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February 19, 2021

VIRTUAL TOURS TO BE HELD AT INDEPENDENT LIVING SCHEME IN ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

VIRTUAL TOURS are to be offered at the state-of-the-art Springfields Independent Living facility in Ashby de la Zouch throughout the coming months, as the project delivered by national contractor Willmott Dixon nears completion.  Due to complete in summer 2021, the £12.5m project is being created on behalf of emh care & support and

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EDF selects BigChange to support Energy Solutions Delivery

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

BigChange, the mobile workforce management technology company, today announced that EDF has selected its pioneering JobWatch system to support the delivery of metering and energy services in the UK. EDF’s Energy Solutions division will use BigChange’s JobWatch system to manage the activities of field engineers serving business customers. Jobs will

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Innovative fire safety manufacturer scoops national award

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

A British engineering firm that has created an innovative, life-saving system to improve fire safety in homes has scooped a top national award. Plumis, whose clients include a range of local authorities and housing associations, took gold in the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category at the national finals of the

Read More »

The ultimate in fast, safe and sanitising security: the SAM-UVC robot

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution

Read More »

Glencar announces new regional partnership agreement with championship high-flyers Watford F.C

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club

Read More »

Brickowner launches secondary market

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

Property investment platform Brickowner has launched a secondary market for its property investments, allowing investors to buy and sell shares online.        The marketplace will allow Brickowner investors to list shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform for sale before the end of the investment term so that other

Read More »

Tips to consider while writing the rental application:

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

What is a rental application? It is a type of application that is written by the people who want to rent a property. The recipient of these applications is usually landlords. For a landlord, it is not easy to decide who should be chosen as a tenant. Therefore, the rental

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Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 19, 2021

New construction industry research to broaden understanding of how the vital CDM 2015 Principal Designer role is working in practice

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging the construction industry to get involved in important new research to develop a broader picture of the benefits and challenges of the Principal Designer (PD) role under CDM 2015 by completing an online survey. HSE has appointed MPW R&R Ltd (an independent construction safety consultancy) to undertake this important research (http://mpwrandr.co.uk/hse-cdm-2015-principal-designer-survey/).   The survey is seeking the views of organisations and individuals that have experience of the PD role either by: being appointed as a PD; being appointed as one of the other CDM 2015 duty holders (Client, Designer, Principal Contractor or Contractor); or working on or interacting with construction projects where a PD was appointed. The views of individuals who have experience of the PD role, regardless of project size, would be welcomed. Survey questions will ask how the PD role is being implemented, to broaden understanding of the benefits of the role as well as the challenges of implementing it. In addition to the industry-wide survey, the research will also be seeking the views of key stakeholder organisations via a series of personal interviews and/or written submissions.  These will be analysed in conjunction with the survey results to help draw overall conclusions.  Research findings will be published on HSE’s website as a Research Report, freely available to download. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/722855H.  It should take around 30 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 5th March.

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VIRTUAL TOURS TO BE HELD AT INDEPENDENT LIVING SCHEME IN ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

