Plans for the £175m Old Oak regeneration project in west London have been approved, paving the way for a new stadium for Queens Park Rangers. Plans put forward by Genesis Housing Association and Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) havce been approved by the Old Oak & Park Royal Development
An independent review which aims to find solutions to the construction industry’s structural problems has been published today. The Farmer Review, led by Mark Farmer, examines the construction labour model and suggests it has given rise to underinvestment in training and development, a lack of innovation, and issues in raising productivity.
Funding from Isos Housing has helped save a rural job club from closure. The local housing provider stepped in with a £10,000 grant after hearing that the Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group in Northumberland was in danger of closing because of a lack of cash. The grant, one of two recently
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has signed a new multi million pound deal with facilities management (FM) firm Mitie. Building on their existing seven year relationship, the new five year contract will see Mitie consolidate its FM services across three airports into one integrated contract. The firm has provided FM services
RTC North has appointed Andrew Buckley as its new CEO. The former Membership Director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, Buckley has been appointed as Chief Executive of innovation and technology transfer firm, RTC North. Buckley will take over from the founder of RTC North, Gordon Ollivere MBE, as Chief Executive
YourTradeBase, a service-business based software that helps you win more work, saves you hours and delights your customers whilst helping you to avoid the administrative side effects, has conducted a survey on how paperwork is preventing your business from growing, further proving the need for this type of software. The
McLaughlin & Harvey has posted a £11.7 million loss in its latest accounts, despite increasing turnover by 40%. The business said “a small number of construction contracts procured in the depths of the recession” had contributed to an £11.7 million loss before tax for the year to December 31, 2015.
Balgores Property Group, leading estate agents in Essex and Kent, has just launched an innovative new 3D virtual imaging service to enhance online property details. The new technology brings property listings to life, engaging buyers with a 3D virtual showcase that is the most realistic, immersive way to experience a
Plans for the £175m Old Oak regeneration project in west London have been approved, paving the way for a new stadium for Queens Park Rangers. Plans put forward by Genesis Housing Association and Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) havce been approved by the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). It is the first major planning application to be cleared by the OPDC. The £175m mixed use regeneration project includes 605 new homes and what is described as ‘a new creative neighbourhood’ that hopes to attract technology companies to relocate there. The project will also provide a link road into Old Oak, opening up the wider area to regeneration. Ultimately, 25,500 new homes and 65,000 new jobs could be provided at Old Oak and Park Royal over the next 30-40 years – as well as being a transport interchange for Crossrail and HS2. The Oaklands site is located on the western part of the Old Oak regeneration area, south of the Grand Union Canal. It is currently a vacant site that has been unoccupied for 10 years. It was previously used as offices and a hostel. Genesis and QPR are working together because Genesis controls the Oaklands site and QPR has other strategic land interests in Old Oak and would like to build a new stadium as part of the wider development. The scheme will now go to the mayor of London for final review. Work is due to start before March 2017 and is expected to take three years to complete. QPR chairman Tony Fernandes said: “This is the start of long term strategic investment for QPR at Old Oak and demonstrates our commitment to the area. Whilst our primary interest is securing the future of the club through the construction of a new stadium, we will only be able to deliver this by taking equity interests in wider regeneration projects such as Oaklands. We are continuing to talk to the OPDC about our vision for a new stadium which will have sporting, educational and community facilities that will be used all year round.” Genesis Housing Association chief executive Neil Hadden said: “We are delighted to be part of the redevelopment of Old Oak, one of Hammersmith and Fulham’s most important regeneration sites at which so many new homes will be built, of which 240 will be affordable. “We are committed to the future regeneration of Old Oak and partnerships such as the one we have with QPR will enable us to invest, not only in building new homes, but in developing new communities.” Further Images This article was published on 15 Jul 2016 (last updated on 15 Jul 2016). Source link
An independent review which aims to find solutions to the construction industry’s structural problems has been published today. The Farmer Review, led by Mark Farmer, examines the construction labour model and suggests it has given rise to underinvestment in training and development, a lack of innovation, and issues in raising productivity. It concludes that workforce attrition, exacerbated by an ageing workforce, means that there is now a fundamental imperative for change. The report challenges the sector to do things differently – to reduce the reliance on building in the same way that we have for decades, with its heavy demand for on-site labour. This is a challenge for all stakeholders – the industry, its clients, and government. The report’s recommendations focus on finding and unlocking the drivers of change, including action to support predictability of demand, and on leadership to own the change. This includes specific recommendations for the reform of CITB, to better align our grant funding to the future skills needs of employers and create a stronger image of the built environment, especially in schools. Stephen Radley, Director of Policy at CITB, said: “The Farmer Review sets out a compelling vision of how our industry needs to change and what CITB can do to support it. “We are already reforming CITB to give it a laser-like focus on careers, qualifications and standards and training and development, backed by a revamped grants scheme. Employers have the opportunity to create a more profitable, innovation and sustainable construction industry and we look forward to helping them to do this.” Chair of the Leadership Council Andrew Wolstenholme said: “The Construction Leadership Council is hugely grateful for the detailed insight Mark Farmer has brought to this task. The construction sector plays an important role in the UK’s economic success. “There never has been a better time to invest in infrastructure but it is clear we have reached a tipping point and that construction cannot go on as we are if we are to deliver the essential homes and infrastructure that the UK needs.” Industry Minister Jesse Norman said: “This Government is determined to support more housebuilding, more quickly and in the places people want to live. Given the launch of the £3 billion Home Building Fund, Mark Farmer’s important review in this vital sector is very timely. It makes a strong case for change in the industry, identifies areas where it needs to improve, and sets out areas for action. We will now carefully consider his recommendations.” Source link
