UK-Based Procurement Company Saves Interserve £10million

The pioneering procurement software company Market Dojo has saved international support, construction and equipment services company, Interserve, £10 million with the use of its software. Market Dojo provided software which enabled Interserve to run an eAuction on fire and security services alongside Per Angusta, which delivered remarkable results.

With a gross revenue of £3.7billion and a workforce of circa 75,000 worldwide, Interserve is a leader in innovative and sustainable outcomes for its clients and is one of the world’s foremost construction equipment and services companies.

The team at www.MarketDojo.com were approached by Interserve representatives at an international procurement event, here they purchased a single £500 monthly licence with Market Dojo to run an eAuction on Fire and Security Services.

Following their early success with the tool, Market Dojo, alongside 30 other competitive solutions were invited to a major tender to compete in providing an enterprise solution that would be easy to adopt at all levels across the Interserve organisation. Interserve landed on the decision to place their trust in Market Dojo following the tender and a speedy start-up meant that the international company saw near-immediate results from the plan implemented by the MD team, in co-operation with Per Angusta.

Foregoing a traditional “Full-Suite” approach, Interserve instead elected that the team at Market Dojo would take charge of e-Sourcing and category planning, with Per Angusta providing Pipeline and Savings tracking respectively.

As a result, Interserve now has in excess of 80 active users on Market Dojo and has saved over £10 million in the first 18 months since using the procurement software company’s services. Post-implementation, the business has been able to host a variety of Facilities Management tenders, including maintenance, public displays and Health & Safety.

The solutions have negated the need for users to enter information multiple times in more than one place and, due to their intuitive user interface, very few training or skills materials were needed, cutting down on wasted time.

Rob Barlow, procurement systems and process manager for Interserve commented:

“Market Dojo, in collaboration with Per Angusta, has exceeded our expectations, with a strong customer focus, continuous innovation and proactive communication.  We have already seen a number of enhancements to both platforms in line with our needs, completing such projects within a matter of months. We continue to have regular workshops and review sessions and have already seen numerous success stories across the business.”

Nick Drewe, Co-founder for www.MarketDojo.com commented:

“Interserve is such a fantastic business and we were ecstatic the results and return on investment were very evident. It has been great working alongside them. We (alongside Per Angusta) managed to implement a plan that was highly effective with a quick turnaround. We are incredibly proud of the results we have seen and truly think they prove how impactful our service can be.”

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Construction Connectivity – Getting Back to Basics

The European construction industry is continuing to demonstrate encouraging growth, with Deloitte forecasting that the market is on track to grow at a steady rate of 2.5 per cent a year to 2022. With this continued growth, firms face increasing pressure to deliver against rising demand, but it’s widely recognised that the construction industry has a reputation for often delivering projects later than expected and significantly over-budget. Large scale projects in particular can typically take 20 per cent longer to complete than planned and can be up to 80 per cent over budget – so how can the industry adapt to fulfil these ever-expanding expectations when current efficiency levels often leave a lot to be desired? 

The adoption of new technology and smarter processes can deliver tangible benefits for construction firms, but there remains a fundamental stumbling block for those organisations looking to capitalise on new innovation – a frequent lack of high speed, portable and reliable Internet connectivity. It is therefore imperative that the industry addresses these key issues as a matter of urgency so that firms can gain access to the connectivity they need at new sites from day one. 

The construction site of the future

With rapid advances in technology and the advent of cloud based solutions, the way we work and interact has drastically changed. Technology innovation has led industries to continually strive to be more efficient, productive and cost effective. Yet, when it comes to the world of construction, investment in IT has remained low in comparison to other industries. The market has been hampered by technical challenges relating to projects that can be large, complex and geographically dispersed. Combined with varying proficiency and maturity levels of smaller subcontractors, advancing at scale has been difficult and has subsequently led to the slow progress of the digitisation of the construction industry. 

Despite these challenges, the available technology in construction has advanced rapidly and we are now starting to see examples of how advents in digital technology can deliver efficiency and productivity opportunities at the start of all projects – truly revolutionising the construction sites of the past. Drones, robotics, 3D printing and augmented reality are no longer works of fiction but can be adopted by forward thinking firms looking to capitalise on the benefits that embracing innovation can bring to the construction site.

Connectivity is essential

Connectivity is a necessity for businesses in virtually every industry and construction is no exception. Crucially, this is still one fundamental hurdle that the industry must overcome if it is to create a solid foundation for all new innovation.

Technology that is crucial for the industry to innovate and keep up with demand, cannot function without high speed, portable and reliable internet connection, but gaining access to connectivity can be a challenge for new sites, particularly those that are located in a Green or Brownfield location where there is typically no existing connection. Often, a fixed line is simply not an option and the reliability of 4G is still patchy, even as talk around the possibilities of 5G continue to dominate the headlines.

Conclusion

The construction industry cannot continue to utilise outdated processes and management methods but instead must embrace digital advances and adopt smarter processes and technology to stay competitive. But there is no way that the construction sites of the future will ever become a reality unless the industry can conquer the basics of connectivity.

So, how can construction firms ensure that a strong and stable connection is established quickly at a new site to ensure lack of connectivity does not negatively impact on projects? By working with an ecosystem of experienced and trusted providers who can supply the connectivity and IoT services that sites require. The industry will then be able to continually benefit from the opportunities that the latest advances in innovation present. The potential rewards to firms that capitalise on digitisation will be instantaneous.

