700-bed development is granted planning approval by Nottingham City Council The development aims to be net-zero carbon once open, running on 100% renewable electricity Unite Students, the UK’s leading owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, has been granted planning approval for a new 700-bed development at Derby Road,
Caddick Construction is on schedule to complete WS50 at Warrington South Distribution Park, off Lyncastle Road, Appleton. Appointed by Mileway, the largest owner of last mile logistics real estate assets in Europe, work has progressed well on the 50,000 sq ft. single storey warehouse. Planning was granted last year with
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to
This month we ask Seb Bentley at award-winning property developers Kebbell to tell us a little more about a day in the life of a construction apprentice. How long have you worked in the construction industry and what made you want to join? I have been working in the industry
The productivity of a construction team is heavily dependent on their satisfaction and happiness, especially when they’re on the clock. Contractors and worksite managers can do a lot to keep their construction teams happy while they’re working. Let’s check out a few of the best methods now. Use Timecard Apps
Investors in the gaming industry are increasingly moving their focus away from traditional centers like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo in favor of far eastern equivalents like Macau and Singapore. Signs show that the market is shifting in response to the growth of Asian economies. The Las Vegas Sands Company
When it comes to health and safety hazards in the workplace, the construction industry is right up there. Whether building a brand-new development or renovating an existing property, construction is a challenging but rewarding sector to work across. However, no matter the project’s size, you should always take every suitable
Tiny homes are fast rising in popularity and for good reasons. After all, young singles and empty-nesters need a smaller space for themselves as it makes no sense for spending money on spaces and utilities you really don’t need. However, it is not common to come across the perfect home
700-bed development is granted planning approval by Nottingham City Council The development aims to be net-zero carbon once open, running on 100% renewable electricity Unite Students, the UK’s leading owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, has been granted planning approval for a new 700-bed development at Derby Road, Nottingham. The development, which is located adjacent to the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, is planned to open in time for the 2023/24 academic year. The total development costs will be £57 million. It will consist of 661cluster flats with en-suite bathrooms and 39 studio apartments. The development aims to be net-zero carbon once open, running on 100% renewable electricity with solar panels installed on the roof and an all-electric heating system, including air-source heat pumps. The new complex, which is a former car showroom site, will also provide a commercial building for external use. Additionally, there will be extensive green public open space, as well as substantial biodiversity improvements to the land around the property, with improved access to the River Leen. Nick Hayes, Unite Students’ Group Property Director, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for this exciting development, which allows us to deliver high-quality student accommodation that complements the surrounding area. “The development supports our strategy of increasing our alignment to the strongest universities and will help to deliver operational efficiencies through greater scale in Nottingham.”
Caddick Construction is on schedule to complete WS50 at Warrington South Distribution Park, off Lyncastle Road, Appleton. Appointed by Mileway, the largest owner of last mile logistics real estate assets in Europe, work has progressed well on the 50,000 sq ft. single storey warehouse. Planning was granted last year with completion well on target for May 2021. The construction project covers delivery of the warehouse for Class B8 use, with 3,300 sq. ft. of mezzanine office space, loading bays, service yard, trailer and car parking and landscaping. Caddick Construction Managing Director Ian Threadgold said: “The logistics sector is booming at the moment with construction supply having to work hard to keep up with demand, particularly in the North West. Warrington South has both excellent road links and is very much a sought-after location for global and national distributors.” Warrington South Distribution Park overall comprises of 450,000 sq. ft of industrial warehouse accommodation on the 25-acre site which offers a mix of new and flexible warehousing plus external yard space. Existing occupiers include Hermes, Eddie Stobart and DX Mail. It sits close to junctions on both the M56 and M6, enjoying easy access to the M62 and Liverpool ports beyond. Architects for the scheme are AEW Architects with structural engineers Tier Consult Ltd. Project Management, Employers Agent & Cost Management Services were provided by Gardiner and Theobald.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to plan, develop and execute construction projects, whether in foreign markets or within their home countries. The course comprises three technical modules running over six months, looking at best practice, the fundamentals of understanding global markets, rules and regulations, and managing international projects throughout the construction cycle. In addition, the course will also contain a short module with essential information on CIOB and how to become a member or fellow of the institute. The course is being led John Hayes, a Fellow of CIOB and industry veteran, with more than 30 years’ experience as a quantity surveyor and commercial director. John has extensive experience of multi-million pound global framework and construction projects in the UK, Europe and Australia. The course begins on 20 April 2021 and you can register here.
