Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called
Offsite construction specialist Premier Modular has won a £7.5 million contract for a development of apartments that will provide facilities for homeless people and their families. The East Yorkshire company has been awarded contract for the development in the Desborough area of High Wycombe by Buckinghamshire Council. The project is
Renaker’s plans to build a pair of 52-storey skyscrapers in Manchester look set to move ahead next week. The application concerns the developer’s Crown Street project, with the buildings forming the last phase. Between them, they would comprise 855 apartments. Also earmarked for the site is commercial space, a primary
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75%
A leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products, material handling components and systems has opened its first European operations at a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa. US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear has signed a 10-year lease for a unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices
Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry award sends a clear signal to developers and building designers that Caledonian is a leader in the UK offsite and modular construction sector. Within the Offsite Pioneer of the Year category, the judges recognised how, over the last five years, Caledonian has grown into one of the largest specialist off-site manufacturing businesses in the UK. This has been achieved by pioneering new ways in which modular projects are designed, manufactured and delivered; a growth and pace of change that few in any industry would be able to emulate. Singled out by the judges was the work at Sir Frederick Gibberd College where the company built an entire school in just 12 weeks, and during the Covid-19 lockdown when most other construction sites were closed. A time lapse video showing the modular build appeared in several national press including the Daily Mail under the headline: ‘Remarkable time-lapse footage shows secondary school being built in 12 WEEKS while the rest of us have been on lockdown’. Alongside this, investment in BIM, DfMA and lean manufacturing have enabled Caledonian to regularly achieve an industry-leading completion rate of up to 96% before modules are delivered to site. Caledonian was also shortlisted in Best Use of Volumetric Technology for its work with Bowmer & Kirkland at the University Campus of Football Business, First Way Campus in Wembley. The £25m contract involved the company manufacturing accommodation modules for the 678 student bedroom scheme. What stood out for the judges on this project was Caledonian’s ability to supply a fully fire compliant modular solution for the 10 storey development, along with a completion rate of 96% for the modules prior to shipping to site. “We already knew that our innovative volumetric system was shaking up the market, which has been reflected by the fact we have been shortlisted in two categories within the Offsite Awards,” said Paul Lang, Chief Executive Office at Caledonian. “To be shortlisted in two categories and when we we’re up against other major brands just goes to show that Caledonian is one to watch for the future.” Caledonian faces stiff competition in both categories with the likes of Kier Integrated Team, NG Bailey and Urban Splash all vying for overall victory. The finals and award winners will be announced at the first ‘virtual’ Offsite Awards, taking place in the afternoon of 22 September 2020. Caledonian offers innovative volumetric solutions for a wide range of sectors including education, leisure, health, residential, student accommodation, commercial & retail, custodial and MOD, amongst others. The company has been successfully appointed to several leading frameworks including DfE (Department for Education), NHS and LHC. To find out more about Caledonian modular buildings and offsite construction solutions, visit: www.caledonianmodular.com
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending them to Africa. The tools will be used by young people so they can learn construction skills and help lift themselves and their families out of poverty. For the past 13 years the charity has provided vocational learning opportunities at Kira Farm Development Centre in Uganda where young people can spend a year acquiring life-changing skills. This includes training in carpentry and building techniques, with 98% of the graduates going on to full-time employment or starting their own business. Phil Pugsley, Chief Executive at Amigos, said: “Winston Churchill once said, ‘give us the tools, and we will finish the job’. It’s no good Amigos training a young Ugandan in carpentry and building if they have no access to the tools needed to put their newfound skills into practice. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond by turning out their sheds and garages, and to RGB for once again allowing their outlets to be collection centres. Together, we are equipping precious young people with the skills and the tools to transform their lives – thank you.” Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added: “We launched our appeal before lockdown was put in place, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring it to a successful close. Amigos does fantastic work in helping young people learn a trade and gain employment and this is the second time we’ve worked with the charity. By simply donating some unused tools, the kind-hearted people in our area have really helped to change the lives of young people in Africa.”
Offsite construction specialist Premier Modular has won a £7.5 million contract for a development of apartments that will provide facilities for homeless people and their families. The East Yorkshire company has been awarded contract for the development in the Desborough area of High Wycombe by Buckinghamshire Council. The project is being brought forward by a partnership between principal contractor Premier and Claritas Group, and is designed to be completed in a much shorter timescale than with traditional build. The 58 one-bedroom apartments will be fully fitted out offsite at Premier’s factory in Brandesburton and will arrive on site late autumn, complete with shower rooms and kitchens pre-installed. “There is an urgent need across the UK for emergency accommodation for people, who, often through no fault of their own, have become homeless. These individuals and families need housing for a short period of time, while a more permanent place is found for them to live,” said Dan Allison, director at Premier Modular. “Offsite construction is very well suited to building this type of accommodation. As well as meeting the required standards for quality and sustainability, we can reduce the completion time to deliver new temporary homes more quickly for people on emergency housing waiting lists.” The homes will be constructed around a central courtyard which will provide amenity space for residents. A housing management office, offices for the relocated British Red Cross, and laundry will be located on the ground floor, with refuse stores and cycle storage in the plaza.
