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Lift industry leaders call for action to close competency gaps in property sector 

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New research reveals widespread competency gaps in building management teams managing lifts and escalators, with many struggling to keep pace with safety and compliance demands.

 Skills gaps and competency shortfalls are leaving many building and property management teams unable to confidently manage and maintain lifts safely. These deficiencies risk occupant safety, disrupt operations, and expose building owners and managers to regulatory and financial penalties.

Amid rising safety and compliance demands, the research found that the skills shortage is leaving several areas of the profession vulnerable. This includes compliance documentation (53%), preventative and predictive maintenance (44%), emergency and fire safety systems management (37.5%), incident investigation and root cause analysis (35%), and installation and refurbishment quality (33%).

The research, commissioned by PEW Electrical, a specialist supplier to the lift and vertical transport industry, revealed that 64% of building managers (FMs) and operators say that the primary cause behind lift failures is a lack of skills in the sector.

However, it isn’t just the shortage of new skills entering the sector leaving room for risk, competency gaps among teams are also impacting safety. The research found that over half (54%) of property professionals report that their organisations do not enforce specific competency or accountability measures for lifts and escalators.

Looking at the broader training landscape in the sector, 61% say that while their firms offer periodic training, they do not track competencies, and 33% said that high operational workloads limit the time available for training.

Regulatory demands only add to the situation, with 47% of building management teams saying competence gaps are caused by an inability to keep up with rapidly changing regulations and standards, and almost half (44%) admit that they are unclear of their obligations following the Building Safety Act.

With the construction and engineering sectors facing a need to recruit 250,000 additional workers by 2028[1], the lift industry is calling for action to revolutionise training pathways and better support the sector in safe maintenance and inspection regimes.

Jason Clark, Chairman at PEW Electrical, commented: ““The shortage of specialist engineers is impacting all corners of the built environment, and the lift industry is no different. However, failing to address competency gaps could pose serious consequences for building managers, property owners and occupants alike.

“Frequent lift breakdowns not only disrupt daily operations and reduce accessibility but can also increase maintenance and emergency repair costs significantly.

“Furthermore, prolonged lift outages can damage tenant satisfaction and building reputation – potentially impacting leasing and property values. Lapses in preventative maintenance raise safety risks that expose owners to legal liabilities and regulatory penalties, especially under evolving building safety legislation.

“The property sector cares about best practice, there is no doubt about that,” Clark continued. “But as an industry, we must prioritise collaboration, education, and training to support building owners and management teams in maintaining lifts reliably, safeguarding asset value, ensuring operational continuity, and above all, protecting occupant wellbeing.”

The firm urges that effective collaboration across building management teams, engineers, and suppliers will be vital. It calls for clearer competency frameworks and targeted training partnerships with specialist suppliers to overcome the sector’s skills gaps and ensure that lifts remain reliable, compliant and safe.

To find out more about PEW Electrical, visit: https://www.pewelectrical.com/

Promat technical director Nigel Morrey to retire after decades driving higher standards

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Long-serving technical director Nigel Morrey has announced his retirement after nearly a decade at Etex Building Performance and nearly 37 years in the passive fire protection sector, where he oversaw product performance and development for both passive fire protection specialist Promat and dry walling manufacturer Siniat. 

A passionate advocate for fire safety and competency, under his direction Nigel has led significant change at both Promat and Siniat to ensure high standards of performance backed by market-leading testing in response to a changing regulatory landscape.

This includes Siniat being one of the first companies in the UK to secure CCPI verification and introducing classification as the standard on its dry wall products to evidence fire performance.

Within Promat, Nigel has driven the shift from BS fire test standards across to EN, which further supports our system-based approach to passive fire protection. 

He has also overseen the development of specialist fire board protection systems designed to meet the changing demands of the construction industry, including the move towards increased use of structural steel.

Most recently he led the decision for Etex Building Performance to take design liability for systems across both the Siniat and Promat brands to reduce the burden of risk on principal designers in the wake of the Building Safety Act.

Appointed as technical director of Promat in 2002, Nigel also became technical director of Siniat in 2016 – with Etex Building Performance being incorporated in January 2017.

Nigel’s wealth of expertise has seen him serve as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), as well as being a member of their Council and Strategy Groups. He has also represented the organisation on Expert Panel D, Passive Fire Protection at the Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB). 

