Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as
Atlas Copco has extended its industrial portfolio to include process cooling equipment. The newly launched TCX 4-90A is Atlas Copco’s first process cooling chiller range, with plans to introduce more new products to the market in 2021 and extend the range to include higher cooling capacities. “The addition of process
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with multi-million expansion works at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, for Coventry City Council. The project involves the construction of a new dining hall and the refurbishment of existing buildings for optimised teaching spaces, which will allow for an additional 200 places at the
Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have
Anyone who is aged 40 or over has experienced one of the most significant growth periods for technology ever seen in a lifetime. They will remember when the Internet did not exist. We all used a single landline and had four channels on our television. One of the biggest areas
Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt that last year was tough for all businesses but the house building sector rose to the challenge, very much supported by the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ investment. “This week marks my second anniversary at Lovell and our collaborative approach with housing associations and local authorities – supported by some ambitious targets for growth and affordable housing delivery – is the reason the region is on track to smash its five-year goals. “We have actively prioritised joint ventures and frameworks to meet the government’s ambitious targets and we’ve found a real enthusiasm from our partners to drive the need for affordable housing through collaborative working. During the pandemic, we remained focused on our long-term, trusted partnerships with clients to deliver much needed housing across the North West. “As a result, we started or delivered many more important developments last year while successfully bidding on nearly 1,500 units of land and securing seven new projects, totalling more than 700 units. We also delivered 338 new homes, only 14 homes short of our original forecast despite Covid-19. “This was boosted by the four bold commitments I made when I joined the North West team two years ago this week: to see the region achieve more than £100m turnover, become a 5* builder, deliver double digits profit and enable three new strategic partnerships or joint ventures. I’m therefore incredibly proud to say that we are on track to achieve, all four. “These results are down to the fantastic people at Lovell – everyone really rallied together. This ambition and winning attitude has enabled us to succeed throughout the pandemic and deliver top quality housing.” “We are currently working on many key partnership projects including Weston Woods, a strategic joint venture with Latimer – Clarion Housing Group’s development arm – to deliver a 99-home scheme near Nantwich as well as a development in Pendleton, Salford with Lovell Together – a joint venture with Together Housing Group – that is set to be one of the largest strategic residential regeneration projects in Greater Manchester. Work has also recently started at The Strand, a development in Rochdale, which is in partnership with RBH. “We have also just secured a place on the Your Housing and Torus frameworks to help address the housing shortage across the region. “These are still challenging times so as we move further into 2021, we’re looking towards a significant year of sustainable growth in the North West following two years of solid performance. As a company we will also be developing our roadmap to carbon neutrality as we secure our business pipeline for 2023 onwards and building on our social value and CSR programme. “The house building sector has some really high targets to meet and working collaboratively enables us to work at pace and deliver the much-needed homes that are required across the North West. By building homes but also investing in the local communities, these joint ventures can make a real, tangible difference.” For more information, please visit: corporate.lovell.co.uk.
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and apartments, available for sale on the open market, via shared ownership as well as affordable rent. As part of Ebbsfleet Garden City, the £175 million development will transform the former cabling factories site into a thriving, tree-lined riverside community which, as well as homes, will include commercial spaces, new transport links and a primary school. Situated a short distance from the high-speed train connections at Ebbsfleet International railway station, commuters can be in St Pancras within 17 minutes or Paris in under 4 hours. Following the completion of phase one which consisted of 139 new homes, of which 120 homes will be available for Affordable Housing and Shared Ownership, the development has now entered its second phase of construction and will see 68 one- and two- bed apartments and 112 two-, three-, and four- bedroom houses being built, as well as a brand-new sales office. As part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City project, which aims to transform the area and deliver 15,000 new homes, Cable Wharf is set within a unique backdrop of ancient chalk cliffs overlooking the River Thames. Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We’re excited to be starting the second phase of construction at Cable Wharf. This significant regeneration project will not only deliver almost 600 much-needed new homes to the area, but every aspect of Cable Wharf including the communal areas, riverside promenade and new transport links, has been designed to fulfil the needs of this brand-new community. “Such has been the interest in the development that, following the launch of our marketing suite and show home last year, we have welcomed our first homeowners to Cable Wharf and are excited unveil the second phase comprising 180 new homes.’’ The four-phase development is expected to take six years to complete. For more information, visit cablewharf.com.