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Why a career in construction could be the next step for ex-military

Last year, the number of people employed in the British Armed Forces numbered nearly 150,000. Of those, over 80,000 employed in the British Army and over 30,000 in the Royal Navy.

However, over 14,000 people leave the military every year. This has become somewhat of a blessing for the construction industry, as it has created a sea of potential employees. Over 200,000 extra workers are needed before 2020 and ex-military personnel have highly transferrable skillsets and the potential to reach the top of the industry.

Ryan Latham, Senior Marketing Executive for 3B Training, has experienced firsthand how businesses can benefit from hiring ex-military personnel.

“Construction as an industry is growing, but it’s also is experiencing a gap in skills. An excellent way to fill in the hole for personnel with leadership, project management and teamwork skills is to investigate the pool of military leavers available. These transferable attributes are a valuable resource for the construction industry to help bring in skilled young workers.

Other industries appear to ignore Armed Forces leavers as potential employees, so much so that some leave their service history from their CV. Little do they know that they are missing out on a range of positive personality traits such as courage, discipline, selflessness and respect for others”.

Below, we take a closer look at what it’s like working in the military, what motivates members of the Armed Forces and why transitioning to a career in construction is the ideal next step for a leaver.

Why do people leave the military?

To understand why many people choose to leave the service, we’ve examined data from the 2018 UK Regular Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey Results which look at the impact of decisions affecting personnel.

Life in the Armed Forces requires specific demands that aren’t found in civilian jobs. When deployed, military personnel can find themselves away from their families for long periods of time, often in dangerous situations. Yet despite this, we found that the most common reasons for military personnel to seek a new career path are down to more familiar concerns:

• Job satisfaction —  Only 55% of military personnel claimed they were generally satisfied with their job.

• Pay satisfaction — There has been a consistent drop in pay satisfaction since 2010, with only 31% currently admitting to being happy with their salary.

• Life satisfaction — When questioning their happiness and how worthwhile they feel the things they do in life are, at least one in five members of the military rate them as low.

Since 2005, the Royal Marines have also seen a large decrease in the levels of satisfaction with opportunities for professional and personal development. It seems then, that much like civilian jobs, careers in the military are more motivated by personal growth and satisfaction.

This has led to a staggering 42% of military personnel actively searching for a new career outside of the Armed Forces over the past 12 months.

Why choose construction?

The construction industry is currently suffering from a skills shortage, resulting in a need for over 200,000 more workers by 2020. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the lack of skilled workers in the UK is the highest level since 2007, meaning the government’s initiative to build 300,000 new homes each year looks optimistic at best.

Former military personnel have a great opportunity to fill the construction skills gap. There are many sectors in the Armed Forces which provide their personnel with a number of highly transferrable skills, whether that’s engineering, mechanics or electronic.

A number of companies recognise the potential of military leavers and provide specialist training programmes to help them adjust to civilian life and a new career in construction. There are specialist courses available that provide Enhanced Learning Credits to enable lifelong learning to ex-members of the military or those looking to leave. These credits cover 80% of course fees and are available to anyone who has served a minimum of 6 years.

Working in construction allows leavers to put their experience to good use in a number of potential opportunities. The industry is not only in desperate need of construction workers but also manager positions, which is perfect for ex-officers who have experience leading teams and getting results in difficult situations.

What makes ex-military personnel a desirable workforce?

When working in the armed forces, you receive a level of training that simply isn’t available in other career paths. Regardless of their previous role, leavers are all highly disciplined and have fantastic teamwork skills.

• According to the Armed Forces survey results, 82% agree that they have confidence in themselves as a team, plus, 78% believe their team know exactly what their responsibilities are and that their team can be relied upon to help when their job gets difficult. A strong team that can work well together and keep their cool under pressure is exactly what the construction industry needs.

• Many working in the military are proud of the work they do, with 50% of the Royal Marines claiming that their service inspires them to do the best in their job. With the construction industry looking for a dedicated new workforce, finding employees who take pride in their work is crucial.

• Leavers are not just job applicants to the construction industry, they’re assets. Due to their experiences in the Armed Forces, they can pick up skills much faster than most people in civilian professions and can help quickly fill the large skills gap. A team of highly trained, dedicated workers and authoritative, respected managers is the solution the industry has been looking for.

Samantha Gregory, Training Coordinator at 3B Training and former Vehicle Mechanic in the REME, knows firsthand what ex-military can offer the construction industry.

“The work ethic for military leavers is completely different from civilians. It is embedded in us to turn up on time (5 minutes before 5 minutes early) and to just get the job done.

Leavers are great at working under pressure and are taught to work through problems ourselves and come up with practical solutions. They can work with anyone and take instruction well.

Plus, if you’re looking for a manager you’re in the right place, as working in the Armed Forces gives leavers some of the best training in some of the worst environments”.

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Asphalt Pavement Spring Maintenance Checklist

Asphalt pavement can provide many years of service and durability if it is properly maintained. As the weather warms and the snow begins to melt, it is a good idea to walk the surface of your asphalt pavement to examine any changes or problems areas.

Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement With Simple Maintenance Tips

The truth is, to extend the life of your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot, the pavement will need maintenance throughout its lifetime. Here are a few recommendations:

• Sealcoating every few years, for example, is a great way to prolong the life of your asphalt and keep it looking its best.
• Monitoring small cracks and crackfilling to prevent cracks from spreading is another small thing you can do every few years to ensure your asphalt lasts for years to come.
• Regularly cleaning your asphalt, or hiring professional sweeping services can help remove dangerous or harmful debris. 

