~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme,
The Northern Ireland Protocol will take effect from 1 January 2021. New guidance provides support for businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The guidance outlines that, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK Government will ensure that: Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should
British homeowners have spent an average of £4,035.70 each on renovations as they expect to stay home for the long term Home pub makes post-pandemic pad wish list alongside garden studio and indoor gym as emerging social areas look set to add value to homes Garden is the most popular lockdown refurb
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town,
A new partnership arranged by the developers behind a proposed £20 million Gateshead retail scheme could create work and training opportunities. Fintry Estates and development partner Hargreaves revealed revised plans earlier this year for the 8.2-acre site, off Albany Road, south of the Baltic Business Quarter. It is set to
Socio-economic changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have been accommodated by Bolton Council and its developer partners to ensure the delivery of the £1 billion masterplan to transform the town centre by 2030, according to new analysis by Deloitte. The investor prospectus commissioned by the authority shows how its Vision
The £1.2 million renovation of two historic riverside properties in Hull has just been completed by Allenby Commercial. The company has converted Danish Buildings and the adjoining grade II-listed Bayles House into 17 studios aimed at creative business. “We’re thrilled to see work complete on this historic Hull building, which
In the energy sector, there is so much resistance towards the construction of new pipelines. One of the major reasons is the adverse effects of these pipelines. For instance, in the last decade, the stats for oil spillage is alarming. Just so you know how bad it is, not less
The trucking industry is a necessary and vital part of American life. It is responsible for transporting retail items like food all across the country. Without those huge trucks and the people willing to drive them, there would barely be an economy to speak of. However, as necessary as trucks
~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme, many hopeful homeowners still remain uncertain that they will have enough funds to make it onto the property ladder. In order to create enough homes to meet demand, the government has predicted that over 300,000 homes must be built each year until 2025. A lack of housing is not the only factor affecting the UK housing market. Many first-time buyers are unable to get onto the property ladder due to the high cost of an initial deposit. To help first time buyers, the government announced the First Homes scheme in February 2020. The scheme, which has been prioritised for key workers such as those in the Armed Forces, police and teachers, will offer a 30 per cent discount on new homes. However, analysis by homeless charity Shelter has found that 96 per cent of average earners would still not be able to afford a home under this scheme. Modular construction has become a standout method in the construction industry. Builds can be completed quicker and because fewer resources are required in their construction, they are usually cheaper to build and buy. This could offer a more affordable solution for the first time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder. Euramax originally supplied windows for narrow boats and the static and touring caravan market, before expanding into the modular and offsite construction sectors in 2019. “Though Euramax has not supplied into the modular sector as long as it has caravans, assessing the industry and connecting with professionals has helped us to gain a strong insight into the potential of modular construction”, said managing director, Nick Cowley. “We now supply our products to a number of modular home manufacturers across the country. “Modular constructions can be built up to 50 per cent faster than traditional brick and mortar homes. This quick completion time has recently helped to build emergency hospitals and additional wards, as well as school classrooms. Modular builds can be completed quicker because the build is prefabricated offsite, in a factory-controlled environment. “Unlike traditionally built homes that require extensive site preparation before construction can commence, fabrication of the modules can start right away. Because a modular build is predominantly constructed offsite, there is little disruption from factors such as the weather and quality checks can be carried out beforehand. “It’s clear to see that a lot more must be done to help more first-time buyers enter the property market. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting this industry and recently supplied modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes, with windows and doors for 2,000 of their modular homes,” added Cowley. To learn more about how Euramax’s range of PVCu windows and doors and composite doors can support the modular industry, visit the website.
The Northern Ireland Protocol will take effect from 1 January 2021. New guidance provides support for businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The guidance outlines that, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK Government will ensure that: Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should take place as it does now – there will be no additional process, paperwork, or restrictions on Northern Ireland goods moving to Great Britain, delivering unfettered access. Changes for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be kept to an absolute minimum – with a new Trader Support Service, available to all traders at no cost, to be established to provide wraparound support, alongside guidance on the processes for food and agricultural products designed to uphold the longstanding status of the island of Ireland as a single epidemiological unit. Trade in goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and between Northern Ireland and EU Member States, will continue unaffected, with no change at the border, no new paperwork, and no tariffs or regulatory checks. For trade with the rest of the world, Northern Ireland will benefit from UK FTAs – ensuring the benefits of those agreements are felt right across the United Kingdom. If businesses are impacted by these changes, they may want to consider the Trader Support Service. It can help businesses if they: move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK; act on behalf of someone to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK; are based in Northern Ireland and receive goods from outside of Northern Ireland; send parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring parcels into Northern Ireland from outside the UK, using Royal Mail or an express operator. The Trader Support Service will be free to use and will guide businesses through any changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and into Northern Ireland from outside the UK. Businesses can also use it to get declarations completed on their behalf. Businesses can register an interest in the Trader Support Service here. Apply for grants if your business completes customs declarations Businesses can apply for 3 grants to help their business complete customs declarations. They can apply to get funding for: training that helps a business to complete customs declarations and processes; hiring new staff to help their business complete customs declarations; IT improvements to help their business complete customs declarations more efficiently. More information on the scheme and how to apply is available here.
