The world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of East Yorkshire has produced clean renewable energy for the first time. Once completed, Hornsea Project One will be almost double the size of the world’s current largest offshore farm. All of the 174 turbine blades for the wind farm are being
Tecom Group has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to build the second phase of its campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). As part of the agreement that the two signed, Tecom will build a new purpose-built 50,000m² campus. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the facilities will be located
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in
As a small or large business owner, buying used forklift truck can be an amazing and cost-effective way to be able to meet up with order requirements. Read more here. But these second-hand machines has its very own problems which might cost you, clients, later on when they malfunction. Below,
The coastal West Sussex region has become a hub for development, with significant progress being made on new key sites throughout the area. The Coastal West Sussex Partnership, which brings senior leaders from the public and private sector to champion economic growth within the area, has given its support to
Construction industry veterans know that finance is a bull that all firms must wrestle with on a regular basis. Unlike other start-ups (in the digital realm for instance) construction start-ups face large overheads and low margins meaning that it can take years and years until they are able to turn
The world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of East Yorkshire has produced clean renewable energy for the first time. Once completed, Hornsea Project One will be almost double the size of the world’s current largest offshore farm. All of the 174 turbine blades for the wind farm are being manufactured by Siemens Gamesa at its facility in Hull’s Alexandra Dock. “The UK renewables sector is thriving. Last year we saw the world’s largest wind farm open off the coast of Cumbria, and today it’s joined by an even bigger one starting to produce power for the first time. British innovation is central to our modern Industrial Strategy and our upcoming sector deal will ensure UK offshore wind is a global leader as we transition to a greener, smarter energy future,” said Claire Perry, Energy & Clean Growth Minister. Located 120km off the East Yorkshire coast, Hornsea Project One will consist of 174 Siemens Gamesa turbines. The first turbine blade for the wind farm left Hull on February 5, and was installed just five days later. The wind farm is a joint venture between Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, and Global Infrastructure Partners. “Hornsea One is the first of a new generation of offshore power plants that now rival the capacity of traditional fossil fuel power stations. The ability to generate clean electricity offshore at this scale is a globally significant milestone, at a time when urgent action needs to be taken to tackle climate change,” said Matthew Wright, UK managing director at Ørsted. “Ten years ago, the thought of a project of this size was just a dream, but thanks to continued innovation, a determined effort from both the industry and supply chain to drive down costs, and the natural geographical benefits that surround us, the UK has positioned itself as a world-leader in offshore wind. Our company’s vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy, and this flagship project is a significant step on that journey, proving that large-scale renewable energy is not just an idea of the future, it’s here, right now,” Matthew added. So far, 172 out of 174 monopile foundations have been installed at the site, with turbine installation expected to continue until late summer 2019. The electricity generated by the turbines will pass via undersea cables through one of three massive offshore substations, before reaching shore at Horseshoe Point, Lincolnshire. The electricity is then transported via underground cables to the onshore substation in North Killingholme, where it connects to the UK National Grid.
Tecom Group has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to build the second phase of its campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). As part of the agreement that the two signed, Tecom will build a new purpose-built 50,000m² campus. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the facilities will be located opposite the city’s first custom-designed student housing community and provide an academic home for up to 2,900 students. “This innovative and iconic facility has been designed to echo our beautiful and historic Edgbaston campus, whilst providing a flexible, modern setting for our students in Dubai to obtain maximum benefit from our teaching and research expertise,” said University of Birmingham principal and vice-chancellor Professor David Eastwood. Created to encourage collaboration across all academic disciplines, the campus to be built by Tecom will feature flexible learning spaces and formal teaching spaces. It will also feature a student ‘hub’, sheltered courtyards and social spaces, a 300-seat lecture theatre, a similarly sized auditorium, three laboratories to accommodate 200 students, and seminar and tutorial rooms. “The bespoke campus, which is set to be complete in 2021, is a testament to the innovative ecosystem that is needed to meet the demands of the rapidly changing international student landscape. As our vibrant community continues to expand, we are committed to supporting our academic partners and collaborating with top academic institutions in order to fulfil global demand for quality international higher education,” added DIAC and Dubai Knowledge Park managing director Mohammad Abdullah.
