Leading safety and building compliance authority, Bureau Veritas, has pledged its full support to the government’s recent introduction of a new 11m threshold for sprinklers – asserting it marks a vital step forward in the journey towards enhanced fire safety regulation. On 26 May 2020 the UK government released the
STRUCTURAL steel firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) and design and build specialists Civils Contracting Ltd (Civils) have started work on another major new business aircraft service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport. The REIDsteel and Civils partnership has been successfully delivering aircraft hangars for over 20 years. The
New range of wearable tech, thermal screening and state-of-the-art UVC disinfection can be used in a variety of workplaces to help detect and prevent the spread of Coronavirus A first-of-its-kind suite of smart tech solutions has been launched to help businesses in the construction industry protect their workforce in the
The employee-owned business has an extensive offering of tapes and have in more recent times put a focus on their paper tape offering to support businesses looking for a more environmental option. The most recent addition to their range is their printed ‘FRAGILE’ paper tape. An environmental alternative to polypropylene
Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson,
Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the launch of the KX042-4α excavator, an update to the existing KX042-4 model. The machine has been designed to be more sustainable and is now the most environmentally friendly excavator in its class. The launch of the updated excavator comes at
The first new Doosan DX350LC-7 36 tonne crawler excavator in Italy has helped to secure the bed of the But creek, a tributary of the Tagliamento river in the province of Udine in Northern Italy. Part of a fleet of Doosan equipment, including two further crawler excavators, two articulated dump
When it came to specifying new plant equipment to deliver a bridge replacement project in Cumbria, Waitings Ltd knew that only the best would do. The company invested in two new models from Yanmar, a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper, and has been delighted with their performance ever
A new series of free interactive webinars is launched this month by 2N – global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems. 2N On Air aims to help owners of residential and commercial property, architects, designers, security firms and building managers to identify and apply touchless technology which protects buildings
Sustainability champion and green hero, The Used Kitchen Company, is offering homeowners, who have become a little less certain about their kitchen renovation vision and budget, some food for thought that could beat any blues that have set in during lockdown. The UK was expecting to see a 6-7% growth
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Leading safety and building compliance authority, Bureau Veritas, has pledged its full support to the government’s recent introduction of a new 11m threshold for sprinklers – asserting it marks a vital step forward in the journey towards enhanced fire safety regulation. On 26 May 2020 the UK government released the inaugural phase of its Fire Safety Approved Document Work Plan; the important implementation plan based on Hackitt report recommendations designed to create a new regulatory framework for building safety. As part of this, the government announced updates to the Building Regulation in Approved Document B whereby the current trigger height for sprinklers in new residential flats will be replaced from 30 metres (typically 10 floors) to just 11 metres (typically four floors). This significant reform means that any new flat developments with a floor at the new threshold will be required to be fitted with a sprinkler or alternative fire suppression system. Importantly, the requirement, which comes into effect on 26th November 2020, will only apply to projects lodged before this time and that have not started ahead of the official cut-off date of 29 January 2021. Alongside this, the government also recently announced the new requirement for wayfinding signage in flat developments in stairs and lobbies to assist firefighting operations. Looking ahead, further regulatory reforms are expected to follow later in the year to include the consideration of Evacuation Alert Systems and potentially the introduction of a new 11 metres height requirement for firefighting shafts, as opposed to the current 18 metres. Andy Lowe, technical and training director for Bureau Veritas Building Control, comments: “Following an ongoing consultation period, we are in full support of the government’s decision to considerably lower the threshold height for the provision of sprinklers in new flat complexes, while also including the provision of storey identification signage in staircases to assist wayfinding for firefighters. “While these may seem relatively simple changes, they are incredibly important ones which will go a long way in helping ensure that residents are safer in their homes and that more adequate preventative measures are in place should an incident occur.” In response to the new Approved Document B Fire Safety, Bureau Veritas, a leading global compliance, testing and inspection expert in building compliance, is holding a specialist webinar specifically designed to support the industry in understanding the changes. To be held on 17 June 20 , the free webinar will see the business’ expert Construction Consultancy team cover a range of important fire updates covering the combustible cladding ban, assessments in lieu of testing, new cladding requirements, and more. Andy adds: “Inherently, amid the ongoing transition towards the creation of a much more holistic and robust future fire safety framework, there will be a lot of change for the building industry to get to grips with. As such, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting customers operating in this sector, both existing and new, we have developed a new webinar designed to provide a quick and convenient overview of the latest changes and what they mean for them. We’d urge as many customers as possible to attend what promises to be an incredibly valuable session.” To register your interest in the upcoming ‘Approved Document B: Understanding Fire Safety Changes’ webinar please visit https://bureauveritas.zoom.us/webinar/register/1015907514985/WN_VbUnwR1PTFSE-UkgeGA6vQ. Alternatively, for more information on Bureau Veritas please visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk.
