RCM, the complete through wall solutions supplier is delighted to announce the addition of Abet Laminati MEG HPL façade to its already impressive portfolio. Robust, compact and long-lasting, MEG – Material Exterior Grade building façade by Abet Laminati is specifically designed for outdoor applications. This versatile and durable range is
A £15 million Capital Grant Fund has been allocated to develop an additional 21 community hubs and learning centres throughout Wales, confirmed Education Minister Kirsty Williams. Part of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the fund is a small part of the total of £3.7 billion that aims to replace and
Work to resurface a major link road in Sheffield has been started by construction firm Amey, part of the highway resurfacing programme which is being rolled out by Streets Ahead. Work to prepare and resurface Europa Drive and Europa Link has now started and will continue, during night-time hours, for
Highways England has awarded contractor GRAHAM a major new package of works covering maintenance and improvements in the East of England as part of its Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF). The Highways England OD East Packages P&Q, valued at almost £25 million, comprise 84 maintenance and improvement work programmes including multiple
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) this week held a ceremony to break-ground on a new student halls of residence. The accommodation will be home to 300 students and is situated on AUB’s Wallisdown campus. Designed to fit in with the campus’ cutting-edge design aesthetic, the building will feature eight-bed clusters with
Considerate Constructors Scheme recognises highest-performing construction sites with top honours United Kingdom and Ireland, 15 April 2019: The winners of the best performing construction sites across the UK and Ireland have been crowned with the industry’s highest accolade of ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme, Most Considerate Site 2019’ at ceremonies across the
If you have always wanted to open your own restaurant, then you know what it’s like to fantasize over dishes, atmosphere, desserts, and to or to not have a live band performance area. However, it takes a lot to create the perfect restaurant. Many entrepreneurs have tried to become restaurant
RCM, the complete through wall solutions supplier is delighted to announce the addition of Abet Laminati MEG HPL façade to its already impressive portfolio. Robust, compact and long-lasting, MEG – Material Exterior Grade building façade by Abet Laminati is specifically designed for outdoor applications. This versatile and durable range is made up of a rigid core combined with a decorative surface consisting of weather-resistant thermosetting resins. The high pressure laminate (HPL) is often used as rainscreen cladding, as well as on balconies. Having the BBA Agrément certificate makes MEG an ideal choice for architects and with 58 colours, 31 woodgrains, 5 concrete and metal effect finishes the possibilities are huge. The new agreement between RCM and Abet Laminati to supply MEG facades follows RCM celebrating a most promising start to the year with ever increasing orders in their façade ranges. “As a company we have been going from strength to strength and it is a great achievement that we are able to bolster our façade range by adding the unique and versatile Abet Laminati MEG cladding range. We are always looking to the future and strive to give our customers the best possible solutions to their projects.” (Ian Quinton, Managing Director RCM) About RCM Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry. Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope whilst delivering on time and budget. RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, RCM’s extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects. CPD Seminars For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering: What a specifier needs to consider Board materials and benefits Board applications Work on site For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz.
A £15 million Capital Grant Fund has been allocated to develop an additional 21 community hubs and learning centres throughout Wales, confirmed Education Minister Kirsty Williams. Part of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the fund is a small part of the total of £3.7 billion that aims to replace and refurbish education buildings throughout Wales. “Our 21st Century Schools and Education programme is already making a huge difference to pupils, teachers and local communities throughout Wales; giving them access to state of the art educational facilities. Schools play a vital role within a community, and I’m fully aware of the importance of ensuring that our schools are not only fit for purpose, but are able to cater to the needs of local communities,” said Kirsty Williams. “That’s why we’ve committed to introducing more community learning centres, and plan to make community focused projects a key aspect of the second wave of the programme,” she added. The £15 million fund will be primarily used for projects that cater for the local community. This could be through adapting existing buildings for wider use, such as increasing the size of a school hall, by providing specialist facilities that widen use or enhanced sporting facilities, which can be used by local people. In addition, funding will also be used to create spaces that meet a specific need within the local community, such as learning new languages or vocational skills.
Work to resurface a major link road in Sheffield has been started by construction firm Amey, part of the highway resurfacing programme which is being rolled out by Streets Ahead. Work to prepare and resurface Europa Drive and Europa Link has now started and will continue, during night-time hours, for the next six weeks. As well as being home to several businesses, Europe Link is a busy connecting route stretching from the Sheffield Parkway, close to the AMRC site, over to Shepcote Lane, Darnall. In recent weeks, Amey have worked closely with affected businesses to communicate their plans in advance, in hope of minimising disruption and enabling local workers to be fully prepared. “It’s been really beneficial to work with affected businesses ahead of works starting on this busy route. A number of them have agreed to close early or even close for the day to allow us to complete the resurfacing with minimal disruption, and we are really thankful for their co-operation,” said Andrew Staniforth, Assembly Steward for Amey. “Our works will start on Europa Drive, and then proceed onto Europa Link, from Wood Lane roundabout towards Shepcote Lane, over the next six weeks. Due to the sheer volume of traffic and the different needs of the businesses based there, including two large-scale distribution companies, we will be working on Sundays and overnight to complete the work,” Andrew added. The 4km route will be prepared first and then surfaced between now and early May. Some road closures will be in place during that period, and there are already diversion signs in place where the work has started.
