Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS) has been awarded a long-term service contract by ISS, the leading workplace experience and facilities management company. As a strategic partner for almost 10 years, “NSS now delivers all aspects of window and technical cleaning across the UK for ISS”. The 5 year Framework Agreement was
Lee Marley, 46, is the founder of multi-million-pound nationwide enterprise Lee Marley Brickwork Limited, which he formed in 1997 at just 24 years old. Lee’s business is now one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone subcontractors, the company turned over £47.1million in 2019. Lee was born in
The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge.
Bobcat is launching new Stage V compliant telehandlers alongside Stage V versions of the company’s M-Series T450 and T590 compact track loaders. In both the new telehandlers and compact track loaders, the changes include several new features and options. The new machines are powered by proven Bobcat D34 and D24
Xwatch is a new plant safety start-up company which has developed cutting-edge technology to help protect plant operators and their surroundings on site, by developing a system which creates a virtual barrier around the worker and his machine thanks to its advanced XW range of products The XW products are
Funds advised by Hilltop Credit Partners, a specialist funding partner for SME residential developers, has completed an £8.6 million loan to 196 Willesden Lane Limited, an SPV controlled by Gage Properties Limited. The project is being led by Gavin Essex, a 20-year veteran of UK residential property development with an
A local energy system demonstrator project aiming to evidence how ground source heat pumps with smart heating controls can reduce heating costs for residents, whilst also lowering carbon emissions, is officially underway in Oxford. Leading housing provider Stonewater has partnered with Kensa Contracting to have 60 of its homes at Blackbird Leys
Jewish people have had a troublesome history. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians in the 6th century, occupied by Roman rule for hundreds of years, and even endured the terrifying Crusades that tore many religions and people apart. Of course, the most recent tragedy that the Jewish people
Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS) has been awarded a long-term service contract by ISS, the leading workplace experience and facilities management company. As a strategic partner for almost 10 years, “NSS now delivers all aspects of window and technical cleaning across the UK for ISS”. The 5 year Framework Agreement was renewed following an in-depth negotiation process, significantly expanding on the existing relationship between the two companies. Over the period, the value of the new contract is anticipated to be in the region of £35m. NSS is made up of four divisions: cleaning; maintenance; testing and hire. The business operates from bases in Slough, Dartford, Manchester, Leeds and Falkirk to provide complete and responsive coverage to customers across the commercial property, retail, healthcare, and public sector markets. Commenting on the win, NSS group commercial director Eugene Boyle said: “As a business, we’re consistently striving to provide a best-in-class and reliable service. We understand the importance of a clean, well-maintained and fully operational building, and the impact any interruption to this can have on our customers’ own customers or employees. We’re delighted to be partnering with an industry-leader like ISS.” Derren Chamberlain, ISS procurement director for UK & Ireland added: “We were looking for a truly specialist partner with a genuine focus on safety and commitment to quality. NSS’ track record for delivering responsive and effective service combined with its ‘at-height’ expertise made the opportunity to work together a compelling one.”
Lee Marley, 46, is the founder of multi-million-pound nationwide enterprise Lee Marley Brickwork Limited, which he formed in 1997 at just 24 years old. Lee’s business is now one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone subcontractors, the company turned over £47.1million in 2019. Lee was born in Wembley, London, his grandfather was a bricklayer and by the age of 7 Lee knew this was a trade he too wanted to follow. The family moved to Devon when Lee was as a child and it was here that he got his foot on the construction ladder and completed a bricklaying apprenticeship at North Devon College. By the age of 19 he had two employees, one of whom still works for Lee today as a Project Manager! The team kept on growing and in 1995 Lee moved back to London with his family. The firm he was working for went bust but the customer took him on to finish the job, his small business went from virtually nothing to a million-pound turnover in 6 months. By the time he’d hit 25, the business was creating an annual turnover of five million. The company has continued to grow year on year and in 2001 Lee spotted a gap in the market and acquired a failing scaffolding business providing his clients with a one stop shop. The business has survived two recessions and Lee has learned valuable lessons along the way, looking ahead at forward workloads, splitting jobs across the sectors and how not to put all your eggs in one basket! Over the years they have worked on some exciting and high-profile projects and some of Lee’s major achievements in the industry include the Olympic athletes’ village, Eton College, Belmarsh Prison, Reading Station and The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in Nottinghamshire. However, Lee is very much a