GOOD LORDS: Marylebone Cricket Club has named GRAHAM as the preferred bidder to undertake the redevelopment of Lord’s Cricket Ground
LORD’S Cricket Ground, the iconic home of cricket, is set to undergo a transformative redevelopment project encompassing the Tavern and Allen Stands.
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has named GRAHAM as the preferred bidder to undertake the project, which aims to enhance spectator experience, increase capacity, and modernise facilities while preserving the rich heritage of the Ground.
Aligned with MCC’s vision, the project encompasses several key objectives. These include increasing spectator capacity to reinforce Lord’s status as Britain’s premier cricket venue, maximising year-round revenue from the stands, and elevating architectural standards. Additionally, the project seeks to positively impact the St John’s Wood streetscape.
Throughout the redevelopment, Lord’s Cricket Ground will remain fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption and continued spectator access during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The project involves extensive repurposing of the Tavern Stand while retaining its iconic features, alongside the demolition and modern reconstruction of the Allen Stand to integrate fully accessible, contemporary Members’ and public spectator amenities.
Among the enhancements, the project will add at least 1,100 additional seats, improving the viewing experience for spectators. Furthermore, it will include the construction of a new pitch-facing hospitality restaurant and suites, offering premium amenities such as food and beverage services, to deliver an enhanced matchday experience for visitors.
HOZAT: Marylebone Cricket Club has named GRAHAM as the preferred bidder to undertake the redevelopment of Lord’s Cricket Ground
Robert Ebdon, MCC Estates Director, said: “The redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands will complete our stand development programme, in which we have modernised facilities at Lord’s to continue to ensure the Ground remains a world-class venue for cricket. The stands will also strengthen the Club’s already-impressive sustainability credentials, and we are looking forward to the construction phase and working closely with GRAHAM.”
Rob Joyce, Development Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative project at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Our partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will deliver world-class sporting infrastructure while preserving the rich heritage of this historic venue. Together, we aim to enhance the Members’ and public spectator experience, expand capacity, and usher in a new era at the iconic home of cricket. This project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities through exceptional construction projects.”
GRAHAM will work alongside Gardiner & Theobald, Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and Arcadis to deliver the project, with construction work scheduled to start on 30th September 2024 and complete at the end of May 2027.
TOUGH TIMES: The slump in building is having a knock-on negative impact on sales of construction vehicles
THE UK construction industry is facing a gloomy outlook for 2024, despite tentative signs that the economy is improving.
Inflation is still above the Bank of England’s target and so, for the time being, we don’t expect the Monetary Policy Committee to vote for lower rates. This is making mortgages expensive and pushing up costs for new construction projects, serving to both deter people from buying houses because of affordability constraints and to discourage companies from borrowing to build, causing both residential and non-residential construction projects to slow (although the market for repair and maintenance is performing well).
This slump in building is having a knock-on negative impact on sales of construction vehicles and we don’t foresee sales picking up until overall economic conditions improve enough to fuel new investment in construction, with activity potentially increasing by the end of this year.
The UK Economy
The UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.6% in Q1 2024 versus the previous quarter. This was largely attributed to falling inflation rates and means more disposable income per person on average.
The Consumer Price Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) for the 12-month period up to April 2024 increased by 3.0% year-on-year, representing a 0.8% decrease compared with the value in March 2024. However, the CPIH annual rate for services remained at 6.0%. With much of the UK’s economy based on financial and retail services, prices are still going up compared with last year.
It is for this reason that the Bank Rate, currently sitting at 5.25%, won’t be cut anytime soon, and maybe not until later in the year. The Bank of England’s priority is to get inflation under control, and ideally as close as possible to the 2% target figure.
For the month of March 2024, UK Construction Output was valued at £15.16 billion – this was a 0.4% decrease compared with February 2024 and a 2.2% decrease compared with March of the previous year (adjusting for seasonality and price changes). In five of the past six months, construction output has decreased compared with the previous month, which paints a fairly gloomy picture.
