Specialist sports construction company S&C Slatter enjoyed a very busy and productive time at the recent ISBA annual conference in Manchester.
An important topic of conversation this year related to the environmental sustainability in sports facility construction. During the course of many conversations with Bursars across this sector, it is very clear that environmental sustainability is a key concern.
As a leader in the sports construction sector, S&C Slatter have proven solutions for reducing the carbon footprint in their sports facilities developments, along with the latest technologies to minimise their environmental impact.
Immediately prior to the conference, Bursars once again enjoyed the now famous annual golf day, hosted by S&C Slatter.
For those who couldn’t attend the golf day, S&C Slatter brought golf to the exhibition hall in the form of a golf putting simulator. Lots of fun was had by all and competition was fierce among the Bursars. In the spirit of the company’s drive to environmental sustainability, oak saplings were provided as prizes to the Bursars who scored a hole in one.
Whether delivering large-scale projects to tight time frames for elite competition, or small refurbishments for community use, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class sports facilities for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.
With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
Taking place yesterday at the beautiful Marriott Worsley Park Golf Club, Manchester, the now-famous Annual Bursars’ Golf Day was a day full of networking, fun and some impressive golf performances.
Golfers enjoyed a warm and sunny afternoon on the course, with competitions for various prizes up for grabs that kept the standard of play very high (at times!).
This friendly and inclusive event for Bursars’ was scheduled to coincide the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) Annual Conference. As a leader in designing and building high quality sports facilities for Independent Schools, S&C Slatter were pleased to host golfers from the sector for the day.
Guests are given a warm welcome with bacon baps and other refreshments as they were preparing for an 18 hole thriller!
To round off the event, guests congregate together in the early evening to enjoy a fine dinner put on by S&C Slatter. The informal networking opportunity for all was a fantastic opportunity to share stories (some even true!) of their golfing prowess throughout the day, before excellent prizes were awarded for those who’d made great scores and hit the best shots.
S&C Slatter Annual Golf Day Prize-winners
Ladies Individual:
Paula Vanninen (Arnold House School)
Men’s Individual:
Stuart Todhunter (Collins Construction)
Winning Team:
Gary Johnson (Conduiit)
Chris Marriott (The Sports Consultancy)
Tom Gardner (Alliance Leisure)
Andy Cackett (S&C Slatter)
Nearest the Pin in 1:
Gilly Burrows
Longest Drive:
Matthew Swift
Huge congratulations to all the prize winners and those who took part, it was another excellent occasion which was thoroughly enjoyed!
Don’t miss next year’s Golf day and book your place in advance with the S&C Slatter team.
Whether delivering large-scale projects to tight time frames for elite competition, or small refurbishments for community use, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class sports facilities for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.
With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
The team from the S&C Slatter were invited to industry leading Artificial Turf systems supplier Tarkett Sports to a seminar on the sustainable solutions for the synthetic turf industry.
The specialist topic seminar was hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Newbury. Alongside many of our partners, we were treated to an in-depth look at future organic infills for the artificial turf pitches we design and build. In our ever-changing world it is impossible not to see that climate change is affecting us all and at S&C Slatter we strive to be at the front of positive change. With the very nature of the synthetic turf pitches we are constructing, the importance of creating a more sustainable future is paramount for the planet and our business.
In September of 2022 the European Union (EU) drafted new regulations including the ban of placement of SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) into the market, effectively outlawing polymeric infill material for Artificial Turf Pitches. This leaves the synthetic sports turf industry looking for new organic versions of the performance infills for our pitches. Reducing carbon footprint and eliminating microplastics are the key components to the legislation. As always, S&C Slatter is making positive changes to remain ahead of the curve.
The changes are proposed to be enforced in Europe in 2031. Although the final legal vote is yet to be taken it is seen as a given that the legislation will be passed this year. This will have a profound effect on the industry and the planet. Despite Britain leaving the EU, the change in EU laws will likely affect the synthetic turf industry in the UK. The FIFA and World Rugby standards will drive these changes due to international standards for artificial turf pitches needing to be adhered to in UK.
The seminar was centred on the ways the industry can move towards a sustainable future ahead of the changes enforced by the EU. The increased durability of the fibres used, and improved maintenance of pitches will be the first step to minimise the environmental impact of pitches. Circularity and recycling of the old pitches allow for the industry to reduce the impact on the environment. Whether using mechanical or chemical recycling, ongoing pilot studies are allowing Tarkett Sports and their partners to investigate all avenues for improving the sustainability of the turf itself.
