TruTac, part of the Microlise Group, has launched a brand-new driver app, making a wealth of additional features and functions available to operators and drivers alike.

Formerly known as TruChecks, the app started life a decade ago as a facility for drivers to conduct paperless, walkaround vehicle checks. Back then it was one of the first of its kind in the UK.

It is now simply called the TruTac app to reflect its complete overhaul and increasing capabilities which, in addition to the core vehicle walkaround checking function, now include much closer integration with the company’s other software products.

Operators and drivers using TruTac’s multitude of systems, such as TruAnalysis, TruTime, and TruDocuments Premium can now access all such systems directly though the app. In addition, the app can seamlessly send data from walkaround checks straight through to the TruFleet system for ease of fleet maintenance planning and to minimise vehicle downtime.

It also features an improved user interface, including clearer notifications, a dedicated accident reporting system, an updated traffic reports page, and a new light and dark mode. 

The app is available on both Android and Apple platforms, which is rare within the transport industry, because many organisations provide apps solely for Android, due to the complexity of tailoring products for Apple systems.

“It’s fully configurable and scalable according to the modules the company has live,” explains TruTac’s managing director, Jemma James. “A decade ago, it was really just about doing walkaround checks. That’s grown hugely to enable access to the document library, uploading documents, requesting holidays and a whole host of other integrated features.

“Because of the changes in technology on both the Apple and Android platforms, rather than tweak the app, we wanted to make a completely new one. It now has additional security features, greater configuration and more functionality.”

Plugging into TruTac’s software systems allows drivers to do far more with the app than a simple vehicle inspection. According to Jemma, one of the main perks is the ability to see their tachograph information and sign of debriefs via the app.

“Most of our customers use us for tachograph analysis as the keystone product, so a lot of drivers will use the app to check things like whether they’ve had any infringements, how long they’ve driven for, whether they’re due a break – those kinds of driving hours-related compliance issues.”

However, the app’s original purpose as a daily vehicle checking tool remains as relevant as ever, and is still vital for safe and compliant fleet operation.

“We have some customers to whom tachograph rules don’t apply – but they still need to do walkaround checks, which is why we’ve kept that as a core function” adds Jemma. “We have van fleets which fall beneath the vehicle weight limit, or grey fleet vehicles, and other customers with heavier vehicles who are under some kind of exemption – they might be public service or utility vehicles, for example – but they still  need to carry out walkaround checks for compliance.”

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Students from South West College joined Penn State students in Pittsburgh to learn best practices in energy efficient design.

Students from South West College, Northern Ireland, joined Penn State students in Pittsburgh to learn best practices in energy efficient design during the High-Performance Building Summer Camp, a joint initiative between the Penn State Center Pittsburgh, Penn State-led Global Building Network (GBN), South West College and the Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh. The city was selected as the host for the camp because of its classification as a United Nations International Centre of Excellence on High-Performance Building.

Tom Bartnik, director of the Penn State Center Pittsburgh, said the programme is designed to prepare the students to be trained as a PHIUS Certified Consultant, or a PHI Certified Passive House Designer, the world’s leading standard in energy-efficient construction.

“We all collaborated to craft the three-week session at the Penn State Center Pittsburgh to combine classroom instruction with first-hand activities and several field trips,” Bartnik said. “With Pittsburgh’s solid portfolio of high-performance buildings, students toured the net-zero energy and net-zero water buildings at Tree Pittsburgh, Frick Environmental Center, and Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes, the first and only building to meet six of the highest green certifications. Additional tours featured Chatham University’s Eden Hall Campus, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh MuseumLab, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Carrick, which is the first certified Passive House library in North America. And at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, students experienced iconic American architecture.”

