to reassure Nissan – and other manufacturers – that that is the way we are going to approach it.”

Mr Clark wrote a letter to Mr Ghosn in which he set out four key points regarding the Government’s approach – three about the car industry generally and the fourth about Brexit.

He said the Government was committed to have competitive and independently-assessed funds available to all companies for skills and training. He also said it was committed to regenerating UK sites for small and medium-sized businesses who supply parts for carmakers and who have been based overseas by “bringing them home”.

The third point was about “the future” and how the Government was committed to “being at the leading edge” of research and development in the industry. And the fourth point was to “be clear about what we want in negotiations to find that common ground”.

Labour has called for the letter to be released, and the Nissan issue is expected to raised in parliament today (Monday 31 October).

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£1M programme of River Thames works to begin

The Environment Agency is set begin its annual winter programme of major repairs and refurbishments to locks along the non-tidal River Thames.

The work will begin on tomorrow (Tuesday 1 November), with eight sites, five in Oxfordshire and one each in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey having a total of £1.2m spent on them.

The work is carried out during the winter months when fewer boats are on the river. This helps to minimise disruption if locks need to be taken temporarily out of service.

Included within the work undertaken is the removal of both pairs of lock gates at Shifford Lock near Bampton in Oxfordshire, and Kings Lock in Oxford, so that the frames can be re-faced with new sheets of timber.

With each gate weighing at around eight tonnes, removal with be carried out by crane and transported by low-loader lorry to the Environment Agency’s depot in Osney, near Oxford where its in-house team will carry out the work.

At Penton Hook Lock in Surrey, the downstream gates will be removed to allow the hinges to be repaired.

This will be done by bracing the lock chamber and then pumping it dry. Before the lock is fully drained, any fish found in it will be safely transferred to the main river – this is normally many hundreds if not thousands of fish.

Barry Russell, Waterways Manager, said: “We maintain and operate 45 locks in total. These are part of a portfolio of over 1000 navigation structures on the Thames that we look after.

“Many of these are important heritage assets which we are custodians of on behalf of the nation, and without them, boating on the Thames as we know it simply wouldn’t be possible. So taking good care of them is a huge responsibility for us, but one we’re very proud to have.”

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CPA: Brexit uncertainty means “mixed picture” for construction industry

Uncertainty following the Brexit vote reveals a “mixed picture” for the construction industry over the next two years according to the Construction Products Association (CPA).

The CPA’s Autumn Forecast 2016 predicts that construction output will rise 0.6% in 2016, a slight upward revision from the 0.4% anticipated in the summer.

This will fall to 0.3% in 2017 and then 0.2% in 2018. This would mean that construction activity would remain largely flat over this period.

However, upon closer inspection of individual sectors reveals that growth in infrastructure and education offsets drops in activity in sectors such as commercial offices and industrial factories.

The findings also suggest that privately funded projects could be more at risk of being affected by the uncertainty than those that are publicly funded.

The CPA predicts that infrastructure work will be the key driver of activity within the industry and will increase by 6.2% in 2017 and 10.2% in 2018.

Construction activity in education and health is expected to expand between 2016 and 2018. Growth of 2.3% is anticipated in 2016 before a 1.4% rise in 2017 and growth of 2.0% in 2018.

The health sector will see an increase of 1.4% in 2016, 1.3% in 2017 and 1.6% in 2018.

According to the forecast, private house building may face a struggle, especially given the ambitious housing programme the government has set. Private housing starts to rise 2.0% but remain flat in 2017 and fall 2.0% in 2018.

The report says that a strong underlying demand for housing that has meant house prices and purchases have remained largely unaffected since the EU referendum.

Factories construction is expected to drop 5.0% in 2016 and then by 2.0% the following year.

The CPA forecast that office construction would initially rise by 8.0% this year, before falling by 3.0% in 2017 and then by 10.0% in 2018.

Retail construction would be hit by falling output with this year experiencing a decrease of 8.0%, with further falls of 4.0% next year and 2.0% in 2018.

Noble Francis, Economics Director, said:  “Surveys across the industry highlight that activity in the construction sector has been sustained post-referendum, primarily based upon work on projects that were signed in the 12-18 months before the referendum.

“Looking forward, projects in the pipeline mean that construction activity is likely to continue throughout the rest of 2016 and the first half of 2017.

“From the second half of 2017, however, there is likely to be a clear division between the fortunes of privately-funded construction sectors – such as commercial offices and industrial factories – where the current uncertainty is likely to have a major impact, and those that are largely unaffected by post-referendum uncertainty – such as infrastructure and education – which are either publicly-funded or in regulated sectors.

“With an upcoming Autumn Statement, it is vital that the Chancellor focuses on reducing uncertainty for the private sector, sustaining the housing sector and ensuring delivery of education construction and major infrastructure projects already in the pipeline.”

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Milestone as first stay cable installed on Mersey Gateway bridge

A major milestone has been reached on the Mersey Gateway Project as the first stay cable connecting the Mersey Gateway south pylon to the main bridge deck has been installed.

Workers installed the 52-metre long cable at the south pylon in the Mersey estuary yesterday (27 October 2016).

The stay cable is one of 146 that will support Halton’s new 1,000-metre long reinforced concrete bridge. Each will consist of up to 91 individual steel strands that sit inside a stay pipe – the outer casing that provides protection from weather-related corrosion.

810 miles of the strands will be used on the project, with each strand needing to be installed individually.

Merseylink’s Design Manager, George Moir, said: “The first two strands are threaded through the stay pipe then the tower crane lifts the pipe up to the anchor point in the upper pylon where the top ends of the strands are fixed into place.

“The bottom ends of the strands are then attached to the anchor point in the bridge deck and stressed using a hydraulic system. This enables us to get the correct level of tension needed to support that segment of bridge deck.

“We then use a winch system through the stay pipe to winch the remaining strands up one by one. Once all of the strands have been installed they sit in parallel inside the stay pipe to form the stay cable.”

The 146 stay cables have a total load bearing capacity of about 53,500 tonnes and varied lengths, with the shortest is approximately 41 metres and the longest measures around 226 metres.

Form traveller machines are casting the deck segments from each side of the three pylons and the stay cables will be installed along the bridge once the concrete has reached the necessary strength.

Gareth Stuart, Project Director of the Merseylink construction joint venture, commented: “This marks a momentous occasion for the project. The stay cables will be an iconic feature of this landmark structure making it one of the most recognisable bridges in the UK.

“We’re now entering a new, very visual phase of the bridge construction, where people will be able to see the stay cables connected to the bridge deck as it emerges across the river week by week.”

The iconic design of the Mersey Gateway bridge is based on a cable-stayed structure with three pylons.

At 80 metres high, the central pylon will be shorter than the two outer pylons, which at 110 metres high (north pylon) and 125 metres high (south pylon) will give the bridge a distinct appearance.

Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “The installation of the first stay cable is a real milestone in the Mersey Gateway construction. It’s been fascinating to see the works in the estuary progress so far, and we’re now set to see truly incredible scenes as our new bridge pylons are anchored to the deck. The landscape of Halton is changing and I would encourage everyone to catch a glimpse of the exciting progress.”

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Rent rises by 2.3% according to Office for National Statistics

Recent figures from Office for National Statistics show cost of renting home in Britain rise.

The cost of renting a home in Britain rose faster than the overall cost of living in the past year, official figures indicate.

According to the Office for National Statistics, private rental prices increased by 2.3% in the year to September – a faster rate than the change in the cost of living as recorded by inflation – which was 1% over the same period.

The ONS said: “Residential house price growth in Britain has typically been stronger than rental price growth, with an average 12-month rate of house price inflation between January 2014 and August 2016 of 7.3%, compared with 2.1% for rental prices.”

A report commissioned by Cornwall Council has indicated that rents will continue to rise over the next four years but far higher than incomes are expected to increase.

