In a trading update ahead of its 2016 results, due in September, the housebuilder said it achieved 147 legal completions against 248 the previous year. Vantage Design and Build appointed Grant Thornton as administrator in June and Inland Homes took over four sites on which the company was working for
East Midlands Trains (EMT), part of Stagecoach Group, has handed Interserve a two-year account extension to provide facilities services. Above: Clean train Interserve has delivered facilities management services for EMT since 2012 and will now continue to provide cleaning services for seven EMT offices and 13 stations, as well as
Ofwat has called on water companies to “step up” to the challenges which face the sector, such as a growing population, higher customer expectations, and the threat of climate change. Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross The regulator has published its five-year business plan – the second to be made
Savills, on behalf of The White Brasserie Company, has acquired the leasehold of The Village Hall in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire for an undisclosed sum. The detached, two-storey public house can seat up to 110 customers internally plus an additional 150 in the external terrace and beer garden. Located on
Bureau Veritas has pledged its full support to the Government’s long-awaited response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s (WEC) inquiry into disability and the built environment – saying that the proposed provisions will go a long way in enabling improved access for all. In April 2017, the Women and Equalities
With the increasing demands for firesafe materials across the construction industry, SIDERISE Nexus Core provides specifiers of architectural panels and doors with a firesafe and high strength insulation core that offers rigidity, flatness and exceptional structural performance. A truly firesafe structural insulation solution, SIDERISE Nexus Core (previously Lamatherm Nexus NXR)
Breedon Group has acquired Lagan Group, a major Belfast based construction materials business, for £455 million. With this purchase, Breedon will take over Whitemountain, Lagan Cement, Lagan Brick, Lagan Asphalt and Welsh Slate. By combining both businesses, a workforce of around 3,000 will be created and the turnover will be
Residential and commercial developer Comer Homes has received a £45 million facility from Investec Structured Property Finance for the development of the landmark Royal Winchester House in the Berkshire town of Bracknell. Due for completion in 2020, the building is being turned into 311 studios, one, two and three bedroom
What can the offsite industry do to address issues of quality assurance and provide confidence in the use of new construction technologies? Darren Richards, Managing Director of leading offsite experts, Cogent Consulting – discusses the changing face of the construction industry. We can all be seduced by the proposition that
If you are in charge of a construction site, your duty of care extends to the public. Any time that you need to carry out a form of construction work where members of the public could come into contact with workers and areas of higher risk, it is necessary for
In a trading update ahead of its 2016 results, due in September, the housebuilder said it achieved 147 legal completions against 248 the previous year. Vantage Design and Build appointed Grant Thornton as administrator in June and Inland Homes took over four sites on which the company was working for it. However, this step delayed 23 completions, pushing them into the following financial year. The 2015 results also contained a one-off bulk sale of 59 units. Fewer completions and the costs of replacing Vantage meant “the group’s profit before revaluation of investment properties and tax is expected to be marginally lower than the market consensus forecast of £15.9m”, the update said. Chief executive Stephen Wicks said: “We are confident that our underlying business is extremely robust and the demand for our high-quality, lower-cost homes remains strong. “While we have been somewhat impacted in the short term by one of our contractors going into administration, against the current supportive market environment, we look to the future with considerable optimism.” Inland appointed Gary Skinner as group managing director in February with a brief to increase capacity to build homes itself rather than engage main contractors. The company focuses on the South-east and outer London and said its forward order book was worth £23.4m, with 315 homes under construction across eight sites. Source link
East Midlands Trains (EMT), part of Stagecoach Group, has handed Interserve a two-year account extension to provide facilities services. Above: Clean train Interserve has delivered facilities management services for EMT since 2012 and will now continue to provide cleaning services for seven EMT offices and 13 stations, as well as trains, until March 2018. Interserve sector director for transport Kevin Murgatroyd said: “Transport is a key area of growth for Interserve, and we’re delighted that East Midlands Trains has decided to renew our partnership. We have a strong presence in the rail industry and our dedicated division has a proven ability to safely and efficiently deliver a wide range of services across the specialist sector.” EMT procurement manager Bob Mercer said: “Interserve understands the challenges that we face as a sector and strives to work with us to find solutions. Its approach to delivering an EMT-specific passenger experience is a key differentiator in service delivery.” This article was published on 10 May 2016 (last updated on 10 May 2016). Source link