Sarah Klinetob Lowe, operations director for the Global Building Network at Penn State, joined Wayne Funston and two other instructors from South West College in delivering the daily instruction. She said the camp curriculum addressed technical, teamwork, and global skills needed to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Through a balance of hands-on activities and technical content lectures in the classroom, the students broadly explored high-performance building features and dove into the details of internationally applicable passive building standards. While in the local community, students toured high-performance buildings that fit into their cultural context.” Lowe said. “With the Penn State Centre Pittsburgh’s focus on sustainability and immersive experiences, they have been an invaluable partner in seamlessly bringing together the technical content with local cultural experiences and daily logical needs.”

Leo Murphy, Interim Chief Executive and Principal at South West College added: ‘South West College has long been a leader in the practice and teaching of sustainability and sustainable construction in Northern Ireland and our successes have been well documented over the past year as the college’s Erne Campus in Enniskillen has been recognised as the world’s largest Passive House Premium Rated Building and also one of the first buildings to join the United Nations High Performance Building Initiative at COP26 in Glasgow last November.

The exchange programme at Penn State is a truly invaluable learning opportunity for our students and will further equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to make a measurable impact not only on the local and regional construction industry but on an international level. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Penn State and other academic institutions globally who share our passion for climate management and sustainability over the coming years.’

Tiarnan McGarrity, construction engineering and management student at South West College, said the camp has broadened his understanding of the importance of high-performance building design.

“I will most definitely apply this knowledge in the future to ensure buildings are constructed sustainably and do not damage the natural environment,” McGarrity said. “The success of this summer camp will be evident when we all go out to pursue careers and apply the knowledge to our projects to ensure future buildings and retrofits are environmentally friendly and occupants are comfortable within their building.”

Ella Pedersen, architecture major in the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State, said the experience helped her to concentrate on a specific area of architectural design.

“Being a part of this experience has been a step forward in both narrowing down what specific areas of architecture I would like to explore in my future career and in my skills of interacting with people of very different backgrounds from my own,” Pedersen said. “The United States and the rest of the world have two different standards for what qualifies as passive house. What I thought was quite significant was the fact that we were able to discuss these differences in qualifications, furthering each other’s knowledge of how each works.”

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Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council.

The £4million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching spaces comprising eight standard classrooms and a demonstration science lab. It will also provide flexible options for dining and social spaces and extra staff workrooms.

Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “Having built the main Glossopdale School, which has proved so popular, Henry Brothers is delighted to have now delivered an extension to create additional space for a further 200 students.

“We have partnered with Derbyshire County Council on several school projects over recent years, helping to enhance facilities, and it’s great to see the completion of this latest scheme.

“Working alongside employers agent Concertus, DLA Architecture, civil and structural engineer Curtins and Couch Perry Wilkes for M & E services, Henry Brothers has helped to deliver a superb scheme, which will allow additional pupils to attend this popular school.”

The addition, which was funded by the Council, is set into the hillside and also includes a new multi-use outdoor games area for play and PE.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “It’s great to see the handover of the new phase of the planned Glossopdale expansion, and we’re really pleased that it’s been delivered ahead of the original strategy to help us meet local demand.

“We’re committed to ensuring young people in Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and access to a high-quality education is at the heart of that. I’m really pleased that the school will be welcoming pupils back into this new space from September.”

Jess Etienne, Key Account Manager at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “Considering the economic climate during the construction period, we are pleased to have been able to play our part in delivering these high-quality educational facilities and we are so thrilled with the outcome. The close and positive working relationship between Concertus, Derbyshire County Council, and Henry Brothers has played an instrumental part in the success of this project, and we are excited to see the students continue their journey in their new setting.”

Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.

Henry Brothers is on a carbon reduction journey and is committed to cutting its carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030, and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk

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Data highlights that the most common type of fraud is changing the quality of materials, which has affected three in five companies

With a quarter of construction companies suffering from fraud in the last year, three in five have found the quality of materials unlawfully reduced.

A third of firms have fallen victim to invoice fraud, at a time when rising costs are eating into profit margins everywhere.

