St. Modwen Homes provides a finished shell for buyers to transform into their dream home Customers work with architects to determine size, number and location of rooms New offering aimed to provide more choice and flexibility, responding to customer needs Product designed to meet building regulations and be mortgage-ready Customers
Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first
The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan It will feature nine buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys The 6.6-acre site has most recently been home to a car park but the green development will overwhelmingly prioritise walking and cycling over
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively.
Perimeter security is a vital element of any construction project, but getting the right design, the best products and a quality installation can be a real headache for developers. With so many points of contact typically involved, from designers, engineers, and installers, this often leads to conflicting views, constant design
In a post-Covid world, the need to consider the overall sustainability of the built environment in order to make sure we build and renovate in a low carbon and circular way will require all stakeholders to build better. Historically, actions we take in the name of sustainability have created some
whatimpact, an AI matchmaking platform, has launched to connect property companies and charities to help implement CSR programmes in line with the new requirements in the Social Value Act (SVA). The Procurement Policy Note that came into effect in January requires all companies that bid for public contracts to present
We all love a bask in the sun from time to time — especially if it’s on a warm beach or in your garden on a summer’s day. But when you work outdoors, overly warm weather may not be ideal for your health or for the projects that you’re working
Once the summer months roll around, people all over the UK take to parks and gardens for picnics and barbecues, and to enjoy the great outdoors. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden in your home, late spring or early summer is a great time to freshen up
The dock station is a vital part of all businesses that operate in the manufacturing and distribution industries. However, this area is often overlooked as a smaller detail; the docking station is the gateway between your business and your valued customers. Because opting for quality loading dock equipment and crucial
St. Modwen Homes provides a finished shell for buyers to transform into their dream home Customers work with architects to determine size, number and location of rooms New offering aimed to provide more choice and flexibility, responding to customer needs Product designed to meet building regulations and be mortgage-ready Customers purchasing a new property through St. Modwen Homes can now design and build the entire internal layout of their home, with only the exterior of the house fully finished upon sale. By taking on an empty shell, finished with only structural walls, staircases and utilities in place, buyers have the flexibility to create their ultimate dream home. The process will see customers project manage their build, initially by discussing the exact size and desired location of the property with a St. Modwen Homes consultant. An architect will then work with the customer over a four-week period to design the home, which will then be costed by a surveyor and integrated into a bespoke mortgage available to help fund the project. Customers will be presented with a fully finished shell, which also includes concrete flooring and window boards, all built according to the design of the home. Driveways, fencing, patios, along with the essential works such as drains, water, electric, internet lines and gas will also be incorporated into the first part of the build, with garages also included on certain house types. The customer works with their chosen contractor and architect to bring their home to life by determining the size, number and location of their bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. For example, some buyers may look to include a mix of open-plan and zoned off spaces to accommodate both working from home and entertaining, while others may choose to create an inverted home, with their living spaces and kitchens located on the first floor to maximise light and benefit from surrounding views. Dave Smith, Managing Director at St. Modwen Homes, comments: “The Starting Block means customers get to live in our award-winning homes whilst having the ultimate flexibility to fit-out every aspect of their house to match their taste and lifestyle. The past year has seen people across the UK adapt their homes around new ways of living and working, so for any adventurous homebuyer looking to put their biggest ever stamp on a new-build home, we are now giving them that choice.” The Starting Block is available at all St. Modwen Homes developments across England and South Wales, except apartment schemes, maisonettes and homes at Locking Parklands in Weston-Super-Mare, Littlecombe in Dursley and Weogoran Park in Worcester. For further information on St. Modwen Homes and The Starting Block, please visit https://stmodwenhomes.co.uk/the-starting-block/
Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first members of Parliament, and the first official Parliament of England, or “Model Parliament”, conjugated there in 1295. During the reign of King Henry VIII, a fire ravaged through the royal apartments, followed by an even greater fire three centuries later, which destroyed the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. Only a few notable rooms and structures survived, including Westminster Hall, Cloisters Court, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower. Only the very best would do when it came to restoring the affected areas. Celebrated architect, Charles Barry, who was known for his use of Italianate architecture, was selected to bring the landmark back to its former glory. Enhancing Parliament’s Encaustic Tiles: A Decade-Long Journey Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, restores the Palace of Westminster’s iconic 19th century flooring to its original splendour The Palace of Westminster was built during the Middle Ages as a royal residence to a number of famous—as well as infamous—monarchs. Over time, it became a meeting place for the first members of Parliament, and the first official Parliament of England, or “Model Parliament”, conjugated there in 1295. During the reign of King Henry VIII, a fire ravaged through the royal apartments, followed by an even greater fire three centuries later, which destroyed the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. Only a few notable rooms and structures survived, including Westminster Hall, Cloisters Court, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower. Only the very best would do when it came to restoring the affected areas. Celebrated architect, Charles Barry, who was known for his use of Italianate architecture, was selected to bring the landmark back to its former glory. He chose the talented Gothic Revivalist, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, to focus on the decorative elements, including the iconic encaustic tiles, the name of which derives from the Greek word meaning ‘burnt in’, or in this specific context, ‘inlaid’. As an iconic feature of the building’s interiors, looking after the Palace’s tiling became a constant task, and they were continually laid and changed as they became worn or damaged. In 2010, leading UK conservation specialist, DBR, was commissioned to carry out a whole panel replacement trial in a section of St Stephens Hall using a mixture of salvaged and new tiles provided by Craven Dunnill Jackfield. After the trial’s success, the company’s talented stone masons continued the encaustic conservation project throughout the Palace from 2013 until the end of May this year, when restoration of the entire 1500 square-metre space, comprising a staggering 50,000 tiles, was finally completed. Laying the ground for success Introduced at the beginning of the 13th century from France, encaustic tiles became popular in abbeys and royal palaces. As principle architect on the current Palace, Barry had suggested the floors of several Halls, Galleries and Corridors within the building be composed of this prestigious material, embellished with spectacular heraldic symbols. As a public building, heavy footfall, mechanical issues and WWII bomb damages inevitably caused major wear and tear to the flooring over the centuries, leading to the loss of colour and grip. To add yet another complication, Thomas Minton & Sons, the renowned ceramics company and official producer of the encaustic tiles, ceased its production in the 1960s. This meant any tiles manufactured for repairs after this date came from various sources, which couldn’t match the originals. Therefore, a more permanent solution was needed. Rising from the ashes, straight to the challenge When DBR was commissioned by Strategic Estates to undertake this monumental project, its heritage experts realised just how extensive the replacement of tiles had been over the decades. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as well as trial areas laid in 1998 and 2004, the inconsistency in artwork quality, and reproduction of the original designs, disrupted the continuity of pattern across the floor. Further, replacement tiles used in the latter half of the 20th century were around half the thickness of the Minton originals. The original 25mm tiles were laid in soft mortar and could accommodate movement without cracking, whereas the 20th century ones, at 13mm thick, were designed to be laid on a hard mortar bedding as a floor finish and, as such, were less robust. ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Lastly, previous temporary repairs were carried out using coloured epoxy resins, which was visually unappealing. As a result, some of the tiles had suffered so much damage their inner core began to show. Commenting on the process, Adrian Attwood, Executive Director of DBR, says, “As it receives nearly a million visitors per year, the Palace of Westminster required high-quality restoration work which would involve replicating the exact original design of the tiles and ensuring they would remain intact for as long as possible. “We also had to make sure we could conduct these repairs over the years with minimal disruption to Parliament’s numerous employees and visitors. To do this, we set up a controlled environment, consisting of tents and vacuum air filters, which were designed to protect everyone and everything within the space, including the works of art.” ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Once the tiles were recorded to an agreed methodology, which included a combination of physical and photogrammetric surveys, the project then required a great deal of skill from DBR’s stone masons. They had to work with 1.5 millimetre joints, manage dust and moisture control, carry out repairs to the sub floors to deal with cracks and maintain the fine tolerances in the floor layout. While it was certainly a challenging task, the incomparable craftsmanship of the team—which consisted of the same craftspeople throughout the entire duration of the project—combined with a flexible and collaborative client approach, meant the end result was one of the most successful restorations the
