Roger answers Patrick’s question about his roof — why there’s no felt or breather membrane under his concrete tiles, and whether the “secret gutter” joint is watertight.
Roger explains:
Many roofs worldwide are built without membranes, and this often improves ventilation and reduces condensation risks.
Patrick’s secret gutter (bonding gutter) is correctly channelling water, but nails placed in the channel could cause problems.
Alternatives like the “wet bonding gutter” aren’t ideal with uneven tile heights.
Despite minor flaws, Patrick’s roof is watertight, well-ventilated, and unlikely to suffer severe issues.
👉 Key takeaway: Proper ventilation and workmanship are more critical than always relying on membranes.
The new Makita BCC01 is a robust and efficient 8-port battery charging case intended to streamline the charging of power tools for busy professionals. Designed with a compatible shape suitable for Makpac carriers – Makita’s interlocking storage system, this product is a game-changer for productivity on site.
With the advantage of eight charging ports, the case enables the simultaneous charging of up to four Makita batteries at a time. The smart ‘Switch Change’ function automatically cycles to the four remaining batteries once the first four are fully charged to ensure batteries can be rotated when needed, creating minimal disruption to workflow.
The BCC01 is compatible with XGT 40V batteries and with the optional ADP10 adapter (sold separately), the charging case supports LXT 18V batteries too. The charging case charges batteries quickly, charging four 2.0Ah XGT batteries simultaneously in as little as 75 minutes. To charge eight, it takes 150 minutes.
“The BCC01 has been built for high-demand environments where efficiency and productivity are critical,” said Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita. “With simultaneous multi-port charging, automated cycling, and full Makpac integration, it delivers a compact, convenient solution that supports both XGT and LXT platforms — making it ideal for having on site.”
To find out more about Makita’s full range of products, visit: www.makita.co.uk
The UK’s leading waterways engineering specialist, The Rothen Group, has shared a series of images taken by its employees in celebration of the hidden benefits of working on the waterways network, as it looks to encourage more young people into the sector.
The gallery follows on from a study by The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board which has predicted that by 2026, nearly 20% of the existing UK sector workforce will be near retirement or retired. By sharing images taken by its employees, The Rothen Group is hoping to inspire the next generation of engineers to consider a career working on the waterways to maintain the historic, 200-year-old infrastructure, as another school year soon comes to a close.
The Rothen Group specialises in marine and waterways engineering, with the business playing a critical role in maintaining the network so it can be used as a critical transport route and enjoyed by leisure boaters. Amongst the services it offers include dredging, towpath restoration, piling and specialist floating plant hire.
Alongside proactively maintaining the waterways, the Rothen Group also responds to emergent situations such as a towpath wall collapsing or damage occurring to a lock gate. Its team travel across the country to respond to emergencies, taking them to some of the nation’s most beautiful places.
Working in the great outdoors offers a series of benefits such as increased physical fitness and mental health. Additionally, the Rothen Group team holds a great sense of pride knowing that they are actively ensuring that future generations can enjoy the UK’s canals and waterways.
Ian Rothen, Managing Director at The Rothen Group said: “Working in the engineering sector can be incredibly rewarding with there being so many unique pathways that young people can explore. Day in, day out, we see our team working incredibly hard to ensure that we can provide the canal community with everything they need to safety travel through the system. When we asked them to send us any pictures that they have taken during the workday, we were inundated with their favourite shots.
“To help more individuals enter the waterways industry, we launched an apprenticeship scheme so that young people can work and learn at the same time. Our first apprentice, Lewis, is due to graduate this summer and become a full-time member of our team. Since joining in 2022, Lewis has been able to apply the engineering theory he learned in the classroom in the real world to gain a deeper understanding of its application.
“From removing vegetation to repairing the base of the canal, our team understands the positive impact their work has on maintaining this historic infrastructure. With these images, we hope to celebrate their careers on the waterways and the fantastic work they do.”
The Rothen Group is now calling on other organisations in the waterways engineering industry to follow their example and share images from their own teams to showcase the beauty of a career on the canals.
We take on a budget bathroom renovation as an alternative to our earlier £20k luxury project. This makeover came in at just £3,200 in materials, excluding labour, and still included underfloor heating, wall alterations, and stylish tiling.
