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Government Confirms Fair Payment Requirement

British Precast members vote to join the Mineral Products Association

Special Features for British Precast

British Precast Charter Site Launched

Mass Concrete Launches Hi-tech Concrete Wall and Floor Panels

Two Big Projects for Evans Concrete Products

British Precast Members Celebrate Innovation in Construction Products Industry

Forticrete Awarded 'Excellent' in Responsible Sourcing Standard

Evans Completes Clough-Taylor Monument

CBI TAF Awards 2010- British Precast and the MPA Win Environmental Initiative Award

Cornish Concrete Products speed up Penzance Campus
It’s Winners all round in Stanton Bonna Health and Safety Alert Campaign
Aircrete is the Choice for Cost-effective Building

Captive Market for PCE

New Member Installs First UK Precast Motorway Barrier

British Precast Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award

British Precast Best Practice Awards 2010 - Winners

Update from David Higgins at the Olympic Delivery Authority: Milestones

Evans Concrete Chairman Wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award

MDL Meadowstone Join the Federation

The Opportunities and Costs of Cutting VAT

CPM's Redi-Rock proves to be the ideal flood protection solution

Intelligent 3D Modelling

MPA Calls on the Government to Pursue Realistic Carbon Reduction Targets

Tekla Structures in Practice - BIM for Concrete Structures

Assembly calls for Investigation into Fire Safety of London's Buildings

Government Confirms Fair Payment Requirement

17th January 2011

NSCC welcomes the announcement from Government that payment within 30 days throughout the supply chain will now be a contractual requirement on central Government contracts.

Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise, confirmed at the NSCC AGM in November 2010 that the decision to implement 30-day payment periods in the public sector had come as a result of listening to the NSCC Fair Payment Campaign. From December 2010, there will be a common assessment or valuation date for all tiers of the supply chain on central Government contracts and payment must be received down to tier 3 within 30 days of this date. An Information Note has been issued to all central Government departments outlining the 30-day requirement and, following the Minister’s call for feedback on how it is working in practice, NSCC has set up a confidential feedback service on the newly launched Fair Payment Campaign website.

The Fair Payment Campaign continues to go from strength to strength and NSCC will be focussing on the removal of retentions in 2011. Clients are increasingly recognising that retentions are an outdated practice and the new NSCC No Retention Policy recommends that Specialist Contractors do not accept cash retentions. The best guarantee of quality is a competent and qualified supply chain, and NSCC is encouraging the industry to resist cash retentions in favour of more modern and practical alternatives.

NSCC President David Jones praised the continued success of the Fair Payment Campaign:
“Changing custom and practice is never easy – particularly when the practice in question has been around for more than 100 years – but the Fair Payment Campaign shows that, by working together, we can make a difference. Government has clearly recognised the importance of fair payment and its decision to make 30 days a requirement gives us a huge opportunity to overhaul the industry’s payment practices once and for all.”

British Precast members vote to join the Mineral Products Association

17th December 2010

On Wednesday 15th December the member companies of the British Precast Concrete Federation voted unanimously to join the Mineral Products Association.

Martin Clarke, Chief Executive of British Precast, welcomed the decision commenting “I am delighted that we have taken this next step in integrating the heavyside representational bodies in UK construction products. The challenges in front of all of us are immense but also exciting. There is more need than ever for us to work with like-minded materials and product interest as a power block with the Coalition Government and the devolved administrations. We have agreed a way of working together that will unite our existing and growing membership behind a positive agenda whilst preserving our focus on product and market sectors and their individual licence to operate and licence to market issues. It is particularly good news for the small and medium sized companies that make up the great majority of our membership.”

He added “I anticipate immediate synergies in several areas. Firstly it will bring into our membership some new companies from the MPA. Secondly we look forward to working, in an integrated way, with the cement, mortar and ready-mixed concrete industries under the MPA umbrella to fight together with The Concrete Centre for market share against timber, plastics and steel construction and to identify new opportunities for our precast, masonry and landscape products and systems.”

