Browser does not support script. Contact us The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today welcomed the initial findings of The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) periodic review of the Architects Registration Board (ARB). DCLG has concluded that there remains a case for continued light-touch regulation based
In a “dramatic role reversal”, gas plants generated nearly twice as much power as coal plants in the first three months of 2016, according to energy specialist EnAppSys. Gas plants provided 35.4 per cent (29.68TWh) of the UK’s electricity needs in the first quarter of the year,
9 April 2016 – by Alexander Peace Stamp duty changes for additional dwellings that came into force last week risk stifling investment in build-to-rent schemes. But investors can avoid or mitigate the higher duty through forward-funding as well as other strategies. The British Property Federation estimates that the tax will
This week marks National Apprenticeship Week in both England and Wales, which celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. In my role as apprenticeship officer at CITB, I see first-hand how much young people achieve from undertaking an apprenticeship. I joined CITB
The £5.5 million development that will see a former Birmingham factory site redeveloped has received support from the West Midlands Combined Authority. The Combined Investment Fund has managed to provide a loan to the project that is valued at £2.9 million. The Combined Authority funding has been awarded to Barberry
Stroma has appointed a new Managing Director of Building Control. David Allen will be joining the building energy performance business. Stroma was established in 2002 and is a market leader. The company focuses on delivering a service to both the construction and energy sectors that support performance, sustainability and compliance.
Aggregate Industries’ commercial hard landscaping division, Charcon, has completed a £20 million development for Sybil Andrews Academy. The Academy is part of the Moreton Hall development which is located in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk. Aggregate Industries is one of the leading players within the construction and infrastructure industries. The company
Browser does not support script. Contact us The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today welcomed the initial findings of The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) periodic review of the Architects Registration Board (ARB). DCLG has concluded that there remains a case for continued light-touch regulation based on protection of title and that regulation of the architect profession should continue. RIBA supports the maintenance of statutory protection of the title ‘architect’ and believes that this should be done by an independent minimal registration body (ARB) to: Protect the interests of consumers; Protect the interests of non-members of the RIBA as well as RIBA members and Accord with UK and EU legislation and directive The department will now move to phase 2 of the review, working with all parts of the profession to identify opportunities to simplify the role of the regulator. Focus will be placed on ensuring a level playing-field for UK architects to compete in the European Union and beyond and supporting consumer protection legislation in a way that minimises the burden for architects and schools of architecture, and avoids overlap with the role of professional bodies. RIBA expects its concerns about the current implementation of the Architects’ Registration Act by the ARB on issues relating to professional conduct, prescription/validation of qualifications (UK and international), clear definition of the minimal remit of the registration body, to be resolved during the second phase of the review. RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “We will be working closely with our members to help the Government during this second phase of the consultation. I want to see effective streamlined maintenance of statutory protection of the title ‘architect’, one that offers value for money for architects, reduces unhelpful bureaucracy for architects and schools of architecture and offer proper protection for the British consumer.” ENDS Notes to editors For further press information contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3761 howard.crosskey@riba.org The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. The consultation outcome of ‘Architects regulation and the Architects Registration Board: call for evidence’ is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/architects-regulation-and-the-architects-registration-board-call-for-evidence Posted on Friday 14th November 2014 Source link
In a “dramatic role reversal”, gas plants generated nearly twice as much power as coal plants in the first three months of 2016, according to energy specialist EnAppSys. Gas plants provided 35.4 per cent (29.68TWh) of the UK’s electricity needs in the first quarter of the year, while coal plants supplied 16.2 per cent (13.56TWh). EnAppSys said this was a “dramatic role reversal” since the first quarter of 2015, when gas plants made up 24.6 per cent (19.65TWh) of the energy mix and coal plants 35.9 per cent (28.7TWh). The energy specialist said the decline in coal generation was due to the carbon price support, the falling gas price and the push towards decarbonisation. In her ‘energy reset’ speech in November, energy secretary Amber Rudd pledged to phase out all unabated coal generation from 2025. This year, following the announcement, two coal-fired plants – Longannet and Ferrybridge – have already closed down, with a third – Eggborough – exiting the main energy market. EnAppSys director Paul Verill said: “With this message as a backdrop and with coal stations in the UK paying much higher carbon costs than stations on the continent, many coal stations have taken the decision to close earlier than anticipated.” The report said the awarding of black start contracts by National Grid to Fiddler’s Ferry and Drax should help to reduce the risk of supply shortages in the coming winter. SSE decided not to press ahead with plans to close Fiddler’s Ferry this spring after it secured the contract. The decline in coal is leading to greater reliance on intermittent renewable generation, according to Verill, increasing the role of ancillary services and storage. “At times this has seen National Grid pay millions of pound on tight days to ensure that there is sufficient short term margin within the system.” “One of the biggest issues facing the market into 2016/17 is the cost incurred to maintain margin until the capacity mechanism comes into full force in Oct 2018, and how National Grid and the government achieve this without distortion to market operation that can risk jeopardising investment in new build,” he added. Last month, the Department of Energy and Climate Change announced an overhaul of the capacity market, closing the Contingency Balancing Reserve early and bringing forward to first delivery year for the capacity market to 2018. Renewables generated 22.4 per cent (18.78TWh) of Britain’s power in the first three months of this year, the report said, compared to 21.3 per cent (17.05TWh) in the first quarter of 2015. Nuclear plants accounted for 19 per cent (15.98TWh) of generation down from 21.2 per cent (16.9TWh). Source link
