Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge.
The new Pattullo Bridge over the Fraser River near Vancouver, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster, and is being updated from the original construction completed in 1937. Working on behalf of Fraser Crossing Constructors GP, Hull-based Spencer Group is designing, making, testing and commissioning a semi-permanent access system to enable maintenance engineers to inspect all elements of the bridge’s stay cables. The cradle element, which transports personnel to the desired inspection location, operates similarly to a cable car, moving up and down a track rope on the four lane, toll-free bridge. The cradle will be electrically hoisted up and down the main track rope and will vertically move up and down to enable personnel to inspect the stay cable wires throughout the lifespan of the bridge. Gordon Neilson, Principal Engineer at Spencer Group and a leading industry expert in bridge gantry design, is behind the design for the Pattullo Bridge cable fan access system. The design stage of the access system project is already underway and is set to be complete by early May. Manufacturing and testing will take place in the UK before the whole access system is shipped to Canada for installation. Fraser Crossing Constructors GP will be designing the bridge to interface with the stay cable access system, before it is tested and commissioned by Spencer Group. Steven Bunting, Project Director at Spencer Group, is leading the project said: “We’re really pleased that our track record of addressing unique challenges in the bridges sector and our engineering skills are being recognised and called upon internationally. “Our unique design on this project will be transferable to other cable stay bridges all over the world. It addresses challenges faced with the need to carry out tactile inspections of cables from a dedicated work platform, at difficult to reach locations at significant elevations.” The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for bridge users with modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre barrier, dedicated walking and cycling lanes separated from traffic by a barrier on both sides of the bridge, and better connections to, from and near the bridge. The existing bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is open to traffic in 2024. Once the Pattullo Bridge replacement is open, the existing bridge will be removed.Farmers invited to take part in carbon capture research
- rotational cover crops
- annual fibre crops (industrial hemp and flax)
- perennial food, forage, and feed crops (including cereals and herbal leys)
- perennial biomass crops (miscanthus, willow and poplar).
Skills deficit has firms driving with the handbrake on, says Minister
“The Government is investing in building future skills for growth and calling on businesses to work with us, so that together we can build the workforce of tomorrow.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Successful companies need skilled workforces and as the Business and Trade Secretary I want to listen to the needs of business to ensure that the skills system delivers for them, creates even more highly skilled jobs and grows the economy.“This conference is vital to show how government can support business to build our skills base and ensure we have the right workforce for the jobs of the future.”
In addition to the conference, the government is urging employers to hire more apprentices, especially younger workers, and to invest more in training and upskilling their workforce. We are also highlighting the wide range of government-backed courses and support which is available, including Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs as well as £2.7 billion of additional funding to support businesses to take on more apprentices and the ongoing rollout of T Levels.
The event is also being delivered in partnership with World Skills UK, organisers of the participation of skilled UK professionals in the world’s largest competitive skills showcase. Previous winners of World Skills events will also be present to discuss their experiences. The critical mass of expertise assembled at the Business Connect – Skills for Growth conference will inspire business leaders and help to grow the UK economy, creating jobs, prosperity and opportunity for people regardless of their background whilst plugging critical skills gaps which many businesses face.VFC rescues Meatless Farm from administration
Packaging company expands into Sheffield business park
50% pre-let at Sheffield Catalyst ahead of completion
Clarion makes seven senior associate promotions
Clarion has promoted seven associates to the position of senior associate in addition to recently appointing two partners and four legal directors.
Alexander Lehany, Kerri-Anne Ball, Oliver Barlow, Siobhan Dexter, Kate Fernyhough, Anna Lockyer and Jack Farrer have all become senior associates.
Roger Hutton, joint managing partner at Clarion, says: “As a firm, we genuinely value our colleagues and are proud to support them as they learn and develop with us.
“This year’s promotions once again celebrate the up-and-coming talent within our team who also embody the Clarion culture – all of those recognised are lawyers who demonstrate excellent technical ability as well as being able to form strong relationships with clients by showing they can ‘walk in their shoes’.
“They have also all made a significant contribution to our continued success whether by mentoring and training junior colleagues, carrying out CSR initiatives or undertaking valuable networking.
“It is extremely gratifying to see them progressing their careers, and we look forward to continuing to provide an environment in which they can thrive.”
Since joining Clarion in 2015 to complete his training contract, Alex has become a valued member of the commercial dispute resolution (CDR) team, providing commercially focused advice and winning work through his strong technical skills.
A specialist in private wealth, Kerri-Anne is a homegrown-Clarion talent who is adept at working on complex, multi-faceted probate matters. With her organisational skills and attention to detail inspiring trust from clients, she has also helped develop paralegals in her team. She is an affiliated member of Solicitors for the Elderly and is progressing through the STEP qualification.
Oliver’s technical knowledge within the CDR team has impressed clients and colleagues, resulting in him often leading on complex matters. A great team player, he has built strong relationships within Clarion.
Siobhan works within the construction practice where she has taken on the role of trainee supervisor, helping to support and develop less experienced colleagues. Trusted by her clients, she has lots of experience of working on complex cases for several major clients and is also helping strengthen the team’s expertise in the energy sector.
An expert in real estate secured finance, Kate has been instrumental in assisting Clarion’s real estate finance team to expand the quality work it has been completing for a range of banks, as well as frequently working closely with colleagues in the banking and finance practice. With a specialism of acting for lenders on large portfolio work, she demonstrates great organisational skills and commerciality.
Over the last four years, Anna has made a key contribution to the continued success of Clarion’s costs and litigation funding team. She has independently worked on some large and complex cost management assignments, demonstrating first-class technical skills and client service.
Finally, Jack takes on the role of senior associate in the commercial practice having established himself as a dedicated specialist on data protection and privacy issues. With his background as a commercial lawyer, he is trusted to assist the team by providing advice on wider commercial agreements.
Australian company chooses Leeds for UK headquarters
Australian company Pexa is to set up its UK HQ in Leeds as it seeks to revolutionise the country’s current conveyancing process with its world-first digital property exchange process.
It has chosen 114 Wellington Street in West Village, Leeds, for its new UK headquarters, and will collaborate with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as it sets up its new headquarters and prepares to invest in the region and its workforce.
West Village – developed by Bruntwood as part of the £200m Bruntwood Works Pioneer programme to create cutting-edge workspaces of the future – is due to open in autumn, and PEXA has taken more than 8,100 sq ft at the newly transformed development. It intends to move in by December.
PEXA have been advised and supported throughout the process by Charles Parkinson from CBRE’s Advisory & Transaction Occupier team in Leeds.
PEXA Group MD and CEO Glenn King said the strong financial services sector in the city, with a presence from the Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and UK Infrastructure Bank, along with the depth of legal and professional services firms, made a compelling case for PEXA’s decision to base its headquarters in Leeds.
PEXA will engage a local design firm to curate the office fit out with a focus on sustainable products, natural light, and greenery, with a relaxed and flexible space which will take inspiration from the city of Leeds and in keeping with PEXA’s vision as a proud disrupter unlocking value in property.
PEXA launched in the UK last year, seeking to transform the UK’s 150-year-old conveyancing process, enabling digital remortgage transactions to streamline the process. Digital transactions reduce the associated time, risk, and costs in the remortgage process for consumers, lenders, and conveyancers alike. PEXA also aims to expand its product offering to sale and purchase digital transaction capability.