Crawfords Group appointed as South East Utility dealer

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd (MKL) are pleased to announce the appointment of a dealer to cover a portion of the South East area – the Crawfords Group. Covering Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and South Berkshire, Crawfords will be offering the full range of Komatsu Utility equipment including mini excavators, midi crawler and wheeled excavators, skid steer loaders and compact and Agricultural spec wheel loaders.

“We are excited to appoint the Crawfords Group, a long established business, as our Komatsu compact dealer for the south east of England. We look forward to working with them and are confident their local knowledge and established network will provide exceptional service to those using the innovative range of Komatsu Utility machinery in the south east.” Brian Graham, Managing Director at Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd.

“Komatsu is a renowned and respected brand, and we are delighted to bring their compact range to our customers,” said Wes Crawford, Managing Director of Crawfords Group. “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality solutions across multiple industries, including construction, landscaping, and utilities.”

Crawfords Group is a leading provider of agricultural, horticultural, viticulture and automotive solutions, offering sales, service, and support across the South East and beyond. With a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, Crawfords Group delivers premium brands and innovative solutions.

As a key partner, Crawfords will have stock available from all depots, ensuring equipment is available for immediate delivery. This will be supported by their dedicated team offering expert advice, product demonstrations, and aftersales support.

To ensure seamless integration and support, all Crawfords departments - sales, service, and parts - will receive in-depth Komatsu training over the coming months. In addition, Crawfords will be appointing a dedicated a Group Construction Sales Manager with significant construction industry experience to lead this new division.

This appointment strengthens Crawfords position as a trusted machinery partner, delivering exceptional service and industry-leading brands to professionals across the South and South East.

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd have been the sole distributor of Komatsu construction and utility equipment in the United Kingdom since 1972. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marubeni Group – a leading international corporation.

Website:  crawfordsgroup.co.uk

JCB secures full EU type-approval for pioneering hydrogen engine

JCB has passed another significant milestone on its pioneering hydrogen technology development programme after securing the first full EU type-approval of its hydrogen engine for use in non-road mobile machinery.

This means that JCB’s hydrogen engine has been approved for sale and for use in machines and third-party OEM equipment in each of the 27 EU member states, and all other territories recognising EU type-approvals (e.g. EEA and EFTA territories).

The EU type-approval certificate has been issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 and certifies JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine to prevailing EU Stage V emissions norms. The EU type-approval follows earlier landmark rulings by licensing authorities in nine countries in mainland Europe allowing the engine to be used commercially in machines in those countries under ‘new technology’ provisions.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is another very significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen programme, It was not so long ago that some said that it was ‘game over’ for the internal combustion engine in Europe. For JCB to have secured full EU type-approval is proof positive that the combustion engine does indeed have a promising future in pursuit of a net zero world if hydrogen, a zero CO2 fuel, is used instead of fossil fuels.”

Lord Bamford added: “I could not be more delighted for the JCB team that put so much work into getting us to this stage. Now our focus will be on bringing our hydrogen technology to market. JCB’s customers are patiently waiting for our hydrogen-powered equipment to make a difference on their job sites. They won’t have much longer to wait.”

GB approval was granted rapidly, initially for the ‘new-technology’, and now as full type-approval.

JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully approved combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for nearly four years.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real world pre-launch testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment is now at an advanced stage and progressing well.

BCIA President's Blog: Awards - The incredible power of recognition and acknowledgement

Stacey Lucas, President of the Building Controls Industry Association

Earlier this month, we celebrated the best the building controls sector had to offer at the BCIA Awards 2025 ceremony. As usual, it was a tremendous evening but it also got me thinking about the importance of acknowledging innovation and dedication and how award nominations and success can inspire not only the winners but anyone in the industry.

Every single award category was hotly contested and, as the President of the BCIA, I had the very privileged but unenviable task of sitting on the judging panel. It was incredibly tough to choose between the multitude of deserving nominees but it showed me first-hand the huge depth and quality of our inspiring and important industry.

However, even those that didn’t win should take great pride in their efforts and understand that even being nominated and shortlisted is an immense honour. Indeed, even simply being put up for an award can be incredibly transformative. Plus, in a world where competition can be fierce and visibility is critical, awards are more than just shiny trophies – they can be powerful tools for motivation, long-term growth, and credibility.

