SIP Build UK – celebrating 10 years of excellence | With increasing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, there’s no doubt that recent years have seen changing trends in the UK construction industry.
Statistics show that over 20,000 people build their own home in the UK every year, around 12 per cent of all homes built in the UK today are self-built and it’s estimated self-builders spend around £2bn on the land and build costs. Central to this trend are Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) – a quick, environmentally friendly and robust building technology that’s been tried and tested around the world.
SIPs use timber panels from sustainable sources with an insulating foam core. This gives a high strength to weight ratio allowing large sections buildings to be fitted at once – speeding up the time required on site. The result is a building system that’s extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Building with SIPs saves time, money, and labour.
Leading the way in the supply of SIPs is SIP Build UK which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary – having been set up in June 2012 by husband and wife team Chris and Julie Duckworth.
Chris explains: “We design, manufacture, supply and install SIP timber frame and light gauge steel systems; whilst also being able to supply several cladding type applications. Our in-house design and production facilities guarantee buildings are produced to the highest standards in the quickest time possible. Due to the high-quality control procedures we operate, we deliver SIP panels with a blend of guaranteed performance, competitive pricing, and unrivalled customer service”.
“Many schools and public buildings are positively encouraging the use of SIPs and self-builders are realising the benefits of using this technology to provide sustainable, long-lasting energy efficient solutions for their buildings.”
He adds: We can assess the client’s needs and offer a solution that will match them, unlike many of our competitors who only offer one system.”
The past 10 years have witnessed continued growth in both sales and the size of the organisation. Key milestones include becoming a Kingspan TEK partner seven years ago, moving into the current factory six years ago and becoming part of the newly-structured SBUK Group which includes Frame build UK, Clad Build UK, and Met Build UK. The new group structure aims to enhance the product portfolio offered to customers.
This success has continued despite challenges.
Chris explains: “The Grenfell Tower disaster made the whole industry look long and hard at itself. Common sense has started to prevail, and standards are undoubtedly improving and whilst it’s obviously too late to stop the tragedy, good work is being done to ensure that it doesn’t happen again”.
“We no longer work at heights much above 11m partly through choice and partly through specification”.
“SIPs provide an unbelievably versatile product and in the right place it’s hard to find a better solution.”
Chris is acutely aware that to maintain its industry leading position, the company must continually review its systems and processes.
He explains: “The directors and senior management team are huge believers in investment and continual improvement. Last year we built and successfully implemented a new process management software which allows us to track our projects from order to final completion and warranty.
“Whilst it took many hours of sweat and tears, it’s one of the biggest advances the business has made in the last ten years and clients are really reaping the benefits.”
He adds: “We constantly try to reduce waste throughout the factory – for example recycling timber offcuts and minimising traffic movements.”
Chris also realises the importance of supply chain relationships. “We work closely with a relatively small number of suppliers who help price in the early stages and then deliver a high-quality product throughout the process” he explains.
“My ethos has always been to choose partners due to quality and service rather than price, and this continues across the business today.”
Key recent projects undertaken by SIP Build UK include involvement in the York St John University Creative Centre, adding two extensions to Harrogate’s Police Treatment Centre (PTC) to house an additional 20 patients, 4 counselling rooms, 1 surgery room, 6 therapy rooms and various new meeting rooms for staff; and creating light and modern SEN classrooms for St Edmunds Catholic Primary school. The one we can’t tell you about will feature on the television shortly!!
So, having enjoyed a decade of growth and success, what does the future hold for the business?
Chris concludes: “We’ve had a significant period of upheaval throughout the UK over the last 2 years.
“As a business, we’ve had Director changes and implemented some amazing new systems, so we’re well set to deliver our customers’ needs in both the short term and longer term.
“We’ve got a definite growth plan – you’ll just have to watch this space!”
Property & Development Magazine