Ofwat has called on water companies to “step up” to the challenges which face the sector, such as a growing population, higher customer expectations, and the threat of climate change. Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross The regulator has published its five-year business plan – the second to be made publically available – setting out its overall approach for delivering its strategy, ‘Trust in water’, over the next five years. “If we are to build and maintain trust and confidence, then the companies we regulate need to respond to changes in customer and society’s expectations,” the report said. “This means they need to take more responsibility (step up) for delivering the services that their customers and wider society want – and customers are willing to pay for.” Ofwat said companies must do this by: being more focused on customers and responsive to their needs becoming more open and transparent having strong relationships with everyone they work with – from communities to suppliers challenging themselves to work differently to provide better services for less make sure that financial performance is closely linked to delivering what customers want making better use of scarce resources, protecting our natural environment and making sure services are resilient IMAGE: the future challenges facing the water sector Source: Ofwat “Our approach to regulation will support companies to be more agile and responsive – and allow us to step back where monopolies step up or customers can shop around,” Ofwat said. “But if companies do not step up to the challenge or struggle to adapt and progress, we will be ready to step in to make sure customers’ and wider society’s interests are protected.” The regulator also laid out its own priorities for 2016/17: 1. Working to ensure that markets deliver real benefits for customers, the environment and society. 2. Improving information and accountability. 3. Maintaining customer confidence through a period of change. 4. Maintaining investor confidence in the sector through a period of change. 5. To ensure that Ofwat has the skills, experience, systems, processes and culture that support our new strategy. “We continually review what we do to make sure we are delivering the right things in an efficient way,” the regulator said. “And we update our business plan every year so that we always look five years ahead. Our plan may change significantly from year to year, as circumstances change and our priorities evolve.” IMAGE: the water cycle Source: Ofwat Source link
Savills, on behalf of The White Brasserie Company, has acquired the leasehold of The Village Hall in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire for an undisclosed sum. The detached, two-storey public house can seat up to 110 customers internally plus an additional 150 in the external terrace and beer garden. Located on the edge of Gold Hill Common, the property has operated as an independent public house for more than 10 years. The White Brasserie Company currently has 11 venues in Greater London, Surrey, Hertfordshire and Cheshire, with each offering a combination of traditional English pub and French Brasserie. The Village Hall is now set to benefit from an extensive refurbishment under its new ownership. Chris Bickle, licensed leisure director at Savills, comments: “We are pleased to have secured the sale of The Village Hall, which offers a sought after location in The Chalfonts and a customer base well-aligned with The White Brasserie Company. The licensed leisure market has seen increased activity in the regions around London and the M25, and we expect this trend to continue.” Mark Derry, chief executive of Brasserie Bar Co, the group behind The White Brasserie Company and Brasserie Blanc, adds: “We were delighted to find a pub with such potential in such a perfect setting. Each pub we open has its own special character and ambience and we are excited to revitalise this site and make it a much loved venue for locals and visitors.” Source link
Bureau Veritas has pledged its full support to the Government’s long-awaited response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s (WEC) inquiry into disability and the built environment – saying that the proposed provisions will go a long way in enabling improved access for all. In April 2017, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) published ‘Building for Equality: Disability and the Built Environment’; a document which highlighted the challenges facing disabled people in accessing homes, public spaces and other buildings. The overall consensus was that the Government must take action to lead the charge in improving access and inclusion in the built environment. Just a little under a year later, and the Government recently launched its response detailing a number of provisions and tactics designed to address the issues raised – which Bureau Veritas, a leading provider of building control services to developers and construction companies across the UK, has been quick to welcome. Andy Lowe, technical director for Bureau Veritas’ Building Control division, comments: “This inquiry was incredibly significant, and is set to shape the continued development of Building Regulations to ensure that disabled people can easily access homes, buildings and public spaces. “Having followed the inquiry closely over the past year, we very much welcome the Government’s recent response which affirms a considered and intelligent course of action which we believe will make a significant and