The importance of validation

Whether winning an award or simply nominated, those participating can often take a significant confidence boost from just being involved. For individuals, this can typically serve as external validation for their hard work, expertise, and impact on the industry – be it their significant involvement in a project or their determination to enhance their development and ensure a brighter future for the built environment.

It's also important to note that receiving acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication can often reassure individuals that they are on the right path in their career – making a huge difference in competitive industries such as ours where self-doubt can be fairly common.

Increased motivation

Recipients or those nominated for awards often find themselves uncovering depths of motivation and drive they never knew they had, too. In fact, simply being nominated and appreciated for their efforts can instil a sense of responsibility to uphold the standard that led to the recognition. As a result, this can often inspire further personal or professional development – leading to a more promising future for the industry in which they work.

Enhanced visibility and credibility

For organisations and businesses, awards can significantly enhance credibility and reputation in the eyes of clients, investors, and others across the industry. The exposure from being named in publications and marketing material promoting the awards and the ceremony can shine a positive spotlight on the organisations participating, even if they don’t win.

No matter if the awards are for innovation, sustainability, customer service, or a particular product, nominations and award wins can often act as third-party endorsements that help businesses attract new clients and build trust.

A competitive advantage

In busy industries such as ours, standing out is absolutely critical. There’s no better way of doing that than by being nominated for, or even winning an award. By serving as a sign of real quality and reliability – key factors in purchasing decisions for money-conscious consumers – awards can help to influence customer choice.

In fact, awards can truly set businesses, organisations, and brands apart from their competition in a highly crowded marketplace.

Employee morale and retention

It’s also worth noting the impact that award success, or even just the honour of being nominated, can have on the business’ employees. Indeed, celebrating the collective success can often see a significant boost to employee morale and productivity.

Furthermore, team members will feel recognised and valued, not only potentially reducing burnout but fostering a positive work culture and improving employee retention rates.

In addition to likely prompting those already in the company to stay, award nominations and success will also have a huge impact on incomings. Those outside the company will be keen to work for an organisation that is having a positive impact on the industry and the environment as a whole.

So, whether winning an award, being shortlisted, or being nominated, this can often be a catalyst for pride, growth, and future success.

Lastly, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony and contributed to what was an amazing evening. No matter if you were a winner or a finalist, you represented the building controls sector superbly and showed just how innovative and inspiring this industry can be. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and I hope to see all of you there. 

NHBC announces Brickwork and Construction Site Supervisor Apprentices of the Year

House-building apprentices have been recognised at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual graduation ceremony held at its headquarters in Milton Keynes. As a leading training provider for the house-building industry, NHBC’s training is shaping and growing the future workforce.

Ryley McBride, 17 from Whitkirk, Leeds was awarded NHBC Brickwork Apprentice of the Year. Ryley trained at NHBC’s Training Hub in Newcastle and achieved a merit. After struggling in education and finding his GCSEs challenging, Ryley’s will to succeed and resolution to apply himself means he is now building a successful career in construction with Keepmoat.

Ryley said: "Completing my bricklaying apprenticeship with NHBC has set me up for life. I’ve learned the highest industry standards and gained the skills to build quality homes that meet NHBC regulations. The training hub gave me hands-on experience and prepared me for the real world of construction.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants a solid career, good money and a great working environment to go for an apprenticeship. The average bricklayer earns fifty thousand pounds a year. That’s a great wage for me. My goal is to one day run my own company, and this apprenticeship has given me the foundation to make that happen."

Matthew Griffiths, 36 from Poole, Dorset, who works for Bellway Homes, was awarded NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. Joining the construction industry from the armed forces, Matthew has shown excellent organisational and time management skills on site. Holding himself to the very highest standards, he achieved a distinction in his apprenticeship.

Matthew comments: “After serving in the RAF for ten years, I was ready for a new challenge and a more settled family life. I wanted a hands-on career where I could stay active, so I initially explored carpentry but soon realised my skills were better suited to site management.

“The NHBC apprenticeship has been a learning curve and the support and training have been incredible. It’s given me the confidence and qualifications to progress and I’ve recently stepped into an assistant site manager role.