Segmenting construction by work type (either new work or repair & maintenance) and by building type (either housing or non-housing), it can be seen in the chart below that repair & maintenance (R&M) is performing better than new work, with year-on-year growth rates of +7.3% and -8.5% respectively. In terms of housing, new housing output is down 10% year-on-year, however it is up 2.3% month-on-month. It’s likely that increased rainfall over the past couple of months is partly to blame for the fall in output.
R&M doing well doesn’t really have much of an impact on the construction equipment market – it’s newly started projects (especially housing) that require purchase or rental of equipment like excavators and other big clearing equipment. Work started on new houses in the UK fell by over 40% in Q4 2023 vs Q4 2022, from 39,040 to 23,360 houses. Looking ahead, new orders (i.e. planned projects) output grew by 16% in Q1 2024 versus Q4 2023, consisting of a decrease of 4.5% in new housing, and a 25% increase in other new work. However, as new housing is the main driving force behind the construction equipment market, 2024 is likely to see fewer sales compared with 2023.
Examining which industries have had the greatest contribution to the overall growth, it can be seen from the chart that, when comparing Q1 2024 with Q1 2023, electricity infrastructure had the greatest positive contribution (+1.91%), while private housing had the highest negative contribution (-4.14%). Other industries also seeing a decline in activity include infrastructure for roads (-1.40%) and railways (-1.35%). To increase sales performance this year, construction equipment rental companies may want to consider getting more involved in the better-performing industries, while limiting exposure to private housing and other poorly performing areas.
Left graph: New housing performing poorly, while repair & maintenance is doing quite well. Right graph: Electricity infrastructure tops growth contribution; private housing worst off. Data source: ONS
Construction Materials
Monthly deliveries of bricks data can be a useful leading indicator for the number of new houses planned to be built. Looking at the 12-month rolling average, month-on-month deliveries have decreased every month from October 2022 to March 2024 – that’s a year and a half of consecutive decline! It’s a similar story for other building materials like sand and gravel. However, the 12-month rolling average seems to suggest that brick deliveries may be starting to bottom-out. Assuming further reductions to inflation, and subsequent moves to decrease interest rates, there is a chance that house building activity may start to pick up again by the end of the year.
Like most things, construction materials have seen their fair share of price increases. Looking at the construction material price index for all types of work, there have been consecutive increases for the past three months – with prices increasing by 0.9% from December 2023 to March 2024. Prices are slightly lower now than they were at their peak in July 2022, although still considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels.
High material prices are another dampener on the construction industry, as they impact margins and the general health of businesses’ cash flows. It is one of the main reasons behind the increased insolvency rates affecting the construction industry. In March 2024, 310 construction businesses became insolvent, while in the 12-month period leading up to March 2024, this figure was 4,274 – the highest of any of the major industries in the UK. Other reasons for these startling figures include persistent labour shortages and companies taking on more business that they can handle (or are equipped to handle), leading to eventual loss of contracts. To survive in this market, operators must make choices about where to deploy capital, and may decide to hold off purchasing/renting new machinery to combat other ongoing pressures. Alternatively, operators may decide to switch from their preferred brands and purchase cheaper equipment, shifting the dynamic of the market.
Left graph: Deliveries of bricks have been declining since mid-2022. Right graph: Material prices remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels. Data source: ONS
Impact on the Construction Machinery Market
So what does this all mean for the UK construction equipment market?
Finning, a major supplier of construction equipment to rental companies and big contractors, announced a Q1 year-on-year net revenue increase of 3% in the UK and Ireland. This was driven primarily by used equipment sales (which nearly doubled), while new equipment sales remained level. It’s likely that affordability is the main reason for contractors turning to used rather than new machines. Finning’s product support revenue was down by 7% over the quarter, due to a combination of lower customer activity levels and reduced machine utilization hours. If activity is down, contractors aren’t going to buy new machines, especially if existing equipment isn’t being used to its full potential.
Ashtead Group, a large equipment rental company, had a rental-only revenue increase of 9% in the UK, of which 7% was organic. This was driven by both increased rental prices and higher sales volume, allowing the company to gain market share. When the economy is tough, companies prefer to rent/lease construction equipment rather than purchase, and if they do need to purchase used machinery costs less than new equipment.
