Modern Building Services

EDITOR’S COMMENT MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JULY/AUGUST 2021 3 A t the time of writing this the Government had just announced the liftin of Covid restrictions will be set for July 19th. I believe that we’ve coveredmost angles on post Covid workplaces so, going forward, we’re looking at further technical and supportive types of articles. In particular, as skills gaps, lack of tradespeople and buildingmaterials are the ‘hot topics’ within the sector at themoment, we’ll do much to cover these areas. New research by the Office for National Statistics states that the employment rate in the construction sector for the UK fell from2.3million in 2017, to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. This demonstrates a 4%decrease in UK-born workers, and a 42% fall in EUworkers. In London alone, employment fell from311,124 workers in 2017, to 261,271 at the end of 2020, representing a 54% fall in EUworkers, which has only led to further difficulties considering the construction industry was relied on heavily during the pandemic. What are we doing about it?What can be done about it? In addition to that, the sector has benefitted froman uplift in work. Many projects are now back on track and it’s been found that there is a real momentum for net zero emissions. Will wemanage with the apparent skills shortage? This issue also looks at indoor air quality, electrical services and the products and systems helping installers do their jobs more effectively. Can effective ventilation and draught management achieve even distribution of air without compromising end user comfort or efficiency?With the vast majority of businesses expecting high-speed internet as standard, we look at why building professionals must be aware of the logistics behind cable infrastructure when constructing new premises. It’s suggested that, in the long-term, a reactivemaintenance plan can actually increase repair andmaintenance costs. September issue will cover Zero Carbon buildings – please do get in touch if you have anything to contribute to the topic. Juliet Loiselle CompCIPHE/MinstR Editorial: Juliet Loiselle MInstR – Editor * J ulietl@warnersgroup.co.uk ✆ 01778 391067 Advertising: Robyn Teague – Sales Manage r * 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 Some manufacturers and suppliers have contributed towards the cost of reproducing some photographs in this issue. The views implied or expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher, neither of whom accepts responsibility from errors in articles, or for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. A compact, yet powerful heat recovery solution samsung.com/dvmseco E02578247HHSEUK_001881SEACEWindFreeAssetsACRDVM-S 188x208mm v02.indd 1 23/11/2020 15:32 MBS JULY/AUGUST2021 MODERNBUILDING SERVICES The independent journal for Designers | Contractors Installers | End-users Wina£500 AMAZON Voucher Cracking thesecret ofdraught- freeair movement Connecting commercial premises–the needforhigh- speed internet 19 9 22 01_Cover_Jul/Aug.indd 1 06/07/2021 18:18 At Samsung, we focus on providing cutting-edge innovations in indoor climate comfort and being a leader in intelligent digital connectivity solutions. Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe B.V. provides technology support, training and enhanced services in ways that foster an acceleration of mutual business success for its business partners across 17 European countries.