As Mayor of London, Boris Johnson prepares to face stern competition for the top job, mayoral candidates went head-to-head at this week’s LandAid debate to discuss their plans for the London, in particular, its housing stock. Topics included affordable housing, the private rented sector (PRS), overseas investors and featured speakers
Tough decisions will have to be made with purpose and clarity by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to deliver major energy and water projects says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The newly created NIC has been given the foundations by which it can deliver relevant infrastructure improvements thanks to
Most recently, Engex and Ethos have displayed commitment to developing the industry leaders of tomorrow by securing a range of tools and equipment for twenty one of CEF’s latest sign-ups to the Aspire Commercial Graduate Programme. A two year programme which, from the outset, is dedicated to transforming people into
Whether Britain decides to stay in the EU or leave this year, British investors should not be put off investing in French property. The vote to stay in the European Union will take place in June. Some scaremongering critics suggest that if the UK leaves it could become very challenging
The success enjoyed by South Yorkshire-based Mechanical and Electrical specialist Lilleker Bros Ltd is an enviable accomplishment, one which the company is rightly proud of, but it comes with its challenges. Working across a broad spectrum of sectors throughout the UK and even abroad, the company added to its capability
Fending off keen industry competition, Travis Perkins Managed Services has successfully come head and shoulders above the rest in the 2016 Housing Innovation Awards. Named the Most Innovative Supplier in this year’s award, Travis Perkins was successful in defeating 4 other organisations nominated for the award, which is headed up
One of the UK’s leading housebuilders and construction groups, Galliford Try has scooped a £12m contract to build a hotel at the Emirates Old Trafford Ground. The project will be the final instalment in a string of redevelopment projects at the iconic cricket ground. Following plans submitted last year, Galliford
As Mayor of London, Boris Johnson prepares to face stern competition for the top job, mayoral candidates went head-to-head at this week’s LandAid debate to discuss their plans for the London, in particular, its housing stock. Topics included affordable housing, the private rented sector (PRS), overseas investors and featured speakers from four of the UK’s main political parties. Somewhat predictably, Labour representative, Sadiq Khan, and Tory, Zac Goldsmith, were at loggerheads over what constitutes an “affordable home”. While Goldsmith expressed ambitions to tackle the consistent pricing-out of “average”, £34k-earning Londoners, Khan went further and was keen to stress the need for a London Living Rent and a structured calculation for house prices. Labour’s plans for Living Rent specific to London was the single policy dedicated to the rental sector. Delegates heard Khan provide details on the proposed rental rate which would be one third of average earnings in the area. The Conservatives, on the other hand, devoted attention to the housing crisis and suggested that the government needed to open more publicly-owned sites up for development. Goldsmith also added that transport infrastructure would have to be upgraded in line with any new development projects so as to join areas with the centre of the city. Caroline Pidgeon for the Liberal Democrats raised questions about foreign investment strategies, and insisted that overseas businesses ought to be taxed at a higher rate to discourage over-investment. In Green Party candidate, Sian Berry’s absence, Darren Johnson stood in to outline her plans for a not-for-profit company to shoulder all new development. The body would prioritise local and smaller developers in the hope to build affordable homes that were fit for purporse and beneficial to the local economy. All parties committed to building 50,000 new homes in the capital though they were hesistant to disclose just where they’ll find the land to do so. The LandAid debate was sponsored by Savills and attended by 350 representatives from some the UK’s largest contractors and property management companies.
Tough decisions will have to be made with purpose and clarity by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to deliver major energy and water projects says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The newly created NIC has been given the foundations by which it can deliver relevant infrastructure improvements thanks to the CBI revealing eight areas it says should be prioritised. This includes water and flood defences, low-carbon energy, and energy generation and supply. Rhian Kelly, the CBI’s business environment director says the NIC must be an enabler, helping to deliver projects across the UK that promote industry growth, create jobs and get the economy flowing. To accomplish this, the NIC should not be hindered by politics or red tape and must be given the weight to push through infrastructure decisions that can make significant gains. Areas worth targeting, concludes the report, involves such initiatives as the extraction and storage of energy from a wider range of sources and improving the opportunities that will come from a “circular economy”. That means developing existing technologies and embracing new ones such as carbon capture and storage, tidal power and hydrogen. Supply of water needs to be flexible, making use of variable volumes thanks to climate change and weather patterns impacting differently across the UK. This must be factored into housing and infrastructure planning over the long term. In terms of promoting a low-carbon economy, the CBI suggests the commission should look at boosting energy infrastructure and generation to promote electrification within heating and transport. This level of focus must also be on flood defences with up to 2.1m people projected to be at risk within 35 years. Flood defences must be more resilience while upstream water capture should be considered. Through these initiatives the NIC can potentially prove to be a major success. Time will tell.
