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December 18, 2018

APA Continues Wates Partnership on Leeds Development

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

APA Facade Systems, Speedclad and Wates Group are continuing their partnership for the newest development in Leeds’ most sought-after business location – 4 Wellington Place. APA’s TB60 and TB60 SG facade system will be installed by Speedclad to 4 Wellington Place, marking the latest installment in this 22-acre office development. The proposed addition to Wellington Place consists

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Western Thermal Delivers Insulation Work

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

Insulation work is to be delivered on a renovation project at Coventry University by Western Thermal Limited. The former BT building in Mile Lane is being refurbished into a new cutting-edge learning hub for its students and faculty. The learning hub will make room for up to 3,000 students and faculties, with features

Read More »

Severn Bridges Tolls Officially Removed

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

In order to jump start growth across Wales, the tolls for the Severn Bridges have been officially removed. Reports suggest the removal could boost the Welsh economy by up to £1 billion and deliver over £1,400 a year in savings for drivers travelling between England and Wales. Turley’s director and head of

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Housebuilder spreads festive cheer in all corners of the UK

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the

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REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building

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KAM celebrates five years in business and 64% growth in the last 12 months

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Construction consultancy KAM Project Consultants is celebrating five years in business. The independent company of project managers and cost consultants focuses on delivering schemes across two primary markets – industrial/distribution and commercial mixed-use. Directors Kevin Sims and Mike Wilcock set up KAM in 2013 after 30 years of working together

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North East company ‘primed’ for growth with business expert appointment

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student

Read More »

Horticulture / Landscape Supervisor Apprenticeship approved

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory

Read More »
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Issue 324 : Jan 2025

December 18, 2018

APA Continues Wates Partnership on Leeds Development

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

APA Facade Systems, Speedclad and Wates Group are continuing their partnership for the newest development in Leeds’ most sought-after business location – 4 Wellington Place. APA’s TB60 and TB60 SG facade system will be installed by Speedclad to 4 Wellington Place, marking the latest installment in this 22-acre office development. The proposed addition to Wellington Place consists of an eight-storey triangular building, with a sloping roofline from Northern Street to Tower Square, incorporating terraces to all floors facing onto the Lifting Tower. The development frames stunning views across Wellington Place and the wider townscape, reflecting its emerging context through the use of the bronze, stone and glass as seen on 3, 5 and 6 Wellington Place. Described as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the wider 22-acre development, on account of its unique form, 4 Wellington Place will deliver 131,500ft² nett of grade A office accommodation. It will also include 17,000ft² of ground floor retail and leisure space, in addition to basement car parking and landscape work. When entering the masterplan via the two avenues heading towards Tower Square, the proposed facades intersperse stone and bronze vertical panels with glazing, giving the reflective quality that creates the building’s jewel-like appearance. The gateway approach of 4 Wellington Place and its position sitting at the centre of the current master plan, has led to the development of a building that is distinct whilst borrowing from the architectural language of the surrounding buildings. Having already completed no’s 3 and 5 Wellington Place, APA Facade Systems is currently working on no’s 7 & 8 and is delighted to secure the latest contract in this development.

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Western Thermal Delivers Insulation Work

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

Insulation work is to be delivered on a renovation project at Coventry University by Western Thermal Limited. The former BT building in Mile Lane is being refurbished into a new cutting-edge learning hub for its students and faculty. The learning hub will make room for up to 3,000 students and faculties, with features including teaching rooms, IT suites, engineering and science labs, as well a café and extensive breakout areas for more social learning. “We are delighted to be working with Coventry University on what promises to be an exciting project. The university has a long and proud tradition of delivering first-class education and experiences to its students and local community, and we are happy to play a small part in helping them in uplifting their service to the students and the wider academic community,” said Phil Jones, Executive Director – Operations at Western Thermal about the prestigious project. Thermal insulation will be provided to the pipework and ductwork services from Western Thermal under a £180,000 contract. “Western Thermal Limited is a leader in the sector and continues to find ways to emphasise its expertise and experience through a number of exciting, high quality projects. It is our specialism which has enabled this company to deliver successful results on a consistent basis and has made us out a stand our performer in the market,” said Phil. “The project is certainly an exciting one and we are confident that it will prove to be a success. We are aware of the expectations placed on us and are know that our thermal insulation and pipework will contribute to providing the new campus with high quality heating and ventilation,” he added. The scheme will be delivered by Wilmott Dixon, which will work alongside NG Bailey to complete the work. Building work is expected to be complete in February 2019, with the facility opening the following month.

