Returning for a second successful year, Littlewood Group once again hosted a Build UK Open Doors careers workshop at their Battle, East Sussex office on Wednesday, 19th March 2025.

This year, Littlewoods placed a special focus on the Armed Forces community, welcoming members from East Sussex Veterans Hub, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Aj’s Training.

The event aimed to showcase the diverse range of career opportunities available within the fencing and construction industry for members of our Armed Forces community, covering roles from initial enquiries to project completion.

The day commenced with a warm welcome from event organiser Dominique Stevenson, followed by an insightful talk from our HR team detailing available positions and career pathways within our business. Our Estimators and Quantity Surveyors introduced attendees to the financial and commercial aspects of the industry, providing valuable insight into achieving project success.

Furthermore, our in-house Mechanical and Structural Design specialists explained the intricacies of engineering design and highlighted career routes into structural and civil engineering, with a particular emphasis on fencing, gates and barriers.

A new addition to this year’s event was a talk by one of our Quantity Surveyors, who shared their expertise in managing the financial aspects of projects, from initial cost calculations to final budget control. This session underscored the importance of keeping projects on time, within budget, and compliant with legal and quality standards.

Following an informative presentation by our Infrastructure Division Director on the role of a Contracts Manager, attendees engaged with our Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental (HSEQ) team. This session covered the legal and practical aspects of compliance, the significance of risk assessments, and the preparation of method statements, permits to dig, plant check sheets, point of work risk assessments, and safe systems of work.

Later, the group visited Littlewoods Willie Woodpecker’s Yard for an engaging session on high-security fencing systems, led by one of our skilled Site Supervisors. The discussion explored innovative advancements in security fencing, including the integration of infrared technology in modern security systems. To conclude the day, attendees participated in a hands-on demonstration with our on-site fencing team, learning safe installation techniques for weldmesh fencing.

The event was a resounding success for all attendees, as reflected in the positive feedback received.

Members of the East Sussex Veterans Hub shared their thoughts with us:

“It was an informative and enjoyable day. We had expected just fence posts, the garden type, but today has given us some positive ideas. We thank your colleagues for exposing us to opportunities for our veterans in the fencing sector.”

Other attendees also shared their appreciation for the day:

“A fantastic session that provided valuable insight into the fencing sector.”

“An excellent day – thank you for the opportunity!”

“An incredibly informative experience – I’ve learned so much.”

Dominique Stevenson, Business Development Coordinator and the driving force behind planning and organising the successful event, worked closely with local groups to engage the armed forces community.

“It was fantastic to welcome members of the Armed Forces community and training providers to explore the opportunities within our business and the wider industry. From securing major infrastructure projects to shaping the built environment, our sector thrives on skill, precision and innovation. Our staff did a superb job expressing this to our guests.”

The team at Littlewood Group look forward to continuing to inspire and connect individuals from varying backgrounds with rewarding careers in the fencing and construction industry.

Construction Hoarding Legal Requirements in the UK, courtesy of Topan Group

Introduction

Construction hoarding is a vital requirement for building sites across the UK, ensuring safety, security and compliance with legal regulations. Whether you are a contractor, developer or site manager, understanding the legal requirements for hoarding is essential to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth project execution. This guide outlines key legislation, planning permissions and best practices for construction site hoarding in the UK.

What is Construction Hoarding?

Construction hoarding refers to temporary fencing or barriers erected around a building site to protect workers, pedestrians and adjacent properties. It serves multiple purposes, including site security, privacy, branding opportunities and environmental protection.

UK Legal Requirements for Construction Hoarding

Several regulations govern the installation and maintenance of construction hoarding in the UK. These include:

1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This legislation requires employers to take reasonable measures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and the public. Construction hoarding plays a crucial role in preventing unauthorised access, mitigating hazards, and reducing risks associated with construction activities.

2. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations)

The CDM Regulations mandate that site managers assess risks and implement necessary control measures, including the installation of adequate site hoarding. The regulations emphasise:

• • Preventing unauthorised access
  • Ensuring site boundaries are clearly defined
  • Minimising hazards to workers and the public

3. Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Under this act, hoarding exceeding 2 metres in height may require planning permission from the local authority. Developers must check with the relevant planning department to confirm any required approvals before erecting hoarding.

4. Highways Act 1980

If hoarding is installed on or near a public highway, it must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Permission from the local council may be required, and additional safety measures such as reflective strips or warning signs may need to be installed.

5. Equality Act 2010

Hoarding must be designed to ensure accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities. This includes providing clear signage, avoiding obstructions on public pathways and ensuring visibility for visually impaired pedestrians.

6. TWf2012:01 Hoardings – a guide to good practice

The Temporary Works Forum (TWf) “Hoardings – A guide to good practice” (TWf2012: 01, August 2020) This guidance note is written to assist all parties involved in construction understand the key issues and to give specific assistance to those specifying, managing, designing and installing these structures. Hoarding design can be complex and needs engineering judgement. The designer should have a level of competence commensurate with the complexity. All hoarding designs should be independently checked.

Best Practices for Construction Hoarding Compliance

To meet legal requirements and improve safety, follow these best practices:

• Use High-Quality Materials: Ensure hoarding is durable, stable and able to withstand environmental factors such as wind and rain.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine checks to identify any damage or instability and carry out necessary repairs.
• Clear Signage: Display warning signs, company branding and public notices as required by regulations.
• Environmental Considerations: Use sustainable materials and consider noise and dust reduction features to minimise disruption to local communities.
• Adequate Lighting: Ensure hoarding is well-lit in low-visibility areas to prevent accidents and enhance security.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with UK construction hoarding regulations can result in legal penalties, project delays and reputational damage. Local authorities may issue enforcement notices, and non-compliance with health and safety regulations could lead to fines or legal action.

