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Q&A with Michael Simpson, Technical Advisor at SFS

SFS Group Fastening Technology’s Construction Division is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of carbon and stainless-steel fastening solutions for roofing, cladding and façade systems. Additionally, SFS manufactures an award-winning fall protection range, innovative rainscreen subframe systems and high-quality hinges for windows and doors.  The reputation of this established company, which has been in the UK for over 120 years, rests on value added propositions along with company-wide technical expertise.

Here, Michael Simpson, technical advisor at SFS, talks about his role in helping clients find solutions to their construction challenges.

How long have you worked at SFS? 

I have worked for SFS since January 2024. 

What were your previous roles?

I have 28 years’ experience in the cladding industry. I’ve done pretty much everything from installing a wide range of rainscreen cladding systems, overcoming technical issues, negotiating with clients and specifiers all whilst managing several projects and training and supervising numerous installation teams. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I just love cladding and love working with people to get the job done! I now have direct contact with customers and enjoy talking them through all aspects of their projects and helping them find solutions to the most challenging jobs.

What has been the most exciting project you have worked on with SFS?

I was involved with installation trials and photoshoots for a new product launch recently which involved me demonstrating the new system in front of the camera. That was a real buzz!

What new ideas and strategies are you working on at the moment?

I’ve got so many ideas and suggestions based on my wealth of knowledge; I am currently deeply engaged in testing some of the upcoming new SFS ConnectSuite of free online tools. Strategically, I view my work as a way to secure the future of my customers by offering excellent, yet practical advice based on my experience.

Describe how you provide technical support to customers?

Our priorities include providing our customers with the technical support they need by making recommendations based on our SFS NVELOPE subframe and fixing systems. This uses fantastic tools such as Project Builder. I like to think my installation know-how learned over many years, adds another level of expertise to our service as I have first-hand knowledge which enables me to visualise what a customer describes to really understand the detail and requirements.

When SFS introduces a new product, do you undertake training to get to know the product and its application to help you assist customers?

Yes, I’ve already supported the launch of our SFS NVELOPE NVS RP system. I really enjoyed this. I’m always interested in seeing new SFS products so I can gain the best understanding of how it works so I can help our customers to get the best solution for their projects. 

How does the technical department fit in with other departments at SFS UK?

I’m part of our SFS Technical Team headed up by our UK Technical Manager, Gordon Hines.  We support all technical enquiries for our building envelope product lines, including rainscreen, roofing & cladding and fall protection. We are always on hand to support our sales team so they can offer their customers a knowledgeable service.

Which other departments do you provide support and advice to?

Any department that requires our expertise. This could be supporting our marketing or customer experience team as an example, with any technical advice or updates as necessary 

For further information, call 0330 0555888 or visit https://uk.sfs.com/

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AIM FIRE STOP BLOCKS NOW TESTED FOR WIDER APPLICATION

AIM – Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing Fire Stop Blocks are now backed by test evidence covering a wider range of applications.  Tested to the principles of BS EN 1366-4:2021, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks also have IFC Certification Ltd third-party certification.  

Made from high density stonewool, AIM Fire Stop Blocks are incorporated into multi storey buildings during construction to seal apertures.  They are used where the underside of a profiled metal sheet, typically a composite deck, needs to be filled to prevent the passage of smoke and fire to maintain fire compartment lines and to reduce the transmission of sound.

“At AIM we continuously strive to improve our product certification.  We now have test evidence covering a much wider range than previously – we think the widest of all fire stop block manufacturers,” explains Ian Exall, AIM’s Commercial Director.

“Our Fire Stop Block range is comprehensive.  Additionally, our CNC machine can manufacture Fire Stop Blocks to pretty much any profile,” he adds.  

Available in lengths up to 1200mm or in shorter pre-cut blocks, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks are designed to fill the flutes of trapezoidal formwork.  With its CNC wire saw capability AIM manufactures Fire Stop Blocks to almost any profile or customer’s dimensions.  The CNC cut provides ultimate accuracy especially for profiles with rounded shoulders.  

For maximum protection, Fire Stop Blocks should be sourced at a length to match the width of the wall or partition.  The compression fit means mastics and sealants are not required for most applications and the Fire Stop Blocks are easy to install without tools.  If the head of a masonry wall is rough, then a metal ‘slip plate’ can be used to provide a smooth surface for the Fire Stop Block to slide across.  