Please download our FREE checklist to help you recognize areas of your asphalt pavement that may need spring maintenance to reduce your potential costs and liabilities.

Taking the time to identify potential problems and repairing asphalt driveways
or parking lots regularly, will help you reduce long term costs.

FREE Offer: Download your Free Spring Preparation and Maintenance Checklist now.

Asphalt Pavement Repair and Installation Case Studies

Take a look at some of our projects that highlight our experience in the paving industry:

• Municipal asphalt pavement road overlay to improve the surface of a deteriorating asphalt roadway. 
• Commercial asphalt pavement parking lot removal and installation

• Integrating Landscaping with Residential Asphalt Design and Paving

Contact Wolf Paving to learn more about asphalt paving or to have your parking lot, road or driveway paved. With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

Wolf Paving offers professional paving services from Milwaukee to Madison, and everywhere in between, including all areas around: Sun Prairie, Oconomowoc and Waukesha.

It’s never too early or too late to request a free paving estimate. Call Wolf Paving today. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

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Paving Companies North East

Paving Companies North East Installers Of Quality Paving

Quality Paving Companies North East Installers.

With many paving companies throughout the North East, how do you know you are choosing the right one? Do you look at the price alone? The simple answer is no. Unfortunately, like many businesses, not all paving companies are the same. In this article, we have looked at a few points for homeowners to consider when choosing a paver.

1) Firstly Does The Company Offer Finance?

Spreading the cost for your paving can be a great benefit to many homeowners. Check to see if the company offer finance and also what type it is.

Here at the Driveway company, we offer a range of different options to suit your needs and requirements for more information on these products please see our dedicated page.

2)  The Products

Secondly, not all paving products are the same. There are a huge amount of different brands on the market all with different guarantees, it can often be confusing for homeowners as to which brand or product to go with.

This is where we can certainly help, we have years of experience in this industry and choose to only work with quality products. Furthermore, all the products we do use are from leading brands which offer great product guarantees.

3) Paving Companies North East Installers – The Guarantees

No matter how much or how little you pay for your patio or driveway, you want to ensure that the work will last. It is very important to see what guarantees you have for the paving. In a couple of years time, the last thing you want is to have to pull out and spend more money.

Rest assured all work carried out by our company will get a 5-year installation guarantee. Furthermore, we have the following product guarantees of 10-years with Marshalls products, 10-Year with Natural Paving products and 25-year with Tobermore products.

4) Does The Paving Company Use Sub-Contractors?

This is an important question to ask no matter how big or small the company is. Many paving companies don’t use their own pavers, they sub-contract to other companies or individuals to carry out their work.

Being a family business, we believe in employing and training our own staff to high standards. This ensures we have a team of pavers which we can rely on to carry out projects to the highest of standards.

5)  Marshalls Accredited Installers

The Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers is a national network of recommended professionals. Each of the companies on the register must abide by their installation guidelines. Furthermore, they are regularly vetted by Marshall’s own assessors. Therefore if you choose Marshalls paving products, you can be assured of quality products and guarantees. Plus the peace of mind that your products are fitted to an excellent standard.

6) Other Work

So you have chosen your patio or driveway. With many customers it does not stop there, often we find people wanting turf laid, garden walls, planters, artificial lawns and much more to complement the paving.

As landscapers, we can carry all the required work for your outdoor area. Whether that is laying artificial grass, pathways, steps, planting of shrubs, building planters, garden walls, fencing, decking and much more.

Feel free to take a look around our gallery to see some of the projects we have completed.

Recent Paving Project

Below is a recent paving project carried out in the North East. You will see the photographs we took during the installation and the finished patio. For this project we used Marshalls Indian Sandstone in brown multi.

Keep Informed Of All Our Latest News

Finally, if you would like to keep informed of all our latest projects and news, please join our Facebook Page. 

The post Paving Companies North East appeared first on Driveways, Block Paving, Patios, Newcastle, North East | Driveway Company UK.

ANC workshop sets out best practice approach in sound insulation testing

Acoustic professionals shared best practice in sound insulation testing at a workshop organised by the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC).

Almost 100 testers from ANC member companies attended the event, held in Birmingham.

The ANC launched their Approved Document E Registration Scheme in 2003 to provide independent verification of pre-completion sound insulation testing.

Since then the scheme has gone from strength-to-strength, recording over 450,000 tests over the years.

Latest figures reveal a pass rate of 97.4 per cent from approximately 30,000 tests carried out in 2018.

Part of this success stems from the commitment of ANC testers to share experiences gained across the industry.

Dan Saunders, Chairman of the ANC, said: “What makes the difference with the Association’s registration scheme is the fact that it enables the building industry to tap into the expertise of 300 registered testers, all qualified in acoustics, who are able to deliver the Approved Document E testing nationwide.

“This means the testing service comes with reassurance of consultancy advice from member firms, backed up by the know-how of some of the most highly qualified and experienced acoustic experts in the country.

“The workshop provided a very useful opportunity to continue to drive forward best practice and keep the scheme in pole position within the housebuilding sector.

“The number of successful projects and the results achieved to date is testimony to the scheme’s ability to deliver compliance in this important area.

“This is particularly important when you consider these tests come at the end of the construction phase and getting it wrong and then having to address the issue can be a very costly process.”

To find out more about the ANC and search for members registered to carry out pre-completion testing please visit www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/members-search

A video from the workshop can be found at https://youtu.be/e7h71m3jvYE

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Recycled Asphalt: Learn The Benefits and Process of Recycling Pavement

Did you know that asphalt pavement is America's most recycled material? Each year roughly 100 million tons of asphalt pavement material is reclaimed. Of that 100 million tons, about 95-percent of that is reused in roads and highways, saving taxpayers money by reducing the cost of roads.

