Winning Project Architect Area of United Kingdom Typology 1 51 Hills Road Gort Scott Ltd Cambridge, England Office, commercial
14 June 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Only 7 per cent of young people plan to do an apprenticeship, according to a survey by YouGov. YouGov undertook the online survey, which was commissioned by support services company Interserve, among a representative quota sample of 5,294 people. The aim of the survey
Extraction Oil & Gas’s shares jumped on their trading debut on Wednesday after rising crude prices sparked a sharp turnround in investor appetite for the energy sector, helping smooth the path for the industry’s biggest listing globally since 2014. The Denver-based energy company, which primarily operates in the Rocky Mountains,
Tough Mudder uses Bosch Professional Power Tools for course construction Published: 29 July, 2016 Throughout the 2016 Tough Mudder UK season, over 120,000 men and women will line up at events to climb, swing, crawl, cling and clamber over and through each one of up to 25 obstacles together. Tough
The government has paved the way for a new approach to flood risk management. The National Flood Resilience Review1 sets out the lessons learnt from last winter’s floods and outline plans for improved rain and flood modelling, more temporary flood defences and greater protection to infrastructure. The review includes: £12.5
Highways England has announced plans of a project to build a new £75 million triple decker roundabout to be constructed by contracting joint venture Sisk Lagan. The structure will be part of the organisation’s A19/A1058 Coast Road junction improvement work in North Tyneside, with the plans to be published in
The heats for the 2016 Skill Electric competition have got off to a flying start with three of the most talented electricians in the country taking the top spots in England and Wales. In a test of the competitors’ full range of electrical abilities, the following three electricians came out
Winning Project Architect Area of United Kingdom Typology 1 51 Hills Road Gort Scott Ltd Cambridge, England Office, commercial 2 61 Oxford Street Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Soho, London, England Mixed use – retail, office and multi-dwelling residential 3 8 St James’s Square Eric Parry Architects City of Westminster, London, England Office, commercial 4 A Private House in Cumbria Bennetts Associates Cumbria, England Single dwelling, residential 5 A Private House in Northamptonshire James Gorst Architects Limited Northamptonshire, England Single dwelling, residential 6 Alder Hey Children’s Hospital BDP Liverpool, England Hospital, healthcare 7 ARK All Saints Academy and Highshore School Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Camberwell, London, England Mixed, non-selective secondary school, education 8 Banbridge Health and Care Centre Kennedy FitzGerald Architects Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland Healthcare, community 9 Blavatnik School of Government Herzog & de Meuron Oxford, England University, education 10 Bob Champion Research and Education Building HawkinsBrown Norwich, England University, education 11 City of Glasgow College, Riverside Campus Michael Laird Architects/Reiach and Hall Architects Glasgow, Scotland Further education college, education 12 Corner House DSDHA Fitzrovia, London, England Multi-dwelling, residential 13 Davenies School DSDHA Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England Independent day school, education 14 Derry Avenue Bell Phillips Architects South Ockendon, Essex, England Multi-dwelling, residential 15 Drawing Studio CRAB studio (Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau Limited) Poole, Dorset, England University, education 16 Ely Court Alison Brooks Architects Ltd South Kilburn, London, England Multi-dwelling, residential 17 Essex University – Albert Sloman Library and Silberrad Student Centre Patel Taylor Colchester, England University, education 18 Gloucester Services Glenn Howells Architects Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England Retail, commercial 19 Greenwich Gateway Pavilions Marks Barfield Architects Greenwich, London England Gallery, bistro, café, commercial and community 20 Greenwich Housing Bell Phillips Architects Greenwich, London England Council houses, Multi-dwelling, residential 21 Heart of Campus, Nottingham Trent University Evans Vettori Nottingham, England University , education 22 Hebburn Central FaulknerBrowns Architects Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, England Leisure, community Library, education 23 HOME Mecanoo Manchester, England Gallery, cinema, theatre, cultural 24 House of Trace Tsuruta Architects Lewisham, London, England Single dwelling, residential 25 Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds ADP LLP Leeds, England University, education 26 Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute Allies and Morrison Denmark Hill, London, England University, education 27 Murphy House Edinburgh, Scotland Richard Murphy Architects Edinburgh, Scotland Single dwelling, residential 28 National Graphene Institute Jestico + Whiles Manchester, England University education 29 New QEII Hospital Penoyre & Prasad LLP Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England Hospital, healthcare 30 Newport Street Gallery Caruso St John Architects Vauxhall, London, England Gallery, cultural 31 Outhouse Loyn & Co Architects Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England Single dwelling, residential 32 Regent High School, Walters & Cohen Architects Somers Town, London, England Co-educational comprehensive secondary education 33 Royal Road Panter Hudspith Architects Elephant & Castle, London, England Multi-dwelling, residential
