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LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: Lighthouse Charity’s Impact Report shows 30% increase in demand for support

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MAKING AN IMPACT: Lighthouse Charity's Impact Report

THE Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has published its 2023 Impact Report which details the vital support and impact they have delivered to our construction community in the UK and Ireland.

With a unique focus on emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support, the charity has delivered  £3,927,992 of charitable support and been a beacon of hope to 4435 families in need, a 30% increase on the previous year.

Against a challenging backdrop of continued cost of living increases, material price rises, unpredictable workloads and labour shortages, the report reflects a year of resilience, growth, and impactful initiatives.

For every £1 of charitable spend the charity created £10.06 of social value, a figure which reflects the impressive array of proactive and reactive support available for both individuals and organisations alike.  The report also outlines some of the strategic collaborations that have facilitated sustainable futures for the people in our industry and to support  a new generation of workers.

The charity’s caseworkers played a pivotal role, supporting 2435 complex cases and securing £1,675,309 of funding through collaborative working with other charities and ensuring that people were accessing their statutory entitlements.

There was a 20% increase in the number of people accessing vital counselling services, with a huge 42% of the charity’s grant expenditure being invested in fast access to both virtual and face-to-face counselling offering vital support with a variety of emotional wellbeing issues.

One of the charity’s most impactful front-line interventions has been the hugely successful  #MakeItVisible on-site initiative. In 2023 the team visited 390 sites, reaching almost  26,000 site operatives, contractors, and allied trades, some of the industry’s most vulnerable workers.

The charity’s on-site team share their own struggles in a down-to-earth and relatable way, encouraging others to speak openly too, Last year the on-site team made a life-changing and life-saving impact with 139 workers experiencing suicidal thoughts.

In 2023 their Critical Incident Support team were called to  49 locations and supported 850 people affected by a serious or fatal on-site incident. The specialist team provides immediate support offering a ‘safe space’ for people to share their concerns and signpost to specialist trauma counsellors if necessary.

Aimed at equipping workers with the soft skills they need to navigate today’s challenges, the charity also extended their portfolio of training within their Wellbeing Academy which saw the introduction of self-paced eLearning.

These  on demand modules respond to the diverse  needs of a transient workforce with demanding work and home time commitments. The Wellbeing Academy delivered 436 courses and trained 3606 individuals.

Summarising on the report’s findings,  Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity said it was encouraging to see more people reaching out for support. “We are constantly looking for new ways to amplify our message of support and ensuring that we reach those who may not know how or where to ask for help. Our #MakeItVisible on site team do a fantastic job of reaching out to the sites and meeting some of our most vulnerable workers. We’re also increasing the number of collaborative  partnerships with other providers to offer specialist support to meet the diverse needs of our construction community.

Our Impact Report is an annual opportunity to highlight our successes and reflect on what has worked well. It’s also an opportunity to identify and understand how we can be better and how we can support our industry’s wellbeing in every way.

Our key message remains constant; no matter how small or large the problem may seem,  we will always be able to help, and if we can’t be able to signpost to someone that can.”

Full 2023 Impact Report here

If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for free and confidential support now 24/7 Construction Industry Helplines;  0345 605 1956, (UK)  1800 939 122 (ROI)

Live chat lighthouseclub.org  constructionindustryhelpline.com  makeitvisible.info

Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI)

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ONE STOP CONCRETE SHOP: Boyles of Tralee opens Ireland’s first drive through concrete mortar and screed vending machine

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DRiVE THROUGH: Boyles of Tralee has recently expanded into an adjacent site which will create a large space for the new fibo Collect plant

GEORGE Boyle established Boyles Hardware in Killorglin, Co. Kerry in 1964. Following the success of this award-winning store and having recognised the potential of the growing town of Tralee, George opened a second branch in Tralee in 1994.

Topline Boyles remains a family-run business today. The store is now managed by Adrian Boyle who has earned a reputation for expertise and friendly staff over the years.

