Gas and heating engineers are Britain’s most trusted tradespeople, a survey has revealed Published: 21 September, 2016 More than one in five UK homeowners opted for gas and heating engineers as the nation’s most trustworthy tradespeople in the 2016 poll, released by HomeServe during Gas Safe Register’s Gas Safety Week.
The Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and the Network Innovation Competition (NIC) are in line for an overhaul as Ofgem confirms an in-depth review of the funding mechanisms over the summer. In an open letter to industry the regulator said the review will look at whether “substantive changes”
Calling all ceiling installers! Win a fantastic weekend for two in Monte Carlo – home of the racing world’s rich and famous! In June, July, August and September 2016 there will be a different, online racing competition each month, promoting our competitive and affordable stocked ceiling tiles and grid. Watch
When London Underground rail track curves, the sleepers are usually made of wood – until now, that is Above: The London Underground sleeper The first of a new type of concrete sleeper to solve the problem of tight curves has just been produced by Cemex Rail Solutions and laid at
Losing your hair is quite a common thing for many people as they get older. In the past there has been very little that could be done about it, and in the more recent past it was only the rich and famous that could afford to have it done. But
Dulux Trade received a prestigious national award for its pioneering work in the healthcare sector. The ProCure 22 awards, which recognise those approved suppliers in the NHS procurement framework providing best in class service, awarded Dulux Trade its Collaborative Working award. Announced at the IHEEM conference and exhibition in Manchester,
‘The Springs’ retail and leisure complex at Thorpe Park Leeds was launched last week, following the successful completion of building work by GMI Construction Group. The project was delivered across an 80-week phasing programme that coincided with a gas main diversion and major civils work being carried out on adjacent
A new hotel-led development in East London has received planning permission. Developed by Rockwell Property, the 30-storey landmark building located at 82 West India Dock Road in Westferry includes a 400-key hotel with a ground floor restaurant, cafe and bar. The site will also house 66 new one, two and
Stephen George + Partners, one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, has celebrated moving into its new 8,000 sqft purpose-built office at Grove Park, Enderby with a spectacular launch party attended by over 180 guests. Designed and developed by the practice, Waterfront House embodies the practice’s business values and vision
Gas and heating engineers are Britain’s most trusted tradespeople, a survey has revealed Published: 21 September, 2016 More than one in five UK homeowners opted for gas and heating engineers as the nation’s most trustworthy tradespeople in the 2016 poll, released by HomeServe during Gas Safe Register’s Gas Safety Week. Electricians rated second among more than 2,000 UK homeowners questioned in the OnePoll survey, followed by plumbers, painters and decorators, landscape gardeners and joiners. Trustworthiness was the most important attribute expected of tradespeople by homeowners – with honesty, reliability, high quality workmanship and qualifications also ranking highly in the study. “Before we let tradespeople have access to our homes, often for a number of hours, we obviously need to be completely confident we can trust them to do the job with competence and honesty.” said Greg Reed, HomeServe’s chief marketing officer. “Hundreds of our engineers are working in homes across the UK every day, so we know how important this is to our own customers when they turn to us for help.” In total, 85% of homeowners who responded in the study deemed qualifications and accreditations to be essential ingredients for choosing their trusted tradespeople. All of HomeServe’s engineers are Gas Safe registered. Jonathan Samuel, chief executive at Gas Safe Register, added: “Having any kind of work done can be stressful, and knowing that the person who is undertaking work is a suitably qualified professional like a Gas Safe registered engineer is a great help.” Source link
The Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and the Network Innovation Competition (NIC) are in line for an overhaul as Ofgem confirms an in-depth review of the funding mechanisms over the summer. In an open letter to industry the regulator said the review will look at whether “substantive changes” are needed. It will publish its decision by the end of the year, so the changes can be effective for the 2017 innovation competition. The letter follows recently published responses to Ofgem’s consultation, launched in December looking at the future of the NIC and NIA. Several respondents said the NIC is stifling innovation by not making provision for experimental projects to fail. There were also calls for more flexible rules on intellectual property rights. A further consultation will be held in the autumn to examine any proposals which arise from the review, as well as the amount of money which will be available through the electricity NIC. The review will also examine the benefits derived from the Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF), which the NIA and NIC replaced. Consultancy firm Pöyry has been appointed as an independent evaluator to carry out the review. Its findings will form the basis of any proposals to amend the governance arrangements. Source link