STRUCTURAL steel firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) and design and build specialists Civils Contracting Ltd (Civils) have started work on another major new business aircraft service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport. The REIDsteel and Civils partnership has been successfully delivering aircraft hangars for over 20 years. The state-of-the-art development for Bombardier Aviation will comprise a hangar of nearly 250,000 sq ft, including workshops and office space, plus 650,000 sq ft of apron area, car park and external works. The service centre will be capable of housing up to 14 Global 7500s at any one time, and provides a significant expansion of Bombardier’s service facilities at London Biggin Hill Airport. Dorset-based REIDsteel is providing design, drawing, fabrication and construction services for all steelwork, wall cladding, roof cladding, glazing and hangar doors – for main contractor Civils Contracting Ltd. Civils has already started the site works with extensive clearance, reduced dig and ground engineering works. The first steel reinforced cages are now being installed in readiness for the pouring of the foundations which have to resist the 2000T uplift loads that the 45m cantilever rafter trusses will create. The development is due to complete in 2022. REIDsteel Project Director Richard Hanson said: “From our early beginnings making hangars for the famous French airman Louis Bleriot, REIDsteel has worked with aviation pioneers. “We are proud to support Bombardier and London Biggin Hill on this latest, exciting development with Civils Contracting Ltd. “It highlights our ability to provide more than just the steel frame with design, fabrication and construction of essential parts of the building envelope, including cladding, curtain walling, decking and our own aircraft hangar doors. “Civils has an exceptional reputation and hold values to match our own. We are delighted to be working with them once again.” The new service centre will be REIDsteel’s 11th hangar at the airfield. It will use products sources from its primary/preferred supplier British Steel, including 1600 tonnes of steel and 300,000 sq ft of cladding. Nick Weaver, Civils Project Director, said: “The development of this state-of-the-art service centre marks another phase in the impressive growth of both Bombardier and London Biggin Hill Airport. “They are both icons of aviation, and we are delighted to support their commitment to providing customers with industry leading services. “Together with REIDsteel, we look forward to delivering a high-specification development which will represent a major investment in the region and boost for the economy.” Tonbridge-based Civils, founded in 1997, provides construction services across a wide variety of sectors, including industrial buildings, health and medical centre development, car parks, hangars, stores, commercial units and residential property. REIDsteel specialises in providing entire steel frame and building envelope solutions all under one roof. Thanks to its in-house capabilities and expertise, it is regularly contracted to design, manufacture and supply complete steel structures including the cladding, glazing, louvres and staircases for projects anywhere in the UK, Europe and across the world. Visit www.reidsteel.com for more details.