British homeowners have spent an average of £4,035.70 each on renovations as they expect to stay home for the long term Home pub makes post-pandemic pad wish list alongside garden studio and indoor gym as emerging social areas look set to add value to homes Garden is the most popular lockdown refurb for homeowners and veg patches make a comeback With most of the nation stuck indoors due to lockdown restrictions, homeowners across the UK are investing in lockdown makeovers, new research reveals. The 2020 Renovation Nation Report, by mortgage comparison site money.co.uk, has found that UK’s homeowners have invested an average of £4,035.70 each on home renovations, since the lockdown began in March. And it seems that Brits are sacrificing more than ever for their perfect pad as the prospect of more time at home becomes the new normal. Garden upgrades (34%) top a list for the most popular lockdown renovation projects, closely followed by the living room (23%), bedroom (22%) and kitchen (22%) as together the nation’s homeowners invested £55bn* in their properties. The findings by the personal finance experts at money.co.uk, also suggest that homeowners have abandoned all hopes of a holiday. Almost a quarter (24%) stated they have used money originally intended for a holiday to finance their new home improvements, which is second only to general savings (26%). Some even admitted to sacrificing their ‘big day’ as 4% of Brits revealed they used savings originally intended for a wedding or engagement ring. When asked why they chose to invest in their home, over a quarter (27%) of homeowners cited adding value to their home as a reason. Zoom has also played its part. Approaching half (40%) of British homeowners admitted to ‘Zoombarrassement’ over the appearance of their homes. Keen to make the most of staying home, green-fingered Brits have also been turning their hand to growing their own vegetables, with just over one in five (21%) homeowners investing in a greenhouse or vegetable patch during the pandemic. Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “While many have struggled with the impact of lockdown restriction on their finances, our research found that having to spend more time at home has inspired almost two-thirds (65%) of homeowners to invest in renovations to their properties. “Almost three quarters (73%) of the property owners we spoke to said they will continue to stay home as much as possible even with lockdown easing, it looks like the trend for investing in homes looks set to continue. “For those looking to renovate or improve their homes, they will need to balance short term wishes with long term gain. The financial impact of investing in your home should always be a concern and ensuring you add value to your home through the work you do to the property is essential.” Pandemic changing Brits renovation dreams – but will they add value? When asked which home project Brits would consider investing in as a direct result of the pandemic, garden projects again reigned supreme: ● Over a third (34%) said they wanted a garden summerhouse/studio ● Over fifth (21%) are craving a greenhouse/vegetable patch ● 14% dream of raising their glass to their own pub. Inside the home, work and leisure are on the wish list: ● indoor gyms (17%) and bike storage (9%) ● offices (16%) ● leisure rooms (17%) ● and even classrooms (2%) making the list. Property expert, Adam Parson, Area Supervisor (SE) Andrews Property Group commented: “During these unprecedented times what has become immediately noticeable is the lack of attention people had previously given to the most social areas of the home i.e. garden and living room. “As we emerge from lockdown the perception of importance has changed, and the specialist areas will be seen as an asset rather than a novelty. Areas such as a garden studio, leisure area or pub/bar area that add a point of difference, escapism or an improvement to well-being will be seen as a necessity. Going forwards, we believe that the home buyers in today’s market will take more notice of these areas which increases their potential to add value to the overall property.” For more information on what post pandemic renovations will add value to your home and ways to finance them can be found in the 2020 Renovation Nation report at money.co.uk.