Ablative/pre-painted Fire Stop Blocks are also available if required, these should be sealed around their perimeter using AIM Acrylic Intumescent Mastic.

AIM’s 100mm Fire Stop Blocks provide a one-hour integrity and insulation fire rating whilst the 125mm solution provides a two-hour integrity and insulation fire rating.  The ratings are supported by testing to BS EN 1366-4:2021, which provide a specific methodology for ‘testing fire stops installed into permanent trapezoidal formwork’.  Tata Steel’s C19, CF80 and CF225 profiles were used in the testing programme – direct field of application that covers most profiled metal decking available in the current market.  

Ablative Fire Stop Blocks, sealed with AIM Intumescent Mastic, have also been tested for applications where air tightness and general aesthetics are more important.

The tested profiles are now supported by third party certification from UKAS accredited IFC Certification Ltd, a process involving independent auditors which ensures the product that had been fire tested is the product that is sold to market and the finished product is manufactured to consistently high standards.  Regular audits ensure the standards of production are maintained.

A new AIM Fire Stop Block technical datasheet, which explains the application, scope of test evidence and fixing instructions, is available to download at: https://www.aimlimited.co.uk/solutions/fire-stop-blocks-2/   

AIM’s specification team is on hand to advise specifiers, fire consultants/engineers, metal deck system holders and installers, including cladding and bricklaying contractors, dryliners and fire protection contractors.

Part of the Performance Technology Group, UK-based Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has over 30 years-experience in the design, testing and manufacturing of high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers.  The company produces a wide variety of bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products.  

www.aimlimited.co.uk

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MMC could help solve labour shortage problem

Modern methods of construction have the potential to assist in solving labour shortages.

However, the adoption of modern methods of construction would have to “expand considerably” to have an impact on labour shortages in the industry, according to Skills England.

In the first report published by the new arms-length body, interim chair Richar Pennycook described how the UK’s businesses and public services have been “laggards in productivity over the past 30 years”.

In its section on the construction industry, the report said the government’s plans for housebuilding and investment in the energy and water sectors would “require an expansion of the UK’s construction workforce”.

The industry, it said, “will simultaneously need new workers and to upskill existing workers to improve competence, safety and productivity”.

“The use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has the potential to reduce construction’s reliance on skilled labour pools and drive productivity in the sector,” it added, citing a 430-home scheme in Birmingham where its use improved efficiency by 50%.

“However, due to its currently limited use in the sector, MMC adoption will need to be expanded considerably to bring a notable impact on our current skilled workforce requirements,” the report said.

The report identified a range of reasons why UK construction had struggled to invest in productivity enhancements over the years.

“Construction typically has highly cyclical and unpredictable profit margins and therefore struggles to invest in skills and innovation,” it said.

“High rates of subcontracting and self-employment also disincentivise employer investment in training for on-site workers.”

The Construction Industry Training Board forecast that the construction sector will need 252,000 extra workers over the period 2024-28 to meet UK construction output.

Source: Building Design

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Reds10 begins work on new Wiltshire barracks

Modular building specialist Reds10 has started construction on new army accommodation blocks in Upavon, Wiltshire.

Four new single living accommodation (SLA) blocks are being delivered by Reds10 for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), providing 200 bed spaces at Trenchard Lines in Upavon.

It is part of the Army’s SLA programme, which is investing £1.4bn over 10 years to support the modernisation of the Army estate and provide 8,500 new bedspaces.

In the first phase of the Upavon project, five old accommodation blocks will be demolished and replaced by 200 en-suite bedsits in four separate buildings. The new SLA blocks include kitchens and communal space.

Concurrently an older building onsite will be refurbished to provide 21 ensuite bedrooms, improving on the previous interior layout of 19 bedrooms with shared wash facilities.

A minimum of 85% of the new accommodation will be manufactured in Reds10’s factory in Driffield, east Yorkshire, before being transported to Upavon for assembly on site.

The SLA blocks will have solar panels, individual thermostats and a building energy management system to support efficiencies in running and maintenance. An all-electric design comprising air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and infra-red panels will also contribute to low energy consumption.

