Lawson Group get things moving down at Stratford Bus Depot

As many companies get ready to slow down for Christmas, Lawson Group Ltd are still hard at work at Stratford Bus Station in East London. The complex demolition project is being carried on behalf of top construction company VolkerFitzpatrick, who are carrying out extensive refurbishments to the station’s offices and workshops.

The highly specialist demolition works have been taking place while the bus station is still in operation, meaning a careful and meticulous plan of works had to be put into place by Lawson Demolition to incorporate traffic management on site as well as public safety.

The demolition was mainly soft strip, including the removal of exterior windows and interior fixtures and fittings, with the demolition cut line and roof separation being carried out by hand. Following this the ground floor slab and foundations were broken out by a 360° excavator to allow access for construction of the new offices and workshops.

Lawson Group Ltd Managing Director Martin Wilson commented “We are delighted to once again be working with VolkerFitzpatrick on another interesting and challenging project. We are confident that despite the complex nature of working within a live bus depot, Lawson Group’s past experience and success in similar urban demolition sites will ensure that the project is finished to the highest possible standard”.

Lawson Group support CECE crackdown on illegal equipment in Europe

Lawson Group Ltd are backing new efforts by the CECE (Committee for European Construction Equipment) to address the steady flow of non-conformant equipment (NCE) that continues to filter through into the European market through 3rd parties and auctions. As outlined by a recent article in Demolition and Recycling International Magazine, NCE, which is often manufactured by leading manufacturers for use in non-EU countries where legislation is not so stringent, poses a wide risk throughout many areas of the industry. NCE threatens legitimate manufacturers’ reputations, damages the environment and can even put the lives of workers at risk by not conforming to the necessary EU standards.

While NCE can often come onto the market at a ‘cheaper’ price than legitimate machinery, we are being warned not to be fooled by what can seem like a bargain. The price of purchasing NCE could be much higher than you think; workers can be exposed to illegal levels of noise, vibration and emissions, buyers will lose their security with their insurance company if the machine is found to be illegal, and you could find yourself in a seriously complicated legal situation should an accident occur.

The NCE is focusing on educating key groups such as contractors, dealers, and the banking and insurance community in the hope that by raising awareness of the safety and liability issues around NCE, it can be combated. Martin Wilson, Managing Director at Lawson Group Ltd commented “At Lawson Group, we are focused on ensuring any new equipment purchased is fully compliant and of exceptional environmental, health and safety standards. We welcome the push from the CECE to promote vigilance within the industry and hope that they are able to crack down on the influx of NCE in Europe”.

To download the article in the full issue of Demolition and Recycling International, click here

Lawson Group crush the credit crunch with new Sandvik Qj330 Jaw

Leading demolition company Lawson Group Ltd have been feeling the crush rather than the crunch, as they have expanded their already impressive range of plant with the purchase of a state of the art Sandvik Qj330 Jaw Crusher. The new machine is the latest addition to Lawson Group’s rapidly expanding fleet of machinery, as the company look to move forward in the current climate.

The Sandvik Qj330 was acquired by Lawson Group Ltd following a deal secured at the quarry demonstration at this year’s NFDC Annual Convention in Killarney. The purchase comes as Lawson Group continues to expand the business, enabling the company to increase and improve the levels of recycling from their demolition sites across the country.

As Lawson Group Managing Director Martin Wilson explains: “We are delighted with the purchase of Sandvik’s Qj330 crusher. By adding a high quality piece of equipment such as this to our fleet, we believe we are continuing to expand and move in the right direction as a Group. We have been impressed with both the performance of the machine and the service from Sandvik, and are looking forward to utilizing the crusher as part of our ongoing operations around the country”.

Alan Matchett, Demolition and Recycling Segment Manager for Sandvik in the UK and Ireland said: “As a new Client to Sandvik, we welcome Lawson Group Ltd on board, and are looking forward to a long and successful relationship”.