Calling all ceiling installers! Win a fantastic weekend for two in Monte Carlo – home of the racing world’s rich and famous! In June, July, August and September 2016 there will be a different, online racing competition each month, promoting our competitive and affordable stocked ceiling tiles and grid. Watch the video then answer a simple question and every month you could win a thrilling Supercar driving experience for two people. Better still, all entries from the four months will then be entered into our final draw in October to win a fantastic weekend for two in Monte Carlo – home of the racing world’s rich and famous! Watch the monthly races at www.rockfon.co.uk/win and enter before midnight at the end of each month to be in with a chance of winning. Final closing date for entries is 30th September 2016.Try for yourself the winning formula of ROCKFON stocked tiles this summer. Made from stone wool, ROCKFON® Artic™, ROCKFON® Tropic™ and ROCKFON® Logic™ tiles, when installed with Chicago Metallic® grid, make a formidable team if you’re looking for high quality, competitively priced tiles and grids.See how ROCKFON Artic undercuts the competition. An economic, popular tile for general areas, it is easy to handle and cut on site without mess or wastage.Watch how ROCKFON Tropic outsmarts the competition. An attractive smooth white tile, providing entry level Class A sound absorption, this tile replaces the previous ROCKFON Alaska range.ROCKFON Logic wipes out the competition with its wipeable surface and is an easy-to-cut alternative to vinyl-faced gypsum.The strong and reliable Chicago Metallic grid is quick to install and locks into place with a reassuring “click”. Install it with our ceiling tile ranges and the system is warranted for 30 years.Available widely at distributors across the UK, call them today or visit our website at www.rockfon.co.uk/win. Winner will be drawn at random. Terms and Conditions apply. Source link
When London Underground rail track curves, the sleepers are usually made of wood – until now, that is Above: The London Underground sleeper The first of a new type of concrete sleeper to solve the problem of tight curves has just been produced by Cemex Rail Solutions and laid at a section of track between Whitechapel and Aldgate East. It was previously a challenge for London Underground to produce the right type of sleeper that could guide the track around curves of less than 200 metre radius and still ensure Tube trains stayed on track. Sleepers designed for curves were previously made of timber, which tends to shrink over time and therefore can affect the gauge of the track. London Underground wanted a longer term solution and after 12 months of development work with Cemex, a new sleeper for curves is now available. Cemex says that the main challenge was how to attach the cast iron base plate to the sleeper. This would normally be done by casting plastic dowels into the concrete to allow the base plate to be bolted down. Analysis by Durham University highlighted complications when using standard attachment methods, related to the forces in pre-stressed concrete that may induce cracking. Replacement of plastic inserts normally used for attachment of conductor pots by steel inserts and reinforcement around the plastic dowells, adopted from industry practice in Germany, has significantly reduced the risk of any possible cracking. The Cemex Rail Solutions factory in Somercotes, Derbyshire, is now producing three variants of the rail sleeper, with two further ones in the pipeline. This article was published on 11 Aug 2016 (last updated on 11 Aug 2016). Source link
Losing your hair is quite a common thing for many people as they get older. In the past there has been very little that could be done about it, and in the more recent past it was only the rich and famous that could afford to have it done. But things are changing and more and more people are winding back the clock by bringing back the hairline of their younger selves Before you embark on your hair transplant journey it is well worth doing a little research to make sure you are well prepared for what will happen. It is a surgical procedure, but it isn’t really surgery The general principle of hair implants is simple. Hair follicles are surgically removed from the donor site, and implanted in the recipient site that has suffered hair loss. From this perspective it is surgical in nature, but it is carried out under local anaesthetic meaning the patient is awake and conscious the whole time. This carries far less risks than putting someone under general anaesthetic, yet the patient will feel nothing. The usual technique, known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is minimally invasive, almost bloodless and is considered to be ‘non-surgical’. Together with the patient the doctor will locate a donor site in agreement with the client. Prior to the transplant the hairs need to be shaved down to around 1-2 mm in length, and once the