VIRTUAL TOURS are to be offered at the state-of-the-art Springfields Independent Living facility in Ashby de la Zouch throughout the coming months, as the project delivered by national contractor Willmott Dixon nears completion.  Due to complete in summer 2021, the £12.5m project is being created on behalf of emh care & support and will feature 65 one and two-bedroom apartments alongside communal areas such as a beauty salon, hairdressers and bistro. Designed by BRP architects, the homes have been created to provide residents with an inclusive living environment. The apartments will be offered both on preference and individual care and support needs, with 50 available for rent and 15 for sale on a shared ownership basis. Due to the current national lockdown restrictions the scheme’s show homes are currently closed and face-to-face viewings are not able to go ahead as normal. To ensure tours can still take place Willmott Dixon is using its industry-leading 360 Matterport camera to enable emh care & support to welcome potential tenants and homeowners virtually to the new development.  Michelle Cotterill, director (delivery) at Willmott Dixon, said: “Throughout the project, we have been working closely with emh care & support to ensure we are creating a scheme that will make the local community proud. We are delighted that, as we near project completion, we have been able to continue supporting the customer with our innovative Matterport scanning cameras. Technology has played a major role throughout the whole development process, from the use of BIM in the design of the scheme, to the implementation of offsite manufacturing in the build process.”  Situated at the heart of the National Forest, the development has taken inspiration from surrounding nature and history, producing apartments dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of its residents. All the apartments are completely self-contained and designed to allow wheelchairs and mobility aids to be used. The homes have been finished to the highest specification, ensuring residents can live in comfort in a spacious modern home. The development also features a video door entry system, with each apartment also having access to its own secure entrance and fibre optic broadband. Once operational, the independent living facility will also have a dedicated team of staff available 24 hours a day, to support residents with flexible packages of care to suit individual needs.  Jo Grainger, executive director at emh care & support said: “The way that we would usually connect with people to tell them about our new homes has had to change completely due to the local and national restrictions of the pandemic.  The use of technology available to us, and the flexibility and support from Wilmott Dixon throughout the project has meant that we have still been able to generate a lot of interest and applications for this amazing new facility.  We are now looking forward to an amazing opening and to welcoming people to their new homes.” Michelle added: “Like the rest of the nation, the construction industry has been forced to find new ways of working throughout the pandemic. Therefore, I am particularly proud of our team’s ability to keep 100% of our sites operational throughout the numerous lockdowns – this has enabled us to continue our work providing much-needed high-quality housing for the community in Ashby, while also ensuring that residents can move into the development as soon as possible.”   To find out more information about the Springfields Independent Living facility, view the floor plan of the development, contact the team for further information or express your interest in the scheme, please visit: www.emhcareandsupport.org.uk/living-with-us/springfields For further information about Willmott Dixon, please visit: www.willmottdixon.co.uk

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EDF selects BigChange to support Energy Solutions Delivery

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

BigChange, the mobile workforce management technology company, today announced that EDF has selected its pioneering JobWatch system to support the delivery of metering and energy services in the UK. EDF’s Energy Solutions division will use BigChange’s JobWatch system to manage the activities of field engineers serving business customers. Jobs will be scheduled and automatically dispatched through JobWatch, with activities allocated to the most appropriate engineer after considering a range of factors including their location and skills. Field engineers will be provided with their schedules, optimal routes, job information and worksheets through a BigChange app on their existing Android devices. With details of each job recorded on the app as it is completed, EDF’s back-office team will gain a real-time view of their mobile workforce operations and how each job is progressing. Tony Rabone, Senior Manager for Energy Solutions Delivery at EDF, comments: “We are excited by the potential of BigChange’s technology to improve our field service activities for commercial customers.   This new way of working should allow us to be even more responsive to customer needs, while reducing the administrative burden of managing field operations and improving our employees’ experience.” Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange, comments: “The ease with which JobWatch is deployed at scale and integrated into third-party ERP systems means BigChange is increasingly chosen by large organisations to replace legacy infrastructure and ways of working. We’ve invested heavily in innovation, integration and achieving ISO27001 information security accreditation to meet the demands of larger customers. We are thrilled that EDF has rewarded these efforts by selecting JobWatch.” BigChange’s pioneering mobile workforce and job management solution, JobWatch, provides organisations of any size with a paperless means of planning, managing, scheduling, and tracking their mobile workforce operations. It is used by 50,000 mobile workers and back-office personnel at over 1,500 organisations worldwide, primarily working in the construction, facilities management, field service, transport, logistics and waste management sectors.

