Third Party Cookies We use a number of social media tools to enhance visitor interaction on our site. If you already use these platforms their cookies may be set through our website. Data may then be collected by these companies that enables them to serve up adverts on
New sentencing guidelines have been published in a bid to provide more consistency and fairness to courts handing down sentences for corporate manslaughter and workplace health & safety offences. According to the Sentencing Council, some offenders can expect to get higher penalties, particularly large organisations committing serious offences. Companies with
Major global investors will give their predictions on the property market in light of heightened economic and geopolitical activity, at an Estates Gazette debate at MIPIM in Cannes. Experts from Standard Life and Schroder will join analysts to reveal what is to come for the UK, and European real estate
The world is changing at an exponential rate and science fiction is fast becoming science fact. We are moving towards an increasingly digital, interconnected society and with it comes the realisation that everything we know will change. The built environment has been slower than other industries to react to this
British Steel today reported a £126 million turnaround in its first year as an independent business, providing a solid foundation for further growth. The company made £47 million profit* (EBITDA) in the 12 months ending March 31, 2017 – its best performance for a decade. Other highlights include: Supplied all
Brookhurst has managed to create around 50,000 plain clay roofing tiles that have been used to top off a property in West Sussex. Brookhurst has announced that all of the thousands of tiles that have been used in order to roof the building were all hand made. This is an
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations announced on Friday 2nd June that they are launching more ambitious plans that will help them increase the number of apprenticeships offered in the industry. The plan that has been published by the Federation is called the Housing Apprenticeship Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020.
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New sentencing guidelines have been published in a bid to provide more consistency and fairness to courts handing down sentences for corporate manslaughter and workplace health & safety offences. According to the Sentencing Council, some offenders can expect to get higher penalties, particularly large organisations committing serious offences. Companies with a turnover of more than £50m can expect to be fined up to £20m for corporate manslaughter offences and up to £10m for the most serious health & safety breaches. However, it is not anticipated that there will be higher fines across the board, or that they will be significantly higher in the majority of cases to those currently imposed, the Sentencing Council said. Until now, there has been limited guidance for judges and magistrates in dealing with what can be complex and serious offences that do not come before the courts as frequently as some other criminal offences. The new guidelines, which are for England and Wales only, are much more comprehensive, the Sentencing Council said. The guidelines also cover food safety and hygiene offences. The increase in penalties for serious offending has been introduced because it was felt that some offenders had got off lightly. The council said it wants fines to be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and the means of offenders. The guidelines use the turnover of the offender to identify the starting point of the fine, but say that additional relevant financial information, such as profit margin, should also be taken into account. While addressing remedial action with offenders is the responsibility of the Health & Safety Executive rather than the courts, the guidelines do provide for remedial orders to be made by the court in addition to or instead of punishment in cases where they may be appropriate. The guideline also includes a range of mitigating factors that allow for voluntary positive action to remedy a failure on the part of offenders to be reflected in sentences. Sentencing Council member Michael Caplan QC said: “These guidelines will introduce a consistent approach to sentencing, ensuring fair and proportionate sentences for those who cause death or injury to their employees and the public or put them at risk. These offences can have very serious consequences and it is important that sentences reflect these.” This article was published on 3 Nov 2015 (last updated on 5 Nov 2015). Source link
Major global investors will give their predictions on the property market in light of heightened economic and geopolitical activity, at an Estates Gazette debate at MIPIM in Cannes. Experts from Standard Life and Schroder will join analysts to reveal what is to come for the UK, and European real estate markets, after a bearish start to 2016 caused by the oil price collapse and turmoil in the stock market. At the event on Thursday 17 March, which is being hosted in partnership with BNP Paribas Real Estate, delegates will hear what factors threaten to destabilise the UK and European markets, where investors will find returns and where there will be resilience. Identifying risks and reaping rewards in the current cycle Date: Thursday 17 March Time: 11am-11:30am CET Venue: London Pavilion Panel: Simon Durkin, head of UK research, BNP Paribas James Cooksey, deputy head of urban and head of central London, The Crown Estate James Lass, fund manager, Schroder UK Real Estate Fund Veronica Gallo-Alvarez, fund manager – Pan European, Standard Life Anyone who is registered to attend the MIPIM property conference is welcome to attend this event.No further registration is required. Click here for details of all the Estates Gazette debates at MIPIM To send feedback, e-mail Rebecca.Kent@estatesgazette.com or tweet @Writer RKent or @estatesgazette Source link