14 June 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Only 7 per cent of young people plan to do an apprenticeship, according to a survey by YouGov. YouGov undertook the online survey, which was commissioned by support services company Interserve, among a representative quota sample of 5,294 people. The aim of the survey was to look into how apprenticeships are perceived by three core groups: UK employers, 13-18 year-olds in secondary education, and their parents. The interviews were conducted online from 8-18 April 2016. The study shows that only 7 per cent of the young people polled plan to do an apprenticeship – 72 per cent plan on going to university or college. Only 27 per cent of the parents surveyed think that an apprenticeship would be most useful for their children in pursuing a future career, versus 42 per cent who believe a university degree is the best option. The survey also indicates a significant lack of awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the different types of apprenticeship schemes available. Only 32 per cent say they had heard of a higher or degree-level apprenticeship, compared with around half (46 per cent) of large companies that do know about them. The study’s findings suggest that there is much to do in building awareness of the options available to help more young people find career opportunities through apprenticeships. The research also points to a significant North-South divide in the attitudes of young people and employers towards apprenticeships, with both groups in the South favouring a university degree over work-based learning, compared with those in the North who view apprenticeships more positively. For example, only 7 per cent of London-based businesses value qualifications from work-based learning, such as apprenticeships, when looking for new recruits, whereas this figure is twice as high (14 per cent) in the West Midlands and stands at 19 per cent in the North-East. Furthermore, among the young people surveyed, only 2 per cent of those based in London were looking to take up an apprenticeship as their next educational or career step – significantly lower than in the North of England or Scotland (8 per cent). Source link
Extraction Oil & Gas’s shares jumped on their trading debut on Wednesday after rising crude prices sparked a sharp turnround in investor appetite for the energy sector, helping smooth the path for the industry’s biggest listing globally since 2014. The Denver-based energy company, which primarily operates in the Rocky Mountains, priced its initial public offering at $19, above its initial range of $15-$18. The 33.3m share sale raised $633m, making it the largest IPO in the oil and gas industry since October 2014, according to Dealogic. Further highlighting the renewed investor interest in the energy industry, Extraction’s shares had jumped 18.1 per cent to $22.44 on the Nasdaq stock exchange by midday on Wednesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of $3.2bn. “The big decline in stock prices, combined with what looks like a bottom in oil prices, means investors are taking another look [at energy shares],” said James Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management. Related article Chief of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth fund laments reluctance of companies to go public Even including Wednesday’s IPO there has just been $1.1bn worth of oil and gas company listings globally in 2016, after a mere $1.8bn last year, according to Dealogic. The success of Extraction’s share sale will be encouraging for companies in the industry that may still have to raise capital to improve their financial health. New hints and tips Read live updates of the latest FT news, the moment the stories are published More tips Investor interest in the energy industry shrunk as oil prices crashed from more than $100 a barrel in 2014 to a low of under $30 this year. But the market recovered again this year, and prices were further buoyed by a tentative agreement last month by the Opec oil cartel to curtail production. “There’s a feeling that with the reduction in supply, it could be pretty profitable for the players that are left even if oil prices don’t recover back to where they were,” Mr Paulsen said. As a result, the price of a barrel of Brent oil, the North Sea benchmark, has crept above $50 again, and helped support the prices of energy stocks and bonds. The S&P 500 energy index has rallied nearly 16 per cent this year, outpacing the broader index’s 4.8 per cent gain. The oil and gas exploration and production sub-index has jumped almost 26 per cent in 2016. The bond market also reflects the rising appetite for energy. The average yield on risky, lowly rated US “junk” bonds issued by energy companies peaked at more than 20 per cent in February, but has subsequently tumbled to a two-year low of 7.27 per cent. Investors who kept the faith through the early-year turmoil would have made returns of nearly a third in 2016. Extraction’s IPO comes after Noble Midstream Partners, a so-called “master-limited partnership” managed by Noble Energy, raised $323m in September, but is comfortably the biggest since Vicon Industries and Eclipse Resources Corp listed in October 2014, according to Dealogic. Credit Suisse, Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Citi led the Extraction deal. Sample the FT’s top stories for a week You select the topic, we deliver the news. Source link