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Severn Bridges Tolls Officially Removed

Cristina Diaconu December 18, 2018

In order to jump start growth across Wales, the tolls for the Severn Bridges have been officially removed. Reports suggest the removal could boost the Welsh economy by up to £1 billion and deliver over £1,400 a year in savings for drivers travelling between England and Wales. Turley’s director and head of planning in Wales, Huw Jones welcomed the news but called for further investment in regional infrastructure. “A serious plan to drive regeneration across the region requires a much more holistic approach than simply waiving the tolls. It’s a first step that needs to be supported by a range of other measures if there is to be any significant impact. What we need is joined-up planning policy on both sides of the Severn Bridge. One that is responsive to changing market conditions. Sustained investment in infrastructure is critical,” he said. “We would like to see progress on a number of fronts, including the delivery of the M4 Relief Road, electrification of the Swansea to London railway line, improved capacity at Cardiff and Bristol airports, the provision of new metro stations, and road improvements in the west of England on the M4 and M5 networks. “There is a great deal of work to do if we’re going to see the much-anticipated Western Growth Engine come to fruition. Without a clear vision, and an appetite to invest in infrastructure, our region won’t capture the opportunity to drive growth,” Huw Jones concluded.

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Housebuilder spreads festive cheer in all corners of the UK

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the Linden Homes South and Eastern teams have been collecting and delivering gifts to local children who may be spending their Christmas in either a hospital or a hospice this year. Employees from Linden Homes South dug deep and donated a range of gifts to the children at the Shooting Star Chase Hospice in Guildford. Speaking of the donation, Jenny Pearman, corporate relationship manager at Shooting Star Chase said: “The gifts donated by Linden Homes will help make our Christmas celebrations extra special at our two hospices and means our hospice at home team can deliver gifts to children and siblings throughout December.” For the fifth-consecutive year, the staff from Linden Homes Eastern played Santa and delivered sacks full of goodies to the children at the Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. The hospital’s fundraising manager, Charlotte Jefcoate said: “We would like to thank Linden Homes for once again visiting the children and making their day with these wonderful gifts.” Further North, the Linden Homes East Yorkshire division has been supporting the Doncaster Homeless Outreach Service, a charity that helps rough sleepers across Yorkshire take the first steps towards finding a home, whilst offering emotional support and practical advice. The team from Linden Homes collected ‘Christmas bags’, with the contents including basic but essential toiletries. Developments operated by Linden Homes Western also became home to food bank collection points, which will remain open throughout January. Local schools, businesses and residents have been invited to donate food that can be then distributed to people in a time of crisis. Linden Homes communications manager, Naomi Burrell commented “It’s fantastic to see the Linden Homes business units pulling together to help out and give back to the communities nearby to our developments up and down the country. Our staff have gone the extra mile to bring some Christmas cheer to children and families. It’s so heartening to see the donated gifts and items coming in and even more heartening to see how much pleasure these generous gifts give.”

