Breedon Aggregates’ £336m acquisition of Hope Construction Materials has taken another step forward through the regulatory process with the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) indicating that Breedon’s offer to sell 14 ready mixed concrete plants could be satisfactory. The CMA said that it will “consider in detail whether to accept
Interserve has won a three-year facilities management contract worth £7.5m with energy group SSE and gas distribution company SGN. Interserve will provide daily cleaning, window cleaning and periodic cleaning services to all of SSE and SGN’s 70 corporate offices around the UK. SGN is 50% owned by SSE. Interserve already
As the new BTL stamp duty deadline passes, demand for property and sales growth are widely expected to soften. A new RICS survey has confirmed that sales were being temporarily boosted or brought forward by a flood of BTL investors as well as those purchasing a second home looking to
Apprentices in the electrical industry can now benefit from a wide-ranging package of services and support, following the re-launch of the JIB apprentice registration scheme. JIB-registered apprentices not only receive an initial ECS Apprentice card, but three further cards as they progress through stages two, three and
The biggest landlord group in the North East, Thirteen Group, has teamed up with the UK’s leading Timber and Builders Merchant, Travis Perkins Managed Services, to make £10 million of efficiency savings in the landlord’s operations. A partnership scheme between the two organisations has created the country’s biggest managed stores
One of the UK’s longest established construction and heritage restoration firms has fallen into administration after its attempts to secure a deal with creditors failed. On September 8, 2016, Bob Maxwell and Julian Pitts of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of William Anelay Ltd. The company, based in
Almost half (44%) of plumbers, builders, electricians, carpenters and other trades in the UK say that they are quoting for more work than this time last year, according to the latest survey carried out by Screwfix. Out of the 95% of tradespeople currently working, most of them (67%) said that
Flow Energy has launched its Flow Eco RF boiler which could cut carbon emissions by 20% and reduce gas bills by up to 15%. The independent supplier is in the process of expanding its heat product range in an attempt to offer consumers a wider range of choice and the
Balfour Beatty and Equitix have sealed the deal for the £162.9 million Humber Gateway offshore transmission project (OFTO). The high voltage electricity transmission link will connect Eon’s 219MW offshore wind farm in the North Sea, 8km from the East Yorkshire coast, to the onshore transmission grid. The 73 turbines have
Major works are needed on the Palace of Westminster, meaning that MPs will have to vacate the site for years to allow the essential repairs to be carried out. According to a committee of MPs and Peers, if the work is not done then there will be a risk of
Breedon Aggregates’ £336m acquisition of Hope Construction Materials has taken another step forward through the regulatory process with the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) indicating that Breedon’s offer to sell 14 ready mixed concrete plants could be satisfactory. The CMA said that it will “consider in detail whether to accept undertakings offered by Breedon instead of carrying out an in-depth merger investigation”. Earlier this month, the CMA announced that Breedon’s agreed acquisition of Hope could give rise to competition concerns in relation to 27 ready mixed concrete (RMX) sites. The CMA told Breedon to come up with a quick solution or face a major investigation of the proposed merger. Breedon proposed selling 14 RMX sites to an upfront buyer approved by the CMA. In response the CMA said that it had “decided that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the undertakings offered by Breedon, or a modified version of them, might be accepted by the CMA”. The CMA now has until 23rd June 2016 to consider whether to accept the undertakings, or a modified version of them, although the CMA may decide to extend this deadline to 25th August 2016 if it considers there are special reasons for doing so. As part of this consideration process, the CMA will undertake a public consultation on whether the proposed undertakings are sufficient to address the competition concerns. Breedon said that it welcomed the CMA’s announcement, adding: “The company fully expects to be able to finalise the required undertakings to the CMA’s satisfaction and complete the required divestments in the near future, paving the way for completion of the acquisition later this summer.” This article was published on 26 Apr 2016 (last updated on 26 Apr 2016). Source link
Interserve has won a three-year facilities management contract worth £7.5m with energy group SSE and gas distribution company SGN. Interserve will provide daily cleaning, window cleaning and periodic cleaning services to all of SSE and SGN’s 70 corporate offices around the UK. SGN is 50% owned by SSE. Interserve already provides asbestos removal services to both SSE and SGN industrial sites. Promised innovations that helped Interserve secure the account include new management and timekeeping systems. Managing director Jeff Flanagan said: “We look forward to starting a new partnership with SSE and SGN. Our experience of delivering consistent, cost-effective cleaning services for customers with large and diverse corporate estates makes us the perfect choice for this account, and we look forward to building on this relationship in the years to come.” Meanwhile, there is still no news from Interserve of what plans it has for RMD Kwikform, its £200m-a-year formwork subsidiary. It announced a ‘strategic review’ of the business in February 2016, but eight months on it appears that a suitable buyer has yet to be found. This article was published on 3 Oct 2016 (last updated on 3 Oct 2016). Source link