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a new viaduct over the Great Eastern railway and A12 and carriageway works (RDR Phase 3) linking into the Boreham Interchange. The scheme, which is being directed by Countryside Zest in partnership with Highways England, is subject to a single-phase procurement process, although the works will be split into two phases. The first, a £1.4m-valued ‘Stage 1 Pre-Construction Services’ appointment, will focus on design development in order to secure technical approval from the relevant authorities, including Highways England and Network Rail. Detailed site surveys and investigation, plus a robust assessment of possession requirements and timescales, represent complex elements of this phase. Stage 2 ‘Construction’, with an estimated value of £11.8m, will then involve the commencement of an engineering and construction programme based on the agreed outputs from Stage 1. Track record GRAHAM has a proven track record in the Chelmsford area having completed the award winning A138 Chelmer Viaduct – a £32m strategic highway, which has increased transport capacity and significantly improved journeys for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. GRAHAM’s Managing Director for Civil Engineering, Leo Martin, is looking forward to his team delivering a similar high-calibre piece of infrastructure as part of the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project. “This contract award is a tremendous result for us and it once again underlines our combined approach and reputation for excellence in both the highways and rail sectors,” said Leo. “The first phase of this contract requires a fully-coordinated design methodology that meets the approval and standards of Highways England and Network Rail. We have enjoyed long-term relationships with both organisations and fully understand their technical requirements. “I’m confident that our existing knowledge and design expertise will not only meet, but exceed, their expectations, which will ensure a seamless transition to Stage 2 and the beginning of the construction works. “As we proved with the A138 Chelmer Viaduct, we use our expertise and creativity to identify and implement solutions that reduce cost, drive efficiency and enhance outcomes and therefore we are looking forward to replicating this approach for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project.” Phasing The approved phasing of the development requires the initial stopping up of the existing Generals Lane highway and the subsequent demolition of the bridge structure, which currently crosses the Great Eastern railway line in advance of the commencement of the RDR Phase 3 carriageway and bridge construction. The design requirements for the project include a radial distributor road, a bridge structure crossing the Great Eastern mainline and drainage and services. Design work is well under way and is expected to be completed in 2020.
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in Makita’s cordless power tools range, this radio provides total convenience and cost efficiency. Receives DAB, DAB+, national and local radio stations Compatible with all Makita batteries Excellent, high quality audio sound The Makita DMR112 radio with Bluetooth is capable of receiving DAB, DAB+ and many national and local radio stations. DAB+ is the current standard across much of Europe with the main advantage of being three times more efficient, carries far more radio stations than DAB, and at a far higher audio quality. DAB+ is also a much greener technology because the overall transmission power required is far lower. This radio has a two-way speaker system of twin 89mm diameter speakers that provide high quality sound and a maximum output, when using an 18V LXT Li-Ion battery, of 4.9 watts from each. This rugged IP64 protection-rated dust and showerproof site radio has an elastomer bump-protecting casing, foldable antenna for added protection, an AC adaptor jack and digital amplifier and LCD display, which offers equal protection to the existing range from Makita. This new body only radio has a Band III frequency range of 87.5 – 108 Mhz and is equipped with Bluetooth Class 2 to wirelessly play music from a mobile phone, MP3 player or tablet with a range of up to 10 meters. A neat, flat top surface provides stability for mobile devices and features a USB output port that allows mobile devices to be charged from the radio. An AUX-IN jack allows connection to personal audio players This intelligent and rugged Job Site Radio with Bluetooth has a soft grip carry handle, that swivels to 90°, is compact and light weight at just 4.3 kg plus batteries. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
As a small or large business owner, buying used forklift truck can be an amazing and cost-effective way to be able to meet up with order requirements. Read more here. But these second-hand machines has its very own problems which might cost you, clients, later on when they malfunction. Below, you will find our best tips that will enable you to explore the potential problems that might be hidden on the trucks or by sellers. Ensure the truck will be able to meet your lifting needs Forklift trucks may appear to be pretty the same to a novice. But, they are actually so different based on the model and intended uses. What will you use the forklift truck for – heavy or light loads? How big should the truck be? Will you need to use it on a routine basis? Is your truck going to work outside or inside? Do you need to abide by any rules on fumes and noise in the environment? Does it have long poles that can reach high platforms and shelves? You have to think of all this while picking the appropriate truck. A trustworthy seller will only sell the truck to you after examining your site in order to determine if the truck will be suitable for your business needs. Do note that most online retailers are less likely to do this. To be on the safe side, you should ask a certified Virginia dealer like to visit your business and provide a quotation for both used and new trucks. Then you will get a clear idea on the exact equipment that you need and costs. Do visual assessment Having to depend on the pictures and description of the seller is one of the unmistakable detriments of purchasing online. Ensure that you check for leaks, welding, rust or any other damages that might indicate underlying problems. This is easier to do if the dealer is in your local area. Otherwise, just ask for more pictures or even a video of the truck. Scrutinize the warranty It is essential to have a decent warranty when purchasing a used truck. Check carefully to see how long it lasts, what it covers and what isn’t covered. Even if the truck still has a warranty from the manufacturers, call them to confirm if the warranty can be transferred or not. Test drive it It is harder to buy a used truck than a used car. The reason is that forklift trucks are regulated and substantially more dangerous. Never pay anyone for a truck that you are yet to test drive. If you are unavailable or unfit to drive it, hire an operator to do that. The operator will be able to test all the functions and check for exhaust fumes and hydraulic leaks. Ask for Thorough Examination Certificate All trucks are legally required to have one. This guarantees that the vehicles conform to PUWER and LOLER directions. But it is similar to a vehicle MoT, you should depend entirely on it since it does not check the complete condition of the truck. Ensure the truck is certified and not illegally imported In the used forklift market, there is a developing trend of imports by rogue dealers. It is recommended that you stay away from them. Though there are still many trustworthy suppliers. You can check out Sun Equipment used forklifts, and lift trucks from other companies which provides registered trucks. If you buy from rogue dealers, you will find it almost impossible to move it to your location and find parts for the truck in the future. In case of a mishap, it might even make your insurance invalid. Always check that the truck has an authentic CE mark. Also, ensure that the CE Certificate, user manual, identity plate, and other labels, comes in the right language. Ensure the battery life is good if you are buying an electric truck The battery for forklift trucks can be very expensive – worth over 40% of the truck’s value. It is extremely vital that there’s a lot of mileage remaining in the battery cells. As a standard guideline, the normal FLT battery last for about 1200 charges and each charge will run for 5 hours. Get a rough estimate by dividing clocked hours by 5. Assess the battery for any damage or leaks. Consider getting extra insurance cover for the battery. Visit here for more info: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352152X17304437. These few tips will ensure that you don’t buy a dud. Also, make sure that you check the truck mileage versus the one in the service history. Don’t forget to also verify the suitability of the mast and ensure it extends smoothly. When leasing a forklift, always make sure you research.
