June 8, 2016

Calor to host installer open day

Calor to host installer open day Published:  17 August, 2016 Following the success of last year’s event, Calor is hosting another free installer open day on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October 2016. The event aims to give rural installers a better understanding of LPG, how it can benefit their

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Exclusive: Contractor chosen for 506-home Manchester development

The project, which secured planning permission this week, includes two towers called Riverside and Riverview and will operate under the developer’s private rented sector brand, Affinity Living. Carillion has been chosen as the preferred contractor on the job, with enabling works set to begin in October. Riverside is scheduled for completion

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Chair of RIBA Enterprises Board

Browser does not support script. Contact us After 28 successful years, Clive Carr is stepping down as Chair of the Board of RIBA Enterprises. RIBA Enterprises, a commercial subsidiary of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), provides knowledge and solutions for the construction industry. During his tenure as Chair,

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New Group Calls For Larger Mortgages For Energy Efficient Homes

Larger mortgages should be allowed for more energy efficient homes, says a new project. The group is called LENDERS and is comprised of green energy groups and sustainable bodies, building industry experts and mortgage lenders. It is now trying to show that if mortgage lending decisions consider more accurate estimates

Read More »

UK Shale Gas Viable If It Matches Flow Rates Seen In US

UK shale gas is a viable option if it is able to match the flow rates seen in the US, according to the chief at IGas. A senior figure from the company has told Utility Week that production of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing in the UK should be commercially

Read More »

Young Bricklaying Apprentice To Appear At National Finals

An apprentice bricklayer at the Seddon building group has progressed to the SkillBuild national finals. The company has heaped praise on 22 year old Jake Horoszczak who, after winning his North West heat, is now west to participate in the national finals of the competition which take place in the

Read More »

Construction Sector Will Grow As Costs Keep Rising

The construction sector looks set to grow as costs continue to increase, according to Build UK’s latest survey. The company’s ‘The State of the Trade Survey’, which was carried out in conjunction with Glenigan, showed that over half (52%) of members of Build UK are anticipating a growth in workloads

Read More »

£80m Liverpool Tower Block Plans Considered

Liverpool City Council is in the process of considering a plan for an £80 million high rise apartment block in the Princes Dock area. A joint venture between Apache Capital Partners and Moda Living has seen the submission of plans for the 34 storey tower via the private rented sector

Read More »

Oil Remains Least Expensive Heating Fuel For UK Homes

Oil is still the cheapest fuel used to heat homes, according to new industry figures. The statistics complied from the Sutherland Tables indicates that although heating oil prices have slightly increased since the start of the year, the average yearly cost of using oil to heat homes has gone down

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

June 8, 2016

Calor to host installer open day

Calor to host installer open day Published:  17 August, 2016 Following the success of last year’s event, Calor is hosting another free installer open day on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October 2016. The event aims to give rural installers a better understanding of LPG, how it can benefit their customers and business, and the advantages of working alongside Calor. Held at the company’s national training centre in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire, the installer open day gives domestic and commercial heating installers the opportunity to learn more about LPG as well as network with Calor representatives and other installers. ATAG boilers, Paragon work wear and Adey heating systems will all be in attendance, with more manufacturers to be confirmed. Starting at 9.30am, the day will comprise of a number of short training sessions, ending around 4.30pm. However, installers are free to arrive at any time and join in sessions that interest them. The short training sessions will include topics such as tank and cylinder siting, benefits of LPG vs other rural fuels and working with LPG in commercial and domestic applications.  Additionally, there will be site tours throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to see the cylinder filling plant and all the storage types available. Food and drink will be provided and attendees will also be able to take part in some competitions as well as receiving a selection of Calor goodies. Spaces are limited, so to secure your free place visit www.calor.co.uk/installer/event-sign-up  to register. Source link

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Exclusive: Contractor chosen for 506-home Manchester development

The project, which secured planning permission this week, includes two towers called Riverside and Riverview and will operate under the developer’s private rented sector brand, Affinity Living. Carillion has been chosen as the preferred contractor on the job, with enabling works set to begin in October. Riverside is scheduled for completion at the end of Q1 2018, followed by Riverview in Q4 2019. This is the third planning approval secured by Select’s Affinity Living residential brand, after permission was granted for 677 apartments at Circle Square last month, the first phase of which is being built by Wates. It was also granted planning for 684 apartments at Embankment West in May, which is being delivered by Carillion. Select chief executive Mark Stott said the Riverside scheme “promises to bring something exceptional” for young professionals looking for rented accommodation near Manchester city centre. Select’s other brands include high-end student accommodation provide Vita Student, and luxury rental apartments business City Suites. Source link

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Chair of RIBA Enterprises Board

