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The Journal
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
UK urged to move faster on public contract ban on firms linked to Grenfell fire, including Kingspan
EFFORTS TO BAN companies linked to the Grenfell fire from UK public contracts – such as Kingspan – must speed up, a survivor of the fire has said ahead of the eighth anniversary. Bereaved and survivors of the blaze will gather tomorrow in west London for the annual commemoration of the disaster which claimed 72 lives. It is likely to be the final anniversary which takes place with the tower still standing in its current form, as demolition work could begin in September. Former tower resident Edward Daffarn, who had previously raised safety concerns and predicted a 'catastrophic event' at the tower seven months before the fire, said this year's memorial will be 'all the more poignant' for that reason. But Daffarn is hopeful a new documentary about the blaze, due to air on Netflix next week, will spur UK Government efforts to take action against companies linked to fire. He told the PA news agency: 'One thing that this documentary needs to do is put pressure on the Government to ensure that the companies involved are not able to access public funding, and I'm hoping that this documentary will accelerate that process.' Former tower resident Edward Daffarn had previously raised safety concerns Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The Cabinet office confirmed in February that seven companies were facing possible bans. This includes Cavan-based insulation firm Kingspan, cladding firm Arconic, former Celotex owners Saint-Gobain, fire inspectors Exova, design and build contractor Rydon, architect Studio E and subcontractor Harley Facades. Advertisement It is understood investigations were launched into all of them in March, looking into whether any engaged in professional misconduct for the purposes of the Procurement Act 2023, potentially leading them to be debarred from public contracts. No timeline has been given for how long it might be before outcomes are known. A Kingspan source last year told The Journal that it's understood such public contracts are of little significance to the firm. The final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, published in September, concluded victims, bereaved and survivors were 'badly failed' through incompetence, dishonesty and greed. The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the 'systematic dishonesty' of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Martin Moore-Bick said. He called out 'deliberate and sustained' manipulation of fire-safety testing, misrepresentation of test data and misleading of the market. Daffarn said the documentary will be the first 'that truly exposes and brings into people's living rooms' the 'cowardice of the corporates and how profit was put before people'. He said: 'I hope that people who watch the documentary come to understand that although Grenfell happened eight years ago, there's a lot that still hasn't been resolved and, as a consequence, the companies involved with Grenfell just seem to want to brush everything under the carpet and carry on making money. 'And I think the documentary clearly exposes how little these companies and individuals have been held to account for their roles in Grenfell.' On UK Government efforts, which Keir Starmer first announced last September, to debar companies, Daffarn said the process is 'too slow' and bereaved and survivors are 'still waiting' for companies to face consequences. He said anyone left angered by the documentary could avoid buying products from companies criticised in the report to 'make sure that those companies understand that there is a consequence of their actions'. Read Next Related Reads Grenfell inquiry finds Kingspan 'cynically exploited' unsuspecting market with 'false' safety claims Grenfell Tower report criticises 'decades of failure' by UK Government and takes aim at Kingspan Bereaved and survivors have long campaigned for criminal charges to be brought over the disaster. Police and prosecutors have previously said investigators would need until the end of 2025 to complete their inquiry, with final decisions on potential criminal charges by the end of 2026. The near 10-year wait for justice has been described by families as 'unbearable'. The decision to bring the tower block down was confirmed earlier this year and prompted mixed reaction, with some people feeling their views had not been properly taken into consideration. Sharing his own opinion, and acknowledging the difficulty others feel in seeing the tower regularly, Daffarn said: 'I think the anniversary is made all the more poignant by the fact that this is the last time that we will meet with the tower in situ. 'We haven't got justice yet. It feels wrong to be pulling the tower down while so much remains unresolved.' The UK Government said while some had hoped the building could remain in place as a reminder of what happened, others had reported this would be 'too painful'. The demolition process is expected to take around two years. A UK Government spokesperson said: 'This government remains committed to ensuring that what happened at Grenfell is never forgotten, and to delivering the change needed so it can never happen again.'