Further highlighting the scale and range of construction fraud, one in every five companies have been affected by falsified expense reimbursements, false billing, contractors lying about qualifications, purchase fraud or stealing tools for other projects. A fifth has also encountered bid-rigging, bribery or another form of corruption.

The findings, collated by specialist providers of plant hire in London, Herts Tools, surveyed 39 construction companies about their experience of fraud in the industry. Although a quarter of these companies have experienced fraud in the last year, two in five didn’t report it to the police, meaning fraud is more common than the authorities believe.

Just for the UK government’s ‘levelling up’ construction projects alone, it’s estimated that up to £10bn a year could be lost to fraud, exposing shortfalls in regulation and fraud protections across the sector.

Stefano Lobban, director at Herts Tools, said:

“As many other businesses will have experienced we have been victims of fraud.  Fraudulent hires negatively impact our business, our staff and our customers.  We feel there has been a noticeable increase in attempted fraud since the start of the pandemic.  We have implemented more stringent checks and with our compliance team, we work hard to ensure we communicate with other members of the hire association, our customers and the police and report, share and try to prevent fraud in our industry”.

Declan Rate CEO and Partner at Forensic Procurement Partnership Ltd said:

“The construction industry has always been vulnerable to the threat of fraud and cybercrime, particularly account diversion. This is where a company receives a notification of a change of bank account email purporting to be from a legitimate construction company, when in fact, it is from someone attempting to defraud them.

“Due to the current economic crisis, fraudsters are taking more desperate measures. The substitution, removal, or simple exaggeration of materials used on a project is becoming a frequent type of construction fraud. Contractors, subcontractors and tradesmen may utilise a particular grade or brand of material, or a specific piece of equipment, only to replace it with a less expensive one and keep the difference. 

“We recommend “taking 5” prior to answering any emails or entering into any transaction to ensure it’s a genuine transaction. Lack of vetting and screening could potentially cause long-term financial and reputational harm. We’d also suggest doing your due diligence when hiring anyone on a project. Check work history, and confirm qualifications and certifications. Ask yourself: Can you perform more background checks? Do they have recent references you can request?”

How to recognise the signs of fraud

• Scrutinise any last-minute changes to invoices or materials
• Examine the details of expensive purchases
• Supervise workers to make sure they have the skills and health & safety knowledge required
• Watch out for unusual working practices, such as someone taking on a duty they wouldn’t normally perform
• Ask your accountant to inspect your accounts
• Beware of resistance to anti-fraud measures

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INDEPENDENT MLA Claire Sugden has said she is “extremely worried” that many new property developments, designed to ease Northern Ireland’s growing housing crisis, will not get planning permission unless vast swathes of inadequate sewer systems are improved.

For any new development to receive planning permission, the existing sewerage system for the area must be able to cope with the extra demands to be placed on it. NI Water have said areas of more than 300 town and villages across each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils have inadequate sewerage capacity, meaning that ‘new planning applications may be declined’.

“We are in the midst of a housing crisis where house prices have rocketed, rents have done likewise and the pool of available properties is shrinking all the time,” Ms Sugden said.

“We simply need more houses, because one of the reasons for the persistently high property prices here is the fact we aren’t making many more of them.

“More houses are sorely needed, but even looking past the prohibitively expensive price of building materials at the moment, we have this huge issue of a sewerage system that has been neglected for decades and is increasingly struggling to cope with the current demands. If the systems aren’t up to scratch in an area, houses can’t be built – it’s as simple as that.”

Ms Sugden has written to and questioned both the current Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd and his predecessor Nichola Mallon about steps being taken to bring the wastewater system up to a level where more properties could be accommodated. She has also urged a joined-up approach between Mr O’Dowd and the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey in order to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

“Many of the planned improvements outlined to me were small in scale compared to the task at hand, and also the time frame was often very long, meaning we will see not tangible improvements in the vast majority of these areas for years,” Ms Sugden said.

“More money will be needed, but for this to happen we need a functioning Executive to agree to it and an Assembly to rubber-stamp it.