positive impact.” In terms of the key overall approach, the Government has asserted that it will meet the WEC’s call for a more concerted focus on ‘individual components of the policy framework’ by enhancing existing legislation and policy rather than bringing forward new strategies. In response to concerns that Part M of the Building Regs is not based on the latest BS8300 code of practice, the Government has confirmed that the BRAC (The Building Regulations Advisory Committee) is already reviewing the guidance as necessary, along with other key stakeholders such as the Department for Transport. Further key points included clarification that planning guidance will be strengthened by the revised National Planning Policy Framework (due to be published in summer 2018), to include aspects of inclusivity, and greater support for expertise in inclusive design for planning departments, enabled through increased fees and the recent 20% uplift in actual planning application fees. Andy adds: “All in all it appears that the accessibility aspect of regulation is to be overhauled and standards updated in line with the latest research and we applaud that. It will bring much needed equality for disabled persons throughout the built environment. We look forward to seeing the impact of the various provisions as they come to fruition.” To find out more about Bureau Veritas please call 0345 600 1828 or email info@uk.bureauveritas.com. Alternatively, please visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk
With the increasing demands for firesafe materials across the construction industry, SIDERISE Nexus Core provides specifiers of architectural panels and doors with a firesafe and high strength insulation core that offers rigidity, flatness and exceptional structural performance. A truly firesafe structural insulation solution, SIDERISE Nexus Core (previously Lamatherm Nexus NXR) lamella boards meet the performance requirements of modern industrial and commercial buildings being used in curtain walling systems, doors and volumetric building elements. They provide a cost-effective, pre-finished rigid core to be used wherever thermal, fire or acoustic insulation is required within a bonded composite panel. Nexus Core comprises high strength stonewool lamella with a uniform fibre structure. Precision manufacturing and tight tolerances means that manufacturers can use thinner facing materials that can now remain robust and aesthetically pleasing. As part of the patented Nexus process, the lamella undergoes lateral compression which eliminates all gaps within and between the lamella, thereby removing any weak points and creating a ‘true’ lamella board. This increases structural performance and produces a more homogenous core. The Nexus Core lamella boards are supplied with an open filament net facing to both sides to allow for structural bonding and also optimal handleability. Willian McDowell, Business Development and Product Manager of SIDERISE: “Whilst facades can be used to create a stunning architectural statement, it is essential these buildings are constructed to perform efficiently and safely. Nexus Core is made from European Fireclass A1 material which is resistant to temperatures in excess of 1000° C.” SIDERISE Nexus products use a unique patented process to produce a true structurally lamella board with optimal and tested fire, thermal and acoustic performance. Specifiers and building owners can then be certain these products will continue to perform after insulation, offering the best environmental conditions for those living and working in buildings, and to reliably protect in the event of fire. For further information about SIDERISE or for technical advice visit www.siderise.com or call 01656 730833
Breedon Group has acquired Lagan Group, a major Belfast based construction materials business, for £455 million. With this purchase, Breedon will take over Whitemountain, Lagan Cement, Lagan Brick, Lagan Asphalt and Welsh Slate. By combining both businesses, a workforce of around 3,000 will be created and the turnover will be more than £900 million. “Our committed and passionate staff at Lagan Group has contributed significantly to the development and growth of the business, differentiating us from our competition in all of the marketing in which we operate,” commented Kevin Lagan, the owner of the Group. “I’d like to thank the staff for the role they have played in the growth of Lagan Group and I wish them every success as they enter an exciting new chapter with Breedon, who I am confident will build on that success, supporting the development of the business in the years ahead,” he continued. Lagan’s other key business, Lagan Homes, was not part of the deal as he intends to pursue a managed growth strategy for it and FastHouse. “Over the last eight years we have pursued a successful buy and build strategy, which has established Breedon as the largest independent construction materials business in the UK and the acquisition of Lagan is another strategic step for us,” said Peter Tom, Breedon’s executive chairman. “We believe it has the potential to add significantly to the group’s performance and prospects and we are looking forward to working with our new colleagues to deliver further value for our investors.” The Lagan brand was established by Kevin Lagan’s father, Peter, in 1960. Kevin and his brother, Michael took over the reins and built a huge business empire, dividing the assets between them. The decision to sell the Lagan Construction Group followed the announcement that four of its firms had gone into administration, putting 200 jobs at risk.