Tough Mudder uses Bosch Professional Power Tools for course construction Published: 29 July, 2016 Throughout the 2016 Tough Mudder UK season, over 120,000 men and women will line up at events to climb, swing, crawl, cling and clamber over and through each one of up to 25 obstacles together. Tough Mudder is the 10 to 12 mile obstacle course challenge that tests physical strength, mental grit and teamwork. The Tough Mudder Inc team relies on Bosch Professional Power Tools to build an unforgettable and durable course for participants. David Solan, senior construction manager for Tough Mudder and his team of eight course builders are tasked with turning the greenfield event sites into the energy-sapping tests of courage, strength and teamwork a that are Tough Mudders. The team’s tools of choice are Bosch Professional Power Tools, where 18 volt cordless screwdrivers will power through at least 2,000 screws a day and five articulated truckloads of wood, as the crew has just four weeks to complete construction. In addition to the screwdrivers, the team has access to the complete 18-volt range including angle grinders, angle drills, brush cutters, circular saws and rotary hammers. “Having the same battery system across all of the tools we use and amongst our team really helps to maximise productivity out in the field,” explained Mr Solan. “We are often in the middle of nowhere when we begin construction for our events, and so the combination of cordless and super-long battery life is essential. It means that our tools are always ready to go to build these best-in-class obstacles.” All of the Bosch Professional 18-volt tools can run on the complete range of Bosch 18-volt batteries and are future-proofed for any new power packs that may be launched. Bosch’s 18-volt Li-Ion battery is the fastest charging and longest-running power on the market, essential for the stamina and durability needed for building the likes of Bosch’s sponsored obstacle, the iconic ‘Electroshock Therapy’, with its 750m of electric wire discharging live voltage to participants as they negotiate their way through what is traditionally the last obstacle on the course. Martin Sibley, senior product manager of Bosch Professional Cordless Power Tools commented: “We’re delighted that the 18-Volt range has had a chance to really prove its credentials with the Tough Mudder construction crew. I think if it stands up to their rigorous demands, it earns the right to be in anyone’s toolbox!” The 2016 Tough Mudder calendar is available here: at www.toughmudder.co.uk. Source link
The government has paved the way for a new approach to flood risk management. The National Flood Resilience Review1 sets out the lessons learnt from last winter’s floods and outline plans for improved rain and flood modelling, more temporary flood defences and greater protection to infrastructure. The review includes: £12.5 million for new temporary defences, such as barriers and high volume pumps, at seven strategic locations around the country. By this winter, the Environment Agency (EA) will have four times more temporary barriers than last year. Utility companies’ commitment to increase flood protection of their key local infrastructure, such as phone networks and water treatment works, so they are resilient to extreme flooding. A new stress test of the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea in England. For the first time, Met Office forecasts of extreme rainfall scenarios will be linked with Environment Agency modelling to provide a new assessment of flood risk. Government chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport said: “It is important that policy on flood risk is underpinned by credible and objective scientific evidence and analysis. This review used new modelling techniques to challenge our ideas around the frequency and location of extreme flooding. “We were able to model what level of rainfall would be worse than anything that we have experienced but still possible for our climate. This information enabled us to look again at how bad coastal and river flooding could be under such extreme conditions to ensure we are better prepared. This work was overseen by an expert group brought together from across industry and academia.” Environment secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “Last winter we saw just how devastating flooding can be. This review sets out clear actions so we are better prepared to respond quickly in the event of future flooding and can strengthen the nation’s flood defences. “Work is already underway towards £12.5m of new temporary defences stationed around England, better protection for our infrastructure and new flood modelling that makes better use of data and technology. “We are absolutely committed to reducing the risk of flooding by investing £2.5bn up to 2021 so we can help protect families, homes and businesses this winter.” Cabinet Office ministers Ben Gummer added: “This is an important step in the fight against flooding as these new measures will help to protect communities from the perils of extreme weather. The government has made clear that we expect water and telecoms companies to work ever closer together to improve their preparation and response to flooding, making sure lifelines such as mobile phone masts and water treatment works continue to function even when the Great British weather is throwing its very worst at us.” Following the National Flood Resilience Review, the government is launching pilot projects to develop, test and accelerate new ways of managing the environment; this will include a project in Cumbria, which focuses on natural flood management strategies and up-to-date modelling and data tools. 1. National Flood Resilience Review can be found at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/551137/national-flood-resilience-review.pdf Chris Griffiths, flooding expert at the UK’s leading landscape supplier Marshalls, which is also a member of the Flood Protection Association, said: “While many of the findings of the National Flood Resilience review are to be welcomed, it’s a concern that its focus is mainly on costal and river flooding, rather than surface water flooding. Environment Agency figures show 2.8 million UK homes are vulnerable to being flooded by rainfall runoff and, with cities and towns expanding, this number could easily increase. “As discussed in Future Spaces, our report in to the future of the built environment, there is a real need to adopt Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which in effect mimics natural processes by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground as close to source as possible. In practice this means adopting measures such as permeable paving, rainwater harvesting and even rain gardens all of which will help to better manage rainfall in urban areas. Although legislation around