Along the way we share DIY tips like dry-fitting tiles, levelling with clamps, and salvaging existing fixtures. The whole job took 10 days, with labour costs ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on where you live.
With material prices rising fast (up 15% since filming), we invite you to share your thoughts — could this bathroom have been done even cheaper?
A significant refurbishment of the car parking facilities at a renowned historic estate in Stratford-upon-Avon has been completed using Terram Bodpave™ 40, a high-strength, sustainable surface solution made from 100% recycled materials.
As part of broader visitor enhancement works carried out in 2022, the Grade-listed Tudor estate, set within 180 acres of landscaped deer park, required a significant upgrade to its previously unsurfaced car parks.
The project aimed to deliver a durable, all-weather parking surface capable of supporting increasing visitor numbers while remaining sensitive to the estate’s historic character and surrounding environment.
Before the refurbishment, the estate’s gravel car parks were increasingly unable to cope with the rising visitor traffic and seasonal weather conditions. During wetter months, surface erosion, standing water and reduced parking capacity created both operational inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly during peak times.
To address these issues, the project team sought a permeable, high-performance surface solution that could stabilise the gravel, resist rutting and lateral movement, and withstand frequent vehicle traffic — all while preserving the natural aesthetic of the parkland setting.
Following consultation with the project engineers, Terram Bodpave™ 40 was selected as the preferred solution. This gravel-filled system offered a range of technical and practical advantages over alternative surfacing options. Bodpave™ 40 offers strong technical and practical advantages over other surfacing options. It features a joint connection strength of 7kN per metre and a compressive strength of up to 250 tonnes per square metre when filled with angular aggregate. An integrated anchoring system, with nearly 100 ground spikes per square metre, ensures long-term stability under frequent car and van traffic.
Beyond its performance benefits, Bodpave™ 40 also enabled a highly efficient installation process. Supplied in pre-clipped units, the system allowed installation teams to cover up to 600 square metres per day, significantly accelerating the build programme and minimising disruption to the estate’s daily operations.
“This project required a surface solution that could accommodate high visitor volumes while respecting the site’s heritage and natural surroundings,” said Adam Brooksbank, Sales Manager at Terram. “Bodpave™ 40 delivered the strength and durability required, and its rapid installation helped minimise disruption.”
Terram’s Bodpave™ 40 is fully compliant with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) regulations, offering opportunities for water reuse, enhancing water quality by filtering out pollutants, promoting local biodiversity, and helping mitigate flood risks by slowing and storing surface runoff.
Made from 100% recycled materials, Bodpave™ 40 provides a sustainable, high-performance alternative to traditional surfacing. The newly completed car parks now deliver year-round durability, improved visitor access and easier maintenance – outperforming conventional gravel solutions in both functionality and environmental impact.
For more information on Terram’s ground reinforcement solutions: terram.com/products
About Terram
Terram, a brand of Magnera, is a leading manufacturer of non-woven geosynthetic solutions with more than 50 years of industry expertise. The company developed the world’s first patented geosynthetic system and has maintained a strong focus on research, development and quality manufacturing ever since.
Its products are used and trusted across a broad range of sectors, including civil engineering, railways, landscaping, landfill, pipelines and utilities. The portfolio includes geotextiles and related materials for applications such as filtration and drainage, ground stabilisation, erosion control, containment and protection.
The video follows Kay, a potential buyer, as the presenter “swipes right or left” on a Manhattan-loft-style property. While the exposed brick, stonework, and modern finishes charm the eye, serious red flags emerge: questionable fire safety, poor insulation, possible damp, unknown heating, and an exterior that hints at water ingress. The property has also sat empty for years—a warning sign in itself. The verdict? Don’t be blinded by style; weigh the risks before committing.
Highlights
🏠 Loft-style charm with exposed brick and trendy finishes
🚿 Possible water ingress from poor drainage and low thresholds
🔥 Fire safety concerns: repurposed floorboard ceilings, no fire doors
🧱 Solid stone walls with no insulation—cold and costly to heat
❓ Heating system and energy capacity unknown
🕰 Empty for years—may hide deeper problems
Takeaway
This property is a looker but could be a money pit. Before you “swipe right,” get a full survey, check compliance, and plan for upgrades—or walk away.
