Bart O’Sullivan industry expert from Ennis Construction explains how a new tool is making sites safer.

Bart talked to Property Aspects Magazine about a new pipe lifter and how it is revolutionary for the construction industry.

As one of the most environmentally friendly and competitive materials, it is little wonder that concrete pipelines have been the top choice for contractors for over a century. However the handling of them can take up a number of workers’ time and has been a major contributor to accidents on site.

“Traditionally when off loading a concrete pipe, a contractor would need to stand on the bed of the vehicle, and this is when accidents and injuries can occur.,” explains Bart.

“However, the Concrete Pipeline Systems Association (CPSA), has a new Pipe Lifter which removes the need for anyone to stand on the bed of the vehicle or for anyone to stand in the trench during jointing.”

“What’s more is that it dramatically reduces the installation time by 50% – giving companies a significant cost saving. We have found that this tool is revolutionary for the industry. It is simple, requires no hydraulic links or additional energy requirements on site.”

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with Blue Chip Construction Companies, Local Authorities and Private Developers over the past forty years. For more information about availability of plant and machinery, contact info@ennisconstruction.co.uk

With UK exports close to all-time highs, the country is showing signs that it can avoid a triple-dip recession, according to a survey by the British Chamber of Commerce.

The quarterly economic survey of more than 7,000 businesses, showed that the economy has made progress, and that exports were performing particularly well, with deliveries and orders near the all-time peak level seen in 1994.

However, the first transport survey by manufacturers’ organisation EEF, shows that our stretched transport infrastructure could be hindering the UK industry’s efforts. The government’s target is to double exports to £1tn a year by 2020, but do UK companies feel that investment is being made in the areas which should be a priority?

We spoke with Bart O’Sullivan Business Development Manager at Ennis Construction. He explained: “Over the past few months we have heard plenty about the government’s plans for High Speed rail links, however there is a feeling amongst businesses that our road network is being neglected. We all drive over pot holes on a daily basis, but unless you’re in the transport and manufacturing industry, you don’t realise the operational cost implications these have.”

The survey found that four out of five businesses rely on the road network and it is critical to their business and fifty per cent said that the state of the roads significantly increases their operating costs.

Bart continued; “According to the EEF’s survey, the rail network was seen as a priority for just 6% of companies, yet rail investment currently attracts 30% more funding than roads. UK businesses will be looking at the forthcoming transport strategy to address this and hopefully provide some rebalance.”

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with Blue Chip Construction Companies, Local Authorities and Private Developers over the past forty years. For more information about availability of plant and machinery, contact info@ennisconstruction.co.uk

Civil Engineering specialists Ennis Construction are now expanding their operation by hiring out their plant hire equipment.

The plant hire sector in the UK was worth in excess of £2 billion in 2011 with growth of 2% on the previous year. Reports indicate that the market over the next 3 years should increase towards a figure of around £2.5 billion.

Key factors contributing to this steady growth are environmental and energy-saving legislation and positive trends in the house building sector.

With considerable experience in the civil engineering sector, Ennis Construction have completed extensive infrastructure work on many high-profile projects across the region including The Trafford Centre, The Lowry Centre and Manchester Airport.

This has been achieved with a loyal workforce who are fully trained in handling plant and machinery and who are now be made available for contractors projects in the region.

Ray Edwards, who is Plant Manager at Ennis Construction commented “Ennis Construction have the capacity to now offer our own plant and machinery to other construction partners, we currently have plant hired out in Scotland and many of our trucks are about to be used on projects in the North West”

Ray added: “We are also in a position to provide our own experienced plant operators for any project, which can be critical to it’s’ success”.

“With many contractors wanting to reduce overheads, especially the expense of having redundant staff and equipment at certain times, this is a cost-effective way to ensure a more profitable outcome for everyone”.

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with Blue Chip Construction Companies, Local Authorities and Private Developers over the past forty years. For more information about availability of plant and machinery, contact info@ennisconstruction.co.uk

Curry Clubs are held in high-profile Indian restaurants across the country and give people in the Property, Finance and Construction sector a chance to connect over a good meal.