Renaker’s plans to build a pair of 52-storey skyscrapers in Manchester look set to move ahead next week. The application concerns the developer’s Crown Street project, with the buildings forming the last phase. Between them, they would comprise 855 apartments. Also earmarked for the site is commercial space, a primary school and a multi-storey car park with 633 spots. It would be brought forward in four phases, with outline permission sought for the education aspect of the scheme. Full permission is sought for the bulk of the project. Phase A would comprise the first tower of 414 homes, with phase B made up of a further 441 in the second tower. Phase C would be the school, leaving phase D as a three-storey car park. “The forecasted economic growth indicates the employment opportunities will be concentrated in the city centre. Suitable housing is needed to support these jobs and to retain existing skill sets,” said a planning statement drawn up by Deloitte Real Estate. Manchester City Council’s planning committee – meeting, albeit virtually, for the first time since early March – has been advised to back the plans, with a report from its planning officer adding: “It is considered that a mixed-use development incorporating tall buildings and the proposed level of residential and commercial units would be consistent with national and local planning policy, and would promote a quality neighbourhood, economic development and sustainable travel patterns. “The site is appropriate for tall buildings and the development would be well designed and of a high quality development at this important gateway site. It would fulfil an important role in providing residential accommodation within the city centre.”
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75% uplift in transactions, taking the total number of orders to unprecedented levels. The surge of interest in home improvements saw a slight shift in IronmongeryDirect’s usual consumer base, away from its usual trade focus and more into the domestic market. In fact, while online traffic from existing customers rose by 29%, the number of first-time visitors more than trebled (208% YoY). Categories that performed particularly well in June included: ● Locks and latches ● Door and cabinet furniture (front door furniture, handles and knobs) ● Screws and fixings ● Gate, fence and shed hardware ● Shelving and storage Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “In recent months, many people have used their extra time at home to do DIY and this trend is clearly evident in our sales data. “We’re delighted to have been able to provide for the nation during lockdown, whilst still supplying critical products to the NHS and schools in this difficult time. With restrictions starting to ease off, we expect to see a return to our normal trade patterns and will continue to serve the country’s construction industry as it recovers from the pandemic.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
A leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products, material handling components and systems has opened its first European operations at a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa. US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear has signed a 10-year lease for a unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices at Spa Park, which has been jointly developed by Stoford Developments and asset management company BlackRock. The industrial specialist, which stocks a wide range of its standard power transmission and bulk material handling products, took occupation of the unit in June 2020. In its first phase of operations, it has a machine shop to re-work standard products to customers’ requirements, with further operational phases planned to expand the machine shop to enable it to manufacture made-to-order and special-design parts. In the next two years, it aims to create 10 jobs. Phillip Hewitt, General Manager EMEA of Martin Sprocket & Gear UK Ltd, said the new venture means it can service existing and new customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, as well as complement its facilities across in the USA, Mexico, Brazil and China. He said as well as creating local jobs, it was also committed to supporting the region’s economy by working with local companies, where possible. “We looked at many sites across the Midlands and the north of England as our goal was to have a location that is close to the motorway network, to our major customers and to ports and airports. Spa Park ticks all those boxes,” he said. “Our aim is to service the EMEA market by following the philosophy of our founder Joe Martin senior in 1951, of having large inventory, providing a quality product and being easy to do business with. Our success will be good for the local economy as we will recruit locally and source consumables from local companies wherever possible.” Welcoming Martin Sprocket & Gear UK Ltd to Spa Park, Edward Peel, Development Manager at Birmingham-based Stoford Developments, said: “Attracting yet another global name to Spa Park is testament to the quality of the development as well as the excellent location and national road networks. “There remains strong demand for business units and warehouses of this size in the area, which has been experienced through the interest we have received in the scheme to date. The remaining two units on site are currently still available. However we are in discussions with a number of interested parties and hope to welcome the next occupier to the park soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. Last year it signed Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies, for a 50,000 sq ft unit. Units 3 and 4 remain available and comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable for advanced manufacturing, e-fulfilment and distribution uses (B1, B2 and B8 classes). Spa Park is close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Leamington Spa train station is less than one mile away. Spa Park is already home to lingerie and swimwear brand Bravissimo, Detroit Electric and global medical company Smith + Nephew.