believer that you shouldn’t forget about the “bread and butter” residential building work and the more sectors the business has, the more outlets you have got to keep the business going. Lee’s righthand man Dan Clarkson partnered in the business in 2011 and has helped drive the company forward creating a new client base and developing customer relationships. Since Dan joined, the company have worked for more tier 1 contractors and the business has flourished. They have grown the scaffolding business from £1m a year to £10m a year turnover and the business as a whole from £14m to £47m a year. The company operate nationwide with clients across residential, commercial and public sector (MoD, MoJ, rail, and education etc.) Services include masonry, scaffolding and stonework. In 2015 and in order to meet the nationwide demand of their key blue-chip clients, the business expanded to Scotland and now works on projects across the Central Belt, between Glasgow and Edinburgh. In Lee’s driven style the company went from doing no business in Scotland, to securing the largest masonry package in the country within 4 years. Having trained as an apprentice bricklayer himself, Lee strongly supports the need to develop the next generation of bricklayers, scaffolders, stone masons and steel fixers. In 2016 he formed a partnership with Brooklands College in Surrey and now runs an Apprentice Programme at the College; 30 young people have been through this scheme so far. The apprenticeship teaches them what is relevant to the market such as modern methods of construction, fire barriers, insulation, IT, signing work off; all the aspects that are often hidden and could go wrong on a job meaning that when they end up on site they are extremely valuable early on. In 2018 one of the apprentices, Tyler Pearce, was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Construction News Specialist Awards. The Lee Marley Apprentice programme was awarded Apprentice Initiative of the Year at the 2019 Constructing Excellence SECBE Award 2019. The company also brings on apprentice and trainee scaffolders. Other accolades include the company being featured in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100, which ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing profits in 2019. They were also awarded Specialist Brickwork Contractor of the Year at the 2019 Brick Awards. This is their third win in six years having won in 2014 and 2017 also. Lee is proud to be investing in not only his company but in the future of the industry as a whole and the company also run a graduate programme at Reading University which they set up a few years ago, supporting young quantity surveyors and construction managers on their journey to gain RICS or CIOB memberships. With Lee at the helm, the company continues to grow nationally on its journey as the first-choice brickwork, stonework and scaffolding supplier to many of the UK’s leading property developers and construction contractors. Lee is also looking to open another training college dedicated to industry apprenticeships possibly in Scotland or South East England – watch this space!
The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge. Built by Mace, 70 St Mary Axe is another example of architects pushing the envelope when it comes to daring and striking design. The curvaceous form of the 24 storey structure presented a number of challenges for façade contractor, Focchi, including the creation of a cold-curved glass panel. In addition, the building’s unusual shape meant each floor was slightly different from the ones above and below, therefore requiring a high level of accuracy and detail to meet the sound barrier and fire stop requirements. The collaboration with Focchi saw SIDERISE recommend the CW-FS 120 fire stop to seal the gap between the curved walling system and the slabs of this tapered building and also as a vertical barrier for each internal steel column. As well as being an effective seal against the passage of fire and smoke, the CW-FS 120 will also function as an effective acoustic barrier and plenum lining. SIDERISE also provided the BM/P acoustic barrier mat to assist in reducing flanking transmission between adjacent internal areas and further improve the room-to-room acoustic performance. Commenting on the project, Matteo Bugané, Project Manager at Focchi said: “The technical assistance and advice from SIDERISE was invaluable to ensure compatibility between the fire stops and our curtain walling system. We also developed the vertical acoustic barrier with the SIDERISE team to reach the required 45dB performance requirements on the project. The experience working with SIDERISE on this project was excellent and we look forward to working with them on the next project.” Whilst specifying the correct product is vital, the quality of installation of a life-safety critical product is equally as important. Throughout the application, the SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App provided Focchi with an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of the installation of the fire stops. By capturing the relevant information on a tablet device, the contractor was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution. The App allows the user to easily update data input fields, capture multiple photos for each area or element inspected, and then record as in accordance with recommendations, or otherwise. A comprehensive report is immediately generated which effectively offers feedback on the quality of installation of the areas inspected in accordance with recommendations, thereby identifying areas that require remedial treatment. The SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App is part of a comprehensive range of services from the company’s site services team which ensures that each stage of a project, from product selection to final installation, runs smoothly. With this stunning city building and its curvaceous irregular form a welcome addition to the London skyline, SIDERISE played its part in delivering tried and tested solutions which met the client’s passive fire protection and noise transfer requirements
