FIS is proud to announce that we have secured £14K funding for the delivery of the new Interior Systems Trailblazer Apprenticeship in collaboration with a host of industry partners. This flagship project has been a culmination of three years of work resulting in the development of a Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Agreement follows completion and sale of Unit 1, a 45,500 sq ft design and build development to Heartbeat U.K handed over in August. A joint venture between brownfield regeneration specialist St Francis Group and the Richardson family has today announced that it has secured a second occupier at Velocity 42,
The 2019 UK Construction Week is turning its attention to more innovative forms of building work. Since the UK is facing the biggest decrease in new work since 2009, more building companies are starting to embrace emerging technologies, especially since digital construction innovations are on the cusp of taking off across the world. This
For the vast majority of us, the dining room is the heart of the home and where a large amount of our time is spent. It is a place where we enjoy meals, host dinner parties and socialise with our friends over a bottle of wine (or several). We therefore
ISG has created a new managing director role for Europe as it looks to meet demand across the continent. Industry professional Aydin Karaduman has been named as the company’s new leader for Europe. Aydin, a former CEO of DIC Asset AG and Bilfinger Real Estate, will take direct responsibility for
Liverpool’s major waterfront regeneration scheme, Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, has taken a major leap forward. Planning permission has been secured to build a new Cruise Terminal Hotel at Princes Dock as part of the project. “We are very pleased to have received planning permission for the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal
Being a responsible homeowner is not just about maintaining your home in a good condition on a daily basis. It’s also important to keep an eye on your property’s value, and ensure that you do everything in your power to increase it at every opportunity. There is a lot that
FIS is proud to announce that we have secured £14K funding for the delivery of the new Interior Systems Trailblazer Apprenticeship in collaboration with a host of industry partners. This flagship project has been a culmination of three years of work resulting in the development of a Level 2 Apprenticeship. The Interior Systems occupations are both skilled and very diverse in their needs and hence it was very important to develop a model that is fit for purpose and simple for sector delivery. The end result is a Level 2 Apprenticeship that provides a core and two pathway options across a minimum of 18-month delivery. The working group, chaired by Helen Tapper from Tapper Interiors and vice president of FIS, comprised a broad group of representatives from the whole sector, including manufacturers, sub-contractors, colleges and training providers to ensure all stakeholder perspectives were covered. FIS co-ordinated the development with the Institute for Apprenticeships &Technical Education (IfATE). Helen Tapper, vice president of FIS said “this is the first time that a ‘Trailblazer’ Apprenticeship has been developed for our sector, following on from FIS becoming a consensus federation. This gives our sector the status and recognition that it so rightly deserves. It was an honour to chair a group who worked methodically and thoroughly to produce a standard, that is fit for the future of our sector. I am grateful to all group members who so readily gave their time to produce both the standard and the end point assessment” The working group agreed that a core and pathway options approach was the only way to provide the sector with the right skilled outcomes for each individual entering the industry. The core incorporates the standard skills and knowledge required of any interior systems installer and requires an end point assessment separate to a final one for their chosen specialist area. The options are -: – Drylining – methods to install different drylining systems that form the walls and rooms within a building, often used to hide wires and pipes whilst improving acoustics and create space for insulation. – Ceiling and partitions – incorporates different ceiling and partition systems within a building. used to provide different types of working environments, taking account of lighting and other fixtures. Training providers and FE colleges are now being invited to apply to deliver the standard in readiness for the new academic year. FIS have already got interest from employers in all regions interested in taking on new apprentices identified through the forward planning of FIS Skills Clinics we’ve run with our members. FIS have developed an excellent network of college and training provision that underpins all the training developed for the sector and are always keen to add more to this. Hopefully, now this standard is available for delivery and we can widen the network to enable more employers to access and encourage new entrants into the industry. Iain McIlwee, CEO at FIS said “this new standard will help raise awareness of the fantastic career opportunities and attract the 1500 new entrants needed in the finishes and interiors sector”