Carbon footprint is a buzz word in the climate change conversation. However, this is an incredibly complex calculation to accurately identify over the life cycle of a synthetic sportsturf pitch. Examples of the input factors to be considered include: the use of energy in the manufacturing process, transportation to and from the production factories, waste during production and the end of life of a pitch are to name just a few factors in deciphering the ‘carbon footprint.’ The Environment Product Declaration (EPD) is a declaration that ‘qualifies environmental information on the life cycle of a product to enable comparisons between products fulfilling the same function [1].’ The EPD methodology is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a product which is verified by a 3rd party to give consumers the information to compare across products.
Reducing the use of virgin Polyethylene (PE) will reduce the carbon footprint of a product. At Tarkett Sports there is a drive to understand the ways the business could reduce the PE content to lower the CO2 emissions. Cleaner energy use at the fibre production factory, improving the layout of the factory and more efficient manufacturing processes all contributed to the reduction of CO2. The calculation that is understood to be broadly accurate is that 1 full-sized pitch creates approximately 50 tonnes of CO2, which is the same as a family for 1-year!
The move towards organic infills has already begun and Tarkett Sports and S&C Slatter are at the forefront of this important environmental change in the UK. The options available are varied and have the potential to greatly improve the environmental sustainability impact of synthetic turf pitches. Although a closely guarded secret, the options presented during the seminar show the depth of knowledge and an incredible attention to detail by Tarkett Sports that will ensure the environment is better protected, whilst minimising the end-users playing experience. Whether through the application of dual filament turf pitches, sand-based pitches or the new carbon negative organic derivatives, it is important to remember that the pitches will always require resurfacing due to poor maintenance rather than the excessive playing time. Maintenance has always been an essential part of ensuring the pitch’s optimum life cycle. S&C Slatter provide all our clients with the appropriate level of maintenance training during the lifetime of our pitches to ensure the best playing experience for users. S&C Slatter truly build outstanding sports pitches for high performance teams and future sustainability of the planet!
Whether delivering large-scale projects to tight time frames for elite competition, or small refurbishments for community use, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class sports facilities for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.
With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
Bringing over 40 years’ experience of proven operational skills in the construction industry, S&C Slatter are delighted to report the appointment of Nicholas Calkin in a brand-new role as the Director of Operations.
Reflecting the strong performance in the business’ results for a third consecutive year and an evolving client base, this key appointment has been made to reinforce operational capabilities. In his role, Nicholas will develop, implement and monitor operational systems and processes ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity in an ever-evolving industry. With past roles including Construction Director, Senior Surveyor, Financial Director and 25-years owning two successful construction businesses operating in the West Berkshire area, Nicholas’ invaluable experience is evident. He has already created a positive impact within the business since his appointment in November.
“As a progressive business, S&C Slatter has moved to appoint an outstanding, industry-experienced professional in Nicholas Calkin. Bringing proven operational skills, honed over many years in the construction industry, Nicholas is already making a positive impact on day-to-day operations of the business.”
– Jason Douglass, Group Director.
Day to day, Nicholas will be responsible for the development and long-term operational plans of the business, maximising efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration. Drawing on his wealth of experience as a proven Surveyor and Financial Director, Nicholas will be developing financial and budgetary plans and real-time project cost reporting, reviewing and implementing supply chain agreements, tender packages, purchase order systems and standardising contracts for large procurements. When not in the office, Nicholas will be a regularly seen figure visiting our live construction sites, reviewing quality and progress with the Contracts Managers across the country.
“Nicholas brings a wealth of experience and is already making a difference in shaping new processes and systems to give us the focus and insight needed for the range and scale of projects we undertake. His attitude and enthusiasm are a great fit for the S&C team and we look forward to that being shared with the wider team and industry” – Benedict O’Connor, Managing Director S&C Slatter
Outside of work Nicholas enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, their three children and four grand-children. Nicholas enjoys playing tennis in his free-time and spends his weekends fishing and clay-shooting. Nicholas is an enthusiastic chef and with a busy home/work schedule, he always ensures there’s enough time to enjoy cooking for his family.
With dedicated in-house teams, benefit from a seamless experience with one point of contact from design and planning through to completion and aftercare.
Talk to us today to discuss the design, planning, finance, construction and aftercare of your sports facilities.
Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com to talk to our experts.
The European Commission has recommended a ban on the placement into the market of ‘intentionally added microplastics’ – so what does this mean for artificial turf pitches?
The recommended ban will now be voted on by EU member states. If approved, the ban will come into force after an agreed transition period, there is talk of this being no sooner than 6 years from approval. At this point, the ban will only impact the sale of polymeric infill for artificial turf pitches – because these are considered ‘intentionally added microplastics’.
