July 2, 2020

FirstPort and Mainstay join forces in industry leading combination

FirstPort, the UK’s largest residential property manager, has today announced a transaction which will see it combining with leading property and asset manager, Mainstay Group. For FirstPort and Mainstay customers, clients, employees, management, and supply partners day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. Completion of the transaction only remains subject to approval

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PERMAROOF ACHIEVES TWO MONTHS OF RECORD-BREAKING SALES IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19

PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.   With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020,

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The Cleaning & Maintenance Tasks Made Essential By COVID-19

While you may be getting bored of hearing about COVID-19 by now, appreciating the risk that the virus represents is imperative from a health and safety point of view. After all, the pandemic has killed hundreds of thousands of people and – while it is no longer as deadly as

Read More »

Flights Return to Newcastle to Attract Businesses

In an attempt to attract new national and international businesses, the developer of AirView Park has welcomed the return of flights from Newcastle International Airport. Routes including Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast, Paris and Southampton, have all resumed, and with more business flights to start very shortly. Developer Tynexe said the resumption

Read More »

Firms to Bid for Landmark Development

Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former

Read More »

Brymor Group to Refurbish and Re-New Southampton University Halls

Portsmouth based construction company, Brymor Group, has won the contract to refurbish and reinvent the Montefiore Block Halls of Residence for students at the University of Southampton. Built in the 1960’s, Montefiore Blocks A & B are the oldest blocks of accommodation at the University’s Wessex Lane Campus. While the

Read More »

Kite Packaging expand its range of thermal packaging

The employee-owned business has added standard insulated box liners to its thermal range. This range is ideal for getting goods from A to B in a temperature-controlled environment at cost-effective prices. Commonly used in food and drink and pharmaceutical industries. Insulated box liners help to maintain the inner temperature of

Read More »

Becoming an HVAC Technician: An Alternative to College

Although a university degree is valuable, it isn’t the best route for every high school graduate. Many college graduates today work outside of their degree, in spite of devoting several years of their life to time-consuming studying. According to the Harvard Business Review, recent graduates tend to be underemployed and sometimes don’t

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

July 2, 2020

FirstPort and Mainstay join forces in industry leading combination

FirstPort, the UK’s largest residential property manager, has today announced a transaction which will see it combining with leading property and asset manager, Mainstay Group. For FirstPort and Mainstay customers, clients, employees, management, and supply partners day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. Completion of the transaction only remains subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority. Last year FirstPort welcomed Equistone Partners Europe as its new majority investors to support its continued growth, investment in a comprehensive digital transformation programme and make further enhancements to its customer service offering.  To date, FirstPort has completed two previous transactions, strengthening its team and service offerings with the acquisitions of Barratt London’s property management company, BRAM, in 2019 and Linden Homes’ property management provider, Pentland Estate Management, in 2017. For Mainstay Group, 2019 was a significant year with the business achieving record growth, winning appointments on a number of high-profile developments and securing a national, multi-million-pound portfolio. Nigel Howell, CEO of FirstPort, commented: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mainstay to deliver the very best property and asset management services for our customers and clients.  Mainstay’s achievements and track record are impressive, and we are proud to be welcoming them into the FirstPort group.  This is a great milestone for both businesses, which will see us learning from each other and working together to continue to drive the highest industry standards and realise new market opportunities.” Luke Sanders, Group Managing Director of Mainstay, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Mainstay Group to continue to deliver a market-leading service, while benefitting from the skills, expertise and efficiencies available by being part of a larger group.  I am very much looking forward to working with FirstPort, as the right partner for our next phase of growth and to help build on Mainstay’s achievements and successes to date.” About FirstPort FirstPort is the UK’s leading full-service residential property manager, caring for more than 196,000 homes in England, Wales and Scotland across 3,900 developments. With over four decades of experience and 3,200 employees, FirstPort works with developers, investors, freeholders and over 300 Resident Management Companies. FirstPort is a member of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM), and Property Managers Association Scotland (PMAS). It holds a Five Star Rating from the British Safety Council, has been awarded the British Safety Council’s prestigious Sword of Honour, is an accredited Safe Agent and belongs to The Property Ombudsman. FirstPort holds a Silver Investors in People accreditation and has been named as one of the UK’s Top Employers by the Top Employers’ Institute for the last two consecutive years. www.firstport.co.uk About Mainstay Mainstay Group is an independent residential property and asset management company providing leading services to over 80,000 homes and award-winning commercial facilities management across the UK. Established in 2000, Mainstay works with many of the top 20 homebuilders, institutional investment funds, landed estates, resident management companies and private investors to maximise value and drive better returns by pioneering a community and people centric, empowered approach to service and innovation. Mainstay is accredited to ISO9001 and OHSAS18001, is a member of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and is a proud Investor in People. www.mainstaygroup.co.uk

