Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of
Private water supplies in Scotland are more likely to fail stringent water quality tests than public supplies, warns the UK plumber approval body WaterSafe. WaterSafe is highlighting the risk to public health as figures from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator1 show more than 10 per cent of tests on privately
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has announced two limited-time finance offers to make purchasing its latest range of class-leading plant equipment simple, accessible and hassle-free. For all excavators, carriers and wheel loaders purchased before 30 November 2020, the customer can freeze hire purchase repayments until 2021.* A simple 10% deposit payment
Civil and structural engineers RWO, has secured an undisclosed six-figure contract to support the new Rockingham Logistics Hub at the former Rockingham Speedway site near Corby in the East Midlands. This is a 250-acre site with planning for end-to-end automotive processing, which when open will have storage capacity for 50,000 cars along with
~ Endurawood releases infographic on how aluminium supports the construction industry’s environmental footprint ~ UK building and outdoor living product supplier Endurawood has released an infographic outlining the benefits of aluminium as a construction material. The supplier, which specialises in wood-effect aluminium products for applications including cladding, decking and architectural
Barberry industrial has been selected to construct a manufacturing and design facility in Birmingham by the City Council and Homes England. The detailed planning application for the 57,000 sq ft scheme at the city’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub has already been submitted. “We are very excited to announce that we have
One the UK’s largest scaffolding suppliers has invested in two Hiab 188B-2 Hi Duo Cranes on a Scania chassis to boost its 70-strong fleet. Generation UK, part of global Altrad Group, has 17 locations across the UK and supplies commercial scaffolding and access solutions to major construction developments. The brand-new
Network Space Investments Limited has completed the off-market purchase of a modern single let industrial building on Hellaby Business Park, Rotherham, for £2.45million. The building, Unit 6, is situated in the heart of the Hellaby industrial estate, immediately adjacent to J1 of the M18 and within easy access of the
Being a landlord isn’t an easy job. While you may not have to sit at a desk all day, the work that comes with this can be just about endless. It will take a long time to find the right tenants for your property, but this won’t be the end
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority. Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer. The 2,200 sq. ft. Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq. ft. housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks – one of which has four one-bedroom apartments and the other, six one-bedroom apartments. Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics. This process ensures that time is saved at the construction stage, with 10 weeks of programme time being saved for this particular scheme, compared to traditional methods. Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land. Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partner, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane. The homes were then roofed and cladded on site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths. External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular Ltd including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning. The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets. Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council. “The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. “We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation. As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.” SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “We are building new homes in a range of different ways and the modular housing project is unique for us in that it has not been a traditional on-site build. “These are ambitious new-style developments providing homes for those who need them most and I am delighted to say both modular housing plots are fully occupied. We are creating a better quality of life for our residents, which is part of our vision for the future of this district.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that. We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”
Private water supplies in Scotland are more likely to fail stringent water quality tests than public supplies, warns the UK plumber approval body WaterSafe. WaterSafe is highlighting the risk to public health as figures from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator1 show more than 10 per cent of tests on privately owned and operated water networks failed to meet drinking water quality standards in the latest published results. This is an increase on 6.5 per cent last year and 125 times the rate of failures in public drinking water supplied by Scottish Water, which continues to be among the safest in the world. Local authorities are responsible for regulating private water supplies – carrying out risk assessments and monitoring them. Each year the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, which regulates public supplies, publishes a report on private supplies based on the local authorities’ findings. These findings have prompted WaterSafe and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator to urge private water supply owners and operators not to take any chances when it comes to protecting their networks – and customers – from potential contamination. About 200,000 people in Scotland receive their drinking water from private water supplies, which supply homes, as well as schools, community halls, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs and other businesses. Water samples failed due to a number of reasons, including poor water quality at the source, insufficient treatment of the water or poor or no maintenance of the plumbing and treatment systems. Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “There are more than 22,453 registered private water supplies in Scotland which supply drinking water to nearly 200,000 customers across households and businesses, but this report shows a worrying proportion of the samples taken have been deemed unsafe. “Our message to those who own and operate these networks and sources of water is very clear – always be sure to employ a qualified plumber, such as WaterSafe approved as they are properly trained and competent in the water regulations which govern public water supplies. It makes sense to apply these same standards to private supplies to keep them equally healthy and avoid the risk of contamination right up to the tap.” Sue Petch, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, said: “It is concerning that the quality of private water supplies is not improving. It is vital that these supplies are improved so that people using them have a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. “Local authorities can offer advice and support as well as enabling access to a Scottish Government grant to make improvements. “Private water supplies have many risks, and it is vital that those working on them are competent to do so. We support WaterSafe, as its register of approved plumbers is there to help those responsible for protecting public health make an informed choice and not least ensure any work is done safely by a skilled and competent plumber using approved materials.” The annual Drinking Water Quality Report for public and private water supplies can be read at https://dwqr.scot/information/annual-report/. To find your nearest WaterSafe approved plumber in Scotland, simply enter your postcode online at watersafe.org.uk
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has announced two limited-time finance offers to make purchasing its latest range of class-leading plant equipment simple, accessible and hassle-free. For all excavators, carriers and wheel loaders purchased before 30 November 2020, the customer can freeze hire purchase repayments until 2021.* A simple 10% deposit payment is required up front, alongside VAT in full and a small document signing fee. Alternatively, for select models across Yanmar’s tracked excavator, wheel loader and wheeled excavator portfolios (B75W, B95W, B110W, V70s, V80, ViO80-2PB, ViO82, B7, SV100, SV100-2PB and SV120), hire purchase customers can benefit from 0% APR for 36 months.** A minimum deposit of 10% applies, alongside payment of VAT in full and a small document signing fee. David Cockayne, UK & Ireland sales manager at Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, commented: “Perfectly blending stylish Japanese design with pioneering European innovation, the Yanmar compact portfolio sets the global standards in performance, capability and reliability. “Our unbeatable finance packages offer a helping hand to construction professionals nationwide, making purchasing the latest range both simple and accessible. As with all our promotions, they’ll only run for a limited time, so interested parties should take advantage while they can!” A leader in the design and manufacture of compact construction equipment, Yanmar’s comprehensive portfolio offers the perfect solution for almost every earthmoving application. From an extensive range of tracked excavators (0-10 tonnes), to a class-leading selection of wheel loaders, wheeled excavators and tracked carriers, operators benefit from reliable, robust, rental-tough machines built to the highest standards. For more information about the latest sales initiatives, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk.
Civil and structural engineers RWO, has secured an undisclosed six-figure contract to support the new Rockingham Logistics Hub at the former Rockingham Speedway site near Corby in the East Midlands. This is a 250-acre site with planning for end-to-end automotive processing, which when open will have storage capacity for 50,000 cars along with several vehicle maintenance buildings and 40,000 sq. ft. of office space. The contract involves re-evaluating the plans for the vehicle maintenance buildings, which are being built on a concrete raft specifically designed by RWO to replace the original cost prohibitive piled solution, spreading the load of the building over a wider area. The work also sees the preparation of designs and supplying a package of engineering services to ensure a successful structural infrastructure build programme, which is due for completion in spring 2021. The news comes as RWO, which has maintained a resilient performance in the face of economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic, continues to build on planned strategic growth, which sees revenues exceed turnover forecast of £1.75m in the past 12 months. Head of RWO Leeds, Andrew Fairburn, said: “This is another high-profile project working to create one of the UK’s foremost independent automotive logistics centres. It’s great to be involved, reflecting the skills and expertise available to support multi-million pound national investment projects. “We have a very healthy forward order book and expect to see further national contract success and expansion over the next 12 months.” Alan Cooper, director at contractors Core Special Projects, said: “We are working in close partnership with the RWO team to develop a successful engineering solution. They have the skills and experience to deliver service and quality for this important project, which will benefit so many in the local area.” Photocaption: RWO has won a contract to provide engineering services at the Rockingham Logistics Hub