At Wolf Paving, we recycle 100-percent of the asphalt we remove from job sites at our own asphalt production plants. We also recycle asphalt shingles and concrete - turning these materials into new asphalt pavement. Recycling helps us produce numerous custom mixes of asphalt for a broad range of project types.

Take a deep dive below into the benefits and process steps of asphalt recycling:

Benefits of Recycling Asphalt

Environmental Benefits:

• Recycling old asphalt reduces the amount of new oil needed in the construction process and may reduce dependence on foreign oil.
  
  
• Recycling saves on construction material waste since the recycled material is not sent to a landfill.
  
  
• Recycling the mineral particles that are produced during the process of asphalt pavement helps conserve natural resources.

Economic Benefits:

• Taxpayers save money with asphalt recycling.
  
  
• Contractors save by reducing energy, materials, and transportation costs.
  
  
• Asphalt can be recycled multiple times, ensuring its value.

Asphalt Benefits:

The quality of asphalt pavement is improved when recycled pavement is used. There is a stronger cracking resistance because of the added mineral fillers and organic fibers used in the recycled materials. Other benefits include:

• Reduced demand for new asphalt pavement
  
  
• Reduced demand on aggregate
  
  
• Improved HMA mixes
  
  
• Improved asphalt stiffness
  
  
• Decreased likelihood for cracking
  
  
• Decreased susceptibility to rutting
  
  
• Decreased need for “virgin” asphalt

Asphalt Recycling Process

The asphalt recycling process begins with milling. Asphalt milling is a recycling and re-paving procedure, aimed at removing the top layer of asphalt from a street, parking lot or driveway without disturbing the sub-base.

Once the asphalt is milled up, it is taken to an asphalt plant where it's screened and sized again and then used to make new pavement. In most cases, the quality of this "renewed" asphalt is better than pavement made from brand new materials. Asphalt can be recycled and reused many times, giving these materials a very long lifespan.

You can learn more about our milling services by downloading this free whitepaper.

Asphalt can be recycled without even moving it from a job site using pulverization.

What is Asphalt Pulverization?

Asphalt Pulverizing is a process that grinds up the existing surface layer at the job site, blending the asphalt layers with any sub-layers, essentially creating a new sub base using all the old materials. Pulverizing is a popular option because:

• It saves money: Old base layers don’t have to be excavated and new material doesn’t have to be hauled in.
  
  
• It’s fast: The reconstruction process goes quickly when everything is done right in place.
  
  
• It’s environmentally friendly: Since new base materials don’t have to be produced and brought to the site, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly options available.

Asphalt pulverizing is a great way to take an existing pavement, recycle it, and make it even stronger and longer lasting than the original pavement. To learn more about asphalt pulverizing, check out this blog!

Recycling through pulverization reduces our costs and yours, while at the same time, keep the planet healthy.

Recycle More Than Just Asphalt Pavement

Recycled Asphalt Shingles

Using recycled asphalt shingles has several benefits in the production of Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA). By reusing asphalt from shingles, asphalt manufacturers can reduce costs and improve the quality of asphalt pavement. Using recycled shingles provides a source of aggregate, which reduces the need for mined aggregate. Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) can be used for a variety of different asphalt-based materials. Rural roads can be covered in gravel that is mixed with the RAS. Using this material minimizes the amount of dust produced and reduces the amount of gravel lost. RAS can also be used as a temporary surface for roads, driveways, or parking lots.

The Asphalt Shingle Recycling Process

Asphalt shingle recycling is not a simple process. Since improving the environment is one of the main goals, recyclers must be aware of the environmental considerations. For example, it’s important to keep the recycling dust to a minimum and to prevent other undesirable materials from being mixed in. Local, state, and federal regulations often focus on the possibility that asbestos could be present, but this is typically not found in the shingles themselves but in other roofing products, such as roll roofing, adhesives, paints, or waterproofing compounds. Therefore, recyclers have to be aware of and protect against asbestos contamination during the roof removal process.

Nonetheless, the advantages of recycling outweigh these considerations. If one ton of asphalt shingles recycled equals about one barrel of oil, the environmental and economic benefits speak for themselves. If all 11 million tons of waste could be recycled, it would save 11 million barrels of oil from being used to create new asphalt.

The use of recycled asphalt shingles, or RAS, has been fairly limited in the past, though, mostly because roofing materials contain a lot of extra material besides the asphalt itself. For example, roofing shingles may have nails, plastic, fiberboard, paper, cellophane, and wood. This makes the recycling process much more challenging.

Recycling Concrete

There was a time when the majority of used concrete was sent to a landfill. Not only does used concrete take up a large amount of landfill space, but it costs money (as much as $0.25 per ton per mile) and resources to transport it and/or dispose of it (as high as $100 per ton). These days, about 100 million tons of concrete are recycled annually.

How is Concrete Recycled?

Most concrete is fairly simple to recycle. Essentially, the concrete is broken, removed, and crushed into a specified size and quality. Other materials, such as reinforcing steel, and contaminants, such as asphalt, have to be removed during this process as well. Once the material is clean and of the right consistency, it can be reused just like new concrete.

At Wolf Paving, we think concrete recycling is an important part of our overall sustainability efforts. We take recycled concrete and crush it for later use. For example, we might use it as an aggregate in the creation of new asphalt sub base to be used on paving projects.

Learn more about the green paving solutions.