It does not and will not impact the production and use artificial turf itself, organic or natural infills, such as sand, cork, olives, or water-based/non-fill artificial turf systems.
Back in 2020, we looked at the implications of tougher microplastics restrictions on artificial turf pitches. The wider proposals surround the EU’s aims to:
At that time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Risk Assessment Committee had recommended a ban on the use of polymeric infills in artificial turf, as part of this initiative to reduce the release of microplastics. The Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) was undecided, with both committees delivering finalised opinions to the European Commission.
Two years on, the European Commission has accepted the recommendation to introduce a ban on the future sale of polymeric infills used within synthetic turf systems. A six-year transition period has been proposed once restrictions are officially adopted, pending a vote by EU member states.
Back in 2020, we looked at the implications of tougher microplastics restrictions on artificial turf pitches. The wider proposals surround the EU’s aims to:
At that time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Risk Assessment Committee had recommended a ban on the use of polymeric infills in artificial turf, as part of this initiative to reduce the release of microplastics. The Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) was undecided, with both committees delivering finalised opinions to the European Commission.
Two years on, the European Commission has accepted the recommendation to introduce a ban on the future sale of polymeric infills used within synthetic turf systems. A six-year transition period has been proposed once restrictions are officially adopted, pending a vote by EU member states.
Ultimately, right now, nothing is changing. But when introduced – in roughly six years’ time – this legislation will be mandatory, and polymeric (e.g. SBR rubber, TPE, EPDM) infills will banned from being sold for use in artificial turf pitches.
With that in mind, anyone considering a new 3G artificial turf pitch will most likely want to consider constructing their pitch with alternative specialist organic infill, such as cork, olives pits or corn, to ensure their pitch is compliant when the ban is introduced.
Contact our team to discuss the options available for your project.
Working with our exclusive partners, FIFA, World Rugby and FIH Preferred Turf Producers, FieldTurf, we can construct your new 3G pitch organic infill materials that are proven and tested to deliver optimum performance.
Get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
S&C Slatter are proud to announce this free and innovative new workshop offering fresh insight, practical advice, and real-world examples from a range of sports industry experts. Attendees will be inspired and empowered to deliver outstanding sports facilities for their schools and clubs.
Planning a new sporting facility, whether a single-pitch refurbishment or multi-sport hub, is challenging. With challenges ranging from funding and technical specifications to player performance and environmental impact, it’s hard to know exactly what you need to develop your new facility.
To help schools and sports clubs navigate these processes, S&C Slatter are proud to be hosting the Sports Facilities 2023 this Autumn.
Time and place to be announced later.
Anyone responsible for the planning and delivery of sports facility construction and refurbishment at schools and clubs.
Schools: Bursars | Business Managers | Directors of Sport | Estates Managers
Sports Clubs: Chairpeople | Managing Directors | Committee members with responsibility for new/existing facilities
In just one day, this workshop will cover everything you need to know about designing and delivering new sporting facilities, incorporating the very latest developments in sports surfaces, environmental mitigation, finance and revenue generation.
Over a complimentary lunch, delegates will have a choice of breakout sessions to attend with the morning’s speakers, with an ‘Any Question Answered’ approach.
If you’ve been glued to your screens like us, or lucky enough to have visited one of the packed-out competition venues, you’ll know that the last few weeks have provided plenty of thrill and excitement for sports fans.
The biggest Team England medal haul ever, sold-out stadia, breaking BBC streaming records – it’s no question that the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a resounding success. S&C Slatter are delighted to have contributed to the games with the construction of both major competition and training venues.
As recently announced, we were honoured to deliver the complete design and build package for the 2022 Commonwealth Games athletics facilities. Together with our exclusive partners, Beynon Sports, we delivered the new World Athletics Class 1 athletics facility at the redeveloped Alexander Stadium. This included the main stadia athletics track, infield and jumps, home of the official athletics competition. Here we saw magnificent displays from the home nations, such as the England men’s successful defence of their title in the 4x100m relay, Laura Muir’s long awaited gold in the 1500m for Scotland, and Wales’ Olivia Breen winning gold in the T37/T38 100m sprint.
Overall, across the athletics and para-athletics programme, the Alexander Stadium saw 1 World Record and a whopping 30 Commonwealth Games Records broken!
But no athlete can compete without a world-class training facility. As well as the main stadia track and field facility, we constructed an additional warm-up track, with the same world-leading Beynon track surface, adjacent to the stadium (complete with infield) and a further specialist throws area.
