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March 2, 2020

£100m Tech Campus Reaches Milestone

£100m Tech Campus Reaches Milestone

A £100 million technology and R&D business park in South Cambridge has taken a step closer to completion. The first phase of the new Unity Campus in Sawston has been completed, which included the construction of the campus’ largest Grade A business, research and development building, The Works. Housed in

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Kubota Unveils Electric Prototype

Kubota Unveils Electric Prototype

Kubota, a leading manufacturer of machinery, has unveiled an electric prototype for the construction sector. The mini excavator model will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and are currently displayed at a new product exhibition held in Kyoto City. In response to the move towards banning the use of diesel engines

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How to Still Relax at Home When You Work from Home

Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to

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Same day loans – what should you know about them

There are times when a same day loan is the only solution to face a problem. Same day loans are a viable option in certain circumstances. Online lenders, banks, and even credit unions offer same day loans. Other same-day solutions also exist but it’s not worth to apply for one

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

March 2, 2020

ENGIE awarded 10-year maintenance and repairs contract with Tamworth Borough Council

Leading energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE has been appointed to provide a £67million repairs and maintenance service on behalf of Tamworth Borough Council. As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to provide high standards of affordable housing for local residents, the contract – which begins on 1st April 2020 – will see ENGIE provide responsive repairs, adaptations and estate management services to more than 4,200 homes across the borough over a ten-year period. In addition, ENGIE will also provide gas maintenance work, day-to-day and out of hours emergency repairs and the servicing of void properties. Martin Smithurst, Divisional Chief Operating Officer at ENGIE, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working once again with Tamworth Council – a partner that so closely shares our core values. “ENGIE has a proven track record of providing an excellent repairs and maintenance service, as well as helping our partners across the UK address their housing, social value and climate emergency-related priorities, and we’re looking forward to demonstrating that in Tamworth.“ Cllr Michelle Cook, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Communities, said: “ENGIE was selected after a robust, two-stage procurement process which included external legal and consultative support, interviews involving tenants and detailed assessments of all elements of the bids submitted. “All submissions were of a high standard and the winning contractors demonstrated an understanding of our needs and instilled confidence in their ability to deliver the service.”  As part of the contract, ENGIE has commited to a number of social value measures which will benefit the wider community. These include training opportunities and the creation of apprenticeships for local people, as well as improvements to council-owned facilities such as play areas and community buildings.

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£100m Tech Campus Reaches Milestone

£100m Tech Campus Reaches Milestone

A £100 million technology and R&D business park in South Cambridge has taken a step closer to completion. The first phase of the new Unity Campus in Sawston has been completed, which included the construction of the campus’ largest Grade A business, research and development building, The Works. Housed in a pre-cast concrete frame and designed by world-leading architects, NBBJ, The Works will offer 63,000 square feet of innovative, multi-occupancy offices, R&D and lab facilities. The two-storey accommodation is constructed around a large, double height atrium housing shared breakout, amenity and informal meeting space. It is set in the heart of the South Cambridge Cluster on the former Sawston Trade Park site on London Road. Across the campus, parking space for 670 bikes and 703 vehicles, including disabled spaces, will be provided, alongside a new access road from A1301 and upgraded footpaths and cycle ways linking the estate with Whittlesford Parkway station. When complete, Unity Campus will boost Cambridge’s thriving business sector with 260,000 square foot of high quality, contemporary space to foster collaborative relationships and enable co-innovation. Morgan Sindall Construction is on site to deliver Unity Park on behalf of Howard Group. Bob Ensch, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Unity Campus will provide a stunning location with unique and inspiring facilities that will enable businesses within the South Cambridge Cluster to foster world-leading collaboration and innovation. “We have enjoyed working closely with Howard Group to ensure the successful delivery of such an important part of the Unity Campus.” William Jewson, Director – Development at Howard Group, commented: “We have enjoyed working with Morgan Sindall Construction to help us kick off our masterplan for Unity Campus. Our goal is to create a business park which meets the needs of a new generation of employers and employees, with striking architecture, grade A infrastructure, a pedestrian and cycle friendly circulation space and excellent amenities both internally and externally. The completion of construction at The Works is a crucial milestone in realising that goal.”

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Kubota Unveils Electric Prototype

Kubota Unveils Electric Prototype

Kubota, a leading manufacturer of machinery, has unveiled an electric prototype for the construction sector. The mini excavator model will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and are currently displayed at a new product exhibition held in Kyoto City. In response to the move towards banning the use of diesel engines in Europe and the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), Kubota has engaged in the R&D of electric powered equipment. Kubota has also ensured that the prototype models will align with the needs of the industry both now and in the future.  The electric mini excavator prototype will operate using the equivalent output of existing diesel engines. It is also been developed specifically to operate uninterrupted for longer on a single charge, to maximise efficiency and increase output. And finally, the engine of the new prototype will meet emission limits and has extremely low noise output. This will make the new machine suitable for construction work in urban environments.  Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager, Kubota UK, said: “At Kubota, we pride ourselves on our ability to develop machines that meet the needs of our customers. The unveiling of the prototype in Kyoto City is testament to this. Kubota is focused on overcoming the challenges that come with the use of electric machines, such as the issue around the amount of charging infrastructure available and limited battery capacity. In 2020 and beyond, we will work to ensure we have created a machine which is both more sustainable and built for the future.” Kubota Corporation has been a leading manufacturer of agricultural, turf, hay and construction equipment and Industrial Engines since 1890. With world Headquarters in Osaka Japan, and offices in more than 110 countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia, Kubota achieved revenues in 2018 of $ 17 Billion. Although, agricultural equipment is Kubota’s primary line of products, Kubota also produces a diverse portfolio of other products including city wide water filtration systems, irrigation, piping, roofing, housing and large underground valves. 