Savills wrote the report which is forecasting steady rent increase of 3% to 3.5% a year up to 2020 resulting in a cumulative rise of 16.5%.

According to recent research from Countrywide, the UK’s largest estate agency chain, the property rental market is taking off, leaving the sales marking slumping due to low supply and rising house prices for first-time buyers.

The research suggested that house-buying will be outstripped for the first time in eight decades next year, as house prices rise and the struggle continues for house-buyers to find a property they can afford.

At the start of March, there was a surge in landlords buying property before a change is stamp duty rates. This has since led to an increase in the number of rental properties advertised.

Johnny Morris said that when informally advertised lets were taken into account, the rental market may have already outgrown the sales market.

 

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Nissan to build new models in UK despite Brexit

Nissan confirms it will build new Qashqai and the X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland plant following government “support and assurances”.

Nissan will build two new car models at its Sunderland plant, a vote of confidence in the UK following the Brexit vote, and strong encouragment for other carmakers with pending investment decisions will continue to locate their work in Britain.

The Japanese carmaker, second only to Jaguar Land Rover as the largest auto manufacturer in the country, had been in doubt following the EU referendum.

However, Nissan has said  it would produce the new model of its Qashqai SUV at the plant, as well as the X-Trail SUV, which is currently made in Japan.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the government must make public any deals struck with the firm. However, Business Secretary Greg Clark said there was “no question of financial compensation” for Nissan.

The announcement comes as economic growth in the three months after Brexit increased by 0.5% – slower that the 0.7% in the previous quarter but higher than analysts’ estimates of about 0.3%.

The decision will secure 7,000 jobs and is the first major development in the car industry since the Brexit vote.

Carlos Ghosn, Nissans Chief Executive said that he welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May’s “commitment to the automotive industry in Britain”. Last month, he warned that Nissan might not invest in the Sunderland plant unless the government guaranteed compensation related to any new trade tariffs resulting from Brexit.

He added: “The support and assurances of the UK government enabled us to decide that the next-generation Qashqai and X-Trail will be produced at Sunderland”.

Mrs May described the announcement as “fantastic news”, adding: “This vote of confidence shows Britain is open for business.”

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “The fact Nissan have not only made a long-term commitment to build the next generation Qashqai and X-Trail at Sunderland, but decided to upgrade their factory to a super-plant, manufacturing over 600,000 cars a year, is proof of the strength of the sector.”

It is the first time that the X-Trail Model will be made outside of Japan.

A senior Nissan Europe executive, Colin Lawther, said the company had received “no special deal”, despite a political row where Downing Street had to deny that it had offered the Japanese company a sweetheart deal.

 

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Video: First fully interactive 3D digital model of London

VUCITY is the first fully interactive 3D digital model of London and was showcased at construction expo London Build this week.

Originally launched last year, the model has since doubled in size and now visualises more than 200sq/km of London in 3D. The rate of growth has seen the model expand at a rate of five to eight square kilometres a month.

VUCITY is a joint venture between 3D modellers Vertex Modelling, Wagstaffs and GIA.

So far, VUCITY has secured buy-in from the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Kingston and Southwark. Clients such as developers and chartered surveyors are also using the model.

VUCITY provides the opportunity to future proof the city in terms of property and land development for users such as London’s planners, architects and councils.

The 3D model allows for the overlaying of GIS data sightlines, LVMFs, transport and sunlight paths, to help developers understand plans in context.

Other data overlays include demographics, traffic and pedestrian modelling.

The model is updated every six months to make sure the information is up-to-date.

Users can turn proposed, existing and consented buildings on and off, zooming from a macro overview of the city, right down to the micro detail of one building.

During the scoping stage, VUCITY can be used to determine which verified views to assess. All LVMF viewing corridors and points are pre-plotted, allowing users to interactively decide if a scheme is visible from a certain point.

VUCITY provides a more detailed scoping process with a local authority, cutting the time and expense for scoping and the production of AVRs.

Jason Hawthorne, MD, Wagstaffs, said: “VUCITY has already secured buy-in from a number of London Boroughs and developers, as well as interest from other cities and abroad. It offers planners and property developers access to a detailed and extensive view of London which allows users to see proposed developments in context and integrate data at the click of a button.

“We are genuinely excited about the solutions VUCITY will help to provide and the new level of future-proofing it offers for the built environment.”

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Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick awarded £20M contract for Research and Innovation facility

A contract worth £20M has been awarded to Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick, for a new Research and Innovation facility in Hull.

The £20M contract, which will see Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick deliver the mechanical and electrical services for a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical research and innovation facility, has been awarded by engineering and construction company M+W Group.

Works at the facility in Hull are commencing this month, and will include the installation of a new ventilation system, small power and lighting systems, fire and intruder alarms and a building management system.

Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick will utilise its technological expertise across the project, including the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques to optimise the design, construction and performance of the building and enable future maintenance to be engineered into the scheme.

The company will also utilise its in-house modularisation capability for the bespoke design and off-site prefabrication of high-level multi-service modules, such as the roof top plant room, wiring, lighting and air handing plant.

Simon Lafferty, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick Managing Director said: “This facility will be a flagship building and will allow us to showcase our wide range of mechanical and electrical expertise, including our design team’s knowledge of hi-tech and process sectors.

“We have collaborated with M+W Group to produce a joint BIM strategy, as well as detailed programme and commissioning plans to facilitate their needs both in the construction phase and beyond.”

The project is expected for completion next year, with Balfour Beatty employing a direct workforce of 175 at peak construction, and offering four trade apprenticeships.

 

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Heathrow: What happens next?

With government finally announcing its decision to build a third runway at Heathrow yesterday but there is a long way to go before 2025 – the year when Heathrow expects the new runway to be open.

It has been over a year since the Airports Commission backed the proposal of a third runway at Heathrow. Now the government has endorsed their decision those expecting things to start moving quickly will be disappointed.

The government believe that the expansion will bring economic benefits worth up to £61Bn, in addition to creating up to 77,000 more local jobs but the Cabinet has been split on the issue but ministers were allowed by Prime Minister, Theresa May, to voice their own opinions on plans for airport expansion.

Boris Johnson cast doubt on whether the £16Bn project would ultimately go ahead. He commented: “The day when the bulldozers appear is a long way off, if indeed they ever materialise.”

More opposition to the Heathrow plans came from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who had backed Gatwick Airport’s rival bid for airport expansion.

Mr Khan said the government’s decision was “the wrong decision for London and the whole of Britain” and said it have “devastating” consequences in terms of air quality and for the capital.

The Mayor said he would continue to challenge the decision and would see how he could be best involved in any legal process.

Heathrow, however, believe that they have considerable support for the project amongst the majority of MPs.

The Prime Minister said the choice was made “for jobs and growth” in mind and would allow Britain to be an “open, global, successful country” following Brexit.

The Department of Transport described the decision as a “major boost” for the UK economy, with the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, commenting: “The step that government is taking today is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.”

A public consultation will now be held to determine the effects of the third runway before the government delivers a national policy statement on aviation

MPs will then get to vote on the decision in late 2017 or 2018.

Heathrow will now compile a development consent order, which will cover any possible health and environmental impact assessments. A review of flight paths and airspace will also be undertaken. Once all submissions have been made, it will await final approval in 2020.

Given the amount of opposition to the plans, Heathrow can expect numerous applications for judicial review. Windsor and Maidenhead Council, along with Hillingdon, Richmond and Wandsworth councils will fight the expansion. Greenpeace has also vowed to fight the decision.

The Transport Secretary has put forward the idea that the runway may be built as a ramp above the M25. He said that the proposal would mean less disruption and would be cheaper than quicker than building a tunnel for the M25.

Mr Grayling has acknowledged that the construction of the runway would be “difficult for people who live close by” but felt that the decision was in the best interests of the United Kingdom as a whole.