Bobcat is launching new Stage V compliant telehandlers alongside Stage V versions of the company’s M-Series T450 and T590 compact track loaders. In both the new telehandlers and compact track loaders, the changes include several new features and options. The new machines are powered by proven Bobcat D34 and D24 Stage V high torque diesel engines, designed specifically for Bobcat compact equipment. Both of the new Stage V engines are based on well proven designs installed in thousands of Bobcat machines worldwide. New Stage V Telehandlers Offer Better Ease of Use and Efficiency The new D34 Stage V engine allows customers to operate their telehandlers in emission-regulated zones, thanks to the new DPF after-treatment system. In addition, the engine does not use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), so there is no need for AdBlue®. A key aspect of the D34 Stage V engine is the new autonomous after-treatment system – DPF regeneration is performed automatically, with no impact on performance – this ensures peace of mind for the operator, allowing them to concentrate solely on the work at hand. “The 75 HP engine is mainly used by construction and rental companies in the United Kingdom, Italy and Benelux owing to its competitive price and simplicity, whilst still providing plenty of power to tackle all applications on the jobsite,” says Quentin D’Hérouël, Product Manager Telehandlers at Doosan Bobcat. The D34 Stage V 56 kW (75 HP) engine in the new telehandlers provides an average 7% lower fuel consumption and offers a 14% higher torque than the previous Stage IV engine, for more power at lower RPM and faster recovery. There is a choice of 11 different Bobcat telehandler models with the 56 kW (75 HP) Stage V engine, covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 compact telescopic loaders The T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL middle lift telehandlers The T35.130S and T35.140S rental industry-oriented telehandlers The T35.130SLP, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP high lift telehandlers New Engine Hood Design Increases Visibility The Stage V telehandlers feature a new engine hood with a steeper profile that increases visibility and reduces blind spots by 15% on the right hand side of the machines. Access to the engine compartment has also been improved, enabling easier maintenance. “The new 56 kW (75 HP) telehandlers will be followed by further Stage V models powered by 74.5 kW (100 HP) and 97 kW (130 HP) versions of the D34 Stage V engine, which will be launched in 2021. This will be a completely new generation of telescopics with dramatic user experience and low cost of ownership improvement,” adds Quentin D’Hérouël. All Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a three year/3000 hour warranty as standard from the factory, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/6000 hours. The entire Bobcat range of telehandlers is designed and produced at the company’s plant in Pontchâteau in France. New M-Series Stage V Compact Track Loaders The new T450 and T590 Stage V compact track loaders follow on from the recently launched Bobcat M-Series S450, S510 and S530 Stage V skid-steer loaders. All new M-Series loaders provide operators with increased performance, enhanced comfort and optimised maintenance requirements. These M-Series loaders are among the first models in the Bobcat compact equipment range in Europe to have the company’s new machine styling scheme, which includes 3D decals for the first time. “Like the S450, S510 and S530 models, skilful design work by our engineering team has ensured that even with the Bobcat Stage V engine incorporated, the same small dimensions and lift arm patterns are maintained on the new versions of the T450 and T590 compact track loaders. This ensures a truly compact size and low weight, so they can work and manoeuvre easily in tight spaces and can be easily transported,” says Jiri Karmazin, Product Manager Loaders at Doosan Bobcat. Thanks to the new Bobcat Stage V engine, noise levels have been reduced for both bystanders and operators and the vibrations lowered significantly as well to further increase operator comfort. The first engine oil service interval has also been extended to 500 hours, and improved fuel filtration means less frequent filter replacements and reduced running costs. Additionally, new DPF after-treatment technology works automatically without any interaction during normal operation. Improved Performance and Comfort The new Bobcat D24 Engine – with Bosch Fuel Injection System – improves overall machine performance, while meeting the strictest Stage V emissions regulations. Moreover, the engine power to weight ratio has been optimized in both of the T450 and T590 loaders. The new Stage V loaders now feature the previously optional Deluxe control panel as standard, offering a choice of different languages and telematics to protect the machines and to monitor their performance. The Deluxe panel also reduces the risk of misuse thanks to the keyless function. T450 Stage V T590 Stage V Operating weight 2961 kg 3664 kg Shipping weight 2665 kg 3283 kg Tipping load 2049 kg 2773 kg Engine Bobcat D24; 2.4l; Stage V Bobcat D24; 2.4l; Stage V Power 41.0 kW (55 HP) 50.7 kW (68 HP) Please find here below the walkaround videos for the new Bobcat Stage V Telehandlers and Compact Track Loaders:
