We must take action to drastically increase efficiency if the UK is to remain competitive in the face of surging energy costs. Connected buildings can help us meet these objectives, argues Jamie Cameron, Director of Digital Solutions UK&I & EMEALA, Johnson Controls A report from the Institute for Government warned that the UK’s buildings are ...

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We must take action to drastically increase efficiency if the UK is to remain competitive in the face of surging energy costs. Connected buildings can help us meet these objectives, argues Jamie Cameron, Director of Digital Solutions UK&I & EMEALA, Johnson Controls A report from the Institute for Government warned that the UK’s buildings are ...

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The Scaffolding Association is calling on the Government not to scrap or relax Working at Height Regulations.

The Revocation and Reform Bill which is currently being passed through Parliament includes over 2,400 laws and regulations which are being considered following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Between now and the end of 2023, government ministers can decide which ones to keep, amend or scrap completely.

Included within the Bill are the Working at Height Regulations (WAHR).

The Scaffolding Association is calling on the Government not to scrap or relax Working at Height Regulations.

The Revocation and Reform Bill which is currently being passed through Parliament includes over 2,400 laws and regulations which are being considered following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Between now and the end of 2023, government ministers can decide which ones to keep, amend or scrap completely.

Included within the Bill are the Working at Height Regulations (WAHR). Since their introduction, there is no doubt that they have helped to improve safety and reduce fatalities within the workplace.

In the last full year of statistics prior to the introduction of WAHR (2003/04), there were 67 workplace fatalities as a result of falls from height. This number has fallen to 29 in 2021/22.

Despite this improvement, statistics which are published annually by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consistently demonstrate that working at height remains the single largest contributing factor to workplace fatalities and that almost a quarter of all workplace fatalities occur because of falls from height.

Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said: “This association fully supports WAHR and does not believe that they are burdensome or onerous for businesses to implement.

“We are seeking urgent reassurance from ministers that the government does not intend to remove WAHR and that careful consideration will be given to ensure that any amendments do not inadvertently compromise the safety of workers within our sector and the wider construction industry.

“As with all matters of importance to our members and the scaffolding and access industry, we have offered ministers our expertise and support and hope that they take the opportunity to understand the implications before they make any decisions.”

By law, all domestic and commercial landlords must now have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed by a qualified person every five years to ensure the safety of their property for tenants. Failure to comply could cost lives and a sizeable fine.

WHAT IS AN EICR?

An EICR is produced following an assessment of an electrical installation in a building. An electrical installation includes all fixed electrical equipment

By law, all domestic and commercial landlords must now have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed by a qualified person every five years to ensure the safety of their property for tenants. Failure to comply could cost lives and a sizeable fine.

WHAT IS AN EICR?

An EICR is produced following an assessment of an electrical installation in a building. An electrical installation includes all fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through an electricity meter. It comprises cables, accessories (like sockets, switches and light fittings), fuse boxes, circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).

During the electrical assessment (sometimes called a fixed wire test), a qualified electrician tests and inspects the electrical installation, checking all the components for wear and tear, faulty wiring and anything that could pose a potential risk, like an electric shock or dangerously high temperatures.

The results of the test are then be broken down into categories and recorded in an EICR. The results will show either a satisfactory or an unsatisfactory outcome and will include any recommendations for improvement or immediate remedial actions needed.

WHAT TO DO IF THE EICR REPORT IS ‘UNSATISFACTORY’

Any electrical defects identified must be made safe by law. Any areas of the installation needing repairs will have to be retested once fixed, and achieve a satisfactory result, before they can receive an EIC certificate, deeming them safe to use.

WHAT IS AN EIC CERTIFICATE?

If an electrical installation achieves a satisfactory EICR report, the testing engineer will present the duty holder with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), proving that it has been tested and deemed safe to use in accordance with British Standard BS 7671.

The EIC certificate and EICR report should be kept together in a safe place. These can be presented to demonstrate compliance – for example, to insurers or landlords. EIC certificates are also known as ‘Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates’ (MEIWC).

DO I HAVE TO WAIT FIVE YEARS TO GET A NEW EICR?

No. The law states that you must get a new EICR at least every five years but you may wish to carry out electrical assessments more frequently to ensure the safety of those using your building and your compliance with basic health and safety laws.

A qualified electrical engineer can advise how frequently they think tests should be carried out based on the building type, its use, potential risks and the overall condition of the installation.

As a guide, most offices, retail spaces, schools or care homes require less frequent testing – usually once every five years.

However, a higher risk environment, like a swimming pool (exposed to high levels of moisture) or an industrial unit (with high dust levels), would require more frequent testing to ensure safety- usually every year.