“For anyone thinking they’re too old to change careers, don’t hesitate. I’ll be working until I’m 70, so why not spend those years doing something rewarding. There are so many opportunities in house building, great pay and the opportunity for career progression. I’m now aiming for my Level 6 NVQ with NHBC. If you’re feeling stuck in your job, an NHBC apprenticeship is an achievable and life-changing step into a new career."

Also recognised at the ceremony were Toby Egan, 23 from Cambridge, who works for Taylor Wimpey, and Romana Brodzinska, 34 from Seacroft, Leeds, who works for Watkin Jones and Son. Toby was commended for his dedication, resilience and tenacity, achieving a distinction grade for his NHBC Brickwork Apprenticeship and Romana was recognised for taking a highly organised, communication-led and proactive approach to her NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship. Both received a highly commended award.

Romana comments: "When I started in house building, I never imagined it would turn into such a great career path. Thanks to NHBC’s apprenticeship, I have gained the skills and knowledge needed to progress and now I’m on track to becoming a site manager.

“I’d absolutely encourage more women to consider taking up or changing to a career in house building. There’s a huge need for more women to come into the industry. Women bring a different perspective, strong organisational skills and attention to detail that makes a real impact. NHBC provides top-tier training and support, making it the best choice for anyone looking to grow in this field. The opportunities and the career prospects are great."

Speaking at the ceremony, Darryl Stewart, who is responsible for NHBC’s Training Hubs and apprenticeships programme, said: “Congratulations to all the apprentices recognised today, we are truly proud to be supporting the next generation of home builders.

“Apprenticeships are a great path to a rewarding, well-paid career; they are also a great way for builders to grow a skilled workforce. In most cases training costs are fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and generous CITB grants are also available. Combined with NHBC’s immersive programmes where apprentices typically complete in just 14 to 18 months and many with merits or distinctions, there has never been a better time to be or take on an apprentice.”

In November 2024, NHBC announced it will be supercharging house-building training with a £100m investment in a new national network of multi-skill apprenticeship training hubs. These will help address the house-building industry’s growing skills shortage by producing an additional 3,000 skilled and site-ready tradespeople each year.

For more information about NHBC’s apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeships | NHBC.

The Flooring Show 2024: A record-breaking celebration of innovation and networking!

Celebrating its largest edition to date, The Flooring Show welcomed hundreds of brands and thousands of visitors to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 15-17 September, for a fantastic 3 days of purchasing, networking and innovation.

Thanks to the expansion into Hall Q the show was able to welcome more names than ever before and consequently saw the highest number of exhibitors and visitors in attendance in its 62-year history.

Brands

Over 400 brands featured at this year’s show, across 6 halls and 2 hotels. The show featured an impressive array of displays from top flooring manufacturers. Visionary professionals in the industry presented an extensive variety of products spanning the breadth of the industry. Attendees had the chance to view and touch numerous flooring samples, exploring a wide spectrum of colours, textures, materials, and designs. Suppliers seized the opportunity to present their latest collections, debut new products, and engage directly with distributors. Many exhibitors went the extra mile with interactive booths, offering games, prize draws, and live demonstrations to captivate visitors.

Features

The Flooring Show is not just about purchasing. The show offers opportunity for improving industry knowledge and discovering new products. Across all three days of the show, the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), supported by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), hosted the Demo Zone. The expert instructors provided insightful demonstrations for visitors on a range of new techniques and products including subfloor moisture solutions, smoothing compounds, adhesives, domestic vinyl, engineered wood floor, floating floor systems, carpet underlay, and LVT installations amongst others.

The Campaign for Wool and the Wool Carpet Focus Group collaborated again in the Wool Trends Centre, creating a space where visitors could see a carefully curated display of the latest wool carpet trends from a selection of leading wool flooring suppliers, including organic textures, natural wool colours, bright shades for plains and patterning and ‘carpet art’ for hallways and stair areas. The Campaign for Wool and British Wool also used the show to promote the return of Shaun the Sheep as ‘ambaaa-ssador’ as part of a collaborative promotional campaign ‘Shaun Loves Wool’ to help educate and promote wool flooring as sustainable and good for the planet.

New for 2024, the Design Spotlight created a dedicated space in Hall Q for those visitors looking for unique, design-driven, innovative residential and commercial flooring solutions. Participating brands included Bjelin UK, Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd, V4, Veeuze, and Welfloor.