New range of wearable tech, thermal screening and state-of-the-art UVC disinfection can be used in a variety of workplaces to help detect and prevent the spread of Coronavirus A first-of-its-kind suite of smart tech solutions has been launched to help businesses in the construction industry protect their workforce in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. As a reliable alternative to having to manually manage potential risks in the workplace, Contrac IT is launching a suite of three managed technology solutions to automatically monitor and protect employees and disinfect business premises. A combination of wearable tech, thermal screening cameras and a state-of-the-art automated UVC disinfection system allows for the detection, mitigation and prevention of the spread of Covid-19. To ensure social distancing is maintained, Contrac IT has worked with a number of partners to bring together a range of wearable tech to help keep employees safe. Available as a high vis vest, lanyard or wristband, the technology alerts the wearer when they get too close to another member of the team. Recording how many incidents and the length of time people are in contact can then be useful in determining if any additional training or adjustments to facilities are needed. The high vis vests can also include integrated sensors to monitor the wearer’s vital signs. Building on technology most often seen in acute healthcare settings, Contrac IT has also been granted the UK licensing rights for providing the THOR UVC® terminal cleaning device to wider industry settings. Killing viruses quickly and efficiently, the remotely operated system uses ultraviolet to decontaminate both the air and surfaces in a room, killing 99.9999% of pathogens. Cleverly designed towers allow an entire room to be cleaned in a matter of minutes, and as the system is network-connected, reports can be created to monitor and evaluate activity. Nanoclave cabinets are also available, utilising the same UV technology to allow the cleaning of smaller items such as operational or staff equipment, including electronic items, tools and fabrics. A third piece of technology monitors employees as they enter the workplace with thermal imaging cameras, detecting anyone who may be experiencing a higher than normal temperature, so further investigation can take place. All the devices, which are GDPR compliant, can be monitored 24-hours a day by Contrac IT to enable corrective action as required. Contrac IT works with clients in food production, manufacturing and public service many of whom are big employers facing the new health and safety challenges presented by Coronavirus. Managing Director Mark Harding said: “We’ve launched this suite of products in response to the requests we were getting from our existing clients. Everyone is keen to get business back up and running but it has to be done safely – and quite rightly, people felt a few lines of tape on the floor or the odd empty desk weren’t really enough. Companies were even going so far as to employ social distancing marshalls, but they can’t be everywhere at once. We recognised that to really make workplaces safe the virus had to be tackled from all sides – ensuring those who are infected symptomatically and asymptomatically don’t spread it to others, through detection and properly controlled social distancing, as well as making sure the virus is unable to survive in the environment. Coronavirus is an airborne illness but standard cleaning can only tackle surfaces and is often patchy in its coverage, whereas UV cleaning also destroys any virus particles in the air as well as on surfaces. “The three tech solutions we’ve brought together can be tailored to a specific workplace. They can help safeguard the health and wellbeing of workforces in factories, workshops and offices, and also that of employees and customers in retail, hospitality and healthcare settings. One of the most important aspects of these new tools is the reassurance they give employers, employees and customers that the situation is being monitored closely and managed in a systematic way using some really strong tech solutions. These are worrying times and people need to feel safe if we’re to get businesses back on their feet.” For more information www.contracfm.com/covid-response or email info@contracfm.com
The employee-owned business has an extensive offering of tapes and have in more recent times put a focus on their paper tape offering to support businesses looking for a more environmental option. The most recent addition to their range is their printed ‘FRAGILE’ paper tape. An environmental alternative to polypropylene and PVC tape, the clear stand out message offers the exact same message as their existing range, however, on paper kraft, making it a more economical solution. Its solvent adhesive is long-lasting and durable and requires minimal pressure when applied. Suited to a wide range of applications it can be torn by hand and the clear message in red ensures the handler is aware of any packages that need to be handled with caution. For more information on Kite Packaging and their range of products and services, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson, Caddick Construction’s Managing Director, said: “With a business focus that embraces the beds and sheds market, being appointed onto the ICN framework is another string to our bow. We will continue to use our extensive experience in civil engineering, infrastructure, design and build and construction project delivery, working closely with the Great Places Housing Group and their partners, to deliver high quality social housing, regenerate local communities and deliver social value across the north of England.” Caddick Construction was one of 30 contractors appointed out of the 726 bids from 183 framework applicants. They were selected based on their technical competence, price and their commitment to social value through pledges such as apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. Helen Spencer, Great Places’ Director of Development, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caddick Construction on our new ICN framework. We are confident they will be able to work with us and the clients of ICN in delivering the sector’s extensive development ambitions in the North. “The new framework will ensure we and our peer organisations have tried and tested partners to help us to deliver our extensive development programmes and to help our collective ambitions to tackle the housing crisis.”
Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the launch of the KX042-4α excavator, an update to the existing KX042-4 model. The machine has been designed to be more sustainable and is now the most environmentally friendly excavator in its class. The launch of the updated excavator comes at a time when the construction sector is under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, with statistics showing that approximately 39% of the world’s carbon emissions are a result of building and construction. The machine comes fully Stage-V compliant and incorporates an updated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which incorporates both the Particulate Filter and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and now enables increased intervals between regeneration and longer service life. The improved DPF system also ensures clean exhaust emissions and reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals for both the regeneration filter and ash cleaner. Using an auto idling system, the KX042-4α helps the users save fuel. When the control levers are in neutral for more than 4 seconds, the engine RPM automatically idles. When any control lever is moved, the engine RPM immediately returns. This innovative feature reduces noise and exhaust emissions while reducing operating costs, making the updated machine an ideal choice for jobs in built-up urban environments. The KX042-4α also has the power and versatility to handle the toughest jobs with ease and efficiency, thanks to digging and lifting performance, AUX oil flow with proportional flow control, auto-shift and float position – making ground-finishing work fast and easy. Other enhancements include a deluxe suspension seat, designed and engineered to fit better and keep users working for longer comfortably and reducing strain. It also comes with a spacious cab and wide entrance, developed again to optimise operator comfort and give generous legroom to minimise fatigue. Those using the excavator are also able to leave the machine with ease. Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said: “Our focus at Kubota is to help our customers overcome many of the barriers they face in today’s complicated industry. The KX042-4α will do just this, with a powerful and reliable engine and the versatility you need for every job on the worksite. What’s more, the Stage-V compliant engine and improved DPF will reduce emissions and increase the overall sustainability of the machine, which is a key priority across the industry.”
The first new Doosan DX350LC-7 36 tonne crawler excavator in Italy has helped to secure the bed of the But creek, a tributary of the Tagliamento river in the province of Udine in Northern Italy. Part of a fleet of Doosan equipment, including two further crawler excavators, two articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and a wheel loader, the DX350LC-7 is involved in cleaning and safety operations along 4 km of the riverbed, to repair damage caused by the catastrophic Vaia Storm at the end of 2018. The new DX350LC-7 has been purchased by Mingotti T. Srl, based in Tavagnacco in Udine and supplied by DMO Spa, the Authorised Dealer for Doosan and Bobcat for the regions of Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lombardy as well as Milan, Cremona, Mantua, Lodi, Pavia, Varese, Monza and Brianza. Based on years of working closely together, Mingotti T. Srl chose DMO for the sale and rental of the machines necessary for the work on the bed of the But creek and was contracted to do this work by the authorities in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The scope of the operations extended from the confluence of the But creek with the Tagliamento in Cercivento (in the municipalities of Sutrio, Paluzza and Cercivento), involving repair of the damage caused by floods during the Vaia storm, rebuilding bank defences and the reprofiling of the bed of the creek. The new Doosan DX350LC-7 crawler excavator has proved to be the ideal choice for moving 200,000 m3 of material from the bed and laying over 5000 tonne of boulders for the construction and