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Diversity in Construction in 2023
In January 2024, the Sustainability Tool, in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Programme, published its UK built environment diversity survey. This survey of more than 526,000 people provides a detailed record of diversity data and pinpoints areas for improvement.
SC4 Completes A-rated Eco Home in just 7 Months
SC4 Carpenters Ltd completed the turnkey construction of this A-rated timber frame, timber clad, eco home in just 7 months. The finished home is a warm, efficient, bright, spacious and comfortable place to live. This bungalow is all electric with multiple eco and sustainable features including air source heat pump (ASHP), solar photovoltaic panels (PV) and storage battery, and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system.
Creating A More Inclusive Working Environment For Women In Construction
As we look forward to International Women’s Day next month (8th March 2024), a lot of construction industry stakeholders and thought leaders are reflecting on the position of women in the industry and how things can be improved. Without ignoring the huge improvements in female involvement in the sector, there is still clearly a long way to go – with at most 16% of British industry workers being women.
International Women’s Day UK 2024: The Sector Has Come A Long Way But There Is Still Further To Go
This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) falls on Friday 8th March 2024. 10 years ago in 2014, International Women’s Day, also on 8th March, as always, took the theme of ‘equality for women is progress for all’. This year’s IWD is a good opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of that vision in the UK construction sector over the past decade, and where further improvements can be made.
How Can the Right Specialist Contractor Add Value to Your New-Build Housing Development?
As a contractor or contractor-developer, you understand the significance of selecting the right specialist trade contractor to support your new-build housing projects. Working with the right specialist contractor can significantly impact your project's success, bringing in further expertise, experience, quality assurance, project management capabilities, and a strong commitment to health and safety. This eBook delves into the key aspects that a competent specialist trade contractor can contribute to your new-build housing development.
Being a Neurodivergent Woman in Construction
Katy Hall is a neurodivergent (ND) woman who has been working in technology & construction since the 1980s. In this article she shares how being neurodivergent affects her and the benefits she believes she brings to her role.
Asbestos: Managing the Risk for Contractors and Customers
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that was used in construction in insulation, flooring, and roofing until the late 1990s. It has become infamous for causing life-limiting health complications, including asbestosis (the scarring of lung tissue), mesothelioma, and lung cancer, particularly among workers who were in close contact with the material during construction and demolition projects.
10 Tips to Boost Productivity for Neurodivergent People
This ADHD Productivity Cheat Sheet includes 10 Tips to Boost Productivity for Neurodivergent People, because standard methodologies, tips and tricks aimed at neurotypical brains don't work and can leave someone who is neurodivergent feeling like a failure.
Katy Hall - Shortlisted for IWCE 2024
SC4 Carpenters Ltd is thrilled to announce that Katy Hall, one of the owner/directors or SC4 Carpenters Ltd, has been shortlisted for 3 awards at the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering awards 2024.
Seamless Transitions: Second Fix Mastery in Carpentry
Transitioning from the first fix (structural timber work) to the second fix carpentry stage (fixtures and fittings) is a critical phase in any building project. Seamlessly integrating both tasks is the key to creating a building that is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Building The Backbone: Mastering First Fix In Carpentry
First fix carpentry is the crucial initial phase of carpentry work in any construction project, responsible for creating the structural elements of the building before the finishing touches are applied.
Fire Safety On Construction Sites: 6 Best Practices To Minimise Fire Risk
Fire is a terrifying and pervasive risk on construction sites, and although loss of life is thankfully rare, Home Office statistics reported 1,851 fires on construction sites in England between 2014 and 2019. These fires cause £millions in damage each year and pose a direct risk to public safety, as well as the lives and health of workers.
The Importance Of Prioritising Construction Workers Mental Health
Society is finally coming around to the realisation that mental health is important. Putting on a ‘stiff upper lip’ and suppressing mental distress does nobody any favours.
Timber Tales: Exploring The Art And Science Of Timber Construction
Timber frame construction is the oldest form of building technology, and there is evidence of wooden buildings in Britain dating back to the Neolithic period (4000- 2500 BCE). Archaeological sites in Balbridie in Scotland and Lismore Fields in Derbyshire have revealed a range of complex rectangular buildings with sturdy timber frames, wattle and daub walls, and thatched roofs.
Solving the Construction Workforce Crisis Through Greater Opportunities For Women, BAME, LGBTQ+ and Workers with Disabilities
Among the issues facing the incoming Labour government are long term, structural difficulties within the UK construction sector. It’s not that there’s any shortage of demand.
SC4 Carpenters win Site Operative of the Month
SC4 carpenter, Josh Whitfield, and SC4 apprentice carpenter, Jason Randall, both received Lovell's Site Operative of the Month awards in July 2024 for "going above and beyond".
How can changing attitudes in education relieve Construction skills shortages?
If you don't work harder at school you'll end up on a building site.
How many boys (and girls) heard this and thought "that's not the career for me"?
This article discusses how can changing attitudes towards neurodivergence and those with creative skills can help relieve skills shortages in the Construction Industry.
And that we should be valuing these skills in childhood and pride in neurodivergent people, not knocking them for the very skills the industry needs.
One Day, 20 Crane Lifts
31 July 2024 was a hot and busy day for SC4 Carpenters, with 15 Crane lifts of Roofs and Timber Frame over 3 sites.
Improving Safety And Wellbeing For Women In Construction
The number of women venturing into roles in the construction industry is still modest, but is growing year by year. Since 2022, around 14-16% of the UK construction workforce have been female, with more women entering the sector from higher education. In 2023, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 340,000 women employed by the sector, an increase of 3.2% since 2019. As construction becomes an increasingly popular and attractive career pathway for women, however, ensuring women’s safety and well-being on-site remains paramount.
SC4 and Lovell host 30 carpentry students
On a rainy day in January 2025, SC4 Carpenters Ltd collaborated with Lovell Partnerships Ltd in providing a site visit at Drummond Park to 30 carpentry students from Newbury College, Berkshire, UK and Wiltshire College & University Centre.