The world is changing at an exponential rate and science fiction is fast becoming science fact. We are moving towards an increasingly digital, interconnected society and with it comes the realisation that everything we know will change. The built environment has been slower than other industries to react to this change. In some ways, it’s been in ‘catch-up’ mode, clutching tightly to the ‘status quo’. The reality is that operational construction functions, activities and experiences, as well as expectations around performance, are evolving and so too must the built environment. To better understand how it can help its clients anticipate the journey towards Buildings of the Future, Aurecon has released a white paper called ‘Buildings of the Future: science fiction or science fact?’. Inspired by interviews with a broad group of professionals across the built environment who were asked to imagine what Buildings of the Future might look like and how they might be created, the paper shares fascinating thoughts around what’s driving demand, challenges inherent in reaching Intelligent Building status and what some of the next steps in this journey might be. “The major drivers identified in the paper have the potential to reshape the built environment industry in the next 30 years,” comments Peter Greaves, Aurecon’s Buildings of the Future Leader. Could buildings of the future be 3D printed? According to the paper, ‘Buildings of the Future: science fiction or science fact?’, one of the biggest disruptors to the design engineering industry is that of new 3D printing technology, and the impact it will have on the built environment. “The 3D printer is significantly disrupting the traditional design role held by the structural engineer but, at the same time, presents exciting new opportunities in how building designers will create, relocate and shape Buildings of the Future,” said Greaves. Aurecon’s white paper shows that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to Buildings of the Future is becoming less and less palatable. The use of new, flexible construction materials, including composite materials, additive manufacturing concrete, solar polymers and carbon fibre balsa, is fuelling new design approaches. “These options are unlocking the architectural limitations of size, weight and shape that the building and construction industry works within today,” he claimed. “To bring this to life, the thought processes, measurements and methods commonly used in our industry will also have to evolve.” Could the ‘Building Internet of Things’ (BIoT) become a ‘thing’? Another opportunity highlighted by the paper is further innovation in the building management field by developing shared services in facilities management within a precinct. “Aurecon believes that the first real innovators in the facilities management space are likely to be those who explore the idea of shared building maintenance hubs,” said Greaves. “Such hubs would be designed to provide facilities for all local buildings to centrally monitor electricity, water, energy storage common areas and integrate other aspects of maintenance and management of operational efficiencies.” The Western Sydney Airport and indeed Greater Sydney’s development could become a prime example of an opportunity to implement this. With the 2017-2018 Australian Federal Budget reaffirming the Government’s commitment to several large infrastructure projects in the area, including high-speed rail to Western Sydney, as well as funding AUD23.5M over four years for a large City Deals programme likely to support integrated infrastructure development – a ‘whole of precinct’ approach to the management of facilities and wider infrastructure assets is key. “If we’re going to help design Buildings of the Future, we have to be able to envision them,” commented James Bennett, Aurecon’s Managing Director, Built Environment. “Aurecon wants to be a forerunner in helping our clients identify the opportunities this presents and facilitating these changes.” “Those who shape Buildings of the Future will be those who, firstly, realise that our world is changing and have the boldness to not only let go of, but question, the status quo so that working with government and economic leaders, we might reimagine our physical spaces and infrastructure. Engineers need to lead such conversations,” asserted Bennett. Greaves believes that navigating these drivers will require far more than infrastructure design. “We’re seeing a heightened demand for technical solutions that drive optimal commercial as well as socio-economic outcomes for clients and communities alike. Aurecon’s strength lies in engineering-led design and a deep drive to bring global best practice and innovation to their clients.” Read ‘Buildings of the Future: science fiction or science fact?’. About this report ‘Buildings of the Future: Designing for the unknown’ was inspired by interviews with 60 built environment professionals across the globe. Each were asked to imagine what Buildings of the Future might look like and how they might be created. To read the full report, download ‘Buildings of the Future: science fiction or science fact?’ here.