Wolf Paving Recycles In-House

We own our own asphalt production plants where we recycle and reuse materials from all our jobs. This gives us direct control over all our materials and removes the middle man to make sure our customers have the most competitive pricing on asphalt materials.

At Wolf Paving, we care about recycling because we care about the environment and doing the right thing. If you need a paving job done right, contact us for a free estimate. You’ll never know if the material on your driveway is from a roof or another road, but you’ll know we incorporated as much recycled material as possible!

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Lock Out Tag Out Essentials

The Definitive Guide to Self-Build Structural Warranties

The world of Structural Warranties can be complicated for self-builders. From choosing the right provider to fully understanding what your Structural Warranty does, there is so much to consider. But, understanding exactly what a Structural Warranty is and why you need one, will help you to choose the right cover for your self-build project.  

To help you, the experts at Self-Build Zone have put together a definitive guide to Structural Warranties that covers everything you need to know so that you can make an informed decision. This information should also help make sure that your project is fully covered, should the worst happen.

What is a Structural Warranty?

Simply put, a Structural Warranty is an insurance policy that covers any defects in building work, design or materials used in the construction process. Usually lasting 10-Years. This arrangement ensures that any defects that are discovered in a given time frame within the agreement will be covered if they lie within the builder’s responsibility.

Each policy will be slightly different, so it is always important to read the fine print. Generally, the more expensive the policy, the wider the cover is.

What does a Structural Warranty cover?

Typically, a Structural Warranty is split into two periods. The first period is the defects insurance period. This lasts for the first two years of the policy, which begins when the building receives its certificate of completion. Within these first two years, the developer is responsible for amending any issues that arise from their work or fail to comply with the provider’s standards. Faults of this kind need to be reported as soon as possible.

The second period of cover is the Structural insurance period. During this period, it becomes the responsibility of the Structural Warranty provider to deal directly with valid claims. This 8-year time frame involves defects being reported directly to the provider of the Warranty, and if the defect is valid and you’re covered, the provider is responsible for organising and paying for repairs etc.

Who needs a Self-Build Structural Warranty?

If you’re self-building, it is not required to have a Structural Warranty, but most lenders will need one. Structural Warranties are required for mortgages, so you will struggle to sell a self-built home within the 10-Year period, without taking out a policy.

If you purchase a Warranty and you sell your self-build property within the 10-Year period, the Warranty can be transferred to the new owner, for the remainder of the warranty period.

What is the Structural Warranty process?

Your experience with a Structural Warranty policy will differ depending on the provider. However, the process usually begins with the self-builder applying for the policy by registering with a provider and submitting plans, specifications and any application forms, plus an application fee if applicable. Then, the Structural Warranty provider will review the plans and calculate a quote.

Once the Structural Warranty is issued, documents are signed, and any necessary appraisal meetings have taken place, you will be provided with a technical manual and any other necessary documentation. When the building work begins, the warranty provider will carry out regular site inspections to ensure that the building work complies with their standards. As mentioned earlier, the policy will begin after completion of the build, when a certificate is issued.

How much does a Structural Warranty cost?

The cost of a Structural Warranty varies hugely project by project. It will all depend on the size and type of property, amongst other factors. Your warranty provider will carefully calculate you a quote, once you have filled in all the necessary details.

What are the benefits of a Structural Warranty?

There are many benefits that come with a Structural Warranty. The most obvious one is that a Structural Warranty gives you peace of mind. Of course, the hope is that nothing will go wrong, but a policy in place ensures you are covered should the worst happen, saving you stress and money.

When you purchase a Structural Warranty, the provider will carry out frequent inspections to ensure the building work meets Building Standards. Therefore, obtaining a Structural Warranty will help ensure your building work is of a high standard.

Also, as mentioned earlier, most mortgage lenders will not lend money for a building without a Structural Warranty, so having one in place will help you to sell what you have built more easily. During a self-build project, it can be tempting to try and save money where you can, but a Structural Warranty worth the investment.

Where can you get a Structural Warranty?

Obtaining a quality Structural Warranty is vital for protecting your building work, should you need it. With so many options available, you can get comprehensive cover for your project, no matter the scale. But, knowing all you can about this insurance policy could help things run a little smoother.

Self-Build Zone provides structural warranties for all self-build projects and developments.

The post The Definitive Guide to Self-Build Structural Warranties appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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How employers in construction can protect their staff’s mental health

The construction industry takes great care in protecting staff from visible risks, ensuring all precautions are taken to maintain the physical wellbeing of its workers.

Despite this, construction is still one of the most dangerous sectors to work in thanks to the big presence of a risk that isn’t visible: employee mental health.

“Safety is one of the biggest concerns in the construction industry,” says Daniel Ure from online PPE retailer Vizwear, “and since one of the biggest risks to workers in construction today is that posed by mental health problems, addressing them needs to be at the top of an employer’s list of priorities.”

“Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around this topic, which causes too many people to keep their issues to themselves. This can lead to disastrous consequences, which is why it’s so important for employers to protect their staff.”

The state of mental health in construction

In the UK, mental health issues lead to over 70 million sick days per year. Whether it’s anxiety, depression or stress, mental health causes more sick days than any other health condition and costs our economy between £70 billion and £100 billion each year.

However, struggles with mental health can have much more serious ramifications. — and in no other industry is that quite so evident as in construction.

Data from the Office of National Statistics found that between 2011 and 2015, the highest number of suicides were found in skilled construction workers. With over 1400 in-work suicides, this sector makes up over 13% of those recorded, despite construction only accounting for 7% of the UK workforce.

