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PRECAST2018 considers the future of the UK construction sector

The UK’s largest precast concrete event, PRECAST2018, took place at a new venue, Silverstone Circuit, in county Northamptonshire, England last week. Sponsored by Trimble Tekla, the day, attended by over 400 delegates, included an outstanding programme, with top speakers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Construction Products Association (CPA) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Giving the keynote speech, Sir Ken Knight, chair of the government's independent expert advisory panel on
May 22, 2018 Read time: 3 mins

The UK’s largest precast concrete event, PRECAST2018, took place at a new venue, Silverstone Circuit, in county Northamptonshire, England last week. Sponsored by Trimble Tekla, the day, attended by over 400 delegates, included an outstanding programme, with top speakers from the 2938 Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 3742 Construction Products Association (CPA) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
 
Giving the keynote speech, Sir Ken Knight, chair of the government's independent expert advisory panel on Grenfell, presented on the highly topical subject, and the repercussions for the future of the construction sector.

Considering sustainability, Jane Thornback, sustainability policy advisor at the CPA, gave a presentation regarding demands on manufacturers, and Tony Woodford, business development manager at the BRE, spoke about the BRE sustainability assessment methods and BREEAM 2018.
 
Discussing health and safety, John Rowe, HSE’s head of manufacturing sector, provided an update on the role of manufacturers in ensuring high standards. David Owens, senior consultant, digital transformation from 4605 Costain, gave his insight into a digital Britain, and implications in the construction sector.

David Wadsworth, UK sales manager, Hycontrol, talked about silo safety, and Tracy Colton, head of apprenticeships from Mentor Training spoke about apprenticeships, training and assessing competence. In a panel session chaired by Duncan Reed, director at 3599 Trimble Solutions, Richard Kowalski, group technical director – O’ Reilly Concrete Digital Transformation was joined by David Owens to discuss precast concrete digital (r)evolution and digital manufacture and construction.

Jerry McLaughlin, executive director at the 2897 Mineral Products Association, discussed infrastructure & government policy.

A record number of 75 exhibitors showcased their latest products and services. Among the variety of seminars, live demonstrations, and opportunities to network with industry professionals, 7331 Wincanton held a series of informative live demonstrations with vehicles in the paddocks, an example of one 1829 British Precast’s joint initiatives with its members to improve loading safety.

The British Precast AGM also took place with British Precast president Matthew Clay of 8491 Forterra and the announcement of new vice presidents Kieran Field (FPMcCann) and Alan Smith (Brett).

Commenting, Andrew Minson, executive director of British Precast, said: “Once a year it is important to get manufacturing members and the supply chain together so all can be updated on latest issues, renew acquaintances and make new contacts. Together with our golf day in June and Black-Tie Dinner in July, our major events are serving members and are well supported. We are grateful to all exhibitors and speakers for helping PRECAST2018 to be such a success."

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