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the MPA, commented “We are delighted with the very positive vote of the British Precast members and warmly welcome them into the MPA family. They will bring a large and valuable product and customer group into our organisation. This move represents another significant step in the evolution of the trade representation of the industry from a number of fragmented organisations into a genuinely sectoral body that promotes and protects all its members’ interests and enables more effective and influential dialogue with Government and other key stakeholders. I look forward to a rapid conclusion of formalities so that members realise the benefits as soon as possible.”

Special Features for British Precast

5th October 2010

Thanks to CPI Worldwide we are please to present free downloads every two months from their two flagship magazine CPI and opusC.

This month we feature a double length article about the Explore Manufacturing plant at Steetley in Nottinghamshire together with a feature about architectural spun concrete columns. For subscription information go to www.cpi-worldwide.net and www.opusc.com

CPI Special Feature (4MB)

Opus C Special Feature (1.9MB)

British Precast Charter Site Launched

13th August 2010

British Precast has launched it's new charter scheme and now has a dedicated website www.bpcfcharter.com.

Clients, designers and other stakeholders are increasingly demanding higher standards in quality, safety and sustainability for construction products and services. British Precast is responding positively to market demand by introducing the British Precast Charter Membership scheme. This requires all full members to sign up to our Charter scheme components: the Concrete Targets 2015 Health and Safety scheme by August 2010 and the Sustainability Charter scheme by May 2011. British Precast is the only construction products body operating such a scheme. More than that, along with the rest of the cement and concrete industry, we report on our safety and sustainability Key Performance Indicators every year and we set published, challenging targets.

The new website shows which members have signed up and which have achieved Charter Member status by being audited successfully against the Charter. In addition it provides an up-to-date buyers guide and a listing of other member company achievements including certification to the responsibly sourced materials standard BES 6001. It also points you to our KPI reports and targets.

Mass Concrete Launches Hi-tech Concrete Wall and Floor Panels

29th November 2010

British Precast member, Mass Concrete Products (part of the PD Edenhall group) have launched their hi-tech concrete surfaces as large-format panels for internal and external feature wall cladding. With lengths and widths up to 2m, thicknesses from 18-25mm and a remarkable choice of bespoke shapes, colours, textures and finishes, the design possibilities for vision and originality are endless.

The distinctive handcrafted wall panels, each with their own idiosyncratic colour and texture variation, can form feature walls, external facades, sculptural effects, logo and signage panels, and backdrops to express other architectural elements such as fireplaces and fountains.

Robust sealant systems are used to meet the need for low maintenance with an array of individual performance specifications, from abrasion to enhanced resistance to staining and graffiti.

Supplied and installed by MASS, the panels can be fixed to a variety of substrates through adhesive bonding or mechanical fixing techniques.

Typical flooring panel sizes are 1.5 x 1.5m, and 1200x800mm, with smaller traditional tile sizes, thicknesses from 18-25mm, and bespoke shapes and sizes to satisfy designer requirements.

The material is featured on many high profile projects such as the Hayward Gallery, Bluewater and Westfield, St Barts and the London Hospital, Dover Castle, Hilton Hotels, headquarters buildings for Arup, Hammersons and Stanhope, and hundreds of high-end residences.

In terms of sustainability, Mass performs exceptionally well, with over 90% of waste generated during the manufacturing process being recycled. Unlike many alternative materials, products are made in the UK, maintaining and supporting the local economy and employment.

Two Big Projects for Evans Concrete Products

16th November 2010

Evans Concrete is currently involved with two major projects. The Derbyshire based company is right on schedule in its delivery of bespoke precast concrete work for 15 London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games projects.

Since the company was commissioned to work on the infrastructure of the Olympic site providing precast concrete bridge decks and parapets, it has won several other large contracts with major contractors, giving Evans Concrete the opportunity to increase its workforce by over 20%.

All but two of the 15 projects are almost complete, including work on bridges to the main stadium, the Aquatics center bridge and components for various other projects associated with the Olympic games.

Gary McBride, Chairman of Evans Concrete commented: “I am pleased with the huge progress we have made on these projects. To think that Evans Concrete is playing a part in helping to develop great facilities for such a prestigious sporting event that will host the highest calibre of athletes from all over the world, is simply amazing. The extra work has led to a recruitment drive and we have taken on a number of new people to cope with demand.”

