Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas
The team at B&K Structures are celebrating Offsite Awards success after being crowned winners of not one but two awards for Commercial Project of the Year and Education Project of the year at a virtual ceremony hosted by Mark Durden Smith. Working across all construction sectors, the specialist sustainable contractor
V7 Asset Management and BauMont Real Estate Capital have appointed LSH as letting and managing agents on their new project at Thames Valley Park, Reading. BauMont acquired buildings Four and Five from Microsoft in March 2020 and retained renowned redevelopment and asset management company V7 for their exciting new project.
Landwood Group has marked the launch of its new Project and Building Consultancy division with a string of new instructions. Property firms, administrators and private investors, including London & Scottish Investments, DFDS, Assetcorp, Derwent Lodge Estates and RBH Properties, are among those already benefiting from the dynamic, director-led commercial advice
Plans for the next phase of the £15 million redevelopment of privately-owned estate Lambton Park have been unveiled, with new retail and office space set to be provided. Located near Chester-le-Street, Miller Homes is creating a 109-home scheme known as Miller Homes at Lambton Park, which has achieved a build
A national survey of construction companies published by Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, alongside their national association MHA, reveals a stark divide in how construction companies in the South East and beyond have fared during the COVID-19 crisis. In line with national trends, almost half (49%) of
Water is an essential component and we couldn’t imagine life without its availability. Three-quarters of the earth is composed of water that has to be brought to the land to make use of it. To make water easily accessible, water tankers are used. Water tankers are large storage tankers that
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get
UK commercial properties are facing an ongoing battle with poor air quality. According to research from the BBC, up to 800,000 people die every year globally from poor workplace air quality; this represents a productivity lost of nearly £0.50 per hour per employee where productivity is concerned. Clearly, tackling this issue
Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas – quality, reliability and distinction. Other factors taken into consideration include a brand’s current profile, latest marketing activities and new product or service developments. Howard Luft, Selco’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to have received this award and it’s a huge credit to the entire team throughout Selco. “Whether it be opening new branches to help establish a true nationwide brand, creating a revamped and fully operational website or establishing digital transactional platforms such as Click & Collect or Click & Deliver, there have been substantial developments in recent years and there are exciting initiatives planned to continue that progress. “Receiving recognition through awards such as Superbrands is just reward for the efforts of everyone to grow the Selco name.” The Superbrands organisation identifies and pays tribute to exceptional brands in over 85 different countries. The selection process is independently run with one of the world’s leading data research companies and tracks the perception of a wide range of businesses. It follows a voting process involving 2,500 business professionals with purchasing or managerial responsibility, supplemented by an expert council comprising 20 senior marketing leaders. This year’s survey evaluated a shortlist of 1,600 business-to-business brands across 63 categories, with only the most highly regarded from each category awarded Superbrands status. Damon Segal, co-founder of the Academy of Chief Marketers (Superbrands UK), said: “We are excited to have Selco Builders Warehouse on board with us and look forward to them being part of our community of collaborative senior marketing and brand focused members.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect service and a new website designed to help tradespeople purchase their materials in the quickest and most effective way possible. For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com
The team at B&K Structures are celebrating Offsite Awards success after being crowned winners of not one but two awards for Commercial Project of the Year and Education Project of the year at a virtual ceremony hosted by Mark Durden Smith. Working across all construction sectors, the specialist sustainable contractor has been involved in some outstanding developments, but the winning projects are truly unique. Andy Goodwin, Managing Director for B&K Structures said of this success: “The offsite sector is driven by innovation and it is rewarding to be acknowledged as a leader in our field by such a distinguished panel of judges. I would like to send my congratulations to our pioneering team and our outstanding construction partners.” Dreadnought Building – Education Project of the Year Transforming a former naval hospital within a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no small task, the Dreadnought Building at the University of Greenwich is an amazing structure. As part of a team of specialists, B&K Structures sensitively restored the Grade II listed building by stripping it back and modernising it ready for its contemporary role at the heart of the University. The renowned Dreadnought building retains its character and sense of history whilst providing a state-of-the-art hub creating teaching and learning facilities, together with a gym and social spaces. The project involved two elements. The refurbishment of the existing building together with a new PEFC full chain of custody infill structure to the courtyard comprising visible grade cross laminated timber (CLT) floor panels to the first and second mezzanine floor levels. At roof level the design has a combination of white wood spruce glulam beams and insulated timber roof cassettes. Construction Partners •Client – University of Greenwich •Main Contractor – Willmott Dixon •Architect – Dannatt Johnson Associates •M&E – Andrew Reid and Partners •Structural – Alan Baxter Associates •Specialist Contractor – B&K Structures •CLT Supplier – Stora Enso •Glulam & Timber Cassette Supplier – Rubner Holzbau Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre – Commercial Project of the Year The ambition for the Jaguar Land Rover scheme was to create one of the foremost Advanced Product Creation Centres in the world using innovative offsite construction techniques. The new building reflects the design quality and company values associated with one of the UK’s most iconic automotive businesses. Jaguar Land Rover’s own sustainability and wellbeing strategy shaped the building philosophy together with the desire to create a defining roof structure from offsite manufactured timber technology that reflects the pioneering work taking place within. A diverse range of spaces has been brought together under one of Europe’s largest engineered timber roofs designed, engineered and installed by B&K Structures. Construction Partners •Client- Jaguar Land Rover •Main Contractor – Laing O’Rourke •Architect – Bennett Associates •Structure, Services and Specialist Engineering – Buro Happold •Specialist Frame Contractor – B&K Structures •CLT Supplier – Binderholz •Glulam Supplier – Derix •Quantity Surveyor – Thomas and Adamson About B&K Structures Through careful design detailing and value engineering, B&K Structures is able to offer the best possible offsite manufactured construction solutions, ensuring a smooth integration for follow-on trades – delivering award-winning, environmentally and sustainable projects on time and to budget. B&K Structures has worked with some of the UK’s most renowned clients to develop outstanding buildings with sustainable credentials. For more information on their product portfolio and full range of services go to www.bkstructures.co.uk
V7 Asset Management and BauMont Real Estate Capital have appointed LSH as letting and managing agents on their new project at Thames Valley Park, Reading. BauMont acquired buildings Four and Five from Microsoft in March 2020 and retained renowned redevelopment and asset management company V7 for their exciting new project. The properties will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment which will focus on wellness and sustainability, creating an exciting prime office environment that brings the best of the town centre amenity and workplace trends to Thames Valley Park. The buildings comprise of a total of 155,585 sq ft and are located just off Junction 10 of the M4, perfectly situated for access to Heathrow airport within 30 minutes and Reading train station is just two miles away. Tom Fletcher, Head of LSH’s Reading office, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with V7 and BauMont on this exciting project. We’re seeing a solid level of activity in the Reading office market and we truly believe that, once complete, this workspace will transform the perception of business parks leading to it becoming a magnet for occupiers migrating from London who are seeking to diversify their operational footprint.” Hazel Nancarrow, Director of Property and Asset Management at LSH, added: “We are excited to be working with an asset manager who is as passionate about transforming underperforming buildings as we are providing stand out management and occupier experiences, and we look forward to supporting V7 and BauMont in realising the true potential of these two buildings over the coming months and years.” Chris Hunt, Co-founder and Director at V7 Asset Management, commented: “We have had a really positive experience of working with LSH on several other properties and were particularly impressed by their enthusiasm for results in lettings and their drive for community and environmental sustainability across the properties that they manage, so they were the natural agent of choice for this instruction.” The refurbishment will see Building Four (69,370 sq ft is PC in 2021) and Building Five (86,215 sq ft PC summer of 2022) undergo an extensive refurbishment offering new amenities including a concierge reception and event management, outdoor terraces, indoor and outdoor gyms, tree-house meeting rooms and independently run Cafés by local baristas.
Landwood Group has marked the launch of its new Project and Building Consultancy division with a string of new instructions. Property firms, administrators and private investors, including London & Scottish Investments, DFDS, Assetcorp, Derwent Lodge Estates and RBH Properties, are among those already benefiting from the dynamic, director-led commercial advice it provides. The new service lines are delivered by directors Chris Mann (ex Hollis) and John Edwards (ex Avison Young), who are both RICS chartered surveyors. Between them they provide in excess of 35 years of project management, cost consultancy and building surveying experience alongside extensive practical, design and consultancy expertise. Landwood Group Director Anna Main comments: “We’re delighted to expand the services we offer with our new Project and Building Consultancy lines. “Chris and John bring with them considerable knowledge and experience that will allow us to provide clients with unbeatable expertise alongside best-in-class commercial advice. “While the economic outlook is uncertain, we remain committed to identifying opportunities that will drive meaningful commercial results.” Chris Mann adds: “There is a clear demand in the market at the moment for concise, expert commercial advice. “The Project and Building Consultancy service lines are a natural fit alongside Landwood’s current offering. “We’ve hit the ground running with our new client wins demonstrating how we’re already trusted to add value to businesses. “Myself, John and our colleagues look forward to working closely with Landwood’s existing teams to grow this division further.” The new division, which launched in September, will offer advice across the whole life cycle of assets with typical instructions including project management, dilapidations and advice on acquisitions and disposal. Headquartered in Manchester, Landwood Group are experts in property, plant and machinery and business assets. Their team of chartered surveyors, asset managers and auctioneers provide unrivalled expertise. Among the services they provide clients are property and machinery asset valuations and appraisals for secured lending and recovery situations; residential and commercial property management and property and business asset sales.
