June 6, 2017

Amec expertise retained at Moorside

Amec Foster Wheeler has been awarded a continuation of its contract to provide environmental support by NuGeneration (NuGen) for the proposed Moorside nuclear power station in Cumbria. Amec Foster Wheeler will undertake modelling and assessment work to enable NuGen to submit an environmental impact assessment in support of a development

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CIAT announce support for Designing Buildings Wiki, the industry’s fastest growing source of knowledge.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) confirmed it has become a sponsor of Designing Buildings Wiki, the construction industry knowledge base. This relationship will help bridge the gap between theory and practice, adding the practical knowledge of architectural technologists to the property, design and construction professionals already supporting the

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Landmark launches LandSearch development site screening tool

Unlock a site’s development potential with immediate access to essential location-based screening data in one interactive report. For property developers, real estate investors, local authority planners and land agents who spend many hours manually gathering data from multiple sources to assess the development opportunity or viability of a plot of

Read More »

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JOINS JF FINNEGAN

Sheffield-based contractor JF Finnegan has appointed Heidi Haigh as new Business Development Manager.  In her new role, Heidi will develop and manage relationships with new and existing clients to support the continued growth of the business. With a background spanning a mixture of business development and marketing, Heidi joins from

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Different Lifting Options Available Within a Care Home Structure

It has been announced that of all of the different lifting options that are available within a Care Home structure, using a ceiling hoist is the most appropriate across all cases.  According to Good Practice Guidelines, ceiling hoists are the most effective lifting methods. According to research, there should be

Read More »

London Property Agency Planning For An Expansion

A London Property agency is planning for expansion by reorganizing their management team. GN2 is the company in question and has been operating since 2012. And in the time since then the business has developed a reputation for being able to predict the direction of the property market. It is

Read More »

LEGIONELLA DEATHS: NEW REPORT CALLS FOR MODERN TRAINING TO COMBAT MAINTENANCE FAILINGS

Legionella – Continuing outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have prompted the reissue of an in-depth report from leading utilities learning provider Develop Training Limited (DTL). Although Legionella is preventable, there are nearly 6,000 cases a year across Europe, including around 350 in England and Wales, commonly manifesting in poorly-maintained air conditioning

Read More »

UK healthcare construction prospects brighter than for some years

Health sector construction output increased by 7% in 2016 to reach £3.1bn, followed by a 6% increase in 2015. Prior to this, the sector had experienced four years of declining output between 2011 and 2014. Into the medium-term, AMA Research expects steady, if moderate, growth in healthcare construction output, with

Read More »

New Generation of Safety solutions for Construction Sites

Construction is one of the UK’s most dangerous industries. 43 workers were fatally injured in the UK Construction sector in 2015-16. Accidents often occur on building sites when large industrial vehicles operate in the same area as pedestrian workers. However, advancements in safety technology are helping to reduce the risk

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

June 6, 2017

Amec expertise retained at Moorside

Amec Foster Wheeler has been awarded a continuation of its contract to provide environmental support by NuGeneration (NuGen) for the proposed Moorside nuclear power station in Cumbria. Amec Foster Wheeler will undertake modelling and assessment work to enable NuGen to submit an environmental impact assessment in support of a development consent order application and environmental permit applications in 2017. Amec Foster Wheeler has already completed the initial phases of the environmental impact assessment programme, site characterisation, two major consultation stages and initial work on the site’s environmental permits. Rob Brown, managing director of Amec Foster Wheeler’s environment and infrastructure business in Europe, said: “Amec Foster Wheeler is the leading provider of environmental support to Moorside, this nationally significant infrastructure project. We are delighted to be developing a long-term partnership with NuGen, providing quality, time-critical environmental deliverables, and enhancing our position as a leading player in the UK nuclear new build programme.” NuGen head of environment Paula Madill said: “The NuGen and Amec Foster Wheeler partnership has worked successfully over a number of years and NuGen is pleased to continue this partnership as the environmental impact assessment and operation permits are prepared ahead of delivery in early 2017.” NuGen is owned 60% by Toshiba of Japan and 40% by French company Engie (formerly GDF Suez). Westinghouse Electric Company is providing three AP1000 nuclear reactors for the 3.4GW plant.     This article was published on 2 Aug 2016 (last updated on 2 Aug 2016). Source link