Evans Concrete has manufactured over 1,200 parapets and 600 deck planks for bridges, each weighing up to 12 tonnes. The bridges will provide access to the Olympic stadium and will remain in place after the games.

Evans have also just completed work on a £150,000 contract for the extensive refurbishment of the Thornton Heath Library in Croydon.

The bespoke precast concrete specialist worked alongside architecture firm Fashion Architecture Taste (FAT) in the design, manufacture and installation of porch and ramp extensions to the existing library facade.

The original Edwardian building has been completely revitalised with a front pavilion and an outdoor public reading area. Large three-dimensional letters spelling ‘library’ are prominently displayed at the front of the building in pre-cast concrete, especially produced to match the tone of the existing stonework.

Chris Foster, Managing Director of Evans Concrete commented: “It has been wonderful to watch the progress of the library’s renovation. It has been completely transformed, yet retains its original character. This prestigious project takes full advantage of our specialist skills – producing bespoke pre-cast concrete units to meet the requirements of unique architectural projects. We have also really enjoyed working alongside FAT. They invest a lot of creativity and originality into their designs and this end product is remarkable.”

British Precast Members Celebrate Innovation in Construction Products Industry

18th October 2010

Five British Precast Members have been recognised for their innovations in the Construction Products Association’s (CPA) 2010 edition of Construction Products Innovation and Achievement (CPIA)..

Brett Landscaping, Hanson UK, H+H UK, Marshalls and Tarmac Building Products cover six of only 20 products nationwide, to be chosen for this year’s publication, which annually showcases the most innovative products and processes created by the construction products industry during the last twelve months or so..

Commenting on the achievement, Simon Storer, Communications and External Affairs Director for the CPA, said: “We are delighted that the construction products industry has once again demonstrated an enormous desire to introduce a variety of new and exciting solutions. Despite the construction industry suffering more than most sectors during the current downturn, one only needs to look at the products and processes showcased in CPIA to highlight the huge impact the industry is making towards change.

The industry has not always been good at trumpeting its own achievements. However, CPIA demonstrates how the construction products industry is continuously developing and improving by creating innovative solutions which make a significant impact to all aspects of construction”.

The 20 entries in CPIA are categorised under four key headings; Energy and Carbon Saving; Health, Safety and Security; Improvements in Site Safety; and Resource Efficiency. By delivering these efficiencies, these new ideas bring a range of benefits including clients and end users, company employees and especially the environment we live in.

The products featured in this year’s publication cover a wide range and include processes designed to save energy and reduce emissions, providing safer operations on site for employees and contractors and provide a full sustainability appraisal of manufacturing operations. This creative and innovative approach is not confined just to a select few in one or two sectors, but can be seen as a key driver for an industry that is continuously improving and constantly changing".

Forticrete Awarded 'Excellent' in Responsible Sourcing Standard

4th October 2010

l-r: Phil King, Technical Manager, John Adnitt, Group Engineering Manager receiving Certificates for all four product groups from Nigel Fensom, Business Development Manager, BSI

Pioneering the way for sustainability, British Precast member Forticrete has been awarded the highest performance rating of “excellent” in an impressive six out of seven factory assessments for the responsible sourcing standard, BES 6001.

Following the successful evaluation from the British Standards Institution (BSI), the company received the prestigious accreditation for all of its product groups – roofing, walling, cast stone and architectural masonry, covering all of its manufacturing sites.

The BES 6001 standard for responsible sourcing demonstrates that a building material is sustainable and has been produced in a way that has minimised its environmental impact.

John Lambert, general manager at Forticrete, commented: “With the Government increasing its focus on sustainable development, many construction companies are now recognising the need to prove that building products used in construction have a sustainable footprint. ‘Green’ claims are easy to make, but much harder to substantiate.

"Here at Forticrete, we have a strong commitment to the environment and sustainable building. Having already been awarded the ISO 14001 environment management standard, I am very pleased to announce that we have now been awarded the BES 6001 standard across our entire product range and all our manufacturing sites, which is a truly fantastic achievement.

“The Code for Sustainable Homes also recognises the BES 6001 standard, giving developers using certified products additional credits. This accreditation will give our customers peace of mind that, irrespective of which product or site they utilise, reaching their sustainability targets will be a much easier process.”