Construction News created a survey along with Mind Matters to identify any changes to mental health in construction between 2017-2018. Although 67% of respondents believe awareness has improved over this period, the results show no real improvement to mental health in the industry and that 81% believe there is still a stigma.

Why construction?

While mental health issues can affect anyone, men are particularly vulnerable. 76% of recorded suicides in the UK are committed by men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death in men under 35.

And with men making up 89% of the workforce, this is a particularly problematic issue for the construction industry.

The working lifestyle of a construction worker can take its toll. Workers will often work long, demanding hours and can spend their days away from home for weeks at a time. Without a private, safe space to unwind, all the stresses of work add up and make it difficult to switch off.

The working environment —  where speaking about emotional or mental issues has historically been stigmatized— is also to blame, as the ‘macho’ image of construction workers makes it difficult to talk about mental health.

Thankfully, there are a number of positive initiatives employers can take, as well as registered charities and support groups dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers.

What are the signs?

Unlike physical injuries, mental health issues are difficult to spot and are often kept secret.

Thankfully, there are a few common telltale signs when someone is struggling with their mental health:

• They find it difficult to problem-solve
• They are easily distracted and are less productive than usual
• They lack self-confidence
• They are easily agitated and create conflict amongst co-workers
• They feel easily overwhelmed
• They are increasingly late or absent from work
• They often isolate themselves from others

What can employers do?

The best way for the construction industry to tackle the importance of employee mental health is from the top. Business owners and management need to implement the same safety standards they take towards physical health and safety and use them to safeguard mental health.

There are a number of steps that managers can take to create a positive work environment for their staff so that mental health can be comfortably addressed, rather than hidden away.

1.  Create a supportive culture

The first step for a manager is to evaluate the culture of their workforce to detect any potential pain points for staff. This can range from employee workloads to how staff communicate with each other throughout the business.

By putting their business under a microscope, managers can build a strong, supportive work culture from the ground up. This will help to establish mental wellbeing as a crucial value of the company, meaning open discussions about employee mental health will become the norm.

2.  Educate employees

By making education a priority, employers can help to remove the stigma of mental health and ensure their staff understand the negative impacts that can affect anyone.

This can range from providing easily accessible information for your staff to hiring third-party organisations, such as Mates in Mind, to come in for regular staff training days.

With a team of knowledgable employees, a company will find it easier to combat any dangers and empower their staff to support each other when facing difficulties with their mental health. Improving awareness creates more opportunities to spot early signs of coworkers struggling and creates an overall healthier workplace environment.

3.  Be open and available

Mental health is a private matter to many people, which makes it difficult to speak about openly. Without establishing a clear and open line of communication, it’s much more likely that workers will keep their troubles to themselves.

By letting employees know that they always have someone to talk to, they are much more likely to come out of their shell and identify any health problems like anxiety or depression early enough to put in place counteractive measures.

It can be difficult in construction as employees don’t often have a static working environment, so site managers should take it upon themselves to establish regular catch ups with staff to evaluate their wellbeing.

4.  Be vigilant

Tackling mental health takes a lot more than running a one-off seminar. Many mental health issues take time to be resolved, which means companies need to be aware of their staff’s needs all year round.

By continuing to offer training, guidance and support to their employees, mental health care will be embedded into a companies culture and will become a natural part of its safety protocol – not just ticking a box on a form.

5.  Put a support system in place

Spotting the early signs is important, yet employers also need to ensure they create a safety net for their staff. Companies need to make sure that helpful information is readily available for employees so that anyone struggling with their mental health knows where to turn to receive support through services like counselling and therapy.

Resources

When it comes to protecting your employees’ mental health, there are a number of resources available for extra support.

As of January 2017, the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) established Mates in Mind, its own registered charity whose sole purpose is to raise awareness and provide support for the mental wellbeing of construction workers.

Mates in Mind have a goal to reach 75% of the construction industry by 2025 and offer training courses based on four key elements: Awareness & Education, Guidance & Support, Communication and Research & Development.

If you work in construction and need urgent help or support in regards to your mental health, there are also a number of confidential services and advice lines available:

• Construction Industry Helpline 0345 605 1956 – Provided by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the helpline advises on a range of matters including occupational health and wellbeing, support and advice for people with stress The services can also provide emergency financial aid to the construction community in times of crisis.
• Mind 0300 123 393 – Provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem
• Samaritans 116 123 – Confidential 24-hour support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts

“Despite construction’s reputation for poor mental health, there are actually a lot of support systems in place to help protect the workers,” says Daniel from Vizwear.

“Communication is still the biggest obstacle between employees and management, which is why confidential advice lines are so important. By giving construction workers the opportunity to discuss their mental health in a supportive environment, they can take positive steps without the need to speak publicly.

“If more workers make use of these services, they will feel more comfortable speaking to their employers about their mental health, which is the first step to making real change in the industry.”

The post How employers in construction can protect their staff’s mental health appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

The Future of Liverpool Waters

Liverpool Waters is an ambitious 30-year vision costing in the region of £5.5 billion, aiming to redefine Liverpool’s iconic docklands into a world-class district in its own right. Stretched across 2 million square metres of land, this momentous regeneration scheme has bold plans to completely transform this waterfront into a mixed-use destination complete with high-quality office space and state of the art residential apartments, as well as creating a seamless extension of Liverpool’s city centre.