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‘Alternative lenders’ will play a pivotal role in post-COVID development finance market: Hilltop Credit Partners

Referencing a recent CBRE report, CEO Paul Oberschneider discusses how the already rising participation of non-bank lenders will be even more instrumental in the months ahead. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the housing market hard but this does not mean that developers looking for financing are out of options, says Hilltop Credit Partners, adding how a combination of factors will translate into specialist finance providers coming to the forefront for filling in the funding gap. The West-End fund is a specialist funding partner for small and mid-sized residential property developers and house builders in the UK. A recent CBRE report which references a Cass Business School report heavily, clearly states that the development finance availability in the UK has contracted since the COVID-19 outbreak with fewer lenders considering new opportunities and most focusing on their existing loan books. The determining factors involved are the natural risk associated with development finance where the exit dates and values are uncertain, valuations becoming more ambiguous with materiality clauses being included, banks being scrutinised for tighter capital adequacy norms and other issues with the development like delays or contractor insolvencies. But in a vote of confidence for ‘other lenders’, the reports show that these lenders, primarily the debt funds, have provided significant capital last year and recorded a 4 percent increase in loan origination to £7.9 billion. Talking about the report and the changing face of development finance in 2020, Paul Oberschneider, Founder and CEO of Hilltop Credit Partners, said: “The UK housing market is riddled with a supply-demand mismatch. As highlighted in the CBRE report, importance of non-bank lenders will continue to rise in the post Covid-19 world as high street banks with legacy portfolios will become more risk averse and recede from the market to better manage their balance sheets. Banks will also expect developers to provide more equity upfront as leverage will be curtailed to more conservative levels.” “Securing funding has been needlessly time-consuming and expensive for the SME housing developers. Even in a pre Covid-19 world, developers were required to navigate complex arrangements in the borrowing stack and raise funds from different lenders because banks were not ready to stretch enough. These challenge are set to become more prominent in the post Covid-19 world due to the factors listed above. For the standpoint of a developer, this means reduced access to capital, increased costs due to various professional advisors being involved and delays which will be inevitable if you have to deal with multiple parties.” “At Hilltop, we are determined to support UK’s housing developers in what is one of the most turbulent economic climates we have seen in our lifetime. We were established with a mission to ease access to funding for SME developers and our products reflect that. We go that extra mile compared to the market at large, let alone high-street banks, and we also assist developers on the equity side providing a comprehensive one-stop solution. This is because we understand the uncertainty facing the housing market at present and are cautiously committed to funding high-quality assets and developers. Our recent £8.6m funding for residential development in Brondesbury, London and plans of disbursing £75m in the coming months is a testament of our commitment to the UK housing market, and especially the SME housing developers.” Tiger Craft, Partner and CFO, adds: “There will always be a demand for homes and no lockdown or financial challenge is going to change this reality. To achieve this, we work closely with the developers and help them move quickly so they can secure sites, build homes, and sell them in a fast, cost-efficient manner. As stated in the CBRE report, the best sponsors with the strongest schemes will find finance regardless and unlike traditional lenders, we operate like a private equity house. We effectively back the management team therefore our credit underwriting is more robust and our interests are always aligned with the development team as the focus is on a successful exit.”