“But we must also look at ways to change the system for the better if we can. Rather than simply making the current system bigger to cope with more capacity, we also need to look at ways of doing things so the extra capacity is not needed – such as separating storm water and sewage into different networks and reducing the amount of storm water entering the system in the first place through better drainage and catchment management.

“There’s no avoiding the fact that our sewerage system has been neglected for decades. What is clear, however, is that if we don’t do something to change it for the better, and soon, then it will have serious knock-on effects – not least on our ability to build homes to house all those people who desperately need it.”

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Choice Housing, one of Northern Irelands largest housing associations has officially launched a new quality housing development in Portstewart aimed specifically for over 55s. The Hill, which is located close to the harbour in the scenic area of Portstewart will include nine new affordable apartments and secure underground parking.

The £1.5m investment on the former SHAC site will offer independent living in a prime location with local amenities including the promenade and harbour, shops, and cafes all within short walking distance. The new development, which commenced construction in November 2020 is expected to be handed over later this month.

The waiting list for housing in the North Coast area has increased significantly in recent years, this new scheme is a welcome edition in the area which has limited new housing developments.

Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said,

“Evaluating the demand for housing in a specific area forms part of our decision-making process when it comes to investing in new developments. It has been clear for a number of years that there is a growing need for housing in Portstewart and the wider North Coast area.

“The waiting list continues to grow and unfortunately investment in new housing schemes is not keeping up with the demand. The Hill will provide new homes for up to 26 people and we have plans for further investment in more quality housing in the area.”

The Hill will provide safe, secure, and independent living for people aged 55 and over, with eight 3-person 2-bedroom apartments and one 2-person 1 bedroom apartment on offer.

Michael continued,

“This new development offers the chance for new residents to be part of an attractive and thriving local community, which is a vital element of our schemes. Choice is committed to delivering further developments like this in an effort to address the ongoing housing deficit.”

The project, which included the demolition of the existing property, and a full design and build was led by lead Contractor Brendan Loughran & Sons Ltd based in Omagh. The family run business have delivered major investment projects across the island of Ireland.

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Team members from joint venture Farrans Sacyr, the main contractors delivering Belfast Grand Central Station, along with friends are setting out on an epic one-day, 200 mile cycling challenge on Saturday 30^th July, with all funds raised going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The group of amateur cyclists will depart from the Wicklow mountains at 5am, accompanied by support vehicles, with the aim of arriving at Donaghadee Harbour shortly before midnight.

Duane McCreadie, project director for Farrans Sacyr, will be joined by Matty Blayney, Richard McCullough, Ray Brownfield, Mark Donnan, Nathan George and Andy Hunter.

In January 2021, Duane’s 4 month old son, Xander, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic and lifelong health condition. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK.

The McCreadie family were devastated however felt supported by a hopeful medical team at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, who were excited about new treatments which had been approved on the NHS only months before Xander was born. 

Despite the amazing medical progress, Xander’s genetic mutations are exceptionally rare and he is one of the 10% of people living with Cystic Fibrosis who will not benefit from the new CFTR Modulators like Kaftrio. 

Duane said: “No parent wants to be in this position however my wife Deborah and I recognise that the best action we can take is to raise funds to support the work of scientists and researchers who have made finding a cure for ‘the other 10%’ their life’s work. We believe that funding this research will mean that one day Xander, and all babies born with CF, will live a life entirely without limits. 

“The challenge that we are taking on this weekend is daunting to say the least, with approximately 14 hours in the saddle. The collaborative spirit from the FSJV team is fantastic and I am pleased that my teammates will be cycling with me. We would all class ourselves as cycling enthusiasts, however we haven’t tried a distance of this length before. Training hasn’t been as consistent as it probably should have been, but we are all feeling ready and looking forward to raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

Find out more and donate to Cystic Fibrosis Trust at www.justgiving.com/wicklowtodonaghadee

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David Simpson, Simpson Developments, took seven hours to complete the challenge and encourages others to sign up for this year’s “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer

A Northern Ireland property developer has helped raise £10,000 hiking five peaks of the Mourne Mountains.