How quickly Heathrow’s expansion gets underway though is far from a sure thing. Ultimately though, the government’s long-awaited decision to press ahead with huge construction projects in such as Hinkley Point power station, a significant house building programme and HS2 will be welcomed by many in the construction industry.

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First profit in three years for Tesla

Tesla reports first quarterly profit for three years following 13 consecutive quarterly losses.

Electric car maker Tesla has reported net income of $21.9M (£17.9) for the third quarter, compared with a loss of $230M a year earlier.

Record deliveries helped to offset rising expenses for next year’s roll-out of the company’s mass-market Model 3 saloon car.

Tesla delivered a record 24,821 cars during the quarter, more than 300 more than estimated.

Chief Executive Elon Musk and Chief Financial Officer Jason Wheeler said in a statement: “The Tesla third quarter results reflect strong company-wide execution in many areas.

“We set new records for vehicle production, deliveries and revenue.”

The quarter’s profit was driven higher by improved sales of the Model S sedan and Model X sport-utility vehicle, a reduction in spending and a boost from selling pollution tax credits to other auto makers.

Tesla’s goal of producing 500,000 cars annually is hoped to be supported by the Model 3, Tesla’s attempt to widen its market appeal with a more affordable car, with a starting price $35,000. It has been reported that so far 400,000 have been pre-ordered. That vehicle will now also include the new hardware recently announced, which will allow all vehicles to drive totally alone.

The firm faces competition from other similarly priced electric cars that will become available first, including General Motors’ Chevy Bolt and BYD’s Qin EV300.

Within the third quarter results, Tesla did not provide an update on its planned $2.6Bn acquisition of solar panel maker SolarCity.

Mr Musk, who is SolarCity’s chairman and main shareholder, has said he plans to provide more financial details on the deal on 1 November before a vote by shareholders of both companies on 17 November.

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UK BIM Alliance: Exclusive interview with the transition team

UK Construction Online’s Matt Brown talks to Adrien Guillemet and Raj Chawla to discuss the role of the newly launched UK BIM Alliance

Raj is the CTO & Projects Director at NUNELAH, Transition Team Member of UK BIM Alliance, Vice Chair of BIM4SMEs & an Executive of digital2all. Raj advises World Bank on disruptive engineering technologies and is the chair of DART (Disruption Assessment & Risk Targeting Group).

He has 35 years experience in specialised construction management & construction engineering consultancy to companies world-wide acquired in the Aerospace, Defence, Telecommunications, Nuclear and Petro-Chemical sectors.

Adrien Guillemet is the BIM and Information Manager at Henry Riley LLP. He joined the company in 2014 as the KTP Associate attached to the University of Reading with a goal to implement BIM Level 2 as business-as-usual practice in the company’s processes. He is responsible for all BIM projects the company delivers, in terms of both information management and technological delivery. As well as being responsible for the BIM development of the business, he is also leading the Digital Strategy stream of Henry Riley LLP.

Adrien is part of the Transition Team currently leading the UK BIM Alliance and his primary focus is the long-term strategy of the organisation. He developed the Strategy Plan of the Alliance that was unveiled at ICE BIM Conference 2016 and will continue to ensure its implementation in the future.

Can you tell us about the role of the UK BIM Alliance?

The UK BIM Alliance is a cross-industry alliance formed to lead BIM Level 2 and the digital formation of the construction and infrastructure sectors. The UK Government has called for the wider industry to adopt BIM Level 2 from spring 2016. In response we have formed an industry alliance to fulfil this role.

At its core, it is an alliance of industry, professional institutes, communities & academia all coming together to found the digitisation of the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Following the success of the last five years in defining BIM Level 2, the Government has stated that it should now be the responsibility of industry to lead the adoption and implementation of BIM Level 2 to be ‘business as usual’ – not just for centrally procured public sector projects.

The video is a brief synopsis.

What are its objectives?

Upon its launch in October 2016, the UK BIM Alliance will start to provide clear guidance for the industry. This includes identifying and realising the actual benefits: cost and waste reductions, increased productivity and competitiveness – and making sure that these are easily understandable and obtainable for all.

Our focus will be the implementation of BIM Level 2 across the wider industry over the next 4 years to 2020, which will establish the essential digital foundations for BIM Level 3 as we move to 2025 and beyond.

Who will be involved in the UK BIM Alliance?

The UK BIM Alliance is formed from the BIM4 Communities and Regions originally set up by the UK BIM Task Group. There is an elected transition team who have shaped the strategy and objectives of the Alliance. There is a strategy document which is a published document, that is available on the UK BIM Alliances website. http://ift.tt/2dFeCo4

A further process will lead to the longer term structure and governance of the Alliance once formally launched. Coordination, common messaging and understanding are key across a growing coalition of organisations represented by industry, communities, academia and professional institutes.

Will the UK BIM Alliance have a presence at any upcoming events to raise awareness of its launch?

There was an official launch at the ICE BIM Conference and this will continue to a wider audience at Digital Construction Week (DCW). The formal handover from the BIM Task Group to the UK BIM Alliance will take place at the DCW’s Westminster Reception at the Irish Embassy on 25^th October.

Over the next few months, the Alliance will start to build a calendar to be present at key events and may also support other similar events. It is indeed the awareness; and we are here to entice and enrol new entrants to BIM Level 2 as well as support those who have already embarked on their journey.

What will be the main differences between the UK BIM Alliance and the BIM Task group?

The BIM Task Group isn’t going away this October when the UK BIM Alliance launches, it will transform to the leading the Digital Built Britain agenda and start the leadership on BIM Level 3. The mission of the UK BIM Alliance is wholly different from the BIM Task Group with regards to BIM Level 2.

The BIM Task Group was in charge of writing the standards that regulate BIM Level 2, this task now completed the UK BIM Alliance takes over to help make BIM Level 2 business as usual in the industry by 2020. The Alliance’s role is to ensure that the industry takes up the new ways of working established by the BIM Level 2 mandate, so that the industry stands ready for the next milestone.

Has the BIM Level 2 mandate thrown up any difficulties that hadn’t been considered previously?

There are challenges, but with clear vision and direction nothing is unsurmountable. The key is the awareness around BIM Level 2. By adopting BIM Level 2 it will start to create the digital formation of the sector. This is an important factor that is usually overlooked. The outcomes being cost and waste reductions, increased productivity and competitiveness.

A further challenge is around explaining the value proposition to business and industry. In order for mass in the industry to buy-in, requires clear messages and guidance. This something that at the forefront of the Alliance’s strategy.

Do you think there is now more awareness of BIM six months on from April’s Level 2 mandate across the industry?

There is more awareness since the mandate, but a lot more needs to be done to get critical mass. The awareness strategy is high on the agenda for the Alliance. As seen in the video the estimates are that some 90% of the industry still need reaching.

For industry to take up BIM Level 2 process, the value proposition has to be explained. There are early adopters who have understood the value proposition of implementing the processes within their businesses and case studies have shown success and how value is added to the businesses.

Do you get a sense of a momentum now building behind the adoption of BIM Level 2?

There is a sense of momentum, but it is now up to us at the Alliance to provide the final kick to make sure the industry passes the col de l’adoption and gets down the mountain smoothly on the other side.

The benefits of BIM Level 2 have been well documented. Is there still an issue of stubbornness holding up the industry’s transition?

One of the main missions of the UK BIM Alliance will be to celebrate successful BIM Level 2 projects and draw out lessons learned, as well as provide guidance from case studies and business cases for the adoption of BIM Level 2. We recognize that some good work as already been done to date to demonstrate the benefits of BIM Level 2.

However, we feel that there is plenty left to explore in this space, including highlighting tangible savings from design all the way into facility management and life cycle costing. We aim to demonstrate that every stakeholder stands to gain from adopting BIM Level 2, including the client.