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town, close to main routes such as the A52 include the construction of a new highway link to join up two parts of the existing industrial estate, which will allow for the expansion of the park site onto the surrounding agricultural land. The preparation works will enable the current site to be more easily accessible for multiple business functions in future, to accommodate speculative builds or purpose-built units for a range of private clients, including local seasonal companies in Skegness for storage needs. As well as a new 4,000m2 access road, there will also be a foul water pump station that will service the land, as well as water and electric service ducts to allow services to be easily brought onto the site in future and LED street lighting to current standards. Expected to be complete in spring 2021, the redeveloped business park site will span six hectares, which includes the current existing main industrial site and surrounding road infrastructure that is being opened up for future development. G F Tomlinson has worked on numerous projects for Lincolnshire County Council in the past, including heritage works for Lincoln Castle and in the education sector – the refurbishment of school buildings at Lincoln Castle Academy and Monks Abbey Primary School, the construction of a new two storey Science and ICT building at Walton High School in Grantham, as part of its expansion and transition from an all-girls school to a coeducational secondary school, and the refurbishment of the disused former Mablethorpe Tennyson High School, to create the Springwell Alternative Academy in Mablethorpe. Managing director of G F Tomlinson, Andy Sewards, said: “We’re delighted to announce the commencement of infrastructure works this August for the redevelopment of the existing business park site in Skegness. The works will ensure accessibility to the site and existing industrial estate and will facilitate potential for economic development for the town, providing quality space with access to agricultural land for a number of businesses in the vicinity, or for those looking to relocate to the Skegness area. “We have a solid, longstanding relationship with our client, Lincolnshire County Council, and have worked with them for numerous projects and developments since 2012 when we did the first of the waste transfer stations. We look forward to seeing this project through from its summer start to finish, which is expected at the beginning of next year.” Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The expansion of the business park is a big confidence boost for our coast. Diversifying the economy in the area will provide more year-round employment as well as allowing local businesses to expand or re-locate. “The site will be suitable for a wide range of business needs and usage, including purpose-built units for many different companies, and will encourage future investment. By boosting investment and creating jobs, there will be benefits throughout the wider area.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Lincolnshire County Council and it is great to see that they are utilising the speed and efficiency of the Regional Construction framework for the infrastructure works at the Skegness Industrial Estate, ensuring it is fit for expansion will bring investment to the local area, helping with the town’s economic recovery and future development.”
A new partnership arranged by the developers behind a proposed £20 million Gateshead retail scheme could create work and training opportunities. Fintry Estates and development partner Hargreaves revealed revised plans earlier this year for the 8.2-acre site, off Albany Road, south of the Baltic Business Quarter. It is set to feature a discount food-store, additional retail units, garden centre, micro-brewery/pub, drive-thru coffee shop and a gym, and could create about 138 job. The developers have ow partnered with partnership with Gateshead College to offer work and training opportunities to student in both construction and retail. “Hargreaves and Fintry Estates are serious about investing in Gateshead, the place and the people. As we begin the economic recovery, our proposed £20m development will help pump-prime the local economy, creating around 125 jobs during the construction phase, and around 138 when the scheme is fully operational,” said Graham Wilson, director at Fintry Estates. “We’re proud to be partnering with Gateshead College, to ensure the young people of Gateshead are well-equipped for work. If planning permission is granted, we’ll work together to offer real work experience and employment opportunities for college students on the site, through the construction phase and into operation as a new retail and leisure quarter. The proposed development demonstrates a massive vote of confidence in Gateshead,” Graham added. A planning application was submitted to Gateshead Council by the Newcastle office of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields earlier this year and is expected to be heard later this month (August 2020).
Socio-economic changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have been accommodated by Bolton Council and its developer partners to ensure the delivery of the £1 billion masterplan to transform the town centre by 2030, according to new analysis by Deloitte. The investor prospectus commissioned by the authority shows how its Vision 2030 programme will address the new set of circumstances brought about by the pandemic, allowing the town to fulfil its potential in the next decade and beyond. “Bolton Council remains committed to delivering its plans for a redeveloped town centre and continues to engage with developers and investors to understand the implications of the pandemic on committed and emerging schemes within the six identified opportunity areas,” said Simon Bedford, partner at Deloitte and head of the local government development team. “Local retail centres will have a role in driving future economic recovery as consumers increasingly choose to buy local, supporting local businesses and supply chains post Covid-19.” The Deloitte study examines how the council is working with its developer partners to respond to trends affecting its six landmark mixed-use schemes at Trinity Quarter, Church Wharf, Crompton Place/Bolton Victoria Square, Croal Valley, Cheadle Square and the new Blackhorse Street-Bolton Digital City. The Big Four firm also believes Bolton’s town centre schemes “present an opportunity for remodelling the urban environment to better meet the demands and needs of a post-COVID society”. “The flexible and adaptable nature of our six mixed-use schemes, and the commitment of our developer partners, means we remain on course to deliver a transformed town centre by 2030,” added Cllr David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council. It is hoped that Bolton’s regeneration programme will have provided 1,700 homes and 4,411 full-time jobs by 2030, injecting £487.5m GVA of additional economic activity.