Competition

The NICF Fitter of the Year competition took place across Sunday 15th and Monday 16th in the King’s Suite, with a focus on carpet installation. Five finalists, Darren Ash, Richard Long, Joni Reeves, Gareth Williams, and Steve Whitburn, went head-to-head, with Richard Long coming away as the 2024 champion. This year’s much-loved ‘judges challenge’ was awarded to Steve Whitburn after his impressive waistcoat made of waste carpet wowed the judges. Congratulations to all competitors!

Sustainability

Back for a second year, the Sustainability Trail showcased the exhibitors actively working toward a more environmentally friendly future through their implementation of sustainable practices. On Sunday 15th, at the exhibitor drinks reception, the champion of the Sustainability Award 2024 was announced. Well-deserved winners, Texfelt Ltd, believe it “Shouldn’t cost the earth to save the earth”. The extensive policies they have in place to reduce their environmental impact, clear goals for 2025 and beyond, and recent launch of their Springbond Eco-Step 8mm range made Texfelt Ltd deserving winners. A big thank you to our judges: The Carpet Council, Floorsauce, Unlock Net Zero and John Lewis.

Group Exhibition Director, Alex Butler, reflected on this year’s show, remarking “Thank you to all the visitors and exhibitors who supported The Flooring Show 2024. It was fantastic to see the entire flooring industry come together, and the sense of community and collaboration was clearly evident from start to finish. This year was extra special with the launch of Hall Q, and we couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve received. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for an even bigger and better event… watch this space!”

More content from this year’s show will be revealed over the coming months. Be sure to keep an eye on The Flooring Show’s website and social media platforms to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

If you’re interested in visiting or exhibiting at our 2025 event taking place from 21-23 September at the Harrogate Convention Centre, head to theflooringshow.com to register your interest.

Light Forms luminaires specified in huge Birmingham office overhaul

As part of a £38.8m refurbishment of a Birmingham City Centre commercial office space, a wide variety of luminaires from high-performance lighting manufacturer, Light Forms, have been specified into the upgraded building.

The office space sits within Brindleyplace; a large, mixed-use canal-side development in the heart of Birmingham. It is home to restaurants, shops, leisure offerings such as the Sealife Centre, and a number of commercial office buildings.

Wilmott Dixon Construction was appointed by the building owner CBRE Investment Management to combine two separate sites – 8 and 10 Brindleyplace – into one large building. The transformation would also create a more modern space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness. Not only was this better from an environmental perspective, it would help to attract future occupants of the office and ensure the area remains buoyant and commercially successful.

Given the focus on sustainability, LED lighting was an important part of delivering improved energy savings and a better carbon footprint. A plethora of solutions have been specified by Light Forms, fulfilling many of the lighting requirements of the refurbishment project. These were primarily specified by Wilmott Dixon Interiors, who were responsible for the internal fit-out of the renovated offices.

Light Forms was able to offer a wide variety of solutions for the project given its well-rounded and all-encompassing portfolio. This is alongside Light Forms’ commitment to offering flexible products that can be adapted and customised in a variety of ways to best suit the needs of each and every project.

These include Lightplane 2.5; a compact and streamlined luminaire that provides direct, indirect or direct-indirect illumination. Offering the adaptability that Light Forms is renowned for, Lightplane 2.5 can be suspended, wall or surface mounted. The Brindleyplace office is using the prismatic lens for low UGR, which delivers a more pleasant and healthier working environment.

Elsewhere in the building, Light Forms Cygnus Round luminaires have been used, along with ValueDown. Cygnus Round is a minimalist, high-power LED track spot with a wide range of light sources and optics. ValueDown is a budget-friendly, recessed downlight spot fixture that may be specified in multiple outputs with a beam spread of 15, 25 or 40 degrees.

Other specified solutions include Nova Medium 62, Leo, Indus, Slimline 1.25, TinCan, Lightrod 80 and Panel Up and Under.

Completing the project are the EM surface, EM Recessed and EM Exit. These are all part of Light Forms’ LED Emergency luminaire range, which encompasses both emergency spotlights and exit signs. The lighting configuration and control was completed by Mymesh; wireless controls designed for professional and demanding environments.