Evans Completes Clough-Taylor Monument

3rd September 2010

Derbyshire based Evans Concrete Products, specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke precast concrete products, has recently completed an iconic project for Derby County Football Club.

The company has played a key role in the creation of the new Clough Taylor monument which is now the centre piece of Unity Plaza at Pride Park.

Evans has created the 3m high white concrete plinth on which now stands the bronze statue of the world famous football partnership. The company has also manufactured the steps leading up to the monument as well as the seating, paving and planters all around it.

“I am absolutely delighted and very proud to have worked on this project which will be a wonderful and lasting tribute to two of the truly Derby County greats - Brian Clough and Peter Taylor,” said Garry McBride. “I have been a lifelong Rams fan, following in the footsteps of my father Dennis who worked on the turnstiles for the club for 28 years at the old Baseball ground, and it’s great to have played such a key role in creating this monument.”

“It’s even more special that, as chairman of a Derbyshire company employing many people who are also Derby County fans, we have had the opportunity and skills to make this tribute a reality,” he added. “We are also over the moon that we could be at Pride Park for its unveiling.”

CBI TAF Awards 2010- British Precast and the MPA Win Environmental Initiative Award

2nd July 2010

The BPCF sustainability team (l-r) Dr Hafiz Elhag, Martin Clarke and Norman Richards

Last night saw the Trade Association Forum Awards take place at Hotel Russell on Russell Square, London.

British Precast and the MPA entered the category for Environmental Initiative and have won 1st place for their work on forming the Concrete Industry Sustainability Construction Strategy which is being implemented through the Sustainable Concrete Forum and its group groups.

Martin Clarke, British Precast said "We are delighted British Precast and MPA has won this award. We are very pleased that the collaboration between these different trade bodies and their members within the concrete industry has been recognised".

The Sustainable Concrete Forum Vision
By 2012, the UK concrete industry will be recognised as the leader in sustainable construction, by taking a dynamic role in delivering a sustainable built environment in a manner that is profitable, socially responsible and functions within environmental limits.

Cornish Concrete Products speed up Penzance Campus

Working with many of the same team that delivered the Fal and Lynher project, British Precast Member Cornish Concrete Products (CCP) have supplied Thermowall insulated sandwich panels to a refurbished campus building in Penzance. Using a steel frame structure, after in-situ concrete was dismissed as too slow, CCP have supplied walls which achieve a ‘u’ value of 0.25 w/m2K

Both buildings in phase 1 of this project, Zennor and Porthcurno, were architecturally challenging with different angles, shapes and sizes including the architects trademark ‘porthole’ windows which CCP then form the precast window surround at the works.

CCP designed, manufactured and installed the Thermowall panels for this project. Utilizing the latest CAD software systems, CCP’s design department were able to ‘trace’ the panel elevations from the architect’s true elevations. Through careful co-ordination between all members of the design team joint sizes, fixing positions to the structural frame and openings can be dealt with to reduce the on-site discrepancies and help maintain the contract programme.

CCP thermowall panels whilst providing a very fast efficient building system to seal the building envelope, is also BREEAM excellent with the inherent thermal mass, and provides modern clean lines which are aesthetically pleasing and versatile.

Further details can be found here.

It’s Winners all round in Stanton Bonna Health and Safety Alert Campaign

Paul Moore, centre, accepts his winner’s certificate from Barry Cooper, Chief Executive of Stanton Bonna, left, and Thierry Coudurier, Chief Operating Officer of parent company Consolis

Precast concrete drainage products manufacturer Stanton Bonna's health and safety campaign produced winners all round – a reduction in accidents to workers, employees who won prizes and a local hospice which gained a cheque donation.

Under the scheme, the 140 employees are encouraged to write on cards details of any near misses – incidents that had the potential to result in injury although had not done so – or hazard alerts – unsafe equipment, substances, or procedures – so that management can take appropriate action.

In the last year workers at the premises in Littlewell Lane have filled in 398 alert cards. Over the same period the number of accidents involving employees having time off work dropped from six to one.
The company matched the efforts by giving £1 to charity for each card submitted and a cheque for £398 was presented to Treetops Hospice at Risley.

