Latest News

Joanna Crown, Marketing Director at WMS, leading supplier and installer of underfloor heating systems, has been elected as Chair for BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating Group.

Aluminium decking and balcony manufacturer AliDeck have published their 2021-2022 Balcony Fires Report with alarming results. Collating data from Fire Services across the UK using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the data returned is extremely concerning amidst the context of the ongoing building safety crisis.
 
A total of 310 Balcony Fires occurred between August 1st 2021 and July 31st 2022, up from 213 the year prior for a 46% year-on-year increase. The most troubling statistic within the report is that, of the 310 fires on balconies, 182 were related to smoking, for 59% of the total.
 

Wednesday 6th July saw Aico, the European Market Leader in Home Life Safety, win two trophies for their HomeLINK Internet of Things (IoT) connected home platform at the EG Tech Awards and the Computing Digital Technology Leaders Awards.
At the EG Tech Awards, Aico won the ESG category, which recognises the best use of tech to improve the sustainability of a building and resident wellbeing. Aico’s entry successfully demonstrated how the HomeLINK IoT platform assists landlords in identifying properties for retrofit to increase thermal efficiency, while improving indoor environmental conditions by predicting the risk of damp and mould.

The Retrofit Academy (TRA) is working with Open College Network West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority to provide Government fully-funded Level 4 and 5 retrofitting courses, saving learners up to £3,000 in course fees. These qualifications are essential for providers to take on public sector contracts for retrofit work, and advance an essential industry to ensure warm, healthy, sustainable homes across the UK.
The online courses support the UK Government’s PAS 2035 certification Initiative, their 2050 net-zero target, and include Domestic Retrofit Assessment and Application, Coordination and Risk Management qualifications. Fully funded places are available via https://retrofitacademy.org/wm

Innovative Property and tech investment firm, Convivia, has today unveiled ‘Socool’, a new campaign that showcases how the Group challenges the stigma around social housing, by delivering brand new developments that espouse high-end quality and design.

“Socool”, which is the central theme of the campaign, symbolises Convivia changing the conversation around social and making it “so cool”.  Launched on Tuesday 16th August 2022 it will utilise social media, digital advertising, and Convivia’s partnership with Queens Park Ranger Football Club, to highlight the concepts and goals that drive Socool.

ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system and sealing tapes have been specified for a new energy improvement initiative being carried out by a northern housing association.
 
The move sees WINFRAMER units being retrofitted at three 1940s – 1960s built houses in Northallerton and Stokesley as part of Yorkshire-based Broadacre Housing Association’s (BHA) pilot project. This will eventually bring hundreds of poorly insulated properties up to zero carbon ready standards and provide improved housing for BHA customers along with long-term cost savings.

Following extensive review, the Government has responded to a 2020 consultation reviewing the ban on the use of combustible materials in the external wall systems of buildings.

There will be several major changes to the Building Regulations and Approved Document B as a result and these will significantly impact how many within the construction industry operate.