SuDS is already in existence for new developments and some redevelopments, they are rarely enforced in England and Wales. This is a huge missed opportunity as effective enforcement of this legislation would help to reduce the need for the last ditch defences which form one of the central tenets of the government’s National Flood Resilience Review.” Jon Robinson, director for water at Aecom, was more positive. He said: “We welcome the National Flood Resilience Review and its recognition that extreme and rare events could become more frequent due to the changing climate. “Encouragingly, it includes a commitment to an integrated, cross-sector approach to protecting critical infrastructure through closer collaboration between water, telecoms and power companies. This will help develop longer term, permanent improvements in the resilience of service provision to communities in the event of extreme flooding. “The review paves the way for a new approach to flood risk management. Ultimately, a more holistic approach that brings together multiple stakeholders working together across entire catchments is needed. While the Review rightly advocates a strategic, long-term approach to flood management, our hope is that funding too will increase in real terms in recognition of its importance. “Crucially, the review makes the link between flood management, resilient infrastructure and urban regeneration. It is vital the opportunities to create social and economic value from improved flood management are maximised.” Institution of Civil Engineers director general Nick Baveystock was also a fan, and was reassured that the government had it all sorted. “This report rightly emphasises the need to protect critical infrastructure during extreme flooding so the public, businesses and communities can continue to function. An integrated approach to infrastructure is absolutely key to achieving this level of resilience and we are pleased this has been acknowledged,” he said. “I also welcome the commitment to flood planning beyond 2021. Managing the effects of severe flooding is an enduring, long-term challenge. So we should ensure we back the commitment to planning with an associated long term capital and maintenance investment programme,
Highways England has announced plans of a project to build a new £75 million triple decker roundabout to be constructed by contracting joint venture Sisk Lagan. The structure will be part of the organisation’s A19/A1058 Coast Road junction improvement work in North Tyneside, with the plans to be published in Newcastle next weekend for the public to see. The plan is for Sisk Lagan to lower the A19 underneath the existing A1058 Coast Road and roundabout with the aim of reducing congestion, with work set to begin in August this year. The overall scheme will cost Highways England £75 million, with the contract for Sisk Lagan valued at £40 million. The project is on the main route towards the Tyne Tunnel and will eradicate the queues for drivers who want to go straight on at the A19 roundabout. Instead, drivers will now use a new section of the road that will run beneath the existing junction. Julia Alexander, Project Manager at Highways England, commented that when it is complete the scheme will reduce journey times on the A19 road by cutting congestion while making it safer in the process for the thousands of drivers that use the junction every day along with pedestrians and cyclists. Ms Alexander said that the A19 provides vital access to the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, South East Northumberland, the Cobalt Business Park and the Silverlink Retail Park, adding that during its construction they will do everything they can to make sure there is as little disruption as possible and that traffic stays on the move. The public information exercise will explain to the public what disruption can be expected for local motorists and will include a display at the Village Hotel on Cobalt Business Park in Newcastle on July 1 until 8pm and on July 2 until 4pm, where Highways England and Sisk Lagan representatives will be in attendance.
The heats for the 2016 Skill Electric competition have got off to a flying start with three of the most talented electricians in the country taking the top spots in England and Wales. In a test of the competitors’ full range of electrical abilities, the following three electricians came out on top of the challenging five hour mock installation test: Ben Brookes (24) English Midlands – Stoke on Trent College/Hanning, Garin Long (19) Wales – Coleg Gwent/CTE Electrical, Michael Pemberton (22) Southern England – Petroc Tiverton Campus. After the completion of all the regional heats, the competitors who score the highest throughout the UK will progress to the grand final at ‘The Skills Show’ at the Birmingham NEC from November 16-19. The event will see competitors take on a gruelling three day challenge as they all bid to be crowned Skill Electric UK Champion. Industry charity NET are an official competition partner of World Skills 2016 and their Chief Executive Officer, Iain Macdonald said that the Skills Electric scheme gives a great chance for the industry’s top performers to show off their abilities and technical skill levels needed to work as an electrician. He commented that this is even more important at a time when the industry needs fresh blood and more young people to consider the vocational route when they finish school, adding his congratulations to Michael, Garin and Ben for their brilliant work so far in winning their regional heats and wished them well in their future careers in the industry. Dr Neil Bentley spoke on behalf of the World Skills UK Competitions and also congratulated Michael, Garin and Ben for their top work thus far and he too wished them the best for the future. He added that it has been proven that the World Skills UK Competitions can enhance the training scheme or apprenticeship for a young person by helping them develop crucial employability skills and character traits.