Many landlords prefer to get a new EICR each time a new tenancy begins, in addition to the mandatory five-year EICR, to ensure compliance and safety.

IS FIXED WIRE TESTING THE SAME AS PAT TESTING?

No. Portable Appliance Testing – also known as PAT testing – is the examination of portable electrical equipment and appliances, such as laptops, lamps, kettles and drills.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTION?

It is important for the inspectors to see your installation as it is usually set up and used, so no changes should be made before the test.

However, there are things you can do to help make the testing process go quickly and smoothly.

For example:

DO I HAVE TO USE A PROFESSIONAL?

Yes, the law states that an EICR must be carried out by a qualified person. This ensures safety and compliance and also the minimum amount of disruption to a business.

phs Compliance is the UK’s largest and most experienced provider of EICR inspections, certifications and electrical safety testing, carrying the highest regulatory and industry accreditation and a nationwide team of fully qualified and experienced engineers.

Jaguar Building Services has retained its M&E contract at The Heron, a 36-storey residential tower located within the City of London area.

Jaguar has a long-standing history with the building, having first obtained the account in 2013.

The Heron is home to some of the most luxurious apartments in the city, and is located a stone’s throw away from Moorgate underground station. The Heron also has its own private club, lounge, garden terrace, and resident’s bar.

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Jaguar Building Services has retained its M&E contract at The Heron, a 36-storey residential tower located within the City of London area.

Jaguar has a long-standing history with the building, having first obtained the account in 2013.

The Heron is home to some of the most luxurious apartments in the city, and is located a stone’s throw away from Moorgate underground station. The Heron also has its own private club, lounge, garden terrace, and resident’s bar.

Speaking about the new contract which was awarded following an official re-tender process, Account Manager, Lee Walker said: “I am looking forward to working with the team and our client at The Heron to ensure we continue to maintain this high-end property with our utmost care and attention.

“We are delighted to have retained this property for nine years, and our service length is a true testament to our onsite team and wider management departments.”

Social housing repairs and maintenance provider, Wates Living Space, has grown its southern property portfolio with three projects on behalf of Brent Council, St Mungo’s and mhs homes.

The projects, which are collectively valued at circa £33 million, include the refurbishment of four high rise blocks on behalf of Brent Council, including external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments.

Work for Brent also includes retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’

Social housing repairs and maintenance provider, Wates Living Space, has grown its southern property portfolio with three projects on behalf of Brent Council, St Mungo’s and mhs homes.

The projects, which are collectively valued at circa £33 million, include the refurbishment of four high rise blocks on behalf of Brent Council, including external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments.

Work for Brent also includes retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’ successful retrofit pilot on behalf of Brent Council, which reached completion at the end of 2021.

The project saw the Wates Retrofit team install energy efficiency measures in void properties, taking them from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to B, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target for social housing.

Also included in Wates Living Space’s new contacts is a six-month programme to install new kitchens and bathrooms for 36 properties across North London on behalf of St Mungo’s.

The team is also preparing to mobilise a two-year contract to install new kitchens and bathrooms for mhs homes properties in North Kent.

James Gregg, Managing Director of South Planned Maintenance at Wates Living Space, commented: “Our clients have to balance many different aspects to property management, and this balance is reliant on maintenance providers that have the capacity and expertise to deliver services efficiently and to a high quality. 

“Retrofitting homes is becoming an increasingly pressured priority for social landlords with many making great headway in improving the efficiency of their housing stock. Nevertheless, traditional planned maintenance programmes remain important, and their concurrent delivery alongside retrofit work is absolutely vital to our clients and their customers. We are very proud to be growing our portfolio in the south and look forward to working with our clients to provide safe, secure, comfortable and efficient homes.”

The new projects add to Wates Living Space’s current portfolio, which includes repairs and maintenance for 500,000 homes on behalf of 60 social landlords.

SPIE UK has been appointed by Altrad Babcock, a specialist in the delivery of engineering, aftermarket, and upgrade services to the energy industry to supply mechanical and HVAC services to three buildings located in Renfrew, Renfrewshire.

SPIE UK will be responsible for for completing mechanical and HVAC works, reactive services, planned and preventative maintenance as well as lifecycle projects to the three separate buildings, one of which incorporates a large manufacturing facility.

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SPIE UK has been appointed by Altrad Babcock, a specialist in the delivery of engineering, aftermarket, and upgrade services to the energy industry to supply mechanical and HVAC services to three buildings located in Renfrew, Renfrewshire.

