As previously reported, the integration of facilities management practices in the initial stages of any given project may prove to be an essential step forward in ensuring that projects are completed in a way which meets the effective brief, targets and ambitions from the design and planning stages. This can
Good news for the construction sector; it has been reported that 90% of those which have applied for the CITB Skills and Training Fund have most recently seen the approval of such applications. In effect, the fund, offered by the Construction Industry Training Board, offers the opportunity for organisations with
Keepmoat, one of the UK’s leading property developers has been announced to commence on its latest development of mixed homes in the city of Newcastle. The project, provided on behalf of Leazes Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and also Newcastle City Council is, of course regarded as a major development project
As previously reported, the integration of facilities management practices in the initial stages of any given project may prove to be an essential step forward in ensuring that projects are completed in a way which meets the effective brief, targets and ambitions from the design and planning stages. This can be highlighted most prominently within the arena of energy management and relative carbon emission goals. As facilities management organisations have recently been seen to integrate energy divisions within their own offerings, the way in which these organisations can then advise on, and support the delivery of projects which can meet the long-term goals of developments is undeniable. With a large proportion of energy usage boiling down to the various areas of facilities management also, the import of consulting such specialists with an invested interest in the performance of buildings is key. Without interaction from facilities management and energy specialist organisations, it is actually predicted that both government, and individual organisational goals for the management and reduction of carbon emissions may not yet be possible. As such, organisations are urged to see the important role played by facilities management organisations in ensuring that the design specification for a building will suit that of the energy-efficiency goals of its continued use – an area where complete facilities management companies have a great deal of expertise. It isn’t, however just a case of understanding how carbon emission goals can be hit. Often, it is, in fact the case that organisations may regard viable methods of long-term carbon reduction methods, such as green energy, as too costly and expensive; something which sometimes cannot be debated. In such cases, however, the involvement of facilities management specialists can point organisations in the right direction for alternative methodologies for carbon reduction, as, in many cases, there are always alternatives.
Good news for the construction sector; it has been reported that 90% of those which have applied for the CITB Skills and Training Fund have most recently seen the approval of such applications. In effect, the fund, offered by the Construction Industry Training Board, offers the opportunity for organisations with below 50 employees to access some £5000 in budget to facilitate the training and development of their respective workforce. The success of those applying for funding has been received as a great success, not solely for those organisations to have applied and succeeded, but also to herald the potential for the budget to offer a much-needed resource to a majority of firms. From those bids submitted, a total of forty three were accepted out of a total of forty eight bids. Not only does the success of those forty three sit well in providing the scheme to be quite open for organisations to secure funding from, but the level of interest is also noteworthy and highlighted as a great success for the CITB; this then highlights the level of interest held by smaller organisations in ensuring their staff are equipped with proper skill-sets so as best to represent, and grow their business. Of course, core to opening up the fund to smaller organisations lies within the process itself, with more complex and detailed applications often putting smaller organisations off from pursuing such schemes entirely. In accordance with this notion, CITB’s Head of Economic Analysis and Research, Geeta Nathan, stated: “We have simplified our funding applications for firms of all sizes, and we want even more firms to apply for this fund when the next round opens in mid-April.” Of those which have applied, and succeeded in securing funding, Insitu Technical Services, a civil engineering practice based out of York has been confirmed to have secured some £5000 for the provision of training and qualification in the arena of Personal Track Safety certification; a move expected to develop new opportunities for the company in the times to come.
Keepmoat, one of the UK’s leading property developers has been announced to commence on its latest development of mixed homes in the city of Newcastle. The project, provided on behalf of Leazes Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and also Newcastle City Council is, of course regarded as a major development project which will see the addition of residential housing stock for those most in need of it. As a summary, Keepmoat’s involvement will see the addition of some 168 homes, divided into a combination of three to four bedroom homes, as well as an assortment of homes for dementia care, general needs and for older persons. Unlike many of the news-breaking developments already reported, the project looks to provide housing stock to a wider market than first time buyers alone, instead also including individuals with specific needs for support as well as those looking to relocate to a larger property. In particular, Keepmoat’s North East Managing Director, Richard Bass, highlighted the importance for delivering homes which are not solely for first time buyers (as is traditionally the case with the number of new affordable housing schemes), but also for those at other positions in their life where we see an equal desire for securing housing for their respective needs. Commenting on the project, he added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering Leazes Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and the Council to drive forward the ambitions for Fairer Housing in Newcastle.” Already having a strong track record of working together to date, the development also signifies a further step in the relationship between Keepmoat and Leazes Homes, as well as the council, as the combined parties look to develop an incredible new vision for Newcastle itself. Core to this, as can be seen in the nature of the project outline, revolved around the provision of high quality, supported accommodation to all manner of people in the area.
