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Liverpool drylining firm collapses

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Liverpool drylining contractor Cull & Griffiths has fallen into administration with the loss of 23 jobs.

Administrators from Begbies Traynor were called in at the historic family-owned specialist contractor which has worked on major property regeneration projects in Liverpool since 1971.

Past clients included Laing O’Rourke, Downing and Bramall Construction on jobs like the One Park West flats, Capital Building offices and the refurbishment of the Museum of Liverpool.

Cull and Griffiths was founded by Eric Cull in 1971 and specialised in plastering, drylining and partitioning. Following his death in 2011, his son Eric Cull Jr and William Griffiths took control of the firm. Both have been with the firm more than 50 years.

Paul Stanley, Administrator and North West regional managing partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “Unfortunately, the business was affected by the loss of a couple of key contracts and stiff competition in the marketplace.

“After examining all options, the directors were faced with no choice other than to place the company into administration. We are engaging with creditors and will update interested parties on progress.”

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Specification awards now open for entries

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Building contractors can now nominate their projects for the internationally recognised biennial GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards.

Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery.

Projects can be nominated for the following categories: residential; commercial and hospitality buildings; public health and education buildings; international projects outside the UK and Ireland and, new to the 2018/19 awards, best new product: design and innovation.

Architects, specifiers, building contractors, clients and their architectural ironmongery advisers and suppliers across the world can nominate projects from now until Friday 16 November 2018. The winners will be announced at a celebratory lunch in March 2019.

David Stacey, president of the GAI, says:

“The Specification Awards ceremony is one of the Guild’s most highly anticipated events. The calibre of entries is always incredibly high and shows architectural ironmongery at its best. The GAI is always proud to see its member companies involved in so many complex projects.

“These awards are unique because they reward the whole specification team, highlighting the importance of the professional partnership between architects and architectural ironmongers.”

For each category there will be a winner, second and third place. The judges will also decide on an overall ‘winner of winners’. At the 2017/18 Specification Awards, this accolade went to Kings Gate, a residential project by architectural ironmongers izé and architect Lynch Architects. A brochure featuring the 2017/18 winning projects can be downloaded from the GAI website.

There is no limit on the number of entries to the 2018/19 awards. The first entry from GAI or RIBA members is free of charge.

To nominate a project for the awards, go to: www.gai.org.uk/SpecAwards2019

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Crossrail admits job is nine months late

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Crossrail bosses have admitted the new line won’t be ready on time and have pushed back the opening date by at least nine months.

The Elizabeth line was due to start taking passengers this December.

But the opening through central London has now been pushed back to “autumn 2019”.

The Enquirer has reported repeatedly about Crosssrail’s problems during the crucial fit out phase.

Project chiefs repeated the mantra constantly that the job was “on time and on budget”.

It is now £590m over budget and nine months late.

Crossrail said: “Crossrail Limited has been working hard to maintain the programme and sufficient testing time is required to introduce the next phase of the railway – the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood – in a way that can be guaranteed to be safe and reliable.

“The original programme for testing has been compressed by more time being needed by contractors to complete fit-out activity in the central tunnels and the development of railway systems software.

“Testing has started but further time is required to complete the full range of integrated tests.”

One subcontractor said: “Pardon my French but what a f*****g shock.”

Simon Wright, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.

“We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.”

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