repair of the embankments. “The DX350LC-7 represents our latest purchase,” says Francesco Mingotti, Technical Director of Mingotti T. Srl, “Over the years we have appreciated Doosan’s attention to fuel consumption, which on the new Doosan engine-powered DX350LC-7 is only 19 l/h, which is better than other machines on the market, and is combined with excellent productivity. “By our calculations, this equates to moving about 250 m3 more material per day and savings of about 38 l per day of fuel compared to other machines.” DX350LC-7 Robustness, Productivity and Environmental Protection The DX350LC-7 features Doosan’s innovative D-ECOPOWER technology, that improves productivity, offers more regular control of the machine and reduces fuel consumption. The D-ECOPOWER system uses nine sensors to detect the amount of hydraulic oil necessary to accomplish a specific task and precisely meter the amount of oil required rather than continuously forcing a fixed amount of oil through the system, thereby improving efficiency. To meet Stage V engine emission regulations, the new DX350LC-7 excavator is powered by the latest generation Doosan DL08V diesel engine, providing 209 kW of power at 1800 RPM. The DL08V engine offers a new solution to exceed Stage V regulations without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), that boosts the quantity of air available during combustion, increasing the temperature of the process and greatly reducing the amount of particulates produced. This is combined with super-efficient DOC/DPF+SCR after-treatment technology to ensure minimal emissions. Already excelling in spaciousness and ergonomics, the new cab in the DX350LC-7 model takes operator comfort and ease of operation to unheralded levels. As well as a new high quality seat, the enhanced cab offers more features as standard than other machines on the market, ensuring super controllability and high precision in all applications. Mingotti T. Srl and DMO Spa Mingotti T. Srl has been active in the construction sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia for three generations, with over 50 years of experience in earthmoving and infrastructure projects, including river work construction contracts. “We have been relying on DMO for many years, both for the purchase of machinery and for rental,” says Francesco Mingotti. “There are several Doosan machines in our fleet, including the brand new DX350LC-7 excavator, all regularly maintained by the authorized DMO workshop. Year after year our faith in the Doosan brand has increased and in DMO itself, which has always proved to be a reliable dealer. The efficiency of the technical assistance is particularly appreciated, which for us is an important added value.” DMO Spa was born from the years of passionate commitment and experience of the founder, Gabriele Silvagni, in the earthmoving sector. DMO also works with the Bobcat brand and believes in the potential of an expanding group like Doosan, which today offers a range of excavators from 1 to 800 tonne, in addition to a complete line of wheel loaders that meet the needs of the market and ADTs that are the result of 40 years of experience. In addition to the sale and rental of equipment, DMO offers a full spare parts service and all-round assistance. “I am proud to work for DMO Spa, a dealer which has been part of the history of earthmoving in Italy,” says Giulio Venturini, Sales Manager for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. “Thanks to a complete product portfolio, DMO is able to satisfy any customer need both in terms of sales and rental, with a rental fleet involving investments of more than 18 million Euros. “It has been a great satisfaction for me to be able to sell the first DX350LC-7 in Italy to a loyal customer such as Mingotti T. Srl, who made the choice through its awareness of the quality and robustness of Doosan products. With the new -7 series, Doosan machines have truly achieved an excellent degree of reliability, hydraulic precision and comfort. The DX350LC-7 excavator has fully met expectations, pointing the way for future sales throughout Italy.”