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Innovative fire safety manufacturer scoops national award

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

A British engineering firm that has created an innovative, life-saving system to improve fire safety in homes has scooped a top national award. Plumis, whose clients include a range of local authorities and housing associations, took gold in the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category at the national finals of the Make UK Manufacturing Awards. The annual awards recognise the creativity, dedication and resilience of manufacturers that have done exceptional work to provide better solutions to problems. Judges praised the London-based company for its reinvention of the traditional fire sprinkler and the organisation’s growth through developing solutions to meet the needs of new markets. Since its formation in 2008, Plumis has developed the fire suppression misting technology Automist as an effective alternative to sprinklers. Its products are easier and more cost-effective to retrofit, and use less water so are less damaging than conventional sprinkler systems. The company has grown its business rapidly over the last few years and now has 41 employees. Make UK judges said: “Plumis is an innovative British engineering company that has shown impressive revenue growth from its life-saving product, and their customer base looks set to expand. They deserve the greatest of praise for the progress they’re making.” William Makant, CEO and Co-Founder of Plumis, said: “Winning this national award is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment to taking a fresh approach to addressing the challenges of keeping people safe from fire in their homes. “We formed Plumis with the aim of creating a more effective alternative to traditional fire sprinkler systems and we will continue to innovate as we evolve our products further.” Jim Davison, Region Director for Make UK in the South, said: “I must congratulate Plumis on winning this award for the significant, innovative steps that they’ve made. It’s clear they’ve prioritised research and development, and they are now seeing the benefits. Organisations like Plumis really are trailblazers for the sector and I hope other manufacturers take a leaf out of their book.” The Make UK award was sponsored by High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a group of UK manufacturing research centres. Dick Elsy CBE, the sponsor’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud to sponsor these awards, to recognise the achievements of extraordinary innovators such as Plumis. “Companies that grasp the innovation opportunity are among the most competitive and productive in global markets. That’s why innovation is the lifeblood of the UK economy, with HVM Catapult driving growth and success in the manufacturing sector.” Plumis has previously won numerous awards, including the Red Dot Design Award and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation.

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Economic Benefits of Fibre Optic Broadband Require Quicker Household Installation Solutions

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

More innovative installation solutions are required if the UK is to fully capitalise on the economic benefits of fibre optic connections highlighted in a recent independent review of the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme. The recent Ipsos MORI report found that homes connected to superfast broadband saw their value rise by £3,500 since the programme’s 2012 introduction, with 17,600 jobs created in rollout areas and a £1.1 billion increase in Gross Value Added through workplace productivity. According to REHAU, these impressive findings demonstrate the pressing need to connect even more properties to fibre optic broadband, especially as the nation recovers from the economic impact of the pandemic. “The recent report into superfast broadband was welcome but unsurprising news, especially considering the potential of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology,” says Paul Churm, Fibre Optic Specialist at REHAU. “Fibre optic broadband’s benefits are already well-established, but what matters now is the speed at which a nationwide rollout can occur. “Indeed, it is in the statistics around this rollout that the most interesting reading can be found. Specifically, while the report showing that while 96 percent of UK homes can access superfast broadband, a previous Ofcom report calculated that 11 million compatible households are missing out on this potentially transformational technology. With the economic benefits of upgrading so clearly demonstrated in this report, it is vital ISPs look into solutions that could hasten the adoption of FTTH technology on the national level.” A traditional barrier to the quick implementation of fibre optic technology has been the logistical difficulties associated with blowing in cables from the exchange to the home. Two installers and access to the home has usually been required for this process, leading to logistical difficulties arranging installation appointment times with homeowners. It is with this in mind that REHAU has developed RAUSPEED EasyConnect, which can be externally installed at the end of a micro duct to allow one installer to quickly connect multiple homes all at once. “Fibre installation has previously been riven with inconveniences, from the need for two installers to the arranging of individual home visits for blowing in,” explains Paul. “But to maximise the benefits afforded by fibre optic broadband, this cable blowing-in process needs to be streamlined, so skilled personnel can be redeployed to more installations and bring this 11 million-figure down. ““We therefore need practical tools like EasyConnect to get more people connected to fibre broadband, which, as this report shows, will clearly be instrumental to the UK’s post-COVID economic recovery. In the medium-to-long term, a more extensive nation-wide fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure will also be key to the UK coping with surging data transfer levels incurred by new technologies and the likely post-pandemic trend towards working-from-home arrangements.” The EasyConnect is designed with a mechanism that slows down the cable as it enters the box, and a house connection micro duct that is automatically sealed and water and gas-tight up to 0.5 bars of pressure. Its sponge catcher and attached water tank collects and stores excess humidity and lubrication to ensure a contaminant-free blowing-in process. Splicing can be done at a later date as excess cable lengths are collected for ease. For more information on fibre broadband and REHAU’s new EasyConnect system, visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/telecommunication