The coastal West Sussex region has become a hub for development, with significant progress being made on new key sites throughout the area. The Coastal West Sussex Partnership, which brings senior leaders from the public and private sector to champion economic growth within the area, has given its support to several developments that it anticipates will have a ‘larger than local impact’. These include the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre in Shoreham, New Monks Farm in Lancing and Salt Box and Oldlands Farm in Bognor Regis, which is part of the Enterprise Bognor Regis area. As part of the Shoreham Port Masterplan, £3m has been allocated for the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre. The centre will provide 14 units of commercial space and will comprise of three blocks of modern business space, extending to a maximum of 18,000 square feet Tim Hague, Director of Property and Development at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to report that we are now more than half way through the construction of the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre. “There is a chronic shortage of commercial space in this area. The new units will generate significant employment numbers, adding to the 1,600 already employed within the port. “They are part of a wider improvement plan for this area, which will result in an enhanced atmosphere with a greater draw for the local community.” Meanwhile in Lancing, the New Monks Farm Development will provide 600 new homes and a new IKEA store that will bring much-needed jobs to the area. Enterprise Bognor Regis is a 70-hectare commercial and employment development opportunity located on the northern edge of Bognor Regis in West Sussex. Landlink Estates, the developer of Salt Box on Shripney Road is awaiting the planning approval of plans that include a mix of both commercial and retail development. Tenants destined for the site are Warburtons, Richmond Motor Group, Aldi and Starbucks. Plans for another site within the Enterprise Bognor Regis have recently been put before the public. Oldlands Farm is 23.8 hectares and would bring forward further commercial and retail space. “It’s an exciting time for the area, with great new opportunities for businesses and a good number of new homes,” commented Caroline Wood, Director of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership. “There are some large development opportunities coming forward along the coast in Worthing, Shoreham, Chichester and Bognor Regis,” “We offer our support to those developments that can bring both jobs and homes into the area as well as having that larger than local impact.” For more information, please visit https://coastalwestsussex.org.uk.
Construction industry veterans know that finance is a bull that all firms must wrestle with on a regular basis. Unlike other start-ups (in the digital realm for instance) construction start-ups face large overheads and low margins meaning that it can take years and years until they are able to turn a healthy profit. The key to survival lies in knowing what financial products are on the market and how to use them strategically. With this in mind, let’s dive deep into development finance with help from finance experts at Lending Expert. What is development finance? Development finance is a short term loan product that is targeted at residential property development. It is usually based on the project’s gross development value; that is to say the market value of the fully constructed or refurbished property. Like most loans it is paid back in stages, but unlike most loans it is paid out in instalments too. Imagine that you have a property which you want to develop into 4 apartments. Each of these apartments will have a market value of £250,000 so your gross development value will be £1 million. Of this, a developer can apply for a development loan of up to 60% of GDV and up to 75% of total costs including purchase price and build costs. How does it work? Development finances is divided into several instalments; The facility- This is the start-up capital usually used to purchase the property or plot for development or property and begin work however the developer is still expected to make their own contribution to the purchase price. A facility is usually no more than 50% of the purchase price. Conversion or refurbishment costs- Once work has begun the lender will usually dispatch a Quantity Surveyor who will check on the development in progress then send a written report back to the lender. Funds will then usually be advanced within 24-28 hours. Generally, refurbishment costs will be split into 4 instalments. What’s the difference between development finance and a bridging loan? Because both are short term loans to help bolster or supplement a construction firms own contributions without crippling their cash flow it’s easy to confuse development finance with a bridging loan. However, bridging loans differ from development finance in a number of ways. A bridging loan will typically also be up to 60% of a project’s Gross Development Value. However, unlike development finance a bridging loan will be a one-off advance. Bridging loans are often used on non-mortgageable properties (i.e. those that do not have facilities a property needs in order to be eligible to be mortgaged such as a sink or a bathroom). Some developers also use bridging finance to give them the liquidity that they need for a competitive edge that allows them to outbid rival firms who would need to mortgage a property. Once again, success depends upon learning all that there is to know about a financial product and making an informed decision as to which is best to leverage for the unique needs of a given project.