Highways England has awarded contractor GRAHAM a major new package of works covering maintenance and improvements in the East of England as part of its Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF). The Highways England OD East Packages P&Q, valued at almost £25 million, comprise 84 maintenance and improvement work programmes including multiple surfacing, drainage, signage, bridge projects and concrete road repairs across the Eastern region, including A1, A11, A14, M11, M1, A5, A12, A120 and A47 roads. The packages will be delivered collaboratively with design teams from AECOM and Mott MacDonald/Sweco supporting the works. Throughout the packages, GRAHAM will engage with local stakeholder groups and communities to establish strong and effective relationships and maintain clear lines of communication with road users during works. Rob Cook, Regional Director for GRAHAM, said: “We have worked with Highways England on its Collaborative Delivery Framework since 2017, and have delivered many successful improvements to Britain’s roads during this period. We’re delighted to have been awarded this latest package, which we will continue to deliver with the open and honest values that make GRAHAM such a respected partner in the highways industry. “The mobilisation of the P&Q packages represents the next steps in our ongoing relationship with Highways England and as part of their customer focus strategy we will be supporting and engaging with the local community throughout the programme of works, with several initiatives currently planned for rollout.” As an integral part of Highways England’s supply chain, one of GRAHAM’s strategic priorities, which is already bearing fruit and delivering lasting impact, is to continue developing this strong collaborative relationship. In 2017 GRAHAM delivered two major work packages on the CDF covering the A47, A11, A1 and A12 roads. The £19m contract consisted of multiple key safety improvements, surfacing, structures and technology schemes extending from Peterborough to Norwich, through to Lowestoft via Great Yarmouth.
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) this week held a ceremony to break-ground on a new student halls of residence. The accommodation will be home to 300 students and is situated on AUB’s Wallisdown campus. Designed to fit in with the campus’ cutting-edge design aesthetic, the building will feature eight-bed clusters with communal kitchens and dining areas centred around a landscaped courtyard. The high quality accommodation includes roof-top solar panels, assisting in reducing the building’s energy demand, leading the way in sustainable living. The building has been designed by Design Engine Architects, who have created many of AUB’s existing and award-winning buildings. Design Engine pride themselves on creating architecture with sustainability at its core. The development boasts impressive sustainability credentials to benefit both students and local residents. The design includes upgrading the pedestrian and cycle routes that connect nearby areas. Specifically, this will involve linking Wallisdown Road and Gillett Road to Fern Barrow and significant public lighting design improvements. Emphasis has been placed on sustainable travel; ample covered and secure bicycle parking has been integrated into the design, aligning the project with AUB’s travel plan to promote safe and sustainable travel for students and staff. As part of the development, significant consideration has been given to the landscape design. Within the development, structured landscaped courtyards have been designed around buildings providing a vital link between external and internal spaces and promoting an environment of wellbeing. Over one hundred new trees will be planted, creating more green spaces for students and local residents. Morgan Sindall Construction were appointed as developers through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), which ensures projects are delivered with social responsibility and transparent procurement procedures. Perfect Circle (AECOM) were appointed via the Scape Group’s National Built Environment Consultancy Services framework and are leading the multi-disciplinary team on this exciting project. The construction will provide approximately 20 new employment opportunities, use local sub-contractors where possible, and support apprenticeship training schemes so local young people are developing their skills by working on the build. The project team, during the early stages, engaged the local community through the planning and consultation process and have taken on board feedback received. This has seen a reduction in mass of some of the new accommodation blocks from four to three storeys and features architectural and landscape designs that will bring significant benefit to the overall street scene and public amenity. The student accommodation will be built to a high design spec, and provide a high living standard for those who are accommodated on campus. The project supports AUB strategic goal of becoming the leading professional arts university, and is due to be completed in August 2020. Nick Welch, Chief Operating Officer at Arts University Bournemouth, said: “The AUB campus is where our students experiment, innovate and push boundaries and work with industry-standard technology and spaces to equip them for life in the creative industries. With this project, we hope to provide a home for our students where they can thrive, whilst continuing to provide a creative hub, designed for specialists.” Head of Corporate Banking for HSBC in Hampshire and Dorset, Anthony Reed, said: “HSBC UK are delighted to be partnering with such a successful creative institution and supporting their ambitious plans for the future. “Our local Relationship team are excited to leverage our International footprint and sector experience to bring this strategy to life, which in turn will support the growth of the local economy and development of so many talented individuals.