If there is any stubbornness in adopting BIM Level 2, it is without a doubt, because we need to rationalize its impact on “the bottom line”. We need to speak the language that businesses speak and the bottom line is usually the final arbiter of change.

Does the UK BIM Alliance have a date in mind when it will transition to another body or will that be dependent on how the industry reacts?

There is absolutely no plan for the Alliance to be anything other than the Alliance. We are here to help the industry adopt BIM Level 2 because we wholeheartedly believe that it is the best chance the industry has to revolutionise itself and become leaner and more efficient whilst attracting young talents the industry desperately needs.

The governance of the Alliance will be on our radar very quickly after the launch, after which there is no ulterior motives, we simply believe in the future of the industry as a new foyer of innovation.

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£7M Warrington motorway trial to cut congestion

Work on a £7M pilot scheme to cut congestion along the M62 near Warrington in Cheshire is to start next month.

Drivers will experience smoother and more reliable journeys thanks to the innovative project at Croft Interchange, where junction 21a of the M6 meets junction 10 of the M62.

Along the eastbound M62, one of the busiest commuter congestion hot spots in the region, Highways England will use smart motorway technology, such as electronic information signs and variable mandatory speed limits, used alongside traffic lights on the motorway link roads from the northbound and southbound M6.

Andy Withington, Highways England’s programme delivery manager for the North West, said: “This is an opportunity to combine existing technology and traffic management systems in a novel way to see whether we can give drivers using the frequently congested eastbound M62 lower journey times during peak hours and smoother, more reliable journeys.

“The system should be up and running by next summer and we will be monitoring its use over a period of up to a year.  If it is successful – and we believe it will be – it could well be used on other motorway to motorway slip roads across the country.”

Large elements of the pilot project will also form part of the permanent M62 junction 10 to junction 12 smart motorway system between Warrington and Manchester, which is due to start construction during 2018/2019.

Traffic will  be closely monitored and traffic lights will be controlled during the installation of traffic lights at the end of the link roads onto the eastbound M62, to minimise queuing on the M6 itself.

To minimise disruption to drivers’ journeys, work over the 8-month construction period will mainly involve overnight working on the hard shoulder with occasional overnight carriageway closures for large work such as gantry installations.

The money for the project is coming from a £150 million innovation fund, part of the £15 billion allocated to Highways England in the Government’s 2015 to 2020 Road Investment Strategy. The innovation fund is designed to encourage Highways England to look at new technology or novel techniques to improve journeys.

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Site in Sheffield chosen to kick off Keepmoat’s £800M private rental scheme

Keepmoat and investor Sigma Capital Group choose site in Sheffield for private rental scheme as part of £800M investment.

A site in Sheffield has been chosen by Keepmoat and investor Sigma Capital Group, to kick-off the first private rental scheme, in a planned £800, investment in the PRS scheme across England over the next five years.

The partnership was made in July last year, with the aim of building over 5,000 new private market rental homes across England by 2021, with 1,000 rental homes built in the first year.

The first homes in an £800M investment to build new rental properties across England will be delivered in Norfolk Park, Sheffield, with a total of 24 apartments, involving the Sheffield Housing Company and Sigma Capital Group. SHC has already completed 300 of the 2,300 homes it plans to build across Sheffield over the next 15 years.

Thousands of two, three and four bedroom properties will be built in locations across the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands and north of London.

The lettings and property management of the two bedroom homes will be undertaken by SDL Group.

The new apartments are located near the city centre and have the hallmarks of an SHC development with a high design specification, spacious living areas, open plan aspects, integrated appliances and fitted wardrobes included in each. Given their location close to excellent transport links and local amenities, they are expected to strongly appeal to both young professionals and young families.

Martin Smithurst, regional managing director at Keepmoat, added: “We’re pleased to be delivering the first scheme of this major investment in a thriving city like Sheffield, where the need for wider housing solutions is apparent across the board.

“As well as working on significant regeneration projects, we are also delivering homes for sale in the region and so this step into the PRS sector will sit alongside our existing offering to allow the pace of housing delivery on strategic sites to be increased.

“We’re proud to be working in partnership with Sigma and look forward to identifying more sites in the region that could benefit from their investment.”

John Clephan, Project Director with SHC, said: “The choice of housing in any area is crucial for its strength and prosperity. We are already seeing some very positive changes in some of the city’s neighbourhoods as a result of the housing investment which has been made in the past five years. I am certain that the rented homes, through Sigma, will be a great addition to the neighbourhoods in which they are built.”

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New Heathrow runway may be built on ramp over M25

Transport Secretary says third runway at Heathrow Airport may involve “ramp” over motorway for the planes to take off from.

Following yesterday’s announcement that a new runway at Heathrow has been given the green light, Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling has said that the new runway may involve planes taking off from a “ramp”.

Mr Grayling said this would be “cheaper and quicker” than building a tunnel for the M25 under the new runway and would cause less disruption to drivers.

Many other airports around the world have built runways over motorways. It would involve “a very gentle hill up which the planes can take off”.

The new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61Bn and create as many as 77,000 additional local jobs over the next 14 years, according to the Department of Transport.

Heathrow said the expansion would allow the airport to offer more direct flights to UK destination as well as up to 40 new cities including Wuhan, Osaka and Quito.

A public consultation will be held on the effects of airport expansion before the government makes a final decision as part of a national policy statement on aviation.

Gatwick airport, who were also in the running for the expansion, have said it was disappointed with the decision, which was “not the right answer for Britain”.

The Cabinet is split over the decision, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson saying a third runway was “undeliverable”, Education Secretary, Justine Greening, whose Putney constituency in southwest London is near the airport, has also been a vocal critic of Heathrow expansion.

Construction is not likely to begin until 2020 or 2021 the Airports Commission has said. It is unlikely that any new runway capacity will be operational before 2025.

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Video: Crossrail release quarterly update

Crossrail has released its quarterly update for 2016 and revealed the project is now more than 75% complete.

Work is currently underway to finish the stations and fit-out the physical infrastructure with the systems needed to turn it into an operational railway.

Back in August, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan made the first station-to-station journey from the new Elizabeth line station at Custom House to Canary Wharf to mark Crossrail’s construction programme reaching the 75 per cent complete milestone.

Over half of the new track has now been successfully laid, and almost all of the platform structures, which will give step-free access to the 200 metre long trains in the ten new stations, have been built.

In the video update, Moving Ahead, Crossrail Chief Executive, Andrew Wolstenholme provides a run down of the work undertaken from his location at Farringdon Station, 30 metres underground on the eastbound platform of the new Elizabeth Line.

The video highlights the architectural finishes and distinctive features that are emerging as work is carried out.

Glass-fibred reinforced concrete cladding unique to railway are visible as timelapse footage shows the progress of construction on London’s newest railway line.

Speaking back in August about the project, Mr Khan commented: “It will help us deliver a modern, truly world-class transport system that allows us to deal with the growth in London’s population over the coming decades.

“I visited the Canary Wharf station site as Transport Minister in 2010 when construction had just got underway. The fact that the project is now 75 per cent complete, and being delivered on time and within budget is testament to the hard work of the thousands of men and women who have worked on the project.”

Crossrail said that the remaining work on the delivery programme is expected present “new challenges” as work continues on installation of tracks, platform screens, tunnel ventilation, power, signalling, communications and overhead line equipment.

Crossrail expect the project to be delivered on time and on budget in December 2018.

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Apprenticeship funding to transform investment in skills

Government sets out how funding for apprenticeships will help millions get the skills needed for a successful career.

Today (25 October 2015), the government set out how apprenticeships will be funded as part of the drive to help people get the skills they need to be equipped for a successful career, helping Britain’s skills shortage and making the apprenticeship schemes more effective.