Conclusion

Construction hoarding is a legal necessity and a fundamental aspect of site safety and security. By adhering to UK regulations, securing the necessary permissions and following best practices, construction professionals can ensure compliance while maintaining an efficient and secure worksite.

For expert advice on hoarding solutions that meet all legal requirements and how Topan can help, contact our team today.

TrustMark unveils new research to build a skilled and competent workforce in the RMI sector

• New TrustMark report takes view from micro and small businesses on the skills gap in the UK construction and home repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sectors
• 39,000 businesses are at risk of disappearing from the sector in the next 10 years
• 195,000 skilled roles could be filled in the RMI sector generating £4.1 billion in additional gross value added (GVA).

TrustMark, the UK’s only Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around your home, today publishes a new report with views from frontline micro and small businesses on the factors contributing to the skills gap in the UK construction and home repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sectors. This is despite government and industry having implemented multiple initiatives to fund career pathways in these sectors. The report goes on to provide practical recommendations to affect change and build a skilled and competent workforce.

The TrustMark report, ‘Skilled to Build’, highlights the operational challenges faced by small and micro businesses around recruitment, training, funding and retention and creates actionable and comprehensive solutions to address the identified gaps. The research, which was commissioned from Eureka! Research and Oxford Economics, includes evidence collected from 1,233 small and micro businesses who provided an ‘on the ground’ perspective of the challenges and comprehensive solutions required to help identify and alleviate the skills gap.

The key findings from the report show a strong desire amongst micro and small businesses to recruit, with nearly half (45%) of businesses surveyed reporting at least one vacancy. Recruitment appears to be a much larger issue than retention with these businesses, who have indicated specific challenges to fill the vacancies, including: 

Filling these vacancies in the RMI sector would also boost UK productivity by creating opportunities to employ an additional 195,000 skilled tradespeople in the RMI sector, generating £4.1 billion in additional gross value added (GVA). This is equivalent to 4.3% of the RMI sector’s £96 billion contribution to UK GVA. 

More critically, we have an ageing workforce with an estimated 39,000 businesses at risk of disappearing from the sector in the next 10 years. While 21% of the UK workforce are aged 55 years or older, 44% of the workforce in the RMI sector are older than 55 years, and a quarter of those plan to stop or semi-retire within the next three years. The issue is highly time sensitive and is expected to further exacerbate skills shortages going forward. The lack of a guaranteed pipeline of work was also reported as a major obstacle to recruiting and retaining talent. 

TrustMark is committed to helping to address the chronic skills situation the construction and RMI sectors are facing and is looking to collaborate with government and industry to enhance the current infrastructures and build a resilient and long-term competent and skilled workforce. To help drive this national campaign, four practical recommendations have been proposed on how the skills challenge can be addressed:

• Developing and delivering fit-for-purpose training and curricula 
• Strengthening the navigation system for businesses to find recruits
• Unlocking and raising awareness of the financial incentives available
• Training and encouraging businesses into renewables and clean heat technologies.

 Simon Ayers MBE, Chief Executive Officer of TrustMark, says: “It’s a commonly accepted fact that there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the UK, along with a gap in the skills required to take us forward in meeting the UK’s Net Zero target. We commissioned this research to better understand the challenges faced by the small and micro businesses operating within the RMI sector, around recruitment, training and funding and retention, both of people and knowledge. 

“Our report reveals that there is a strong desire for growth, but the businesses need support to help make that happen. Our recommendations, if taken forward, will enable them to overcome the challenges they are facing. This sector needs to be prioritised and by working collaboratively across it, the wider industry, associated organisations and government, we can all help to achieve warmer, more comfortable and healthier homes for the UK.”

To read the full TrustMark report here, click here www.trustmark.org.uk/pages/skills-gap-research

 

Prioritising Infrastructure Delivery

The Government has launched the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) to deliver infrastructure more efficiently and ‘get a grip’ on delays. The new body combines the National Infrastructure Commission and the Infrastructure & Projects Authority and will oversee the Government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy.

 Getting good sleep is really important 

 

 With the clock’s changing at the end of March, Perennials latest toolkit is all about sleep ….. It’s easy to treat sleep as a luxury we need to earn, but sleep is as essential to our health and wellbeing as food and water. This toolkit helps highlight the importance

Almost 75% of respondents in work, stated that workplace challenges had caused issues with their sleep over the last six months, according to a report by The Sleep Charity 

Work worries don’t always stop when the workday ends. They can follow you home, affecting your sleep and overall wellbeing. Taking steps to manage stress during the day can help ensure a better night’s rest. 

PerennialGRBS’ free Health and Wellbeing app from Spectrum Life offers a range of tips to improve your sleep and manage stress, including practical videos, calming exercises, sleep aids, and sound baths. Take a moment to explore it here today

Have we still got your 2025 membership certificate?

 If you haven’t received your 2025 membership certificate it’s because we’re still missing some key documents! To issue your 2025 membership certificate, we need the following:

✅ Up-to-date insurance documents (Public, Employer & All Risk)
✅ A positive customer reference
✅ Your latest filed accounts (if available)

Once we receive these, your certificate will be on its way. Don’t miss out—ensure your continued accreditation and industry recognition by sending your documents today.

📩 Please email your documents to victoria@theafi.co.uk as soon as possible.

If you’ve already sent them, thank you—your certificate will be with you shortly! If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.