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, he was invited to chair the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Fire Safety Group and was a director of the Finishes and Interiors Sector for a number of crucial years in the industry.

He has championed the importance of competency in ensuring accurate use, specification and installation of passive fire protection. This has seen 35 current members of staff pass the IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection across Etex Building Performance, with a further 17 currently working towards the qualification.  

In 2024, Nigel was awarded the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his work to highlight the need for better awareness around passive fire protection, as well as his commitment to improving fire safety. 

Additionally in 2025 Nigel became a lifelong fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Nigel said: “It has been an honour to be part of the significant achievements of both Promat and Siniat. 

“Working within Promat the emphasis is clearly on passive fire protection, and to me it made sense that we applied those same rigorous testing regimes to Siniat dry walling. 

“It is the success that we have achieved in creating a genuinely market-leading level of tested systems that has been most rewarding – in particular the move to classifying systems. 

“This journey has taken us from historical BS tests to more recently being an early adopter of EN standards, EXAP testing and classification. 

“It has taken many years and has seen us carry out over 120 full scale fire tests each year but has allowed us to become technical leaders in the UK.

“This level of test data not only reduces the risk taken by designers, it crucially supports the construction of buildings that are safer for those who occupy them.

“Likewise, it was a bold decision for us to take design liability but it is the right thing to do; to take the risk away from others and enshrine the design of life critical systems in demonstrated competency. 

“Most of all though it has been about the people, and it has been great to be part of that team. We have created an environment that nurtures technical excellence and embraces learning, with a team that is passionate about their technical development. This is what I have loved being a part of and we have built great foundations to move forwards on.”

John Sinfield, Country Manager for Etex Building Performance, said: “Nigel is one of a kind and we will miss him immensely. His knowledge of passive fire protection, and the passion he has to drive change has left a lasting legacy of high standards – and, in turn, safer buildings.  

“The passion he has brought to the role was infectious, and the team at Etex Building Performance look forward to continuing to build on the impressive work he has achieved.”

Nigel steps down from his role at the end of December.

Develon Machines Excel at New Lincolnshire Greenfield Quarry

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SONY DSC

– Pioneer Supplies New DX490LC-7 Excavator & DL580-7 Wheel Loader –

At the new Skillington Quarry near Grantham in Lincolnshire in the UK, a new DX490LC-7 crawler excavator and a new top-of-the-range DL580-7 wheel loader from Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, have helped transform what was a greenfield site in March this year into a fully working limestone quarry in the space of less than six months.

Skillington Quarry is owned by Heritage Quarry Group (North) Ltd and has consented reserves of more than ten million tonnes of limestone, which will ensure the site will be supplying stone for many years to come. A good proportion of the limestone produced at the quarry comes from material loaded into the mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment on site by the DX490LC-7 50.4 tonne crawler excavator and it is stockpiled by the DL580-7 wheel loader, which also transfers it into trucks waiting to take it to customer sites.

Both new machines were supplied and are supported by Pioneer Plant, based in Corby in Northamptonshire. Pioneer Plant is the Authorised Dealer for Develon for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the PE and NG postcode areas of South Lincolnshire.

Steve Johnson, Director at Heritage Quarry Group (North) Ltd, said:

“We are delighted to have moved from a field where grass was growing in March this year to selling stone on 1st September. It has been hard work, including installing all the infrastructure required such as water and electrification.

“The new Develon equipment has been very impressive – I have employed a lot of Doosan equipment successfully in the past and the new latest generation Develon machines continue to excel in the loading and stockpiling roles that are vital to the productivity of the new quarry.”

High Performing Equipment from Develon

The DX490LC-7 offers the strength and productivity needed for the heavy duty work at Skillington Quarry. To meet Stage V engine emission regulations, the DX490LC-7 is powered by the Scania DC13 Stage V compliant diesel engine, providing a high power output of 294 kW (394 HP).

In the DX490LC-7, the enhanced performance of the DC13 engine is combined with the D-Ecopower+ system and the new generation Smart Power Control Technology (SPC3), providing excellent fuel efficiency. Increased pump capacity and the higher power of the engine produces up to an 8% increase in productivity, the best-in-class performance in the 50 tonne market.