SPIE UK will be responsible for for completing mechanical and HVAC works, reactive services, planned and preventative maintenance as well as lifecycle projects to the three separate buildings, one of which incorporates a large manufacturing facility.

This is the first contract that SPIE UK has carried out for Altrad Babcock. Due to the high priority nature of the works carried out on site, this will require close management and communication for access and the delivery of planned preventative maintenance duties.

Gerard Hattie, Operations Manager at SPIE UK, said: “This new commission highlights Altrad Babcock’s trust in SPIE UK’s track record for delivering successful project outcomes. We’re excited to showcase our expertise by using our collective mechanical and HVAC engineering skills, applying best engineering practices and full compliance with the relevant codes of practice and legislation to deliver a functional and efficient service.”

Graeme Dowson, Head of FM, Travel & Fleet at Altrad Babcock, added: “While looking for a partner to deliver effective FM services, it is clear that SPIE UK has an incredible specialist team who are able to deliver against our precise requirements. We are confident that this new partnership with SPIE UK will enable us to successfully complete the project at the highest possible standard – we look forward to seeing the results.”

Former British Army Senior Officer, James Illingworth OBE, has been appointed as Advisor to Sodexo’s Government board to strengthen its relationships across Whitehall, the armed forces and the charity sector.

With over 35 years of strategic military experience Illingworth brings strong corporate leadership and people management skills as well as an acumen for business development.

Illingworth recently retired from the British Army as a Major General. His last post was Director Land Warfare

Former British Army Senior Officer, James Illingworth OBE, has been appointed as Advisor to Sodexo’s Government board to strengthen its relationships across Whitehall, the armed forces and the charity sector.

With over 35 years of strategic military experience Illingworth brings strong corporate leadership and people management skills as well as an acumen for business development.

Illingworth recently retired from the British Army as a Major General. His last post was Director Land Warfare with responsibility for leading, organising and managing the Army’s delivery of training across the UK and determining the army’s future training transformation. Previously he was Commander British Forces Cyprus and Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

Sodexo’s Government business segment includes the delivery of a wide range of services to military sites across the UK as well as in Cyprus and the Falkland Islands.

Also included within Sodexo’s Government business is its property professional services team which earlier this year secured a seven year, £45.3 million contract with the Metropolitan Police to manage its estate and property related services across London. The contract covers police stations, New Scotland Yard, communication facilities, residential and training centres as well as air and marine support units that support the broad spectrum of activities performed by the Metropolitan Police.

Other Government contracts include Scottish Fire & Rescue and the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking about Illingworth’s appointment, Paul Anstey, CEO Government, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “James brings a huge breadth of knowledge and understanding from his many years within the military including leading and managing diverse and complex activities both in the national and multi-national arenas.   “His experience working with key government organisations and leading large, complex organisations will undoubtedly help us develop key relationships and will provide us with expert and independent advice to support the growth of our government business.”

Compass Group UK & Ireland has introduced a ‘Mentor Up’ programme to help create a shared understanding of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for colleagues from ethnic minority groups.

The six-month programme partners senior leaders (mentees) with individuals from ethnic minority groups (mentors). Participants share their experiences, perspectives and knowledge to broaden and deepen their awareness of themselves and others.

The main aims of the programme are:

Compass Group UK & Ireland has introduced a ‘Mentor Up’ programme to help create a shared understanding of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for colleagues from ethnic minority groups.

The six-month programme partners senior leaders (mentees) with individuals from ethnic minority groups (mentors). Participants share their experiences, perspectives and knowledge to broaden and deepen their awareness of themselves and others.

The main aims of the programme are:

The programme provides a safe space for open conversations between participants focused on mutual learning, respect and creating a way forward together. The initial cohort included 13 people and a second group from across the business is now taking part.

Earlier this year, Compass Group UK & Ireland launched its Social Promise which commits to bolstering opportunities for one million people by 2030. It includes gender, ethnic minority and the industry’s first socio-economic representation targets across its executive team, middle management, junior management and frontline roles.

Meliha Duymaz has joined Skanska UK as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President.

Duymaz is an established finance leader with a breadth of experience across services, operations and major construction projects. She joins Skanska UK from Network Rail, where she was Finance Director for the eastern region running from London to Scotland, its largest regional business with 10,000 employees. In this role she has overseen a significant portion of Network Rail’s investment budget in multi-billion-pound programmes and projects.

Prior to this, Duymaz served as Managing Director for the Anglia Route, leading multifunctional teams responsible for infrastructure management and service delivery for some of the most intensely operated rail routes into London. She has also worked for a diverse range of other organisations including Serco and Huntsworth.