The government wants to give everyone the opportunity to gain skills that can help them pursue a lifelong career, regardless of background or where they live, which includes giving more support for 16-18 year olds and those from disadvantaged areas.

A number of main measures were confirmed today, which focuses on more support for younger apprentices and disadvantaged people. Employers with less than 50 employees who take on apprentice’s ages 16 to 18 years old will get 100% of training costs payed by government.

This will also apply to smaller employers who take on 19- to 24-year-olds who were in care or have an education and health care plan.

The government will also provide £1,000 to employers and training providers who take on 16-24 year olds who were in the care or who have an education and health care plan.

Additionally, providers that train 16- to 18-year-olds on apprenticeship frameworks will be given an additional cash payment equal to 20% of the funding band maximum in order to help them to adapt to the new, simpler funding model.

More than £60M will be invested in supporting the training of apprentices from the poorest areas in the country, with the government conducting full reviews into how to support individuals from all backgrounds into apprenticeships in the future.  This will look at the support employers should receive, as well as providers, and conclude next year.

Employers will get more flexibility, giving them longer to spend digital funds, as well as introducing the ability for employers to transfer the funds to other employers in their supply chains, sector or to apprenticeship training agencies in 2018. A new employer group will also be added, to help the government develop the system so that it works for employers.

Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “Apprenticeships work. The reforms we are rolling out will guarantee support from employers and government, so that millions of people can get the apprenticeships, skills and jobs for the future.

“Our apprenticeship levy will boost our economic productivity, increase our skills base and give millions a leg up on the ladder of opportunity – over 90% of apprentices currently go into work or further training. Making Britain a world leader on apprenticeships is essential if we truly want a country that works for everyone.”

The government has also introduced a new register of apprenticeship training providers, where by all providers on the register I’ll have to pass quality and financial tests. Those with an “inadequate” Ofsted rating for apprenticeship provision will not be eligible to apply to the register, as part of the government’s plan to ensure higher-quality apprenticeships.

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Freight Transport Association welcome Heathrow Announcement

The government’s decision to approve a third runway at Heathrow to expand UK airport capacity has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The FTA has said the move is “the right choice for the UK economy, the freight industry and the nation.”

The Association recently wrote to the government urging them to quickly make the decision in favour of a third runway at Heathrow to enable the next phase of planning and decision making to commence.

The FTA has campaigned hard to highlight the importance of air freight to the UK’s economy. It has also outlined why a decision supporting the Airports Commission recommendation for a third runway is vital for UK importers and exporters who rely on the expansion of Heathrow.

It is estimated that around 40% of UK imports and exports by value are dependent on air freight and the wide range of services provided by Heathrow to access our overseas markets.

Chris Welsh, FTA Director of Global and European Policy, said: “This is excellent news for the freight and logistics industry and the country. This decision is even more vital in a post-Brexit world where Britain’s capability to expand its trade and ability to compete in markets outside Europe is heavily dependent on connectivity to emerging markets.

“Freight and passenger services have a strong synergy at Heathrow.  It is the wide diversity of destinations and services which makes it such an attractive proposition for those shipping cargo.  Airlines accepting freight in the belly hold of passenger planes can often make the difference between services being profitable or not.”

Mr Welsh said that following the Brexit vote, the decision took on even more importance to maintain the UK’s position a world leader in trade. This will allow Britain to explore markets outside of Europe such as emerging markets in Asia, South America and the Indian subcontinent.

He commented: “So much economic activity relies upon air freight across the UK – it is critical to economic recovery that the nation can demonstrate it is open for business with a smooth and reliable journey from our international gateways.”

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Heathrow expansion approved

Committeee of Ministers approve Heathrow expansion.

A statement is expected to be made today (25 October 2015), by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling on the long awaited airport expansion, with Heathrow approved by a commttee of ministers.

Downing Street is yet to confirm the decision.

The Heathrow airport expansion has remained the majority favourite throughout, however the decision faces a potentially year-long consultation before it becomes final.

A study last year, led by Sir Howard Davies, recommended a third runway at Heathrow but other options included a new runway at Gatwick or extending one of Heathrow’s existing runways.

Sir Howard Davies said that the case for expanding Heathrow had “strengthened in recent months” and that the case was now “overwhelming”.

There are strong divisions within the government, with Theresa May telling the Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions last week that the subject had been “debated, discussed and speculated on for 40 years”.

Education Secretary Justine Greening and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson strongly oppose a Heathrow expansion.

Airlines and business groups favour expansion of Heathrow – Britain’s busiest airport- which currently operates at 98%.

Gatwick is expected to run out of space in the next few years.

Heathrow offers more direct connections than Gatwick and handles more freight.

Mrs May has given ministers “exceptional and limited” freedom to criticise the government’s final decision – although they will not be allowed to campaign against it – a move being seen as evidence a third runway at Heathrow will be backed.

Last week, Mrs May told ministers at a cabinet meeting that a decision on increasing airport capacity in the south east of England had been “delayed for too long”.

Construction is not likely to begin until 2020 or 2021, the Airports Commission has said.

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Video: 700 tonne crane lifts footbridge into position

Network Rail has released a timelapse video showing the installation of a footbridge at the new Cambridge North railway station.

The 26m footbridge was lifted into position by a 700 tonne crane and installed in two sections. It links all three platforms to the new ticket office, lift shafts and stairwells.

Each section was built on site and lifted into position last weekend.

Work has been undertaken to build the track, points, structures to carry the overhead line and power supply. Once completed, the station will have three platforms, parking for 450 vehicles and 1,000 cycles, and solar panels will provide up to 10% of the station’s power.

The £50M station is due to open in May 2017 as part of Network Rail’s Upgrade Plan and will help ease pressure on the existing Cambridge station.

It will serve Cambridge Science Park and the suburb of Chesterton and will attract new businesses to the area as well providing a catalyst to expansion of existing businesses, in addition to creating more employment opportunities.

Helen Warnock, Network Rail’s Area Director for west Anglia, said: “It’s been all hands to the pump on site over the last few months to build the lift shafts and station buildings, and this bridge links all of those together so you can really see the station taking shape.

“All of our work here is gearing up to provide that vital link to the north of the city when the station opens next year, and to support the growth of the local economy as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

The Railway Upgrade Plan is Network Rail’s investment plan for Britain’s railways. It makes up two-thirds of Network Rail’s £40bn spending priorities for the five years to 2019 and represents the biggest sustained programme of rail modernisation since the Victoria era.

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Barnet Council signs £150M major projects contract

Barnet Council appoints new contractor to deliver £150M worth of major projects for new schools and leisure facilities.

Barnet Council have appointed Graham Construction to build an estimated £150M of major projects including new schools, leisure and community centres as part of the council’s Capital Projects Programme.

The contract will provide a range of new buildings to meet the growing demand and population of Barnet. More people live in Barnet than any other London Borough.

The schemes already confirmed include the building of two new leisure centres at Copthall and New Barnet, the Tarling Road Community Centre in East Finchley as well as school expansion projects.

Between 2016 and 2020, there will be £565M of capital investment, funded by developer contributions, capital receipts, borrowing, revenue and external grants.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “As our borough expands so does the need for us to provide more housing, school places, leisure centres and community facilities for our residents, which is why we are investing £565M in the future of the borough.

“Barnet has a good track record of building major projects on time and on budget and this new partnership with Graham provides us further opportunity to deliver these important new buildings which will serve our residents for many years to come.”

Rod McMullan, Graham Construction’s Director of the Partnership, said: “The London Borough of Barnet partnership focuses on quality, value, and cost certainty and we are confident that the knowledge and experience gained from our extensive ongoing education portfolio and Inner-London projects will ensure the council’s Capital Projects pipeline is delivered on time and within budget. We are looking forward to working with the council and the wider team to further improve the range and quality of council services and strengthen Barnet’s reputation as a thriving environment.”