The DL580-7 is the biggest model in the DL-7 range of wheel loaders from Develon, offering up to 7% more capacity, providing easier and faster loading with a maximum bucket capacity of 6.4 m³. The Z-kinematic lift arm delivers high breakout forces and lifting capacities, especially for heavy materials, and a large dump angle for efficiently unloading sticky materials.


Spacious Ergonomic Cab Design

Inside the cab on the DL580-7, there is a seat with both heating and ventilation. The seat offers fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings and a pneumatic lumbar function as standard. There is a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons on the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor and on the gauge panel, which offers a clear layout and anti-reflective glass.

Like all DL-7 wheel loaders, the DL580-7 offers significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Develon Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. The control panel also includes two USB sockets.

Steve Johnson added:

“We have received top class service from both Pioneer and Develon. Confirming what I have experienced in the past with what was the Doosan brand, I have found that the high performance and reliability of the Develon range fits the bill – we wouldn’t keep going back to this brand of machines if they weren’t good. And Pioneer will ensure that there will be no trouble in terms of downtime and waiting for parts, and so on.”

Pioneer Plant

Pioneer Plant (www.pioneerplant.co.uk) is solely responsible for sales and servicing of the Develon crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck and attachment ranges in its area.

Pioneer Plant customers benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of all types of plant and machinery.

Develon is a brand of HD Hyundai Infracore and one of the world’s leading construction, quarry and mining equipment manufacturers, offering a broad selection of products including crawler and wheeled excavators (with operating weights from 1 to 100 tonne), wheel loaders (covering capacities from 1.9 to 6.4 m³), articulated dump trucks (with maximum payloads up to 41 tonne), compact wheel loaders (from 3.5 to 5 tonne), dozers (up to 15 tonne) and products with alternative power sources.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

Unique strengthens new build offer with key appointment

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Unique Window Systems has enhanced its already impressive offer to the new home, BTR, PBSA and commercial sectors.

To help support the success of customers in these important markets, the multi-award-winning fabricator of windows, doors and curtain walling has appointed Nigel Abbott as its New Build Business Development Manager. 

Nigel will be dedicated to helping house builders, developers and main contractors to benefit from Unique’s comprehensive portfolio of high performance fenestration solutions, which includes both UPVC and aluminium products.

He will have a nationwide remit but in particular will be looking to augment Unique’s considerable track record in the Midlands and North.

To help support this growth, Unique now operates from two large sites – its main 165,000 sq. ft. site centrally located in Leicester and a second 75,000 sq. ft. site in Blackburn.  

Both sites are home to state-of-the-art fabrication and distribution facilities whilst Leicester is also the location of the company’s head office functions.

In addition, Unique offers house builders and developers a complete end-to-end service that includes not only products but also the support of dedicated project managers, site managers and installation teams.

Nigel is ideally suited to his new role and has a wealth of specialist experience and insight 

He has worked within a consultative sales capacity in the new build sector for over twenty years.

During his career to date, he has worked for businesses involved in the supply of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, staircases, door sets, tiles, sanitaryware and many other building products to regional and national house builders and developers, 

Commenting on his new role, Nigel said: “I am proud to have become part of the Unique team. The business has a clear commitment to quality, continued innovation and the highest levels of service which are all attributes I personally believe in and like to advocate.

“As a company that remains family-owned, it also has a warm and welcoming culture and a responsive, entrepreneurial approach.

“I am looking forward to building relationships with both existing and new customers and to contributing to Unique’s already impressive success and growth.” 

Dean Martin, Head of Sales at Unique, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Nigel onboard. His past experience, professionalism and in-depth understanding of the specific operational and commercial challenges faced by our house builder and developer clients will make him a real asset to both Unique and our customers alike.”

First homes delivered at Lombard Square

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Berkeley Group, in partnership with Peabody, has completed 206 homes at Lombard Square, Plumstead, in the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area. This marks the first residential phase of a 17-acre brownfield regeneration site which will deliver nearly 2,000 homes including 765 affordable homes (40%), alongside new public spaces, employment floorspace and improved local infrastructure and connections.

This first phase brings forward 54 affordable homes and is now ready for residents, with grant funding from the GLA and infrastructure funding from Homes England playing a key role in unlocking overall delivery and enabling early affordable housing provision in a time of housing need.

Developed with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the Lombard Square masterplan will also deliver just over 47,000 sq. ft of light industrial, community, commercial and employment space, creating approximately 187 permanent jobs once fully complete.