This month we ask Seb Bentley at award-winning property developers Kebbell to tell us a little more about a day in the life of a construction apprentice. How long have you worked in the construction industry and what made you want to join? I have been working in the industry for around a year and a half now, but I was really into construction since a young age. At first I studied engineering at college and was also working for my dad part time as he is a joiner. I needed some work experience for my college course and was offered a week’s official work experience on the Cornelian Fields development for Kebbell. I put absolutely everything I had into that week and was really happy when they offered me a job with them. What are your ambitions? I love working in construction management, it is something I am really passionate about. I am 18 years old but I am looking to become a Trainee Assistant Manager as soon as I can. I have been training for a year and have another year of training to go and attend Redcar College of Technology doing a BTEC Diploma at the same time. What sort of work is involved in your job? The best thing about the job is the array of tasks that I do from stock taking to quality control, helping organise the trades or getting a house ready pre-plastering. I help with snagging and checking specifications, as well as these days checking everyone has got the right PPE. How long do you stay on a project at any one time? I have only worked at Cornelian Fields in Scarborough so far but that has been a really exciting project as we move through the phases. The fourth phase has just been launched which is another 106 homes so we are very busy! What does your typical day look like? I get up about 0620 and have a shower and then I am off just before 7am, ready to start work for 8am, five days a week. I have quite a big commute of around an hour each way, so it is a long day. I finish on site around 1630. Pre-Covid days I would go the gym but now I work out at home. What is the best thing about your job? I love the variety and it keeps the day flowing. We work as a really smooth team with the trades. Each day is different and I am always learning new things. Specification changes may happen so we might have planned to build in a certain way but then have to change tack. Work never stops on a building site! What skills do you need for your job? I want to be an assistant manager as soon as possible. I plan to do a two-year HNC course in September and then I will see what happens from then. There are lots of other courses I am interested in like safety and scaffolding courses. I want to take on more responsibility and roles as soon as I can. I like being relied upon and being part of the team, the development, and the sector. What has been your proudest moment? My proudest moment was after that first week of work experience when I was offered the job. I wanted to put everything I could into that week to really take hold of the opportunity and for my passion to be noticed. I had to prove myself that week so I really went for it! How has Covid-19 affected your job? There are a lot of new things about working on site now. I help organise the timetables to make sure there aren’t too many people on site at any one time and that lunch breaks are spread out to minimise contact. I check everyone has the right PPE, check the toilets and make sure hand sanitisers everywhere are regularly topped up. We created a one-way walk system too which works really well. The work force are happy to be safety compliant of course because we all understand the reasons. Everything has run smoothly. What do you like to do outside of the job? I am really sporty. I have recently taken up surfing which I really like. I take my health seriously – I play cricket, work out, count my macros and have quite a physical job too. What is the most important thing about building a home? The fine finishing detail is what really makes a difference and everyone caring about what they are creating. To find out more visit https://kebbell.co.uk
The productivity of a construction team is heavily dependent on their satisfaction and happiness, especially when they’re on the clock. Contractors and worksite managers can do a lot to keep their construction teams happy while they’re working. Let’s check out a few of the best methods now. Use Timecard Apps to Enable Flexible Clocking In and Out One of the best ways to boost the productivity (and overall pride) of your construction team is to leverage timecard apps. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but construction teams are often happy having the ability to flexibly clock in and out depending on the workday’s requirements. For example, timecard apps allow your employees to track their time and accurately bill you for both regular hours worked and overtime hours. Additionally, timecard apps offer your employees the opportunity to punch out early if they complete their work ahead of time – who doesn’t like that? There are plenty of construction-specific timecard apps to choose from, allowing you to integrate this software-based solution with other software or tools your company already uses. Be Humane with Shifts Speaking of shifts and time punching, you should always be humane when it comes to requests for punching out early or sick days. Everyone has crazy days when they have to take care of other responsibilities or duck out of work early. You can inspire an environment of trust and honesty in your construction team by being flexible and humane with these requests. Don’t deny someone the opportunity to leave early to pick up their kid from the hospital just because you have to meet a deadline. Maintain Equipment A happy and productive construction team always has high-quality equipment. Contractors or worksite managers know that buying new equipment isn’t always possible, but any stuff your guys are using should be well maintained and safe overall. Well-maintained equipment will be appreciated by a construction crew and allow them to complete their tasks ahead of schedule, which may result in overall savings for your company in the long run. Plus, no one likes to work on a construction site that seems dangerous or use tools that can harm them. Emphasize Regular Training Want to boost productivity and satisfaction in your construction team? Be sure to implement regular training exercises so your team members are always doing things as efficiently and safely as possible. Regular training sessions are excellent, both for teaching experienced construction team members about your technologies or systems and for teaching new workers who may not know what they’re doing. Using regular training programs or seminars also means your experienced construction team members don’t have to spend their valuable time teaching newcomers stuff that they can easily learn from another source. Have an Open Door Policy – Encourage Communication Lastly, your construction team members will be happier on the clock if you maintain an open-door policy and encourage active communication. If your construction team members can come to you with any problem, they’ll feel happier and more content at their jobs, which means more profits and a better workplace for you overall.
Investors in the gaming industry are increasingly moving their focus away from traditional centers like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo in favor of far eastern equivalents like Macau and Singapore. Signs show that the market is shifting in response to the growth of Asian economies. The Las Vegas Sands Company (LVS), headed up by CEO Robert Goldstein, just finalized the historic sale of The Venetian Hotel and its adjoining Palazzo complex, one of the most characteristic and glamorous venues on the Las Vegas strip, for the princely sum of $6.25 billion. In recent years the glamour of the Las Vegas casino experience has moved online, as many people prefer to play online variants of traditional casino games like roulette or slots. Attractive features such as welcome bonuses and free spins appeal to existing and newcomer players, boosting customer take-up and therefore increasing total revenue. With the number of online gamers set to exceed 57 million people in 2021, and the PC gaming market alone worth over $33 billion, it’s reasonable to raise the question of what relevance the brick-and-mortar casino has in the 21st century. Still, the global gaming industry continues to grow, with physical locations in Macau posting yearly revenue in excess of $50 billion. The sale of the Venetian resort to real estate investment trust Vici Properties and Apollo Global Management is set to be finalized in Q4 2021. Vici Properties are said to be buying the land beneath the complex and will be leasing the operations to Apollo Global Management for a $2.25 billion agreement. The properties are expected to continue in much the same way as before, albeit under the new management. This does little to lessen the historical import of the sale, as LVS have been a major force in shaping the direction and global brand of Nevada city. In 1989, partners Sheldon Adelson, Ted Cutler, Irwin Chafetz, Jordan Shapiro and Richard Katzeff’s purchased the struggling Sands Casino and Hotel, and the Las Vegas Sands corporation was born. The resort was originally founded in 1952 and had been a fixture of the Las Vegas strip through its golden age, but was having difficulty competing against newer mega casinos and hotels populating the strip. In 1997, Adelson and co. made the decision to demolish the Sands and build the new Venetian hotel. This was followed by the construction of the Palazzo hotel in 2005, the second largest hotel in the world. The Venetian, Sands Expo center and Palazzo, as well as their adjoining entertainment facilities, are the world’s largest integrated resort. With the Sands Expo center’s expansion in 2008, the resort features 2.3 million square feet of convention space, 7100 all-suite rooms, and employs over 11,000 staff. As LVS’ decision to part with the Venetian Las Vegas will knock-off over $1.6 billion from their yearly revenue, they must believe they can recover those losses in Asia. As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, Asia’s GDP is expected to overtake the overall GDP of all other world economies combined, and projections suggest that by 2030 the