There’s no pressure to stand up in front of strangers and so much can be gained by just being there and listening, especially as guest speakers are on hand to offer expertise on a wide range of current construction- related topics. The events were created by industry specialists Networking in the City

Earlier this year patrons of the Curry Club were treated to an update from Cliff Mallows, Head of Regeneration at Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) about the authority’s One City Plan.

The exciting 15 year strategy was created to drive an extensive programme of regeneration through public and private investment to attract people and investment to the city.

Cliff talked about three key developments, the new Business Quarter, the Northgate Development and the new Theatre as well as other projects in the region aimed to boost Cheshire’s prospects. Cliff’s presentation gave a real insight into how the city is going to re-shape and evolve over the next 15 years, and prompted discussion amongst the guests.

Plans include developing new shops, restaurants and cafes along with a multiplex cinema near the proposed £40.5m theatre and library.

Chester Market would move to the Princess Street bus exchange and Town Hall Square would be redesigned with traditional street layouts and open space courtyards forming an integral part of the development.

CWaC estimates the scheme has the potential to create more than 1,600 jobs, increase spending by £143m and bring in an extra £8m through rates.

Cliff said: “In January the council made a clear commitment to Northgate as the key to the future of Chester and we are determined to move forward with the scheme.

“I believe our masterplan has the potential to provide a major boost to the regeneration of Chester and to establishing the city as national and regional leisure and visitor destination.”

Many more speakers have been lined up to share their expertise at the regular ‘curry club’ events, so check them out. The lunch event costs £20 and to book your place call 07976 375 366, email admin@networkinginthecity.co.uk or visit www.networkinginthecity.co.uk to find an event in your area.

FREE guest places at the Manchester Curry Club

Would you like to attend the Curry Club as guests of Property Aspects Magazine?

The first 5 people to email me via david@m3publishing.co.uk and mention this article can come as our guests.

Never has it been more important for the companies making up Manchester’s construction industry to network together. Not just the Lawyers, Financiers & Architects, but the all the trades that bring a development to its completion.

Steel Fabricators, Landscapers, Interior Designers, Kitchen companies, Flooring Companies, Plumbing & Electrical Contractors, Project Managers, Scaffolders, Property Developers, Brickwork companies, Builders Merchants and many more can benefit from the connections made at this event.

If you are involved in construction then you have something to gain from networking with fellow Manchester contractors in the Players bar at The Marriott Hotel at Manchester Airport on Monday evening.

The twitter hashtag for this event is #MancGrafters

TO BOOK FOLLOW THIS LINK

Meet in the Bar for your welcome drink, then get seated ready to enjoy your starter whilst networking with your new contacts.

Name badges will be distributed on arrival and those registering for the event 24 hours in advance will receive a delegate list prior to the evening to help with their networking. After Supper you’re welcome to stay on and network for as long as you like.

PLEASE NOTE ATTENDANCE AT THIS EVENT IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WORKING IN OR AROUND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

This is a monthly event taking place on the First Monday of each month

Despite Government pledges to use construction to boost the economy, official figures show that construction is only just starting to see green shoots of growth.

Although there were signs of recovery towards the end of 2012, in order to bounce back from the effects of recession it’s more important than ever for companies to be actively looking for new business.

That’s where networking can come in. If done correctly, it brings like-minded individuals together so they can build relationships and make valuable connections.

It might seem like a daunting task to the introverted but it doesn’t have to be the case. But it is also a very time-effective way to meet and then continue to keep in touch with lots of contacts at once.

The Curry Club, run by NetworkingintheCity.co.uk are held in high-profile Indian restaurants across the country and offer the chance to meet others in the property and construction sector over a shared meal.

There’s no pressure to stand up in front of strangers and so much can be gained by just being there and listening, especially as guest speakers are on hand to offer expertise on a wide range of current construction- related topics.

The events attract key decision makers in the industry and offer excellent opportunities to develop your contact database- essential in the current climate.

One attendee at a Manchester event, Peter Knight of Knight Site Solutions commented, I have been enjoying these events for a few years now. They allow me to keep in contact with so many other construction sector people at once – It is so effective when we are all short of time.”

Steve Kettle, Managing Director of Networking in the City, said: “We have seen the Curry Club grow in popularity and people comment on the relaxed atmosphere, great food and informal networking opportunities. Nobody is forced to stand up and present and business comes more naturally over a lunch.”

