Kier leads switch to hybrid battery generators

The decision to switch follows a  trial of 10 battery storage units on the contractor’s sites.

Kier has established a monthly saving per unit of seven tonnes of carbon, an overall reduction in generator run time of 59%, and a cost saving of over £2,000, after BSU hire costs are accounted for.

Hirer Sunbelt Rentals will supply the battery storage units to Kier sites.

Generators and BSU work in tandem as the main source of electricity to site operations.  When the battery is running low, the generator automatically starts and recharges it, turning off once fully charged.

This means generators can be downsized, leading to significant fuel savings, reducing both costs and carbon.

Chris Lilley, Kier Group health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability director, said: “This is a positive step forward for us to achieve the commitments laid out in our Building for a Sustainable World framework.

“It will help us

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Demolition worker crushed by excavator

Ace Demolition Services Ltd had been contracted by Southend Borough Council to demolish Futures Community College, in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-Sea.

Shannon Brasier, who was 20 years old at the time, was working with a colleague to load a fuel hose into the rear compartment of a 21-tonne excavator, when the excavator moved round and crushed her between the excavator and a mobile fuel tank.

Brasier, from Dagenham, suffered life-changing injuries, including to her neck, skull and face, which she was fortunate to survive.

An HSE investigation found that Ace Demolition Services Ltd failed to implement suitable controls to segregate pedestrians and construction plant, allowed two pairs of keys to be used during the refuelling process and allowed operatives to act as signallers/banksman for the excavator without having received adequate training.

A director, John Gilligan, was responsible for supervising the refuelling and drove the excavator before the refuelling was complete.

The

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Electrical contractors still confident despite staff shortages

The latest Building Engineering Business Survey, backed by trade bodies ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF, revealed that 75% of firms expect to perform better in Q4 2022 than the same period last year.

Almost four out of five businesses saw their turnover stay the same or increase between April and September this year, and most seem to expect the trend to continue in the short term.

But just over half listed staff shortages as their number one or number two worry for their business while 52% highlighted shortages in electrical skills as a particular concern.

Closely following was overriding concerns about price inflation of materials as there continues to be a global shortage of semi-conductors.

ECA Director of Legal and Business Rob Driscoll said: “Today’s engineering services landscape is more complex than ever. The major increase in energy prices has significantly increased demand for certain services, but residual concerns remain

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Pension provider B&CE changes name to People’s Partnership

The announcement coincides with the 80th anniversary of the not-for-profit organisation, which began life providing holiday stamps to the construction industry during the Second World War.

Today, it provides a range of straightforward financial products, including The People’s Pension, which has more than six million members.

With assets under management currently more than £17bn and serving more than 100,000 employers across the UK, it has grown to become one of the biggest pension schemes in the country.

Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have always been the people’s partner. Founded for social good, as a not-for-profit – or profit for people – organisation, our customers, our members, are always our main focus. And whatever we do, that will never change.

“Our purpose is to help people, from all sectors across the UK, to build financial foundations for life, giving greater financial security to millions.

“So, this isn’t just

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What Do They Feel Like?

ContractionsNow 38 weeks pregnant, your due date is sort of right here. You ought to pay special attention to your body at this stage, as many ladies can and do go into labor every week or two early. If it is a second or subsequent being pregnant, you will know what to expect. If that is your first child your midwife, doctor or family and pals will little question have talked with you and mentioned what’s prone to occur.

Early within the process contractions might only last 20 or 30 seconds. At first you might simply really feel tightening or gentle cramping. Some women may expertise intermittent again pain. Have your accomplice rub your back, take a warm bathtub or bathe and calm down as a lot as possible throughout this early stage. If you’ve got an uncomplicated pregnancy you’ll be more snug at house on this early stage of … Read more

Rebuilt TBM launches into second HS2 tunnel drive

The second one-mile tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire marks the next big milestone for the  Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) tunnelling team on the northern section of phase one.

After operating around the clock in shifts over seven months, Dorothy became the first on the HS2 project to complete a tunnel drive in July 2022.

Since then the gantries of the tunnel boring machine, which weigh over 1,000 tonnes, were brought back through the tunnel and reassembled at the north portal.

The 10m diameter cutterhead, weighing 160 tonnes, was transported by road during an intricate night-time operation in September.

Neil Johnson, Tunnels Delivery Director for Balfour Beatty Vinci, said: “This has been an intense four months for the 300-strong team, including an intricate logistical operation to safely transport the TBM’s giant cutterhead and tail skin back to the north portal.

HS2’s senior project manager for Long Itchington Wood

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McLaughlin & Harvey wins Lowestoft harbour design




ABP’s vision for LEEF is to provide a facility that supports operations & maintenance and construction  for the offshore wind farms, helping to transform Lowestoft into a leading offshore energy hub.

As part of the next phase of the project, ABP will invest around £1m in the detailed design of infrastructural upgrades of the site, including the addition of extra capacity to accommodate the next generation of larger offshore support vessels.

Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey civil engineering director, said that the design phase was anticipated to last around six months with the construction following over the next 12 months and potential for vessels to begin using the facility from 2024.

Andrew Harston, ABP Director for Wales and Short Sea Ports, said, “The winning design for LEEF will enable us to deliver this hugely exciting project and create a competitive edge for companies across the Southern

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Kier shareholders rebel over chief executive’s pay rise

Around 44% of Kier’s shareholders voted against the directors’ pay report at the firm’s AGM late last week.

Davies saw his total pay including bonus and long-term incentive plan rise to £2,245,000 this year from £1,323,000 in 2021.

His basic salary rose 26% to £750,000 from £595,000 the year before.

The AGM vote was only advisory and followed a formal vote in 2020 to accept the company remuneration and long term incentive policy.

In a brief statement, the firm said: “Prior to the AGM, the company engaged with its largest shareholders on directors’ long-term incentives, and the remuneration committee will reflect carefully on the points that they have raised.

“The remuneration committee is commencing its triennial review of the remuneration policy and will continue to engage with as many shareholders as possible during 2023 to understand their views.

The policy will be put to shareholders for consideration at the

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Leeds construction activity soars to highest level in 15 years




Planning consultant DPP carried out a visual survey across the city that revealed there are 30 active tower cranes operating within the city centre.

This is believed to be the first time there has been this many tower cranes in use for 15 years, following a similar exercise in the last city boom.

Oliver Corbett, principal planner at DPP, said: “The Leeds skyline is being dominated by tower cranes, which is a real positive for the city.

“Investors are taking note of Leeds’ strong economy, cultural offerings, such as LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, and student population, which is one of the largest in the UK, and clearly see the city as a great location for sustainable new developments.”

The rise in activity is being driven by a boom in city centre living, which has seen a raft of new apartment developments aiming to meet demand

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Subcontractors wanted by big players across North West




A host of big name contractors and clients will be looking to boost their supply chains across the North West during the event at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday November 17.

Running from 8:30am-2:00pm, the event will see organisations attending, including Balfour Beatty, BAM, Kier, Ministry of Justice and VINCI Facilities.

The event is sponsored by landscaping and fencing specialist Ground Control.

Constructionline COO, Rob Walton, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge, and grow your business.

“The event will allow buyers and SMEs to come together for their mutual benefit, it is a fantastic chance to discuss upcoming work contracts and build long-lasting working relations.”

Tickets are available to Constructionline members, and you can register here.






Grant Prior

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