The principal method of fire stopping and damage limitation is achieved through compartmentalising a building. This involves the installation of fire-resistant walls, floors and ceilings. It is often required to breach these fire-resistant materials to access services such as: Cables Pipes Ventilation systems Access to these services requires there to be gaps between the fire-resistant […]
It is essential for businesses within the hospitality industry to consider the importance of fire safety in their buildings. The consequences of a blaze in a hotel can have a devastating impact with tragic consequences on its guests and employees. It is imperative that fire safety measures are implemented; such as the correct fire protection […]
Fire safety is a key concern for all hotel owners, managers and responsible persons. Due to the size of the building, multiple floor levels and amount of people they can hold at capacity there is a larger risk of mass damage and casualties that could lead to expensive insurance pay outs and potential criminal prosecution […]
Fire safety including passive fire protection in hospitals is of the utmost importance particularly when considering the number of potentially vulnerable people at risk on the premises. Hospitals could not only find themselves financially liable for millions of pounds in repairs, they could also face the possibility of prison sentences and fines should they be […]
The government has published a consultation paper with proposals setting a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC Band B by 2030 for privately rented buildings. Alongside this, the government promises to consult in 2020 on introducing mandatory in-use energy performance ratings for business buildings. The move come in response to recommendations from the Committee on […]
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) report calls for the proposed one-year visa for ‘low-skilled’ workers to be extended to two years. It also recommends that non-UK born workers entering the UK on a ‘low skilled’ visa be allowed to transition to a ‘high-skilled’ visa while working in the UK – train to remain. And […]
In the second quarter of 2019 new build dwelling starts in England are estimated at 37,220 units (seasonally adjusted), which is a 2% decrease compared to the first quarter and 8% down year-on-year. New house-building starts are 24% below their peak in Q1 2007 but 117% per cent above the trough Q1 of 2009. According […]
The Future Homes Standard will see polluting fossil fuel heating systems such as gas boilers banned from new homes from 2025 and replaced with clean technology such as air source heat pumps and solar panels. Views are being sought on how changes to building regulations can drive down the carbon footprint of homes built after […]
UK construction output is expected to bounce back to 2.3% growth in 2019 after dipping by 0.6% this year. The growth hiatus this year ends the five-year run enjoyed by the industry, fed mainly by private sector home building and strong commercial and industrial activity. While forecast 2019 and 2020 growth will boost civils contractors and […]
Poor quality or unattractive housing developments will be more easily changed by councils under new rules that form part of the revised National Planning Policy Framework, the government has claimed. Publishing the revised framework, following a public consultation earlier this year, the government said it would: promote high quality design of new homes and places […]