Agreement follows completion and sale of Unit 1, a 45,500 sq ft design and build development to Heartbeat U.K handed over in August. A joint venture between brownfield regeneration specialist St Francis Group and the Richardson family has today announced that it has secured a second occupier at Velocity 42, a brand-new warehouse and distribution centre development in Redditch. Unit 5 extending to 93,720 sq ft and the largest unit on the park has been let to Avon Freight Group on a new 15-year lease and comes only weeks after building works were completed on the new five-unit scheme which extends to 330,000 sq ft in total. Unit 1 at 45,500 sq ft has already been sold and is now occupied by Heartbeat UK, a design and manufacturing company. Avon Freight Group a freight/logistics operator already based in Redditch is expecting to move in with immediate effect. The signing of the lease comes at a time of rapid business expansion and new client contracts for the company creating a requirement for additional storage capacity. The facility will be used to handle food products and can store 15,000 pallets. Velocity 42 is part of a 1.1M sq ft development portfolio completed by St Francis within the last 14 months. Commenting on the lease, Gareth Williams at St Francis Group said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of a second occupier so soon after completion of the scheme. This further underpins the decision to develop these units speculatively. The three remaining units are attracting the interest of occupiers with requirements along the M42 corridor and I expect a third announcement will follow soon.” Also commenting Simon Poole, Managing Director at Avon Freight Group said: “This will allow us to not only continue in partnership with our current clients as their needs grow but also to offer a state of the art, new build storage facility for new clients.” Velocity 42 is located at the Park Farm industrial area, Redditch. The three remaining units range from 55,000 sq ft to 85,000 sq ft. Located in a key distribution area in the heart of an excellent logistics network that allows for easy access to locations across the UK, Velocity 42 is the perfect opportunity for any organisation looking to expand or consolidate its operations. Savills and JLL acted for St Francis Group and the Richardson family. Avon Freight Group were advised by local agents John Truslove. For further information visit: www.velocity-42.co.uk
The 2019 UK Construction Week is turning its attention to more innovative forms of building work. Since the UK is facing the biggest decrease in new work since 2009, more building companies are starting to embrace emerging technologies, especially since digital construction innovations are on the cusp of taking off across the world. This year’s Construction Week, held in the NEC in Birmingham, will dedicate more time than ever to this niche within the building industry. Builders will utilise digital construction to create a new slim-design concept hotel, planned to be located opposite Birmingham’s Grand Central Station, which aims to inspire building planners and nudge them towards the implementation of digital construction in more UK construction projects. A Call for Investment in Modern Equipment It is no secret that construction work within the UK lacks the vigour of a few years ago. With the continuing uncertainty of the UK’s departure from the European Union and a fear of investment from both the government and private companies, construction projects seem to have slowed or come to a halt entirely. In particular, there seems to be a lack of excitement when it comes to new building projects. This is why there are calls to focus on modernisation at UK Construction Week in a bid to inspire more foreign investors to take part in influencing the market. New technologies and digital services are a great way to boost investment in building work. For instance, startup construction companies can use a skylift rental service to build tall structures even with limited funds, while 3D printing is offering an increasingly cheap method of architectural design. These innovative products and services are exactly what’s needed to stimulate innovation in Britain’s construction industry and to draw investors to new projects. What is Digital Construction? Digital tools are far more efficient and cost-effective when it comes to construction. Digital construction is simply the application of such tools in the building process. This could include the use of online platforms that reduce the need for travel and improve communication, thereby lowering costs and speeding up the completion of a building project. Beyond this, it may go as far as using artificial intelligence to design buildings and using robots to build them. Automating as much of the process as possible cuts down on mistakes while lowering costs and speeding up construction rates. Naturally, this will lead to crucial debates about the job security of employees in the construction industry. The rate of building work in the UK is lacking, with a general sense of uncertainty negatively impacting on investment. New technology can help to lower the costs of construction and improve results. At the same time, digitisation will inject some excitement into the industry and help Britain to be a leader when it comes to modern building techniques. While UK Construction Week will focus on the digitisation of building design, the industry will need to balance this with the needs of construction workers.