Residential and commercial developer Comer Homes has received a £45 million facility from Investec Structured Property Finance for the development of the landmark Royal Winchester House in the Berkshire town of Bracknell. Due for completion in 2020, the building is being turned into 311 studios, one, two and three bedroom flats for rent. “The Comer Group has been delighted to again benefit from the support and expertise of the Investec team. We look forward to bringing this prestigious development to fruition with their continued support,” said Brian Comer, chairman of Comer Group. “This project, designed by an internationally renowned team, exemplifies the future aspirations of Bracknell as the jewel of the Thames Valley which the Comer Group is proud to be a part of.” The new development is located opposite The Lexicon, a recently opened retail and leisure centrepiece, part of Bracknell’s £750 million regeneration scheme. This loan is the second facility provided by Investec to Comer homes, following the investment in 168 apartments in Harrow, sold to a PRS operator in 2015. “The Structured Property Finance team of Investec has again provided flexible and intuitive engagement which we have found to greatly benefit our funded construction model within the changing construction & housing environment,” said Robert Sheppard, head of portfolio at Comer Group. “We have been able to adjust procurement and management modelling parameters in order to optimise performance during the construction phase. The ability of our finance partners to allow us to innovate and to understand our objectives, whilst still adhering to their own remit, has greatly assisted in keeping our construction model lean and focused,” he continued. Bracknell is a popular commuter town, with Waterloo accessible in 60 minutes, sitting at the centre of the M3/M4 employment corridor which is home to a number of leading IT and technology businesses.
What can the offsite industry do to address issues of quality assurance and provide confidence in the use of new construction technologies? Darren Richards, Managing Director of leading offsite experts, Cogent Consulting – discusses the changing face of the construction industry. We can all be seduced by the proposition that advanced manufactured building systems offer. Most of us, faced with the normal vagaries of the construction site, find this particularly appealing, with a vision of perfect control over the weather, deliveries, materials, labour, skills availability and work instructions. But how feasible is it for the manufacturing facility to deliver these specific repeated procedures where practice can really make perfect? Optimised Offsite Manufacture Manufacturing facilities can provide the sort of environment that the average construction site manager can only dream of. Add to this the use of sophisticated jigs and fixtures that are routine in the modern factory process and operatives can achieve repeat procedures that are accurate and fault free. In the more advanced factories this is translated into semi-automated assembly production processes where the operator is assisted by mechanisation that further enhances the quality of output. This machinery can be computer controlled to record set-up data, detail work instructions specific to the task and traceability information that can be used to trace components or materials in the event of a latent defect issue or premature failure. There is no reason why the visions that are regularly portrayed in the automotive sector should not become commonplace in the building sector. Robot manufacture of complete building elements is a plausible reality where the human interface is limited to material input and product take off. The quality in this production environment should be exemplary and make zero defects a real possibility. This is the panacea that we all strive to create. The Challenge of Change Many past problems with the adoption of offsite techniques were created because an inappropriate system was employed, or different offsite products were mismatched on the one project. While offsite knowledge will one day be common place and a standard tool within the design team’s armoury, at present this expertise generally needs to be brought into the design team at an early stage to ensure that a suitable and project wide offsite strategy is in place and is followed – permitting optimised offsite manufacture via dynamic DfMA protocols. So, what does the future hold? For certain we will see the manufacturing supply base continuing to grow to meet the quite incredible demand for these factory-based building methods. This growth in supply will bring with it some manufacturing companies that have the problems we have experienced in the past, but in the majority of cases, we should see those professional organisations already serving the industry growing both their capacity and their capability to offer enhanced quality and proven product ranges. These companies will continue to invest in sophisticated manufacturing plant and advanced quality management