In addition to the SLA blocks, construction on a new Officers’ Mess at Upavon will begin in 2025 to provide a further 69 bedspaces. All the buildings will be handed over in phases, with the entire project due to complete in autumn 2026.

Reds10 chief executive Matt Bennion said: “Building on our other successful projects at Imjin Barracks and RMA Sandhurst, these state-of-the-art buildings will deliver sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective new accommodation for our armed forces personnel, demonstrating the benefits of MMC for both occupants and the defence estate.”

Warren Webster, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s major programmes and projects (Army) director, added: “A momentous occasion for Trenchard Lines. Major infrastructure upgrade is overdue on this historically important site, so we are delighted to have reached this point.

“The Army’s programme of single living accommodation upgrade was initiated in 2021 and Trenchard is the ninth project to start construction. A fantastic collaboration with our Army colleagues to achieve real progress for the benefit of our service personnel.”

Source: The Construction Index

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Traditional builders make up majority on £800m MMC framework

Twenty traditional construction firms have signed up to an £800m modern methods of construction (MMC) framework aimed at delivering social housing.

The Integrated Traditional Build and MMC Framework was set up in response to feedback from social housing providers that wanted “trusted local building firms to lead MMC projects and deliver traditional construction elements”.

The framework was launched by Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH); it aims to boost the use of MMC in social housing across England and Wales.

Building Better is a National Housing Federation-backed alliance of housing associations and councils.

Along with the 20 traditional house builders, two MMC firms have signed up to the four-year framework.

It will help social housing providers to “procure principal contractor services for a range of MMC projects, including low and medium-rise housing, apartments and extra-care homes”, Building Better and PfH said.

Tony Woods, technical manager – construction and sustainability at PfH, said: “Over recent years, we’ve seen MMC companies focusing more on manufacturing their systems rather than providing a turnkey service.

“It makes sense to bring in traditional builders with a strong reputation in a local area to manage these MMC projects and deliver any traditional build elements, too.”

Among the traditional builders are CG Fry & Son, Feltham Construction and Wates Residential.

The two MMC firms are Agile Property and Homes, and Enevate Homes.

“This framework provides councils and housing associations with a compliant route to procuring principal contractor services for MMC sites,” Mr Woods added.

Jamie Watkins, operations manager at Elkins Construction, said: “Over the last few years, we have seen increased requirements from our clients for net-zero homes and this has meant the need to use more innovation in our construction practices.”

Mr Watkins added that MMC or hybrid construction could help reduce time spent on site, as well as improve quality and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Lewis Tolputt, business development manager at Classic Builders, said: “As a traditional contractor founded over 20 years ago, we are continually looking at ways we can innovate and offer our customers increased choice. The use of MMC products is just one of the ways we’re able to stay ahead of our competition.”

The use of MMC has seen mixed progress so far. Panellised systems, known as Category 2 MMC, are seeing some take-up, but fully modular houses built in a factory – Category 1 MMC – have struggled to take hold in the UK, despite being used successfully in other countries.

In January, a House of Lords inquiry concluded that the government’s approach to MMC was in “disarray”.

Modular house builder TopHat faced a winding-up petition. It announced earlier this year it was planning to make around 70 staff redundant and was pausing opening its 650,000 sqft new factory in Northamptonshire.

Yet this week, an initiative aimed at delivering MMC homes with zero energy bills was launched by Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram.

Source: Inside Housing

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£1m loan keeps Hemsec Ltd at forefront of modern methods of construction

A £1m loan from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Flexible Growth Fund has enabled pioneering local company Hemsec Manufacturing Ltd to open a new Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub in Knowsley, creating 25 jobs and helping the city region’s drive to become net zero carbon by 2035.

Hemsec started out in St Helens in 1928 making cork cabinets to store ice for ice-cream makers. After decades of innovation, Hemsec were one of the UK’s first to develop structural insulated panels (“SIPs”) for residential applications at scale in 2007, foreseeing the UK’s need for more energy-efficient buildings, and for fast construction using modern methods of construction (MMC).

Panelised construction is a modern method of construction that involves the fabrication of structural panels off-site, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide a superior airtightness and insulation level, particularly in comparison to traditional masonry methods of building homes, producing homes that can significantly improve standards of living and are cheaper to heat.