Xwatch is a new plant safety start-up company which has developed cutting-edge technology to help protect plant operators and their surroundings on site, by developing a system which creates a virtual barrier around the worker and his machine thanks to its advanced XW range of products The XW products are easy to use, can be easily set and used by plant operators and is great value. The systems ensure height, slew, rated capacity indicator (RCI) and stability are all controlled during operation. The products have also been developed with operators in mind, with a simple interface, allowing for minimal training when being rolled out across a site and ease of use for day to day work and safety. Xwatch was the brainchild of one of the UK’s foremost Rail Plant specialists Fitzgerald Plant’s founder Chris Fitzgerald. He wanted a safety system for his customers that was easy for their operators to use and reliable. Fitzgerald Plant has installed and supported many different safety systems on both civil and rail machines across the UK, the feedback from the sites was that these products were difficult to operate, expensive to buy and not really fit for purpose. “My customers use a lot of different plant equipment around sites across the country and many use different safety solutions. Xwatch and the XW systems are what we at Fitzgerald Plant want from a plant safety solution. It is what our customers want from a safety solution, what health and safety officers want to see used on site and at a price point that business owners and plant operators are happy to pay. “For years I have seen companies invest in systems that operators don’t use as they are too complicated or aren’t fit for the sites that the plant is on. When I asked my development team to develop the XW systems the main issue for me was reliability, usability and value – I believe what we have developed with the XW range is just that and I am very proud of it Chris added “So far the reaction to the XW series has been amazing. We have spoken to so many people from all over the world who really like both the hardware and software that the Xwatch team has created and we are confident that they are the best most advanced, user-friendly products at the best price in the market.” “By setting and creating a safety barrier around the equipment within operating reach – whether it’s height, slew or RCI control – the “feather touch” proportional hydraulic will easily produce a safe and comfortable working environment for the operator. It has the added benefit of being less demanding on the machine, unlike other products on the market, which will also save on maintenance costs and the cost of the machine being off site, if you then include the extra value of integration with the creep control feature, which allows an automatic slow down on the machines hydraulic system from 3rd party awareness system, you have the safest and largest range of cost effective products in the market today” The XW series software is programmed using the CODESYS platform. CODESYS provide the leading manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 automation software for engineering control. It’s a platform that is universally recognised and used in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) worldwide in robotics and other high performing automation requirements. The XW series can be integrated with anti-collision systems, RFID personal warning systems, camera awareness systems, 3D machine control and Telematics.
Funds advised by Hilltop Credit Partners, a specialist funding partner for SME residential developers, has completed an £8.6 million loan to 196 Willesden Lane Limited, an SPV controlled by Gage Properties Limited. The project is being led by Gavin Essex, a 20-year veteran of UK residential property development with an enviable track record of high-quality housing delivery across London. Finance will be used for the site acquisition / demolition and ground-up development of 16 residential units, comprised of one, two, and three-bed flats spread across three low-rise blocks. There will be parking spaces for 14 cars and 24 bicycles. The site is located in a rapidly gentrifying area of North West London, with strong demand for high-quality newbuild stock. The development will be a c. 20-minute commute to Central London, and a number of the planned units will qualify for the Help to Buy scheme. Sales are targeted for late 2021 / early 2022. The loan announcement comes at a time when the property market is rife with uncertainty and fears around the pandemic, but Hilltop remains focused on funding high-quality assets and developers. Commenting on the deal, Gavin Essex, Founder of Gage Properties, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this funding with Hilltop Credit Partners, who helped us get this deal across the line in spite of the headwinds that intervened mid-way through the transaction. We look forward to developing this site, which we have been working on for the past several years, and delivering the sort of high-quality, design-led scheme that we have come to be known for.” Paul Oberschneider, Founder of Hilltop Credit Partners, commented: “We are delighted to be working with such an experienced and talented developer on this project, which we believe will be very well positioned in the local market. Despite the current uncertainties in the world, Hilltop continues to back projects and management teams that it believes in.”