The team at Topline Boyles share more than 70 years of hardware and DIY experience and enjoy putting this knowledge to good use each and every day.

Following a major revamp and extension of the store in 2013, Boyles of Tralee offers a comfortable, modern and enjoyable shopping environment for both trade and public customers.

Alongside hardware and plumbing departments and a fully stocked builder’s merchants, the Tralee store now boasts an extensive door and floors section, a stove centre, paint centre, and a bathroom showroom.

The store is conveniently located in Clash Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Tralee town, easily accessible from the recently opened Tralee bypass road.

We continue to promote new products during the year by holding demonstration days for all of our customers to attend. This ensures that all of our customers are kept up to date on all current and future trends in the building and DIY industry.

Boyles of Tralee have recently expanded into an adjacent site which will create a large space for the new fibo Collect plant in a convenient location in the centre of the yard.

QUALITY MARK : Boyles employees attending the Factory Acceptance Test of the fibo equipment in Denmark

fibo Collect launch at Boyles of Tralee

Landscapers, Builders and DIY enthusiasts across North Kerry face the same common challenges when it comes to mixing small loads of concrete, mortar and screed – The time-consuming hassle of mixing it on site, minimum 1m3 orders, small load charges, long waiting times for collections and deliveries.  The solution to all of these issues is the fibo Collect Drive Thru Concrete, Mortar and Screed system.

fibo Collect is an automated batching plant, with self-cleaning technology that allows customers to order small to large quantities of concrete, mortar or screed at the touch of a button. With orders from 0.25m3 Boyles of Tralee are revolutionising convenience – Their new on-site service will allow customers to instantly mix, pour & dispense small volumes of concrete so that they can start their projects in a matter of minutes not hours.

How it works:

Boyles of Tralee customers will be able to access the collection service following a simple 3-step method in the branch:

  1. Place an order at the counter and collect your barcode
  2. Position your vehicle or tub under the conveyor belt
  3. Scan your barcode at the fibo Collect touch screen terminal to start mixing

For most small loads of concrete, mortar or screed, the entire mixing and pouring process can be completed in under 5 minutes.

Customers will be able to collect their concrete, mortar or screed on the back of a trailer, a flatbed truck or pour directly into a mortar tub which can be loaded onto their vehicle at the branch.

Benefits to the local community in Tralee:

This new acquisition is set to bring about many benefits to members of the local community in Tralee. Here are just some of them :

  • Cost-effective solution – Customers will only need to pay for what they use
  • Time-saving solution – There will be no need to wait around at Boyles
  • Hassle-free – just turn up and collect no need to book
  • Convenience – collect when you’re coming to pick up other products. Kill two birds with one stone
  • Order from as little as 0.25m3 or as much as you like.
  • Dynamic mix – options include various concrete, mortar or screed recipes
  • Adaptable – Collect on the back of your van or using a mortar tub.
  • Automated mixing technology – cutting-edge control panel ensures all recipes are high quality and consistent
  • Additive control – control the workability and setting time of material

The rising CO2 impact of cement waste and heavy environmental cost of delivering small quantities around North Kerry can be addressed with this Drive Through alternative. Here are some ways the concept can support the environment:

  • Waste Reduction: The Drive Through system can minimize production waste through precise material weighing, in contrast to traditional ‘self-mixing on site’ practices that often lead to over-ordering and material wastage.
  • Transport Efficiency: The convenient location of the Tralee branch means customers can cut down on the transport miles required and it reduces the need for larger delivery vehicles to be on the road.
  • Water Sustainability: fibo Collect’s water recycling and self-cleaning technologies promote a more sustainable manufacturing process.

The machines are manufactured by fibo Intercon A/S, a Danish company that is internationally recognised as a leading global partner in innovative concrete technology. ‘fibo Collect’ has helped the company secure several digital innovation awards. The concept launched in the UK in early 2023 and there are now 7 units in operation across the UK, with more on the way.