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£4M boost helps businesses switch vans and trucks to electric

Government commit £4M to the Plug-In-Van grant scheme extending the eligibility to larger electric vehicles.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced a £4M commitment to the Plug-In-Van scheme, on a visit to Japan to meet with automotive companies. The boost will see businesses benefitting from grants of up to £20,000 when switching their large trucks to electric vehicles.

The Plug-In Van grant has been available to small commercial vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes since 2012, but sales of new electric vans have remained limited.

With over 96% of vans diesel powered, and the majority spending much time in towns and city centres, electric vans and trucks have significant air quality benefits.

The government is now committing an additional £4M to the scheme so that all vans and trucks meeting the necessary requirements are eligible as part of the drive to reduce carbon emissions from transport use.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “The electric car revolution is well underway with consumers and this funding will encourage more businesses to consider switching to cleaner vans and trucks.

“Our automotive sector is thriving with the world’s most popular electric car already made in the UK and we are forging ahead to deploy new engine technology to make low-carbon vehicles mainstream, and leading the way in driverless car technology.

“The government and industry continue to work together to support the UK’s world class automotive industry to ensure we continue to be the number one place in the world to develop and manufacture cars.”

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), a joint unit of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport, believes extending the scheme will stimulate demand for more electric vans and trucks, and consequently encourage new entrants into the electric van market.

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Interview: Raj Chawla talks about SMEs’ BIM progress since mandate

UK Construction Online’s Matt Brown talks to Raj Chawla to discuss how SMEs are faring after April’s BIM mandate

Raj is the CTO & Projects Director at NUNELAH, Transition Team Member of UK BIM Alliance, Leadership member of BIM4SMEs & an Executive of digital2all.

He has 35 years experience in specialised construction management & construction engineering consultancy to companies world-wide acquired in the Aerospace, Defence, Telecommunications, Nuclear and Petro-Chemical sectors.

When we last spoke, it was just before the BIM Level 2 mandate came into force. You expressed your concern that the vast majority of the industry wasn’t ready for it. How do you feel now?

Having embarked on several projects using the BIM process, the view hasn’t changed much as at today. This is a direct reflection of what is being encountered in the clients and supply chains, both in the UK and abroad. Some have not even heard of the process. This is not a derogatory statement, but a reality check.

The UK government had an evangelistic view of taking the initiative to mandate BIM for centrally procured projects and they should be applauded for that. The framework standards around BIM that emerged are also good and stable, however, the usage of these standards is not the easiest for the new SME entrant within different disciplines.

The reason that the vast majority of the supply chain is not ready is attributed to three main causes; one is the lack of awareness about BIM, secondly the messaging has been desperately mixed and confusing and thirdly the short fall and poverty in the specific guidance to negotiate the BIM Level 2 processes, especially for the SMEs.

So you see we have several challenges that we need to bridge.

Do you think there is now more awareness of BIM or the digital process from SMEs?

The awareness campaigns have been isolated and have focused on “BIM as specialist subject”. This has not been addressed as the digital formation of the sector. For industry to take up the BIM process, the value proposition has to be explained. There are early adopters, only because they are either technophiles or simply understand the value proposition of implementing the processes within their businesses.

The standards and the framework documents are all out there and this is a body of good work that has been done. What needs to be accelerated now is the digitisation value proposition explained to the CEO’s and the MD’s of the SME’s.

Once this is explained without the BIM jargon, in particular to the SMEs, the response is generally positive and there is engagement. Where the SMEs are becoming aware, they are able to engage quickly.

Awareness is one aspect that the industry is struggling with, and as a focus group, BIM4SME also struggle with this. It is the extent of the reach that is not being formed.

Let me paint a picture with some stats and I am sure the audiences reading this will be able to do the math. As at April 2016, some 100-120k in the construction industry knew about BIM and have some understating of the concept. About 8-10% of that number practice or are starting to practice BIM in some shape. These are the early adopters. Looking at the numbers in the tables below, show that the tipping point is a long way for BIM Level 2 to be business as usual.

While I appreciate that the stats are a year old, there are other economic forces and stress acting that make the numbers still valid today.

Do you think more tier 1 and tier 2 contractors are fully level 2 conversant following the mandate?

Firstly, there is no organisation or company that is fully conversant with BIM Level 2 yet, simply because they have not had full circular experience of a BIM Level 2 project. You will appreciate that there is a difference in theoretical understanding and practiced understanding. This will take time and evolve. There are pockets within T1 and T2 organisations that are starting to appreciate the overall process, but remain as pockets. Equally there are SME consultants that understand the process.

The key for SMEs is to be able to engage on BIM Level 2 projects with T1 & T2 contractors in order to properly participate. For the SME side, there is a lot of guidance that is required to show how the process should be entered into and exited having fulfilled the necessary obligations that are required by the process.

From the T1 and T2 aspect of engagement, it is still marred with old procurement practices of migration of risk towards the SME as opposed to the mitigation of risk by collaboration. This is a new skill set that the clients and the higher tiers have to acquire yet. This change has to embed top down. It is a culture change that will take several years to entrench.

Are you concerned that some SMEs are going to be left behind?

There is an element of some SMEs being left behind, but this is part of evolution. However, in the same breath, other SMEs are incubating providing innovative solutions that are starting to support the industry in novel and exciting ways.

As the younger generation enter the construction industry, does it makes the digital transformation easier due to their expectancy to work with technology?

The younger generation is indeed the key to digital transformation. What has concerned me for some time now is the incumbent old guard in this industry has reluctance to engage with the younger generations style of thinking of open data. This is one of the biggest challenges we face today.

To simply explain this is difficult, but here goes. The culture that exists today in the AECO is based on old systems and old ecosystems. The movement of information and then the extraction of data is very cumbersome. The open use of information even within an organisation is further restricted and contained in silos never seeing the light of day. The valuable data is either lost or forgotten, only to be generated again.

The younger generation have grown up with free flowing data and information, whether this is good bad or indifferent. They have grown up in a digital ecosystem which is part of their formation. To engage, extract, visualise, dismiss and form value from vast amounts of unrestricted free flowing information and data is something that is not readily appreciated or fully understood by the older generations in the AECO. At the lowest level, this is attributed to a lack of understanding and more significantly the lack of trust in the digital ecosystem. This understanding has to form first. A hard nut to crack.

The younger generation are immersed in digital thematic explorations and this comes as second nature, while the incumbents will require a cultural shift to develop trust in the digital ecosystem.

Is changing people’s mentality the biggest barrier to businesses making the jump to BIM?

I don’t think it is about mentality. Once you give the person or a business correct and stable information without mixed messages, they can make their own intelligent decisions. The key here is to inform with consistency. The messaging has not been consistent and with this inconsistency set, one has to clear the path first and then start to inform. This takes extraordinary time and effort.

BIM is a good process, but remains just that and may not be for everyone, however digitisation is for everyone and is the underlying current. As I have said before, explaining the value proposition to a business is the key. The CEO’s and MD’s are interested in the development of their businesses and are accountable to their shareholders. Explaining the value proposition of digitisation and the extended value to append to the digital economy is the first step.

The next steps would be adoption and implementation of digital policies and process. Storing, managing, securing, accessing, controlling, valuing, ordering etc. of the data needs to come first before making that BIM jump. BIM is possibly a quinary step to roll out very specific processes that encompass best practices and create better workflows.

Depending on the level of interaction, generally the SME working on a BIM project can probably engage with very little capital investment. Setting up and lining up processes takes time and human resource, which can be difficult for a small or a micro SMEs. For SMEs, the challenges are a little more than a simple mind-set.

What response is digital2all receiving from the industry?

digital2all is in formation and since the initial announcement the business structure is being formed. The response from industry has been very positive about the future initiative coupled with a good amount of curiosity. The clue is in the name and a formal structure and statement will be issued soon.