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CIAT announce support for Designing Buildings Wiki, the industry’s fastest growing source of knowledge.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) confirmed it has become a sponsor of Designing Buildings Wiki, the construction industry knowledge base. This relationship will help bridge the gap between theory and practice, adding the practical knowledge of architectural technologists to the property, design and construction professionals already supporting the site. CIAT will be publishing key resources on Designing Buildings Wiki and will encourage its members to become contributors to the ever-growing resource. The announcement comes during a landmark period for Designing Buildings Wiki. It has recently published its 5,000th article, and has, for the first time, exceeded three million users a year. This makes it one of the most popular websites in the construction industry and one of the largest knowledge resources. Adam Endacott, Communications Director from CIAT said: “As an Institute, we advance standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of our members who design and facilitate the integration of technology into architecture. The dissemination of knowledge is crucial to both these aims, and Designing Buildings Wiki provides the ideal online platform, allowing the Institute and our members to collaborate on the creation and sharing of practical knowledge for the benefit of all.” “Tackling the skills gap in the construction industry is not just about training new people, it is about making knowledge as accessible as possible so that people can stay up-to-date, can learn from others and are ready to face new challenges.” Designing Buildings Wiki chairman, David Trench CBE FCIOB said: “As buildings become more technologically advanced and the construction process becomes more complex, the application of knowledge has never been more important. You only have to look at the recent problems with the Edinburgh schools to see what can happen when those responsible for the administration of complex projects do not have the right expertise. “Architectural technologists have a pivotal role in the development of complex buildings, and their knowledge will be an invaluable addition to a fantastic, free resource.”

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Landmark launches LandSearch development site screening tool

Unlock a site’s development potential with immediate access to essential location-based screening data in one interactive report. For property developers, real estate investors, local authority planners and land agents who spend many hours manually gathering data from multiple sources to assess the development opportunity or viability of a plot of land, help is now at hand: Landmark Information, the property, land and environmental data specialist, has launched LandSearch; a brand new development site screening tool that provides immediate access to essential information to aid land viability assessments. In one report, LandSearch instantly provides details on a wealth of areas via an interactive online viewing tool, including: Local Authority policy designations Planning application data within 1km Land Registry title and ownership data Environmental and physical development constraints – including risks relating to potential land contamination, flood, ground instability, ecological areas and presence of listed buildings Neighbourhood and amenity information, including nearby transport links, schools and healthcare facilities Market potential – including local demographics, housing types, council tax banding and home ownership trends.   Designed to highlight potential opportunities and risks at an early stage, LandSearch’s findings are visualised using interactive mapped data via a unique online viewing tool.  This makes it simple for users to be able to ‘drill down’ to assess the viability of a plot of land for future development. An easy-to-digest PDF report containing all the information is also provided, following each order.   Paul Blewett, Head of Sales & Product, Landmark Information said, “If you want to realise opportunities, assess development constraints, or simply communicate potential to the market, LandSearch is the report for you.  We know that developers, land investors, urban planners and other property professionals can spend hours of time and effort searching for the data they need to progress a piece of land. Now, LandSearch puts an end to this by piecing together all parts of the puzzle in one simple order and helping you to quickly access the information you need. This is going to save everyone a great deal of time and effort.”   Continues Paul Blewett: “Interest in LandSearch is already high: we have a number of developers signing up to LandSearch in order to support their nationwide site-based screening activities.  It is ideal for organisations looking to develop land already in their portfolio, as well as land they – or their clients – may be looking to acquire. “With more and more brownfield sites being purchased for redevelopment, LandSearch will come into its own.  It is full of useful information that would have previously taken a matter of days to gather – now it’s all available in one order and can be interrogated using a sophisticated online mapping viewer.” Available to order through Landmark’s Promap V2 service, LandSearch enables users to immediately access the data on their given plot via an interactive online viewer.  The information will also be provided via a downloadable PDF report within an hour after placing the order and the team of in-house consultants are available to provide advice on potential risks or next steps. Additional services available through Landmark include:  Phase 1 Environmental Assessments; Flood Risk Assessments; UXO Risk Assessments; and Utilities Reports. LandSearch is available to order via Landmark Information’s Promap V2 service. To register or to access a sample LandSearch report, telephone 0844 844 9960, email customerservice@promap.co.uk or visit  www.land-search.co.uk for more information.  