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AEI Cables sends out message on Category 3 Control fire performance cables

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

Specialist AEI Cables has sent out a message to the supply chain highlighting the need to use only approved cabling in critical signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice covering these areas of performance. In an open letter to many customers, industry bodies and organisations, the supplier is underlining how the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – are so critical in assisting fire services in the case of firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is warning of the dangers of using any other type of cable. Graham Turner of AEI Cables, said: “We feel strongly about this issue as a matter of safety and compliance. Using inferior types of cable for these applications is dangerous and posing a major risk. We’re getting a very positive response from customers who appreciate the information on an issue of such importance. “Some of these systems will simply not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services fighting a fire and evacuating people so we shouldn’t underestimate their importance.” The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used for all parts of the supply chain from specifiers to contractors and installers. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

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The ultimate in fast, safe and sanitising security: the SAM-UVC robot

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution that prevents infection, keeps assets and people safe, and can be used to quickly and efficiently sanitise very large areas if a positive case of COVID-19 is detected. A specially-trained security professional and the SAM-UVC robot can surgically sanitise 4500 square metres within three hours without human labour – up to 20 times faster, and without harsh chemicals. The option of digital mapping a space allows for  regular and autonomous cleaning, alongside physical security measures. The solution will be available from G4S from January throughout Europe. “This solution will protect the daily operations of our clients using powerful UV-C technology and highlights the value of an integrated security approach,” Marc Rensing, Business Development Manager at G4S Netherlands, said. “Integrated Security is about more than just keeping assets safe – though that is important. It’s about our combination of expertise, security professionals, technology and data analytics that meet the needs of our clients’ unique businesses and the specific risks they face. “That means protecting them from outbreaks and viruses that could harm employees or prompt temporary closures that damage productivity.” While COVID-19 particles have been shown to survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, UV-C light (254nm) is an effective way to kill all pathogens on a surface as it destroys the RNA of viruses and DNA of bacteria in seconds.   “This integrated solution can be applied to the medical field – hospitals and laboratories, for example – as well as care homes and other places where surfaces need to be regularly disinfected,” Marc said. “But also retail spaces, food manufacturing locations, pharmacies – places where essential operations must continue. While the UV-C light application clearly works for COVID-19, it also kills other dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases.” The SAM-UVC robot generates a report as it scans and disinfects an area, providing important audit data so businesses can clearly demonstrate how their operations are safe, secure and sanitised. “Our mission at Loop Robots is to provide superhuman tools to empower our customers. Leveraging the SAM-UVC robot, G4S is able to provide a unique sanitising security service with truly groundbreaking efficiency compared to disinfection using hand wipes and chemicals,” Per Slycke, CEO at Loop Robots, said. “We are excited to see our robots made widely accessible as a service, creating tangible results and value for G4S and its customers.”

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Glencar announces new regional partnership agreement with championship high-flyers Watford F.C