A generally tough 2024 for the construction industry will negatively impact the number of construction vehicles sold. According to the latest edition of Interact Analysis’s Off-Highway Vehicles Market Study, the construction machinery market (in unit terms) is expected to fall by 6.6% in 2024 versus 2023, with just over 30,100 vehicles forecast to be sold (see chart below). This includes vehicle categories such as bulldozers, excavators and loaders. Beyond 2024, we anticipate a small improvement in sales, with 30,600 units projected to be sold in 2025 – a year-on-year increase of 1.6%. However, we’re not expecting sales of construction machinery to match 2023 levels until at least 2027; although 2023 was an artificially high year due to a rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Current polls suggest that Labour will win the next election, which will take place on July 4 this year. The party’s manifesto commitment to boost house building could drive equipment sales in the future. However, it will take some time (possibly many years) before these plans are fully realized. Another (albeit unlikely) area where the UK could boost its construction industry is by backing construction of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in order to become more self-sufficient in this industry sector (similar to what’s happening in the US). However, the amount of investment and materials required would be substantial, making this unlikely.
SALES SLUMP: Slowdown in sales expected in 2024; hopeful for small levels of growth going forward
WINNING WAYS: Pictured at the CITB NI SkillBuild NI regional competition 2024 was winner of the Haldane Fisher Young Apprentice of the Year Luke McIlwrath who also came second in carpentry from South East Regional College with Barry Neilson OBE Chief Executive CITB NI and awards host Sarah Travers.
THE Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) annual SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024 in partnership with CITB (GB) and South West College, has taken place at the Technology and Skills Centre, Killyhevlin, Enniskillen.
The competition is a search for the top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland and a showcase of the wealth of talent, professionalism, and the brightest recruits throughout the industry.
93 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland competed against each other to win in categories: Brickwork, Furniture & Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Fire and Security, Drylining, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. Supported by Department for the Economy and local construction companies, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive talent within the workforce, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK: Mathew Carswell from SRC College was first for BricklayingHE’S GOT THE SKILLS: The SkillBuild Appreciation Award goes to Paddy Maguire
There were 12 first place winners in the categories with overall young apprentice of the year.
Winners from the NI Regional Competition, will have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the Skillbuild UK National Finals in November.
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, said: “A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024. The event displayed remarkable talent and showcased the dedication of future construction leaders. Witnessing their enthusiasm highlights a promising future for the industry. Apprenticeships are crucial for industry growth, allowing businesses to shape their future workforce and develop necessary skills. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners CITB (GB) and SWC for the fantastic showcase of the NI talent pool throughout the competition and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
Celine McCartan Principal and Chief Executive said: “We were honoured to host the SkillBuild NI regional competition at our Technology and Skills Centre in Enniskillen. It’s an affirmation of our commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for skill development. We welcome participants to showcase their abilities and embrace the spirit of competition, knowing that it’s through such events that excellence is recognised and celebrated. The standard of work on display was exceptional and I wish all the winners every success as they progress to the next stage of the national competitions. Their success is a credit to the Further Education sector lecturers and partner employers who have been supporting them in advance of the intense competition. I would also like to thank the teams at SWC, CITB (GB) and CITB NI for their work in bringing this prestigious competition to the South West.”
For further details on SkillBuild NI and CITB NI support for apprenticeships and employers visit www.citbni.org.uk
Follow CITBNI on Facebook, X and LinkedIn #SkillBuildNI2024.
TAKE A LOAD OFF: The new Pegasus 60.35 rotating telehandler, from Dieci
DIECI has specifically designed its new rotating telehandler, the Pegasus 60.35, to meet the needs of a market that’s increasingly attentive to worksite safety and is on the lookout for high-performance equipment designed for lifting and transporting heavy loads in contexts that require maximum precision.
A unit with extraordinary loading and outreach capacities that’s designed to offer construction professionals greater performance for all handling operations.
Let’s learn more about all the operational advantages that the Pegasus Elite telehandler has to offer.
The new Pegasus telehandler range was created to facilitate work at the construction site, while at the same time offering maximum performance, comfort, and safety.
The range consists of the Pegasus Essential, the Pegasus Classic, and the Pegasus Elite, the new top of the line solution with even greater performance and innovation that focuses on simplicity and improved movement control.