Duymaz will report to President and CEO, Gregor Craig, who said of the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Meliha to Skanska UK, bringing her broad experience across a variety of sectors.”

Galliford Try’s Facilities Management business (GTFM) has been awarded a further three-year contract with Surrey Police, for the provision of FM services across its estate.

The deal, which is worth approximately £1.3 million per annum will see GTFM maintaining 86 buildings, ranging from office areas, forensic labs, custody suites, recovered property stores and police houses.

The contract will allow GTFM’s operational teams to continue to build upon the relationships developed through the

Galliford Try’s Facilities Management business (GTFM) has been awarded a further three-year contract with Surrey Police, for the provision of FM services across its estate.

The deal, which is worth approximately £1.3 million per annum will see GTFM maintaining 86 buildings, ranging from office areas, forensic labs, custody suites, recovered property stores and police houses.

The contract will allow GTFM’s operational teams to continue to build upon the relationships developed through the open book approach.

Commenting on the contract renewal, Steve Catlin, Regional Director for GTFM, said: “I am very proud of our team’s hard work since 2019 which has been reflected in our contract renewal with Surrey Police. I look forward to working with the service over the next four years, providing them with the environment their officers and staff deserve.”

To mark World EV Day (29 September) Westminster City Council has announced it is planning to nearly double the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in Westminster by installing an additional 500 charging points across the borough by March 2023 – taking the total to over 2,000 charging points, the most in the country.

The council has recently been successful in securing a large award of external funding from central Government that will result in a further 500 resident charging points,

To mark World EV Day (29 September) Westminster City Council has announced it is planning to nearly double the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in Westminster by installing an additional 500 charging points across the borough by March 2023 – taking the total to over 2,000 charging points, the most in the country.

The council has recently been successful in securing a large award of external funding from central Government that will result in a further 500 resident charging points, to add to the 1,500 that are already on the public highway in Westminster. While the council is committed to installing at least 500 by March 2023, it is working towards installing an additional 500 charging points (1,000 in total) throughout the rest of 2023.

The installation of these additional EV charging points will start in September 2022 in the south of the borough.

Currently the council has 1,250 lamp post charge points which will be updated to ‘SmartSocket’ points over the next two months, with the initial trial to be rolled out at the end of September in partnership with Ubitricity, which will see reduced prices for residents to be able to do overnight, off-peak charging. These smart-charging points will also relive pressure on the grid by encouraging overnight charging.

The council is also increasing its provision of the standard, free standing fast charging points and is also looking at increasing rapid EV charging provision. Next year, there will be an additional 30 rapid, high kilowatt charging points for commercial vehicles to use, turning white van men into green van men.

The increase in the number of EV charging points installed is just one of the ways the council is investing in green infrastructure. Last month, the council, in partnership with Veolia, rolled out a fleet of new electric street cleaner bikes, adding to the electric vehicles already in operation. This new fleet of bikes cuts down the number of diesel vehicles used to collect fly tipped rubbish, monitor hot spot areas and deliver commercial waste bags in Westminster, and cuts 100 per cent of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions and reduces noise pollution for residents.

The council is also currently consulting boat owners at Paddington Basin to identify opportunities to improve the air quality along the canal and the potential of turning the Basin into an eco-mooring zone.

Westminster is also encouraging more active travel in and around the borough, and recently opposed the proposed bus cuts by TfL in central London due to a lack of funding by central Government. In a time where active travel in the borough is encouraged through walking, cycling and use of London’s public transport, the council says cutting back on vital bus networks makes this more difficult to do.

Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality at Westminster City Council, said: “Westminster has some of the highest carbon emissions and poorest air quality of any local authority and urgent steps need to be taken if we want to improve. Reducing travel by petrol or diesel cars is one of the most effective ways to improve air quality, so this big increase in charging points and the electrification of the Veolia waste cleansing fleet demonstrates how seriously the new administration is taking air quality.

“Fifteen per cent of all residents with parking permits are those with electric vehicles, and while this is double the amount from 2020, the council is working towards a scenario where all resident vehicles in Westminster become electric in the future. This pledge for an additional 500 charging points to be installed across the borough, with a potential stretch target of 1000, is a big step toward reaching this goal.

 “As well as increasing our green infrastructure, we continue to deliver a range of walking and cycling schemes, including a recent decision to deliver a Brompton bike hire scheme proposed at sites near some of our busiest rail stations like Paddington, and also increasing the number of cycle storage units. All of these measures will help support us in our ambition to make Westminster an even better place to work, visit and live in for current and future generations.”