💧 Fitting a kitchen sink the right way can save you years of headaches!
In this video, we show you how to cut and fit a sink into a worktop with precision and durability in mind. Learn why a track saw beats a jigsaw, the best way to position and support your sink, and how to seal it properly to prevent leaks, sagging, and water damage.
You’ll see:
🛠️ Track saw tips for clean, accurate sink cutouts
📏 Why cutting inside the template lines gives a perfect fit
🧱 How to support your worktop to stop sagging and seal failure
💧 Silicone tricks to protect against swelling and rot
🔩 Clips vs. silicone – which sink fixing method is best?
New figures provide a promising snapshot of planning activity in England, revealing that new home applications increased by nearly a third between April and June 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The data, from Planning Portal operator TerraQuest, will be welcomed by ministers as they push forward with reforms aimed at delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term.
These figures were revealed in the latest Planning Portal Application Index for Q2 2025, which covers 95% of the planning applications made to local authorities in England. The report shows 69,597 new homes were applied for during Q2, up from 52,282 during the same period a year earlier.
In further good news for the sector, seven out of eight regions saw more new homes applied for in Q2 of 2025 than in Q2 of 2024, with the West Midlands seeing especially strong growth of 71.7%.
Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, operator of Planning Portal, said: “There are clear signs of sector recovery, with our data revealing a notable rise in planning activity, contrasting with some of the less positive trends reported further along the development cycle, such as in construction. Because our data captures the very first step in the planning journey – often months before work begins on site – it provides a reliable early indicator of market sentiment. The recent uplift points to growing confidence among developers and housebuilders, likely driven by positive policy signals, including the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently progressing through the House of Lords.
“While the figures don’t yet align with the government’s target of 1.5 million homes, they do show a clear uptick in the planning pipeline. This growth signals renewed market intent, as the sector lays foundations for increased activity while planning reforms take time to bed in.”
Planning and property experts weigh in on the application surge, its reflection in their work, and the impact of recent policy changes:
“We’re seeing an increase in planning and housing applications, especially in areas where Local Plans are under review or recently withdrawn. The December 2024 updates to the NPPF, including a softer housing delivery test and clearer support for brownfield development, have encouraged more speculative and strategic submissions. Developers also appear to be acting ahead of possible policy tightening in late 2025.
“There may also be pent-up demand following a subdued period post-COVID and earlier plan-making uncertainty. The revised NPPF’s more flexible approach to the five-year housing land supply has lowered risks for developers, making it more attractive to bring forward sites now.
“We’re noticing more pre-application engagement and design-led discussions, a positive sign of confidence. However, delivery remains patchy, with Build to Rent and strategic land sectors most responsive, particularly in urban extensions and regeneration areas with existing infrastructure.
Persistent challenges include delays in signing S106 agreements, nutrient and water neutrality requirements causing local delays, capacity issues within planning authorities slowing determinations, and infrastructure funding gaps limiting readiness.
“While some issues like nutrient neutrality delays are easing due to new mitigation strategies, new challenges have arisen from mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements and the Building Safety Act/Gateway process — both positive in principle but currently adding uncertainty, longer programmes, and increased costs.”
Mary-Jane O’Neill, Head of Planning Consultancy (London & South), Planning, Regeneration + Infrastructure, Lambert Smith Hampton
“Whilst new homes are the government’s focus, we’ve seen more than double the enquiry volumes across homeowner products this year – particularly for conversions, extensions, and other improvement works. The shift began tentatively in Q1 and has picked up pace as inflationary pressures ease and interest rate expectations stabilise.
“It’s encouraging, but not unexpected. Underlying demand for housing never disappeared, developers and homeowners alike were simply holding off amid uncertainty. What we’re seeing now is cautious re-engagement. There are green shoots, although delivery still lags behind. Construction costs remain a key friction point, and planning bottlenecks persist in some local authorities, especially those still grappling with post-COVID staffing challenges.
