S&C Slatter are delighted to announce that Wayne Sexton shall be rejoining us as Contracts Manager. Wayne arrives with over 30 years of experience and expertise in the construction industry. He has managed many large-scale projects including elite football clubs to racecourses.
Wayne will be managing construction contracts at all levels, from the smallest playground to a single tennis court to the largest full size AGP with clubhouse and carpark with full road infrastructure. Wayne is a very experienced contracts manager in many different aspects of construction including full groundwork packages for secondary schools as well as IAAF running tracks, sports pitches for all sports and even artificial horse racing tracks, making sure projects are built on time, within budget and with integrity.
Wayne has worked within the sports construction industry over 30 years, where he started with Woodholme Construction in 1990 using laser technology for paving, progressing to tarmac foreman, and moving into contract management in 2005.
With his vast experience within the industry projects Wayne has worked on both the Commonwealth Games running tracks, both Manchester and Hampden Park as well as The Alexander Stadium, Don Valley, Crystal Palace, and lots more within Schools, Colleges, and Universities. Also working with numerous football clubs including Aston Villa’s training ground at Bodymoor Heath and Leicester City at Belvoir Road and to complete the varied works within sports construction completed the upper construction works at Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton all weather racecourses.
Outside of work Wayne is mad keen on all Sport, especially Golf & Football (particularly watching his grandkids play for their local teams), love spending time with his Family, ( 3 Children and 9 Grandchildren ).
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 become a Silver Partner with The Heads’ Conference (HMC), a professional Association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools.
S&C Slatter were invited to join the association due to the exemplary reputation of the business in the sports construction industry. As the sole representative of the profession associated with HMC, S&C Slatter have access to demonstrate our construction expertise to the leading independent schools and associated members and affiliates across the British Isles.
HMC’s primary responsibility is to represent the members’ views and promote excellence in education, help members and their schools grow and develop, and influence policy and public opinion about the independent sector.
We are proud and honoured to partner with the HMC and look forward to cooperating with members and delivering outstanding sports facilities for the Independent Schools sector. We continually strive to maintain and improve the high standards of working practices across the business.
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
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