Hemsec currently works with local housing associations on the development of low-carbon homes which can be built at speed and cost a fraction of price to heat, helping to appease the housing shortage whilst reducing energy bills significantly for occupants.

The £1m loan from the Flexible Growth Fund, the maximum amount available to a single applicant, has enabled Hemsec to create a new manufacturing hub in Huyton in Knowsley, creating 25 new jobs along with two apprenticeships for local people.

Speaking about the loan, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who recently officially opened the new plant, said:

“This is exactly what our Flexible Growth Fund was created for—empowering local companies to innovate, create jobs, and stay ahead in their field. Hemsec’s new manufacturing hub is not just an investment in their future but in the future of our region, driving forward our ambitions to be a leader in modern, energy efficient construction and helping us on our path to becoming a net zero city region by 2035.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“The purpose of our Flexible Growth Fund is to provide fast and flexible loans to successful businesses to enable them to grow.

“Hemsec have long been pioneers in modern methods of construction and this loan will help them to stay at the forefront of this exciting sector and create jobs for local people in the process.”

Stephen Painter, Managing Director at Hemsec, said:

“The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for the Liverpool City Region and the British manufacturing industry. With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much-needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities.

“A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency.”

The Flexible Growth Fund was established by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with £20m in 2020, offering flexible, low-interest loans that businesses can access quickly and easily, to enable projects to be completed.

Managed by River Capital, it is available to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) undertaking expansion projects and with the ability to raise 50% in match funding from the private sector.

All loans are paid back to the Combined Authority with interest, enabling the money to be reinvested in local businesses.

Source: Growth Platform

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House of Lords debates modern methods of construction in UK housing

The House of Lords Library has published a report on modern methods of construction (MMC) in the housing industry.

MMC includes building techniques designed to be more efficient than traditional methods.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has criticised the Conservative government’s approach to MMC.

The committee’s inquiry found that public investment in MMC had not been supported by a coherent plan or measurable objectives.

The Labour government has pledged to publish a long-term housing strategy in the coming months, which is expected to address these concerns.

Several parliamentary committees have investigated MMC over recent years.

In 2018, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee noted the benefits of offsite manufacturing (OSM) in construction.

The 2019 House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee raised concerns about the durability of MMC homes in the UK and urged the government to develop a coordinated strategy for MMC.

In 2022, the House of Lords Built Environment Committee highlighted the need for the government to reassure consumers about the quality and safety of MMC homes.

The committee emphasised the importance of official figures reflecting construction-related factory jobs.

Following the 2024 general election, the new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.

Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has stated that the government will restore housing targets to deliver around 370,000 new homes a year.

The Labour government will also publish a new long-term housing strategy in the coming months.

This strategy will include steps to ensure the construction of more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes across the UK.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has identified barriers to the wider adoption of MMC, including risk aversion from insurance providers and challenges related to building regulations.

The committee found that the government had made limited efforts to address these issues.

In its 2023 inquiry, the committee recommended that the government take steps to acquire a better understanding of the construction industry, set achievable goals, and develop a coherent strategy to support MMC.

Lord Moylan, the committee’s chair, criticised the government’s approach, stating: “Simply throwing money at the sector hasn’t worked.”

The House of Lords has been considering modern methods of construction (MMC) as a means of increasing housing supply in the UK.

The Built Environment Committee has expressed concerns over the government’s lack of a coherent strategy, despite significant public investment.

Several parliamentary reports have recommended improving government support for MMC and reassuring consumers about its quality and safety.

The Labour government has pledged to introduce a long-term housing strategy, which will aim to build more sustainable and well-designed homes.

The committee continues to call for clearer government objectives and support for the MMC sector.

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Modular housing could be used for affordable homes

Guernsey’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee is planning to investigate modern methods of construction to try to ease housing supply pressures.

There have been concerns about how quickly new housing can go up to cope with a shortage of affordable homes.

Environment & Infrastructure is hoping that modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, could be used to ease Guernsey’s housing and construction supply pressures.

The committee is also considering which modern methods of construction would be most appropriate for Guernsey, and how these can be supplied, delivered and installed locally.

Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that technology that claimed to accelerate the rate of delivering homes and keep costs down was something the States would take a serious interest in.

‘When it comes to housing, speed of delivery is an important factor, but so is the safety and quality of the homes being built,’ she said.