TLIFT OFF: The new Pegasus 60.35 rotating telehandler was designed for lifting and transporting heavy loads in contexts that require maximum precision
Innovation begins with the Easy Tech System, a new hardware and software platform developed in-house by the DIECI R&D department, which ensures data processing capabilities comparable to that of the most modern vehicles. Guaranteeing greater performance and outstanding features:
Greater precision and control of movement, thanks to the possibility of setting maximum threshold parameters
Automatic boom movement, based on 6 selectable working modes (Normal, Soft, Heavy, Eco, Wall, Floor)
Anti Tilt System-Pro, the new advanced anti-tipping system with aggravating movements lock, based on the dynamic calculation of the work loads and the equipment installed
Electronically controlled load-sensing pump, for an in-depth dynamic set-up based on the working conditions and the equipment in use
Thanks to the Easy Tech System, the Pegasus Elite offers total operational adaptability to any working context, with a focus on maximum control and safety.
As evidenced by the innovative Easy Tech System, the advantages that the Pegasus Elite offers to the construction industry and the telehandler rental market begin with the cab, the interior of which has been completely redesigned with new smart controls to ensure operational intuitiveness. The aim from the outset was to implement a new concept of machine control, thus ensuring simplified and safer features.
This new smart and intuitive approach has led to the revamping of various interior aspects of the cab, starting with the controls, which are now digitally managed on a dual display:
4.3’’ display dedicated to the machine’s running functions
12’’ multi-touch display dedicated to the machine’s operating status and the management of the most advanced features
TOP FOR TECH: The new Pegasus telehandler has a 12″ display plus an innovative Easy Tech System
The 12’’ display allows the machine to be displayed either in drive mode or on its outriggers, intuitively adjusting:
The working mode
The lighting screen
The working diagram (load and position)
The outriggers
The centre of gravity
In addition to the standard controls, the advanced features implemented on the Pegasus Elite rotating telehandler can also be controlled from the display, allowing for the management of the following with just a few clicks:
The six working modes;
The connected equipment and the relative load diagram;
The Soft Motion Function, which slows down the movements based on the load being carried and the machine’s configuration, in order to reduce dynamic effects and end-of-stroke shocks;
The Easy Work System, an advanced software system that automatically adjusts the loading capacity based on the position of the outriggers and the machine’s support surface;
The “limits” function, designed to allow the work to be carried out in complete safety. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to demarcate the working area, moving the boom within a safe zone that has been delimited in relation to walls and ceilings;
Pop-ups and audible warnings visible on the display further protect the operator, ensuring high levels of safety throughout all handling, turning, and/or lifting operations.
At the design level, the approach used for both screens is reminiscent of the automotive interface, facilitating the understanding of the parameters, thus ensuring simplified management under all usage conditions.
The intuitiveness of the controls makes them particularly suitable for the rental sector, even short-term, offering technologically advanced telehandlers that are easy to manage, even upon first use. The possibility of customising the display layout even allows the user to manage the screen based on their own operational needs, with greater focus being placed on the rotating telehandler’s most frequently utilised functions.
In addition to the innovative features and the intuitive and technologically advanced controls, guaranteed by the presence of the two screens, the new cab of the Pegasus Elite rotating telehandler offers total operator comfort, starting with access. The integration of four access ladders and a walkway that can be controlled from the cab constantly ensures safe and comfortable entry in every configuration.
POWER MAX: The new Pegasus telehandler range was created to facilitate work at the construction site, while at the same time offering maximum performance, comfort, and safety
Once inside the cab, the operator can access all of the vehicle’s functions directly from the driver’s seat, including:
Two proportional joysticks with a capacitive sensor for boom control
Controls located on the inside of the right armrest. Here there is also the mini-joystick for the proportional control of the four independent outriggers, and the “equipment quick coupling” control to facilitate accessory changes
All the new functions and individual controls have been implemented with a focus on control and visibility, making the Pegasus Elite rotating telehandler an extremely safe vehicle in any context, also thanks to:
the large glass surface, which guarantees complete visibility of the surrounding area
the 12’’ display, to constantly monitor diagrams, limits, and the positions of the outriggers and equipment
the reclining seat, to facilitate overhead operations
the LED work lights, which can be operated directly from the display
the backlit can keypads
the around-vehicle monitoring system, which includes up to three cameras
Thanks to the new cab design, the Pegasus Elite rotating telehandler is an indispensable unit for large construction sites and more, with a focus on innovation, extensive operating functions, all-round safety, and intuitive machine management.