As the new BTL stamp duty deadline passes, demand for property and sales growth are widely expected to soften. A new RICS survey has confirmed that sales were being temporarily boosted or brought forward by a flood of BTL investors as well as those purchasing a second home looking to complete transactions ahead of the changes. For the first time in 8 years, near term sales expectations have now dipped marginally into negative territory. Over the next twelve months, sales are still projected to rise across all parts of the country albeit less so than previously. Following a run of three successive monthly increases, new sales instructions were broadly flat during March, and average stock levels per surveyor remain nearly 20% down on an annual comparison. New buyer enquiries fell sharply in London and was broadly flat in the South East, Yorkshire and Scotland. However with a lack of supply still an overriding feature of the market, prices continue to be driven higher despite the easing in demand growth. London, however, is a notable exception. Prices are now reported to be falling in parts of the capital and near term expectations point to this continuing over the next three months. Uncertainty surrounding the mayoral election, sterling’s recent weakness and the upcoming EU referendum are all cited by local practitioners to be weighing on the central London market. Andy Sommerville, Director of Search Acumen, commented: “RICS members’ suspicions that activity would slow down as a result of the new buy to let stamp duty surcharge seem to have already been confirmed by the easing of demand in March, with new instructions stalling and short-term sales expectations dipping. These changes were always going to fuel demand from prospective landlords and second homeowners, and the slight lull in March suggests that the majority did not leave completion until the very last moment. Conveyancers were still exceptionally busy in March however, with many under pressure to deliver for those clients looking to make it over the line ahead of the changes coming into effect. The impending lull in activity in April should come as no surprise to conveyancers, many of whom have been preparing for this dip in activity for some time now. However the bigger picture suggests this will only be temporary – buy to let property remains a very attractive investment, and the cost of the extra stamp duty is far outweighed by rental yields and long-term capital growth. The demand for homes continues to significantly exceed supply, and there is no sign of that changing any time soon.” Source link
Apprentices in the electrical industry can now benefit from a wide-ranging package of services and support, following the re-launch of the JIB apprentice registration scheme. JIB-registered apprentices not only receive an initial ECS Apprentice card, but three further cards as they progress through stages two, three and four of their training. A gold ECS card is then issued on completion of their apprenticeship – rewarding them for their hard-earned qualifications and giving them the ‘gold standard’ in the electrical industry. In addition to the suite of ECS cards, apprentices also gain other benefits including the new JIB apprentice app, safe isolation guidance and resources, access to the JIB handtool replacement scheme and discounted driving lessons. Registering apprentices with the JIB can be carried out by any college or training provider that enrols on the scheme. “For many years we’ve been registering apprentices across the industry, working with a number of colleges and training providers,” said Steve Brawley, JIB Chief Executive. “We’ve now improved and re-launched our registration package – we hope all training providers register their apprentices with the JIB to offer students and employers the best possible support during their training and development.” To find out more about the JIB Apprentice Registration scheme visit www.jib.org.uk/apprentice Source link
The biggest landlord group in the North East, Thirteen Group, has teamed up with the UK’s leading Timber and Builders Merchant, Travis Perkins Managed Services, to make £10 million of efficiency savings in the landlord’s operations. A partnership scheme between the two organisations has created the country’s biggest managed stores facilities, which will significantly improve how materials for housing maintenance are used and the efficiency of procurement processes. This will result in significant long term savings on current operations, while also consolidating jobs. Three newly leased store facilities have been opened at Skippers Lane, Middlesbrough; Park View Industrial Estate, Hartlepool; and Ross Road, Stockton. The Stockton store will also serve as a central distribution hub for the two other stores, which will allow for greater stock availability and flexibility. Travis Perkins Managed Services are managing all three facilities as Thirteen Group’s new external delivery partner. Thirteen already benefits from the bulk buying of building materials, but the Group expects to make savings of around £10 million over the lifetime of this new arrangement which will arise from more flexible and efficient operations of its stores facilities. Travis Perkins Managed Services’ one-stop-shop solution is being delivered by a combination of dedicated Thirteen Group stores and by using the building merchant’s existing branch network. Part of this process will see staff members from Thirteen transfer to Travis Perkins with two being promoted to managers from the new stores. Russell Thompson, Group Director of Property Services at Thirteen Group, commented: Travis Perkins is one of the largest suppliers to the UK’s building and construction industry with a national network of more than 650 branches. “This agreement gives us access to more than 100,000 product lines including building materials, plumbing and heating equipment, landscaping materials, timber and sheet materials, painting and decorating supplies, dry lining and insulation, doors and joinery. All of which is essential to the maintenance and upkeep of our property portfolio.”