region, known for its manufacturing and technology exports, will account for 60% of global economic growth. In 2020, Fortune’s Global 500 list counted 124 Chinese companies among its ranks, topping the United States for the first time. When questioned about the strategy underlying the sale of the Las Vegas portfolio, Goldstein stated that he believes the world is changing in a way that benefits LVS. On Macau he says, “We believe Macau is a big growth market for us, far beyond what we were doing previously”. He also disclosed that over 90% of the LVS’ earnings are already coming from its Macau and Singapore resorts. The Venetian Macau is no poor relative of the Las Vegas resort. It features the seventh largest building in the world by overall floor area, the largest free-standing hotel in Asia, and is home to the second largest casino in the world. Macau, with its ease-of-access to financial powerhouse Hong Kong, is well situated to grow in concert with the Asian business centers. Goldstein has also confirmed that some of the proceeds from the sale will go towards investing in new potential markets across Asia in the future.
When it comes to health and safety hazards in the workplace, the construction industry is right up there. Whether building a brand-new development or renovating an existing property, construction is a challenging but rewarding sector to work across. However, no matter the project’s size, you should always take every suitable measure possible to ensure paramount health and safety. The consequences of failing health and safety can be severe, with the potential of serious injury or death and punishments such as heavy fines and imprisonment. In this article, we will talk a bit about why effective health and safety practices are of utmost importance for construction companies. In particular, we will explain how safety correlates with the use of lifting equipment, including how this is enforced via the LOLER regulations. Why Is Safety an Important Issue in Construction? First and foremost, it should be clear why health and safety is a vitally important issue, and this is the case in any working environment – not just construction. The number one priority is to keep everyone within the area safe, from employees to site visitors and the general public. The immediate concern that arises from safety failings is the potential impact that it can have on a person’s health. Hazards and dangerous or negligent actions can cause serious injury. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s life, whether in the short-term or the long-term. Injuries may cause long lasting damage that affects capability as well as physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress, especially if the victim is unable to work. In the most serious of cases, accidents can lead to the loss of a life, a repercussion that no one wants to have hanging over their shoulder. An accident is exactly that, it is an accident and not a purposeful intent to harm another person. However, that is no excuse. The UK operates a Health and Safety at Work Act which defines responsibility and regulation for keeping people safe in a working environment. If a company or individual fails to follow health and safety regulations, then their actions may be deemed to be negligent or reckless, even if there is no malicious or intent. In the construction industry, this is even more important. Out of any sector, working in construction is considered to be one of the most dangerous. There are several factors that influence construction hazards, including heavy materials, complex equipment and environmental dangers such as asbestos. When working on a construction project, steps should be taken to safeguard people against any potential hazard that they may encounter. Below are the steps that construction companies should take to safeguard everyone against potential safety hazards in a worksite or project: Create A Safety Policy An important step to ascertain the safety of workers in the construction site is to keep them well-informed about the safety protocols they need to follow. For example, handling heavy machinery should only be the job of a highly trained operator. Other workers shouldn’t get involved in the operation of any equipment they were not trained to handle. Creating a safety policy and standard operating procedure keeps everyone in the same page. It avoids legal issues arising from untoward accidents due to equipment mishandling. Invest In Good Quality Safety Supplies And Equipment One of the crucial steps for construction company owners to take is to invest in high-quality safety equipment. When it comes to safety measures, construction companies must use the proper safety supplies and equipment. Using poor quality safety supplies can compromise workers’ health and lives. Hence, it’s important to only invest in high-quality construction safety supplies and equipment. Construction workers need to wear the proper safety gear, such as good quality boots, and use the appropriate lighting, ladder size, and other safety devices and supplies necessary to complete a project. There are many dealers and distributors of safety supplies, tools, machines, and equipment in the market today, such as safetysourcellc.com and other online and offline channels. Do You Know What LOLER Is? For the scope of this article, we would like to focus on one area in particular: heavy lifting. For most construction jobs, you will usually require the use of specialist equipment to aid in lifting tasks. However, lifting equipment itself can pose a danger to employees and people within the area. Accidents can occur as a result of failing equipment or improper use, such as people being crushed or having their body trapped in a machine. This is where LOLER is extremely important. