We speak to Shellie O’Connor of Actiform, one the UK’s largest privately owned modular builders. For over 40 years Actiform have and continue to be industry leaders in modern methods of construction. The Yorkshire based family business have rapidly grown to offer a full turn-key approach to off-site engineered buildings. Shellie lets us know a little bit more about Actiform, what’s next for modular and how using this type of build creates a positive impact for clients.
Nice to meet you Shellie, what is your role at Actiform?
Good question. My role is officially Business Development Manager, which means bidding for work and looking for ways to progress the company. I also have another title of Key Account Manager, which involves looking after key clients throughout the life of the project. As with most team members at Actiform, I tend to get involved in most aspects of the company which is great, as it means I gain invaluable knowledge about the whole package.
Can you tell us a little more about Actiform?
We are a family run business, our team and our clients are really at the heart of everything we do. When people think of modular, they tend to visualise the prefab buildings of years gone by that were not aesthetically pleasing, but the design and structural aspect of Modern Methods of Construction (‘MMC’) has come a long way in recent times. We are immensely proud of our creative design team who work hard to bring a bespoke solution for our clients. We work primarily with the public sector, such as Healthcare, Education and the Ministry of Justice, and work closely with them to really understand their requirements and create a tailor-made solution.
How do clients benefit from using modular?
Typically, MMC solutions can be up to 50% quicker to construct. Unlike traditional builds, the foundations can be done on site at the same time the super structure is being built in our factory. In turn and partly due to shorter programmes, it makes this route less costly. Another important factor to mention is the environmental benefit. Modular construction is far more energy efficient, creating less waste and the use of more sustainable materials Offering a full turn-key approach to offsite engineered buildings really makes our service desirable to our clients.
With Rishi Sunak announcing a ‘build, build, build’ approach from this year’s recent budget, our speedy turn-key package enables our clients to maximise and get the most from their budgets.
What’s next for Actiform?
As part of several high-profile construction frameworks we continue to work in the healthcare sector, supporting estate departments on effective and efficient delivery of new wards, education centres and ancillary buildings to support the smooth running of the hospitals. What’s exciting but equally challenging is delivering these modules and builds across sensitive and operational sites. We look to use this expertise and progress our work in the education sector and the housing sector. We are extremely pleased about the government backing of the MMC taskforce, which truly indicates the government’s buy in to the concept. We have seen real momentum and are thrilled to be part of this exciting phase of construction in the UK.
These are the views of the author and not of Barton Legal, and should is not to be treated as advice or guidance