Here, everything is centred around the operator, who will find everything they need for simplified, optimised, and incredibly high-performance work activities in any context.
ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS: Zentia has launched its latest product, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System
ZENTIA, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of its latest product, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System.
Building on the success of the wider Sonify range, the new gridded wall absorbers promise to elevate creative possibilities in acoustic design.
Expanding on Zentia’s commitment to providing architects, interior designers, and outfitters with unparalleled flexibility, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System introduces a mounted grid system for wall absorbers.
This innovative approach replaces the traditional method of gluing absorbers to the wall, offering greater design precision and ease of dismounting for convenient access to services.
The new Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System offers several key features and benefits:
Vertical Sound Absorption– The grid system enhances sound absorption in a vertical plane, capturing direct sound from conversations and contributing to a comprehensive room solution.
Creative Wall Features– Sonify Wall Absorbers can be used to create visually striking wall features by combining multiple panels, forming intricate patterns, and adding colour to complement room styling.
Echo Reduction– The product aids in breaking up hard reflective surfaces, minimising echoes within a space for improved acoustic comfort.
Design Precision– The grid system allows for precise and customisable placement of panels, empowering designers to create unique and aesthetically pleasing arrangements.
Increased Sound Absorption– The introduction of an air gap enhances sound absorption capabilities, ensuring optimal acoustic performance in diverse environments.
Ease of Dismounting– The grid system facilitates easy dismounting of panels, providing convenient access to services and simplifying maintenance.
The Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System is set to offer professionals the tools they need to be more creative with innovative and impactful ceiling design.
It is another product within a growing range that exemplifies Zentia’s commitment to creativity and innovation.
Zentia is the UK’s market leading manufacturer of complete ceiling solutions. They make a wide range of mineral ceiling tiles, suspension grids, and floating ceiling systems at their two factories in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.
Evolved from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and with over 100 years of knowledge and experience, Zentia is the UK’s only major ceiling manufacturer, offering a shorter supply chain to the construction industry in the UK and Ireland, and providing specifiers and ceiling contractors with reliable products they can trust.
IN THE ZONE: Zentia unveils exciting new features to the Sonify range
BIRDS EYE VIEW: Good progress is beiong made on installing the new large diameter sewer by tunnelling under Meadow Lane
NI Water’s contractor, BSG, continues to make good progress with the installation of a new large-diameter sewer by tunnelling under Meadow Lane and is scheduled to undertake the next phase of open-cut pipelaying works on Monday, June 10.
To facilitate this essential work – which is required to connect the large-diameter sewer to the existing network – the section of Meadow Lane at the entrance to Portadown Boat Club will be closed to through traffic from Monday, June 10 for approximately four weeks.
The work forms part of the ongoing £7.8m Meadow Lane Wastewater Upgrade which will deliver environmental benefits and support economic growth in Portadown.
Speaking about the next phase of pipelaying work, NI Water’s Project Manager, Lisa Hughes said: “Our contractor has been making good progress on installing the new large diameter sewer by tunnelling under Meadow Lane and has successfully completed the first of four sections of open-cut works between Tavanagh Avenue and the new wastewater pumping station adjacent to Meadow Lane East Car Park.
“The next phase of open-cut works will take place in the vicinity of the entrance to Portadown Boat Club. To facilitate this work, Meadow Lane will be closed to through traffic between the entrance to Portadown Boat Club and the entrance to the health centre service yard from Monday 10th June to Sunday 7th July.
“During this time, vehicular access will be available from Bridge Street to properties along Meadow Lane, up to and including Portadown Boat Club.
“Vehicular access to the health centre, the service entrance of the health centre and the Baptist Church car park will be via Thomas Street – Tavanagh Avenue. A diversion route for motorists will be signposted. Pedestrian access will be available throughout the work, although some pedestrian management may be required.