The £1.2 million renovation of two historic riverside properties in Hull has just been completed by Allenby Commercial. The company has converted Danish Buildings and the adjoining grade II-listed Bayles House into 17 studios aimed at creative business. “We’re thrilled to see work complete on this historic Hull building, which we were pleased to support through the Local Growth Fund. Not only has it supported the regeneration of an important building in the Old Town, it has also supported the creation of new office space and enabled start-ups and existing businesses to grow their operations in a city centre location,” said Stephen Parnaby , chair of the Humber LEP. The project has been supported with £250,000 from the government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Humber LEP, in support of the Northern Powerhouse initiative. “The support of Humber LEP was a very significant factor in the whole project. It enabled us to carry out much more of the restoration work which has become a key feature of both buildings,” added Charlie Allenby, business development manager at Allenby Commercial. Parts of the property date back to the 17th century. Bayles House was originally built as a house in the 18th century and underwent alterations later that century and in the mid-19th century. It was listed in 1952 and sits next to the iconic Scale Lane Bridge and the Lion & Key pub, and opposite Ye Olde Black Boy.
In the energy sector, there is so much resistance towards the construction of new pipelines. One of the major reasons is the adverse effects of these pipelines. For instance, in the last decade, the stats for oil spillage is alarming. Just so you know how bad it is, not less than 34 million gallons have been lost to terrible pipe maintenance. Regardless of how it happens, when there is a spillage, there is a lot of strain on the environment. Aquatic life is affected, and so is every other thing within that location. This is not to mention the bad effects on the balance sheet. This is against the ideals of an eco-friendly environment and best business practices. In a bid therefore to prevent these environmental pollutions, there is so much resistance put up by some conservationists against the construction of these pipelines. Should Pipelines be Eradicated? Truth be told, most times, the problem is not the constructed pipes. These pipes are important for ensuring that the average household gets the needed gas, among other benefits. It is even the safest way to transport products in the energy industry. It is way better than rail or moving these highly flammable items through densely populated areas with large trucks. Based on this, the answer the question of whether or not they should be eradicated is a definite no! To know more about pipelines in the energy industry, you can click here. What Causes Oil Spillages? The problem of oil spillage is usually down to the attitude toward maintenance. These usually occur when key players in the energy sector fail to hire sufficient or qualified hands to handle potential problems on time. Actually, most spillages from these running pipes are proof of lapses in maintenance. With the right approach to maintaining these transport systems, we will all have the eco-friendly environment we desire. Pipeline Repair Services – The Way Forward for Pipe Maintenance As far as the energy sector is concerned, there is a need for pipe maintenance of the highest order. This is an area that cannot be left to chance. To ensure this, bringing on board a reputable pipeline repair company is particularly important. Industries That Need Pipeline Repair Companies While there is so much talk about offshore oil pipes, there are other industries that use a lot of pipelines. Here, we are talking about power plants, water plants, refineries, chemical plants, paper mills, steel mills, sewages, and a few others. These pipes act as a transport system for moving important items from one point to the other. As seen with offshore oil pipes, the distance covered can sometimes be very extensive. To ensure the smooth running of all the sectors listed above, the pipes must always be in good working condition. Hiring the right hands for the job is particularly important. It saves a lot of time, money, and prevents the possibility of accidents occurring. Frequently, a good pipeline repair company will carry out tests on all the pipes as well as equipment related to it. This will help them to effectively detect when repairs or an entire replacement of parts is necessary. Tips for Hiring the Right Pipeline Repair Company As seen above, the subject of pipe maintenance is important. As a result, every effort must be made to ensure that only sufficiently qualified companies are given this task. Below are some tips that can help make the right decision: A Tested and Trusted Company When searching for a pipeline repair company, you should take history seriously. What you need are people who have experience in this line of work with a remarkable success rate. Frankly, it does not have to be a fortune 500 company. An impressive startup with success stories can serve as well. To be certain that the company is not pulling a publicity stunt, you need to do your research. This is because anyone can make up a story about successful jobs that never took place. A Company with Capable Hands What you need is a company with a highly qualified team. People who have the experience, skill, and character to keep the pipes in good working conditions. You cannot just trust a company because they have a bunch of licenses and paperwork. How they employ their staff and the quality of people they recruit is of utmost importance as these are the people that will handle your job. It is better to spend quality time assessing than trying to pull the plug after a deal has been sealed. Good Response Time In the world of