The technology is ideally suited for location in local builder’s providers where it provides an additional service to customers and allows the Builder’s Providers to become a One Stop Shop for their customers.  The technology is anticipated to drive additional footfall and associated revenue for Builder’s Providers who adopt this technology.

Boyles of Tralee will be the Ireland launch customers for the technology and driven by Adrian and his team it is expected to be a great success for both Boyles of Tralee and their customers.

We aim to expand the technology nationwide and to continue to innovate and look at how this technology can be further developed to help build a more sustainable construction model that minimises our carbon footprint.

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CLEVER CONSTRUCTION: Former army base turned housing development gets help from above with Smartroof

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ROOM WITH A VIEW: Smartroof has developed an insulated, panelised ‘room in roof’ system that reduces overall build time

SMARTROOF’S offsite manufactured modular roof system is showing its versatility having been chosen for a series of homes as well as two apartment blocks at a stunning new housing development in Folkestone.

Formerly the MOD Shorncliffe Garrison Barracks, Officers’ Mess at Shorncliffe Heights has been designed by FCS Limited for developer Taylor Wimpey. It comprises 44 new homes including one and two-bedroom apartments, and three, four and five-bed homes.

Smartroof’s panelised ‘room in roof’ system has been specified for four standard home plots within the development and is being used for the first time across two apartment blocks.

For the four homes, Smartroof provided an eaves to ridge and gable to gable system with timber dormers and enhanced U-values to both the roof cassettes and gable spandrel panels. The specification for the three and half storey apartment blocks provided Smartroof with the perfect opportunity to showcase its revolutionary ‘room in roof’ system on a much larger scale.  It is typically used for the creation of roofs on detached, semi-detached and terraced homes. For the largest two storey homes, Smartroof would normally supply 10 panels. However, when presented with the challenge of delivering an offsite produced ‘room in roof’ system for these two much larger apartment blocks, the company rose to the challenge. The team engineered the system to make it compatible with this larger scale application, demonstrating the versatility of off-site manufacture. The roofs required 46 panels across three separate roof sections.

Designed with hipped gable ends, it was critical for the team at Smartroof to maintain adequate fire resistance and separation within the roofing voids. The Smartroof system lends itself well to effective firestopping at party walls. The factory manufactured pre-insulated spandrel panels meet fire rating requirements, and will act as a fire break and maintain fire compartmentation within the apartment buildings roof space.

TAKING COMMAND: Smartroof offers reduced build times, consistent thermal performance as well as health and safety benefits

A complete roof solution, Smartroof has been designed to offer housebuilders and developers a solution to maximising sellable space by creating rooms in roofs. Comprising a series of factory produced panels incorporating insulated roof panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, roof windows, GRP chimneys, soffit and fascia, it is delivered to site and craned into place. Once in place, the roofs simply require roof felt and tiling. The system has many benefits – less waste, better control of quality, safer to install – and meets the industry’s demand for solutions that allow us to build better quality homes, more efficiently.

The controlled environment of the Smartroof offsite fabrication facility meant the technical team could achieve the architect’s design with millimetre precision both in terms of the compound cuts and fabrication particularly when it came to the two hip ends. Designed and manufactured at the Smartroof factory in Derbyshire, the prefabricated roofs were then delivered to the Folkestone site, craned into place and installed by the Smartroof team.

Commenting Lewis Catt, Buying Manager from Taylor Wimpey said: “Smartroof’s offsite manufactured roof system provided enormous advantages for both the homes and apartment blocks. By moving roof construction offsite into a controlled factory setting, Smartroof enabled significant safety improvements and accelerated project timelines. Overall, the Smartroof modular system is an exceptional roofing solution that delivered the reliability, quality and quick turnaround the project needed.”

Commenting on the modular roofing system at Officers Mess, Kevin Sherlock, Managing Director at Smartroof said: “We were delighted to be able to meet the challenge of these much larger roofs on the Officers’ Mess apartment buildings. This project demonstrates the versatility of our Smartroof system whilst the controlled environment of the Smartroof offsite fabrication facility reduced the hours working at height dramatically.”