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NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JOINS JF FINNEGAN

Sheffield-based contractor JF Finnegan has appointed Heidi Haigh as new Business Development Manager.  In her new role, Heidi will develop and manage relationships with new and existing clients to support the continued growth of the business. With a background spanning a mixture of business development and marketing, Heidi joins from one of the UK’s leading demolition and decommissioning companies, where she was Business Development Manager for five years, working across regeneration and development schemes. Heidi also brings a range of online and offline marketing expertise. Dawa Singh, Head of Preconstruction at JF Finnegan commented “We are delighted to welcome Heidi to the team, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the company. Heidi will play an active role in promoting our brand and securing new business.” Commenting on her appointment Heidi Haigh said: “I’m extremely pleased to be joining the team at JF Finnegan. I look forward to bringing my current experience to the role and finding innovative ways to ensure growth and development for the company.” JF Finnegan has more than 70 years’ design and build experience on projects ranging from £1M to £40M. The company’s success lies in its ability to offer clients a turnkey solution – from conception to completion – of major projects including distribution, industrial and manufacturing facilities. Over the years JF Finnegan has built up a clientele which includes major blue chip companies such as The University of Sheffield, Harworth Estates, Helical Retail, Costco UK, Argon Properties, Hendersons Global Investors, The Catsby Property Group, XLB Property and Etihad to name but a few.

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Different Lifting Options Available Within a Care Home Structure

It has been announced that of all of the different lifting options that are available within a Care Home structure, using a ceiling hoist is the most appropriate across all cases.  According to Good Practice Guidelines, ceiling hoists are the most effective lifting methods. According to research, there should be ceiling hoists installed in at least 5% of bedrooms, and the rooms that have ceiling hoists fitted should also have en-suite facilities. This setup has been recommended for new build multi-occupancy property like nursing and residential care homes. Clos-o-Mat is a company that is looking at simplifying the process of lifting patients or residents. The care equipment supplier has been working for the past 55 years to provide advice and equipment to customers. Clos-o-Mat offer a number of pieces of toilet care equipment in order to make caring for elderly or disabled people safer and easier. The business is known for being the leading suppliers of toileting technology that is aimed at the elderly and disabled around the UK. Clos-o-Mat has created a complete fixed track hoist service which has been developed with the advice from designers. The company offers the supply and installation of the equipment as well as commissioning and maintenance in order to make sure that the fixed lifting equipment functions at its best and is kept as a safe piece for equipment to lift and relocate people.    The Clos-o-Mat lifting equipment is a simply designed and allows the care worker the capability to lift someone from a bed in order to transfer them into the shower or toilet and back. The equipment can also allow a worker to lift and move a person from room to room with the fixed ceiling tracks. This will make the lifting and manoeuvring process easier on the person being moved, and give them back some dignity. This new system also works to reduce strain on the care worker’s back and arms as well as makes sure that the correct sling and hoist are always used.