Aircrete is the Choice for Cost-effective Building

10th June 2010

H+H UK is using two detailed cost-comparison exercises to prove that price need never be a barrier to specifying aircrete for house building.

In a recent public sector housing development Wates Living Space wanted to use aircrete, but was concerned expenditure could rise as a result. A detailed cost comparison showed that, contrary to expectations, a £20,000 saving could be made using aircrete with the H+H Rå Build method of construction, compared with an equivalent timber frame approach.

Wates undertook this comparison having seen results from research carried out by construction and property consultants calfordseaden. This demonstrated that anywhere up to an 8% saving is achievable when using aircrete, compared with comparable designs built with timber frame or SIPS. They calculated the 8% saving by using four different design methods, all with 0.25W/m2K U-values for external walls, on a 20-unit site of three bedroom semi-detached houses.

The 8% saving, equivalent to an extra house on a 20-unit site, is gained by using the H+H Rå Build method of construction with large format aircrete and Thin-Joint mortar. H+H UK managing director Mark Oliver commented, “The savings that can be made using aircrete with our Rå Build method of construction should make this way of house-building attractive to developers. It gives the possibility of shaving the value of an entire house off a scheme’s cost while also offering excellent speed of build, robust structures and green credentials.”

Captive Market for PCE

4th June 2010

The first precast panels for a new Category ‘B’ prison complex at Featherstone near Wolverhampton have been cast on behalf of PCE Design & Build.

The panels, the first of around 1,250 high quality architectural precast panels, have been produced at the Brigg facility of Techrete UK. PCE has been selected to design, procure and erect the precast components of the prison with a 53-week construction programme on site beginning towards the end of April.

PCE will be responsible for the project delivery of all the major structures, working in partnership with main contractor Kier Build, the major projects arm of Kier Group plc, which has been awarded the £150 million plus contract by the Ministry of Justice. PCE will construct a total of 10 structures, principally three 480-place house blocks and including all associated entry and facilities buildings that make up the complete scheme.

In total some 12,000 precast concrete elements will be managed by PCE's experienced design, procurement and construction teams. The structural solution will be based on PCE's fast track formula for precast concrete crosswall construction. Fully integrated shower solutions and the development of off-site fully glazed window systems are just two of the key innovations developed by PCE and the supply chain for this project. Techrete is one of four main supply chain partners selected for the project by PCE.

New Member Installs First UK Precast Motorway Barrier

4th June 2010

We have got used to the sight of new permanent concrete barriers being installed in the central reservation of our motorways, replacing old and discredited steel barriers. To date the barriers have been of in-situ concrete placed by slipforming machines – now the next logical development is a reality with the introduction of off-site fabricated precast barriers erected with minimum disruption at night.

A two row 4.4km length of Delta Bloc in the central reserve has been installed near Newport by Alun Griffiths. A separate section of the project also involved Balfour Beatty installing new gantry signage at the verge involving the installation of Delta Bloc safety barriers for protection of the signs.
Future phases are planned as part of an ongoing commitment to upgrade safety of the road restraint systems.

Delta Block UK is a new and very welcome member of the Federation, based at Marshalls Elland offices.

Also seen more and more is Milton Precast’s temporary interlocking precast barrier system, past winner of the innovation award.

British Precast Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award

28th May 2010

The 2010 British Precast Awards saw two individuals received outstanding achievement awards.

Jorge Dorrego Ortiz (left) and Roy Broster (right) receiving their awards from Steve Parker, President of BPCF and Robin Dahlberg, HSE Board Member

ROY BROSTER, Milton Pipes Ltd.

Roy has been both a Shop Steward, and a Health and Safety representative for “Unite the Union” at Milton Pipes for many years and has completed 29 years service.
Safety improvement was added in addition to Roy’s normal duties and, both seeing the same goals, Milton and Roy formed a partnership. Roy was up for the challenge to improve the availability of risk assessment and Safe Working and Operating Procedures (or ‘SWOPS’) across the site and improve training.

It is safe to say that Milton Pipes could not have achieved as big a change in H&S culture within the organisation without Roy, and it is a valuable lesson that co-operation between workforce, company and unions can make a huge difference. Roy is a man from the shop floor who has made a huge impact in Health and Safety.