anaesthetic has taken effect they are ready to be moved. A small tool that looks a little like a punch is looped over the follicular unit and pushed into the skin just enough to allow removal with a small pair of forceps. Each unit contains 1 to 5 hours and is laid to one side to await implantation in the new location. Small incisions are the made and the units inserted one and time, and will be done thousands of times so that the new growth will be dense enough to look natural. Once healed it can have huge impact on your confidence Hair loss is fairly common in men, less common in women, but for both it can have a huge impact on your emotional well being. After the procedure has finished healing and started to grow, it can really boost your confidence and change your look completely to how you looked 10, 20 or 30 years ago. There are a number of celebrities who have undergone the procedure, and before and after photographs are easy to see across the internet. Check out the results for yourself and imagine how it would look on you. It can be expensive in Europe and the US It can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be if you choose to go abroad for the procedure. For example, in Turkey some of the best hair transplant surgeons from around the world are flocking to Istanbul to set up hair transplant clinics with the latest modern techniques. And yet it costs so much less than in other countries. This doesn’t mean there is any loss of quality, in fact it is far from it. There is a wide list of low cost hair transplant clinics in different countries that are worth looking into. The best clinics are regulated, and the procedures carried out in brand new accredited hospitals. Yet the price of the procedure will often come in under €2,500 compared with around €12,500 in the UK, and as much as €25,000 in the US. This is mostly down to the currency exchange rate, the Turkish Lira does not perform well against the euro, dollar or sterling. Add this to the fact that salaries and running costs are cheaper in Turkey, and as the world centre of excellence is in Istanbul and the competition is fierce. The price is simply a lot more affordable for people. You can be treated to a 5 star stay as a client Not only is the price lower in Turkey, but the patient care is second to none. And all the extras are included. For example during the days you are there, you will be chauffeured to and from the airport and appointments. You’ll also stay in a 5* hotel, and allocated an interpreter to look after you and answer the questions you may have. Some people decide to turn it into an extended holiday. The transplanted hair is permanent, but it has to be the right treatment for you Hair implants is the only permanent and effective treatment for baldness. But the timing and treatment has to be right. If you notice that you are suffering from hair loss the first thing you should do is visit a dermatologist, to make sure it is clear what the cause is. Also the symptoms need to have stabilised, this is rare in the under 25’s so it may be that other treatments are more appropriate initially before progressing to implant. This way you can be sure to get the best results.
Dulux Trade received a prestigious national award for its pioneering work in the healthcare sector. The ProCure 22 awards, which recognise those approved suppliers in the NHS procurement framework providing best in class service, awarded Dulux Trade its Collaborative Working award. Announced at the IHEEM conference and exhibition in Manchester, the award recognises the work of Dulux Trade in developing its Colour & Design principles for use in healthcare environments. The collaboration between Dulux Trade and Tarkett (flooring) was commended for driving innovation through collaboration. “The Colour & Design principles demonstrate the transformational power of colour and are friendly even to the most vulnerable users,” said Paul Fleming, marketing manager contractor/specifier for Dulux Trade. “By pulling key learnings together into a framework based on the key NHS requirements, the benefits of good design supported by research means designers and colour consultants can make well informed and reinforced decisions. When their decisions are combined with product and life-cycle considerations, for the first time, the proposition offers tangible support for an NHS under pressure, by helping improve quality while cutting costs,” he continued. The Dulux Trade Colour & Design principles have been endorsed by the Department of Health and supported by 16 colour schemes, as they demonstrate the benefits of good design, supported by research to allow designers and colour consultants to make informed decisions. “The Healthcare Colour & Design principles for P22 was launched at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management Conference in October 2017 and this generated advocacy from P22’s Preferred Supply Chain Partners, and the Department of Health, who endorsed our thought leadership credentials, underlining our expertise in harnessing additional value for their budgets, increasing hospital operational effectiveness and expediting development of hospitals in the UK,” explained Paul. The project was hailed by Rosemary Jensson of Architects for Health as ‘a really powerful piece of work’.