maintaining pipes, everything can happen so fast. There can be emergencies that call for prompt attention. To ensure you’ve got this covered, you need a company that is always on standby. Once they are alerted, they swing right into action. This is a non-negotiable attribute of a good pipeline repair company. You should therefore go for a company with effective hot-lines and platforms that give quick feedback. In this line of work, every minute counts. A Company with Diverse Specialty While this tip is not as important as the others, it can help improve the overall value that a company will be bringing to the table. It is strongly advised that you deal with a company with professional expertise in various pipeline fields. For example, a company like the RJ Stacey pipeline repair company that understands pipeline freeze craftshave, line stopping, hot tapping as well as other methods for fixing emergencies in this field will be your ideal choice. You will have rest of mind, knowing that they can deal with anything the situation throws at them. Many times, the knowledge and experience gained working on different job types can help a lot. You should therefore make this a yardstick for recruitment. A Company that Can Handle Difficult Moments So, the real intent is to avoid leaks and damages to the pipe. However, sometimes, things get out of hand even in the best hands. In such a situation,
The trucking industry is a necessary and vital part of American life. It is responsible for transporting retail items like food all across the country. Without those huge trucks and the people willing to drive them, there would barely be an economy to speak of. However, as necessary as trucks may be, they can also be extremely dangerous if they get into an accident. That is because the sheer mass of a truck dwarfs that of any other vehicle on the road. One of the more common kinds of truck accident is the jackknife accident and there are a lot of reasons why that kind of accident can happen. But if you are involved in that, or any other kind of truck accident, then you don’t care about the cause, you care more about how you will pay for the various expenses caused by the accident. An experienced injury attorney can help you to get the compensation you need from the trucking company that is responsible for the truck involved in the accident. So contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can after you have been in an accident. What is a Jackknife Accident? This kind of accident occurs when the trailer being towed by a semi-truck swings around so that it is to the side of the truck rather than behind it. The truck and the trailer end up creating a sort of V-shape, like a partially opened jackknife. This usually happens when either the truck or the trailer loses control. A jackknife incident can be very dangerous because the trailer swinging around could hit multiple cars and since the truck is practically impossible to control when the trailer goes out of control, the truck could end up colliding with other vehicles as well. Basically, a single jackknifing truck could end up being responsible for a multi-vehicle pileup. The Common Causes of a Jackknife Accident A jackknife accident usually occurs when a truck loses control and there can be many different reasons why that could happen. Speeding When a truck is going too fast and needs to stop suddenly, the driver will naturally jam on the brakes. The sudden deceleration can cause the trailer to lose control and swing around. This can lead to a jackknife accident on straight roads but it is far more likely to happen on a curved road since the trailer is already out at a slight angle. That is one of the many reasons why speeding is far more dangerous in a truck than it is in a car. Poor Vehicle Maintenance Every part of a truck and its trailer needs to be properly inspected and maintained on a regular basis. The brakes are especially important because they need to be correctly adjusted so that the vehicle comes to a smooth stop. If the brakes have not been properly adjusted, then the axles on the trailer could lock up before the axles on the rest of the truck. When that happens, the truck will end up dragging the trailer since the latter’s brakes are locked up, which could cause the trailer to swing around and cause a jackknife accident. Underinflated tires, balding tires, and fading brakes can also lead to the truck losing control and causing an accident. Bad Weather If the weather conditions have made the road slick and slippery, then that could increase the chances of a jackknife accident occurring. The truck and trailer could lose traction and that could cause the trailer to swing around towards the truck. All drivers should exhibit extra caution in slippery conditions and that is especially true for truck drivers. Overweight Cargo When a truck is pulling too much weight, it becomes much harder to control and takes a longer time to come to a stop when the brakes are applied. That is bad enough but the weight of the overloaded cargo can also shift around; if the truck is traveling too quickly when that happens, then a jackknife accident could happen when the truck loses control. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney If You Were Involved in a Jackknife Accident A jackknife accident can cause a lot of damage and as you can see, the causes are nearly always related to the driver or the trucking company. That is why you need the help of a truck accident attorney to take on the trucking company and hold them accountable for the accident. Your attorney will help you to get the compensation you need to take care of the expenses caused by the accident, such as repair bills and medical bills. Those expenses are likely to be high because of the potential damage a truck accident can cause. So contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
