Final approval has now been granted for the construction of a brand new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur, with 61,000 seats for fans, at its present site. The stadium, which is valued at £400m will also have a retractable pitch so that it is able to play host to both traditional
Most recently, Kawneer, a leading supplier of aluminium systems for architectural use, has been confirmed for a supply contract with Willmott Dixon and Scape Group’s JV, Sunesis for the provision of glazing systems. Now a preferred supplier for the JV, Kawneer is to supply casement windows, external doors and curtain
Much like within the architecture sector, contractors within the building engineering services sector maintain a positive outlook, with turnovers reported to have increased over 6 months up to last December (reported by BESA). The growth showcases the present state of the sector and its capacity to grow amidst unreliable economic
Serving as the first natural stage in its NIC CNG Connection project, Northern Gas Networks is now experimenting with liquid natural gas powered vans to judge the potential benefits available. Set to build its very own compressed gas fuel stations for its back-to-depot city-based vehicles, Northern Gas Networks is taking
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having
Originally handling the development of Sika’s Serbia operations from Belgrade, Dragan Maksimović has now been appointed as the new General Manager for Sika’s UK base, no doubt hoping for him to bring the same levels of success to the UK as in Serbia. And setting him off to a running
Final approval has now been granted for the construction of a brand new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur, with 61,000 seats for fans, at its present site. The stadium, which is valued at £400m will also have a retractable pitch so that it is able to play host to both traditional football as well as American football games, of which it will host two per season. And while the project does highlight a great piece of news for fans, it forms part of a larger goal for rejuvenation in the surrounding area which will no doubt support the local community in the times to come. The project, which has been dubbed the Northumberland development project, will include a centre for sports and health, as well as a 180 bedroom hotel. Warmington House will also be transformed into the club’s own museum. Additionally, it has been confirmed that there will be 585 homes developed at the site, with a confirmed minimum amount of £48.4m granted from this side of the development for the improvements of the stadium itself. The goal is for the project to be completed in time for the start of the season in 2018. £28m has been invested directly by City Hall from the Mayor’s regeneration fund and the London Enterprise Panel as part of the goal to rejuvenate the surrounding area – this includes investment into Tottenham Hale station, employment, training and highway improvements. And nodding to the integral role of the stadium in the community, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, highlighted how the venue is steeped in history and that, through the development, it will be able to increase capacity by almost 100% as well as provide first-class facilities for football, sports events and concerts.
Most recently, Kawneer, a leading supplier of aluminium systems for architectural use, has been confirmed for a supply contract with Willmott Dixon and Scape Group’s JV, Sunesis for the provision of glazing systems. Now a preferred supplier for the JV, Kawneer is to supply casement windows, external doors and curtain walling across three of the JV’s school models, namely: Dewey, Paxton2 and Keynes2. Having worked with Willmott Dixon and Scape for some time now, the contract highlights a step up in the working relationship between the JV and Kawneer, with Mark Clemson, Sales and Marketing Director of Kawneer commenting that it brings their involvement to the next stage and that he is: “Delighted to have secured this much sought after supply chain framework.” In addition to the base provision of service, Kawneer will also be offering the JV support through technical expertise, which is to be brought in at every stage of the project. From the initial concept design and specification stage, all the way across the supply and installation of its products, Kawneer is to be involved at every stage; a clear nod at recognition of the company’s expertise and professionalism. Delivery of the installation service will be provided through Kawneer’s vast subcontractor network which has been tested and approved to ensure a high standard of service delivery.
Much like within the architecture sector, contractors within the building engineering services sector maintain a positive outlook, with turnovers reported to have increased over 6 months up to last December (reported by BESA). The growth showcases the present state of the sector and its capacity to grow amidst unreliable economic climate; however, as always, there is more to it than that. Over the period, it has been reported that the frequency of enquiries and order books had in fact slowed down as compared to the previous 6 months, with tender prices, yes, rising over the period, but at a slower rate than previously. Combined with a reported rise in material and labour costs, the figures do call into question how the industry will fare in the coming years, however the present state of the sector remains wholly positive. As has been the case for some time within the construction industry, late payments remain a major challenge for businesses, though the situation is reported to have improved marginally. Late payments, in effect, making budgeting and cashflow a severe concern for contractors, remains one of the key factors impeding the growth of businesses, combined with the widely reported labour shortages in comparison to the demand for skilled labour – such as building and quantity surveyors, planners and design engineers. Though the figures do highlight a slowing down of growth across the market, the two aforementioned challenges may indeed be amongst the most prominent factors holding the industry back from achieving further growth and, as such, businesses are increasingly urged to assist in the labour shortages through apprenticeship schemes, training and improving awareness of the opportunities actually available in the industry. After all, it is the next generation of engineers which will define the future of the industry itself. In contrast, the upcoming deadline for businesses to take up Level 2 BIM across any and all public sector works does not appear have drastically impacted the industry as feared, with only a minor reduction in BESA members undertaking such projects (31%, down from 33%). But, of course, in building for the industry of tomorrow, the power is in the hands of businesses to act now in a bid to overcome some of the modern industry challenges, with movements towards addressing the lack of skilled labour being amongst the more important. Jim Marner, President of BESA commented: “The issues of skills shortages, labour costs, and the movement of resources, modern methods of design, project risk, procurement and quality control will all become even more significant in the coming months.” As such, contractors are urged to step up and make a difference.