“Interestingly, we’re seeing fewer delays around funding approvals, which is a positive change from this time last year. And there’s strong interest in commuter-belt projects, particularly where there’s a clear housing need and good transport links.
“Second charge mortgage applications for home improvements have more than doubled year-on-year. For many, improving an existing property has become more cost-effective than moving, especially with high house prices and limited stock. A second charge loan allows homeowners to unlock equity without affecting their existing mortgage – and that’s proving a smart route for those looking to adapt their homes to suit lifestyle needs.
“If current sentiment holds, we expect steady but measured growth over the next 6–12 months. Confidence is returning.”
Roger visits the Pipelife Academy in Cork, Ireland, to discuss heat pumps and renewable energy technology with Mike Geary.
Summary
🔇 Noise Concerns and Quiet Innovations
A significant obstacle to the adoption of heat pumps is noise. Many UK homeowners face planning permission issues due to sound levels. However, innovations like quieter fan designs in new units—especially the “media unit”—help meet stringent noise regulations.
💸 Running Cost Misunderstandings
A recurring issue is complaints about higher electricity bills. This often results from misconceptions. Heat pumps are commonly installed in older, poorly insulated homes, leading to inefficiencies. Many believe removing their oil boiler will save £3,000 annually, which is misleading since electricity bills inevitably rise, though often less than perceived.
🏡 Design Matters in Retrofits
A key insight is that retrofitting heat pumps without upgrading insulation, windows, and heating controls leads to inefficiency. Pipelife only installs pumps after conducting thorough home assessments to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasising that heat pumps should be the last component in a retrofit.
🧠 Weather Compensation Benefits
Systems with weather compensation—where an external sensor adjusts water temperature based on outdoor conditions—achieve up to 30% cost savings. Many homeowners misunderstand lukewarm radiators as a problem, but it’s a sign of optimised performance.
🔧 Proper Installation and Oversight
We must emphasise the importance of experienced and trustworthy installers. A full heat loss calculation, radiator sizing, and proper commissioning ensure long-term success. A good installer also teaches homeowners how to use their systems efficiently.
🌡️ Heat Pump Behaviour and Efficiency
Heat pumps can heat water up to 65°C, but efficiency drops at higher output. A COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3–4 over a year is typical. Systems are tailored for climate and house conditions to optimise performance.
🌍 Environmental and Behavioural Shift
With growing electrification—cars, ovens, and hobs—heat pumps may appear to be the biggest consumers, but broader electricity use is the real cost driver. Users must adapt to new heating behaviours and manage expectations regarding comfort and billing cycles.
🏠 Crack in Your Bay Window? Here’s Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Warren asked why a crack appeared in his bay window wall — and it turns out, he’s not alone.
Bay windows are often built on poor foundations, making them prone to movement and cracking over time.
In this video, we explain why it happens, how blocked rainwater drainage can make it worse, and the practical steps you can take to fix it.
🔩 We cover:
– Installing helical ties to stabilise cracks
– Internal plaster repair using fibreglass scrim
– Underpinning the bay for long-term support
– Safety tips for digging near gas pipes
– The importance of keeping drains clear
Leading renewable energy consultancy Natural Power, has completed the research, analysis and interpretation that underpins the first South of Scotland Heat Network prospectus that has been launched today by South of Scotland Enterprise.
The document, created jointly by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders councils, identifies a total of 19 heat network opportunities across the region and highlights a series of significant economic, environmental and social benefits these networks could deliver.
Steve Smith, Principal Renewable Heat Engineer at Natural Power, said: “The launch of the prospectus is a real milestone on the region’s journey toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Heat networks offer a significant opportunity to decarbonise heating, reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and create new jobs and skills. We’re proud to have played our part in the delivery of this project and look forward to seeing the vision being brought to fruition.”
The 19 potential heat networks identified would distribute thermal energy from a central source to multiple properties – covering more than 2,400 domestic and non-domestic properties in the South of Scotland, which in total would provide up to 120,000 megawatt hours of heat per year.
The estimated capital cost of creating these networks would be approximately £120 million, but if established, these networks would provide several key benefits, including new jobs and skills and retention of wealth in the region, alongside tackling fuel poverty and boosting the South’s contribution to Scotland’s decarbonisation targets.