British Steel today reported a £126 million turnaround in its first year as an independent business, providing a solid foundation for further growth. The company made £47 million profit* (EBITDA) in the 12 months ending March 31, 2017 – its best performance for a decade. Other highlights include: Supplied all of the rail for the Crossrail project in London – 57km of track in total 500 new employees joined since June 1 2016 50 new people starting this month New Chief Executive Officer appointed £40m of capital investment pledged for 2017-18 Employees given 5% stake in business, 3% salary sacrifice concludes Recently completed an ownership transfer securing a 50% stake in Redcar Bulk Terminal 2nd year focus on increasing steel-making capability and market footprint, & improving product quality On the first anniversary of its launch, since being acquired by family investment office Greybull Capital LLP, the company has reported a profit of £47 million (EBITDA) for the 12 months ending March 31 2017. The Long Products Europe business – formerly owned by Tata Steel and purchased on June 1 2016 – had recorded a £79 million loss in the previous financial year. The company has significantly improved profitability despite a 44% increase in the cost of raw materials. Annual turnover was £1.2 billion. The volume of steel produced was 2.7 million tonnes versus 2.9 million tonnes in 2015-16. Sales were 2.5 million tonnes versus 2.6 million tonnes for the previous year. British Steel’s plan to build a sustainable future is firmly on track after cost-saving initiatives, product development and market growth secured consistent profit in each quarter. This turnaround has enabled the company to deliver planned capital investment, and it today announces plans to invest a further £40 million in 2017-18. British Steel Executive Chairman Roland Junck said: “The transformation in this business is remarkable and that is down to our remarkable people who have embraced, engineered and led change. They are the reason we can today reveal the best financial performance in the long products business since 2007 and they are the reason I have great optimism for the future of British Steel. I’m delighted to be able to confirm that our employees will return to full pay today having sacrificed 3% of their salary to make last year’s sale and the turnaround plan possible. “In 12 months we have started transforming from an inward-looking production hub into a profitable, more agile business by controlling costs, improving our product range and quality, and through strategic investments. After significant capital investment, we have made a small net profit and although it hasn’t been easy an entrepreneurial spirit is starting to flow through British Steel – it means we are fast becoming the efficient, customer-focused business we need to be. “As we look to further grow the business it is important our employees, who have played such a vital role in the successful implementation of the turnaround plan, should share in our future success. I’m therefore delighted to set out the employee share scheme, an almost unique initiative in our industry to recognise their contribution. “We’ve worked closely with our shareholders, customers, suppliers and Government and I’d like to thank everyone for their support as we look to build a sustainable future.” British Steel operates five independent business units, all launched in September 2016: Primary Products (iron and steel making) – £21m cost reduction delivered while maintaining a firm focus on supplying the quality and service required by customers Rail – supplied all of the rail for the Crossrail project in London – 57km of track in total for the new tunnels and associated rail connections. Final delivery was made at the end of May and British Steel has been rated as one of Crossrail’s top-performing suppliers on a range of metrics including delivery and quality. Construction – the business has an extensive UK distribution network aligned to its manufacturing units ensuring it continues to provide a comprehensive product range and unrivalled customer service to meet the needs of the construction market. The business is working with Government to lobby for council procurement policies to ensure all public construction projects have access to British steel. It has supplied hundreds of tonnes of steel sections for Northern Ireland’s biggest hotel development – the stunning 23 storey, 300 bedroom Grand Central Hotel in Belfast – in partnership with Fabrite. Wire Rod – has achieved the highest sales and manufacturing output for 6 years with continuing success in automotive sales growth. New bigger product size range launched and significant success in sales into the bright drawing markets. Special Profiles – launched a local business transformation strategy to strengthen its competitive position through investment, growing sales and reducing costs. The plan includes a committed investment of £1.8 million to improve the surface quality of products, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2017. The business has