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a recycling customer, as the new machine enables high productivity at lower running costs. The next generation 313 GC offers increased power and is designed to boost operator efficiency. It also lowers maintenance costs making it popular for rental and all-round excavating applications that require reliability. It includes two modes, Smart and Power, as well as a new, larger cab with improved ingress/egress to boost operator comfort. BNH’s fleet consists almost exclusively of Cat equipment and the 313 GC is not the only new addition. The company has also ordered its first wheel loader, a 950 GC, to arrive later this year. The 950 GC is a versatile, reliable machine with a high power density Cat 7.1 engine, the automatic Cat regeneration system and unmatched reliability and uptime. Both GC machines have been purchased with service contracts, so Finning can guarantee a low cost of ownership. Alongside its purchase of the 313 GC and 950 GC, BNH ordered a fleet of twelve machines from Finning, to support the launch of a new facility in December 2020. This included the company’s first dozer, a D6. “We are always looking for ways to improve and upgrade our fleet,” explained Brad Perrett, Manager at BNH. “The 313 GC is a natural evolution — it means we can maintain our competitive pricing, while offering all the creature comforts of Cat. I was impressed with the simplicity of the design, it is an easy-to-use, powerful, nice looking machine. “Our customers are looking for reliable, durable products,” added Perrett. “We have worked with Finning for over 30 years and see Cat as central to our brand — it’s the thing that makes us stand out locally. Our customers are raving about the next generation Cat equipment — people love them!” “The GC series is a way for companies to become Cat owners at really competitive price points,” explained Jack Cezair, Territory Account Manager at Finning. “They bring many benefits to plant hire companies, as they deliver clear return on investment and means they can become a Cat owner for less than they think. Operators enjoy the comfortable cab design, increase their productivity, while saving on fuel and maintenance costs. We are encouraging others in the industry to challenge their realities and follow suit.” The GC series includes the 313 GC Small Excavator, 315 GC, 320 GC Medium Excavator and the 950 GC Medium Wheel Loader. All four are designed to offer the reliability and durability of Cat products, while offering affordability and lower running costs. For more information on the GC series of equipment, visit https://equipmentuk.finning.com/gcseries/.
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as sellers were eager to take advantage and complete transactions in time. “Rishi Sunak initially set the holiday, which extended to properties under £500,000, to end on 31 March 2021 but has announced the deadline will now be extended to 30 June with the nil-rate then lowered to £250,000 until the end of September. We’re therefore expecting to see a high number of properties listed over the coming weeks and offers placed in very short time periods, from now until September to really make the most of the extension.” A government-backed 5% mortgage scheme will also be re-introduced to help current homeowners as well as first-time buyers looking to purchase a house for up to £600,000. The initiate will be available from April 2021 and has been designed to help “generation rent” become “generation buy”. Jess added: “With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 over the last 12 months, the property market witnessed lenders withdrawing their 95% mortgage offerings and demanding deposits of 10 – 15%, with much higher interest rates. “We’re starting to see these rates dropping back to normal levels again and with the new government scheme, we hope to see more first-time buyers coming through the door and getting their foot onto the property ladder. “My advice would be to always aim for higher than your deposit and if possible, have this ready – along with a mortgage in principle – before you start looking for a house and seek advice from your local estate agents or mortgage advisors.” To find out more about Gascoines or speak to one of the local property experts, please visit www.gascoines.co or call 01636 813245. For rentals and lettings, the property management team are also available to deal with any enquiries and urgent maintenance. Alternatively, join the conversation on social media @gascoines.