‘The Springs’ retail and leisure complex at Thorpe Park Leeds was launched last week, following the successful completion of building work by GMI Construction Group. The project was delivered across an 80-week phasing programme that coincided with a gas main diversion and major civils work being carried out on adjacent plots. Part of a wider 1.35 million sq ft development plan in phase two development at Thorpe Park Leeds, The Springs project was handled by Scarborough International Properties Limited (SIPL), the UK and international real estate developer and its joint venture partner Legal & General. “We were delighted to launch The Springs last week in partnership with a great team at GMI Construction. With historical knowledge of the site, which wasn’t without its challenges, GMI has shown great tenacity and outstanding flexibility in accommodating the demands of the project and its many changes to deliver a project of exceptional quality that sets a precedent across the UK. GMI had also worked closely with our team to exceed our commitment to creating new jobs and inspiring careers for young people in the region,” said Simon Marshall, Joint Chief Executive at Scarborough International Properties. The brands part of The Springs include M&S Foodhall, H&M, Next, TK Maxx, Outfit, Boots and leisure brands such as Nando’s, Gino D’Acampo’s My Restaurant and Pure Gym. A 44,000 sq ft, 10-screen ODEON offering state of the art screen and audio technology and luxury seating, is also due to open in Spring 2019 with other high street leisure and retail occupiers due to be announced over the coming weeks. “The Springs looked amazing on opening and my thanks have to go to the team at GMI Construction who worked tirelessly from start to finish. We were very clear from the start that we wanted The Springs to stand out as an out of town retail and leisure destination of the future and GMI have played a critical role in helping us achieve this vision,” concluded Gordon Aitchison, Director, Head of Transactions at LGIM Real Assets.
A new hotel-led development in East London has received planning permission. Developed by Rockwell Property, the 30-storey landmark building located at 82 West India Dock Road in Westferry includes a 400-key hotel with a ground floor restaurant, cafe and bar. The site will also house 66 new one, two and three bedroom apartments. “Our vision for 82 West India Dock Road will breathe new life into a neglected site that has been derelict for many years. This inspiring new building includes a hotel that will bring new jobs and business to the local area, in addition to much needed new homes for the local community in an inspiring new building. We are dedicated to delivering this exciting, high-quality development and look forward to turning this site into a place that locals can be proud of,” said Donal Mulryan, Founder of Rockwell. Designed by UK architects SimpsonHaugh & Partners, the development includes: ground floor retail or community space, activating the street and providing a local amenity; extensive public realm and landscaping works, both on site and in the surrounding area to significantly improve place-making and provide a more connected, safe, cohesive and green environment; half an acre of gardens and 48 additional trees including the introduction of an urban arboretum, residents’ garden and over 220m of children’s play space; and over £7 million in Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy to fund local infrastructure improvements, training programmes for local residents and support for local recruitment. “We have worked closely with Rockwell Property to design a high quality, mixed-use scheme that will improve connections across West India Dock Road, providing new homes, employment and training opportunities, whilst creating a safer and more secure public realm environment for the community,” added Mark Savage, Partner, SimpsonHaugh. Construction work is due to start on the site in Summer 2019 and once completed, 250 jobs are expected to be created in the hospitality sector.
Stephen George + Partners, one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, has celebrated moving into its new 8,000 sqft purpose-built office at Grove Park, Enderby with a spectacular launch party attended by over 180 guests. Designed and developed by the practice, Waterfront House embodies the practice’s business values and vision for the future. It reflects the practice’s architectural skill and appetite for innovation. Waterfront House is the touchstone for Stephen George and Partners’ long-term commitment to the region and to collaborative working, embracing the knowledge-based economy and the new digital age. Explains Michael Barker, Senior Partner Stephen George + Partners: “For the past two years I’ve been wearing four hats – and it’s been an education. As architect, client, contractor and developer, I’ve worked with colleagues – all of them architects! – to create an inspirational place for our employees, clients and visitors, reflecting both our business values and our vision of the future.” The fast growing AJ100 practice, demonstrated latest developments in BIM applications and 3D printing as well as giving tours of the new building. Located in a stunning setting overlooking the lake in the landscaped south-east corner of Grove Park business park, Waterfront House features a minimalist design, with ground floor meeting rooms and a welcoming café opening on to a lakeside terrace plus a dramatic first-floor design studio, accommodating x of the businesses x total staff. James Nicholls, Managing Partner, said: “The launch was a great success and we have received tremendously positive feedback on the building from visitors. Not only does it provide a collaborative working environment for staff, it also embraces new technology – from a highly efficient heat recovery system, PV and solar thermal, to smart lighting – and provides space for us to showcase our advances in BIM and VR.”