For more information on Lawson Group Ltd, please click here. For more information on Sandvik and their range of products please click here.

Lawson Group continue to expand capabilities with purchase of Caterpillar H160D S Hammer

With the need to expand business ever more prevalent in the current economic climate, Lawson Group Ltd have increased their works capacity even further with the purchase of a new Caterpillar H160D S hydraulic hammer. The impressive piece of equipment, supplied by Finning Caterpillar UK was debuted at the former Orb Steelworks site in Newport, where Lawson Group is nearing completion of work on the thirty hectare site.

The H160D S Hammer will be a welcome addition to the already extensive range of plant and work tools owned by Lawson Group Ltd, and will be fully utilized as the company continues to take on works up and down the country. With a weight of nearly 3 tonnes, the heavy duty H160D S allows Lawson Group’s demolition operatives to work to an even larger and more efficient capacity.

Managing Director of Lawson Group Martin Wilson explains: “We are delighted with our latest purchase from Finning Caterpillar UK, the H160D S hammer. Despite the current climate, we endeavour to keep improving and extending our capabilities by investing in new equipment, ensuring that we are ahead of the game once the market begins to pick up”.

For more information on the specifications of the Caterpillar H160D S Hammer, please click here. For more information on Lawson Group Ltd, please click here.

Lawson Group kick off multi-million pound project in Luton

Lawson Group Ltd today announced that they have been selected by leading construction company Volker Fitzpatrick to carry out demolition works at the former Community Enterprise and Resource Centre (CERC) at The Moakes, Marsh Farm in Luton. The demolition signals the start of a brand new redevelopment of the site as part of what is known locally as the Marsh Farm Masterplan, making way for a 60,000 square foot building in its place.

The demolition work, which is due to begin within the next few weeks will see the steel framed factory building of the CERC knocked down, whilst the neighbouring two storey office block and various other structures will remain.

Martin Wilson, Chairman of Lawson Group Ltd comments “We are delighted to have been chosen by Volker Fitzpatrick to be a part of this project. The demolition is just the beginning of what is set to be a great addition to the Luton area. Wherever we work in the country, we are always committed to causing as little disruption as is possible with demolition; that is why despite the complexity of the project, we are confident that we will complete it to a high standard to make way for this exciting new development.

Lawson Group welcomes new apprentice

Lawson Group Ltd are delighted to welcome the latest addition to their growing team, new apprentice David Munday.

David has been accepted into the National Construction College at Bircham Newton, and will be starting his studies there whilst also learning the ropes on site as part of his Demolition Plant Operative Apprenticeship.

Claire Wilson, HR Manager for Lawson Group Ltd commented: "We would like to welcome our new apprentice, David Munday to Lawson Group Ltd. We are looking forward to having him on the team on site, and wish him every success with his studies too".

For more information on apprenticeships at the National Construction College, please click here.

Lawson Group supports call to combat youth unemployment in Swindon

With towns and cities all over the country feeling the effects of the recession, Swindon has featured in a recent series on Recession Britain in The Daily Telegraph’s Saturday magazine. The article, which appeared on Saturday 25th July focused on youth unemployment, a big local issue which Lawson Group is committed to supporting.

According to figures from the Office of National Statistics in March, the number of people on Job Seekers Allowance in Swindon had risen from 2,000 (1.7%) to 6,300 (5.3%) over the space of a year. This was the highest overall increase in the country, and the first time Swindon, which in 2007 boasted the biggest growth in new businesses in the UK, has passed the national average of 5.2%.

Part of the investigation featured students from Swindon College, who were voicing their own concerns about finding employment after studying vocational courses. Paddy Bradley, Director of Education for Swindon, noted “In an earlier age, apprenticeships would have provided both employment opportunities and skills training for non-academic school leavers”. But as one of the vocational teachers at Swindon College quizzed for the article explained "Very few companies now take on apprentices, because they don’t want the responsibility. Everybody wants trained and qualified people, but they don’t want to pay for their training”.