WATER WORKS: The work forms part of the ongoing £7.8m Meadow Lane Wastewater Upgrade
“Overall, 620m of large diameter sewer – which will increase the capacity of the network and help reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the area – is being laid by tunnelling under Meadow Lane. Around two thirds of the new pipe is now in place and the use of the trenchless (tunnelling) methods has helped considerably to minimise disruption in the area.
“Going forward, a further two sections of open-cut excavations – one at Portmore Street and one at Meadow Lane East Car Park – will be required to complete the connections. These subsequent open-cut excavations are currently scheduled to be commence in August and NI Water will advise local stakeholders on traffic management details once approved.
“In the meantime, NI Water and our project team from BSG and McAdam once again thank residents, businesses and road users for their ongoing patience and cooperation while we continue with the tunnelling work and these essential connections. As always, every effort will be made to complete the open-cut pipelaying work in the shortest possible time frame.”
In addition to the essential pipelaying work, BSG is making great progress on the new wastewater pumping station which includes the construction of a new 20m diameter stormwater storage tank. Once complete in 2025, the wider £7.8 million NI Water project will reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding, support local development and deliver extensive environmental improvements in the Portadown area.
NEW APPOINTMENT: Gary Murray is Chadwicks Group's new Category Director and member of its Senior Leadership Team
CHADWICKS Group, the market leader in the builder’s merchanting industry in Ireland, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Murray as Category Director and member of its Senior Leadership Team.
Gary brings 18 years of extensive experience in commercial buying and construction roles across Ireland, the UK, Germany, and the US. His background includes significant achievements in the built environment and FMCG retail sectors, with a proven track record in construction and global procurement.
As Category Director for Chadwicks Group, Gary will spearhead the development and implementation of strategic procurement initiatives, ensuring they align with the organisation’s goals and prioritise sustainability and innovation.
He will be responsible for developing and executing product buying strategies that optimise cost efficiency and ensure top-quality products are sourced for Chadwicks Group customers.
Leading a team of category managers, Gary will continue to strengthen supplier relationships and drive consistent improvement initiatives to enhance buying processes, all while maintaining a strong focus on meeting customer needs.
Speaking on the appointment, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group, commented: “We are excited to announce Gary’s appointment as Category Director in Chadwicks Group during this period of ambitious growth. His extensive knowledge and innovative approach will be instrumental in achieving our mission to deliver a best-in-class customer experience and adapt to the evolving needs of the construction industry.
EXCITING TIME: Gary Murray is thrilled to join Chadwicks Group
Gary’s appointment is a crucial step in our commitment to building a strong, experienced team dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality service, exceptional product selection, and value across all branches. His strategic expertise will drive our sustainable procurement practices, optimise our supply chain, and ensure we continue to offer top-quality products to our customers.”
Gary’s career began in his family’s Irish home-building business before transitioning to Lidl as a graduate, where he spent a decade in property construction and procurement.
He advanced to the position of Property and Construction Director for Lidl in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. His career further expanded into category management and global sourcing, across 30 countries.
Most recently, Gary served as Trading Director for Ocado in the UK, the world’s largest online food retailer, and as Global Procurement Lead for Circle K, managing procurement across the US, Canada, and Europe.
His dual passions for construction and procurement align perfectly with the strategic objectives of Chadwicks Group.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary Murray, Category Director at Chadwicks Group, said:“I am thrilled to join Chadwicks Group at such an exciting time. I look forward to leveraging my experience in construction and procurement to enhance our product offerings and further strengthen our supplier relationships. My goal is to ensure we deliver the highest quality products while prioritising sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Together with the talented team at Chadwicks Group, I am confident we can continue to lead the industry.”
Gary has a degree in Business Management, is a chartered surveyor and currently preparing for a CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) Professional Accountancy qualification in 2025.
PUSH AND SHOVEL Some of the machinary that will be on display at the Bobcat demo days 2024
MORE than 700 customers, dealers, suppliers and journalists from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are heading to Doosan Bobcat EMEA’s campus in Dobříš, Czechia for Bobcat Demo Days 2024.
