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Ingersoll Rand acquires ICS www.acr-news.com/ingersoll-rand-acquires- ics


Climalife calls for customers not to panic www.acr-news.com/climalife-calls-for- customers-not-to-panic


Hackitt Review puts focus on reform


I


ndustry has responded to the findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, after Dame Judith Hackitt declared that fundamental reform is needed to improve building safety and rebuild trust among high-rise building residents.


The report, published on 17 May, argues that a new regulatory framework for higher-risk residential buildings is required to improve building safety and ensure that residents are safe. Crucially, the construction industry will be required to take responsibility for the delivery of safe buildings. Dame Judith Hackitt was appointed by the Government to lead the review following the system failures revealed by testing carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017. Dame Judith Hackitt says: “The current system is far too complex, it lacks clarity as to who is responsible for what, and there is inadequate regulatory oversight and enforcement. Simply adding more prescription or making amendments to the current system will not address the root causes. “The recommendations in this report will lead to a clearer, simpler but more robust approach to the building and on-going management of high rise residential buildings.”


The report sets out a vision for a new framework to improve standards for new and existing buildings. Recommendations include a call for a less prescriptive, outcomes-based approach to the regulatory framework, to be overseen by a new regulator; clearer roles throughout the design and construction process and during occupation, to ensure accountability; residents to be consulted on decisions affecting the safety of their home; a more rigorous and transparent product testing regime and more responsible marketing; and for industry to


lead in strengthening competence of all involved in building work, and to establish an oversight body. Many have already called for change, and industry has largely welcomed the final Review. David Frise, chief executive at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) said: “Dame Judith’s team spotted right at the start that it was not the building regulations themselves, but how they were applied and enforced that allowed a culture to develop which led to the Grenfell tragedy.” Peter Caplehorn, Construction Products Association deputy chief executive stated: “The recommendations’ emphasis on creating a digital record of a construction project will go a long way to addressing the impact of product substitution and value engineering, quality of training and poor installations. The Construction Products Association fully supports the Review’s recommendations and looks forward to continuing its work with government, members and the construction industry to roll out the implementation programme.”


CIBSE added: “The Review brings a welcome focus on the need to improve the competence of those in the construction and fire safety sectors and for a more robust system of oversight.”


The Hackitt Review also weighed in on the issue of industry payment terms, stating: “Payment terms within contracts (for example, retentions) can drive poor behaviours, by putting financial strain into the supply chain.”


Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group chief executive, Professor Rudi Klein, said this was confirmation of the damaging impact of payment abuse. He added: “There cannot be any excuse now to delay much-needed action to improve payment security for SMEs in construction supply chains.”


First Choice partners with ISA F 4 June 2018


irst Choice Group has become an official working partner of ISA, a global leader in commercial refrigeration.


The Master Distribution Agreement (MDA) between the two companies means that First Choice Group can supply customers with parts from the Italy-based manufacturer, ISA,


known for its high quality ice cream cabinets.


Business development manager at First Choice Group, Julian Fisher, said the distribution partnership will boost the choice, quality and value available to customers. He explained: “As part of our ongoing brand manufacturer developments, we are very


proud to announce our Master Distribution Agreement with ISA, one of Europe’s leading refrigeration brands.


“This agreement is yet another example of how First Choice Group works closely with its partners to provide top OEM stock levels and technical parts advice for customers.”


www.acr-news.com


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