JORGE DORREGO ORTIZ, Brett Landscaping Ltd.

Jorge has been with Brett Landscaping since July 2007 and is the Production Manager at their Poole plant. Under Jorge, not only has Poole site had had zero RIDDORs or LTI’s since late in 2007 (last one November) he has also reduced minor accidents, from 14 to 2 last year, and he continues to promote accident reduction.

In 2009, Jorge completed the most number of Alive and Well behaviour safety talks in the business; this is Brett’s behavioural safety system, He has helped Poole gain the Brett Landscaping Managing Director’s award for best SHE performance for 2008.

Jorge has done this, through coaching, toolbox talks, developing in depth training tools and through feedback, engaging his colleagues to produce a positive result admired by many.

More information on both winners can be found here.

British Precast Best Practice Awards 2010 - Winners

21st May 2010

Five Full Members of British Precast have won Best Practice 2010 Awards after submitting outstanding entries into our annual competition, which comprises the categories health and safety, innovation, sustainability and best project.

Marshalls Plc had two winning entries, with Hanson UK, Tarmac Building Products and Trent Concrete all scooping first prizes at a ceremony at British Precast’s Annual Conference in Leicester on 11th May. In addition, several member companies were awarded Commendations and a Special Communications Award was presented to J&P Building Systems.

British Precast holds the annual award scheme to recognise the excellent work carried out by its members and provides another way of sharing best practice within the membership.

Martin Clarke, Chief Executive of British Precast, said: “I am delighted with, no only the number of entries received this year, but also the high standards in all categories. I congratulate all the winners and entrants. Competition between members to win our awards is intense and makes a major contribution to our improvement agenda.”

Award winners can be seen on our Awards Page. There are also separate pages for our Innovation Award and Project Award. Don't forget to visit our online gallery for images of the winners as well as the rest of Concrete2010.

Update from David Higgins at the Olympic Delivery Authority: Milestones

8th April 2010

Four years ago today the Olympic and Paralympic Act came into force and the ODA became a statutory body. Click here for a short document that updates on our ‘Big Build Structures’ milestones with latest pictures of the venues and infrastructure. As the National Audit Office reported last month the project remains on time and on budget. There are still many challenges ahead as this is our toughest year on site with the workforce peaking at over 10,000. I hope you agree the pictures show we are now entering an exciting phase of the project as the Park really starts to take shape.

Success to date has been the product of partnership working by countless organisations.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

David Higgins
Chief Executive, Olympic Delivery Authority

Evans Concrete Chairman Wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Garry McBride and Guest of Honour; Commonwealth gold medal winning swimmer Ross Davenport

2nd March 2010

Garry McBride, Chairman of Alfreton-based bespoke precast concrete specialist Evans Concrete, is celebrating after winning the Entrepreneur of the Year category in the Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Garry has led the development of Evans Concrete since acquiring the company in 1998. Over the years he has forged excellent business relationships with long standing customers, helping to secure high levels of repeat business, and has also succeeded in attracting many new customers.

“I am absolutely delighted to have won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award – it means a great deal to me,” said Garry. “I was born in Derbyshire, was educated here and still live and work in the county so it is very personal to me. I am also extremely passionate about what I do and about the business. I am very proud to be chairman of Evans Concrete and appreciate all the support I get from every member of staff, all of whom have helped to make us what we are today.”

Further details can be found in our Press releases section.

British Precast is pleased to announce that MDL Meadowstone have joined the Federation

1st March 2010

The Meadowstone brand has been a market leader in cast stone for many years. MDL Meadowstone is a very welcome addition to our membership. Their reputation for high quality products and service is well merited. Cast stone has been under-represented in our membership for some years yet it was at the foundation of the Federation from its earliest days. We are keen to work with them and others to develop the cast stone market and to support MDL’s move into innovative precast products.

We wish the team under the leadership of Mark Johnson and Simon Tibble a long and successful time in membership. Mark and Simon have already pledged MDL Meadowstone to the Concrete Targets scheme.

The Opportunities and Costs of Cutting VAT

25th February 2010

The effects of selected reductions in the rate of VAT on the labour element of housing repair, maintenance and improvement: a report by Experian for the Cut the VAT coalition (3MB)

British Precast and the Modern Masonry Alliance are members of the Cut the VAT Coalition.