Do you think those in the industry are getting better at raising awareness or is it still the case only a small number of people are being reached?

I don’t think that I am far out from my estimates that about 90% of the industry still needs reaching and engaging with. There is sufficient evidence to reflect this.

For a project like BIM Level 2 a specialist PR company should have been in tow from the start. This is basic awareness practice and the consistency in the message would have been tested and the reach would have been more prolific. However, we are where we are.

I and many others had a great concern that there was vacuum developing at the start of 2016, that all the work that had been done over the last five to six years was going to fall off the edge with the Task Group moving to a sexier agenda of Digital Built Britain.

Now with the advent and the formation of the UK BIM Alliance, which is an industry facing group, gives me a little more comfort that the momentum will build. BIM Level 2 is the foundation to the digital formation of the sector and cannot be forgotten or overlooked. The building of the foundation must be seen through in order for BIM Level 2 to become business as usual by 2020.

The institutions could be central to the awareness message. Rather than promoting BIM as a specialist subject, promoting the digital formation of the sector should be the first mantra, with BIM Level 2 being one of the key targets to achieve. This message needs to be a constant for the next few years. Some messages are there, but certainly not constant.

The UK BIM Alliance as the name suggest, is forming alliances with the institutes, focus groups, academia and industry and it is this buy-in that will assist in a wider reach.

It’s been said that the BIM Level 2 mandate should be treated as a starting point on the BIM journey for most companies rather than a deadline. Is that something you would go along with?

If I was to respond to this philosophically, then yes it is indeed a point in time, whether it is the start or middle of the journey. However, I am going to respond to this pragmatically. BIM Level 2 was a project, it had an objective, a finite budget and a deliverable. There was a timeline to all this, and that was April 2016.

For me the bigger question is what just happened and what is about to happen?

What just happened is that, we as industry now have a set of rules in the guise of the standards to deploy processes which will allow industry to start to work in a disciplined and consistent manner.

The thing that people miss or overlook is that these processes also invoke the digitisation of work flows. They start to frame the value associated with information and in particular, the data. They also promote methods of managing the information and data.

You have referred to the value proposition throughout, but what is it? Here are some random examples. Could owning data and associating value to it turns this to an asset on the balance sheet? – is that in itself a value proposition or not? Selling, bartering with or licensing data – is that not a value proposition or not?

Others globally, are struggling with becoming digitally savvy and here we have been gifted with a leg up to become global leaders in our sector. Don’t want to waste this opportunity and throw away all the investment that has been made to date.

What is about to happen is that the value proposition is going to be explained clearly and without ambiguity. This is going to become a significant assignment. SMEs, in particular, need the proposition to be broken into bite size pieces so that it is understood and how it adds value to their businesses. So watch this space.

Will BIM4SME be at Digital Construction Week? If so, what are you expecting to be the main themes of this year’s show?

Yes, BIM4SME will be at Digital Construction Week. We will have a fluid presence. We will be with the UK BIM Alliance and supporting groups such as Women in BIM and others. The mantra is the same for all of us. It is the digitisation of our industry. As always, I am going to be looking for the next potential disruption.

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Reaction to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey

The Vinden Partnership says optimism will only get the construction industry so far.

The latest RICS Construction Market Survey suggested that Brexit uncertainty has led to a slowdown in growth in the construction industry but surveyors remained upbeat about the prospects for the next 12 months.

The Survey reported that despite 19% more respondents recording that construction workloads in the UK had increased rather than fallen in the third quarter, this was the lowest reading since the second quarter of 2013.

69% of respondents said that financial constraints, anecdotally linked to Brexit remained the biggest block on growth.

Private house building experienced the highest levels of growth across the construction sectors. 27% more chartered surveyors reporting workloads had risen rather than fallen. However, RICS raised concerns about the type of properties being built, as many were aimed at the higher end of the market, rather than dealing the areas of real need such as affordable housing.

Martin Bennett, a Regional Director of The Vinden Partnership – a leading multi-disciplinary consultant company to the built environment said: “This latest analysis confirms what many of the other recent industry surveys have been reporting – Brexit uncertainty has stifled the construction industry.

“Whilst it’s good to hear industry professionals are expecting to see an increase in work over the next 12 months, optimism will only get you so far. The construction industry needs the full support of the government to justify this positivity and achieve real sustained growth.

“It is encouraging to see an increase in private house building but I think it is a big concern that the many of these properties were targeted at the high end of the market.

“We need the government to deliver a housing programme that can provide affordable housing to help the people who are most affected by the shortage of housing.”

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Motorway improvements to unlock thousands of homes and jobs

Transport Secretary announces multi-million pound motorway improvement scheme that will create employment and homes in South West.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has today announced Highways England road improvements schemes worth up to £20M, that will create thousands of jobs and homes in the South West.

More than 3,300 homes and 6,000 jobs will be unlocked by improvement works made to the M4 and M5/A30 for people living in Swindon, Exeter, and Weston-super-Mare.

The Transport Secretary also announced a £2.54M scheme on the A1 which will boost economic growth in Darlington in the North East.

On a visit to Exeter to see how the road improvements will change lives in the area, Chris Grayling said: “We’re undertaking the biggest modernisation programme for a generation to bring our roads into the 21st century and give people the safe and reliable journeys they expect. But these improvements will do even more – allowing the construction of thousands of homes and the creation of thousands of jobs to give a huge boost to the area’s economy.”

A total of £11M is being invested by Highways England, towards four schemes from its Growth and Housing Fund. Private sector development contributions will make up the rest.

One scheme includes £5M for improvements to the intersection of the M4 Junction 15 and the A419 near Swindon, which will unlock one of the largest housing and commercial developments in the country.

There is also £4.5M to deliver the A30 / M5 J29 Tithebarn Link Road, which will release three housing and employment sites, and £750,000 funding to improve the northbound M5 at Junction 21, near Weston-super-Mare, which will help support the ‘Weston Villages’ develop 6,000 new houses and 4,000 new jobs to the west of the M5 at Junction 21.

A total of £1.01M will improve junction 58 of the A1(M) at Darlington, unlockig two development sites which could see the construction of 1,200 homes and create 5,000 new jobs.

 

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Video: Merseyrail to begin final phase of track renewal

Network Rail will carry out essential renewal work on the city centre underground sections of the Wirral line over the course of the first six months of 2017.

The video shows the replacement of the concrete slab track on the Merseyrail Network. The work is carried out in narrow single bore tunnels that are more than 40 metres underground and measure 4.7 metres in width and 4.1 metres in height.

The track in the underground ‘loop’, which forms the one-way section of the Wirral line under Liverpool city centre, was built in the 1970s and opened in 1977.

Despite being well maintained during its 40-year lifetime, the concrete supporting the track in the single bore tunnels needs to be replaced.

In an effort to keep disruption to a minimum, Network Rail will replace the track under the riverbed between James Street and Hamilton Square at the same time.

From Tuesday 3rd January 2017 till Sunday 12th February 2017, the track from Birkenhead Central and Birkenhead North to Liverpool will be shut completely while the line beneath the River Mersey is replaced.

A replacement bus service between Wirral and Liverpool through the Mersey Tunnels, and the Mersey Ferries will run as the work is undertaken.

The second phase of the work from Monday 13th February 2017 till Monday 29th May 2017, will see Wirral line trains will run as far as James Street on weekdays. At the weekends, trains will run only as far as Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central, as in phase 1.

Phase 3 will take place between Tuesday 30th May 2017 till Sunday 18th June 2017 and will again mean no Wirral line trains beyond Birkenhead Central and Birkenhead North towards Liverpool.

Merseyrail said that while they recognised that there no good time to carry out disruptive repair work, these dates were chosen because rail use is higher in the summer than in winter and swill hopefully affect the least number of journeys as possible.

Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Merseyrail’s Managing Director, commented: ‘The work that Network Rail will undertake next year is essential for maintaining the safe and reliable operation of the infrastructure built in the 1970s, however we do not under-estimate the inconvenience this will cause to our Wirral line passengers in the short term. This renewal work forms part of a much bigger programme of investment in the rail system across the region throughout 2017 and 2018.

“During the next few months, we will work with Merseytravel to finalise the alternative travel arrangements, including the extensive rail replacement bus service that will be required when the river bed tunnel is closed.”

It is hoped that by undertaken this replacement work, the concrete slabs will not need to be replaced for another 60 years.

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Industry professionals flock to UK Construction Week

Final day of UK Construction Week buzzing with high-level debate from industry experts and exciting new products.

The final day of the UK’s largest construction trade event UK Construction Week has seen high-level debates from some of the industry’s biggest names, as well as the reveal of exciting new products and special offers.

Television presenter and business journalist Victoria Fritz hosted the main stage content and chaired several engaging seminars including one that looked at the impact of BIM six months on from the Government’s soft landing deadline.

Joined by panellists from Crossrail, NBS / RIBA Enterprises, the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Bluebeam Inc and Faithful+Gould, Victoria asked questions such as: has it worked in practice? And what does the industry need for level 3 to be a success?

Among the panellists there was a consensus that technology will not be the problem but instead the human element of BIM, that is the trust, collaboration and new methods of working, is what will need the most work. It was also said that to progress to the next level SMEs must be accommodated for and supported as they make up the majority of the industry.

“How can we better hardness the potential of SME builders?” was another important question raised on the main stage industry leaders Paul Bogle, Policy Manger at the National Federation of Builders (NFB), Sarah McMonagle, Head of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), James Talman, CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and Conrad Ford, Chief Executive of Funding Options.

JCB has been showcasing its new Teletruk, which is the world’s only telescopic counterbalanced forklift truck.

Mark Hobbs, Business Development Manager at JCB, commented: “It’s been a very good day with a great amount of quality business leads coming through for the Teletruk. Being able to showcase the product at our stand has been a massive help and it has definitely increased footfall.”

Another new product at the show came from Civils Expo exhibitor and global provider of aluminium access systems Instant UpRight Ltd, which launched its new heavy-duty Instant HD Modular Scaffolding System to the UK. The new system is stronger, 50 per cent lighter, safer and faster to assemble than conventional systems.

Another new product at the show came from Civils Expo exhibitor and global provider of aluminium access systems Instant UpRight Ltd, which launched its new heavy-duty Instant HD Modular Scaffolding System to the UK. The new system is stronger, 50 per cent lighter, safer and faster to assemble than conventional systems.

Another exciting feature which took place was the Construction Products Association (CPA) Networking Lunch at the Timber Expo Restaurant. Hosted by Peter Caplehorn, Deputy Chief Executive of the CPA.

The lunch was an opportunity to learn the latest news and views from the UK’s leading trade association for construction product manufacturers and distributors. It included an overview of the CPA’s work with government on infrastructure and housing, regulations and standards, BIM and digitalisation, and also the latest construction industry forecast.

 

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White van driver reputation disputed

Almost two-thirds of van drivers think they have an undeserved reputation for bad driving according to a study by TomTom Telematics.

The research reveals that less than one in ten (9%) of van drivers have been involved in a road traffic collision in the last 12 months.

Over half of the van drivers surveyed said that had their driving performance monitored by their employer and over a third underwent driver training.

The results of the report challenge the views expressed by British motorists in a study conducted earlier this year, which rated van drivers the lowest when it comes to being the safest or most careful.

Truck drivers were voted the safest road users, with a third of van drivers voting them top. 33% ranked cyclists as the least safe.

When it came to ways to improve driving standards, 59% backed in-cab technology solutions that provide audible and visual alerts, with 49% believing driver training courses would raise quality.

Jeremy Gould, VP Sales Europe, TomTom Telematics: “‘The traditional ‘white van man’ stereotype may no longer be a fair one with a great deal having been achieved over recent years to help raise driving standards among LCV operators.

‘Developments in telematics technology have enabled drivers and managers to work more closely, empowering them with actionable insights and performance feedback for continuous driving improvement.’

This view was echoed by Freight Transport Association (FTA) Head of Vans, Mark Cartwright who commented: “‘Van drivers are often unfairly maligned and, in some quarters, continue to shoulder an undeserved reputation. Initiatives such as the FTA Van Excellence scheme have been embraced by the industry, demonstrating its commitment to improving standards and increasing best practice awareness.’

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Construction industry slows but future looks brighter

The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a slowdown in growth in the construction industry but the outlook for future looks brighter according to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reported that despite 19% more respondents reporting that construction workloads in the UK had increased rather than fallen in the third quarter, this was the lowest reading since the second quarter of 2013.

69% of respondents said that financial constraints, anecdotally linked to Brexit remained the biggest block on growth.

A slowdown in commercial property building hit growth in London and the south-east of England while the ‘Midlands Engine’ buoyed by the HS2 project, saw 30% more respondents reporting a rise in activity.

Private house building experienced the highest levels of growth across the construction sectors. 27% more chartered surveyors reporting workloads had risen rather than fallen.  In the private commercial sector, growth was unchanged from the second quarter.

The infrastructure sector saw 17% more respondents noting an increase rather than a drop in workloads, with road and rail subsectors expected to drive growth over the next 12 months.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, 49% more respondents expected to see an increase in workloads rather than a fall. On average, contributors expect activity to rise by 2.5% over the next twelve months.

Forecasts for employment growth also improved with 35% more respondents forecasting a rise rather than a fall, up from 18% in the second quarter.

Jeremy Blackburn, RICS UK Head of Policy said that government’s commitment to housing had a “positive impact” on growth but said there was disparity between the types of housing being built.

He said: “When the Communities Secretary publishes his Housing White Paper later this month, he must deliver a housing programme that benefits more than the just the fortunate few. We need to shift the rhetoric away from home ownership and encourage the building of affordable rental properties in the suburbs and our cities.”

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Construction Industry Council launches brand new logo

The Construction Industry Council launches brand refresh with new logo and strapline: Built Environment Professions Together.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) Members held their 101^st meeting this week, at the London offices of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in Kingsway, where they launched the new logo, together with the new strapline: Built Environment Professions Together.

In a bid to identify the future focus and shape of the organisation, the brand refresh is one of several recommendations of a year-long Strategic Review of the CIC, which looks at the best way to serve its members over the next five years. The recommendations stated that CIC should have a name and a strapline which reflects what the organisation represents, with a clear message and vision and defined priorities which are regularly re-assessed.

The new logo was designed by Ocean Design, whose brief was to keep the agora but update the logo so that it could be successfully utilised across all digital platforms.

Speaking about the new, refreshed CIC logo, its Chief Executive, Graham Watts said: “Former RIBA President, David Rock, gave the Building Industry Council, which became the Construction Industry Council, in 1991, a logo that truly represented the collaborative ideals of the organisation.

“It was a professional image that enabled a fledgling organisation to punch above its weight, in so many ways.   I have lived with it, more or less every day, for 25 years and, whilst it is sad to say goodbye to an old friend, I’m truly delighted with the new design from Ocean.  It’s fresh, vibrant, colourful; works well on a range of platforms and yet remains true to that collaborative ideal that will continue to sustain the CIC and its members for many more years.”

The CIC Strategic Review was facilitated by Richard Brindley of R Brindley Consult Ltd., and led by Tony Burton, CIC Chairman (2014/16), with support from Professor John Nolan (CIC Deputy Chairman 2015/16 and Chairman from 30 June 2016), Graham Watts and CIC staff members, a Strategic Review Steering Group, comprising several member representatives, and workshops of member representatives at the 2015 and 2016 Members’ Conferences.

 

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