Atlas Copco has extended its industrial portfolio to include process cooling equipment. The newly launched TCX 4-90A is Atlas Copco’s first process cooling chiller range, with plans to introduce more new products to the market in 2021 and extend the range to include higher cooling capacities. “The addition of process cooling is the perfect complement to our compressed air and industrial gases portfolio,” said Alexander Pavlov, General Manager of Atlas Copco Compressors UK. He continued: “It means we can now deliver a broader product offering to our industrial customers, with the convenience of Atlas Copco service and connectivity.” The TCX 4-90A Process Cooling Chiller range features a compact, all-in-one water chiller with an air-cooled condenser and integrated hydro module (onboard tank and pump solutions), with units available in a variety of sizes. TCX chillers are specially designed for cooling water (or a mixture of water and glycol) for a wide range of industrial segments including machine cooling, plastics, printing, food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical. Over the last year, Atlas Copco leveraged its more than 140 years of design experience to deliver an innovative chiller product with a wealth of service features and built-in connectivity. The innovative and familiar Elektronikon® Mk5 Touch controller comes standard on the 11 to 90 kW TCX models, putting control at the user’s fingertips. Additionally, SMARTLINK 24/7 monitoring is available as part of the chiller’s total package. The TCX range can also be covered on a single-service contract with all other Atlas Copco mechanical equipment, such as air compressors, dryers, nitrogen generation systems and low-pressure blowers. The new range fully complies with Ecodesign directive 2021 to reach the highest level of energy-saving whilst reducing production costs and maximising efficiency, delivering the reliability and performance customers expect and demand from an Atlas Copco product. The design of the TCX range’s state-of-the-art microchannel condensers requires 30% less refrigerant, making the units more environmentally friendly. To learn more about the TCX range, please visit https://www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/compressors/products/compressed-air-ancillaries/process-water-cooling
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with multi-million expansion works at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, for Coventry City Council. The project involves the construction of a new dining hall and the refurbishment of existing buildings for optimised teaching spaces, which will allow for an additional 200 places at the school, in line with a government drive to provide extra student spaces in Coventry. Procured through Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works, this is the first scheme G F Tomlinson has been awarded through the framework in its allocated region, which covers projects between the value of £1m-£5m in the West Midlands. “This will be the first project to be completed under Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works, and we are delighted to be partnering with this framework partner and Coventry City Council, to deliver the expansion works and essential refurbishment for the school, to cater to the government’s vision of providing extra student spaces in the city,” said Andy Sewards, managing director of G F Tomlinson. “This is a very high-quality design and build, and once complete it will bring upgraded facilities to the school, allowing optimised teaching spaces and the space for a considerable increase of student places. We look forward to handing over the project ahead of the new school year in 2021.” Expected for completion in summer 2021, the scheme involves the recently completed refurbishment of the DaVinci Building – including science rooms fitted with new laboratory furniture, a technology room, storage rooms and the relocation of the IT technician’s office to an adjacent space. The main scope of works, which is the construction of a new 400-student capacity dining hall, includes a new, fully fitted catering kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as a mezzanine upper floor to be used by the school’s sixth form students, accessed via an internal floating staircase or accessible lift. The new dining hall will overlook the existing playing field and will also feature an outdoor dining area which will consist of a new external terrace and elevated tiered seating built into an existing grass bank. Internally, there will be high-finish feature concrete columns and the ceiling will be fitted with domed roof lighting to allow natural light into the building. The current dining halls, located in the Lindisfarne and Canterbury blocks will be refurbished and transformed into three teaching blocks and a seminar room, with a new accessible entrance formed to access the existing Teaching and Learning Centre to the rear of the blocks. “It’s fantastic to see work progressing well for G F Tomlinson on what is their first appointment through our Medium Works Framework. Despite the obvious challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, G F Tomlinson has continued to operate in a safe and secure manner, ensuring the school’s extension is ready for its summer 2021 opening,” added Emma Hesbrook, regional relationship manager at Pagabo.
Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have compiled a list of their top five tips for homeowners to consider when looking to improve and spruce up their homes this spring. As many of us are spending more time indoors, working from home, educating our children and looking after loved ones – it’s important to consider how a property complements or inhibits new living habits and routines, and ways in which you can upgrade your property to suit lifestyle changes. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “As spring is just around the corner, it’s a great time to give your home a mini makeover, refreshing it with upgrades that are not only going to improve your living space, but also add value to your property. “We’ve compiled this list of ideas to consider for improving your home ready for the new season, many of which are simple and easy to do and will provide you with lasting results. The comfort, space and quality of our homes have become even more important since lockdown, so whether you’re looking for a productive home working space or somewhere to relax away from the rest of the house, these tips can help you enjoy your home as the days grow longer and summer approaches. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, now is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements.” Here is the list of five top tips to spruce up your home for spring: 1. Home office space If you are working from home, it is worthwhile creating an environment that will inspire productivity. Whether you have dedicated an entire room as an office or have a nook to yourself in one of the main living areas of the house, it is important to make it uniquely yours so that you’re always in the right frame of mind for a day’s work. Consider adopting a minimalist style for your home office space, as clutter can often become distracting and leave you wishing you were somewhere else. Desk plants and flowers will offer a burst of greenery, livening up the space as well as improving the air quality around you. Adding some of your favourite artwork to the walls will inject some personality and colour into the space, brightening it up and making it your own. 2. Conservatory refurbishment Conservatories offer valuable extra space to homes that, if properly maintained, can be used all year round. If your conservatory is suffering from lack of upkeep, is struggling with temperature control or has a damp or leaking rook, it may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space. Consider transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as a home office or somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. 3. New doors Investing in new external or internal doors can completely transform the look and feel of a home – providing a modern and contemporary upgrade that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. New patio, bi-fold or sliding doors that lead out to a garden or courtyard will help to bring the outdoors in, connecting you with nature, and allowing natural light to flood into your home. A new front door will make a huge difference to the exterior of your property, making a modern statement and improving your home’s security, insulation and energy efficiency, that could save money on energy bills over time. 4. New windows Although often overlooked as one of the obvious home improvements – installing new windows in your home can make an instant impact on a number of fronts. From increasing the amount of natural light that comes into your home, to drastically improving insulation, outside noise levels and home security – new windows are a fantastic investment that will last for years to come, adding quality and value. 5. Add a splash of colour For a quick and easy home improvement that really makes a splash, consider painting a statement wall in the living room or bedroom. Simply choose one wall to paint with a bold colour – such as a deep blue or warm mustard yellow – the braver you are with your colour choice, the bigger the impact! You can be extra creative with it too, by selecting an alcove or fireplace wall, so that the colour really stands out and becomes the main feature of the room.