From 21 May to 5 June, attendees will receive unprecedented access to the organisation’s comprehensive equipment lineup over a series of 10 intense full-day experiences.
Bobcat Demo Days 2024 offers participants an opportunity to get up close and personal with several of the manufacturer’s cutting-edge innovations, such as the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept, the RogueX2 concept loader, Operator Presence technology, the Pedestrian Detection Camera, and next-generation Digital Access software.
Launched in the EMEA region in 2011, Bobcat Demo Days allow invited guests to gain insights into the manufacturer’s latest advancements through hands-on time with machines and in-depth factory tours. This year’s edition features more than 90 demo models, including Bobcat’s brand-new lineup of material handling units, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, ground maintenance equipment, light compaction models and more.
TAKING CHARGE: Bobcat TL25.60e electric telehandler concept
Bobcat Demo Days 2024 is showcasing a number of cutting-edge, industry-leading innovations, including the manufacturer’s TL25.60e electric telehandler concept. The model, which is still in development and not yet commercially available, has a rated capacity of 2.5 tonne and a lifting height of almost 6 m, matching the performance offered by its diesel-powered equivalent.
With three separated electric motors designed to maximize efficiency, a hydrostatic transmission to boost performance, a maximum speed of 25 km/h and the same super-compact dimensions as the conventional Bobcat TL25.60, the cutting-edge electric concept delivers low noise levels, minimal operating costs and impressive versatility. This is the first time Bobcat has given customers and partners the opportunity to get hands-on time with its TL25.60e concept.
Attendees will have an opportunity to experience Bobcat’s transparent OLED (T-OLED) screen technology, which has been developed in collaboration with LG and BSI Research. T-OLED enables operators to access an array of functionality without taking their eyes off the worksite, offering unparalleled clarity, responsiveness and visibility. It also has the capacity to facilitate a range of more advanced applications, such as real-time virtual reality (VR) simulations for utility line mapping.
The RogueX2 concept skid-steer loader is another innovation on display at Bobcat Demo Days 2024, although attendees won’t be able to climb into the machine’s cab as it doesn’t have one. This autonomous, all-electric model has been built as a proving ground for technologies developed as part of Bobcat’s innovation roadmap, offering a glimpse of how future generations of loaders will facilitate an entirely new work experience for users.
Bobcat will use this year’s event to showcase its Operator Presence technology, a concept that is currently being developed for excavator models. Operator Presence leverages a 3D time-of-flight (ToF) camera – advanced technology more commonly utilised in emerging sectors such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, gesture recognition and virtual reality (VR) – to enhance safety by monitoring users’ movements and the wider cabin environment.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Bobcat Pedestrian Detection Camera
Guests at Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will get to witness Bobcat’s Pedestrian Detection Camera in action. The device’s software is able to differentiate between humans and their surroundings thanks to its AI-enabled processing capabilities, helping to eliminate unnecessary operator alerts. The innovation’s database is also able to identify humans in different postures and positions, including standing, kneeling, crouching, sitting, with their backs turned, and even when they are only partially visible.
Bobcat will also showcase its Digital Access software, an advanced system that allows operators to use smartphones as ‘keys’ to specific machines, providing an alternative to existing passcode entry functionality while ensuring units understand the preferences of their users before they begin work. In addition, this innovation enables fleet owners to lock out certain functionality or attachments in line with the respective skillsets of their employees.
Bobcat Demo Days 2024 will feature a selection of recently introduced machines, including the M-Series S630 and S650 Stage V skid-steer loaders, which have been developed for use in European markets. The models’ D24 engines, which feature Bosch fuel-injection systems, deliver superior performance while adhering to strict emission regulations, enabling attendees to see Bobcat’s long-standing commitment to sustainable operations in action.
This year’s event features the new lineup of Bobcat rotary telehandlers, which deliver unrivaled visibility thanks to the manufacturer’s patented panoramic cab. The latest range comprises nine Stage V models with lifting heights of between 18 and 39 m that have been designed for European markets, and four Stage IIIA machines with lifting heights of 18 to 26 m that have been developed for use in the Middle East and Africa.