Plans for the next phase of the £15 million redevelopment of privately-owned estate Lambton Park have been unveiled, with new retail and office space set to be provided. Located near Chester-le-Street, Miller Homes is creating a 109-home scheme known as Miller Homes at Lambton Park, which has achieved a build milestone with the completion of the eastern side of Bowes Gate Drive, the new entrance onto the estate. This streetscape includes the show home and a newly-opened show apartment. There is also a selection of four and five-bedroom homes which have been sold, as well as two-bedroom apartments. “Lambton Park is not only an incredibly special place in which to live, but it will be a fantastic place to work and visit. Our buyers aren’t just purchasing a home; they are joining an exciting new community and have exclusive access to beautiful walks around the estate. In the near future they should also have a great selection of amenities right on the doorstep,” said Andrew Somerville, sales director at Miller Homes North East. The next phase of the redevelopment of Lambton Estate involves the construction of a community hub adjacent to the homes. Known as Bowes Gate, Known as Bowes Gate, the community hub offers retail space across the ground floor, designed to be a traditional high street of approximately eight independent local shops. Plans also include a standalone café/bistro, as well as space across the first and second floors of the main building, which could accommodate conventional offices, serviced office space and meeting rooms, a wellness centre with a yoga/pilates studio or gym. “We have been hugely encouraged by the speculative interest which potential operators have expressed in the building. In response we have pressed on with this critical component of our plans for Lambton Park,” added Calum Gillhespy, a director with the estate’s managing agents GSC Grays. “We have an exciting design for Bowes Gate which complements the fantastic job Miller Homes is doing on site and we hope to be inviting formal expressions of interest in the space which we have available next month.”
A national survey of construction companies published by Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, alongside their national association MHA, reveals a stark divide in how construction companies in the South East and beyond have fared during the COVID-19 crisis. In line with national trends, almost half (49%) of companies said the impact of COVID-19 has been substantial; 44% stated it had had only minimal impact on their business; and only 5% described the damage was critical. Future expectations also showed a divide, with almost a third reporting that business activity was now back to normal, while 30% believed it would take over a year to return to pre-pandemic levels. The biggest concern, shared by 61% of respondents, is economic uncertainty. Supply chain disruption also ranked high on the list of worries, mentioned by 45% of respondents, with 32% concerned about cashflow, which reflects the industry’s strong balance sheets, low debt risk and improved turnover pre-pandemic. Other findings: 81% have made use of the furlough scheme, with seven in 10 planning to bring back all furloughed staff Close to a third (32%) have had to make redundancies 68% have used the VAT deferral scheme 47% reported it was easy to access government funding Commenting on the results of the survey, Robert Dowling, Head of Construction and Real Estate at MHA and MHA Carpenter Box, said: “Construction businesses in the South East have generally adapted well since lockdown was lifted. They are managing sites to ensure activity can continue, whilst adhering to social distancing measures by spreading workforces around sites. “Inevitably there are delays and completion dates are being put back, which in turn is expected to have some impact on funding by increasing the cost of capital. “The future however is very uncertain. Government projects are now the most likely source of revival for the sector; housebuilding, although currently buoyed up by strong demand is likely to suffer from a rise in unemployment; and commercial building is unlikely to thrive, with many companies questioning whether they need as much office space as before.”
Water is an essential component and we couldn’t imagine life without its availability. Three-quarters of the earth is composed of water that has to be brought to the land to make use of it. To make water easily accessible, water tankers are used. Water tankers are large storage tankers that are filled with water which is transported to where it is needed by road. Water is needed in every phase of life. So water tankers are not only restricted to domestic purposes but are also used in civil construction, industries, fire fighting, producing artificial rain, and watering the plants. They are widely used because of the improved road networks that have made transportation easier. Water tankers are large enough to store 500 to 5000 gallons of water. But the larger they are in size, and the more capacity they hold, the same is the amount of cost that is needed to buy them. So instead of investing a huge amount in tankers, hiring is a better option because of its cost-efficiency. Look here for premium UTE water tanks. Hiring a water tanker is beneficial than buying one but here are a few things that must be acknowledged before hiring a tank. Cost The first and foremost thing that everyone considers is the price that they have to pay against the service they are availing. When hiring a water tanker, compare the price of different companies, look for the rates they offer on an hourly basis, and choose the most compatible price that you can pay without burdening yourself. If you are hiring for your business purposes, examine your capital, and see the long term and short term quotes offered by different companies. Capacity Water tankers are available in different sizes according to their use. The tankers for domestic uses are smaller and for construction purposes they are large. Know beforehand, the quantity of water that is required by you so opt for a tank that has a capacity that fits your use so you don’t have to face the trouble of insufficient water by hiring a smaller tank or pay unreasonably more by hiring a tank with more capacity than what is needed. Location Location matters a lot while you are hiring a tanker to transport water for your needs. Choose for a company that is nearer your destination so that you have to pay less, otherwise longer distances will increase the per hour rate and will not be cost-efficient. Look for a company which is the nearest so that they can deliver easily and park on the location from where water could be supplied The credibility of the service provider The tanker that you are hiring must be from a reputable company that you can examine by the reviews that their customers have given online or ask for your friends for suggestions about the best place to hire tankers from. The staff must be decent to comply with your needs so that no hindrance occurs in the supply of water between the client and the dealer.