At a time when the housebuilding industry needs to build back better and smarter, the offsite fabrication of the roofs at the Officers’ Mess provided Taylor Wimpey with huge benefits in terms of health and safety, speed of construction and quality control.

To find out more download the Smartroof brochure or contact info@smartroof.co.uk

 

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EMISSION POSSIBLE: Energystore receives UK’s first delivery of carbon neutral products via HVO fuelled transport

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FUEL FOR THOUGHT: energystore delivey via truck running on HVO

INSULATION manufacturer and installer energystore is once again breaking through barriers on its mission to reach net zero by receiving delivery of low carbon product Neopor® BMB on vehicles fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

For the first time in the UK, the delivery of insulation product Neopor® BMB was completed by Italian logistics company FERCAM with vehicles powered by HVO, reducing up to 90% of the CO2 emissions emitted during transportation and throughout the supply chain compared to the use of fossil fuels.

The HVO delivery was made to energystore’s Northampton Factory, which is fully run on green gas and marks another significant step on the company’s Emission-less Mission, a strategy which will see the business invest £2m in measures to become net zero by 2028.

Headquartered in Holywood, Co Down, energystore designs, manufactures and installs insulation systems for floors, walls and roofs and is the leading supplier of high-performance EPS (expanded polystyrene) bead insulation products to the UK and Irish construction industry.

Combining climate protection and high-quality products, energystore uses Neopor® BMB for its energystore+ product range, which was launched in 2023. energystore+ uses sustainable biofuels at the raw material stage, a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels that is independently verified by RedCert2, significantly reducing the amount of carbon emissions in residential or commercial buildings.

MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY: Connor McCandless, Managing Director of energystore

This innovative UK-industry first product range has been recognised by the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), a UK government energy-efficiency scheme, designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. This means the product range and all emissions associated with making it are carbon neutral.

Neopor® BMB is low-carbon, EPS rigid foam insulation which offers the same features as traditional insulation with added sustainability benefits. A biomass balance production approach combines renewable feedstock with traditional fossil feedstock, allowing more fossil fuels to stay in-ground. This protects the environment and climate by reducing CO2 emissions while still delivering the proven product quality and properties.

Connor McCandless, Managing Director of energystore said:“The construction industry has a major role to play in the climate crisis and by producing lower or carbon neutral products, using more sustainable processes across logistics and energy usage and continuing to demand more of our industry, we will begin to see a significant difference for good.

“As a business we are very focused on achieving our Emission-less Mission and becoming net zero by 2028 so we are delighted to have taken the next step in achieving this by ensuring our already carbon neutral products are transported by HVO fuelled trucks.”

Energystore is celebrating 50 years in business in 2024 and operates from six locations across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, employing 90 people and supplies homeowners and commercial customers, including construction companies, new build developers and housing associations.

INSULATION STATION: energystore beads up close
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EYES ON THE PRIZE: RICS award winners in NI revealed with the most inspirational built projects being announced at the ceremony

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HUB OF THE NORTH: Queens Business School’s Hub, Riddle Hall

THE winners of the RICS Awards 2024 in Northern Ireland have been revealed and some of the most impressive recent building projects from the local area are on the list.

The winning projects announced at the regional ceremony in Custom House, Belfast, were judged across five categories; Residential Development, Community Benefit, Heritage, Public Sector, Refurbishment-Revitalisation.

The winning projects in Northern Ireland are:

  • Bruce Street, Belfast – Residential Development
  • Queen’s Business School Student Hub, Belfast – Public Sector Project
  • Sean Dolan’s Creevagh Heights, Derry – Community Benefit Project
  • St Comgall’s–Ionad Eileen Howell, Belfast – Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project
  • Templemore Baths, Belfast – Heritage Project
GIVE ME SOME MORE: Templemore Baths was one of the RICS Awards 2024 winning projects and are now shortlisted for the Grand Final

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.

