Civil engineering specialist Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd is now using innovative fingerprint-based drug testing to support health and safety initiatives on its construction sites. The company – responsible for many major earthworks & excavation, roads and sewers and infrastructure construction projects across the UK – has an active health and
LOVELL HOMES has reported high demand for new properties in the North West despite the universal challenges faced by businesses in 2020, with an increase in sales from 2019 which was itself a record year for the region. Despite the restrictions imposed by covid-19, the availability of unused holiday funds
Following extensive public consultation with Epping Forest residents, businesses, local Councillors and interested organisations, Qualis Commercial has submitted planning applications for its Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites. Feedback and comments have been taken into consideration throughout the consultation, with the evolution of the two schemes clearly demonstrating
REVISED plans to create four new retail units on the former Ram Jam Inn site in Greetham, Rutland, were given the green light yesterday (22 December) by Rutland County Council’s planning committee. Godwin Developments, the UK residential and commercial property developer, submitted alternative proposals for the prominent roadside location earlier this year
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are
Civil engineering specialist Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd is now using innovative fingerprint-based drug testing to support health and safety initiatives on its construction sites. The company – responsible for many major earthworks & excavation, roads and sewers and infrastructure construction projects across the UK – has an active health and safety policy to ensure the safety of both the public and its employees. The fingerprint drug test will be used for post-incident, for cause and random drug testing to promote drug policy adherence – replacing a saliva-based testing approach. Intelligent Fingerprinting’s 10-minute drug test works by collecting an employee’s fingerprint sweat samples onto a small drug screening cartridge. Quick and easy-to-use, the hygienic system also meets the Government’s key guidelines for supporting social distancing while at work. Karl Griffin, HSE Director, Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd: “Due to the nature of our projects, our employees often drive heavy machinery such as earth mover, excavators and dumpers. That’s why we operate a no tolerance drug and alcohol policy, to ensure our employees are always fit to handle or be around such potentially dangerous machinery. For years we have used an in-house saliva test for limited random testing or after a rare incident or report of a concern, for example. However, we were really attracted to the Intelligent Fingerprinting method. Not only can I carry out the drug test myself and get rapid results as required, but I’m also able to collect samples while maintaining social distancing from the employee – a major benefit when we’re trying to keep our workforce moving during the pandemic. Both parties can also wear masks throughout the test if needed. “We have a first-class health and safety record, demonstrating our commitment to the safe operating environment that we provide to our employees and clients. The health and safety of our site operatives is paramount. Adopting the Intelligent Fingerprinting method is a major step forward in our drug testing and drug policy development,” Karl Griffin continued. Dr Paul Yates of Intelligent Fingerprinting added: “Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd is using our fingerprint drug test system to help ensure that its construction staff are all working safely – and protecting themselves, their colleagues and the public. The Intelligent Fingerprinting method tests for evidence of very recent drug use – enabling organisations like Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd to determine more accurately whether an employee is fit to work while on site. “We’re already working with several construction firms that appreciate the benefit of our easy-to-use screening test to reinforce their health and safety policies. Intelligent Fingerprinting testing can be carried out without expensive external testing support and because no specialist testing areas or biohazardous disposal services are required, the process is simple to use in-house as often as required,” continued Dr Paul Yates. Fingerprint-based drug testing – how it works Intelligent Fingerprinting’s drug testing system features a small, tamper-evident drug screening cartridge onto which ten fingerprint sweat samples are collected, in a process which takes less than a minute. The Intelligent Fingerprinting portable analysis unit then reads the cartridge and provides a positive or negative result on-screen for all drugs in the test in ten minutes. An introductory video demonstrating fingerprint-based drug testing in action is available below…