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REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building in London Bridge and will comprise of 176 apartments. The topping out event was led by Michael Baker, CEO of REM, and James Sellar, CEO of Sellar. They welcomed representatives from the project team, which includes architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop, construction managers Mace and project engineer WSP, and local dignitaries. To mark the event, a delegation travelled to the very top of the building to fill one final section with concrete using a ceremonial spade. Shard Place is the third phase of the £3.5 billion redevelopment of the estate next to London Bridge station, now known as Shard Quarter. The project team will now turn its attention to completing the cladding, which is in keeping with the aesthetics of The Shard and The News Building. The interior fit out has already commenced with the installation of high-quality fixtures and fittings. When completed in late 2020, Shard Place will provide a choice of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside amenities for the exclusive use of residents including a cinema, spa, and private roof garden. The building will appear to ‘float’ nine metres above ground level providing 13,000 sq ft of public realm and circa 12,000 sq ft of retail space, further reinforcing Shard Quarter as one of London’s most vibrant communities. Residents will benefit from Shard Quarter’s exceptional transport links given its proximity to London Bridge Station. Alongside the onsite amenities, Shard Quarter is next door to world-famous cultural hotspots and historical locations, such as Borough Market, Bermondsey Street and Tower Bridge, making the area an attractive place to live, as well as work and visit. James Sellar, CEO, Sellar said: “In keeping with the now well-established Shard Quarter, this latest phase brings a residential building designed by a world class architectural team. Our joint venture with the State of Qatar is creating a beautiful building with apartments of the highest design standards. As well as creating an integrated lifestyle building with outstanding amenities and spectacular views across London, Shard Place completes our vision for a truly mixed-use development at London Bridge which we commenced development of in 2008. This latest phase reflects Qatar’s commitment to both The Shard Quarter and its confidence in London and the UK, as well as the continuing strength of the relationship between the two countries” Michael Baker, CEO, Real Estate Management (UK) Limited, said: “The vision for Shard Quarter was to create a mixed-use quarter where people could live, work and relax. Shard Place will make this a reality when the first residents move in towards the end of 2020. With London’s population projected to grow rapidly over the next 15 years, we know that there will be strong demand for well-located homes and we have chosen to satisfy the need for high quality apartments. Shard Place will offer its residents an enviable lifestyle with exclusive amenities within the building and one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods on their doorstep all a stone’s throw from a major transportation hub.” Gareth Lewis, Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Construction, said: “Shard Place will be an iconic addition to the London skyline and a fitting conclusion to delivery of the Shard Quarter. It’s a project that Mace is very proud to be working on, having been involved in the delivery of the Shard Quarter from the very beginning. This topping out reflects a significant milestone on the journey to delivering this complex and challenging construction project.” Joost Moolhuijzen, Architect, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, said: “Topping out is always a great moment, you finally start to see what the building will become.  Some of its secrets get unveiled.  It tells us also that the name “Shard Place” is right: “Shard” as it really feels like an integral part of The Shard. “Place” as it shows that once the hoardings will disappear a great Public Realm will appear connecting the Shard Quarter Piazza with St Thomas Street, opening up a whole new pedestrian route.” REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT   Shard Place is a 26-storey residential building owned by the State of Qatar and developed in joint venture with Sellar Comprising 176 well specified apartments, following practical completion in 2020 Shard Place marks the latest phase in a £3.5 billion redevelopment of the Shard Quarter and in conjunction with the team from Renzo Piano Building Workshop adds an iconic residential landmark next to the Shard  

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KAM celebrates five years in business and 64% growth in the last 12 months