One of the UK’s longest established construction and heritage restoration firms has fallen into administration after its attempts to secure a deal with creditors failed. On September 8, 2016, Bob Maxwell and Julian Pitts of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of William Anelay Ltd. The company, based in York, has now ceased trading and all 126 of its staff have been made redundant. William Anelay is a £38 million turnover, eighth generation family company which has been trading since 1747. The business has completed a large amount of high profile historic and listed building schemes throughout the UK including Lambeth Palace and Wilton’s Music Hall, London. At the time of its collapse, the company had 17 live projects on site, including at Bradford City Hall, York Mansion House and Lancaster Castle. After a series of cash flow difficulties, the business sough a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with creditors, but was placed into administration when a CVA proved unviable. The administrators said that they were assessing the best way to maximise value for creditors, while liaising with the 140 strong workforce. The company also operates associated businesses Lowery Roofing, Hare & Ransome Joinery, Anelay Traditional Masonry and Anelay Building & Conservation. All of these are unaffected by the administration and will continue to trade as normal. Andrew Walker and Doug Robertson from law firm Irwin Mitchell in Leeds are advising the administrators. Joint administrator, Julian Pitts, commented said he was very sad to see the demise of such a historic Yorkshire family business. “Unfortunately, William Anelay ran into cash flow difficulties following a period of expansion and problems with some complex projects. Despite attempts to secure a CVA, this did not prove viable and there was no alternative but to place the business into administration. “We will be working closely with the management to realise returns for creditors and will keep the employees fully informed as the situation becomes clearer.”
Almost half (44%) of plumbers, builders, electricians, carpenters and other trades in the UK say that they are quoting for more work than this time last year, according to the latest survey carried out by Screwfix. Out of the 95% of tradespeople currently working, most of them (67%) said that they have sufficient work to keep them busy, while 16% say that they have more work than they can handle. Almost half (48%) believe that business will improve for them during the next 12 months. However, the most recent Trade Pulse report also showed that this optimism is tempered with a degree of concern about the UK economy in general. Almost one in three (32%) believe that it will get worse over the course of the next year, rising from 20% who felt the same way this time last year. Trade Pulse is a monthly index from Screwfix’s umbrella organisation, Screwfix, which surveys over 500 tradespeople in the UK including plumbing and heating engineers to track trade optimism and work levels. The retailer carries out the research to gather further insight into the needs of its customers to make sure that it provides the required products and services. Chief Executive Officer of Screwfix, Andrew Livingston, commented: “The optimism seen among the UK’s tradespeople at the start of 2016 is continuing, however, there also seems to be more uncertainty on the nation’s economic outlook from the trade. “Despite this, it is very encouraging to see that many continue to be in work, with more jobs to come, which is something we see reflected by our busy trade customers across our network of Screwfix trade counters.” However, earlier in the month it was said that UK tradespeople have expressed a degree of concern about the future of the general UK economy despite the reported high levels of work within the construction industry.