Most recently, Engex and Ethos have displayed commitment to developing the industry leaders of tomorrow by securing a range of tools and equipment for twenty one of CEF’s latest sign-ups to the Aspire Commercial Graduate Programme. A two year programme which, from the outset, is dedicated to transforming people into the industry’s future leaders, Aspire aims to provide an understanding of all areas of commerce, including everything from the manufacturing cycle through to the management. Pushing understanding on every level, the scheme recognises the importance of perceiving business topics from multiple perspectives, with trainees undertaking physical, manual work on-site with an electrical contractor so as best to understand the role and its respective challenges. With trainees on the scheme generally considering it to be an exciting way to learn all aspects of electrical wholesale, the Aspire programme equips trainees with the information and understanding required to support the delivery of CEF’s service in the future. In ensuring safety and proper standards, of course, it is integral that trainees have the right tools to perform the job, which is where the investment from Engex and Ethos comes in to help. Recognising that CEF views adherence of the latest health and safety regulation, Ethos’ Divisional Manager, Ian Par exclaimed: “We are happy to provide the latest, state-of-the-art technology testers to start trainees off on the right foot.” Of the tools provided, each received a combination of essential tools including screwdrivers and pilers, as well as a socket tester, continuity and voltage tester, and a multimeter. And from this stage, the trainees will now work towards the next stage in their training, where they will be learning from industry experts and gaining the understanding they need on the actual needs and requirements of the contractor from the wholesaler. Regardless, the support offered by Engex and Ethos is a great help.
Whether Britain decides to stay in the EU or leave this year, British investors should not be put off investing in French property. The vote to stay in the European Union will take place in June. Some scaremongering critics suggest that if the UK leaves it could become very challenging to make such an investment work but agents in France are saying there’s nothing to worry about. Indeed, not much will change suggest estate agents on the European mainland. In fact, data has recorded an upturn in inquiries, revealing the potential for a shortfall in sales is unlikely. Leggett Immobilier’s chairman Trevor Leggett said his agents across France had witnessed no slowdown in demand with UK purchaser activity 40% higher than last year. What makes that number even more significant is the fact that 2015 was a record year (an estimated 800,000 sales were made). This lack of concern was echoed by Sextant French which said that if the UK voted out of the EU nothing would happen to the market in France very quickly. Expats may have to iron out details regarding healthcare, pensions and state benefits but second homeowners in France would see no significant change. With buyers making the most of favourable current market conditions thanks to helpful exchange rates, low prices and affordable mortgage rates few will want to see the market hindered in any way. But since investors from as far afield as Australia and China happily buying property in France without any major obstacles, British investors shouldn’t be worried. The UK’s exit will impact tax arrangements, for example, or the possibility of obtaining a mortgage, but won’t put up immovable barriers. With a potential EU exit on the horizon it is likely the UK will join the European Economic Area (EEC) which includes current members Iceland and Norway.
The success enjoyed by South Yorkshire-based Mechanical and Electrical specialist Lilleker Bros Ltd is an enviable accomplishment, one which the company is rightly proud of, but it comes with its challenges. Working across a broad spectrum of sectors throughout the UK and even abroad, the company added to its capability two years ago with the addition of a mechanical division to complement its electrical solutions and has witnessed significant growth. It has successfully managed this increased scale through attention to detail, a dedication to high standards, and working closely with the client to deliver the right solution. Whether it be in the food sector, where it enjoys a strong presence, or working on power stations, Lilleker Bros. Ltd utilises the expertise it boasts in-house to target its resources economically. This sees engineers work within their own specialist sectors, developing, in many cases, long-term relationships with clients, which results in repeat business. The company’s track record also sees it providing vital services to main contractors such as Kier and Morgan Sindall on a range of contracts including major public sector schemes. Importantly, the company can tackle the diverse range of projects it gets involved in because of the expertise it has at its disposal (currently it is working on around a dozen jobs ranging from solely mechanical or electrical or a combination of both). However, as work environments differ from sector to sector, health and safety, which is fundamental to Lilleker’s successful work ethic, holds even greater significance. Similar to its confident approach to its key services, the company has established a robust approach that promotes best practice. “We recognised that health and safety needed dedicated management and that the successful implementation of such would complement our ambitious growth plans,” acknowledges Health and Safety Manager Fiona Stubbs, who was installed in the position two years ago and has overseen Lilleker Bros. Ltd obtaining not only the key safety accreditation OHSAS 18001 but also its environmental equivalent ISO 14001. “My role was about building upon our current approach at the time and to oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures that would bring benefits to our overall capability,” she adds, describing the company’s approach as “very proactive”. Indeed, it takes a lead on safety across all its projects, liaising with client representatives to ensure the safe and efficient use of all resources. Fiona also makes her presence known onsite with regular visits to monitor activity and ensure standards are being met. She is also eager to change the preconception about her role being only about ticking boxes, ensuring she works closely with the site supervisor to organise sites in line with Lilleker’s Health and Safety policy. This is complemented by a strong commitment to teamwork, encouraging the workforce to have their own input and therefore play a role in the company’s proactive approach. It’s challenging, particularly when many of the more experienced staff have enjoyed decades in the industry without such a high degree of focus on health and wellbeing. That’s where Lilleker’s “family approach” comes into play. “We nurture people through change, we don’t use a heavy hand,” says Fiona. Accreditations to CHAS, PICS, Safe Contractor and Constructionline all complement the company’s OHSAS 18001 certification, and highlight not only an ability to implement regulated systems but a willingness to improve over the long term. A dedicated in-house training facility has enhanced Lilleker’s endeavours with non-accredited skills such as manual handling, abrasive wheels, working at heights, harness inspection, environmental awareness, 17th edition wiring regs amendment 3 awareness and safe isolation developed through internal training programmes, topped up with toolbox talks. It’s an exciting time for this growing business and health and safety is playing a crucial part in Lilleker’s development as a specialist mechanical and electrical services provider. With its ambitious plans set to see the business grow its presence even further, the future’s bright for this South Yorkshire ace.