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Construction consultancy KAM Project Consultants is celebrating five years in business. The independent company of project managers and cost consultants focuses on delivering schemes across two primary markets – industrial/distribution and commercial mixed-use. Directors Kevin Sims and Mike Wilcock set up KAM in 2013 after 30 years of working together on a range of high-profile clients at an international consultancy. Since then they have been joined by seven directors to take the business forward on to the next stage of its growth cycle. The company now has a 34-strong team across its offices in Milton Keynes and Leicester and an impressive array of clients including GLP Gazeley, Bericote, Panattoni, Sainsbury’s and DHL. Sticking to its company mission statement – ‘One Team Delivering Excellence’ and working with the wider project team, KAM team members always strive to deliver exceptional results for clients. This ethos combined with the diverse calibre of expertise in the KAM team, is the reason KAM has experienced significant expansion and the company was listed in the top three of the 150 fastest growing companies in Building magazine with 64% growth and a 40% increase in staff in just the last year. The company is continuing its expansion plans and its current recruitment drive is focusing on cost managers for both of its UK offices. Projects in mainland Europe are also a possibility in 2019. Kevin said: “Five years ago Mike and I set up our new venture with a lot of hard work and hope. Our vision was to build a project manager/quantity surveyor (PM/QS) business that puts customers at the forefront of everything it does. “Since then, along with many other dedicated and talented individuals, KAM has grown into the company it is today – the premier PM/QS business in the industrial and logistics sector. “Our success is derived from exceptional hard work across the team and delivering high quality recruits. We pride ourselves on developing long lasting relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the delivery of every project. “All of our team are empowered to forge and maintain relationships with both clients and other consultants and we take every pride in each client project that we take on, from the first meeting to completion.” Significant schemes that KAM is currently working on include multiple sites for Panattoni, Bericote’s Littlebrook development, Clipper Logistics’ new warehouse in Crick for Halfords, and a multi storey distribution centre in central London for GLP Gazeley.

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North East company ‘primed’ for growth with business expert appointment

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student accommodation in Wembley and Coventry, met Gary at its recent open day and believed that his unique skills could offer considerable benefits. Gary works with 22 other clients across the North East and Yorkshire, adding value to the businesses and contributing to growth. His role at BTS will encompass coaching, strategic planning, and advice and he is joining the firm to help oversee plans to automate its production process and sustain its impressive growth. He said: “BTS is a fabulous company that is growing fast already and is investing heavily in automation and people. The development of its rainwater screening and facade business is fuelling that growth and I am excited to be working with the company to accelerate it even further.” BTS, which employs 49 people, has seen turnover grow from £5.3million to a forecasted £7million over the past 12 months. The company has also invested in low voltage intelligent LED lighting throughout its factory and offices, and a biomass heating system to help reduce its carbon footprint. Phil Atkinson, managing director at BTS, said: “Gary’s appointment is a real triumph for us; my mission for the business is to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rainscreen systems and metal fabrications, I’d like to see turnover reach £10million in the next three to four years and I believe Gary will help us achieve that. “I’m truly passionate about BTS and I am so proud of how far we have come in such a short time. While I enjoy all aspects of my job, I think my favourite part is seeing completed jobs being installed and photos coming back. I also enjoy watching staff excel and come through the ranks. We have a great family feel within the company and it is my pleasure to be part of it and watch it grow.” For more information on BTS Facades & Fabrications, see https://btsfabrications.co.uk/ Twitter: @btsfabs

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Horticulture / Landscape Supervisor Apprenticeship approved

Kenneth Booth December 18, 2018

The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory skills for those who are maintaining and installing parks, gardens and commercial landscapes.  This apprenticeship joins the arborist, forest operative and horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeship standards that were approved in the summer of 2017.  Designed by employers working together as the trailblazer group, they contain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will provide the industry with highly-qualified workers. All these apprenticeships contain the key practical skills required for workers in their respective roles – from tree climbing, planting and felling to soil cultivation and hard landscaping.  Successful candidates must pass rigorous end tests that demonstrates they have not only reached the standards required by employers, but also that they can put their skills and knowledge together and do the job effectively. In their first year of being available for delivery, 127 candidates registered on the arborist and 507 on the horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeships.  This represents a solid start for these new programmes and the trailblazer group is committed to working with training and assessment providers to make these programmes successful. The employers in the trailblazer group are now discussing future applications for further apprenticeship standards, based on the findings of a recent survey of relevant businesses. Bartlett Tree Experts has stepped down as the lead employer for the trailblazer group and we would like to thank them for their tireless leadership throughout the project.  They remain Chair of the arboriculture sub-group and are succeeded by Ground Control Ltd, who have been Chairing the horticulture sub-group since the start in 2014. This work would not have been possible without the hard work, investment and persistence of employers and trade organisations from the industries concerned, which shows how important it is that we work together to ensure the supply of skilled and motivated new entrants to our respective sectors.

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