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PERMAROOF ACHIEVES TWO MONTHS OF RECORD-BREAKING SALES IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19

PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.   With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020, it’s been two amazing consecutive months for the Derbyshire-based team with the likelihood of a healthy July too. This follows reports of 2019 being its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed: the highest figure in its history.    Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, attributes the success to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team, and diversification into new services and products.   Adrian said: “Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic – such as supply issues, merchants closing, and roofing projects being delayed or put on hold – our team has managed to buck the trend and deliver amazing results that are a true testament to the  service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we have with customers nationwide.”    After increasing its warehouse capacity in 2019, as well as broadening its offering by acquiring The Skylight Company and becoming the sole distributor of Permafence, the team met the challenges posed by coronavirus rapidly and decisively.  Additional stock had already been purchased in preparation for Brexit, ensuring ample supply to meet any level of demand from contractors, many of which still needed to fix damaged and leaking roofs in need of urgent maintenance. New products were also added to Permaroof’s portfolio including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely, while investment in the team was crucial with a strong focus on marketing and a new marketing co-ordinator recruited to push out a formal communications strategy.   At the same time, Permaroof adapted its offering to work closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown.  Adrian continued: “Clear communication to both staff and customers has been vital. Pushing forward with marketing has allowed us to do this while reinforcing our brand and putting out messages of stock availability at a really important time. I have no doubt that this has been crucial to breaking our sales records during the UK lockdown.  “I hope that our success proves that there is still opportunity out there for UK SMEs and that the building and construction sector is ready to bounce back and thrive. We’re certainly committed to supporting both the contractors and merchants we work with and hope that the next quarter is as positive for them all.”  Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age old problems.” They offer this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and most recently, steel framed buildings.   For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839. 

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The Cleaning & Maintenance Tasks Made Essential By COVID-19

While you may be getting bored of hearing about COVID-19 by now, appreciating the risk that the virus represents is imperative from a health and safety point of view. After all, the pandemic has killed hundreds of thousands of people and – while it is no longer as deadly as it once was – it’s still important to keep as protected as possible. From wearing a face mask while out in public to adhering by the social distancing measures in place, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe from harm. However, one of the most important things to think about is the cleanliness of your home. Since the COVID-19 virus can spread across surfaces as well as in the air, maintaining the area you live and work in is a highly effective way of minimising its spread. But how should you go about this? That’s where we can help. Join us as we run through some of the cleaning and maintenance tasks that the coronavirus pandemic has now made essential to everyday life – from wiping down the surfaces to ticking off a maintenance checklist on a daily basis. 1. Clean, Then Sanitise. While it may be tempting to rush straight in and disinfect your surfaces with specialist wipes, don’t rush it. Prior to disinfecting the area, it’s important to first clean it using soap and a sponge. After this has been done, apply the disinfectant, leave it for 30 seconds or so, and then wipe it off. This cleaning and sanitising procedure will need to be carried out at least once every few days to ensure you stay protected. However, since these are not normal times, the more you can sanitise, the better. 2. Think About Pests. Coronavirus is especially problematic to individuals who are immunocompromised or currently have an underlying health issue. In other words, the healthier you are, the more chance you’ll give yourself to fight off the virus. With this in mind, pest control can be vital. Pest rodents, birds and insects are not only annoying to deal with anyway, but they can also pose a significant health risk since they carry an abundance of harmful bacteria and viruses. Therefore, if your home has been breached and needs a pest control solution, the sooner you can sort it out the better. Otherwise, your health could only suffer as a result. 3. Windows, Boilers & Home Insulation. While on the topic of ensuring your health stays in tip-top shape, checking a home or building’s insulation is an effective way of preventing potential issues. If windows aren’t fully sealed, moisture from outside can enter into a property and cause damp to form. This, in turn, can lead to a number of health issues. Therefore, by going around the building – whether it be commercial, residential or industrial – you will be able to identify any areas in need of attention, safeguarding your health in the process. Similarly, checking the boiler in a property is vital too. While you may not need heating right now, many experts are suggesting that the number of coronavirus cases could rise again when the outside weather starts to cool. Therefore, to avoid your health suffering as a result, ensuring your boiler is working effectively is a must-do. 4. Any Outdoor Work. While it’s imperative you stick to the current social distancing guidelines, getting your daily dose of fresh air is equally as important. Therefore, if you have a garden or any kind of outdoor space at home, make the most of it. Whether you choose to clear the gutter, repair the shed, do a bit of gardening, build a deck, or clean the BBQ, there are a number of things you can do outdoors to keep yourself sane during the lockdown. After all, it’s important to safeguard your mental health during this trying period – a period in which feelings of anxiety, worry and uncertainty are going to be strife. Spending some time outdoors, clearing your mind, is one of the best ways to combat this threat. Final Thoughts… With the lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, you may think that the coronavirus pandemic is almost over. However, it isn’t, and staying on top of your health remains imperative. By carrying out the maintenance tasks listed above though, you will not only help keep the pandemic at bay, but you’ll also ensure your home, office or building remains a safe place to be.