You can view the facility just before the handover in our video below:
We’ve had a wealth of success as a nation in both Men’s and Women’s hockey in recent global competition – but in 24 years, the England Hockey Women’s team had lost out to Australia, securing silver in three separate Commonwealth finals. That is until this year’s games, when they triumphed against the team from down under, securing their first hockey gold at the Commonwealth Games. The men’s team didn’t leave empty-handed either, securing a bronze medal in their match against South Africa.
We were proud to have delivered one of the hockey training venues for this year’s games at Wyndley Park Leisure Centre just north of Birmingham. Here, we converted the existing sand-dressed hockey pitch into a water-based hockey field, tested and certified to FIH Global standard – required for international competition – ready to support teams training for their all-important Commonwealth Games matches.
Another successful event at this year’s games – delivering 4x gold medals for Team England – was the triathlon, which took place in the stunning 2,000-acre Sutton Park National Nature Reserve.
Wyndley Leisure centre is located just on the outskirts of the park and was utilised as a training venue for the triathletes competing in the games. In addition to the new hockey facility on-site, we carried out a section repair on the centre’s 400m athletics track, installing a new throws cage area and new perimeter fencing. We then carried out a specialist track clean to complete the works, ensuring that the facility was in top condition, and ready to host some of the world’s best triathletes in training for the main event.
Many of the S&C Slatter team have been involved in these projects for years, from initial concept through to completion, so to witness the sheer scale and success of the games in action has been a joy. We’re proud to have cheered on as athletes from around the world competed on and trained on our facilities for the 2022 Commonwealth Games – and to know that as part of the games’ legacy, many more will have the opportunity to use these world-class facilities, inspiring the next generation of sporting superstars and enthusiasts.
Whether delivering large-scale projects to tight time frames for elite competition, or small refurbishments for community use, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class sports facilities for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.
With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
S&C Slatter are delighted to announce that handover of the Alexander Stadium’s new world-class athletics facilities was successfully completed in May this year.
Working in exclusive partnership with world-leading track manufacturers Beynon Sports, S&C Slatter delivered a full design and build package for the state-of-the-art athletics facilities under McLaughlin & Harvey’s comprehensive Alexander Stadium redevelopment.
As part of the major redevelopment at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, S&C Slatter have designed and constructed a complete package of world-class athletics track and field facilities. Boasting two cutting-edge athletics tracks with natural grass infields, as well as an additional practice throws area, the facility has been independently tested and awarded a World Athletics Class 1 Athletics Facility Certificate.
So what exactly is a World Athletics Class 1 Athletics Facility? It’s a facility proven to deliver the standard required to host the highest levels of international competition, including the Olympics and World Athletics Championships. For our experienced team, it was no sweat. Between them they’ve delivered athletics tracks across the country, from community to elite level.
Steve Ayres, Contracts Manager, S&C Slatter, commented:
“This project presented an immovable deadline and demanded the highest standards, but with our expertise, scale doesn’t impact our ability. Strong communication, adaptability and experience is what ensured our programme was delivered to schedule. Others might find the extra scrutiny a challenge – but we produce the best we can, whether for a local school or the highest levels of competition.”
As the newest – and one of just 4 – of these certified facilities in the UK, the world’s best athletes put this accreditation to the test recently at the Wanda Diamond League. It proved to be an exciting first test event for the venue, with Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith seeing off Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson in a neck-and-neck 100m race. Fellow home favourites Laura Muir and Keely Hodgkinson also wowed the crowds with their respective 1500m and 800m wins.
Feedback from the athletes was fantastic, with six-time Paralympic Gold Medallist David Weir calling the track “amazing,”, Jamaica’s Omar McLeod saying: “It is a fast track for sure, I am already looking forward to coming back,” and Olympic bronze medallist Holly Bradsaw stating: “I think it surpasses the Olympic Stadium in London.”
Selected by Birmingham City Council and Main Contractors McLaughlin & Harvey after a competitive tender process, S&C Slatter were responsible for the design and construction of the development’s substantial new athletics facilities. Partnering exclusively with North America’s leading track producer, Beynon Sports, the two new athletics tracks were constructed with Beynon’s World Athletics Certified BSS 1000 system, engineered for world-class venues as part of the company’s Elite Performance Series, and trusted by over 400 track & field venues across 7 countries.
