< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/ Anthony Brownwww.blmforum.net Business Link 21 AGRI-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT In sectors such as pork and apple production, UK farms have recently found themselves unable to compete with their European counterparts, leading to a sharp decline in domestic production. This not only threatens the livelihoods of farmers but also undermines the UK’s self-sufficiency, as the nation becomes increasingly reliant on imports to meet its food needs. Farmer-led protests across the UK, mirroring similar movements in the EU, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for policy interventions to address the imbalance in the market and protect domestic producers from unfair competition. The agricultural community is asserting that a series of poor decisions is slowly and quietly demolishing the UK’s farming sector, and protesting by taking actions such as tractor blockades at major ports. Despite generous subsidies being granted to farmers who take up to 280 actions to make their farming more environmentally friendly, these funds are unlikely to reach those most in need of financial support. Building sustainable farms often means integrating new technologies and planting systems for soil conservation, water management, biodiversity provision, and more concerns besides. When considering the cost involved for farms which are already struggling, it’s easy to see how subsidies can fall short in serving the everyday needs of farms and farming businesses. Poorly designed programs then lead to market distortions, incentivising overproduction or favouring certain crops over others. When problems like these lead to looking overseas for cheaply farmed products, they make agriculture an unjust competition for supremacy, rather than the community effort it should represent. Moreover, the introduction of this Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) by the government has raised concerns about its impact on food production. Critics argue that the SFI, while aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, incentivises farmers to prioritise environmental goals over food production, further exacerbating the decline in domestic agriculture. The government’s denial of the SFI’s negative effects does little to allay fears within the farming community, with many calling for urgent action to address the crisis facing UK agriculture. As trade struggles persist and poorly planned subsidies continue to undermine domestic producers, the future of UK farming hangs in the balance, necessitating decisive and effective policy responses to safeguard the industry and ensure the nation’s food security. When acted on in an inclusive and directly supportive way, farm subsidies play a vital role in sustaining agricultural production by providing financial support to farmers, stabilising food supplies, backing rural development, and mitigating the impacts of market volatility and natural disasters. Funding plans which are developed to serve farms who hope to invest in modern farming techniques, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable practices, serve as lifelines for these small businesses and enable them to invest in their future, enhancing productivity and resilience. Furthermore, investing in technology and innovation can help businesses streamline their operations and enhance efficiency in the face of regulatory complexities and logistical challenges. Automation, data analytics, and supply chain management software can improve visibility and traceability across the entire supply chain, enabling businesses to identify and mitigate potential bottlenecks and disruptions proactively. As it stands however, current funding availability exacerbates inequalities within the farming sector, disproportionately benefiting large-scale producers at the expense of smallholders and marginalised communities. Vulnerable farmers have largely been abandoned by Brexit reformations, struggling to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 22 Business Link www.blmforum.net CONSTRUCTION, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT A sustainable material can be defined as one that does not deplete non- renewable resources and has no adverse environmental impact when used. When reviewing that definition, the first thing that likely comes to mind is recycling, and yes, recycled, or reclaimed building waste is a sustainable material. Arguably, this is the most sustainable way of constructing new buildings if ‘closed loop thinking’ is employed. Closed loop thinking works on the basis of reusing a material in its’ current state for as long as possible, then recycling it when it cannot be used in its current form (recycling involves a process of turning the material into another form, thus creating some emissions) and finally throwing away once no further use can be made of the material. Recycled or reclaimed materials are also more cost-effective for both construction companies and clients, as they are easier to source (from existing sites or merchants) and cost less than brand new items. The easiest way to operate closed loop construction is to re-use materials or components in situ, so using an existing building or parts of buildings (this extends to foundations, frames, and façade masonry) and upgrading specific areas as necessary. If the structure no longer remains, the existing ground floor slab could be built upon. This would mean fewer hazardous materials such as concrete would have to be used, lessening the environmental impact of each project. A little more project planning could also help to identify materials or components that could be reclaimed with little processing. These could include steel beams or columns from previous buildings, crushed glass as bedding material for paved or block surfaces and building detritus (such as crushed aggregate) for landscaping or backfilling. Further sourcing efforts could also find discarded railway sleepers or telegraph poles, which could be dismantled and used in multiple ways. Employing unique items like these adds intrigue to the site, giving the potential for companies to create a landmark with their buildings. For example, using reclaimed wood from old buildings or barns gives an olde-worlde, calming charm to new properties which new wood cannot replicate. Whilst reusing existing materials should be the first port of call, some fascinating A push toward sustainable development and environmentally friendly construction material may well shape the future of the construction industry. 