News and blogs

When we think about the future of civil engineering, we don’t just see roads, covers and chambers - we see an opportunity to reduce carbon, prevent pollution, and protect our environment from the ground up.

When it comes to specifying ironwork, it’s often assumed that selecting the right Class under BS EN 124 is enough to ensure a long-lasting and compliant installation. But the reality is that’s only part of the story.

When it comes to ironwork installations, surface-level strength and durability often steal the spotlight. But what’s happening beneath the cover is just as important - especially when it comes to keeping people safe.

That’s where safety grilles, also known as safety grids, come into play. 

Surface water inflow into foul water systems is a longstanding issue that continues to strain sewage infrastructure all over the country.

The key to solving this challenge lies in collaboration across the industry. By working together, water companies, manufacturers, and regulators can develop and implement solutions that address both the root causes of sewage discharge and the more subtle sources of surface water infiltration.

Take a look at how the ironwork industry can revolutionise sustainability through durable designs, sustainable materials, and whole-life carbon assessment.

By forging partnerships across the supply chain, we can transform decarbonization from challenge to opportunity, creating resilient infrastructure that serves generations while protecting our planet.

Raw sewage was discharged into England’s waterways more than 300,000 times during 2022, according to the latest Environment Agency figures. Foul drains that leak or overflow allow untreated effluent to enter storm drains, ultimately polluting our rivers and seas.

Local authorities across the UK face an ongoing battle against the theft of gully gratings. These essential components of our road infrastructure are targeted by thieves due to the value of the metal when sold as scrap. Not only does the removal of gully gratings pose a significant risk to public safety, but it also incurs substantial replacement costs and diverts resources from other critical areas of the Highway Capital Programme. 

When it comes to civil engineering and infrastructure projects, the devil is in the details, and ironwork installation is no exception. High-quality ironwork is a essential for enduring infrastructure, providing access and protection to the vital systems that lie beneath our roads and buildings.  

In the winter months, it is hard to avoid mention of the UK’s pothole problem. A Google search shows over 16,000 news items on potholes and trends continue to show the search term is on the rise. But while potholes fall off the news agenda in the summer months this is actually the time where reports increase. 

But what we are not aware of is how improving ironworks could reduce the UK’s pothole problem.