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club – Watford F.C by becoming a regional partner. As a Watford F.C Regional Partner, Glencar will see its branding displayed throughout the stadium during every home game boosting brand awareness and engaging with over 20,000 fans within the clubs fanbase and wider community. Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy explained what appealed to Glencar about becoming a Watford FC Regional Partner: “The business, which was founded in 2016, enjoys strong foundations in Hertfordshire and affinity with Watford F.C with several of our colleagues having grown up in the town and with a direct association within the community. So we are therefore enormously proud to become a regional partner and build our association with the club and reach out to a broader community audience.  It provides Glencar with an opportunity to invest in the communities in which we operate as part of our efforts to conduct our business in a socially conscious way that goes towards our approach to delivering positive economic, environmental outcomes for our business, our stakeholders and the world more broadly. Brand exposure is vital to our business and becoming a partner offers a fantastic opportunity to get our name into the community.  When you are connected to a club so grounded in the community, that reputation spreads.  For us being connected to Watford FC enhances our reputation and give us a level of trust. As a Watford Regional Partner, Glencar will see their branding appear on crowd-facing LED boards at the clubs stadium Vicarage Road, displayed on StadiumTV and StatTV within the concourses. The business also features on StatTracker social media content, which is shared to the club’s official channels, reaching a global audience. Additionally, Glencar will connect with local businesses through exclusive Regional Partner events, which have included Q&A evenings with former Watford players, such as John McClelland. Also commenting, Ricky Levenston, Glencar Chief Information Officer explained why the partnership is a fitting one for Glencar: “It’s been great to follow Watford F.C’s achievements over the past few years and we feel the club is an organisation whose core values align closely with our own” he said. “The regional partnership supports our community engagement plan and will be one that’s close to the hearts of many Glencar colleagues.”. For further information about the announcement visit: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/watford-fc-business-club/

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Brickowner launches secondary market

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

Property investment platform Brickowner has launched a secondary market for its property investments, allowing investors to buy and sell shares online.        The marketplace will allow Brickowner investors to list shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform for sale before the end of the investment term so that other Brickowner users can buy them.   While the secondary market will initially feature only shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform, the firm aims to make the marketplace available to boutique property fund and asset managers as a way of providing liquidity for their own investments.  Fred Bristol, Brickowner’s co-founder and CEO, said: “Brickowner is proud and excited to be launching its pioneering secondary market, offering investors the opportunity to buy and sell their property investments online.  “Asset managers and developers are often only able to offer investments for fixed terms, with no possibility of redemption until the term ends. Brickowner changes this, making it possible for their investments to have the opportunity for liquidity. We see this as a great partnership opportunity for many managers and are already speaking to a number of funds, asset managers and developers about its exciting potential.” “The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online technologies in all sorts of fields, not least investing,” Bristol continued. “The ability to trade property investments simply and affordably on your phone or laptop is an example of how our industry is adapting to the seismic changes we are all seeing. We believe our secondary market puts Brickowner at the forefront of that innovation.”  Visit www.brickowner.com.  

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Tips to consider while writing the rental application:

Kenneth Booth February 19, 2021

What is a rental application? It is a type of application that is written by the people who want to rent a property. The recipient of these applications is usually landlords. For a landlord, it is not easy to decide who should be chosen as a tenant. Therefore, the rental application is written for making it easy for them to take this decision. Writing a rental application: There are different ways in which a rental application is written. The format and the details to be added vary from state to state. However, every tenant is required to provide information such as rental history, personal information of the potential tenant, and much more. The tenant should try to be accurate and concise at the same time Guidelines for writing the rental application: Collect all relevant documents: Before you apply, one should be prepared for it. Paperwork is important for every legal process. You can never get away with the process of submitting the supporting documentation along with your application. The documents attached with the application act as proof that whatever information has been provided can be verified from the documents attached with the application Fill the application form: Many landlords provide a form for application. In case you want to apply, you don’t have to be different and start using a different way to apply. Fill the form and then if you feel you could not explain several things, go for the written application.   Design a cover letter: A cover letter for the rental application can play a major role in making this application a successful piece of writing. The cover letter is used to make an impression on the reader. Additionally, it also makes the reader know some very basic things about the application it covers. The design of the cover letter should be attractive which can compel the reader to read the entire application. Dull and boring applications are usually discarded Create an outline: There is no such application that can be written effectively without outlining. Many people think that outlining wastes time and is not necessary. However, this is not the case. Before you start writing the rental application, you should be aware of the period of the tenancy. Furthermore, the specifications of the property should also be known so that you can determine whether you need to rent that property or not. Making a rough draft of the application turns out to be a turning point and you end up deciding something completely different. Don’t add ambiguous details: Sometimes in confusion, people add ambiguous details. This often gives the impression that you are trying to tell a lie in the application. Therefore, you should be clear about what you want to say in the application and then start writing to eliminate the chances of adding ambiguous details to the letter.

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