Flow Energy has launched its Flow Eco RF boiler which could cut carbon emissions by 20% and reduce gas bills by up to 15%. The independent supplier is in the process of expanding its heat product range in an attempt to offer consumers a wider range of choice and the opportunity to save money. A smartphone app will allow consumers to be able to control their internet connected boiler, which also has remote diagnostics which allow for issues to be fixed directly from installers offices and reduce the need for call outs. Intergas will manufacture the boiler and will be sold by Flow’s Brand Ambassador installers throughout the UK. This model removes wholesalers from the supply chain to give installers an increased margin and end customer’s better value. Tony Stiff, Chief Executive of Flow Group, commented: “The energy supply division of our business has grown phenomenally in the past year, and we’re keen to replicate this growth in our products division. “We’re doing this by partnering with the likes of Intergas to deliver exciting and innovative heating products, such as the Flow Eco RF boiler, and by leveraging our strong existing Brand Ambassador network we’re taking a completely new approach to the heating market.” Flow is offering the boiler as part of a 10 year home energy bundle which will include the boiler, installation, a 10 year warranty and the in-touch system. In 2015 Flow group created an innovative micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) boiler designed to convert heat from combustion into electricity. By generating power at the point-of-use while using the heat, the Flow boiler significantly reduces the carbon intensity of that power. Interim results from Flowgroup showed its second stream as an energy reseller is surging, while its original core business as a boiler developer hangs in the balance ahead of a government decision over feed-in tariffs (FIT).
Balfour Beatty and Equitix have sealed the deal for the £162.9 million Humber Gateway offshore transmission project (OFTO). The high voltage electricity transmission link will connect Eon’s 219MW offshore wind farm in the North Sea, 8km from the East Yorkshire coast, to the onshore transmission grid. The 73 turbines have the capability to generate enough electricity for around 170,000 homes every year. Ofgem awarded the Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium the preferred bidder status in September 2015 to own and operate the Humber Gateway offshore transmission link. For the next 20 years, the consortium will own and operate the link to Eon’s Humber Gateway wind farm, while Balfour Beatty will invest £12.5 million of the total required equity of £21 million. Balfour Beatty’s power transmission and distribution business will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the OFTO’s assets, including one offshore and one onshore substation and two cable circuits consisting of 18km of subsea and 30km of land cable. Ian Rylatt, Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty Investments, commented: “This is our fourth OFTO contract to reach financial close and further establishes our position in the offshore transmission market. Our technical expertise ensures we can efficiently and effectively, support the government’s targets to meet more of the UK’s energy needs through renewable sources.” Among Balfour Beatty’s other offshore transmission investments are the £352 million Gwynt y Mor OFTO and the £164 million Thanet OFTO 2014. The European Investment Bank will provide an £82 million 19 year loan for the Humber Gateway OFTO, which represents almost 50% of eligible projects costs and the long term EIB loan is alongside senior debt provided by three commercial banks. Last month, Balfour Beatty restored its dividend and reduced losses in a sign that the company is returning to health after a tough two years that saw the construction group issue a series of profit warnings and fend off a takeover attempt.
Major works are needed on the Palace of Westminster, meaning that MPs will have to vacate the site for years to allow the essential repairs to be carried out. According to a committee of MPs and Peers, if the work is not done then there will be a risk of a ‘catastrophic’ event in the future. In a report published last week, the Joint Committee on the Palace of Westminster proposed that all MPs, Peers and staff move out to allow the major programme of works, costing £3.9 billion to be carried out. It is estimated that the work will take around six years. It proposes that ahead of this, a delivery authority should be established to develop a business case and budget for Parliament’s approval, with a detailed preparatory stage to ensure value for money ahead of the start of works in 2020. The report concluded that the current ‘patch and mend’ approach is not sustainable, and that the Palace of Westminster “faces an impending crisis which we cannot responsibly ignore.” It adds that there is an increasing risk of either a single, catastrophic event, such as a gas leak, flooding or a major fire, which would result in Parliament no longer being able to occupy the Palace. The Committee concluded that the House of Commons could occupy Richmond House, which is the current headquarters of the Department of Health, and the House of Commons’ Northern Estate, while the House of Lords could establish a temporary chamber and supporting offices in the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. The committee recommends that the Palace’s M&E systems should be completely replaces, while proper fire safety measures should be installed and improve accessibility and maintenance of the building’s historic fabric. The report said: “Much of the M&E plant dates from the mid-20th Century; some of it dates from the Victorian era. Many of the systems reached the projected end of their lifecycles in the 1970s and 1980s. They have been patched up year after year, often with new cables and pipes laid on top of old, and with little knowledge of what the existing services are, where they go, or whether they are still live.”