In addition, Bobcat is demonstrating how its construction lineup is delivering even greater levels of sustainability to users. The manufacturer’s mini-excavators, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, telehandlers, rotary telehandlers, mini track loaders and forklifts have been approved for use with HVO biofuel and other EN 15940 standard paraffinic fuels.
THE BIG SCOOP: Bobcat Mini Excavators show off their capabilities
OFFICE LAUNCH: John Murphy, Utilities Director, Rebecca McAteer, Senior Quantity Surveyor and Brian White, Project Manager, Farrans.
LEAVING civil engineering and building contractor Farrans Construction has opened new offices in Sligo and Letterkenny following the signing of a number of new contracts which will provide a secure pipeline of work in the west of Ireland for the next seven years.
Both offices will be strategic hubs from which work across the counties in the North West of Ireland will be managed.
Farrans was recently awarded the North West region under Uisce Éireann‘s new Water and Waste Water Multi-Supplier Framework, responsible for Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Galway, Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan and Mayo.
The company already has 70 direct staff and over 200 subcontractor staff engaged in this new contract, with 25 squads on the ground working on the installation of new water mains, the rehabilitation of existing mains, leak detection and repairs. Waste water and connection and developer services will commence soon.
John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans Construction, said: “We have had a presence in Sligo and Letterkenny for many years and, with the ongoing volume of work, we are now in a position to invest in our office facilities to expand our presence in the region. We already have a main office in Monaghan and a satellite administration office in Tuam in Galway. We want to establish the right bases to manage our activity in the North West. We know that this framework approach will deliver better results for the end users, customers and our people. Sustainability, social value and safety are at the heart of every project that we do and these values align with our client, Uisce Eireann.
“Our focus in Sligo and Letterkenny will be on building excellent relationships with local suppliers and council authorities. The demand for skills in the water sector in Ireland is continuing to grow. We will soon be launching a recruitment drive to bring in some of the best civil engineering talent and, with the security of a long-term pipeline, we can offer guaranteed work in the area for years to come. This will likely appeal to people who might want to move back to Ireland, to come home. It’s a competitive recruitment market at the moment however we know that we offer an unrivalled personal development and training programme which is why we were recently named Engineers’ Ireland CPD Employer of the Year.” he added.For more information visit: www.crh.com
NEW SLIGO OFFICE: Brian White, Project Manager, John Murphy, Utilities Director and Roger Humphrys, Project Manager, Farrans.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW: Rockview Lane is a 10-home site that has created 30 jobs during the construction process
HAGAN Homes has announced the commencement of construction on its newest housing development, Rockview Lane, located at 55 North Road, Carrickfergus.
Construction began earlier this spring and is scheduled to be completed this autumn, bringing a fresh and modern living experience to the town.
The investment of £1.9 million will see the build of 10 meticulously designed homes, comprising six semi-detached houses and four duplexes. The properties are priced between £185,000 and £195,000, offering exceptional value for contemporary living spaces. They are also equipped with energy-efficient features such as solar panels.
The construction phase of Rockview Lane has created 30 jobs, contributing to local employment and economic growth. Carrickmacstay Developments Ltd has been appointed as the contractor for the project.
FANTASTIC FOUR: Rockview Lane is Hagan Homes fourth development in the Carrickfergus area
Jim Burke, Director of Sales and Acquisitions at Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes, said: “We are thrilled to bring Rockview Lane, our fourth development in the Carrickfergus area, to the market. This project reflects our commitment to delivering quality homes that blend modern design with practical living and sustainable features.
“Rockview Lane’s prime location, adjacent to the golf course and close to the town centre, makes it an ideal place for families and professionals alike. We look forward to welcoming homeowners to this new community.”
Rockview Lane is conveniently located close to a variety of amenities. Positioned within walking distance to Carrickfergus town centre, residents will have easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including the popular Omniplex Cinema.
Each property features an Ember PS heating control system, modern fitted kitchens, pre-wiring for BT and Sky Q as well as USB sockets in the kitchen and all bedrooms.
The completion of the first phase of homes is scheduled for the autumn, with the first homeowners expected to move in by November. Prospective buyers can contact UPS Carrick at 028 9336 5986 for more information.