The Peel Group, awarded Responsible Business of the Year, are spearheading the Liverpool Waters regeneration with a 30-year time slot dedicated to completing the development. Redeveloping a total of 1.2 million square metres of property, 53,000 square metres of hotel and conference facilities, a new cruise liner terminal, plus 15,000 hectares of land and water is by no means an easy feat. Therefore, it is no surprise this project has been coined the largest and most ambitious in the whole of the UK.

Darran Lawless, development director at Liverpool Waters said,

“This really is a landmark time for the Liverpool Waters project. Following a decade of meticulous planning, we are now firmly in the delivery phase of this project, and I am excited to see these plans take shape.

The aim of Liverpool Waters project is an ambitious one, but one that will expand the city centre as well as creating jobs and bringing economic benefits to not only North Liverpool, but the region as a whole.”

There is a multitude of prolific developments that are well underway and progressing at a rapid pace. One of the most significant purposes of this extensive regeneration is not only to transform the city into a mixed-use destination but also offer new employment opportunities, a nicer place to live, and a more innovative place to do business, not to mention the investment prospects that are strong and profitable.

Liverpool has a distinguished and glorified history, and the transformation of the waterfront is no different. The city celebrates its plentiful maritime heritage which stems from its focus as a world trading port. Innovative technologies and an abundance of developments in the Liverpool Waters vision has solidified the city and its trading terminal as one of the best in the world.

Home to a major port, Liverpool Waters aims to sustain a positive future built on a successful past, aspiring to not only cater for professionals and tourists but a whole range of demographics that wish to use the superior facilities and amenities that are scheduled to complete in this pocket of the city.

First class residential accommodation will be a huge part of the new and improved Liverpool Docklands, as a total of five distinct neighbourhoods will join Liverpool’s existing property portfolio. Investing in Liverpool’s waterfront will provide a fruitful opportunity to produce high returns in an in-demand location as well as playing a crucial role in raising the city’s profile as an investment hotspot. Each development created will undoubtedly offer tenants a superior lifestyle, with the perks of living near the bustle of the city centre. If you’re interested in investing in rental properties, then the Liverpool waterfront is the perfect spot for high yields and positive growth. RW Invest, property investment specialists, have investment properties in proximity to this location and offer guidance to help you purchase your first buy to let property.

Liverpool has long been regarded as a vibrant city, attracting tourists from all over the globe to its plethora of attractions., however over recent years, the city has emerged as one of the leading destinations for property investment. High rental yields and strong house growth predictions are great news for both investors concentrating on maximising their income, and the local economy that thrives from increased investment. Liverpool waters is unquestionably setting the bar high for redevelopments of major cities across the UK and is an exciting time that is changing the face of Liverpool.

The post The Future of Liverpool Waters appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Potholes in Asphalt: What Causes Them and How are They Fixed?

The damage of Wisconsin winter is starting to show – especially on the roads. As the weather warms up, road construction starts up again in the Madison and Milwaukee areas. With road construction, comes pothole repair.

Potholes form as a result of expansion and contraction during freeze-thaw water cycles, combined with the amount of traffic on the pavement. Potholes often appear in late winter and early Spring because of changing temperatures. The constant freezing and thawing of melting snow, combined with Spring rain, weakens the pavement and leads to cracks and potholes.

Wisconsin Winters Bring Potholes

Winter is prime time for asphalt damage, especially in cases of repeated melting and freezing. These can quickly cause eggshell cracks or potholes to occur. For the best results, asphalt patching and paving should be done in warmer weather. You can learn about the five reasons potholes should be repaired in spring in our blog.

While asphalt repair is difficult in winter, it can be done. If your driveway or roadway is presenting a public safety hazard, you may have no other choice. If pothole repair cannot wait until spring, cold mix asphalt can be used to patch potholes.

Patching Potholes With Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt is more workable in colder weather than hot or warm mix asphalt. Cold mix is produced by mixing bitumen emulsion or cutback with cold aggregates, sometimes also with the addition of anti-stripping agents. Cold mix asphalt has been used in the past as temporary patching material, or if hot mix asphalt is not available.

The benefits of cold mix asphalt over hot mix are:

1. That it can be used at low temperatures.
2. That it can also be put in stockpiles for six months or so after production.
3. That it remains more flexible than hot mix because of the extended cure time.

At Wolf Paving, we produce and stockpile this mix to sell for maintaining streets and filling potholes in the winter months when the hot mix is not available. The mix of aggregates is very similar to that of hot mix, it just has additives that keep it workable in cold conditions.

Watch this video to learn more about the cold mix asphalt manufacturing process.

Pothole Repair: 4 Common Questions and Answers

1. How do potholes form? Understand the process.

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of water after it has entered into the ground under the pavement. As the weight of cars and trucks pass over the weak spot in the road, pieces of the pavement weaken, which causes the material to break down from the weight, creating the pothole.

To learn more about the complete process in detail, download our free brochure Understanding the Pothole Process.

2. What do you use to patch potholes? Understand the mix.

Potholes come in all shapes and sizes and your pothole repair mix should, too. In fact, the quality of the asphalt mix used to repair your pothole makes a big difference in the aesthetics and durability of your pothole repair. At Wolf Paving, we are proud to own the materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide you with the highest quality custom asphalt mixes to meet your specific paving needs. We have developed numerous custom mixes to ensure the right asphalt mix every time. Take a look at our video on the cold mix asphalt process, from start to finish.

3. How to fix potholes in roads? Understand the basic process.

• Clean the pothole. Dirt and debris that can get in and under the pavement needs to be removed. Having pieces of broken pavement mixed in with the new pavement can weaken the repair.
  