There are two types of heat networks – larger district heat networks, which tend to operate in town centres or industrial areas, and shared heat collector-style networks, which can operate across a variety of scales, from a whole neighbourhood down to a row of cottages. The prospectus has identified seven district heat network opportunities in larger towns and 12 shared heat collector network opportunities.
District heat network opportunities include seven locations in Dumfries, Stranraer, Darnick/Melrose, Galashiels, Peebles and Hawick. Shared heat collector network opportunities include 12 locations in Crossmichael, Smailholm, Swinton, Langholm, Gretna, Tweedbank, Kelloholm, Selkirk, Annan and Lockerbie.
It is now hoped that the prospectus can inspire practical action and investment in pilot projects and larger projects, building momentum for the sector in the region.
SOSE Chair, Russel Griggs OBE, said: “This prospectus highlights the massive potential for heat networks in the South of Scotland, providing heat for low cost and lower impact on the environment. “Alongside our partners in both local councils, we want the South of Scotland to be leading the way in developing smaller shared heat collector style networks and believe this prospectus can inspire practical action and investment in pilot projects.
“This prospectus lays the groundwork for meaningful investment and action, and we look forward to seeing these opportunities develop into real-world projects that support our region’s transition to net zero.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, added: “Heat networks have a major role to play in Scotland’s heat transition – helping us to deliver our twin aims of cutting carbon emissions whilst also delivering affordable heat and reducing fuel poverty – and later this year we will set out measures to attract further investment by encouraging non-domestic and especially public buildings to connect to these schemes.
“We are working closely with local and regional bodies to realise the full potential of heat networks and I welcome the leadership of South of Scotland Enterprise and its partners in producing this prospectus, which will be a valuable addition to our resources and knowledge base.”
The OWL 180 Panoramic Hinge was designed for doors with limited opening swing due to the door frame being fitted within a masonry recess.
It’s smart, patent-pending design extends the door beyond the recess gap, allowing the door to open freely up to 180 degrees and lay flush against the building’s wall.
This provides improved access and a pleasing aesthetic to the home. Because the door has an increased distance to swing, it could help prevent expensive damage to the door, frame, and masonry commonly caused by windy weather or exuberant kids and pets.
Skill Builder viewer, Paul, has experienced persistent problems with cracking render, penetrating damp, and poor workmanship, despite spending a considerable amount of money on repairs. Roger explains why multiple builders may have visited but failed to provide a quote, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty of the job.
Highlights
– 🏚️ Persistent cracking and damp issues can point to hidden structural problems like failing lintels.
– 🛠️ Builders may avoid quoting on complex jobs due to uncertainty and financial risk.
– 🔨 Removing render and fixtures is essential to properly assess damage before repair.
– 💷 A transparent, upfront approach helps clarify potential costs and repair scope.
– 🤝 Trust and communication between builders and customers critically impact project outcomes.
– 💡 Some jobs require a day-rate approach just to uncover the underlying problems.
– 📢 Open dialogue between tradespeople and homeowners is key to managing frustrations.
Key Insights
🏚️ Hidden Structural Issues Often Cause Surface Symptoms: The cracks and render failure Paul experiences are likely symptoms of deeper problems, such as a concrete plank lintel deteriorating beneath the surface. This shows how surface-level damage often masks structural issues that require thorough investigation. Without uncovering these hidden problems, any repairs may be superficial and ineffective.
💰 Financial Viability Drives Builder Engagement: Builders prioritise jobs where they see clear financial benefit and manageable risk. A job where the scope and costs are unclear, like Paul’s, is unattractive because it could result in unexpected expenses or wasted time. This explains why builders sometimes avoid quoting on complicated or poorly maintained properties.
🔍 Proper Assessment Requires Initial ‘Exploratory’ Work: Roger emphasises the necessity of removing render and fixtures to expose the wall beneath before any meaningful quote or repair can be made. This process, while an upfront cost, is essential to understanding the true condition of the structure—without it, both builders and homeowners are operating in the dark.