Once home to Arsenal Football Club and later industrial use until 2016, the site is a catalyst for change in this part of West Thamesmead and is being reimagined into a sustainable neighbourhood, anchored by extensive green infrastructure. Delivered at the same time as these first new homes, Berkeley has created a 1.8-acre four-seasons park, and overall plans include 2.7 acres of additional parkland, and 35,000 sq. ft of public play space, contributing to a projected 45% Biodiversity Net Gain. New pedestrian and cycle links will connect Plumstead, Broadwater Green and Thamesmead, with improved access to the Ridgeway and local transport, including Plumstead Station.

The development also features a low-carbon open-loop Ground Source Heat Pump network, which is expected to deliver around 70% lower carbon emissions than air-source systems. Additional sustainability features include solar panels, water-efficient fittings and electric charging infrastructure across the neighbourhood.

Paul Prichard, Development Director at Berkeley Capital, said: “Completing these initial homes at Lombard Square is an important first step in the regeneration of Plumstead West Thamesmead and for new housing delivery in this part of the Borough and South-East London. This early progress reflects strong collaboration with Peabody, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the GLA and Homes England, whose support has been fundamental in unlocking the site and enabling the delivery of this first phase of homes.

“Housing delivery remains challenging across the Capital, so maintaining momentum here will rely on sustained partnership and the right conditions for development. Lombard Square is a long-term regeneration programme, of which we are already very proud and we continue to be focused on delivering high-quality homes, green space and wider community benefit as the neighbourhood evolves.”

Pipeline of work in the industry bodes well for September surge – By Mark Wade, Hays

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While the construction industry doesn’t ever really slow down in the summer the way it might have in years gone by, we definitely still see a bit of a surge when it comes to recruitment in the sector at this time of year.

As the natural break provided by summer holidays ends and people start to consider their options for the new calendar year, it is noticeable that in September we see both more hiring activity and applications in construction.

I was encouraged to see that the FMB’s latest SME State of Trade Survey shows that all key measures of performance in the sector were up in the first half of this year.

The survey, which for the first time has been delivered in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) monitors key indicators and predicts future short-term developments for micro and SME building firms, which make up much of the industry in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

These key indicators include workloads, enquiries and employment and the latest report shows that all regions and nations recorded increases, with workloads in Northern Ireland up 36% in November compared with the previous six months and enquiries about new work increasing a massive 64% in NI.

While every major sector saw growth, the rise in workloads and enquiries was driven by a jump in house building workloads and repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) projects.

Gavin McGuire, director of FMB in Northern Ireland says the positive feedback from the industry conveys a sense of cautious optimism in the sector.

“Certainly, in looking back over the last decade, those figures represent some good news and green shoots particularly for the RMI market here. It will be interesting to see if those enquiries and workloads can keep rolling out throughout the rest of 2025 and see that optimism become a reality,” he said.

One of the big challenges, which I’ve touched on many times in my Specify articles, is that of skills shortages. While it is not a new problem, it is interesting to see in the latest survey focusing exclusively on small and medium-sized firms throughout the construction sector – 458 across the UK – that the issue remains serious.

The figures showed a hugely encouraging 39% increase in employment. However, around a third of companies also reported they were still finding it hard to recruit skilled trades like carpenters, roofers and plumbers.

Almost two thirds have found it hard to hire staff with knowledge of the new building safety regime and almost as many said it was difficult to find people with skills in modern sustainable building practices and new technologies.

Most tellingly, the survey revealed that over 60% of firms were affected by skilled labour shortages, resulting in job delays for nearly half of them and cancellations for almost a quarter.

“Those are figures which help us all focus the mind towards improving skills and recruitment,” says Gavin McGuire.

“With positive figures, comes a realisation for the contractors trying to deliver those projects. FMB, continue to work with our industry partners and key stakeholders to help provide the people to deliver.

“Viable and supportive programs need to be in place for the many SME’s who are sacrificing time and resources to help train the next generation of staff. As well as provide the help to upskill existing workforces as the industry adapts to new legislation and changes.”

From our work with FMB, CIOB and the other industry representative groups we are well aware of the other challenges facing construction companies at present, including increased materials costs, new legislation, slow planning processes and difficulties getting payment.

But with housebuilding in Northern Ireland seeing its busiest quarter in seven years in the second quarter of 2025, there are also reasons to be upbeat.