Harry Prior, Managing Director from Light Forms said: “Brindleyplace offices are an enviable location within Birmingham city centre, offering ease of access, an attractive waterside setting and stunning architecture. To have our luminaires featured so heavily in this exciting renovation project to bring two spaces together was incredibly exciting. Furthermore, it truly demonstrates how much our portfolio can meet the needs of even the most ambitious refurbishments, including those where sustainability is a key part of the work.”

The overhaul has now linked the two formerly separate sites into one building, creating 212,000 sq ft of office space over nine floors. The location also boasts of the city’s largest available floorplans at over 27,000 sq ft. Other improvements include internal reconfiguration such as the brand-new reception area. Extra facilities have been added including a café, business lounge and conference facilities.

The redevelopment has achieved a number of accreditations, including Fitwel; a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded other certifications including EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent.

Client: CBRE

Contractor: Wilmott Dixon

Architect: Associated Architects

Consultant: CPW

Controls: Mymesh

An Exciting Year Ahead for CAB in 2025

Nigel Headford - CAB Chief Executive

With a stronger team and a new year ahead, the Council for Aluminium in Building has laid out its planned event support for members in a new document. Releasing this information towards the end of 2024 helps members plan their active year ahead and it is hoped more member company teams will be available to attend events. The brochure, available on the CAB website, was released at CAB’s Autumn Forum, held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 3rd October.

The Autumn Forum is the last of the main Members meetings of the year and chance for delegates to listen to topical speakers and to be able to network with other members. This years business forum was titled ‘Contemporary Façade Design and Delivery’ and included presentations from Ffion Lanchbury and Andrew Baker of Rio Architects, Oliver Bridge of Total Facade Solutions, along with the Q&A panel that included Andrew Lee of Bouygues, Liz Williams, Housing Delivery Specialist and Steve Bramhill of UL Solutions. With over 100 members and their guests in attendance, this year’s Autumn Forum proved to be a popular event.

As CAB moves into its fourth decade, the team decided that the events in 2025 should be reviewed, keeping the popular events, modifying others and introducing some new meetings.

2025 kicks off with the popular Spring Forum which is to take place at The Deep in Hull. The format will be a conference followed by an evening dinner and after-dinner speaker for Members and their guests. The Deep, situated overlooking the Humber estuary, is an educational and conservation charity that features an impressive Aquarium. It offers both formal and informal conservation education to a wide-ranging audience, aiming to inspire and engage. Committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, The Deep plays an active role in breeding programs and field conservation efforts.

Engaging with members and the wider trade sector sees CAB taking a stand at the FIT Show in April 2025. The stand will primarily serve as a networking and meeting area for Members and guests, providing an excellent opportunity to educate visitors about our CSCS Training and Closed Loop Recycling Schemes, as well as the advantages of joining the Association. The entire team will relocate to the NEC to address any enquiries that current and prospective members may have concerning CAB. For the first time, FIT is adopting post-event recycling and this initiative will be prominently displayed with our Closed Loop Recycling logos, ensuring that all visitors are aware of CAB’s commitment to sustainability.

CAB has recently initiated it’s membership drive in the home improvement sector, outlining the benefits of joining the Association and promoting product development based on one of the world’s most abundant metal, aluminium. Without aluminium, the advancements in engineering technology over the last century would simply not be possible. The membership drive explains the support services offered by the Association, but more importantly, it is about belonging to a ‘family’ where businesses meet and network, to the benefit of the whole Industry creating one voice for future change.

The team have decided to bring back the popular Technical Conference in May, last held in 2018. The event will return to Loughborough University which offers easy parking and excellent facilities for a day conference. A wide range of presentations will be delivered by industry experts which will provide comprehensive insights into the issues impacting the façade Industry. The CAB Technical Committee will oversee and organise this event to guarantee that the subjects addressed are pertinent and enlightening. This event is specifically for your technical teams, allowing them to engage in the Q&A sessions and networking opportunities during coffee breaks and lunch.

In a change to the yearly ‘Golf Day, AGM and Dinner’ midyear, CAB will be launching the ‘CABfest Golf Day & Festival’. Upon completing a round of golf or arriving later in the afternoon, Members and guests will be treated to an afternoon and evening filled with live music. To enhance the ambiance, a resident DJ will be present to keep the energy high while attendees savour a variety of street food, enjoy offerings from our CABfest bar, and indulge in a Pimm’s & Prosecco cart. The objective is to provide an event where Members can reward their teams, invite distinguished guests, or simply network with fellow members and attendees.