When it came to specifying new plant equipment to deliver a bridge replacement project in Cumbria, Waitings Ltd knew that only the best would do. The company invested in two new models from Yanmar, a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper, and has been delighted with their performance ever since! Exceeded expectations, delivering results A family-run engineering contracting business with more than 50 years’ experience, Waiting Ltd specialises in providing unrivalled solutions for companies operating across the civil engineering, utilities, marine, drainage, flood defence and renewable energy industries. Established in 1970 with a single digger, the company has since grown to become one of the North West’s leading multi-disciplinary engineering contractors, employing 120 members of staff, operating its own in-house haulage fleet and even boasting a highly-successful plant hire division. Headquartered in Penrith, but with national coverage, the team has delivered numerous high profile projects, including high voltage windfarm grid connections, strategic cross country pipelines, constructing new inland and coastal flood defences and delivering both dry and wet civil engineering projects (such as UXO clearance ahead of extension works at London City Airport). Recently, Waitings Ltd was awarded the plant supply contract to assist in the installation of the replacement bridge at Pooley Bridge in Cumbria, which was destroyed in the devastating floods of 2015. The complex project saw a brand new stainless steel road bridge installed over the River Eamont, effectively re-connecting the local community. With new plant equipment needed for the project, but also to further Waitings Ltd’s infrastructure capabilities in the future, Adrian Ash, director of operations, approached local equipment expert Taylor & Braithwaite for guidance. The two companies have a strong relationship, having worked closely together for more than a decade. Impressive performance, immediate results As Yanmar’s approved dealer for Cumbria and the North East of England, Taylor & Braithwaite specialises in supplying, servicing and maintaining construction, quarrying and recycling equipment. Based near Appleby, the company boasts more than 50 years’ experience in equipment sales and prides itself on delivering expert advice, honest counsel and building strong, collaborative relationships. After speaking with the Taylor & Braithwaite team, Adrian made the decision to invest in two new Yanmar models – a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper. Combining stylish Japanese design and European build quality, the models were delivered in May 2020 and used extensively during the Pooley Bridge development project. Adrian Ash, director of operations at Waitings Ltd said: “We’ve been really impressed with the performance of both Yanmar machines. They not only helped us to complete the Pooley Bridge project, but will be used for other major infrastructure projects in the future. “Designed with the user in mind, their performance is hugely impressive and their build quality really sets the standards. With zero tail swing, the ViO machine is perfect for operating in small spaces – important for the vast majority of contracts we deliver. “Our relationship with Taylor & Braithwaite is a perfect example of two local companies working well together. Our particular area of expertise demands the very highest standards of support from our suppliers, which we absolutely receive from Taylor & Braithwaite. They offer a bespoke service and always respond rapidly to our aftersales requirements.” Ian Burton, sales director at Taylor & Braithwaite, added: “We first started working with Waitings Ltd more than ten years ago and have worked closely with the team ever since. We were delighted to help specify new equipment for the Pooley Bridge project and are pleased to hear such positive feedback. “Yanmar equipment is designed with the user firmly in mind, manufactured with the highest quality components and integrates the latest operator technologies. Although we’re only a relatively new Yanmar dealer, the brand is hugely respected and we’re already seeing significant demand for the latest models.” For more information about the latest Yanmar range, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk. To find out more about Taylor & Braithwaite, visit https://www.t-and-b.co.uk/. More information on Waitings Ltd can be found at www.waitings.org.
A new series of free interactive webinars is launched this month by 2N – global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems. 2N On Air aims to help owners of residential and commercial property, architects, designers, security firms and building managers to identify and apply touchless technology which protects buildings and their occupants. The webinar series, beginning on 11 June, will profile the latest products for door controls in residential and commercial property. It will also include interactive question and answer sessions for those seeking to understand how to address the needs of their proposed or existing buildings. Coronavirus has already presented many challenges to business. Lockdown in the UK and many European countries has imposed fundamental short term changes on business as well as individuals. Some companies have suffered dramatic drops in demand, with many employees furloughed and many factories, offices and shops empty or with skeleton staffing. Other businesses have been able to adapt in the face of continuing or even increased demand. Production lines have been redesigned to meet new hygiene and distancing regulations. Business processes have had to be adapted rapidly to remote working. Retailers and B2B suppliers have pivoted to an online model, resulting in extraordinary pressures on the infrastructure and capacity of distribution and delivery companies. There have been some clear winners; Joe Wicks, Ocado, Zoom, DHL and the makers of home-baking products, for example. All will hope to carry their lockdown successes forward. Which businesses are best equipped to emerge from lockdown into the new socially distanced normal, by adapting to new public attitudes? For premises, 2N have products to help make them fit for 2020 and beyond. CEO Michal Kratochvíl explained 2N’s motivation for the 2N On Air initiative. He said: “After this great upheaval in our lives, our attitudes towards hygiene and security may have changed. More than before, we may want to avoid touching surfaces such as keypads which we are not sure are clean. We may want to avoid unnecessary face-to-face meetings with strangers, especially at our own front door. “In the workplace, there may be greater spacing between employees, including receptionists and security staff who may feel nervous about direct exposure to employees and visitors as they enter and exit buildings. Apartment buildings equipped with intercom or mobile-enabled access control systems offer reassuring security without exposing residents, guests and tradespeople to unwanted face-to-face exposure or unhygienic keypads. “The 2N On Air series offers seminars on the leading products in the market – offering resilient security while maintaining social distancing and good hygiene – and advice to those who are considering whether and how they might future proof their buildings. Commercial property managers can integrate Internet Protocol intercoms and remote door-controls with other software such as employee time recording systems. “Effective high quality video and mobile-enabled door access controls are already recognised as a competitive advantage for forward thinking building designers and operators. In the new post-coronavirus environment, the wellbeing of building occupants has an even greater value.”