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) were introduced to the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1998 to combat the amount of workplace accidents and the seriousness of injuries. The regulations are applicable where lifting equipment is used in a working environment and covers a wide range of equipment such as cranes, ropes, hooks and forklift trucks. The ultimate aim of the regulations are to make sure that equipment is safe to use and is being used correctly. LOLER makes clear where responsibility lies when it comes to using lifting equipment and carrying out lifting operations in a safe way. The rules state that lifting equipment should be used by trained and competent personnel, and that operations should be planned and supervised in detail. The equipment itself should be strong and stable and up to the required standards. There should be clear and accurate markings on the equipment that show the safe working loads. If equipment works correctly and is used in a safe manner, then the chances of an accident occurring is significantly reduced. If companies and their employees don’t follow LOLER to the letter of the law, then they may face serious consequences, especially if someone is injured or dies. Previous punishments have included heavy fines, suspension from owning or managing a company, and even imprisonment. A significant element of LOLER is the requirement of frequent testing and inspections. It is this element in particular that ensures equipment is up to standard and is
Tiny homes are fast rising in popularity and for good reasons. After all, young singles and empty-nesters need a smaller space for themselves as it makes no sense for spending money on spaces and utilities you really don’t need. However, it is not common to come across the perfect home design plans for tiny homes with one or two bedrooms. Tiny house plan designs follow small square footage and are a great option for budget-friendly house hunters. Sometimes, these house plans cover less than 1000 sq ft and thus are a lot more affordable and easier to maintain. It is seen that most tiny house plans offer open floors and outdoor living spaces. Go ahead and browse through some great ideas and flexible plans for tiny houses. Live in a shipping container- Design your own tiny house in a modern shipping container and maximize space and connection to lead a luxurious and comfortable life. Go ahead and make room for optimal efficiency and cover those floors with quality carpets. Incorporate a full-size bathroom and kitchen with a flexible layout. Ideas for large families- Who said that couples with large families could not live-in tiny homes? Well, new designs and ideas ensure that each family member has privacy, and there is even private space for mom and dad in a master bedroom in the loft. Having the bedroom upstairs means more lounging space downstairs. A cottage plan and façade- If you like the idea of a fairytale-style life, then opt for the cottage plan for your tiny house. You could use the house as a stand-alone home or your office or art studio. The cottage looks sure looks adorable, and one can customize the plan as they like. A multi-functional tiny house- Many people prefer a flexible and portable house that is multi-functional too. All you need to do is make sure you have a separate office and a trailer chassis. Incorporate all the green technologies in the house that allows in natural light with skylights. The minimalist look- If you are the minimalist kind who prefers a tiny house interior design with a clean, sleek look, well, you can go for it! This is a great option for homes of all shapes and sizes, and the minimalist look makes the tiny home look larger and less cluttered. The simplistic yet sophisticated design indeed looks attractive and spacious. For the creative types- If you are an artist or a writer or are involved in any kind of creativity, the tiny house can be your haven and give you the freedom to follow your dreams. You could stay alone and let those creative juices flow with a tiny house plan that is just perfect for you. Spend time with nature and create art or music or write a book in your tiny house with a dedicated space for your creativity. The modern tiny homes- If you are a modern millennial, there are plenty of simplistic innovative design plans that add efficiency for minimalist living. Still, living in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on comfort or luxury. You can place all your attention on the details and get more out of every inch of the space.