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How to Still Relax at Home When You Work from Home

Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to a remote position. Over time, all of those perks can start to fade out when you realize that it is almost impossible to shut off thoughts of work when you don’t have an actual schedule. It is possible to finally feel relaxed at home again when you make an effort to separate work from family life. Synch Your Work Schedule With Your Family’s You might be tempted to stay up late at night to churn out as much work as possible before the weekend hits. Or, you might make weekends your prime working time. This may seem to make sense if you partner is available to help watch the kids during those hours, but it can quickly lead to burn out. Try finding time to work when everyone else is busy at their job or school so that you can also have the same hours to enjoy family time as everyone else. Know When to Stop Without a time clock in the office, you might have trouble knowing when to shut down for the day. Create a mandatory stopping point, and set an alarm so that you are reminded to stick to it. While you are at it, make sure to set a regular break time for lunch. You’ll feel much better when you create a routine that nourishes your body. Make Your Bedroom a No-Work Zone Promise yourself right now that you will not let work interfere with your bedroom being a relaxing oasis. When you sink down onto your mattress at the end of the day, you’ll appreciate the fact that it does not make you think about work. Make sure you find a mattress that caters to your specific sleep needs, so you get the best night’s rest possible. This way you’re ready to get started first thing in the morning. If necessary, set up a workstation in the living room or a home office that forces you to manage your duties far away from where you sleep. Many people who work from home for an extended period of time end up building a small office that is an exterior building in the back yard so they disconnect from house duties during their work hours. Establish a Screen-Free Evening Hour The hour or two before bedtime should be filled with relaxing activities that help you unwind and reconnect with your family. Plan a family game night a few times a week, or consider doing a fun hobby that helps you zone out. Shutting off the electronics reminds you that work time is over for the day. Eliminate Reminders of Work You might still feel tempted to go handle emails if you see your laptop sitting open. Find a way to screen off your workspace so that you don’t have to look at the stack of things that need to be done. Ideally, you should have a home office area where you can shut the door. If not, then consider using a pretty dressing screen or curtain to hide the area from view. Your career helps to support you and your family, but things can quickly get out of control if you don’t make relaxation a priority. Taking time out to catch a breath and do enjoyable things with your family makes those long working hours feel worth it.

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Same day loans – what should you know about them

There are times when a same day loan is the only solution to face a problem. Same day loans are a viable option in certain circumstances. Online lenders, banks, and even credit unions offer same day loans. Other same-day solutions also exist but it’s not worth to apply for one because they don’t have the same benefits. Before applying for a financing solution, you need to check its terms and conditions because many generate predatory costs and come with great risks. And don’t even consider the option of taking your engagement ring to a pawn shop because it’s an expensive solution and you’ll disappoint your partner for not valuing their gift. Some online lenders offer same-day approval and funding, but most of them need 2 working days to check your financial history and decide if you’re eligible for a loan. So, when you need money fast look for exceptions, for places that not only advertise same-day services, but also stay true to their words. The Internet is the best place to find an online lender that provides same-day cash. Your search engine suggests a list of lenders and offers reviews and rates for each of them to help you find a reliable one. Where can you get a same day loan? Personal loan providers – working with personal loan providers is the best solution because they usually have reasonable APRs and don’t ask collateral to secure financing. To get same-day cash apply with an online organisation because they have the best same day loans. Internet-based entities created their services to help people overcome their daily struggles and function similarly to other online providers that offer same-day services. Only that this time you don’t pay to get a pair of shoes the same day, you get money in your account by the end of the day.           Some offline personal loan providers also offer quick financing solutions (around 2 working days approval and funding), but when you need money fast to solve an emergency, online lenders are the best pick. Pawn shops – pawn shops are a traditional solution for people who don’t have access to the Internet and need money fast. A pawn shop temporarily purchases one of your valuable items for part of their value (from 20% to 60%). You leave the store with cash after you give them your belongings, but the repaid sum includes interest that can vary from 2% to more. If you don’t reclaim the item in a determined period, the pawn sells it to get their money back. Auto title lenders – they offer same day cash if you use your car documents to grant it as collateral. Most of them offer from 35% to 50% of the vehicle’s value for no more than a month. But if you fail to pay the money back, they take your car. However, some auto title lenders allow you to roll over a loan into a new month if you pay additional fees. Don’t forget that this solution is more expensive than a personal loan because it can cost you up to 25% of the sum you borrow.

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