Despite common misperceptions, modular is not new – the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) was founded in 1938, when the end of the war saw the UK construction industry shaken by major shortages of skilled labour and building materials. 

Chief Executive of the MPBA, Jackie Maginnis, commented: “Advanced volumetric modular technology is now far removed from the ‘prefabs’ of yesteryear and the MPBA is proud to play a major role in this transition.” 

“Modular approaches are now acknowledged as revolutionising the construction industry, particularly in the education sector. Making up 60-70% of the offsite market, modular solutions arguably form a modern method of construction that is experiencing an entirely different growth trend to that of panelised offsite approaches. The surge in demand for modular technology goes hand-in-hand with an increase in investment, which in turn drives innovation.” 

Education buildings are critically important. The physical and social environment, in which students and staff spend a high proportion of their time, has profound effects on physical, emotional and mental health as well as affecting attainment. However, for most education providers, creating new spaces is not a straightforward task – there are many practical and financial constraints to consider. 

Members of the MPBA will be out in force at Education Estates®. Delegates will be able to relax and network in their lounge area and gain valuable information. The MPBA encourage those involved in specifying, designing and constructing schools, colleges and universities to come along and meet the technical team. Here you will find out not only about the speed, quality and sustainability benefits, but also how a modular approach can overcome practical and financial constraints. 

Jackie Maginnis continued: “As the construction industry starts to emerge from this pandemic, it’s important we lay the foundations for more rapid and sustainable building programmes, where the focus is on quality and delivering education facilities that are fit for the future. To assist, the MPBA has launched a new Training Centre and education programmes where young and mature students can learn key skills relevant to the industry.” 

The facility, which is located in Coventry in the West Midlands, offers a comfortable environment for knowledge share – away from the pressures of the workplace. The Training Centre provides the MPBA with the ability to deliver consistently high level information on technical guidance and best practice programmes for its members. 

Meet the MPBA Team 

The MPBA will be available in the Education Estates® lounge area and Technical Chair Andy King will also be chairing the session ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ on the Schools Stage at 09:45 on Wednesday 13 October. MPBA members Premier Modular, TG Escapes, Polyroof Products, McAvoy Group, Fordingbridge, Portakabin, The Qube, Twinfix and Wernick Group will be exhibiting at the event. 

For more information visit: www.mpba.biz 

Education Estates®: Exhibits and Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss 

Awareness around Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and its role in sustainable practice, is continually growing. In fact, around one third of this year’s sessions are dedicated to sustainable practices and ways to achieve net zero carbon. This October, Education Estates® will provide an opportunity to learn from the most influential UK-based bodies and companies in the business. You will learn about their ambitions, decision making and learnings, and the logistics needed to address climate change through sustainable design and construction methods. 

Similar to the aforementioned MPBA members, there are several other notable exhibitors who are worthwhile visiting. These include the likes of the Department for Education, Galliford Try, Willmott Dixon, ISG, Morgan Sindall Construction, Goldbeck Construction, Caledonian Modular, Millward Modular, Net Zero Buildings and Glulam Solutions. View full exhibitor list HERE.

In addition to MPBA’s MMC session, another MMC presentation that you won’t want to miss will be held on Tuesday 12 October at 15:30, on the Architecture & Construction Stage. You will learn from Curtins’ Andy MacFarlane about their MMC Options Appraisal Toolkit and ways to apply MMC to all modern day education projects. 

Further sustainable practices such as retrofit, refurbishment and biophilic design and materials will also be presented over the two days: all with an objective of achieving a lower carbon footprint. Some sessions worth attending relevant to sustainable practices include, but are not limited to: 

Tuesday 12 October 

• The Journey to Net Zero by the Department for Education and Galliford Try 
• The School Rebuilding Programme by the Department for Education 
• How do we get Existing Estates to Net Zero Carbon? by the Department for Education, Brooke Weston Trust and Star Academies
• Net Zero Carbon Schools by EQUANS, the-learning-crowd, Cundall, Adrian Hewitt and the Department for Education 

Wednesday 13 October 

• Biophilic Schools by TG Escapes and the Department for Education 
• Creating Step Change to Achieve Low Carbon by SCAPE, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, Cundall and HLM Architects 

We look forward to seeing you in Manchester to share ideas and expertise to ultimately shape the future of education projects and, importantly, the environment in a positive and practical manner. 

You can view more of our sessions and speakers in the Conference Programme. 

Attending: 

Attendance at the conference & exhibition is free for those directly employed in schools, colleges, universities, government and local authorities – including governors and independent schools. Delegate rates apply for everyone else wishing to attend the conference. 

The exhibition is free to attend and features many companies who will be on-hand to discuss any projects or requirements that you have. 

Here is what you can expect from attending the long awaited return of the education community’s Education Estates®: 

• 150+ speakers across 6 conference stages 
• 100+ exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and thinking in education 
• 4 keynote addresses 
• CPD accredited content 
• Opportunity to attend EduFest from 17:15-18:00 on Tuesday 12 October 2021 (complimentary networking drinks reception hosted on the exhibition floor) 
• A tree will be planted for every delegate, speaker and chairperson registering for Education Estates® 2021 to demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future. We are pleased to partner with TG Escapes Eco-Buildings on this initiative 
• The education community coming together in person for the first time in nearly 2 years! 
• An Awards Dinner Celebrating Excellence & Achievement 
• Attending with confidence Proof of COVID Status 
• And much more... 

REGISTER NOW