9 April 2016 – by Alexander Peace Stamp duty changes for additional dwellings that came into force last week risk stifling investment in build-to-rent schemes. But investors can avoid or mitigate the higher duty through forward-funding as well as other strategies. The British Property Federation estimates that the tax will cost investors a year’s income, based on a typical 10- to 15-year rental yield, and could lead to the re-appraisal of investments. But housing and planning minister Brandon Lewis says that the government has no intention of deterring institutional investment, leaving the way open for the forward-funding of schemes to avoid tax. According to Jonathan Northey, partner at law firm DLA Piper: “The changes make build to rent the most sensible option for developers, which means that investors will need to engage earlier and invest at an earlier point than they are currently doing. “Given the changes, any purchase of existing or even part-built stock will be complicated and more expensive following the Budget.” The sector is also looking at new ways to avoid or mitigate the tax. Forward-funding This is the government’s preferred option – investors that forward-fund a scheme, rather than buy a completed block, would avoid the tax. It is a good way to pull in investment at the beginning of the development process, and it accomplishes what the government wants: more new homes. Investors would be liable for a 5% tax on land, however, and when they want to leave the investment they will be hit, though this will technically not take place for 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, if work on the scheme has started in any way, the full new-rate SDLT may apply. All the content from this weekís magazine, including this article, is available in the new app. Multiple dwellings relief Under multiple dwellings relief, the average value of a flat, rather than the total value of all of them, is taxed, which can help avoid the higher rates. But this was already being done by rental investors, and the new 3% tax will still apply on multiple-dwelling relief deals, so this is not a particularly cheap solution, except for the cheapest flats. On schemes of more than six properties, the buyer could apply non-residential rates of SDLT. But this solution is barely cheaper. Using non-residential tax on the above example, the SDLT due would be £139,500: £150,000 x 0% plus £100,000 x 2% plus £2,750,000 x 5%. Special-purpose vehicles Creating a corporate wrapper around a development and then trading the company, rather than the asset, is what many see as a useful tactic for avoiding the higher-rate SDLT. However, this method makes any gains vulnerable to inheritance and capital gains tax, and could attract annual charges on enveloped properties. Registering the company abroad is a possible solution, but it would mean additional costs and difficulties for UK developers, as well as a loss of control. Many developers are also concerned about the negative public sentiment surrounding offshore tax avoidance. The issue for larger schemes and estate regeneration If a block of properties sits within a larger development, forward-funding the smaller block becomes more complicated. An investor looking to purchase 200 rental units in a 1,000-home scheme will find that if work has started on that section, they are liable for the new tax. Having a mix of commercial and residential units within the scheme can further complicate matters, and change eligibility. This complication with forward-funding could curtail investment in larger-scale schemes. The government’s view At the time the stamp duty changes were announced, Conservative housing and planning minister Brandon Lewis said: “What I would like to see happen, which is what we have been arguing for, is more institutions becoming involved in the development from the beginning and staying involved all the way through the process.” Source link
This week marks National Apprenticeship Week in both England and Wales, which celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. In my role as apprenticeship officer at CITB, I see first-hand how much young people achieve from undertaking an apprenticeship. I joined CITB in 2007, originally joining the Ceredigion region before I became heavily involved with the pilot of the Shared Apprenticeship Programme in South West Wales. Now I primarily deal with traditional apprenticeships in Coleg Sir Gar and cover the picturesque Carmarthenshire area. When I think of my career and life to date, it’s true to say that construction has always played a big part in it. I come from a family of tradespeople: my father and his three brothers followed my grandfather in learning a trade. Dad and his brother have their own bricklaying business and my uncles are carpenters. When I was younger, I helped my father out with labouring during weekends and summer holidays. During my time with CITB, I have managed over 400 apprentices, including Ronia Griffiths who last year won the Pride of Construction Apprentice of the Year award and the Wales Apprentice of the Year award. I was delighted when Ronia won both awards. It’s fantastic to see someone I mentored now being a role model to younger people. She is a prime example of how apprenticeships can be so very rewarding and I’m sure she will continue to go far within the industry. One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing previous apprentices who I have helped building a good career in construction. Many have excelled in the industry and are now employing their own CITB apprentices. I feel a huge sense of achievement seeing past apprentices doing so well and even more pride when I see them passing on their skills and training to the next generation. That is one of the best parts of my job: you really do see the difference you are making. With our latest CSN figures forecasting 230,000 new roles to be created across Great Britain, with Wales predicted to have the strongest growth; there really has never been a better time for people to consider an apprenticeship. CITB has been around for over 50 years and there is no doubt that the ethos of an apprenticeship officer has remained consistent; we recruit well and we support apprentices through what is one of the best career routes available, a CITB apprenticeship. For more information about careers in construction, visit Go Construct About the author Jon Davies is an apprenticeship officer with CITB Cymru Wales. He joined CITB in 2007, and now primarily deals with traditional apprenticeships in Coleg Sir Gar and cover the picturesque Carmarthenshire area. Source link