Funding from Isos Housing has helped save a rural job club from closure. The local housing provider stepped in with a £10,000 grant after hearing that the Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group in Northumberland was in danger of closing because of a lack of cash. The grant, one of two recently awarded by Isos in the South Tyne community, will help to make sure that the group will be able to continue for one more year at least. Based at the town’s swimming and leisure centre, the support group – a Community Action Northumberland project – runs drop-in sessions every week for local unemployed people, helping them to brush up on their job search and interview skills. Group training on finding work is also provided, along with with careers advice and support for people setting up their own businesses, while informal group activities help develop life skills, such as managing money, reducing domestic fuel bills, healthy eating and exercise. Having now secured the new funding, along with cash from the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, the support group is also hoping to extend the services it provides. This could include sessions for young mums who are contemplating a return to work, as well as further volunteering opportunities. Isos community involvement officer, John Temple, commented: “Within the project there is a big focus on volunteering and that points people towards becoming work ready, particularly if someone hasn’t got a lot of practical work experience. “Support groups like this have the potential to make a big difference to someone’s life – not just by helping them secure a job, or training, or a volunteering opportunity, but by building their confidence and self-esteem and helping them become part of the wider community.” A second grant of £5,000 has also been awarded to Haltwhistle’s Young and Sweet youth club, to help pay for a new gardening club for young people aged between nine to 19 years.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has signed a new multi million pound deal with facilities management (FM) firm Mitie. Building on their existing seven year relationship, the new five year contract will see Mitie consolidate its FM services across three airports into one integrated contract. The firm has provided FM services such as cleaning, waste management, gritting and snow clearance at Manchester Airport since 2008. The new contract, estimated to be worth £60 million over its duration, will see Bristol-headquartered Mitie expanding its services at Manchester Airport to include pest control and landscaping. In addition, the company will for the first time offer soft services at MAG’s Stansted and East Midlands airports, as well as hard services such as mechanical and electrical maintenance, fixed wire testing, life safety systems and plumbing. London Stansted Airport CEO, Andrew Cowan, a sponsor of the contract, commented: “We have been working with Mitie for over seven years and it is a great credit to their team that we are developing our long-standing relationship with this new contract. “Mitie was awarded the work after a rigorous and technical tender process.” He continued: “Mitie has extensive experience in the sector, and an ability to provide national 24/7 coverage underpinned by advanced technology.” Mitie MD Phil Holland said: “We are proud to be building upon our relationship with MAG through this new and consolidated contract. “Our long running relationship is a testament to our market leading airport experience and we are confident that our expansive technology-led service capability will assist MAG in providing a world-class experience for its passengers and airline partners.” Last month it was revealed that MAG contributes £6.2 billion to the economy, with the main drivers behind the expanded ‘economic footprint’ of the airports include a higher number of employment opportunities and the associated economic value generated by their operations.
RTC North has appointed Andrew Buckley as its new CEO. The former Membership Director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, Buckley has been appointed as Chief Executive of innovation and technology transfer firm, RTC North. Buckley will take over from the founder of RTC North, Gordon Ollivere MBE, as Chief Executive on November 1, 2016. With a 30 year track record in marketing, sales, business development and general management, Buckley has been appointed to oversee the growth of the business and develop services to firms throughout the Northern Powerhouse. Set up in 1989 in Sunderland, RTC was one of 12 Regional Technology Centres established around the country to help businesses develop new products and services by accessing expertise within regional universities. Now, the company employs 65 members of staff at offices in Sunderland, Leeds and Daresbury (Cheshire) and delivers a mix of technology transfer, innovation and growth programmes for small companies. At present, the firm delivers funded business support schemes including Innovate2Succeed, Designing Better Business, Enterprise Europe Network and NHS Innovations North. RTC also supports the skills agenda and is home to one of a new network of STEM Ambassador Hubs set up to help promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by engaging volunteer ambassadors from industry in school visits. RTC has recently acquired Service Network, the North East’s voice for the professional, creative and technical sectors. In 2016, RTC also launched a series of short course training masterclasses designed to help companies with everything fromBusiness Strategy and Making Innovation Happen to Understanding Your Export Potential. Outgoing CEO, Gordon Ollivere MBE, commented: “Although our services are very diverse, ‘smarter use of technology’ in business and society remains at the heart of everything we do. Of course I will miss the variety and the stimulus of working with such intelligent people but I am confident that Andrew will lead the company forward to achieve even greater success in the future.”