For the vast majority of us, the dining room is the heart of the home and where a large amount of our time is spent. It is a place where we enjoy meals, host dinner parties and socialise with our friends over a bottle of wine (or several). We therefore want the space the look as elegant as possible. Styling our dining space does not necessarily require full-blown makeovers, mammoth budgets, or hiring specialist designers. Instead, choosing the right dining room furniture, colours and materials can help in transforming the room into something you are proud of. Bifold doors UK, a company specialising in sliding and bifold doors, windows and conservatories, explains how you can create your ideal dining room. Interior styles Firstly, decide on the style you want to create, as it will give you an idea of the type of furniture to acquire. Here are a few popular dining room themes that many homeowners opt for: Traditional Traditional dining rooms are generally used for celebratory meals, special dinners and fine dining. This particular theme consists of wooden furniture, like matching dining tables and chairs, sideboards and china cabinets. Including a striking chandelier or antique wall sconces acts as lovely accents and can tie the whole room together. Modern For a more casual, sleek and exciting setting, go for a contemporary-style dining room. A dining table made of glass, quirky pendant lights and fascinating sculptural elements may all be incorporated into a modern dining room. The combination of bright, vibrant colours, which contrast with purist tones, are found in the majority of modern homeware. Country If the rustic look appeals to you most, opt for a country-style dining room. This interior style is comprised of aged, bleached or painted woods, which have neutral or pastel colour palettes. Additionally, wooden ladder-back chairs, benches and stools are commonly used in this type of room. Dining tables Once you have identified your preferred style, your next step is to start purchasing furniture. Dining tables are, of course, the centrepiece of any dining room, so it is important to choose one which blends well with its surroundings. The average number of guests you tend to cater for and the amount of space you have to work with will determine the table shape that is most suitable. Dining tables come in several forms, such as oval, square and rectangular. They are also available in a variety of materials. Here, we outline the several different materials homeowners may choose from when purchasing a dining table: Wooden Wood is one of the most popular materials homeowners use for their dining table as it is durable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing. The table can be minimalistic or decorative, with different finishes, grains and carvings. Glass Dining tables made of glass offer a sleek and modern touch. If you have a small house, glass is a perfect choice, as it makes the room appear more spacious. It is recommended to select tempered glass, in order to provide greater robustness and prevent accidents. Marble Marble is another material that is incredibly popular in modern settings. In most cases, the marble tabletop is paired with a wooden or metal base. It is possible to find full marble tables, but these tend to be rather pricey, and due to the nature of this material, it is important to make sure your flooring can handle the weight. Dining chairs The two most common types of dining room chairs are carver chairs (with arms) and standard chairs (without arms). It is never pleasant to sit on uncomfortable chairs, so it is best to choose designs that have sufficient padding. As well as maximising your comfort, you should choose a fabric that’s durable and long-lasting. You should conduct a Martindale rub test, which quantifies the abrasion resistance of the material and ensures that your chairs will age well. Alternatively, choose a wooden ladder-back chair, shaker-style chair, or bench if you are leaning towards more of a rustic style or informal look. To maintain the shape and enhance the user’s comfort when sitting on the chair, place removable pads on the seating area. When combined, all of these elements should allow you to create a stylish and comfortable dining room, with each piece of furniture complimenting your overall theme.
ISG has created a new managing director role for Europe as it looks to meet demand across the continent. Industry professional Aydin Karaduman has been named as the company’s new leader for Europe. Aydin, a former CEO of DIC Asset AG and Bilfinger Real Estate, will take direct responsibility for ISG’s businesses in Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg and Switzerland. This appointment further strengthens ISG’s global leadership team and demonstrates the contractor’s ambitions to grow its European business across its core office, retail and datacentre sectors. Aydin Karaduman commented: “Watching developments at the ISG business since privatisation in 2016, it’s been clear to me that this is a radical and transformative organisation that has global appeal and a leadership team that supports and nurtures innovation. ISG has big ideas and significantly invests in its people to positively affect that structural change that our industry needs to deliver better for customers. “It’s this ambition and commitment that permeates throughout the global business that first attracted me to join ISG, and I see major opportunities for our European operations as we move forward into what will undoubtedly be a highly dynamic built environment market over the short to medium term.” Matt Blowers, chief operating officer for Fit Out, added: “Attracting leaders of Aydin’s calibre is a real testament to the overall market perception and future growth prospects of the ISG business across Europe. We are breaking new ground in how we operate across the continent, introducing new procurement approaches, technology and enhanced transparency – with a different way of doing business, based on trust, relationships and collaboration. “Based out of our Frankfurt office, Aydin will spearhead our European operations, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role, supporting both our growing global and domestic customer base to create spaces that help businesses and individuals thrive. He has an exceptionally talented team across Europe, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Aydin as he builds upon our international reputation for excellence.”