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London Property Agency Planning For An Expansion

A London Property agency is planning for expansion by reorganizing their management team. GN2 is the company in question and has been operating since 2012. And in the time since then the business has developed a reputation for being able to predict the direction of the property market. It is good news then that GN2 is restructuring with the intention of expanding their presence in the market. The property market has seen two years of decline, but it is thought by experts in the industry that the trend has changed and the market is on an upward turn. GN2 works as a specialist in the property market but also works to advise those who are based internationally. As part of the business’ restructuring, GN2 is now controlled by three equity partners. The three partners are Charles Godfrey, Julie Rees and Paul Aubery. One of the equity partners of the property company, Paul Aubery is an expert in capital markets. GN2 is currently a company that consists of seven property professionals. The expansion plans for the business is to expand to 15 professionals working for them by 2018. As part of this recruitment drive, the company has taken on Hugo Knight who will be moving to them from Cluttons West End Office. Hugo will start working for GN2 this month and hopefully his appointment will be a very successful one for both Hugo and the company GN2 has stated that the market uncertainty is the perfect opportunity for them to attract and recruit new talented professionals to the company. Also by expanding the company, GN2 will also be able to deal with the increased demand for their services that is coming in from clients who are wanting to deal with experienced advisors. The business is wanting to expand all aspects of their business including the investment, professional, corporate and agency sections of their business. The company will also be looking to expand their medical expertise, after the company involvement in the letting of 66 Wigmore Street, and since then the company has been looking to develop their expertise in this industry.

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LXi REIT Plc Has Announced That They Have Managed to Acquire a Priory Care Home

LXi REIT plc, the property investment company has announced that they have recently managed to acquire a Priory Care Home. The property that the company as acquired is located in Leeds and it is thought that the cost of the investment was in the region of £8.4 million. It is thought that the acquisition figure is a reflection of the net initial yield for the Leeds Care Home which has been measured at 6.3%. The property in question has been let to Priory Elderly Care Limited. The property has also been guaranteed by the parent company Priory Investments Holdings Limited. Priory is thought to be one of the leading providers of care services in the mental health and elderly care sectors. Priory Group is also owned by a larger company, and is ultimately a part of Acadia Healthcare, which is a NASDAQ-listed business. Acadia works to offer more than 17,000 beds over 570 different facilities. The lease of the Leeds care home currently as an unexpired term of just below 23 years. This means that the lease term expires in March 2040. This lease is offered on the building without a break and it is thought that the agreement will include annual upward only rent reviews will also be linked to the Retail Price Index. The next rent review for the building is in March 2018. The care home that is a part of this transaction was built in 2010 for the purpose that it is currently being used for. The Priory Care Home in Leeds offers 75 en-suite bedrooms that are spread across three storeys and is considered in a good location on the east side of Leeds City Centre. The Priory Care home is situated two miles out of the city centre in an area that is mainly residential and is a part of the Osmondthorpe. The transaction on the Priory Care Home is expected to complete at some point in the next week.

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LEGIONELLA DEATHS: NEW REPORT CALLS FOR MODERN TRAINING TO COMBAT MAINTENANCE FAILINGS

Legionella – Continuing outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have prompted the reissue of an in-depth report from leading utilities learning provider Develop Training Limited (DTL). Although Legionella is preventable, there are nearly 6,000 cases a year across Europe, including around 350 in England and Wales, commonly manifesting in poorly-maintained air conditioning and water systems. The DTL report concludes that implementing modern training techniques would help to combat the maintenance failings that can allow Legionella bacteria and similar hazards to develop in air conditioning and water systems. Even though these bacteria represent a clear health risk to employees and visitors, managers frequently fail to implement systems to ensure basic precautions, leaving them open to prosecution if they fail to comply with UK legislation. The DTL whitepaper, Controlling Legionella: Training and Compliance for Air Conditioning and Water Systems Maintenance, highlights that maintenance training is essential to control Legionella and other water-borne hazards. Many workplaces and public spaces are potentially at risk, and the health consequences, including the likelihood of fatalities, increase in facilities where people may have impaired immunity, such as hospitals and care homes. Therefore, it is crucial that facilities managers are aware of the dangers and have effective processes and training programmes in place to mitigate them, the report says. The updated report includes a summary of the Health and Safety Executive’s recently published guidance on the risks presented by spa pools. These facilities, where water is typically kept warm and has a high organic content due to regular human use, create conditions where legionellae and other unpleasant bacteria can grow rapidly. As the water in a spa pool is agitated, it forms aerosols that, if infected and inhaled, are the primary means by which legionellae bacteria can be transmitted to humans. Steve Braund, Marketing Manager at DTL, said: “Many cases of Legionnaires’ Disease go unnoticed as the symptoms are so similar to common pneumonia but that does not make the disease any less deadly. It is important for organisations to remain vigilant of the dangers posed by the disease and to make sure they been trained to put the proper checks in place. Advances in training and compliance make it easier to implement effective systems, and facilities managers and public building owners should take advantage of these.” The report highlights that modern training techniques can ensure that responsible persons are trained more effectively in the maintenance of systems than with traditional, classroom-only training. This, coupled with new competency qualifications and compliance processes, gives management flexibility over how and where training is delivered, as well as confidence that maintenance is carried out effectively and monitored properly to ensure the health and wellbeing of building users as well as compliance with legislation. The legionella whitepaper is one of a series of whitepapers published by DTL on a range of topics, including confined spaces safety, the UK smart metering rollout, electrical safety at work and more. These, along with the legionella whitepaper, can be downloaded for free here: http://www.developtraining.co.uk/resource-centre/white-papers DTL can provide specialist training at any one of its eight training bases nationwide, and can also deliver on-site solutions. Visit www.developtraining.co.uk for more information. 

