Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES AUGUST 2022 3 EDITOR’S COMMENT A lot has happened in the UK since the previous issue of MBS including a momentous day where Boris Johnson announced his resignation as prime minister but said he wants to stay on until the Conservative Party elects a new leader. I amnot sure I envy the next primeminister however; I am sure their focus on the UKwill be to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, especially that of materials and energy, the spike in COVID-19 cases, and the levelling up agenda. After a very testing period, we welcomed some positive news that the UK economy rebounded in May after shrinking in April and March. The economy grew by 0.5% during the month of May, higher than the flat growth most analysts expected. Growth in the construction industry and a large rise in GP appointments helped to boost the economy, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This said, businesses reported to the ONS that higher running costs had led them to put up prices for customers. It is excellent to see that the UK economy had “rebounded” with growth across the main sectors, including manufacturing, services, and construction. Let’s hope this continues in the coming months. Inside this issue We were excited to be exhibiting at this year’s InstallerSHOW the UK’s biggest heating, plumbing, and electrical trade show at Birmingham’s NEC. The show had a fantastic buzz about it from the moment the doors opened and this continued until they closed. Just under 10,000 people attended the event who were keen to talk to over 300 leading exhibitors and attend the comprehensive programme of seminars, debates, demos, and panel discussions. It was a brilliant way for us to meet up with our existing contributors, partners, and friends and to welcome to our stand so many passionate readers of our publications. The high number of visitors ensured we were always constantly busy at the stand and talking to many soon-to-be new readers, contributors, and partners. You can read more about the show and our experience on page 27. We continue to feature Indoor air quality which remains high on the agenda for building owners, managers, maintainers, and workers, and as mentioned the government as Covid-19 cases continue to increase according to the government’s latest coronavirus data. Nathan Wood, chair of BESA’s Health &Well- being in Buildings Group and Managing Director of Farmwood M&E Ventilation asks a very important question, it’s been more than five years since the Grenfell Tower disaster; we have had a pandemic driven by an airborne virus and we are now facing a cost-of-living crisis – what more needs to happen to get people to stop talking about making buildings healthier, safer, and more efficient and take practical action? Turn to page 18 to read more. On page 8 Tim Shirt from office power and connectivity specialist, CMD Ltd, discusses the emerging trends shaping electrical fit-out and workstation solutions and the opportunities for contractors to provide solutions for future flexibility and working practices in office environments. Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager discusses Condensation: A real & present danger, not a damp squib. He provides a way forward and challenges us to take action. Read more on page 12. Managing Editor: Juliet Loiselle MInstR * J ulietl@warnersgroup.co.uk ✆ 01778 391067 Editor: David Crowson * David.crowson @warnersgroup.co.uk ✆ 01778 392401 Advertising: Robyn Teague – Sales Manager * Robyn.teague@warnersgroup.co.uk ✆ 01778 395029 Production: Sue Ward * production@warnersgroup.co.uk ✆ 01778 392405 Circulation & Subscriptions: DavidWade * dwade@portico.uk.com ✆ 01438 759000 M BS MODERN BUILDING SERVICES Subs c ription rate for readers not meeting our terms of control. £40 per year UK £50 per year overseas £70 per year overseas, airmail £5 single issue UK David Crowson WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE OF MODERN BUILDING SERVICES