YourTradeBase, a service-business based software that helps you win more work, saves you hours and delights your customers whilst helping you to avoid the administrative side effects, has conducted a survey on how paperwork is preventing your business from growing, further proving the need for this type of software. The survey produced some astounding findings about the time and money spent on paperwork over the time frame of a year from the Trades Industry. Businesses spend on average 2.5 months on paperwork with a spend of approximately £5,657 per year. These figures back up the 51% of small business owners who believe that paperwork is the main reason thwarting their business growth. With this in mind YourTradeBase has managed to try remove the short falls above. Since its official launch in January this year, it has managed to help trades people win a staggering £40 million worth of quotes and estimates in their respective trades industry. The company now assists 27 Service/Trade based businesses, stemming all the way from the Building industry to Computer repair based companies. Adam Austin, the CEO and Co-founder, commented: “Following on from many years of extensive research and trail and error we are absolutely delighted to have helped out so many business and people in the industry, £40 million worth of won work is something we couldn’t have imagined happening for a long, long time.” The company is constantly trying to better itself and is already developing new initiatives that will assist the trades industry win their next £40 million. YourTradeBase has already established some strong partnerships with small business owners and individuals in the trade service business industry. Excitingly the company has just released an easy to use ‘refer a friend’ scheme to help other tradesman reduce their time taken on paperwork too. The scheme gives tools to current users to help out friends and fellow tradespeople in just the click of the button. With the new ‘refer a friend scheme’ there is an opportunity to share the success of the software through email, printed voucher, Facebook or via unique link. With the new refer a friend scheme added onto the back of YourTradeBase’s successful first 10 months, it will further reinforce the company’s position in the service based software industry.
McLaughlin & Harvey has posted a £11.7 million loss in its latest accounts, despite increasing turnover by 40%. The business said “a small number of construction contracts procured in the depths of the recession” had contributed to an £11.7 million loss before tax for the year to December 31, 2015. The firm also posted a pre-tax loss of £3.6 million the year before, however it added that all of its legacy contracts would be complete by the end of this year. Turnover at the company increased to £273.8 million, up 40% from £195.8 million the previous year. Its construction business, which accounts for most of the firm’s turnover (£253.1 million), racked up a loss of £12.8 million before tax, while its wholesale distribution arm – with a turnover of £20.7 million – was profitable, posting a profit of £1.1 million before tax. Contract wins for the company in the last year included a £51 million contract to redevelop and expand London Luton Airport’s terminal. The company has also recently completed a £45 million redevelopment of Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium, and is understood to be bidding for Transport for Greater Manchester’s £33 million Tameside Interchange project. Over the course of the year, the company has added nine employees to its payroll, with its workforce now standing at 436. McLaughlin & Harvey purchased Barr Construction in 2007, which took on the M&H brand name early last year. Last month, McLaughlin & Harvey was appointment by Peterhead Port Authority to help carry out the strengthening and deepening of the north east port. Alongside joint venture partner Boskalis Westminster, the Peterhead Scheme 2 project also entails land reclamation with revetment, widening of the harbour entrance, demolition works and improved services throughout. The harbour will also benefit from significantly improved realignment to the existing quay walls and increased draft which will facilitate larger vessels.
Balgores Property Group, leading estate agents in Essex and Kent, has just launched an innovative new 3D virtual imaging service to enhance online property details. The new technology brings property listings to life, engaging buyers with a 3D virtual showcase that is the most realistic, immersive way to experience a property online. Viewers can see a photographic floorplan view, then see the property from a completely unique, 3D view, giving them a complete understanding of the layout and internal condition. Martin Gibbon, a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and Group Director of Balgores Property Group comments: “We are delighted to be launching this innovative new technology, as part of the service we offer sellers. The new 3D virtual showcase is the most engaging way to show a property online and it gives potential buyers a great experience, saving wasted time and unnecessary viewings. “We are able to offer this fresh and exciting advanced technology to all our clients. It enables people to experience a property online before travelling to view it either in Essex or Kent. This is a great advantage for properties that may attract overseas buyers, or those relocating from somewhere else in the UK. “Traditional photography or a flat floorplan can’t give viewers a virtual experience of the property. The dollhouse view and ability to ‘walk’ through the home is the ultimate way to experience a property. “We have embraced this technology as we see it very much as the future. This 3D virtual imaging is to our knowledge unique in Essex and Kent via Balgores and customers should contact their local branch for more information.” Balgores Property Group has ten offices in Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Hornchurch, Romford, Upminster, South Woodham Ferrers, Ongar and Gravesend. Balgores Property Group is an independent, family-owned business specialising in property sales, lettings, mortgages and financial services.