Replacing the Autumn Forum will be a series of Regional Workshops. These have been well attended in the past and will be held at locations in the North, Midlands and South. Attendance at these events will be complimentary, allowing Members the opportunity to engage with CAB whilst also enjoying some networking time over coffee and a bacon roll. Delegates can then return to the office for the afternoon. The primary purpose of these gatherings is to facilitate local interactions and keep Members informed about Industry developments and the development of the Association.

Completing the year, CAB will hold its popular AGM in October. The 31st Annual General Meeting will also mark CAB’s inaugural Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, intended to honour membership and provide an opportunity to acknowledge your management teams or enjoy an entertaining evening with your partner. The event will feature after-dinner speakers, opportunities for engaging activities at the tables, and several surprises throughout the evening. Our Marketing Committee is committed to presenting a diverse array of awards, and importantly, the nomination process will be straightforward, eliminating lengthy forms. This will facilitate the recognition of those who have made significant contributions to promoting the use of Aluminium in the built environment.

More information about CAB’s 2025 events is available through the CAB website. It is important to recognise that an Association belongs to its Members and the more influence that Members can bring into the Association, the further it will grow. The CAB Board of Directors is committed to grow the Association and continue to increase value for membership. Should you wish to learn more about the use of Aluminium used in Construction, please contact CAB, join the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

Cool Runnings - USM Supports London Marathon Community Pop Up Space

New Balance partnered with Run The Boroughs (RTB) a London based running community to create Everybody’s Local a Soho based pop up space designed to bring RTB into a new location. Based around the idea of cultural exchange, Everybody’s Local allows RTB to reference and reimagine landmark cultural spaces as contemporary meeting point for their community.

Everybody’s Local merges the worlds of performance and culture to create a cross over space for the running community with the look and appeal of a contemporary lifestyle space. Within the space visitors can hang out with like-minded souls over a coffee & pastry, purchase limited edition merchandise and listen to DJ sets whilst relaxing with a beer or wine in the evening.

Set within an archetypal Soho townhouse, The space was designed by Talah Interiors who selected USM as the key furniture partner. USM was was the perfect furniture to create an aesthetic that references sports halls with a combination of clean lines, block colours and geometric shapes. A beige USM long credenza was used to display magazines, the unit encompassed Haller E which incorporates lighting into the systems frame which emphasised the books and magazines. A small USM white side table was used to display new balance running shoes and accessories. A tall shelving unit provided a pop of colour in golden yellow; the unit also incorporated USM’s world of plants system which cleverly incorporates biophilia into the furniture with cut outs in the panels for plant pots. Also, within the design scheme was a USM steel blue drinks trolley which was used throughout the event when drinks were served in the evening.

Farnaz Ali Design Director at Talah Interiors commented “USM felt like an organic fit to the brief set out by Generation.Works. USM's steel modules enable a modular approach to an area which can be increased or decreased depending on its requirements. This playfulness in USM's core design aesthetic crossed over into this reimagined space naturally for this pop-up. The contemporary colour choices from USM also paired magically with the brief to marry everything in the space”.

The pop up store was open throughout the London Marathon weekend of 19th, 20th and 21st April when the capital was at the height of its running fever!!

USM London Showroom, 49-51 Central Street, EC1V 8AB

tel: 020 7183 3470 | www.usm.com

George Clarke's education charity launches free workshops for young people in South and West Wales

PARTNERS OFFER FREE DESIGN AND GREEN SKILLS WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE, NEATH PORT TALBOT, PEMBROKESHIRE AND SWANSEA

Renowned architect and TV presenter George Clarke’s education charity MOBIE – Ministry of Building Innovation and Education – is launching free workshops in home design, sustainable development and green skills to primary and secondary schools in South and West Wales.

Part of securing a greener future for Wales rests with how well we design, construct and then manage our buildings. 40% of carbon emissions come from the built environment – 11% from how we build them and 28% from how we heat and power them – so it is critical that buildings of the future use less energy, less raw materials and create less waste.

The workshops, offered through the Swansea Bay City Deal ‘Homes as Power Stations’ project, provide an opportunity for young people to think about how we can deliver our future housing needs whilst protecting our planet.