The regional winners have now been shortlisted for the RICS Awards Grand Final, taking place in The Park Plaza Riverbank, London on Friday October 4. Each project will compete at national level, with one of the national winning projects being awarded the ultimate accolade of Project of the Year.

Michael Hannaway, Chair of the NI RICS Awards judging panel, said: “These winning projects are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of industry professionals in Northern Ireland. The talent and collaborative approaches undertaken by the teams behind these projects have resulted in exemplary and innovative schemes that really do represent the very best built projects across Northern Ireland.

“RICS is delighted to recognise the hard work that went behind ensuring these projects were delivered successfully and I wish the winning projects the best of luck in the grand final later this year.”

Further information is available at: RICS Awards UK

REGIONAL WINNER: Sean Dolan’s Creevagh Heights, Derry – Community Benefit Project
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ON TRACK: Irish Civils Contractor, Wills Bros gears up for major road development with significant purchase of Komatsu machinery

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READY FOR ACTION: Pictured on site at the €450 million upgrade to the Roscommon section of Ireland’s main N5 carriageway is a Komatsu HM400-5 articulated dump truck

AHEAD of work getting underway on the Irish Government’s proposed €450m upgrade of the N5 carriageway, the lead contractor on the project, Mayo-based Wills Bros has augmented its already extensive equipment portfolio with investment in an additional number of Komatsu-branded machines.

 

Described by their supplier, Komatsu distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales’ chairman, Michael McHale as one of the “most significant investments” in plant and equipment made in Ireland in recent times.

 

“Their purchase is one that underlines the status of Wills Bros as one of the finest and best-resourced civil works contractors in Ireland, whose work is also well known through leading projects completed by them elsewhere in Europe and the UK,” McHale said.

BUILT TOUGH: Komatsu HM400-5 articulated dump truck

Komatsu equipment included in this latest EURO multi-million fleet enlargement are three D85PX-18 dozers, a HB365LC Hybrid excavator, two wide-track, low-ground pressure PC170 LGP excavators, and a double-digit mix of HM300-5 and HM400-5 ADTs, all of which will integrate alongside other Komatsu units within the Willis Bros fleet.

 

Scheduled to take up to four years to complete, the project is described by Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan TD as replacement for ‘one of the most treacherous sections of primary road in Ireland’.

 

“When completed, it will improve road user safety, enhance regional accessibility, and better the connectivity between Dublin and the northern and western regions of the country,” Minister Ryan added.

 

Welcomed by politicians and local tourist and commercial interests, the project involves the construction of approximately 34kms of new single carriageway road that will extend from the existing N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass to the townland of Scramoge in Co. Roscommon, bypassing the towns and villages of Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown. Where the route meets access points to these locations, provision will be made for pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

PUSH COMES TO SHOVE: A Komatsu D85PX dozer
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MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: Milestone reached as tunnelling machine breaks through to complete River Tees crossing

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HEAR ME BORE: The 220m tunnel is part of Phase 1 of a new £155m water pipeline to be constructed

LEADING civil engineering and building contractor Farrans Construction has completed an innovative tunnelling operation on Northumbrian Water’s Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley

Farrans used a specialist tunnel boring machine that has now completed an underground crossing of the River Tees.

The 220m tunnel is part of Phase 1 of a new £155m water pipeline to be constructed while protecting the watercourse and the wildlife that relies upon it.

Northumbrian Water’s Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley will see the construction of around 57km of new pipes connecting Lartington Water Treatment Works with around 200,000 customers across the south of the North East.

The specialist tunnel boring machine arrived on site in April to begin its journey between two specially constructed shafts. This operation has created a pathway beneath the river, through which the new pipes will be installed.

Phase 1 of the project will connect Lartington, in Upper Teesdale, with Whorley Hill and Shildon, County Durham, and will be followed by a second phase extending the pipeline from Whorley Hill to Long Newton, connecting to the existing network that serves large parts of Teesside.