~ Endurawood releases infographic on how aluminium supports the construction industry’s environmental footprint ~ UK building and outdoor living product supplier Endurawood has released an infographic outlining the benefits of aluminium as a construction material. The supplier, which specialises in wood-effect aluminium products for applications including cladding, decking and architectural facades, understands the multiple advantages of using aluminium over traditional building materials. Currently, the construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment accounts for 45 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions — a figure that demonstrates the industry’s impact on the environment. Concrete, steel and timber are globally used building materials that have been trusted in the construction of buildings for years. These materials, however, can prove harmful to the environment — with concrete responsible for eight per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions, steel production claimed to be one of the most carbon emitting industrial processes in the world and the use of timber, which encourages deforestation. Aluminium is formed through chemical extraction of bauxite, an ore that is mined to create alumina, which is smelted to form pure aluminium. Although this process emits CO2 emissions,aluminium is highly recyclable. Apart from its environmental benefits, aluminium is also lightweight and naturally corrosion resistant. “The potential that aluminium has to improve the quality of a build, plus reduce overall emissions, is greatly underestimated,” said Endurawood’s managing director, Nick Cowley. “Aluminium’s inherent corrosion resistance can improve the durability and quality of a build and its lightweight means that it’s more manageable onsite. This requires less energy and transport to handle the material to and from site, helping to further reduce fuel consumption in the industry. “Its lightweight property also makes aluminium a suitable candidate in modular and offsite construction, as the easy installation and handling of aluminium supports quicker completion times that modular construction is renowned for. “While the production of any metal is not hazard free, the effects of aluminium production can be counteracted by its circularity potential — a quality that is not applicable to building materials such as concrete. Endurawood uses volatile organic compound (VOC) free coatings and lead-free finishes, making it more environmentally friendly to use,” added Cowley. “The UK’s population is expected to reach 70 million by 2031, increasing the demand for more buildings and homes. With almost half of emissions produced attributed to the built environment, it’s vital the industry makes changes to reduce this figure. Relying on a lightweight, eco-friendly building material such as aluminium, could certainly help to support this.” For more information about Endurawood’s products, applications and the advantages of aluminium, visit www.endurawood.co.uk and download the infographic.
Barberry industrial has been selected to construct a manufacturing and design facility in Birmingham by the City Council and Homes England. The detailed planning application for the 57,000 sq ft scheme at the city’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub has already been submitted. “We are very excited to announce that we have been selected as preferred purchaser and development partner to deliver Barberry 57 – a high quality, grade A advanced manufacturing facility located in a prime position at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. This represents another excellent piece of business between Barberry, Birmingham City Council, and Homes England,” said Barberry Industrial development director Jon Robinson. “The new development will provide the occupier with a state-of-the-art facility with easy access to the M6 and Birmingham city centre. It is also expected to attract further investment to the region, generate further economic growth and new jobs for the region. “We have worked hard and invested heavily to create a Barberry brand in the mid-box industrial/logistics market, providing high quality buildings for occupiers, built to an institutional acceptable specification. It is therefore hugely satisfying to know that the quality of our developments is recognised.” Construction could start on site before the end of the year, with practical completion expected in the third quarter of 2021. The development could create up to 250 jobs. “This is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham’s economic recovery and means jobs and investment at a time when they are sorely needed. The Advanced Manufacturing Hub continues to be a real success story, with major occupiers such as Hydraforce, Guhring, Mayflex, Y International, and Salts Healthcare, creating over 1,500 jobs. Now, with this investment from Barberry, we can build on that success, creating the jobs and opportunities needed in Birmingham,” commented Council leader Cllr Ian Ward. Charlie Spicer, director, Savills, also added: “This represents the latest milestone in the success story for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub and we look forward to seeing this building coming out of the ground soon. There is a shortage of industrial stock in Birmingham so Barberry57 will be a welcome addition.”