24 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 23 CONSTRUCTION, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT © stock.adobe.com/ pressmaster24 Business Link www.blmforum.net developments are being made in brand new sustainable construction materials. As an insulating compound, there is little better than aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC). This is made by mixing lime, cement, water, and a foaming agent. This mixture is then cured in an autoclave, causing it to expand and harden. The result is a lightweight and porous material which provides better insulation than concrete. It is also more resistant to fire, water, and mould, making it perfect for a wide variety of commercial applications. It can be used as a concrete replacement within structural components too and can withstand high wind and seismic activity. Furthermore, it is easier to work with than traditional concrete as standard tools can be used, making it a fast favourite for construction companies. It is more expensive than traditional concrete due to the extra effort in creation, however the energy saving benefits and low maintenance means it is likely to be more cost effective long-term. Plenty of sustainable strides are being made when it comes to flooring, roofs, and insulation. Bamboo is one of the most popular sustainable building materials. Firstly, it is fast growing and can be harvested in as little as three to five years. It is lightweight, making it perfect for interiors, such as flooring and wall panels, but it also has a tensile strength which rivals steel. This means that bamboo can also be used structurally for beams and columns. Similarly, cork is another commonly used environmentally friendly resource. As a bark from the cork oak tree, it can be harvested without needing to cut the tree down, making it an easily accessible material. It is best utilised as insulation, as it is lightweight but durable. Furthermore, it is naturally resistant to mould, mildew, and insects, making it ideal for food manufacturing or warehousing properties. Even more intriguing as an insulant is hempcrete. Made from the woody core of the hemp plant (making waves across multiple industries for its’ healing properties), it is mixed with lime and water to create the perfect insulant for walls, floors, and roofs. Hempcrete gains further sustainability points as is absorbs carbon dioxide as it expands, and is non-toxic to humans or the environment, making it a carbon-negative material. Alongside many other industries, the demand for more sustainable methods is driving product innovation. As can be seen from above, one of the key ways this is being done is through plant extraction. Bamboo, cork, and hemp are likely to become some of the foremost construction materials in the future, due to their unique properties of strength and resilience. Furthermore, unlike slow-growing trees, these materials can be harvested quickly, sometimes without having to cut down the plant, making them a truly sustainable resource that can accommodate continued industry growth. The primary sticking point for companies seeking to invest, is likely to be the materials cost. Newly innovated material generally costs more than traditional building materials. However, the resistance of these materials to weathering, and their energy saving properties makes them a positive long-term investment. CONSTRUCTION, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENTwww.blmforum.net Business Link 25 North Lincs Engineering Ltd We specialise in the Supply, Installation and Reconditioning of Industrial and Marine Diesel Engines and Generating Sets. Our team of Service Engineers can Repair, Maintain or Commission Land based or Marine Installations Worldwide. Tel: 01507 328787 • Email: mark@northlincseng.co.uk • Website: www.northlincseng.co.uk © stock.adobe.com/ leonidkos26 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTH AND SAFETY In a period when finding the right staff for the right job is more difficult than ever before, allowing some to become injured via preventable accidents is disastrous. T he cost of workplace accidents is some £3 billion to UK businesses; it is infinitely more cost effective to implement some rapid strategies to mitigate the most common risks to employees. Surprisingly, accident types remain consistent regardless of industry. Of course, the prevalence of any specific hazard is dictated by the type of workplace – for example, heavy machinery and electrical equipment are less typically found in a traditional office environment. It must be acknowledged that certain industries carry an inherent risk of harm to staff, with the top scoring industries being construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Employees in these fields are most at risk from harm due to falling objects, injuries from heavy or incorrect lifting, and chemical exposures. Alarmingly, those in healthcare are also at significant risk of harm. Workers face exposure to Slip, trip and fall