They use practical design exercises to help students appreciate key design principles and emphasise the importance of homes and buildings in helping us to address climate change and other environmental challenges. They can introduce young people to the range of roles in housing, the built environment and green industries and technologies that we need to deliver the homes, other buildings and communities of tomorrow.

The presenter of Channel 4 programmes George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Remarkable Renovations and Old House, New Home and founder of MOBIE said: “Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives. It crafts the way we live, and how we grow as families and communities.

 “The built environment accounts for 40% of our carbon emissions and we have around 27 million homes in the UK that need to be retrofitted by 2050 if we are to achieve our net zero obligations and avoid 1.5 degrees of warming. We must make buildings, new and old, more energy efficient for people and the planet.  This requires new thinking and new skills.

“MOBIE’s workshops are a great way to introduce sustainable development - through home we can inform young people about our environmental challenges and explore design solutions that can help us live more sustainably in the future. The workshops have been well received in England and Scotland so I am really excited that they are now coming to Wales.” 

Wyn Prichard, Sustainability and Net Zero Consultant and chair of the WJEC Qualification group, said “We are really pleased to be working with MOBIE on their first project in Wales. The materials that have been jointly created for these sustainability and green skills workshops will engage and inspire pupils, students and staff about our green challenges and stimulate thinking and designs for ‘Homes as Power Stations’ and what the Welsh homes of the future should look like. The workshops complement the ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification that was recently launched by the WJEC.”

Jayne Jones, Head of Business Development at NPTC Group of Colleges said “With MOBIE as a key partner of our Net Zero Skills Academy, we look forward to supporting the workshops and developing further programmes with George, the MOBIE team and our other partners in the Academy to help inspire and train the workforce of the future to deliver low carbon housing, buildings and communities.”

 Nicola Pearce, Director of Environment and Regeneration for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Senior Responsible Officer for HAPS said: “one of the objectives of HAPS is to increase the skills associated with the technologies needed to create homes that are cleaner, greener and that reduce fuel poverty. It’s essential we engage and support learning of all ages from school age up to the diversification of the current workforce. Funding from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) has enabled us to begin this exciting journey and we look forward to working with MOBIE and our partners to progress this work and make a positive impact”.

The workshops support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) learning and other curriculum.  They help to promote awareness and understanding of the environmental and societal issues that face young people and their future lives and lifestyles, including the UN Sustainable Development Global Goals. 

The workshops cover topics including what is a home, climate change, zero carbon homes, housing innovation and technology, sustainable building materials and renewable energy. By participating, learners can develop skills in teamwork and team building, design, communication and presentation.

The workshops complement the ‘Sustainability in Action’ qualification, launched by the WJEC in April 2024, which was developed in collaboration with the office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, to support the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 and net zero jobs of the next generation of workers.     

They are open to primary and secondary schools in the Swansea Bay City Deal area, which comprises Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea and they are being delivered through the generous support of the MCS Charitable Foundation. 

More information about the workshops can be found at www.mobie.org.uk

Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen announced as Associate Director in chapmanbdsp’s sustainability team

Building services consultancy chapmanbdsp proudly announces the appointment of Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen, FCIBSE as Associate Director in their sustainability team.

With a dynamic background encompassing academia and industry, Dorte brings a wealth of expertise in driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions within the built environment.

Beginning as a mechanical building services engineer, Dorte brings extensive experience from her career with a strong sustainability focus, completing a PhD on improving energy efficiency to close the performance gap. She has consistently championed research and development whilst bringing leadership to foster sustainability as a function within commercial operations. She is passionate about building high performing teams with a culture where everyone can thrive.

In her new role at chapmanbdsp, Dorte will spearhead sustainability initiatives across the business as well as fostering industry-wide collaboration.

Ray Upjohn, chapmanbdsp Chief Executive says, "Dorte's appointment reflects the fast-moving nature of sustainability today. Her expertise and leadership will elevate our commitment to innovation and best practice in this area, ensuring we continue to deliver groundbreaking solutions.”

Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen says, “I’m really excited to make a difference to the delivery of projects, to provide the best possible service to clients, and facilitate growth with everybody in the team expanding their knowledge and expertise around sustainability.”

As a company, chapmanbdsp looks forward to the impact of Dorte’s skillset as part of its mission to drive innovation and excellence in the built environment sector.”