The £5.5 million development that will see a former Birmingham factory site redeveloped has received support from the West Midlands Combined Authority. The Combined Investment Fund has managed to provide a loan to the project that is valued at £2.9 million. The Combined Authority funding has been awarded to Barberry Developments in order to help with the development of the former factory site. The location being redeveloped is the former Tuckers Fastenings, which is a 46,000 sq. ft. industrial site located at Walsall road, Perry Barr. Barberry Developments has purchased the site and is in the process of redeveloping the space. It is thought that the work will be complete later this year and the project is expected to create approximately 75 new jobs. The endorsement by the Combined Council Investment Fund shows their support in regenerating the site in order to create more industrial space at twill lead to the creation of jobs and could provide a boost to the local economy. The Combined Investment Fund was created in order to support developments that could lead to a boost in the area. These developments will make sure that the West Midlands continues to have a successful industrial sector well in to the future. The site has been unoccupied since Tucker Fastenings closed in 2013. The old producer f rivets, fasteners and a variety of other metal products had been open at the site since 1903, and had even helped with the construction of fighter jets in World War II. The old metal factory is sat in prime industrial location near the A34 as well as having easy access to Birmingham City Centre as well as the M6 and motorway. The development will be in an ideal place when completed to offer work and services to the people in the local area. It is thought that once the development is completed later this year that it will appeal to the e-commerce market as well as the urban logistics, trade and manufacturing sectors.
Stroma has appointed a new Managing Director of Building Control. David Allen will be joining the building energy performance business. Stroma was established in 2002 and is a market leader. The company focuses on delivering a service to both the construction and energy sectors that support performance, sustainability and compliance. It is thought that Stroma have recruited David Allen in order to lead their plans for expansion within the market. Allen will be a great new asset for the company as he starts his new role with 32 years’ experience of the building control sector. David Allen has previously worked as the Managing Director at Butler and Young Approved Inspectors. It is said that he has a respected reputation within the industry and is known to be pragmatic as well as customer focused in his work. Allen has built up a variety of experiences in the Local Authority Building Control, and David has also spent 18 years working as part of the private approved inspector building control firms. Over the past 18 months Stroma has managed to complete three major acquisition. These acquisitions have all taken place within the building control industry and shows Stroma’s commitment to expansion. The company acquired Greendoor Building Control in 2015, and this was followed by the Approved Design Consultancy and the BBS Building control acquisitions which took place last year. The appointment of David Allen is vital for the business’ strategy in regards to improving their provisions for customers as well as maintaining the same high standard of service across the UK. Allen’s new role will require him to integrate the three acquired building control companies in to Stroma services. These three CIC Approve Inspector companies will now join the other individual companies that operate under the broader Stroma group in order to deliver services across the construction and energy industries as well as the Group’s services within building control, compliance, certification and software sectors.
Aggregate Industries’ commercial hard landscaping division, Charcon, has completed a £20 million development for Sybil Andrews Academy. The Academy is part of the Moreton Hall development which is located in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk. Aggregate Industries is one of the leading players within the construction and infrastructure industries. The company supplies a variety of construction materials which includes aggregates as well as ready mixed or precast concretes and asphalt. The Charcon division of this business delivers a wide range of paving, natural stone as well as kerbing and drainage as part of the hard landscaping products they offer. Charcon were appointed to work on the Sybil Andrews Academy project by Barnes construction. The company consulted with the project architects Concertus in order to devise the best hard landscaping solution for the development. The landscaping need to allow ease of movement around the school as well as tying in with the green features of the school and its modern design. In order to boost the sustainability rating that the school received, over 3,500 sq. m. of Infilta 80mm, a permeable block that has been used for paving. There was also around 3,200 sq. m. Infilta specifier block paving that was used on site as the surface for the car park. These products were used because they are incredibly durable but also nice to look at while also being urban drainage systems. Infilta can be produced in more than 20 different colour and texture variations and are made from recycled aggregates. The product makes up a part of Charcon’s Life® portfolio which was intended to make it simpler to meet sustainable specification. In addition to this more than 1,700 sq. m. of Andover Textured block paving was used to deliver design flexibility for the walkways and play areas. Sybil Andrews Academy was completed in November last year, and now has 200 students who are benefitting from the high spec facilities.