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UK healthcare construction prospects brighter than for some years

Health sector construction output increased by 7% in 2016 to reach £3.1bn, followed by a 6% increase in 2015. Prior to this, the sector had experienced four years of declining output between 2011 and 2014. Into the medium-term, AMA Research expects steady, if moderate, growth in healthcare construction output, with annual rates of growth of 3-5% currently forecast to 2021 as work on small hospital projects is boosted by privately-funded projects under PF2. “The key construction opportunities in the healthcare sector are likely to be in the primary care sector and this may entail further opportunities for the development of hub facilities and integrated GP premises, while in the acute and secondary sector, much of the medium-term is expected to lie in refurbishment and extensions. Contractors will also be interested to see how new procurement routes and private finance initiatives, including P22, will be used to procure work in the health sector in 2017/18 and beyond, with the expiration of the Express LIFT framework and future options for health PPPs being explored.” The paragraphs above relate to the report ‘Healthcare Construction Market Report – UK 2017-2021 Analysis’, which has recently been published by AMA Research. The full press release is attached as a PDF file. If you require any further information, or would like to receive the press release in MS Word format or the chart as a separate image, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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New Generation of Safety solutions for Construction Sites

Construction is one of the UK’s most dangerous industries. 43 workers were fatally injured in the UK Construction sector in 2015-16. Accidents often occur on building sites when large industrial vehicles operate in the same area as pedestrian workers. However, advancements in safety technology are helping to reduce the risk of vehicle and worker collisions. ZoneSafe Proximity Warning Systems are now launching their next generation of work site safety solutions. The new proximity warning products have been developed and improved using the latest innovative technology and feedback from within the construction industry. The in-cab control unit has been redesigned to be smarter and simpler. The outer universal mounting system is now easier to install for both short-term and permanent fixing. Additionally, the control unit now has a wide range of new alarm tones. This variety helps users select a tone that is unique to the construction site to avoid confusion from other alarms. ZoneSafe are also launching their new generation of wearable tech. The new Vibra proximity tag alerts two-ways between workers and industrial vehicle operators. The tag vibrates in short bursts to alert workers when they are entering a detection zone around the vehicle. The tag can be simply attached to work wear such as belts and hard hats using a multipurpose clip. ZoneSafe are also focusing on building site safety data and reporting. With ZoneSafe InSight™ event and near-miss data (such as tag detections and hardware status) can now be easily delivered directly to your desktop or device in a simple report. This helps users identify areas of risk and make informed safety improvements. The launch of these new safety products expand ZoneSafe’s popular portfolio of proximity warning and alert systems. ZoneSafe reduces the risk of accidental collisions and near miss occurrences where pedestrians and industrial vehicles work together. Their proximity warning and alert systems are used in a wide range of construction and building industries, worldwide. If you would like to learn more, please call 01202 868000 or visit www.zonesafe.net for more information.

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