💼 Communication Gaps Lead to Frustration: The lack of follow-up from builders can stem from their reluctance to engage with difficult or uncertain jobs. Conversely, homeowners may perceive this as unreliability or dismissiveness. Clear and honest communication about job complexity, risks, and costs can help mitigate misunderstandings and foster trust.
🤔 Mutual Intuition Influences Builder-Client Relationships: Roger insightfully notes that just as customers judge builders, builders also assess clients based on intuition and experience. If a builder senses that the client may be difficult or the project problematic, they might avoid the job. This dynamic highlights the human element in contracting work, where interpersonal trust plays a significant role.
💡 Incremental Problem Solving Is Practical: Suggesting a day-rate approach to remove render before quoting is a pragmatic solution to manage uncertainty. It allows for a staged investigation, providing both parties with more information to make informed decisions and reducing the risk of unforeseen costs.
📈 Transparency and Realistic Expectations Are Vital: Roger’s advice underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations about what repairs will involve, including the potential need for significant work like window removal and lintel replacement. Homeowners must understand that cosmetic fixes won’t solve deep-rooted problems, and builders need to clearly communicate the true scope.
Taming Mother Nature is a leading garden design and landscaping company with over a decade of experience. Their work takes us across Surrey and Southwest London, where they help homeowners bring their dream gardens to life.
Think your shower screen was correctly sealed? Time and again, we’ve seen shower screens leak for one common reason. Too many people fail to read the instructions, and they seal the door from the inside when it should be sealed on the outside, where the door frame meets the shower tray, using silicone sealant.
Par Four Haven Garden Room for Golf Kit 3 (6.6m x 4.4m).
Elevate your golfing experience with this 6.6m x 4.4m garden room, specifically designed for golf simulators. Crafted with precision and ingenuity, this room redefines the concept of at-home practice, providing an unmatched space and comfort for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Boasting generous dimensions and heightened ceilings, this garden room provides ample room to perfect your swing and master your technique with ease. The fully insulated construction, featuring premium Kingspan insulated panels, ensures optimal comfort and insulation, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted practice sessions regardless of external weather conditions.
Whether you’re aiming for precision shots or working on your long game, the 6.6m x 4.4m garden room sets the stage for golfing excellence, providing the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and style for the ultimate at-home golfing experience.
From riverbanks to recycled rubble, Wade Group is rewriting the rules of construction – with Yanmar Compact Equipment powering every move.
In the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England – where rivers run fast and work runs deep – Wade Group is forging a more considered path. Not by chasing scale, but by doubling down on care, craftsmanship and long-term thinking. What began as a family groundwork firm is now a trusted name in civil engineering, construction and material recovery, with a focus on doing things better, not just bigger.
One machine captures that mindset perfectly: a luminous green SV100-7 midi excavator from Yanmar. Custom-wrapped to match the company’s bold branding, it turns heads on site while reflecting Wade’s commitment to cleaner, more innovative construction.
Big power, small footprint
For Wade Group, the SV100-7 was a natural fit: practical innovation with a lighter footprint. With an operating weight of 9,815 kg (steel tracks), it delivers high performance in a compact package – ideal for sensitive environments and tight urban plots. Sourced through Mellor Plant, Yanmar’s trusted dealer for the North West of England, the SV100-7 holds pride of place not only on site, but in the office too – where a miniature model (a gift from Mellor) sits in matching green.
It’s a small symbol of a bigger shift: investing in kit that looks the part and does its part for the planet. “We wanted something smart, flexible and unmistakable,” says John Wade, Director. “The SV100-7 fit the bill perfectly – and it makes a statement wherever it goes.”
Built on trust, driven by care
Wade Group’s approach reflects the same values Yanmar Compact Equipment promotes globally: listening to clients, working hands-on, and building long-term partnerships based on trust. From the start, Wade has prioritised strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, employees and suppliers alike.
Though the business has grown, its people-first ethos remains unchanged. With most work coming via tenders and repeat clients, reliability and turnaround are everything. “Ninety-five percent of our work is within an hour’s drive,” says John. “It keeps us leaner, cleaner, and closer to home.”