An industry leader in North America, responsible for over 70% of the USA’s World Athletics Class 1 Certified Facilities, Beynon Sports have delivered over 7,500 installations at some of the most renowned venues across the globe over the last 40 years. The Alexander Stadium redevelopment will mark Beynon’s first major installation in Western Europe – and the first under their exclusive partnership with S&C Slatter – though as a Tarkett Sports Company, alongside our exclusive turf partners FieldTurf, our partnership is already six years strong. Together we have delivered major projects for clients such as Everton Football Club, Eton College and Europe’s first Major League Baseball event, MLB’s London Series 2019.
Jason Douglass, S&C Slatter Group Director, commented:
“We were delighted to work with Beynon Sports on this truly exciting project, producing world-class athletics facilities as part of the Alexander Stadium redevelopment.
With a proven history of delivering sports facilities for the very highest levels of global performance, as well as for community use, we’re thrilled to have provided an outstanding facility for the City of Birmingham and elite athletes across the nation.”
The project benefitted from the in-house expertise across The Slatter Group, with S&C Slatter’s dedicated design team delivering the vision for athletics complex and our construction experts building the two world-class athletics tracks and jumps. Our sister company White Horse Contractors brought their land drainage and natural turf expertise to the project, working with us to construct the Sport England Type 7 natural turf stadium infield, as well as two Sport England Type 5 natural turf fields for the warm up track and throws area to complete the exceptional new facility.
Work commenced in late 2020 and, despite the substantial challenges faced during the project, including: the global pandemic, materials shortages, shipping delays – and even the ‘great’ British weather! – the project was completed on time and officially handed over in early May.
We were thrilled to deliver such an exciting and innovative project as part of the exceptional Alexander Stadium redevelopment, working with Beynon Sports to deliver the UK’s superior new athletics facility in Birmingham.
Whether delivering large-scale projects to tight time frames for elite competition, or small refurbishments for community use, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class sports facilities for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.
With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
You may have seen our recent welcome Q&A’s with Jon Pike and Jon Turnbull. Well three is the magic number, because this week we’re introducing you to another John! John Fisher has joined our dedicated team of Contracts Managers.
Joining us with substantial experience in the construction industry, John has fit right into the team, overseeing the construction of a number of brilliant projects currently underway. Learn more about John’s military, sporting and construction background in his welcome Q&A below!
Very busy and exciting, it’s been great to learn new disciplines having come from a different area of construction. I’ve had great support from everyone both office-based and on-site.
After leaving the Army, I’ve been in the construction industry in the roles of Project Manager and Contracts Manager, working in Industrial Building New Build and Refurbishment, Demolition, Enabling Works and Asbestos Removal.
As a Contracts Manager within the Contracts department, I’m responsible for the organisation and management of multiple sports construction projects across the country at any one time. It’s my job to ensure that my projects are taken from contract award through to site implementation and successful completion – while meeting all health & safety and industry recognised standards.
As Contracts Managers, we are responsible for ensuring that all contractual agreements are upheld, including the governance of sub-contractors, suppliers and the daily on-site project team. We oversee the resourcing and management of plant, transport, materials and personnel.
The sports construction industry has always been governed by many authorities and bodies and therefore not changed dramatically concerning build dimensions and specifications. However, surface technology, substrate preparation, and drainage engineering has developed significantly. There are now new technologies available, and innovative means of surveying and testing, with R&D constantly evolving.
The industry has its eyes opened following the pandemic, with resources for labour and materials becoming extremely vast and expensive. This has meant that relationships and agreements with suppliers have had to adapt. With the current unpredictability of the economy and material availability, strict project planning and commercial awareness are required to remain commercially risk-averse.
S&C Slatter are leaders in sports construction with an extremely remarkable portfolio. The company is ambitious and well respected with professionalism and integrity at its core. I was attracted by these qualities and spotted an opportunity to strengthen my construction knowledge, while hopefully bolstering an evolving team of sports construction and groundworks experts.
Make sure to conduct appropriate research and appoint subject matter experts at the earliest opportunity. This is the best way to ensure that your expectations are met and planned and executed to the highest possible standards.
I enjoy keeping fit and often frequent the gym. I really enjoy rugby, having played to the highest standard whilst serving in the British Army, and I am now a supporter with plans to become a coach once my children are of an age to play. I enjoy spending time with my young family and have an interest in country sports.
Welcome, John! It’s been great to hear about John’s background and experience – he’s already very much part of the team and it’s great to have him with us.
Our contracts managers oversee our projects across the country. Working with their site managers and site supervisors, they work collaboratively with clients and on-site teams to keep programmes on track.
If you’re considering a sports construction project and want to ensure maximum quality with minimal risk, get in touch with our team on 01635 345 21 or email info@sandcslatter.com.