The Coalition believes that reducing VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all maintenance and home improvement works would benefit the UK by creating tens of thousands of jobs at a time of high unemployment and that it would enable the Government to achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. This new report from Experian finds that such a cut would also have considerable social and financial benefits for the public sector in terms of reducing the VAT bills of housing associations and local authorities, enabling more of the spend to be used for improving the UK’s 4.8 million units of social housing stock, thus supporting the Government’s Decent Homes programme. Furthermore, it would benefit millions of UK homeowners by reducing bills for those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes; help bring empty properties back into use thereby assisting with the alleviation of the housing supply crisis; remove the perverse incentive to demolish existing buildings to avoid the VAT bill; and help protect consumers by cutting the competitive advantage of the £6.4bn a year informal economy.

CPM's Redi-Rock proves to be the ideal flood protection solution

2nd February 2010

CPM has recently supplied the Redi-Rock big block solution to Morrison Construction, who is undertaking environmental improvement work in the Welsh town of Tregaron in Dyfed.

New flood walls were constructed using the aesthetically pleasing Redi-Rock blocks to provide an increased level of flood protection for properties along the river in Tregaron. CPM supplied 999 of it’s big block Redi-Rock Modular wall system, which is aesthetically pleasing and can be used for retaining, force protection, landscaping and flood protection.

Tim Hopkins, Project Manager for the Environment Agency said “Redi-Rock is an ideal solution for this location, in view particularly of the speed with which flood walls can be constructed.”

CPM also specialises in the collection, storage and flow control of rainwater within their off-site solutions team.

MPA Calls on the Government to Pursue Realistic Carbon Reduction Targets

27th January 2010

With just days to go before international governments declare their domestic carbon reduction commitments under the 2009 Copenhagen Accord, the Mineral Products Association today called on the government to resist moves to increase its commitment to a -30% carbon reduction target until further comparable unilateral commitments are made by other major economies.

Dr Pal Chana, MPA's Executive Director Cement and Lime, said “the government should stick to its current EU policy commitment of -20% when the issue is debated at the European Council meeting on February 11 unless other countries agree to fall in line.”

Further information can be found in our Press releases section

Tekla Structures in Practice – BIM for Concrete Structures

15th January 2010

Tekla's Canadian reseller Dowco Technology Services recently arranged a conference in Vancouver to introduce a new approach to BIM (Building Information Modelling) for engineers. The conference sought answers to questions such as what is BIM, who is it for, why should companies go for BIM, how is BIM better than CAD, and how to know whether one's BIM tool is the best available.

Wayne Kassian, principal at Kassian Dyck Associates, was the keynote speaker in the event. His topic was 'Precast Concrete, Reinforcing, and Total Concrete Structures – From Virtual Design to Fabrication/Construction Drawings'. His presentation gives an excellent insight into the benefits of Tekla Structures for concrete design and detailing and how Tekla’s 3D BIM software can greatly improve your design and business processes.

To read more and view the presentations click here.

Assembly calls for investigation into fire safety of London's buildings

14th January 2010

The London Assembly has unanimously asked its Planning and Housing Committee to set up a scrutiny investigation into fire safety in buildings, following a series of fires in the capital involving tall and timber-frame constructions.

A motion agreed yesterday highlighted the Colindale fire in 2006, during which a six story timber-framed building burned to the ground in less than nine minutes, and the series of recent fires in Peckham involving timber-frame buildings under construction.

Assembly Members called on the Committee to look into possible changes to building regulations, with a view to making recommendations to the Mayor of London and central government.

Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the London Assembly, said: "The tragic deaths of six people at the Lakanal House fire last July and a series of recent blazes involving timber-framed buildings have all too graphically highlighted the vital importance of fire safety when designing and building people’s homes. An Assembly probe into how such incidents might be avoided in the future is the least we can do to minimise the fire risks to Londoners.”

Navin Shah AM, who seconded the motion, said: "A spate of recent incidents have emphasised the need for a swift review of construction methods and their impact on the fire safety of London’s buildings. We must do all we can to highlight areas where improvements can be made that may save lives in the future.”

A webcast of the meeting can be viewed here.

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