David Simpson, who is also a passionate traveller and is currently on a mission to visit every country in the world having last spent time in Syria recently, took a break from foreign lands to embark on the arduous challenge for charity. 

The funds will be split between Action Cancer and UNICEF’s Afghanistan appeal.

Supported by members of Ballyclare-based Waites Gym, David completed the seven-hour challenge in September 2021. This year he is launching the “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer” which takes place on Saturday 17th September 2022.

The Mourne Mountains are home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak, as well as incredible views and challenging hikes.  He covered five peaks – Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bearnagh, Commedagh and Donard – in addition to Loughshannagh, Slievenaglogh and Corragh.

Speaking about this mission, he said: “I am always seeking out new adventures and I understand that I’m in a very privileged position to do so. 

“I chose two charities to benefit from the hike; Action Cancer and UNICEF’s Afghanistan Appeal for two very good reasons.

“I admire the work of Action Cancer. It is the only charity in the UK and Ireland to offer breast screening to women aged 40 – 49 and 70 plus who fall outside the NHS age range. Their unique 3D breast screening technology is picking up more cancers at an earlier and more treatable stage. It’s so true; early detection saves lives.

“The charity also provides prevention, detection and support in Northern Ireland through health improvement programmes, digital breast screening, health checks and support and therapeutic services.

“It is making a huge difference as early detection saves lives. With no regular government funding, Action Cancer is reliant on fundraising from the general public and local business community.”

Leigh Osborne, Community & Public Fundraising Manager at Action Cancer, said:

“Action Cancer is a local charity that must raise £4m each year in order to deliver its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity adapted its services so that these could be delivered online or safely face-to-face. We are delighted to see fundraising efforts ramping up in 2022 as we rely on donations to deliver our services and we would like to thank Simpson Developments and Waites for this kind donation.

“The fundraising does not stop and we are thrilled that David Simpson is launching this year’s 7 Peaks Challenge which takes place on Saturday 17th September 2022. Team Action Cancer will take on the 7 Peaks Challenge and conquer seven peaks of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Mournes while helping those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.”  

Mr Simpson will give the other share of funds to UNICEF’s Afghanistan Appeal.

He adds: “Few will not have seen the images from Afghanistan that have circulated the press recently. Those images show scenes of devastation, communities being torn apart and violence and despite that nation being promised a positive future, their lives have been turned upside down overnight. 

“It is hard to accept that people are being forced to live this way and having travelled in and around the area I know they are among the kindest, most hospitable nationalities. UNICEF is currently working around the clock putting themselves at risk to help the lives of these vulnerable families with essential life saving supplies and it is an honour for me to support those efforts.”

The hike follows on from Simpson Developments recent donation of £15,000 to the Northern Ireland Hospice.

To sign up for the “7 Peaks Challenge with Action Cancer”, contact Leigh Osborne via email losborne@actioncancer.org or call 07928 668543.

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TODD Architects, the largest homegrown architecture practice in Northern Ireland has appointed a new Principal for their growing London studio.

Tim Burgess and the VOP Group Architects he founded have joined the AJ100 practice, bringing over twenty years of experience, working across private and public sectors, including for the past twelve years leading and managing Cove Burgess Architects and then VOP in London.

Tim is also a member of Southwark Design Review Panel and since 2012 has been a visiting critic at the University of Bath.

Peter Minnis, TODD Architects’ London studio Director commented “Tim and the VOP Group joining us is another positive step for the practice, coming shortly after our appointment of Gonzalo Vargas as our new Head of Healthcare.

“It further strengthens our offering to clients in London, particularly in the private sector, building on the reputation we have established in recent years in the design and delivery of over 2,500 homes in the capital.”

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