A local energy system demonstrator project aiming to evidence how ground source heat pumps with smart heating controls can reduce heating costs for residents, whilst also lowering carbon emissions, is officially underway in Oxford. Leading housing provider Stonewater has partnered with Kensa Contracting to have 60 of its homes at Blackbird Leys installed with Kensa’s innovative low carbon heating solution. Individual Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps in each property, connected to a communal ground array, will integrate with smart controls and time-of-use tariffs to optimise heat production for cost and carbon savings. The heat pump installations form part of Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO), a a world-first project showcasing an integrated approach to decarbonising power, heat and transport across Oxford. Supported by Innovate UK, ESO is led by consortium partners Oxford City Council, Pivot Power, Habitat Energy, Kensa Contracting, Invinity Energy Systems and the University of Oxford. The renewable heating scheme with Stonewater is the first phase of Kensa Contracting’s aim to pilot the smart technology in 300 homes around Oxford over the next two years under the ESO project. ESO aims to demonstrate how ground source heat pumps with smart controls can help balance the electricity grid as part of an integrated local energy solution that also includes grid connected batteries and smart electric vehicle charging. Leon Storer, Assistant Director – Capital Investment at Stonewater, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this innovative and forward-thinking project, supporting the local authority in achieving a net zero carbon future. “By replacing our residents’ current high carbon night storage heaters with Kensa’s ground source heat pump systems, we’re able to not only work towards a more sustainable future, but an economical one too. This is because a benefit of transitioning to this type of heat pump system is the significant cost savings it provides for residents.” Dr Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting, said: “Kensa is delighted to partner with Stonewater for the first phase in this 300 property pilot ground source heat pump project. The residents will benefit from clean, renewable heat with savings of up to 25% compared to a standard ground source heating system. Smart meters enable residents to switch to Octopus’s unique Agile Tariff, which varies the electricity price every half hour and optimises energy use when renewable power is prevalent on the grid, and together with Switchee internet connected smart heating controls will automatically run resident’s heating systems at the lowest cost times to reduce their bills while maintaining their comfort levels, and caring for the environment.” Despite delays to commence as a result of coronavirus, Kensa expects to complete the installations across the Stonewater homes before winter 2020.
Jewish people have had a troublesome history. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians in the 6th century, occupied by Roman rule for hundreds of years, and even endured the terrifying Crusades that tore many religions and people apart. Of course, the most recent tragedy that the Jewish people had to go through was the tyranny of German dictator Adolf Hitler. His sole mission was to rid the world of the Jewish people as a whole. The horrific outcome of his quest was finally ended, but not without disrupting the lives of millions. Considering this troubled history, it might come as no surprise that tracking Jewish ancestry might be a difficult task. After all, historical records have been demolished over and over. Families have been torn apart and many of the survivors of the holocaust are still unsure of where some of their family roots are. Luckily, with the invention and advancement of technology, there are some tips that you can follow to help you track your Jewish Ancestry. 1. Talk to Family The first step you should always take in looking for your Jewish history is to talk to the various people you have in your family – elderly relatives are a mine of information waiting to be tapped. The names and dates they give you should be written down for future reference. 2. Search Records Of course, we know that the tragedy has destroyed many of the records once available. However, all hope is not lost in that area; research what you can find. 3. Research the Jewish Family Names It is common knowledge that Jewish families were pressured to assimilate into the society they were living in. Many Jewish people lost their cultural identity in an attempt to fit into their new society. However, you can find out a lot of information if you happen to know the traditional Jewish family name of your ancestors. 4. Try a DNA Test In this review of best Jewish ancestry DNA test and trace, you can find all of the information that you need about using DNA to trace your ancestry. There is no doubt that the advanced technology we have available to us can help you learn about your rich family history. 5. Track the Settlement Trends Jewish immigrants were more likely to settle and live their lives in the large cities around the United States where infrastructure could be established. They also tended to populate near other Jewish immigrant families. You might want to track these movements to pinpoint geographical information about your ancestry. Final Thoughts Although there are plenty of major disruptions that have caused Jewish families to lack consistency and be tragically torn apart, it is not entirely impossible to trace family history at this time. In fact, with the advancement of genetic availability and accuracy, your odds of success are better now than they have ever been before. The Jewish community deserves answers about their past and they deserve to know who their living family members are through DNA testing.