Book your place on one of the Curry Club events and be part of fastest growing property and finance networking organisation in the UK. Call 07976 375 366, email admin@networkinginthecity.co.uk or visit www.networkinginthecity.co.uk to find an event in your area.

FREE guest places at the Manchester Curry Club

Would you like to attend the Curry Club as guests of Property Aspects Magazine?

The first 5 people to email me via david@m3publishing.co.uk and mention this article can come as our guests.

A warning has been issued to landlords of residential and commercial buildings alike to be fully aware that any risks left unfixed can still make them liable if an accident were to occur, even if that very risk has been independently risk assessed. Sarah Fox of Enjoy Legal Learning has made this call to landlords after the recent case of Hannon vs. Hillingdon Homes, where the latter was left liable for injuries where a tenant had moved a bannister to an open-sided staircase.

The property in question, which Hillingdon Homes rented out, was open plan and the tenant had taken out the bannister out of personal choice and taste to compliment the space. The landlords were aware of this change, but did nothing about it. Over a period of twenty years, the landlord’s employees and contractors had visited the flat, without commenting on, noting or reporting the lack of a bannister or any potential health and safety risks.

This recently came to a head as a heating engineer, Mr. Hannon, came to fix the boiler, which was on the ground floor and examine the hot water cylinder, which was on the first floor. Hannon was working on the first floor when he heard a loud bang from downstairs. Fearing the boiler had exploded, he rushed down the stairs, during which he lost his footing, reached out to the non-existent bannister to steady himself, and in-turn fell and seriously injured his ankle. The case went to court and ruled in favour of the Claimant, Hannon.

So it begs the question, should the landlord have put the bannister back in? Was the landlord liable despite 20 years without incident and an independent risk assessment? Sarah Fox was on hand to clarify.

She commented: “The landlord was held liable to its tenant under Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act – a landlord’s duty of care in relation to leased property – on the basis of their omission I.E. their failure to replace the bannisters, even though the tenant removed them. The lack of a formal written notice to the landlord identifying the defect was irrelevant, and the claimant’s own risk assessment did not affect the landlord’s liability.”

She concluded: “Landlords need to be vigilant and aware that they remain liable for structural defects which cause injury to people or damage to property, even where the premises are rented.”

Sarah has been Highly Commended in the SCL Hudson Prize competition in 2011 for papers on construction law. If you wish to contact her, please email Sarah via: sarah@enjoylegallearning.co.uk

A project aiming to upgrade the sewer network and improve water quality in the River Lune is due to begin on 24th February, and is currently undergoing final preparations before starting it’s two-year operation time. The public were invited to Lancaster Town Hall to discuss any concerns with contractors ahead of the launch of the £18 million improvement works.

United Utilities are behind the project, which will install new underground storage tanks, new pipes laid, and making general updates to the old Victorian system. The BBC reported that project manager, Dawn Harrington, said the work will “allow sewers to hold more storm water and help protect the environment.”

However United Utilities have a mammoth task ahead, as the project will likely cause many disruptions in Lancaster, with the first phase of the project shutting Damside Street for an entire year. United Utilities recently had a similar issue with works they carried out in Preston, as the 12 month disruption caused from building a new huge sewage tunnel beneath the city centre led to a £1 million payout to local businesses. But Dawn Harrington was quick to reassure people that they’ve “talked to a lot of people about the best way to do this and we now have a programme that aims to minimise disruption.”

Bart O’Sullivan from Ennis Construction, a company with over four decades experience in road and sewage infrastructure, as well as conducting work in less than convenient locations. Bart spoke to Property Aspects about the considerations and pitfalls that United Utilities face.

“With projects like these it’s never going to be a convenient time to carry out the work. Preston and Lancaster are both busy, highly populated areas that don’t have the luxury of space, which makes jobs like these especially tricky.”

“You just have to factor in who may be disrupted and, where possible, liaise with them constantly to reduce the impact of the work. When it comes to disrupting the general public you must work with the local Authorities to constantly communicate the progress of the works. Advance planning on access and egress will mitigate the disruption caused to allow life to continue as normal as can be expected during the construction operation.”