Browser does not support script. Contact us After 28 successful years, Clive Carr is stepping down as Chair of the Board of RIBA Enterprises. RIBA Enterprises, a commercial subsidiary of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), provides knowledge and solutions for the construction industry. During his tenure as Chair, Clive Carr has helped RIBA Enterprises to grow and thrive; Clive led the company’s acquisition of NBS, the suppliers of specification and information solutions to construction industry professionals, and championed investment in cutting-edge new technologies including Building Information Modelling (BIM). With a background in publishing, Clive’s varied business experience also includes leadership and board roles in the hospitality and sport sectors. Clive is an artist and lifelong Vice President of Arsenal Football Club; he was awarded an RIBA Honorary Fellowship in 2014. RIBA Chief Executive Harry Rich said: ‘RIBA Enterprises has achieved great things under Clive’s chairing and we are immensely grateful for his consistent support and leadership.’ ‘RIBA Enterprises’ activities and profits support our work with and for members and our public engagement that raises awareness of the importance of architecture and the built environment.’ ‘RIBA is now starting the process of recruiting a new Chair to lead the RIBA Enterprises Board in the next phase of the company’s development.’ Clive Carr said: ‘I am very proud of all that RIBA Enterprises had achieved and congratulate everyone involved in the development of the Company. We are well placed to take advantage of the exciting opportunities unfolding and I look forward to watching progress over the years ahead.’ Ends Notes: For further press information: Melanie Mayfield, RIBA Press Office: melanie.mayfield@riba.org 020 7307 3662   Posted on Wednesday 29th April 2015 Search architecture.com just start typing and hit enter again × Browser does not support script. Browser does not support script. Source link

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New Group Calls For Larger Mortgages For Energy Efficient Homes

Larger mortgages should be allowed for more energy efficient homes, says a new project. The group is called LENDERS and is comprised of green energy groups and sustainable bodies, building industry experts and mortgage lenders. It is now trying to show that if mortgage lending decisions consider more accurate estimates of fuel costs, then this may lead to lower energy consuming homes being responsibly afforded larger mortgages. The Nationwide Building Society chairs the group which is now examining ways of moving on from the way energy costs are currently estimated in the mortgage lending process, which the group believes will help more responsible borrowing. LENDERS is in the process of gathering data in order to present more accurate energy cost affordability and information that will feed into the process of mortgage lending. The group say that the scheme will help in supporting more responsible lending. In addition it means that because of their lower fuel bills, more energy efficient homes will also have lower costs in other areas. As a result these home owners will therefore be able to repay an increased rate of mortgage repayment instalments without the fear of their overall outgoings increasing. The group believes that this will in turn lead to the capacity to deliver high capital lending amounts. It is hoped that by making larger mortgages available for more energy efficient homes, this will stimulate consumer awareness of the benefits of greener homes and in the long term it is hoped that this demand will contribute to driving the housing market. This in turn will increase the value of more energy efficient homes. The group also say it would encourage more home owners to put more money into improving energy efficient building solutions. LENDERS also believe that this will be useful for re-mortgages to conduct projects relating to energy refurbishment.

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UK Shale Gas Viable If It Matches Flow Rates Seen In US

UK shale gas is a viable option if it is able to match the flow rates seen in the US, according to the chief at IGas. A senior figure from the company has told Utility Week that production of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing in the UK should be commercially viable if it can meet the average flow rates seen in US fields. John Blaymires, Chief Operating officer at IGgas says that shale gas would contribute significantly to the energy mix in the UK as long as the country’s geological formations are as favourable as the ones being exploited in the US. He added that given the substantial evidence that there is shale which contains gas in many UK fields, the main issue relates to whether the rates of gas flow can be deemed commercial. This, he says, is the only question to be addressed. He said that there has only been one well tested so far, the Cuadrilla well near Blackpool five years ago, where the results gathered were found to be positive for shale gas supporters. Mr Blaymires added that the costs of development will be higher in the UK than the US primarily because the supply chain is more expensive here as well as more costly legalisation. However, he also commented that America faced the challenge of a lack of infrastructure in place to get the gas on the market, whereas the UK has infrastructure that can be tapped in to, which would make the process relatively cheaper than the US system. He also pointed out that UK gas prices are higher than those in the US, however this gap is being reduced because of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into the UK. However, he concluded by saying that UK costs will be higher than the US because although the gas price is down, we will still have to ensure that it will be economic to pursue shale gas development.

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Young Bricklaying Apprentice To Appear At National Finals

An apprentice bricklayer at the Seddon building group has progressed to the SkillBuild national finals. The company has heaped praise on 22 year old Jake Horoszczak who, after winning his North West heat, is now west to participate in the national finals of the competition which take place in the autumn. At the event he will represent both Seddon and Tameside College. SkillBuild, run by the Construction Industry Training Board, is the UK’s largest multi-trade competition and sees roughly 150 people take part in just the North West heat, with experts from the industry judging the entrants’ skills at Stockport College. After his success in the regional heats, Jake says he is now looking to fulfil the opportunities given to him by Seddon. He added that his time as an apprentice with the company has been amazing and that he now feels ready to put all his expertise and training to the test on the biggest stage in the industry as he continues his preparations for this year’s national championships. The company had previously recognised Jake’s achievements through its yearly Building Skills award scheme in which they described him as ‘one to watch’ for the future. Jake has developed his skills range by working on the development at Hindley Town Yard for Wigan and Leigh Homes, a project that has an ultimate goal of building eight bungalows and 25 apartments. Jake’s mentor on the Hindley Town project, Kevin Ripley, said that his apprentice is always getting stuck into the work and ensuring that it is carried out to the highest possible standard. Meanwhile, Seddon’s Head of Training, Tony Costello, said that there should now be more effort put into plugging skills gaps and that this can be achieved through apprenticeship schemes. He said that construction companies should try to deliver more apprenticeships to enable people to get hands on training and develop their careers.