Anyone who is aged 40 or over has experienced one of the most significant growth periods for technology ever seen in a lifetime. They will remember when the Internet did not exist. We all used a single landline and had four channels on our television. One of the biggest areas of growth has been artificial intelligence which was previously the stuff of horror movies rather than the positive, productive technology it has become today. When it comes to business, AI is impacting most industries and offering new and better ways of working. So just how is it transforming businesses? What is AI To explore the impact it has on business transformation, we must first understand what artificial intelligence is. Already we are using artificial intelligence on a daily basis even if we do not realise it. Some of the tasks that AI is assisting with are entirely mundane, while others are gigantic and have a significant impact on the world. Artificial intelligence is something of an umbrella term as it encompasses many areas where computer software is able to engage in activities that would typically be considered human-like. This includes things like problem-solving, planning and, importantly, learning. There are two primary types of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning. Machine learning is where we take advantage of technology to enable us to process vast amounts of data incredibly quickly. This happens because the AI involved uses algorithms to improve on what they do every time they do it. This is said to be learning, but of course, behind that, we have humans programming it. However, it has enabled us to make breakthroughs faster, especially when large data is involved that would take humans decades to go through. Deep learning is a specific version of what happens with machine learning and also uses neural networks which are programmed to engage in something called non-linear reasoning. Here we are using artificial intelligence to be able to deal with complex and multiple factors all at the same time. This is the sort of thing we see in self-driving cars and fraud detection. It is how the vehicles learn things like distance from other objects and calculate how fast they are moving, which gives them the ability to know how quickly they will progress along a route. They also have to be capable of making calculated judgments on things like changing lanes. AI and Business One of the primary concerns about artificial intelligence is that it would negate the need for humans to work and create independent thinking robots that take over the world, which is where the preconceptions of science fiction and horror come into play. The reality is actually AI has a very much supportive role in the human world. While it can work quicker at processing data than a human brain can, common sense is yet to be achieved. But in industry, it has undoubtedly allowed companies to progress quicker and grow more. It also enables the machine to deputise for humans when they are not available. Things like chatbots who answer mundane customer service queries at any time of the day and night are an excellent example of how artificial intelligence is supporting a business. Customer relationship management software is also expanding and being enhanced because of artificial intelligence. When using artificial intelligence in a customer service type way, we are able to offer up an experience that customers will see as personal and cause them to return to your store time and time again. For example, artificial intelligence can take notice of the customer’s previous orders and responses to questions in order to offer services that are likely to be relevant and therefore purchased. This can be done in an instant where it would take a human a few more minutes to look back over someone’s account. It also means it can be set up to target the customer with personalised advertising that looks like someone has put a lot of time and effort into preparing just for them when actually AI has done it in moments. The FutureThe limits of AI are hard to imagine at this stage cause for such a long time; it didn’t even exist. Artificial intelligence has been helping during the global pandemic with things like bedside monitoring and deep cleaning of hospital beds and wards. Surgical robots are used to ensure a completely steady hand but remember again, while there is an element of artificial intelligence, there are people involved to create the actual programming behind it. In the hair, makeup and beauty industry, artificial intelligence is being used to offer live virtual fitting rooms, where a customer can see an outfit, hairstyle or colour, or makeup on themselves virtually using an artificial intelligence-based mirror. When it comes to keeping our roads safe, artificial intelligence is being used in traffic lights, street lighting, and other areas to bring about safety and lower the risk of accident and injury. In security, artificial intelligence is already used widely in homes, from video doorbells to voice assistance. The latest smartwatches can offer ECG’s and fall detection, so it is easy to see how this is enhancing our lives rather than threatening them. It is undoubtedly an area that many young people are looking to move into when it comes to picking their career. With this in mind, computer programming and programming languages have become a popular choice for University courses. AI’s Role in Business Transformation