‘We need to know whether modern methods of construction are safe and durable, and specifically which methods are most appropriate for Guernsey in the context of our local conditions and requirements, such as our climate, transport logistics and their deliverability through our local skills base.

‘We believe at least some of these modern methods of construction could work well for us in Guernsey, helping to deliver more good quality homes more quickly, and potentially even at a lower cost.

‘That’s what we’re aiming for.’

Several approaches have been put forward for use locally, including volumetric modular, micro homes and pods. The new investigations will consider the full range of options available to see which methods are most suitable for Guernsey.

Suitability depends on several factors, including transport logistics, building regulations, planning requirements, fire safety, site constraints, infrastructure requirements, longevity, local climate and the local skills base.

The idea has been floated before, with developers of Leale’s Yard taking States officials and a senior politician to a residential scheme in Kent to see the modular construction methods wanted for use in Guernsey.

The latest investigation will deliver workstream 1D of the Guernsey Housing Plan and follows on from other recently announced workstreams, including a review into downsizing and how to stimulate more and faster completion of private developments.

Source: Guernsey Press

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More choice, more PACE

GEZE UK is delighted to announce several new products have been added to their range of pedestrian traffic control systems, PACE, to give even more choice when selecting solutions that offer safe and efficient control of pedestrians in and out of buildings. All products are supplied and installed in accordance to EN 17352:2022 – the standard for powered turnstiles and speed lanes that was harmonised in August 2023. 

New to the range are the SL 550 and SL 900 speed gates with stylish folding high gates and a reliable, robust design that guarantees effective protection of the building making them ideal for banks and offices. 

The popular SW 100 range has been extended to include two extra wide options. The SW 100 Wide and SW 100 High Glass Wide both offer a passage of 1200mm perfect for ease of carrying luggage and wheelchair access. 

OX S, OX M and OX XL are a new series of aesthetically pleasing turnstiles with ergonomic design and efficient control – ideal for high traffic flow locations. 

In the full height category, the HW G / NG with glass leaves and side panels perfectly combine modern aesthetics and functionality for even greater security with high visibility. 

More cost effective than manual checks and providing round the clock control in buildings that are operational 24 hours a day, pedestrian access control is ideal for controlling access to any part of a building that requires it, as well as the main entrance. 

The PACE range can be tailored to the needs of any specification, compatible with many control devices – push button, card reader – available as single or bi-directional use, and different lane widths. To complement the design or match automatic doors different finishes can be specified – brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, or RAL powder coating.  

Where security is a high priority, options include high panels and anti-tailgating functions.  IRIS readers, and finger-print or face recognition devices can also be integrated. But whatever the demand for security, the visual aspect of the building is never compromised. 

Controlling large numbers of people entering or leaving a building ensures their safety but, in an emergency, or power failure, all motorised systems can be used freely in both directions. 

GEZE UK offers a complete package of pedestrian control that includes access control and automatic doors. 

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK, said: “These new products offer even more choice, several of which are like nothing else in the market. Together with GEZE automatic doors and the PACE range of access control we offer specifiers a complete package to control the flow of people in and around a building ensuring safety and security at all times for those using the building”.

To find out more on PACE or GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers visit PACE Pedestrian Access Control Equipment | GEZE or for a PACE brochure email info.uk@geze.com

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Mibec revolutionises thermal storage for Shawfair low-carbon district heating project

Mibec, a leading provider of bespoke thermal storage solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of a ground-breaking project at Shawfair Energy Centre. This collaboration has delivered 300,000 litres of cutting-edge buffer tank storage to support the state-of-the-art Shawfair low-carbon district heating system.

Through close collaboration with project stakeholders, Mibec engineered an optimised buffer tank solution that maximised the system’s efficiency while minimising costs. 

Managing Director at Mibec, Mark Chisnall said: “By recommending 100,000-litre tanks over the initially proposed 150,000-litre capacity, we ensured both immediate functionality and future scalability for the energy centre. Additionally, incorporating diffusers within the tanks guarantees uniform fluid distribution, maintaining optimal flow velocity essential for peak performance.

The successful completion of this project underscores Mibec’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. As specialists in bespoke thermal storage solutions, Mibec continues to push boundaries, transforming visions into reality with expertise and precision.” 

www.buffertanks.co.uk

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