In recent months, work has been carried out by main contractors Farrans and subcontractors Joseph Gallagher, to create the two shafts, one on either side of the river. The western shaft is 8.0 metres in diameter and 32 metres deep, while the eastern shaft is 7.5 metres in diameter and 46 metres deep, the difference being due to the rising topography on the east bank.

Dave Mellor, Contracts Director for Farrans, said: “This highly technical and challenging operation has been a best-practice example of innovative civil engineering and we are delighted to have completed it successfully and on schedule. I would like to thank our team, our specialist contractors Joseph Gallagher and our client for collaboratively achieving this important milestone in a project which will secure the water supply to this region for years to come. The moment of break through into the west shaft was a cause for celebration on site following weeks of slow, incremental progress to create the tunnel.”

James Dawes, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager said: “This project has been years in the planning, and ensuring that key strategic crossings, such as the River Tees, are done in the best way possible for the local environment and communities, has been vital. While it would have been possible to cross the Tees using a pipe-bridge, we had to consider such factors as how this would impact the stunning Teesdale landscape that will be here long after our team have completed the project and moved on.

“The use of no dig techniques, tunnelling or directional drilling, is becoming increasingly common in our projects, to reduce the impact on our region’s road and rail networks by reducing the need to dig long trenches. However, this is the first time we have employed it to cross a large river and the teams at Farrans and Joseph Gallagher Limited have done a great job to make this possible. Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley is a huge investment in the resilience and quality of water supplies to around 200,000 customers, and there is a lot of work to be done, but this is an exciting and important milestone as we progress this strategically important project towards completion.” he added.

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NEW CHAPTER OPENS: Unique Windows Systems adopts new identity for further evolution and expansion

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BRAND NEW: Unique Windows has unveiling a new identity

UNIQUE Window Systems is preparing for the next chapter in its ongoing success story.

The award-winning company, which is one of the UK’s fastest growing fabricators of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling, has rebranded, unveiling a new identity which will help to position it for further evolution and expansion.

Sunil Patel, joint managing director at Unique, explains: “Unique’s previous brand identity has served us well having been in place since our incorporation almost 20 years ago. During that time, we have enjoyed incredible success and growth, which includes our turnover surging from £20.8 million to £39.2 million between 2020 and 2022.

“Times and design styles change however, and it’s important for us as a business to change with them. Our new brand identity is more reflective of the company we have become and better epitomises our position as a large, highly professional, and quality-focused organisation.”

U BEAUTY: As part of the rebrand, the Unique Window Systems name remains and is now complemented with the addition of a distinctive U brand mark

The new Unique brand is undergoing a soft launch, being introduced gradually as existing assets and materials are replaced or updated.

The business decided to adopt this approach as part of its wider environmental policies. A hard launch had the potential to create unnecessary consumption and waste.

As part of the rebrand, the Unique Window Systems name remains and is now complemented with the addition of a distinctive U brand mark.

In addition, a new corporate font is being adopted whilst the company’s corporate colours are evolving slightly to retain a connection to the previous brand identity and to preserve existing brand equity.

A new strapline is also being introduced. ‘Our future in fenestration’ reflects the impressive breadth of the Unique offer which caters for customers in the commercial, new build and trade sectors. It also highlights the fact the business is on a collective journey with these customers to shape a mutually beneficial future.

Unique’s new brand was developed by WeBuildBrands – the specialist marketing consultancy for the fenestration, construction, and home improvement sectors.

Concluding, Sunil adds: “The introduction of the new Unique brand is an exciting development and a clear statement of intent. We may have achieved a great deal to date but we’re not about to rest on our laurels.

“Instead, we are committed to seeking out opportunities in every area – from our brand identity to our fabrication processes – to drive enhancements that are beneficial to us, our partners, our customers, and the eventual property owners and occupiers who live with our products on a daily basis.”