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Flights Return to Newcastle to Attract Businesses

In an attempt to attract new national and international businesses, the developer of AirView Park has welcomed the return of flights from Newcastle International Airport. Routes including Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast, Paris and Southampton, have all resumed, and with more business flights to start very shortly. Developer Tynexe said the resumption would help to attract national and international organisations now diversifying operations regionally, or establishing a UK base as part of their growth and recovery strategy. The 175,000 sq ft site has secured housebuilder Bellway as its first anchor tenant, with planning permission for up to four more bespoke office buildings or a 150,000 sq ft premises in place. “Connectivity to other parts of the UK, Europe and beyond has always been a key selling point of AirView Park as a commercial development, therefore having flights restart is a welcome sign for the site as well as the regional economy,” said Mike Clark, development director of Tynexe Commercial Ltd and Dysart Developments. “There have been discussions over recent months as to how home working is the new way forward and how office space could become redundant, and whilst true for some companies, this isn’t necessarily accurate. A significant number of organisations will revert back to office-based working, and with many bigger companies now establishing smaller regional centres and geographical bases in and around the UK, we’re in a great position to offer bespoke build or relocation options.” Nick Jones, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, added: “AirView Park will help to generate new jobs and significant economic benefits by creating more international trade opportunities for the region. Its location is second to none, on airport land just a few minutes from the terminal building. Newcastle International Airport is fully behind this project and we look forward to welcoming the businesses that decide to locate to the site.”

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Firms to Bid for Landmark Development

Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former Oceana nightclub. It aims to bring new vitality to the city centre. More than 600 people could work in what aims to be a digitally-enabled and flexible work space for a wide variety of companies, educational institutions and individuals. Plans for 71 and 72 Kingsway were approved this summer. The project will be procured via a mini tender against the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework. The building will be high-tech, eco-friendly and have flexible open-plan work spaces including the balconies overlooking the city centre. The scheme includes a new link from Oxford Street onto The Kingsway. Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said 71 and 72 Kingsway was a key to unlock the regeneration potential of the city centre. “71 and 72 Kingsway is a prestige development that will help further transform our city centre, creating high-tech, high-value jobs and offering 21st century business space to innovative and creative industries,” said Stewart. “We’re confident it’s the kind of development construction firms will want to be part of. Any visitor to the city centre recently will have seen things changing at pace. The steel framework for the £135m Swansea arena scheme is clear to see and the £12m makeover of the Kingsway area is nearly there.” It’s anticipated that construction of 71 and 72 Kingsway could start early next year, with the building opening in late 2022.

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Brymor Group to Refurbish and Re-New Southampton University Halls

Portsmouth based construction company, Brymor Group, has won the contract to refurbish and reinvent the Montefiore Block Halls of Residence for students at the University of Southampton. Built in the 1960’s, Montefiore Blocks A & B are the oldest blocks of accommodation at the University’s Wessex Lane Campus. While the buildings remain structurally sound, the facilities that they provide have reached the end of their design life, and the continual maintenance issues do not reflect the standards of accommodation that the University wishes to provide to new first year students when the buildings are re-opened in 2021. Stephen Morton, MD of Brymor commented: “While this project is a refurbishment rather than a complete re-build, the plans are no less meticulous and have been carefully devised to ensure the blocks are modernised, functional and comfortable for new students. The University of Southampton is crucial to the thriving culture in Southampton, and we understand how important it is that the students being welcomed to the University feel at ease in their new home from home.” The project, due to start this month, will see the complete refurbishment of the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and communal spaces, with additional improved kitchens to be added and communal washrooms converted into self-contained pods. Alongside internal works, landscaping, paving, footpaths, signage and lighting will be considered to improve the exterior of the buildings. “Brymor construction were selected to undertake this project because of our excellent logistical planning and management skills, alongside our ability to understand the sensitivities of managing a site existing within a live residential setting. We couldn’t be happier to be working with the University on this project and we are confident that our work will allow the University to put these halls back on their campus as a desirable and state of the art location for student living.”  The re-opening of these halls in 2021 will not only attract new students to the University of Southampton but will also provide the University with a boost in income, as currently the buildings are unoccupied. 