Wade’s local mindset also supports wider environmental goals. The company’s philosophy aligns with Yanmar’s Green Challenge 2050 – a global initiative to reduce environmental impact across every aspect of operations, from emissions and energy use to design and circularity.
Less waste, more value
This mindset is especially clear in Wade’s expanding material recovery operations. With the addition of a Yanmar V7 wheel loader – the lightest in the range at 4,250 kg – the team now recycles concrete, tarmac and brick on-site, cutting costs and landfill waste. “It’s about using what we’ve got and making it go further,” says John. “We’re cutting waste while working smarter.”
Nicknamed the ‘Jack Russell’, the V7’s compact size and sharp handling make it ideal for tight yards, and a key player in Wade’s push for more circular construction. “It’s got serious bite for its size,” John laughs.
Power to the people – and the planet
The green thread runs through Wade’s river restoration work, too. In partnership with the River Ribble Trust, the team has delivered fish passes and bypass channels to help salmon and trout navigate past industrial-era weirs. One recent scheme carved a new route around a Victorian barrier, restoring access upstream for the first time in over a century.
Another project in Samlesbury (Lancashire, England) saw the removal of a redundant concrete gauging weir near Brockholes Nature Reserve – carefully completed from a single bank to avoid disturbing the habitat. Riverbanks were reprofiled to blend with the natural landscape, while salvaged concrete was crushed and reused as sub-base on future jobs.
“You’re moving earth while restoring something that’s been broken for generations,” John reflects. “It’s meaningful work – and the SV100-7 gives us the control and finesse to do it with minimal impact.”
Wade’s values also extend to the people behind the machines. When a long-standing subcontractor – John’s cousin – returned to site work after losing his lower leg in a motorbike accident, he was able to continue operating with the support of a tiltrotator-equipped Yanmar SV26 (2,740 kg OW), also supplied by Mellor Plant. “The SV26 keeps him secure on uneven terrain and able to work safely from the cab,” says John. “It’s kept him active and doing what he does best.”
Green in every sense
Wade Group’s story is one of evolution through care – built on relationships, shaped by values, and powered by purposeful equipment. It’s proof that even small, local firms – and machines – can drive meaningful change.
So, if you spot a high-vis green digger working a bridge, bypass or riverbank in Lancashire, England, you’ll know who’s behind it: a team doing things differently. Cleaner, smarter – and greener, in every sense of the word.
When it comes to heavy-duty construction, moving and installing steel I-beams demands precision, safety, and expertise. Steel Beam Lifter is revolutionising how contractors, builders, and project managers handle these critical structural components.
With cutting-edge equipment, a highly skilled team, and a commitment to efficiency, Steel Beam Lifter ensures seamless I-beam transportation and installation, no matter the project’s scale or complexity.
Steel Beam Lifter’s service begins with meticulous planning. Their team collaborates with clients to assess project requirements, site conditions, and logistical challenges. Whether it’s a skyscraper, warehouse, or bridge, they tailor solutions to meet specific needs.
Using state-of-the-art cranes, hydraulic lifts, and custom rigging systems, Steel Beam Lifter handles I-beams of all sizes with unparalleled accuracy. Their equipment is regularly inspected and certified, guaranteeing compliance with OSHA and industry safety standards.
What sets Steel Beam Lifter apart is its experienced crew. Each member is rigorously trained in heavy lifting, rigging, and site safety, ensuring every move is executed flawlessly. Their expertise minimises downtime, reduces risks, and keeps projects on schedule. From navigating tight urban job sites to managing remote locations, Steel Beam Lifter adapts to any environment, delivering results under pressure.
Efficiency and sustainability are at the core of their operations. By optimising transport routes and using fuel-efficient machinery, they reduce costs and environmental impact without compromising quality. Clients also benefit from transparent pricing and detailed project timelines, eliminating surprises.
For years, builders have had no choice but to work unprofessionally with the traditional unsafe makeshift methods of Strongboys and RSJ / box section needling for creating open plan living.
It’s caused a lot of stress, mess and many sleepless nights (before we even mention the homes that have come crashing down) because it’s never been safe, easy or secure.
Prop Pal products make the job safe, easy and secure – the key elements – for builders to work professionally on domestic and small commercial structural alterations.