Liverpool’s major waterfront regeneration scheme, Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, has taken a major leap forward. Planning permission has been secured to build a new Cruise Terminal Hotel at Princes Dock as part of the project. “We are very pleased to have received planning permission for the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal Hotel, a development that will play a significant role in the growth of the city’s already booming tourism industry. Months of work have gone into the planning for the project in terms of its delivery and the added value it will create for local people and we look forward to bringing these plans to fruition in the coming months and years,” said Dave Saville, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction North West. Wates Construction will deliver the scheme for Liverpool City Centre, which will see a four-star hotel built with 200 units. It will also include facilities such as a lobby bar, cafe, restaurant, business suite and back of house facilities as well as visitor and coach parking and a taxi pick-up and drop-off point. Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans for the development at a meeting today, 08 October. Construction of the new hotel is expected to commence in early 2020 and will see Wates fulfil a commitment to provide extensive training and employment opportunities for local people as well as boosting the city’s economy through the appointment of local supply chain partners. “Liverpool should be the premier cruise destination on the west coast of the UK and our new terminal will underpin that ambition and make it a reality. This hotel is critical to the plan to create a world-class experience for the cruise companies and their passengers. The city is working with some of the very best in the construction industry to deliver the facilities and I’m delighted they’ve got the green light to start this hugely important scheme,” added Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson. Peel L&P’s £5 billion Liverpool Waters scheme is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, which will create five distinct neighbourhoods and breathe life back into the city’s northern docks.
Being a responsible homeowner is not just about maintaining your home in a good condition on a daily basis. It’s also important to keep an eye on your property’s value, and ensure that you do everything in your power to increase it at every opportunity. There is a lot that can be done in this regard, and many people tend to underestimate the importance of approaching this properly. But the truth is, this is actually one of the most crucial aspects of being a homeowner. Even if you don’t plan on selling your house in the future, you should still think about what you’re leaving behind for your children. Go Green Green living is a hot topic nowadays, and it will likely keep growing in popularity in the coming years too. More and more attention is being paid to the impact we’re having on the environment, and many people have started to realize that they have a lot of power in their hands to address that. Improving your home to make it greener is one of the best things you could do to boost its value in the long run. It will cost a bit of money initially, sure – but after some time, it will more or less pay for itself with all the savings you’ll be able to realize on power, heating, and more. Go Smart Smart homes are another popular trend among homeowners, although it’s still a growing one and you might not find much coverage for it on your local market, depending on where you live. A smart home can significantly simplify some parts of your daily life, and it can be a refreshing change from having to do everything on your own. The feeling of coming home from a party to a home that’s already lit, warmed up, and waiting for you, is definitely something else. And it has a great opportunity for synergy with green living, because you can use smart devices to optimize various aspects of your daily life. Redo Your Yard Last but not least, something which many people tend to neglect is to pay attention to their yards. Getting in touch with a good contractor like KG Landscaping is often all you need to bring your yard to a much better state, and it won’t cost you as much as you might guess. It will take a while, but in the end, you’ll have a completely revitalized exterior and you’ll be the talk of your neighborhood for a while. There are many opportunities for improving your lifestyle with the help of a high-end yard as well, and throwing parties is just one example. Pay attention to the property value of your home, because it will be one of the most important factors in its long-term maintenance. If you play your cards right, you will be able to sell it off at a much better price later on, allowing you to move into an even more impressive place. And even if you don’t, your kids will surely appreciate having a nice home for themselves.