Over half of the construction businesses surveyed by FMB and CIOB said they have a positive outlook for the second half of 2025 and the majority of the rest being neutral in their outlook.

It’s clear the industry remains resilient and adaptable to changing market conditions and Hays is ready to support them through this year’s September surge.

Griffiths Farrans JV boosts local economy by more than £14m during Bristol Airport project

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Griffiths Farrans JV has today revealed a full analysis of its positive impact on the local economy during its construction of the Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport earlier this year.

The £60 million project, part of the Airport’s £400 million transformation programme, has already demonstrated how it will enable more sustainable journeys to and from the Airport with up to 250 public transport movements a day. As part of adding value to the project delivery during construction an extensive social value programme was developed in line with the social and economic needs of the local region.

Throughout the delivery period the project supported 18 apprentices and two T-Level placements project, and with a focus on providing opportunities for local people 12 of those were local residents to the Airport. In addition, over 23% of the total staff employed were local people who came from within 20 miles of the airport, accounting for over 10,000 hours worked.

Local sourcing on the project supported sustainability, boosted efficiency, and delivered significant social and economic value. The concrete supplier, for example, was based less than five miles from the Airport providing significant local spend and employment within their operations and overall 30% of suppliers came from within a 50-mile radius.

The Griffiths Farrans team also set about creating connections with local communities through outreach, volunteering and donations. Financial contributions of £56,000 were made to local community and charity initiatives including Great Western Air Ambulance and Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm, while almost 500 hours of volunteering time was given to local community projects – equating to £9k of social value return.

Overall the project delivered £14.1m social return on investment value, as calculated using the TOMs framework. This represents 26% in added value for the local community.

Suzanne Lutton, Head of Stakeholder and Social Value at Farrans said: “It is always a proud moment to see a new project opening and we have received a lot of positivity about the Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport. Throughout the build we were embarking on an ambitious programme of social value and I am pleased to be able to reveal our final figures today. There is no doubt that the money we have kept in this region will have a significant impact for many years to come.”

Griffiths Regional Director, Simon Dunn added “As partners, Griffiths and Farrans worked closely to align our social value goals and deliver long-term impact. We ran regular working groups with the Airport to keep planning coordinated and took part in joint events and initiatives. We also engaged our supply chain partners and local anchor organisations to deliver our social value commitments.”

David Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport said:

“It’s been great to partner with Griffiths Farrans JV on such an important milestone project – delivering one of the region’s largest public transport interchanges. It was imperative they were aligned with our social value goals, which means local communities and our region has benefitted.

“The two-and-a-half year project has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices as well as paid site-based work experience and employment for those new to the industry. We are committed in supporting and developing young people. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.”

Is your outdoor tap dressed for winter? 

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With some cold snaps on the way, NI Water is asking the public to check if their outdoor water tap is protected against any dip in temperatures. To help ‘dress your tap’, NI Water has a limited number of outdoor tap covers available for free through its www.getwaterfit.co.uk page.

Insulated outdoor tap covers provide a protective barrier that helps to maintain a stable temperature and prevent leaks and bursts, even during harsh winter weather.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen highlights the dangers: “Frozen outdoor taps can lead to burst pipes, causing expensive water damage and unnecessary disruption. Prevention is simple. By fitting an insulated outdoor tap cover, you can safeguard your home and avoid the stress and costs associated with water leaks.”

Anna adds: “Many residents don’t realise how vulnerable external taps are during cold snaps. NI Water’s insulated tap cover can reduce the likelihood of an outdoor tap freezing, offering peace of mind to homeowners.”

Anna Killen advises: “Keep the name of a plumber handy – type in your postcode at www.watersafe.org.uk to find your nearest accredited plumbing business or try the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) website at www.needaplumber.org.uk. Early intervention by a professional plumber if you have a frozen or burst pipe can prevent significant water loss and damage.”

To request your NI Water insulated tap cover, visit www.getwaterfit.co.uk. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early action is advised.

NI Water is also asking the public for their help with reporting bursts when they are out and about this winter. This can be done by filling in an online form at www.niwater.com/report-a-leak-or-burst-pipe. Or call NI Water’s Leakline free of charge on 0800 028 2011.