Claire Wilson, HR Manager at Lawson Group believes that in order to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in Swindon, companies have to look further than the short term. As she explains “At Lawson Group, we believe that by taking on apprentices and encouraging staff to train as part of their jobs we are not only helping local young people further their careers; we are also adding to the value of the business by having staff that are working for us at the same time as expanding their own knowledge and learning for the future”.

As well as developing an apprentice program to help local youngsters, Lawson Group are also keen supporters of the regeneration project featured in the article which, it is hoped in turn will help to bring more opportunities to the local area. As Peter James, the Chief Executive of the New Swindon Company explains “Regeneration is vital to Swindon, to keep existing companies in town and encourage new ones to come in. Because they are the companies that will be employing Swindon’s young”.

Director of Lawson Group Martin Wilson strongly agrees. As a local resident as well as businessman, he commented “As a company, we are committed not just to growing our own business, but helping to grow our local community. We are pleased to be able to offer apprenticeships, as well as many other employment and training opportunities and we hope that other business will consider doing the same. Swindon has a lot to offer and by encouraging and helping young people to get on their feet, and by bringing new opportunities into the town through regeneration we are ensuring it continues to be a great place to live in the future”.

To read the full article featured in Saturday 25th July’s Telegraph magazine, please click here.

For more information on opportunities at Lawson Group, please click here.

Lawson Group apprentice nominated for top award from Construction Skills

Lawson Group is delighted to announce that employee Andrew Hinton has been nominated for a top award at this year’s Construction Skills awards. Andrew, who has been with Lawson Demolition for 7 months, has received the nomination for the work he has done as part of his apprenticeship at the National Construction College.

The National Construction College, who are the training division of Construction Skills, are holding their Presentation Awards Ceremony on Thursday 23rd July, which Andrew will be attending along with Company Director Martin Wilson, and HR Manager Claire Wilson.

Claire Wilson commented: “We would like to say well done to Andrew for his hard work throughout his apprenticeship, and wish him the best of luck with winning his award”.
To find out more about the Construction Skills Awards, click here.

Lawson Group comes top of the class to win Cambridge college demolition contract

Following a competitive tender process, Lawson Demolition Ltd is delighted to have been awarded the contract for demolition works at the
Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

The project, which is being coordinated by leading construction firm Volker Fitzpatrick will see a soft strip and mechanical deconstruction of the University’s Rackham Building, situated on Broad Street in central Cambridge. The Rackham Building, which was constructed in 1972, is one of the many that make up the campus, including the Bryant Building, which is attached to it. Due to the nature of the site the project requires a high degree of precision and accuracy, including hand separation works to form a demolition cut line between the two buildings.

Martin Wilson, Director of Lawson Group commented: “Lawson Demolition is delighted to be working for the first time with Volker Fitzpatrick on this project. Thanks to the considerable amount of time and effort invested by our Contracts Management Team, we were able to provide the Client with a comprehensive and detailed plan of works, which we are confident we will see through to a high standard”.

For more information on this project, or any of our previous projects please click here.

Demolition works at the Maple Building in Swindon completed

Following an extensive and complex programme, demolition works have now been completed by Lawson Demolition at the Maple Building in Kembrey Park, Swindon. The site consisted of a large open plan office building, on two levels.

The project, which was undertaken by Lawson Group on behalf of Crown Interiors, saw the entire building undergoing a major soft strip. This included removal of partition walls, toilets, offices, kitchens, floor coverings including computer flooring and fixings, as well as false ceilings and fixings, warehouse inner doors and partition walls, blinds, lifts and stairs inside the building. On the outside, work was also carried out to remove air conditioning units, railings and hand rails.

The Maple Building, located at the exit of the Great Western Way dual carriageway in Swindon is based at the entrance to Kembrey Park along with the Travelodge, Brewers Fayre restaurant and New Generation Health and Fitness Club. The refurbished building is due to be let as business premises following completion of the refit by Crown Interiors, bringing more new business to the already popular Swindon area.