Fending off keen industry competition, Travis Perkins Managed Services has successfully come head and shoulders above the rest in the 2016 Housing Innovation Awards. Named the Most Innovative Supplier in this year’s award, Travis Perkins was successful in defeating 4 other organisations nominated for the award, which is headed up by Excel Publishing. Of course, this builds upon the company’s continued success in the industry, where it is commonly seen as a role model for other organisations in the business of supplying the construction sector. Created to showcase the best, brightest, most innovative and unique schemes and services within the housing market, the awards are spread across fifteen categories which range in topic. For Travis Perkins’ award, it has been stated that the judges looked for supply chain partners playing a key role in minimising the costs of their clients, whilst simultaneously maintaining (if not improving) the level of quality offered in both product and service. Additionally, environmental concerns were taken into account, with suppliers partnering with clients to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall efficiencies getting a nod. As the largest building products supplier in the UK, Travis Perkins Plc places a great deal of weight behind Travis Perkins Managed Services, which is able to offer flexible services for all manner of organisation throughout the public sector, helping them to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance repair and maintenance schemes. The first partnership for Travis Perkins Managed Services heralds back to 2004, where the organisation worked with Wrekin Housing Trust to supply them with materials and provide major savings as a result. Since then, the organisation has come on in leaps and bounds, working with public sector organisations of all shapes and sizes, such as the NHS and numerous education, local council and housing association type organisations. Commenting on the company’s success in winning the award, Stuart Hough, the organisation’s Managing Director expressed his delight, nodding to the important role which innovation plays in the company’s day to day operations. He explained: “While the broad offering is around supply chain streamlining every customer is different and we have to be able to adapt to offer them innovative tailor-made solutions.” In effect, this has led to the company keeping a keen eye on the future of the sector, keeping abreast of the latest changes and developments so as best to ensure that it is able to offer a service rich in quality, whilst efficient and cost effective.
One of the UK’s leading housebuilders and construction groups, Galliford Try has scooped a £12m contract to build a hotel at the Emirates Old Trafford Ground. The project will be the final instalment in a string of redevelopment projects at the iconic cricket ground. Following plans submitted last year, Galliford Try’s North West Business will complete a major overhaul of the site, replacing its existing hotel, Old Trafford Lodge, with a 150-bedroom, four star design to be branded Hilton Garden Inn. Engineered so as to mirror The Point, the ground’s existing hospitality venue adjacent, the new hotel has been designed to offer fans an enhanced experience at the ground. It will feature floor to ceiling glazing in field-facing rooms, terraces and balconies for pitch-facing suites, and a glazed walkway linking the hotel with the pavilion. Alongside provided 82 further accommodation suites, the five storey building will house a restaurant, café, bar and fitness centre as well as a ticket office and club shop on the ground floor. The Hilton Garden Inn development will be funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Trafford Council and the Lancashire Country Cricket Club (LCCC). GMCA has provided a loan of £5m, Trafford Council – £4m, and £3 from LCCC. It will be operated by LCCC under the franchise and is expected to create 76 new jobs. LCCC has hosted some of the most high profile ties in cricket, and will hold two of England’s test matches against Pakistan later this year. The contract award follows Galliford Try’s high profile development at the Old Trafford football ground last year. The company was the main contractor on the £24m, 133-bed Hotel Football in Greater Manchester. The hotel is owned by former Manchester United top-scorers, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Phillip Neville and features nostalgic football references throughout.