Irish Examiner
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Animal magnetism: How to use sculpture to create a garden focal point
When we think about creating beautiful outdoor spaces, our minds often jump to colour schemes, planting plans, or hard landscaping. But one of the most powerful tools in a garden designer's toolbox is something quite simple: the focal point. A garden, like a good painting, benefits enormously from a strong composition. And every good composition needs something to draw the eye, a centrepiece that invites you in and gives meaning to the space around it. It could be a tree, a water feature, or a well-placed bench. But increasingly, I'm drawn to the character and charm of sculpture, especially when it speaks to our landscape, our heritage, and our imagination. Over the years, I have found that one of the most exciting sources for this kind of focal point is local auction houses. Sourcing garden focal points from auction houses ensures your piece of statuary is unique, not forgetting often highly collectable, sustainable and durable within your garden space. One particular auction that comes to mind is the annual Summer Garden Sale, hosted by Cavan-based Victor Mee Auctions. Victor Mee's yearly garden auction has become something of a fixture on the calendar for designers, collectors, and garden lovers alike. And for good reason, as the catalogue is always full of personality, ranging from grand classical pieces to the delightfully unexpected smaller statues and useful garden items. This year, there's a particularly enchanting theme running through the sculptural line-up: traditional Irish woodland and farm animals. We're talking everything from a proud parade of sheep and a pair of pigs mid-snuffle to a flurry of hares in full motion. There are geese, life-sized horses, and even a dramatic sculpture of a horse and jockey clearing a fence, all of which are full of energy and storytelling potential. These garden focal points do more than simply decorate a space. They become part of the garden's soul. Animal sculptures, in particular, have a unique ability to connect us with the land. They reflect the rhythms of Irish life, from the fields to the farms, and they carry with them a sense of nostalgia and folklore. A bronze hare mid-leap can remind us of the flash of movement through a dewy meadow. A grouping of cast-iron sheep brings a sense of calm and familiarity, especially in more urban settings. And a pair of pigs can make even the most formal garden feel grounded and playful. These kinds of focal points do something quite magical in a garden. They catch the eye, spark curiosity, and bring humour and heart into the space. They give you a second to pause, and for me, that's what a great garden is all about. It's not just about plants and paving, which of course are so important, but it's also about creating a place that draws you in and asks you to look again. The beauty of a piece from auction houses like Victor Mee's Garden Sale is in its individuality. Every item is chosen with care, and in Victor Mee's case, many items were held back throughout the year to make this sale a true event. Whether it's a traditional stone urn, a whimsical bronze fox, or a reclaimed wrought-iron bench, each item brings a distinct voice to the garden. And when you build your design around a piece with this kind of presence, the rest of the garden naturally falls into rhythm. It's a trend I'm seeing more and more — garden owners wanting not just style, but story. They want their outdoor spaces to reflect who they are and where they come from. Of course, placing a sculpture well is just as important as choosing the right one. Think about framing it with planting, whether that be tall grasses for movement, wildflowers for contrast, or clipped hedging for formality. Let it surprise people around a corner or make it the centrepiece of your view from the kitchen window. A garden focal point doesn't need to be big to be bold, it's about presence, not size. It should invite interaction, whether that's contemplation, a smile, or even a selfie! The Victor Mee Summer Garden Sale doesn't just offer antiques and oddities; it offers the chance to bring a piece of the story into your space. So this summer, if you're thinking of refreshing your garden or starting from scratch, begin with the focal point. Let it be something that brings joy, sparks a memory, or simply makes you stop and smile. Because that, to me, is what gardening is all about. Victor Mee Auctions' annual Summer Garden Sale will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 10 and 11, live and online from the Co Cavan family-run auction house. Public viewing will take place on location at Victor Mee Auctions, Cavan auction rooms on June 7 and 8 from 12pm-5pm and on June 9 from 10am-5pm. Read More Six ways to use mirrors in your garden or outdoor space