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with Blue Chip Construction Companies, Local Authorities and Private Developers over the past forty years. For more information, contact info@ennisconstruction.co.uk

Proposals for a 65-acre Manchester Airport City business park to built on scrubland near the M56 have finally been approved, with the project rumoured to cost around £650 million.

Manchester Airport Group said the enterprise zone would include a mix of office space and hotels, while work on the site is set to begin within the next few weeks.

Plans for the park, which is also being built on Woodhouse Park in Wythenshawe, include 1.2m sq ft of offices, approximately 1,300 hotel beds, and 530,000 sq ft of manufacturing space. There are also plans for ‘green bridge’ over the M56 spur road for pedestrian access, and to provide a “new iconic gateway.” John Atkins, Airport City Director, claimed that gaining planning approval was “a major milestone,” believing it underlined the progress they’ve made in the past year, while being able push on to bring job and investment opportunities.

Talking about the intricacies of a project as grand and complex as this one, Bart O’Sullivan from Ennis Construction Airports spoke to Property Aspects about the challenges that still lie ahead, and shared his expertise on airport infrastructure.

Bart commented: “The project is massively ambitious and I have to congratulate the group on getting approval. Once completed the space will be fantastic for businesses, hotels and manufacturers, and create a countless number of jobs. However there is still a long way to go and many factors to take into consideration.”

“It’s not just about access and parking for people travelling by foot, car and bicycle once the place is finished, but about providing clear and proper work access while the extensive build is going on. There’s also the age-old problem of making sure your works doesn’t impact on the roads and businesses around you. This especially important when you are working on or near airports, as unnecessary disruption to passengers or flights is completely unacceptable. Lines have to be drawn from the start about how everything is going to fit together otherwise it will become costly for a number of people.”

Bart finished with a vote of confidence in favour of the build: “I’m certain that all of these factors will have been considered by the group and all involved. I can’t wait to see the end result.”

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with Blue Chip Construction Companies, Local Authorities and Private Developers over the past forty years. For more information, contact info@ennisconstruction.co.uk

If you hire equipment or heavy machinery for use on a project, does all of your staff using the rented gear have the proper training? Can the rental company be sure that their valuable equipment is being rented out to trained professionals?

These are the questions being posed by Manchester-based civil engineering firm Ennis Construction, who have recently started up their own plant hire service, and looking to make sure the system as a whole more transparent for hirer and renter.

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guide on training relating to equipment admitted that: “It is not possible to detail here what constitutes ‘adequate training’, as requirements will vary according to: the job or activity, the existing competence of workers, the circumstances of the work (e.g. degree of supervision), the work equipment etc.” This grey area could lead to employees being unintentionally undertrained; a fact that could be missed by hirers and renters and could end up causing serious accidents.

The HSE goes onto say: “the general PUWER Approved Code of Practice and guidance specifically mentions two situations imposing minimum training obligations, in relation to” …/… chainsaw operators” and “driver training”, as well as mentioning fork lift trucks, woodworking machinery and power presses. Business Insider reported that a lack of training could also lead to drops in productivity, performance management, product quality, and employee retention.

Speaking to Ennis’ Contracts Director, Bart O’Sullivan, helped shed more light on the dangers of being undertrained with machinery and a possible solution to the problem.

He stated: “Most employees working in construction are on the whole very well trained and thoroughly professional. However, unintentionally or otherwise, an employee may have a gap in their knowledge and be undertrained on a certain piece of equipment. It’s understandable considering that sometimes it’s not enough to be trained on certain machinery, but to be individually trained on specific brands of machinery. This can be dangerous, as hirers don’t want an accident or lawsuit on their hands, and renters also want to know their equipment is in good hands.”

Speaking about a possible solution, Bart said: “We’ve been looking into a mechanism for hire and rental companies, site managers, and employers to check the level of competence of a hirer. We would do this by giving them access to a remote database that holds the hirers training records, whilst keeping their personal information secure. This way, there would be complete transparency on who will operate the gear and if they are suitably qualified.”

Ennis Construction and Ennis Construction Airports have worked with blue chip construction Companies, local authorities and private developers over the past forty years. For more information about their plant hire facilities, please contact Bart O’Sullivan at info@ennisconstruction.co.uk