Serving as the first natural stage in its NIC CNG Connection project, Northern Gas Networks is now experimenting with liquid natural gas powered vans to judge the potential benefits available. Set to build its very own compressed gas fuel stations for its back-to-depot city-based vehicles, Northern Gas Networks is taking the first logical step in the company’s overarching plans to cut its carbon emissions across the board. Testing the initiative through the vehicles, Northern Gas Networks will be monitoring the performance and benefits of the vans, engaging them in a number of different scenarios so as best to judge their potential. The project itself, valued at approximately £1.1m, is being undertaken as a partnership between Northern Gas Networks and Leeds City Council, with Ofgem funding a large proportion (approximately £700,000) of the project, and Northern Gas Networks personally covering the addition costs; effectively, putting its money where its mouth is. Whilst the organisation is already well respected for pushing efficiencies and operating responsibly, Northern Gas Networks has stated that it wishes to play an integral role in experimenting with new and innovative schemes which may form a part of a far more sustainable economy. It is hoped that similar initiatives may be pursued in utilising more sustainable gases for a wide variety of energy applications where testing the gases for use in vehicles is merely the first step – the end goal may even each the goal of powering homes, cities and more. Only time will tell, of course.
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having been run since 1975, the awards exist to apprentices and trainees to reap credit for their work, thus facilitating their ascension up the career ladder within the electrotechnical sector; naturally, a range of prizes are offered also. It won’t be until June that regional winners will, in fact be announced, however anticipation is rife over the newly relaunched awards. Following on from the announcement, judging will then be undertaken over the course of summer, with a winner finally being decided in September and presented in front of leaders within the industry as well as other entrants – an exciting event to say the least. As Edmundson Electrical has a proud running history of investing back into its workforce, it is no surprise that the organisation continues to strive to support those entering the industry on an apprentice or trainee level. “People make a company and people make an industry,” explained Gordon Love, Managing Director of Edmundson Electrical, and this statement flows though the backbone of the awards, set to identify those people making a difference. In addition, the awards also showcase the excellent level of workmanship which employers might hope to employ through finding apprentices of their own, which is something traditionally heralded as a way forward in the present times of skill shortages. Keen to encourage more individuals to pursue a profession in the industry is Steve Bratt, Chief Executive of ECA who highlights the “misleading impressions” put into the minds of people about the opportunities available in the wider industry. It is hoped that, through the awards, awareness may be improved as to the real opportunities available improve interaction with aspiring professionals. He added that the awards represent a: “Fantastic way of recognising the achievements of young people in our member companies.”
Originally handling the development of Sika’s Serbia operations from Belgrade, Dragan Maksimović has now been appointed as the new General Manager for Sika’s UK base, no doubt hoping for him to bring the same levels of success to the UK as in Serbia. And setting him off to a running start, it has already been confirmed that Sika has presented Dragan Maksimović with a target of improving sales by 6% in the first year, whilst simultaneously also maintaining profits. He will replacing former General Manager Ivo Schaedler, who has since been promoted to Area Manager Europe South. Key areas of focus for Dragan Maksimović’s work will look to the enhancement of the company’s existing specifier network, as well as improving upon the relations maintained between the organisation’s key distributors. This, of course, ties in the company’s overarching goal to consistently secure more and more major contracts and will support the company’s growth plans through supply chain support. Firm in the belief that teamwork and the people behind the brand are the way forward for Sika, Dragan Maksimović is expected to bring a very relationship-centric approach to the organisation, both internally and externally, to improve collaboration and working partnerships. He added: “Sika UK is a strong company and I am looking forward to the challenge of growing the brand in the UK.”