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Kite Packaging expand its range of thermal packaging

The employee-owned business has added standard insulated box liners to its thermal range. This range is ideal for getting goods from A to B in a temperature-controlled environment at cost-effective prices. Commonly used in food and drink and pharmaceutical industries. Insulated box liners help to maintain the inner temperature of goods throughout their transit periods and when used in conjunction with our gel packs or ice sheets, the products inside will maintain the desired temperature for between 12 and 24 hours. Offering an adequate amount of thermal protection and compromised from BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) outer foil layer, to reflect heat away from the products and laminated 70-micron double-lined bubble wrap inner, providing an interval of insulation and cushioning your chilled goods will be protected in transit. For more information on Kite Packaging and its range of products and services, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

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Becoming an HVAC Technician: An Alternative to College

Although a university degree is valuable, it isn’t the best route for every high school graduate. Many college graduates today work outside of their degree, in spite of devoting several years of their life to time-consuming studying. According to the Harvard Business Review, recent graduates tend to be underemployed and sometimes don’t get paid enough to cover their school debts and basic living costs. This isn’t to say that no one should get a college degree, but there are other effective routes that lead successfully into high-paying careers. One great example of a satisfying career that doesn’t require a lot of schooling is that of an HVAC technician. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The term refers to the systems in buildings that keep people comfortable. In addition to the heating and cooling systems, the HVAC needs in a building generally include adequate ventilation, moving fresh air into homes or businesses, and moving air away. Especially as construction becomes more air-tight, it’s important that ventilation systems replenish the oxygen in buildings. A good ventilation system also moves carbon dioxide, excess humidity, and unpleasant smells. HVAC work also includes attention to the filters on heaters, AC units, and vents. Filters remove dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air. More Than Installation and Repair Work The work done by HVAC technicians has a big impact on the health and comfort of the people who live or work in buildings. These professionals are responsible for installing and completing maintenance for heating, cooling, or combination systems. They may be hired to plan or repair ventilation or climate-control systems in homes or businesses. There’s more involved in keeping these systems running than just showing up to complete repairs. Technicians must understand how factors such as the size of the room, the amount of insulation, and how much power is available to affect the successful operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation appliances. HVAC Schooling Although some education and training are required to become an HVAC technician, the amount of time spent in a classroom and the cost of the training is much less than would be spent for a university degree. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent; it is easier to get a job with more education or some time spent in an apprenticeship. There are some schools that specifically offer a certificate or an associate degree for HVAC work. These often take less than a year and may be offered online. HVAC Training In addition to earning the initial certificate, some technicians opt to complete trainings specific to focused areas of heating, cooling, and ventilation. For example, a technician may choose to focus only on refrigeration systems, or a technician may choose to handle installations, leaving maintenance and repair work to another professional. Sometimes, technicians specialize in specific equipment, such as commercial refrigeration or heating systems. Much of this training happens while on-the-job whether through an internship or similar program. Licensing and Certification In a few cases, it isn’t necessary to have schooling or training to get a job as a technician. However, many states require a license and certification. When states require a license, the technician may need to successfully complete an exam and verify a specific amount of postsecondary schooling or work experience or a combination of both. Certification, on the other hand, is required for every technician. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires the completion of Section 608 certification before anyone works with refrigerant. Further Training and Certification Technicians with more experience and more completed training under their belts are more likely to get comfortable jobs and make more money. Some of these options include specialized training for heat pump systems, electrical work, or HVAC load calculations. It may also be helpful for HVAC technicians to develop skills such as welding, customer service, and plumbing. Job Security There’s a lot of demand for HVAC technicians, and as long as people want to feel comfortable in their homes, there will probably be a consistent demand for them. The job growth in this area is comparative to electricians and plumbers (other jobs that pay well without a lot of school requirements.) The median pay for heating and air conditioning technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $48,730 per year and $23.43 per hour. A Path to a Satisfying Career Pursuing a college degree may be the best route for some careers, but it isn’t the only route to successful employment and a comfortable lifestyle. The path to working as an HVAC technician is shorter and less expensive than completing a college degree. The workload and continuing education requirements aren’t as demanding as working part or full-time while attending a university. Overall, the path to a successful career as an HVAC technician requires some schooling, training, licensing, and certification. Once these requirements have been completed, work as an HVAC technician can lead to satisfying employment and a comfortable life.

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