BPI delivers over £1.15 million through multi-sale disposal programme for a leading modular building manufacturer

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BPI has supported a leading UK modular building manufacturer through an extensive series of online auctions, managing the phased disposal of surplus equipment and delivering more than £1.15 million in hammer sales across 28 auctions and over 2,000 lots. 

As a longstanding and valued client, the business entrusted BPI to coordinate a structured programme that would deliver strong financial outcomes, efficient clearance and responsible redistribution of assets across multiple sites.

The range of assets offered throughout the programme reflected the breadth of the company’s operational footprint and included plant and machinery, CNC and woodworking equipment, materials handling equipment, fixtures and fittings, racking, trolleys, building supplies and high volumes of consumables. Each sale required detailed cataloguing, accurate asset presentation and coordinated marketing to ensure buyers were equipped with the information needed to bid confidently. 

The sales consistently attracted strong levels of participation, drawing interest from a wide network of UK and international buyers. Engagement was supported by targeted digital promotion, which ensured each auction reached the relevant sectors across manufacturing, construction, modular production, plant hire and general industrial markets. This approach helped maintain competitive bidding and delivered reliable value across the full disposal schedule. 

The programme also contributed to the client’s wider focus on responsible practice. By returning surplus assets to industry use, the sales supported circular economy principles and reduced unnecessary waste, providing a practical route for extending the working life of quality equipment and materials. 

Reflecting on the success of the partnership, James Mellars, Commercial Director at BPI, said: “We are proud to have supported this company across such a comprehensive series of sales. The strength of buyer engagement throughout the programme demonstrates the value of a structured approach to asset disposal and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when assets are remarketed effectively.” 

Through clear communication, reliable processes and punctual delivery, BPI ensured that each sale met the client’s objectives and contributed to a smooth and accountable asset disposal programme. 

For more information visit www.bpiauctions.com.

Vestive cheer! Chadwicks teams up with Dustin the Turkey to launch a festive hi-vis vest in aid of Irish Wheelchair Association

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NO REPRO FEE.   Dustin the Turkey is pictured at the launch of Chadwicks’ festive charity hi-vis vest alongside Chadwicks team member Sarah Clarke. The limited-edition hi-vis vest is available exclusively on Chadwicks.ie, for only €6.99, with all proceeds supporting the Irish Wheelchair Association. PIC. ROBBIE REYNOLDS

The Chadwicks Limited-edition Christmas hi-vis vests are now available

Click here to buy

Chadwicks, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant, has teamed up with one of Ireland’s favourite ‘tradies’, Dustin the Turkey to launch its new festive charity hi-vis vest, with all proceeds proudly supporting Irish Wheelchair Association.  

The limited-edition festive high-vis vest is available exclusively at Chadwicks.ie for only €6.99 and is designed to brighten up worksites while raising vital funds for IWA. By wearing the charity vest throughout December, tradespeople can shine safely this festive season while supporting a great cause.  

While office workers and school children have long enjoyed Christmas Jumper Day, tradespeople have often beenleftout in the cold. This year, Ireland’s worksites will dazzle withfestive fluorescents as tradespeople pull on the limited-edition Chadwicks Christmas charity vest, proving that safety gear can also be full of cheer. 

Every “vestive” look helps support IWA, a charity dedicated to empowering people with physical disabilities to live active, independent, and connected lives in their communities. So, when tradespeople pull on their hi-vis vests this Christmas, they’ll be shining a light on inclusion, community, and compassion. 

Dustin the Turkey, national treasure, self-declared builder, and Christmas Hi Vis ambassador, said: 

“You know me, I love a good ‘vestive’ celebration! This year, I’m swapping the feathers for fluorescents to help Chadwicks spread a bit of Christmas cheer for a brilliant cause. The festive Chadwicks vest is bleedin’ deadly, and every on bought helps support Irish Wheelchair Association. 

Tara Brennan, Marketing & Development Director at Chadwicks Group, added: “At Chadwicks, community is at the heart of everything we do, and this festive charity initiative is a celebration of that spirit. We’re proud to support Irish Wheelchair Association once again, and we hope to see tradespeople across the country wearing these festive vests throughout December.   

Since 2021, Chadwicks has proudly partnered with Irish Wheelchair Association, supporting projects to improve accessibility at community centres and residential homes across Ireland. From refurbishments to fundraising, Chadwicks colleagues have helped enhance facilities for IWA service users nationwide.” 

How to Get Involved