www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 HEALTH AND SAFETY © stock.adobe.com/cunaplus threatening behaviour, sharp and hazardous objects, and ergonomic strains from patient handling daily. Despite this, the most common (and costly) causes of harm to employees could happen in any setting. Slips, trips, and falls commonly occur due to factors like wet surfaces, uneven floors, or obstructions in walkways. Manual handling and lifting activities can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if proper training and techniques are not provided. Accidents involving machinery and equipment can result from inadequate training, misuse, or equipment malfunctions, leading to severe injuries such as crushes or amputations. Falling objects pose a risk in environments where items are stored at heights or during construction work. Ergonomic factors, such as poorly designed workstations or repetitive tasks, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. These are commonly identified within sedentary environments such as offices. Furthermore, these are silent but dangerous issues that can develop over time, costing more in time off work and medical costs than most other workplace disputes. Contrastingly, those in retail or healthcare are most at risk from workplace violence as staff are targeted by dissatisfied customers. For workshop or warehouse-based industries, the deadliness of the hazards increases. Electrical hazards, including mishandling of equipment or exposure to live circuits, can cause electrical shocks or burns. Fire and explosion risks arise from insufficient maintenance, flammable materials, or inadequate fire safety measures. Chemical hazards present dangers when workers are exposed to 28 Á28 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTH AND SAFETY toxic substances without appropriate safety measures or protective equipment. Studies on all the above have identified a chronic lack of training and awareness of safety protocols as being a primary factor in workplace accidents. Furthermore, training awareness is directly proportional to the severity of any accident that may occur. Employers should prioritize addressing these hazards through safety measures, training programs, and fostering a culture of awareness and adherence to safety protocols. Whilst this might seem like a long list of hazards, the good news is that the list remains consistent regardless of industry. This means that a broad approach can be taken to tackling safety concerns in the workplace. To prevent workplace accidents, it is essential to implement several measures. One crucial step is to establish a strong safety culture that prioritizes awareness and accountability among employees. This can be achieved by fostering open communication, encouraging the reporting of hazards or near-miss incidents, and recognizing and rewarding safe behaviours. An online form could be circulated to employees for the reporting www.blmforum.net Business Link 29 HEALTH AND SAFETY of concerns. Online forms ensure that the information reaches the correct individuals, and the data could be anonymised to encourage honesty. Regular safety training is also vital to educate employees about workplace hazards, safety protocols, and proper equipment usage. Ongoing risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential dangers and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. Whilst generic risk assessments are useful for identifying common pitfalls, for industries which require the use of specialist equipment or professional skills, risk assessments must be tailored to consider these cases. Maintaining a clean and organized workspace, providing, and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and promoting ergonomic practices should be standard according to experts. Office-based businesses may consider open offices, rising desks, and hotdesking to encourage employees to keep moving, thus mitigating the risk of ergonomic injury. Furthermore, regular breaks (including eye breaks, where computer users look away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) and task rotation should be encouraged to prevent tiredness and headaches, which can further contribute to accidents. Regular equipment maintenance and inspections are essential to minimize the risk of malfunctions. It is also crucial to develop and communicate emergency response plans, conduct drills, and provide first aid training to ensure preparedness. Lastly, promoting mental health and well-being through support systems and initiatives can help prevent accidents caused by distractions or emotional distress. By implementing these measures, workplaces can create a safer environment and protect the well- being of their employees. One must remember that ensuring workplace safety is a continuous endeavour that demands consistent monitoring, assessment, and enhancement. It is important to regularly review and revise safety policies, actively engage employees in safety-related decision-making processes, and stay abreast of the latest industry standards and regulations. Regular assessment helps to identify the early stages of, and thus prevent, major hazards. Furthermore, considering any unique needs of particular employees helps create a safe environment for all. The provision of a safe and healthy workplace has been shown to boost employee morale and increase productivity. Businesses that operate on a remote basis should consider conducting remote safety training, wherein an assessor can review home workspaces. This will reduce the likelihood of accidents happening in the home and will provide employees with an opportunity to ask for additional resources, such as keyboard risers. At-home risk assessments could then be completed by employees. © stock.adobe.com/WavebreakMediaMicroNext >