Sustainability champion and green hero, The Used Kitchen Company, is offering homeowners, who have become a little less certain about their kitchen renovation vision and budget, some food for thought that could beat any blues that have set in during lockdown. The UK was expecting to see a 6-7% growth rate in home renovations over the next few years, but this is now projected to shrink. Those who had already started work on their refurbishment or build, could now be facing a budget dilemma, wondering whether or not to cut back on their original fixtures and fittings’ budget. From May 14, builders have been allowed to continue or start working on home extension projects and other home improvement plans, with many of these having ground to a halt during the pandemic. Whilst the shell of an extension is probably an inflexible element of the plan for those now seeking to save money, what goes inside it, if the plan was to fit a new kitchen, need not be as expensive as the homeowner imagined. Kitchen seekers may now feel they will have to compromise on the quality of kitchen they buy. New homeowners, typically spend 30% more on renovations than existing property owners and a new kitchen is often part of that. Anyone disheartened and thinking they will have to ‘make do’ with a kitchen in a lower price bracket, could find a fairy godmother in The Used Kitchen Company. TUKC is a kitchen lover’s dream portal, not just because it features fabulous designer kitchens but also because it offers this type of kitchen at many different price points, to suit a wide variety of budgets and at prices all 50-70% lower than the kitchen’s original RRP, (from as little as 18 months ago). What is available to view online is an array of kitchens that are either second-hand and from a private home, or displays on sale from kitchen showrooms. The used kitchens have often been lovingly cared for, high-quality kitchens when new. Occasionally some are purchases that were never unboxed. The ex-display kitchens are usually still current, allowing a purchaser to buy extra units to go with their TUKC purchase, if needs be. Currently, a £7000 budget would give the buyer the opportunity to size up an ex-display grey and sand gloss Lago kitchen with glass worktops, or an ex-display Kuhlman kitchen with Dekton worktops and appliances. Other brands in their price range currently include Pronorm, Second Nature, Nolte, Alno, Schroder and, for £500 more, Nobilia, Schuller and Warendorf. Many TUKC kitchens even include appliances. Looeeze Grossman, CEO at The Used Kitchen Company, says: “There is no need for anyone midway through a home extension or renovation project to feel they have to compromise and not go for the quality of kitchen they had seen as being integral to their vision for their space. For a lower budget, they could get an even better kitchen – that’s how our model works. At the same time, we throw in something else for free – the feelgood factor that comes with knowing you have also assisted the environment, by buying a kitchen that would otherwise potentially just have been put in a skip and sent to landfill. That happens all the time, but TUKC buyers can prevent it. “Hopefully, our message is a blues-buster for those believing they have to downgrade their plans. We’ve already started to see signs of this amongst those who know about our brilliant sustainability focused service, so we need to spread the word to other home renovators, self-builders and improvers. We must also not forget that homeowners, who now have a disinclination to move home, can give a new lease of life to their space with a nearly new designer kitchen.”
