**London**: Recent initiatives in the UK construction sector highlight efforts to combat modern slavery through partnerships with Stronger Together and address the urgent need for affordable housing at the inaugural Affordable Housing Innovators event, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss collaborative solutions.
In recent developments within the UK construction sector, several key initiatives and projects have emerged that reflect ongoing efforts to address critical issues such as modern slavery, affordable housing, and innovative construction practices.
STARK UK, a prominent retailer and distributor of building and construction supplies in the UK, has taken a significant step in combating worker exploitation by partnering with Stronger Together, an organisation dedicated to eradicating modern slavery from supply chains. As a sponsor of Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK joins other notable companies in a collective effort to promote ethical recruitment practices and fair employment opportunities throughout the sector. Modern slavery has been classified as a significant risk within the construction industry by various bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
Nim Cassidy, General Counsel and Company Secretary at STARK UK, remarked, “By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, we’re taking an important step to help tackle the risks of modern slavery in our industry and supply chains.” This initiative is viewed as a pathway to ensure that responsible recruitment practices are upheld across the landscape of UK construction.
In parallel to initiatives targeting modern slavery, the National Housing Bank of Canada (NHBC) recently held its inaugural Affordable Housing Innovators event in London, in collaboration with the British Property Federation. This innovative event brought together over 120 key stakeholders, including housing associations, developers, and home builders, to discuss strategies for enhancing affordable housing delivery in the UK. The central theme, “Innovation through partnership,” emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the affordable housing sector.
Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing at Home England, delivered a keynote address that covered the current state of affordable housing and the pressing need for new homes. Other speakers shared insights on successful collaborations and innovative approaches to increasing affordable housing construction. Charlie Ash of NHBC expressed gratitude to Ian Fletcher of the British Property Federation for the partnership, highlighting that joint ventures are essential to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
Meanwhile, GMI Construction has secured a £20 million contract for the transformation of an area in Milton Keynes into an industrial and logistics centre. The project, located at Precedent Drive, involves the construction of three warehouses spanning over 175,000 square feet. GMI plans to complete the project by October, aiming to create approximately 300 job opportunities in the region. Adam Taylor, Regional Director of GMI in the Midlands, noted that this project underscores GMI’s capabilities in delivering innovative industrial solutions.
In a notable technological advancement, Winvic’s Crown Place Birmingham is utilising the UK’s first remote-controlled tower crane for its 33-storey student accommodation building. Project manager David Elson highlighted that this innovative technology enhances safety and efficiency on-site, allowing operators to control the crane from a distance while accessing comprehensive data about the operation. The development is also incorporating digital tools to streamline processes, further reflecting the trend towards technological integration in construction practices.
As these developments unfold, they reflect a broader narrative within the UK construction industry, where efforts are being made not only to enhance operational efficiencies but also to address pressing social issues like worker exploitation and the urgent need for affordable housing.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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