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Construction Sector Will Grow As Costs Keep Rising

The construction sector looks set to grow as costs continue to increase, according to Build UK’s latest survey. The company’s ‘The State of the Trade Survey’, which was carried out in conjunction with Glenigan, showed that over half (52%) of members of Build UK are anticipating a growth in workloads over the course of the next year. The biggest concerns for builders are still labour supply and costs, with 39% of those surveyed reporting increased business costs and a 43% rise in labour costs over the last quarter. In full, over 60% of contractors posted an increase in labour costs every year. A significant proportion of contractors also raised their concern about recruitment difficulties, specifically in terms of technical, managerial and supervisory staff members. 53% of respondents said that skill shortages are one of the primary factors behind the recruitment difficulties, with just under half (48%) citing a lack of qualifications and 53% making reference to insufficient experience from many applicants. Despite this, the figures show an improvement from the previous year where companies stated that 62% of applicants were lacking in the skills required to work in the industry and 54% were in need of further experience. Suzannah Nicol, Chief Executive at Build UK, said that there are still mixed messages with regard to growth, although intelligence in the industry suggests an increase in activity levels during the course of the previous quarter. She added that as employers are heading towards maximum capacity, they are experiencing rises in both labour and material costs. This once again shows the difficulty associated with recruiting suitable skills across all levels of work in the sector. The formation of Build UK came in May last year after the National Specialist Contractors Council merged with the UK Contractors Group. The group is now the representative for over 11,500 specialist contractors as well as many of the biggest trade associations and main contractors throughout the UK.

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£80m Liverpool Tower Block Plans Considered

Liverpool City Council is in the process of considering a plan for an £80 million high rise apartment block in the Princes Dock area. A joint venture between Apache Capital Partners and Moda Living has seen the submission of plans for the 34 storey tower via the private rented sector (PRS). The Princes Reach development will form part of the Peel Group’s massive £5.5 billion regeneration project of Liverpool Waters, with 304 apartments to be available for rent. Apache Capital and Moda Living are now in their second development as a joint venture after it acquired the 466 unit Angel Gardens development site in Manchester in February this year for £128 million. The partnership between the two organisations has a PRS development potential of around 5,000 units in a range of sites in city centres across the country. Apache Capital Partners Managing Director, Richard Jackson, said that the building has been constructed in a way that provides a lasting legacy for the city of Liverpool and pays respect to its historic skyline. He said that the plans will provide customers with a new aspirational lifestyle and residence that has never been seen before in the city, with the combination of top design standard, services and amenities. Mr Jackson added that their investors are continuing to fully get behind the financial aspect of their secured premium PRS development pipeline throughout various major regional cities in the UK that the firm will own and operate in the long term future. Meanwhile, Moda Living Joint Managing Director, Tony Brooks, said that they were keen to start a project in Liverpool because it is one of the UK’s most sociable, stylish and dynamic cities. He added that the development will provide homes for rent which are much needed in the city and will create the best space for residents to relax and socialise.

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Oil Remains Least Expensive Heating Fuel For UK Homes

Oil is still the cheapest fuel used to heat homes, according to new industry figures. The statistics complied from the Sutherland Tables indicates that although heating oil prices have slightly increased since the start of the year, the average yearly cost of using oil to heat homes has gone down once more. These latest figures provide good news for both home owners and the oil heating industry. The most recent quarterly data from the Sutherland Tables, an independent source for comparing domestic heat prices in the UK, shows that oil is still the least expensive major home heating fuel by some distance. With an oil condensing boiler, it now costs just £690 to heat an average three bedroom UK home for a year. That is 31% cheaper than main gas, which works out as the second cheapest option at a price of £1,007 per year. Meanwhile, oil works out at 52% cheaper than an LPG condensing boiler (£1,448 per year) and 56% cheaper than electric storage heaters (£1,588 per year). The Tables also show that oil condensing boilers are considerably less expensive to run in comparison with renewable heating options. In every quarter for the past three years, the average yearly heating cost for oil users is decreasing with an increase in consumer confidence. This has been reflected by the rise of boiler sales, which for the first quarter of 2016, are at their highest sales rate for almost 10 years. Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC Director General, says that the industry has enjoyed sustained growth periods in sales thanks to three years of falling oil heating costs. Mr Hawksley said that as a consequence, oil condensing boiler sales have reached their highest level in just under 10 years, while receiving more and more enquiries from Gas Safe technicians who want to go into the oil market.

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