LOVELL HOMES has reported high demand for new properties in the North West despite the universal challenges faced by businesses in 2020, with an increase in sales from 2019 which was itself a record year for the region. Despite the restrictions imposed by covid-19, the availability of unused holiday funds to top up deposits and increased time at home to consider making a move, is behind a surge in demand for new properties. Zoopla is also predicting that December 2020 will be the busiest December in over a decade. During a particularly difficult year, Lovell Homes’ North West region has successfully launched three new developments – Weston Woods; a picturesque village three miles from Crewe, Woodlark Chase in Thornton Cleveleys, and Roman Heights – with sales confirmed at each site. The picturesque Roman Heights launched virtually; a first for the housebuilder. The live event included a site tour, interviews with those building the properties, and a Q&A with mortgage experts and solicitors. The year also saw popular locations remain strong despite the pandemic, with Manchester staying a purchasing hot spot. The final property at Lovell Homes’ Weaver Park development was sold out in 2020, seeing the community of 129 homes on the edge of Manchester city centre constructed and occupied in just two years with more phases to be launched in 2021. Its Joseph Williams Place scheme, developed in partnership with Compendium Living, also sold out in 2020, marking Liverpool as another major UK city seeing great interest from home buyers. Anne-Marie O’Doherty, regional sales director at Lovell Homes North West, said: “We are now in the strong position of having 40% of our forecast sales for 2021 already sold. This is not only testament to the dedication of our sales and marketing team and the quality of our properties and their locations, but an increased appetite from house hunters. “We’ve had to quickly adapt to provide Covid-19 secure show homes, viewable by appointment only, as well as changing how we communicate with our customers. For instance, deciding to do a virtual development launch for the first time, accepting online reservations, creating a website chat function, and developing a digital appointment system which is due to go live imminently. “The whole housebuilding industry, which includes solicitors, lenders, and of course those wanting to purchase a new property, have been impacted. We’ve focussed on overcoming delays during the conveyancing process and that has stood us in good stead. However, we are continuing to encourage anyone thinking about moving house to act now to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday with the process taking longer.” For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.
Following extensive public consultation with Epping Forest residents, businesses, local Councillors and interested organisations, Qualis Commercial has submitted planning applications for its Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites. Feedback and comments have been taken into consideration throughout the consultation, with the evolution of the two schemes clearly demonstrating that the local community has influenced the final submitted designs. Proposals for the Bakers Lane Car Park site show a new leisure facility incorporating a six lane pool, gymnasium, studios, a new sports hall and squash courts and a first floor public viewing gallery. The scheme has been designed to ensure no residential neighbours have loss of amenity and a comprehensive landscaping strategy is included to create high quality public and private spaces. This will be a true community facility, not just a leisure centre but an asset to serve numerous uses in the town, a place for people to exercise and also meet and socialise. A new car park to service the high street with no net loss of spaces is proposed at the Cottis Lane site, providing priority spaces placed at ‘street level’ and all spaces will have the potential for electric vehicle charging. Cinema, retail and offices are also included in the final configuration but Qualis Commercial is committed to a phased approach to development to ensure that any new commercial activity is appropriate and complements the High Street as well as promoting and encouraging travel by environmentally friendly methods. The vision is that Cottis Lane will form the ‘Yard’, a flexible hub for new and creative business that can connect into the town and use the new courtyard spaces to showcase their work and engage with the community. There will be space for events which will enliven the town, along with a new south facing public square and amenity space, new public toilets, cycle storage and public realm connecting to Bakers Lane and the High Street. The company’s vision is to develop schemes of high quality in design and material which are sustainable, flexible and serve the best interests of the community. Both proposals have been designed to reflect and consider the architecture and space of existing buildings, local character and the history of the town, breathing new life into the roads and streets beyond the High Street.