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get to the attic. However, such a solution is not particularly safe. It is worth investing in a solid loft ladder, which will ensure proper comfort of use and safety. Loft ladders – which material to choose? Choosing the right loft ladders depends mainly on the frequency of use. Both metal and wooden loft ladders are available on the market, and the choice depends on individual preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal stairs are much more popular and are characterized by greater stability and strength. However, if you plan to enter the attic occasionally, a wooden loft ladder will be a sufficient option. Size of the loft ladder One of the most important things you need to pay attention to when buying a loft ladder is to choose the right size. First, check precisely how big the area under the stairs is. This will significantly simplify the selection of a loft ladder. You also have to decide whether you need a three- or four-section loft ladder. Pay attention also to the difficulty of installation. Choose loft ladders of the highest quality construction ‒ thanks to that the installation will not be complicated or particularly expensive. Additional features of the loft ladder – choose wisely! When choosing a loft ladder, opt for safe models that feature non-slip steps and mortise locks. This will ensure that your loft ladder will be stable and properly secured until the lock is released. It is best to opt for a loft ladder with a factory-assembled handrail, which helps when climbing and descending from the attic and minimizes the risk of an unfortunate fall. Many people do not take energy efficiency into account when choosing a loft ladder. However, this is very important because, as research shows, as much as 25% of heat loss in the house is related to the attic. Therefore, on the market search for a loft ladder with high energy efficiency, which will reduce the costs associated with heating the house. Loft ladders ‒ summary Choosing the right loft ladder is not an easy task. It all depends on your individual preferences, and the type of building you live in. If you follow our instructions regarding the choice of a loft ladder, you will certainly find a good and safe solution that will serve in your house for many years. When choosing a loft ladder, pay attention to the way it opens and check if it is insulated to limit the loss of heat from the house.
UK commercial properties are facing an ongoing battle with poor air quality. According to research from the BBC, up to 800,000 people die every year globally from poor workplace air quality; this represents a productivity lost of nearly £0.50 per hour per employee where productivity is concerned. Clearly, tackling this issue is important both for employee health and for the success of a business. A determinative way in which to address the challenge is through well designed inbuilt air control design from the minute the building goes up. The function of air purification To properly design air filtration for your build it’s important to build up a knowledge of exactly how filtration works. Modern air filtration works via the High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, more popularly known as the HEPA filter. Studies have shown the efficiency of such devices in remediating poor air quality – a study published in the Journal of Advances In Technical Nonwovens found that filters can take 99.7% of particulates out of the air. It is worth noting, however, that they aren’t effective for smaller particles, such as viruses. These filters then are standardised against MERV ratings, which are an important consideration for businesses. A certain rating, typically MERV 13 or higher, is necessary to filter out all of the particulates you would expect to find in the work environment. However, going too high will restrict airflow and can leave the atmosphere inside of work feeling stale, if still safe. Tackling that aspect and thus making it comfortable for workers is important. The filtration/quality balance Air filters can make sure air is clean and healthy, but they can stifle proper airflow, too. It’s no longer enough to simply have air con systems that push and pull air into the building; a more finely controlled and flexible system is needed to ensure that the building has proper airflow throughout. This is, of course, entirely possible, and buildings from as far back as the mid-noughties show that. As City Wire have explored, London’s Gherkin has a deft set of movements from its outside plates to allow a whole range of alterations to air flow. Working in a smart mechanical fashion, it ensures that the air inside can be clean while also not being stifling. Futuristic futures Of course, steps can be taken that will improve the situation even further. For example, look to Mexico, where a living and breathing piece of street art actively cleans air. This is something achievable in the office environment through wall materials and artwork within the office, and can be an active reminder to tenants of the benefits provided by a proper air filtration system as well as an interesting angle through to which to market your properties. Brought together, these elements make up the new air filtration picture. With employee health and productivity at risk, it’s an imperative for building owners to get smart about how they want their builds to operate. Planning now will help to ensure a better, more breathable, future.