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme recognises highest-performing construction sites with top honours United Kingdom and Ireland, 15 April 2019: The winners of the best performing construction sites across the UK and Ireland have been crowned with the industry’s highest accolade of ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme, Most Considerate Site 2019’ at ceremonies across the country. The 2019 winners of this prestigious title are: Carlisle Gas Holder Demolition Project – Northern Gas Networks (project value under £500k) Columbia Threadneedle Property Investments – Overbury plc (project value £500k to <£1m) Camden FRA Works – Mulalley (project value £1m to <£5m) University Centre, Rotherham – Willmott Dixon Construction (project value £5m to <£10m) Woodmansterne Secondary School – Willmott Dixon Construction (project value £10m to <£50m) One Blackfriars – St George City Ltd (project value £50m and over) The glamorous awards ceremonies welcomed thousands of guests and took place at iconic venues in Edinburgh, London and Manchester from 25 March – 12 April. The Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards recognise the highest-performing construction sites against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice which monitors how considerate the site is being towards their local community, environment and workforce. This year’s awards were for registered sites that completed in 2018. Sites were eligible to win the ‘Most Considerate Site’ within the following six ‘project value bands’: Under £500k; £500k to <£1m; £1m to <£5m; £5m to <£10m; £10m to <£50m; and £50m and over. The Scheme presented only 764 National Site Awards from a total of over 6700 eligible sites. In addition to the six Most Considerate Site Award winners, there were 336 Bronze, 252 Silver and 152 Gold, as well as 18 Most Considerate Site Runners-Up. For the second year running, Ultra Sites, the Scheme’s highest attainment of registration, were also recognised for their outstanding commitment in collaborating with their supply chains, during the awards ceremonies. The highest performing Ultra Sites and their supply chain partners will receive recognition and a separate awards ceremony held in July. Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “Congratulations to all the 2019 National Site Award winners. Each award winning site should be extremely proud of receiving this prestigious industry accolade, which recognises their invaluable contribution to improving the image of construction. “Special congratulations must go to the highest performing construction sites winning the coveted title of ‘Most Considerate Site 2019’, which represent the very best of the construction industry in how they have raised their standards of considerate construction to the highest levels. “Year-on-year, the Scheme places a higher level of expectation for the 7000 plus construction sites typically registered with the Scheme at any time. We work with sites to push the boundaries of what is achievable and this year’s accomplishments by sites have certainly not disappointed, with over 764 sites receiving National Site Award recognition. “We are always amazed by the increasing levels of performance on site across the country, and we look forward to performance continuing to increase through next year and beyond.” All award winners are available to view on the Construction Map here.
If you have always wanted to open your own restaurant, then you know what it’s like to fantasize over dishes, atmosphere, desserts, and to or to not have a live band performance area. However, it takes a lot to create the perfect restaurant. Many entrepreneurs have tried to become restaurant owners only to find that it’s not as glamorous as originally plotted out in their dreams. To be a successful restaurant creator, you have to have a dream, as well as the knowledge to turn it into a success. It’s not just about restaurant design either. These are a few tips that experienced restaurant entrepreneurs have shared. Learn the Three Pillars of Restaurant Businesses If you are overwhelmed by the idea of opening a restaurant, there are three things to focus on as you step forward into this journey. Your restaurant concept Your chef Your location Without knowing these three things, you will have a much harder and slower time creating the dream restaurant. These are the core ingredients to any successful restaurant, and they have to be well-planned. In addition, what goals define your success? Is it that you become a popular neighborhood spot? Do you want to be well-known in a specific genre? Do you simply want to make a lot of money and have good times? Open a Restaurant within a Fantastic Niche Nobody wants to go to the same restaurant all the time. That’s why there are local restaurants that have something different about them to draw in people and get the good reviews week-after-week. As you look around your area of the world, what restaurants, cuisine, service, and conveniences do you find that you like when you dine out? How could these help your business? One thing that many restaurant owners don’t look at is the technology behind a restaurant’s success. For example, new point of sale systems with mobile ordering or tabletop checkouts can really change the flow and atmosphere of your restaurant. Do you want a restaurant that can quickly take orders and provide detailed sales reports? Then you want to go with a POS system developed in the past two years. There are too many smart features with new point of sale systems to ignore. What About a Franchise Opportunity? Is there a particular restaurant out there that already matches what you want to do? Perhaps you could be a franchise owner, which is an easy way to get into the business and enjoy ownership as most of the work is already done for you. In addition, if you pick the right franchise, you will already have brand recognition and customer loyalty on your side. However, joining a franchise isn’t cheap, and you’ll need to prove that you can be a successful restaurant owner by showing financial stability and wealth of personal assets. Set Up Your Business Plan Whether you decide to open your dream restaurant or you want to get into a franchise, you should write out a business plan that will give you a roadmap to success. Here are some things to think about as you develop your plan: What’s your restaurant concept? What kind of restaurant do you want to own? Who is the audience coming to your restaurant? How do you service them? Who are the competitors of your restaurant? What is the ideal location for your restaurant? What is the unique value proposition of your restaurant, or more simply, what makes your restaurant different to customers? What kind of value do they get out of your restaurant? How will customers find your restaurant? Finally, what kind of resources will you need to start and keep your restaurant going? What kind of sales will you need to cover overhead as well as make a profit? Once you write out your business plan, you can share it with potential partners, chefs, or investors if you are looking for help to begin your dream.