One the UK’s largest scaffolding suppliers has invested in two Hiab 188B-2 Hi Duo Cranes on a Scania chassis to boost its 70-strong fleet. Generation UK, part of global Altrad Group, has 17 locations across the UK and supplies commercial scaffolding and access solutions to major construction developments. The brand-new hi-tech cranes are operated by remote control and are connected with Hiab’s HiConnect technology which tracks real-time data on crane usage and operator performance. Jamie Whale, national fleet and transport manager for Generation UK said the investment would help the business retain its Silver Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation. “As the UK’s largest supplier of scaffolding we deliver materials to some of the biggest construction sites which have stringent requirements around site safety,” he explained. “Commercial sites require lifting plans from delivery suppliers like us and we often have site-specific guidelines to adhere to, which helps to manage risk and improve health and safety. “Space can be challenging and we often have a small window to deliver, so we need to make sure we can deliver safely and swiftly; investing in the right equipment helps us to do that. “Our business needs to evidence year on year reductions in our carbon footprint to maintain our Silver FORS accreditation. The HiConnect software which monitors crane usage will play a major role in that. “The Silver FORS accreditation is a requirement for several of our customers, so I’m really pleased we have a tool which makes it easier for us to evidence our sustainable credentials and continue operating on those sites. “The platform gives us real-time insights on operator performance and actual crane usage, we fully expect to reduce our fuel emissions over time.” David McDonald, northern key account manager and area sales manager said: “These two cranes are perfectly-suited to Generation UK’s needs. The remote-control operations combined with HiConnect software gives incredible visibility for the operator and the fleet manager. “Jamie explained to us that reducing downtime was a priority for Generation UK. Our ProCare essential service contract combined with HiConnect will make sure trucks and cranes are on the roads for as long as possible. “HiConnect’s real-time operational data pin points when maintenance is due and our engineers can connect to the crane to trouble shoot any issues ahead of a call out, giving us the opportunity to respond quicker to maintenance and repair needs. “We know it’s possible that HiConnect can calculate productivity cost savings of over £1,000 per crane for one year based on idling time alone, which I’m confident Generation UK will benefit from.”
Network Space Investments Limited has completed the off-market purchase of a modern single let industrial building on Hellaby Business Park, Rotherham, for £2.45million. The building, Unit 6, is situated in the heart of the Hellaby industrial estate, immediately adjacent to J1 of the M18 and within easy access of the M1, Doncaster and Sheffield. The building extends to approximately 40,000 sq. ft and is currently occupied by a FTSE 100 listed long-term tenant. Martin Mellor, Managing Director of Network Space Investments Limited commented: “We are delighted to have acquired this building to add to our growing investment portfolio. “The property is both well located within the South Yorkshire conurbation and has been excellently maintained by the current tenant who has been in situ for eight years. The acquisition precisely matches our investment criteria to acquire good quality modern buildings in urban areas where there is significant future value growth potential.” Network Space Investments has appointed Doncaster-based NSM property and asset management specialists to manage the property. Network Space Investments was represented by CPP.
Being a landlord isn’t an easy job. While you may not have to sit at a desk all day, the work that comes with this can be just about endless. It will take a long time to find the right tenants for your property, but this won’t be the end of the work that you have to do. There is a big difference between good and bad landlords, though it doesn’t have to be too hard to achieve the right results with something like this when you’re prepared to put the work into it. To help you out with this, this article will be exploring some of the key elements that make a good landlord. Communication Communication is absolutely key when you’re a landlord. Your tenants need to be able to talk to you when they need help, and you need to be able to talk to them if there are ever any issues with things like rent. Having multiple forms of communication available is a great way to do this, with things like phone calls and WhatsApp giving your tenants loads of options when they want to get through to you. Property Management Property management is another crucial job that landlords have to handle. Even if you put loads of work into maintaining a property, it will always need to have things done to it from time to time. In some cases, this can involve minor work, but it can get a lot more difficult when you have a serious issue to deal with. A property management company for landlords can be a great service to take on when you’re worried that you can’t give your tenants the management they need. Flexibility Your tenants are likely to have ever-changing situations, especially if they are young people. While you can’t be expected to give your properties away for free, a certain amount of flexibility should be exercised to make sure that you’re not putting too much pressure on them. Having rent a couple of weeks late isn’t the end of the world, and you can probably afford to deal with issues like this as long as you stay on top of it. Care & Attention Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the care and attention you give the place your tenants call home. Good landlords are always looking for ways to improve the lives of their tenants. Making small improvements to properties that already have people inside them will make your tenants very happy, essentially adding to the good deal you’ve already given them. Of course, though, this sort of work has to have limits. Being a landlord can be an exciting and fulfilling role. Of course, though, even when you work extremely hard at something like this, it can be a challenge to make sure that you have the time to throw yourself into it. As time goes on, it should get much easier to be a good landlord, avoiding all of the little issues that could make you a bad one.