  
• Heat the pothole. Heating the hole removes any extra moisture that may be in the existing pavement and also softens the area so the new asphalt can be applied. The pothole hole can also be reshaped once it is softened and old asphalt can be removed or rejuvenated.
  
  
• Add the new asphalt. Typically, hot mix asphalt is used for this repair. The asphalt needs to be compacted after applied to ensure the reduction of water penetration and increases its resistance. The compaction creates a bond between the old and new asphalt pavement.
  
  
• Allow the new asphalt to cool. Any debris left around the repair is removed. Most pothole repairs can be driven on immediately.

For more in-depth information, download this FREE eBook, How to Properly Fill a Pothole, to learn the full pothole repair process.

4. Who fixes potholes?? Finding a pothole repair company or asphalt contractor.

Believe it or not, there are specific qualities to look for in an asphalt paving contractor. The first step is to do your research. Ask a lot of questions and understand the contractor’s level of experience, their customer satisfaction rate and the process they use to repair asphalt pavement and potholes. It is important to get multiple quotes and always ask a contractor for references and referrals from the past 12 months. The quality of your pothole repair and the length of time your repair will last depend a great deal on the experience of your contractor and how they complete the repair process.

Have a pothole in your driveway, road, or parking lot that needs fixing? Get a free project estimate here.

In the Meantime, Tips to Avoid Hitting Potholes

It's possible that collision coverage on your insurance policy will cover sudden damage done to your vehicle caused by a pothole. Insurance will not, however, cover everyday wear and tear caused by driving over pothole-covered roads over a longer period of time.

What damage can potholes do to your car? Keep an eye out for the following things:

• Tire puncture
• Bent rims
• Suspension damage
• Steering knocked out of alignment
• Exhaust system damage
• Engine damage

Follow these five tips to avoid potholes and prevent damage to your vehicle:

1. Keep your eyes peeled. Constantly scan the road and be aware of what’s in front of you; put the phone down.

2. Keep a safe following distance. You don’t know how the driver in front of you will react if he/she sees a pothole. If you keep a safe following distance, you’ll be able to brake safely and have a better view of what lies ahead.

3. Don’t swerve. While swerving may feel like the right thing to do, it could put you in more danger. You could veer into the oncoming lane of traffic or cause your tire(s) to hit the pothole at an angle that could result in more damage. If you can’t safely avoid it, gently brake before the pothole, release the brake at the pothole and take it head-on.

4. Watch your speed. If you’re driving on a road that looks like it’s been in a war (and you know what I mean!), slow down. If the road is bad, consider finding an alternate route. Pull over and check the map on your smartphone or the good old paper map in your glove compartment.

5. Watch out for water. Large potholes can collect water from a nearby snowbank and rain, making it hard to know how deep the pothole really is.

Looking for more information on how to protect and repair asphalt roads, parking lots, and driveways? Visit our Everything You Need To Know About Asphalt Paving resource page to get your questions answered.

By maintaining our own quarries and manufacturing plants, Wolf Paving is committed to contributing to and improving Wisconsin's roads, safety, and environment.

Do you know a road, driveway or parking lot in need of repair? Request a free estimate and get on our list for upcoming projects! Contact Wolf Paving today, for the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

The post Potholes in Asphalt: What Causes Them and How are They Fixed? appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

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HMRC Cracks Down on Receipt Scam

A recent investigation by the BBC has found there’s a booming “rogue trader” business in selling fake receipts. Tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of these false documents are changing hands in construction right now, costing HMRC thousands and risking serious trouble for people using them.

According to HMRC figures, about £1 goes missing for every £17 paid in UK tax each year. Worse still, they believe that over half the people in construction, transport and hospitality are under-reporting their income in their Self Assessment tax returns. Of those, more than half are under-paying by at least £10,000 a year.

When you claim a tax refund or file a Self Assessment tax return, you’re making sure that you’re only paying the tax that you owe. Not only is HMRC continually making random spot-checks on tax returns and refund claims, but they’ve also got both highly trained people and computer algorithms constantly scanning for and flagging suspicious activity.

The HMRC “Connect” system, used by trained analysts, sifts through vast quantities of information, from many disparate systems to find otherwise invisible patterns, network and relationships that suggest fraudulent or unusual activity.

Knowingly and deliberately submitting false information in your self-assessment or tax refund claim counts as tax fraud and is illegal. If HMRC investigate and identify a false submission before you come clean about it, they will judge that your “deliberate action has been concealed” and that means more than just coughing up the extra tax you owe.

As well as the overdue tax itself, you will have to pay 50-100% of the amount owed in additional fines.

Bradley Post, Manager Director at RIFT Tax Refunds says ‘’If you’re working in the construction trade and have fallen for a scam of this type and want to put things right with HMRC before you get into serious trouble, get in touch with them as soon as possible. There will still be a penalty to pay for having made a “deliberate and concealed error” on a tax return but it may be possible to reduce the fine if you or your tax agent tell HMRC about the error, help them work out how much extra tax is due and give them access to information to enable them to check your figures.’’

Providing false documentation to HMRC can result in a jail sentence, under Tax Evasion Laws. Depending on the severity of the case you could receive a summary conviction or via a magistrates court. The maximum UK penalty is a fine for up to £20,000 or a six months prison sentence.

About Rift Tax Refunds

Rift Tax Refunds is one of the UK’s leading tax refunds specialists, helping UK employees in the Construction industry successfully claim back the tax they are owed from HMRC.

The post HMRC Cracks Down on Receipt Scam appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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