systems that are essential to deliver modern standards of product performance. The future is construction in the factory and we are on an exciting journey there. COGENT CONSULTING As leading experts in the field of offsite manufacturing and construction – Cogent Consulting offers independent advice on exploiting innovative offsite techniques. Cogent’s multi-disciplinary approach delivers more efficient manufacturing and construction processes, with new ways of tackling built environment challenges. Through an unparalleled breadth of skills, Cogent can help harness the power of offsite technology to dramatically improve project delivery and performance. As sector specialists, Cogent work with offsite manufacturers, clients, architects, contractors and project managers to ensure that any project embracing offsite technology, is optimised and involves minimal risk. For more information visit: www.cogent-consulting.co.uk
If you are in charge of a construction site, your duty of care extends to the public. Any time that you need to carry out a form of construction work where members of the public could come into contact with workers and areas of higher risk, it is necessary for you to take steps to protect them as best possible. Avoiding accidents can be simple, as long as you take sensible precautions. So let’s take a look at some of the best things you can do to keep everyone safe. Setting up boundaries With any kind of construction work, the first step that you need to take in order to best protect the public is to set up boundaries. Excluding the public from high risk areas is the best way to keep them away from any potential danger. There are a number of steps that you need to carry out to have proper boundaries erected. Start by planning exactly where you need to block off in order to keep people safe – it may be the case that this infringes on public spaces such as pavements, and this would mean your project would need to be approved by the local council. You can look into the fencing options available as well as any other kind of physical boundaries that may be required. South East based civil engineering specialists Maltaward recommend steel palisade fences for boundaries on construction sites. Working at height – think about below Remember that it is not always possible to cordon off the area for pedestrians and members of the public, and there are situations where it is simply unavoidable that the public will come into contact with areas of construction. In these situations it becomes important for you to take precautions to protect people. For example, one of the major dangers for the public on constructions sites is when there are people working at height above them. This sets up the obvious risk that tools, building materials or other debris could fall from height and hit the people below. You would then have to put plans in place to reduce the risk as much as possible by having netting as well as clear signage. The challenges of site deliveries One aspect of construction sites that can be overlooked is the fact that deliveries will need to be made to the site, either bringing or removing materials, as well as other vehicles that may have to enter or leave the site at any time. It is essential that during deliveries that pavements should not be obstructed, as this could possibly force pedestrians into the road. Ensure that if vehicles need to enter the site, they will have space to do so and that the pavement is still accessible. Or alternatively, you could make arrangements with the council to close the footpath and make additional space available for pedestrians. Correct scaffolding Any scaffolding or access equipment that is required for construction has not be erected and dismantled, and this can be high-risk time for members of the public. Even though it may be that no construction work is being carried out, the same due care and attention needs to be taken to ensure that no injuries occur. Storage of materials and tools It is additionally worth remembering that it is not only the actual construction work that can pose a potential risk to members of the public. Just the tools and the materials that are used in construction can be dangerous if left unattended. That means that anything used on the site should be safely and securely stored when they are not being used. Make sure that the site has a secure area for storage that can be locked and is not accessible to the public. Aside from the risk of theft, tools and construction materials can present risks to members of the public. Protecting the vulnerable It is important to point out that with any kind of safety procedures you should take time to remember more vulnerable members of the public. Children, the elderly and the disabled will have specific needs that you need to consider when correctly protecting them from the risks of construction sites. For example, children might be interested in playing on construction sites and may even be able to get restricted areas due to their smaller size. Consider this when you are setting up your fencing.