REVISED plans to create four new retail units on the former Ram Jam Inn site in Greetham, Rutland, were given the green light yesterday (22 December) by Rutland County Council’s planning committee. Godwin Developments, the UK residential and commercial property developer, submitted alternative proposals for the prominent roadside location earlier this year after designs were revised to incorporate feedback from local stakeholders and be more in keeping with the character of the area. Following on from last month’s deferral, the development secured go-ahead after two-way vehicle access plan for the site – from the A1 and B668 – was voted in by councillors during yesterday’s meeting. The scheme, which consists of two new drive-thru units, two drive-to units and 72 car parking spaces – including five disabled spaces – will see the currently disused land regenerated for roadside retail use, benefitting both commuters and local residents. The 1.67-acre site is located off the A1, the main arterial route between Peterborough and Grantham, and when complete would be accessed by both north- and southbound traffic as well as the local community. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the site of the former Ram Jam Inn – our new plans will breathe life back into this historically significant roadside location, which has been vacant for seven years. “The development will benefit both commuters and local residents and will enhance the retail offer within the region, delivering choice and convenience. With limited roadside offerings within the area, it is also ideally positioned for retail brands to capture the 25,000 commuters travelling past this busy location.” Matt added: “We would like to thank residents who actively engaged with us to offer both positive and constructive feedback. By working closely with them, Nicol Thomas architects, Rutland County Council and key stakeholders from the community, we have put forward a scheme that is in keeping with the local vernacular. “Our thanks also go to Rutland County Council’s planning committee and all statutory consultees who worked closely with us to create a scheme that enabled the planning approval gained today.” The available units on site, which range from 754 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. in size, will be marketed by commercial property agents Rapleys in conjunction with property consultants FHP. The Greetham site is the latest project in the Godwin Developments portfolio which already contains a diverse range of commercial, residential, and mixed-use property assets in key regional locations. These include Godwin’s recent completion of a Lidl supermarket in Birmingham, and an investment sale deal in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The development will support the creation of up to a number of temporary jobs within the construction phase and permanent roles also once the development is complete and fully occupied. For further information on Godwin Developments visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/.
There’s no denying that you feel like using your air conditioner on scorching summer days. But you also have to keep your electricity bills in mind. As many experts point out, the best way to make your AC energy-efficient is to maintain it from time to time. But what are the techniques to make your HVAC system energy-efficient? Let’s find out. 1. Clean the condenser unit It’s not enough to clean the air filters inside your AC. You can search for an HVAC supply near me and find new filters to replace them if necessary but changing the condenser is too expensive. Ensure you clean the condenser unit at least thrice a year from the outside to make sure the AC works at its optimal best. 2. Increase your thermostat Many studies suggest that adjusting temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees helps to save money and energy. You should notch the temperature down in winter and up in summer to make your AC energy-efficient. It is best to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically according to the weather condition throughout the day. 3. Insulate exposed ductwork There are two reasons why an air conditioner may consume more energy: first, if the air filters are jammed with debris, and second if your room has exposed ductwork. In these cases, your AC has to put extra pressure on the condenser to cool the room down. And the more pressure it puts, the more energy it consumes. You should first make sure that a professional seals the unconditioned space so that air doesn’t leak from your room. If you know the areas, you can use UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape to fill them. You can also call a professional to use thick duct insulating material to cover the gaps. 4. Keep heat-producing appliances away This concept is similar to the one with insulation. If there are heat-producing appliances near the air conditioner, it has to put more pressure to cool the room down. This means you will end up paying a higher electric bill than usual. Instead, keep the heat-producing appliance away. Or best, take them to another room. It will allow the AC to cool your room faster so that you don’t need to use it for hours every day. 5. Clean the drain line While most people pay attention to cleaning the filters, it is also essential to clear the drain line. The easiest way to clean your drain line is by flushing a cup of chlorine bleach and rinsing it with a gallon of water. With a clear drain line, you now allow the air conditioner to work freely because it doesn’t have to deal with blocked drains anymore. Hence, it would not consume more energy than before. These are some of the no-cost ways that can make your air conditioner energy-efficient. Try them and see the world of difference it makes to your energy bills, especially during the summer months when you need your AC the most.