Lawson Demolition attend JCB’s Demolition Day for NFDC Members

Lawson Demolition were delighted to be invited to an exclusive Demolition Day, hosted by one of the world’s top manufacturers of construction equipment, JCB. The event, which took place on the 4th June at JCB’s World Head Quarters in Staffordshire, provided members of the NFDC with a unique opportunity to discover more about JCB, its plant and its plans for the future.

The all-day event gave members the chance to meet and to hear from some of the most interesting and influential names from within the industry; such as Keith Berryman, Director of Land and Property from Cross Rail, who was able to talk about their current projects, through to Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB. Members were then treated to an exceptionally enjoyable evening at Uttoxeter Races, including excellent hospitality all courtesty of JCB.

Martin Wilson, Director of Lawson Group and Chairman of the NFDC London and Southern Counties Region attended the event on behalf of Lawson Demolition. He commented: “This really was an outstanding event by JCB. We were delighted to be able to visit JCB World Head Quarters, and equally delighted to meet Sir Anthony Bamford and Rob Holden. We would also like to thank JCB for what was an outstanding evening at Uttoxeter Races, which was enjoyed by all”.

For more information on JCB, click here.

Lawson Group support Daily Mirror’s ‘Asbestos Timebomb’ campaign

Lawson Group is supporting the Daily Mirror’s ‘Asbestos Timebomb’ campaign, which has been launched by the national newspaper in order to highlight the deadly impact of asbestos related illnesses. The Mirror are calling for a £10 million pound national centre for asbestos diseases as part of their campaign.

Deaths from asbestos related diseases could reach at least 200,000, and the epidemic is not due to peak until 2025 – 10 years longer than feared. The UK has the highest mesothelioma rate in the world. While it is mostly men who are affected, it is the fastest growing cancer among women.

In the wake of this and other recent articles highlighting that problem could continue due to asbestos still being present in many schools and other public buildings, Lawson Group have launched Lawson Environmental, a branch of the group dedicated to safe and effective asbestos removal. Following receipt of HSE licence accreditation, Lawson Environmental will be able to carry out all aspects of assessment and removal of asbestos.

Martin Wilson, Director of Lawson Group Ltd explains “Many people think of asbestos as a problem of the past; however there are still many public buildings such as schools which contain a worrying level of asbestos. The NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers) are campaigning to have all asbestos removed from schools by 2012, and we welcome this initiative. One of the reasons we have launched Lawson Environmental is a commitment to providing highly skilled and trained people that can help to combat this problem”.

For more information on the Daily Mirror’s ‘Asbestos Timebomb’ campaign, click here.

Lawson Demolition win contract for the Orb Steelworks in Newport

Lawson Demolition Ltd has today announced that they have been chosen to undertake a demolition project at the site of the Orb Steelworks, off Corporation Road in Newport. The old steelworks, which was once a central part of Newport’s industry, is due to be given a new lease of life as part of a development by Taylor Wimpey South Wales; the first stage of which is the demolition of the current buildings, due to commence at the end of June 2009. The demolition, which is due to continue through to October 2009, is the initial part of the plans by Taylor Wimpey to redevelop the site.

The site itself, which is located on Corporation Road in Newport, covers an area of thirty hectares; however it is specifically the North Eastern section of the site which is due for redevelopment. The project will see several of the current buildings being demolished, including the training centre, the gym, the old gate office, several blocks of offices, the conference and medical centres, as well as an old Air Raid shelter situated on the site.

Martin Wilson, Director of Lawson Group Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected to undertake the demolition work on this new development. It is a considerably complex project, and our team have already put an enormous amount of time into the preparation and planning, especially with regards to health and safety. We are looking forward to beginning work on the site within the next few weeks”.

Asbestos Licence

Lawson Environmental Ltd have been licensed by the Health & Safety Executive to undertake works involving asbestos containing materials.

Licence Number: 2090905351