also broadened its product portfolio and secured a significant supply position for its cutting edge products in the USA with Caterpillar. British Steel CEO Peter Bernscher said: “British Steel has achieved a remarkable turnaround but this is just the beginning. “To guarantee our future as a sustainable business for decades to come we must now seize and capitalise on the opportunities that have been created. “Maximising and growing our steelmaking capability will be key, but success will also depend upon increasing our footprint in new and current markets and products, continuing to improve on quality and optimising manufacturing routes, while developing our people, the power of our brand, and the strength of our supply chain. “While the challenges the UK steel industry has faced over the last decade have not gone away, we continually respond to the market and stay flexible in an effort to overcome them. Therefore it is vital we continue to work with governments, our customers and suppliers to build our businesses and support the regions in which we operate as we look to become the global supplier of choice.” Paul McBean, Scunthorpe Multi-Union Chairman,
Brookhurst has managed to create around 50,000 plain clay roofing tiles that have been used to top off a property in West Sussex. Brookhurst has announced that all of the thousands of tiles that have been used in order to roof the building were all hand made. This is an extraordinary achievement for the company. The tiles that have been used on this project, as with all of the tiles that are created by Brookhurst, are made from the highest quality of clay and are formed using traditional processes including hand moulding and coal firing. The tiles that have been created through the most traditional of techniques also manage to be compliant with BSEN 538 and 539 testing standards. These standards meant that the tiles are built so that they are long lasting and durable as well as sufficiently protected from the weather. The tiles have been created in order to be installed on a Scandia-Hus which has been built in West Sussex. The residence that has been constructed in Sussex is situated in a countryside setting and is on the site of a former orchard and small cottage. The cottage that was on the property site was demolished. After this, planning application was approved that depicted the elegant new build Scandinavian inspired property. The Construction process of the residence used energy efficient processes and materials meaning that it met the Code for Sustainable Homes’ highest standards. The Construction also used the most cutting edge Swedish building technology in order to create a stylish and sustainable new home in West Sussex. Brookhurst offer a range of traditional tiles which come in nine different colours as standard. The company creates roofing tiles that have are supposed to have 100 years of protection and has undergone a vast degree of frost testing and permeability testing in order to make sure that Brookhurst offer the highest standard of product that they can for their customers.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations announced on Friday 2nd June that they are launching more ambitious plans that will help them increase the number of apprenticeships offered in the industry. The plan that has been published by the Federation is called the Housing Apprenticeship Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020. It appears that the title of the plan is fairly self explanatory and with look at the different ways that could lead to the increase of Modern Apprenticeships available in the sector in Scotland. The plan has been released in order to reflect the Scottish Government’s dedication to grow and expand the opportunities for Modern Apprenticeships in the country. The Government are wanting to create an environment that would encourage the formation of motivated employees that are wanting to work in the housing sector. The Scottish Government also want to make sure that they are making the Housing Sector of the construction industry an appealing career path for young people starting out in their working life. The Housing Apprenticeship Action Plan for Scotland will carry on developing the initiatives that were first created in 2014 by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. The 2014 initiative look to highlight the importance of apprenticeships within the construction industry and especially within the House Building sector during a period where more and more houses are starting to be constructed in order to meet the demand that has built up after a number of years with low levels of houses being built. One of the initiative that has already proved to be successful for Scotland is the Apprenticeship Challenge. This award winning scheme ran for three years and was a competition that was held for young workers. It is hoped that there will be more flexible funding brought in through this plan which should help young people get started on apprenticeships and will then fill the skills gap in the House building sector.