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ECO WARRIORS: AG Crowned Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year

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PAVING THE WAY: AG was crowned Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the 2024 Business Eye Sustainability Awards

AG, a leading paving and building products manufacturer, has been honoured for its strides in sustainability at a prestigious awards ceremony in Belfast.

The third-generation, family-owned business, established over 60 years ago, was crowned Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the 2024 Business Eye Sustainability Awards.

The accolade acknowledges manufacturers who prioritise sustainability across their operations and AG’s win further highlights the success of the company’s comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) strategy.

With manufacturing sites in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, AG, as part of its Climate Action Pledge has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by at least 30%, as well as lowering its Scope 3 emissions by 2030, regardless of business growth.

Having surpassed its science-based targets to date, AG has consistently invested in sustainable technologies, processes and materials to minimise its environmental impact, from utilising aggregates sourced from its Fivemiletown quarry to manufacturing with 100% renewable energy.

EYE ON THE PRIZE: Chris Comer, Internal Sales & Business Development Manager and Mark McCardle, COO proudly accept the Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year award on behalf of the AG team

Furthermore, AG’s dedication to sustainability earned it Platinum Status in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey and recently led to its shortlisting for Outstanding Commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) at the Business Telegraph Awards.

In recognition of its sustainability efforts, the specialist building products business is among the first to achieve recertification to the latest version of the BES 6001 Standard at its Toome location for its flag products.

AG already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and these accomplishments showcase its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum.

Mark McCardle, COO, expressed gratitude for the esteemed award, attributing the achievement to the collective efforts of AG’s workforce. “We are honoured to be crowned Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our team’s relentless efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations. At AG, we believe that sustainability is not just a choice but a responsibility, and we remain committed to minimising our environmental footprint while delivering high-quality products to our customers.”

For more information about AG and its CSR strategy, please visit: ag.uk.com

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CAN YOU DIG IT: JCB searches for the best excavator operator in the UK

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SKILL SET: JCB is putting the very best to the ultimate test and looking to find the best tracked excavator operator in the UK

ALL bets are off as JCB gives the UK’s best tracked excavator operator the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas.

JCB is looking for an operator with the X Factor during the JCB UK Operator Challenge.

The winner will be crowned JCB’s Excavator Operator of the Year 2024 and win the trip for two to Las Vegas including flights, hotel and spending money.

Operators from across the country are invited to enter for the chance to win this and a host of other luxury prizes.

With heats concluding in May, the challenge is taking place over a series of seven regional heats across the country hosted by JCB’s UK construction dealers.

Three successful operators from each event will progress to the national final hosted at JCB’s Quarry on Monday 24th June.

Alongside competing in the final face-off, each contestant will get to experience a JCB factory tour and the Story of JCB exhibition as well as full hospitality and a stay at the JCB Golf & Country Club.

WINNER TAKES ALL: As well as being crowned JCB’s Excavator Operator of the Year 2024, the winner will also get an all-expenses paid trip for two to Las Vegas

Operator James Herring of ZTL Earthworks has qualified for the final after finishing second in the recent heat held at ScotPlant 2024.

He said: “JCB not only put on an excellent well laid out stand, but also included their own JCB UK Operator Challenge at ScotPlant. It required precision and speed and the X Series 245XR and 140X models really showcased how smooth and precise the hydraulics are. I was delighted to find out I’ve made the final and look forward to visiting JCB HQ.”

While only one can take the JCB Excavator Operator of the Year title, the top three contestants will be treated to a VIP trip to Hillhead as guests of JCB on June 25.

The runner up will win tickets for two for the Sunday of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in the British Racing Drivers Club, while third place will scoop a two-night city break in London.

The challenge will take place in JCB’s X Series tracked excavator models and feature two timed activities that will test the operators’ precision and dexterity.

Regional heats will take place in conjunction with the JCB dealer Dig Days across April and May.

Details of the regional heats and registration can be found via the following link: https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/campaigns/operator-challenge

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