The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan It will feature nine buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys The 6.6-acre site has most recently been home to a car park but the green development will overwhelmingly prioritise walking and cycling over driving It will result in tens of millions of pounds being pumped into the city’s economy over the lifetime of the development Plans for a trailblazing £400million city centre regeneration scheme that will create more than 1,200 homes has been approved by Manchester City Council’s planning committee. MCR Property Group’s bold Gasworks New Town project will create 1,202 homes on the site of the former Rochdale Road Gas Works at the heart of Manchester, with a mixture of attractive townhouses and apartments. For years the 6.6-acre site has been home to a car park that added little to the public realm but that will all change over the next few years with the first residents expected to move in by the end of 2023. Not only will the huge project drastically improve the supply of housing, this flagship development will create a new centre of gravity for central Manchester that will create thousands of jobs and inject tens of millions of pounds into the city’s economy. MCR bought the site in 2015 with big plans to use it as the launchpad to rejuvenate the immediate area with a mixed-use destination development. The team, working with local stakeholders and the planning department, went through dozens of iterations to get the balance of housing provision, design and environmental amenities in perfect balance. It received approval by Manchester City Council’s Planning Committee yesterday (Thurs). The project — which will have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately £400m at current prices — will include 192 sqm of commercial space and its accommodation will be provided by nine separate buildings ranging from 8 to 34 storeys in height. The scheme will be built in four phases with construction set to begin this summer, while the tallest residential tower is expected to be completed by the end of 2030. Architects, AHR, included 1,224 cycle spaces as part of a determined effort to encourage more people to walk and cycle, and help reduce the amount of traffic on local roads. Where there is underground parking, bays will have electric charging points for the next generation of environmentally friendly vehicles. Plans include a public park between Gould Street and Bromley Street as well as a pedestrian route and cycle path running east-to-west through the site. It is the most carbon-efficient development of its kind that Manchester has ever seen and will save 300 tonnes of carbon a year, exceeding the council’s target for new developments by 30%. The Gasworks New Town neighbourhood is one of seven envisioned by the £4bn Victoria North masterplan, formerly known as the Northern Gateway Strategic Regeneration Framework. This masterplan will see the entire area north of the city centre transformed over the next 20 years by the delivery of 15,000 new homes across 383 acres. The Gasworks itself will act as a key anchor for this vision, being one of the first major developments to get planning permission and sitting so close to the city centre. It is a short walk away from The Northern Quarter, Ancoats and NOMA while Manchester Victoria Train Station is only minutes away. A total of 85 affordable homes will be available through Shared Ownership — amongst the most provided by any city centre redevelopment site — and this number may increase during the fourth phase of the scheme. MCR’s team of specialist consultants on the project included planning consultancy WSP, civil engineers BDP, architects AHR, landscape architects Planit-IE and highways consultancy Curtins. MCR also worked closely with international developer, Far East Consortium (FEC), which is jointly funding and developing the Victoria North masterplan alongside Manchester City Council. Founded in Manchester in 1989, MCR Property Group has a national focus and has developed more than £5bn of residential, commercial and industrial property. Nick Lake, Asset Manager for MCR Property Group, said: “This is the jewel in the crown for MCR. We’re a Manchester-based business and this is an incredibly proud moment for the company. “We all felt a responsibility to create something spectacular on home turf and there is no doubt that the Gasworks will provide an aspirational and inspirational place to live and work. “We’re particularly proud of the project’s environmental credentials, claiming the crown for being the most carbon-efficient development of its type that Manchester has ever seen. This really is a scheme fit for the coming century, with electric charging points on every parking space and more than 1,000 cycle spaces making this one of the most bike and pedestrian friendly residential developments in the country.” Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “As one of the emerging neighbourhoods of Victoria North, New Town is aptly named. The Gasworks development will breathe life into a largely forgotten corner of the city centre fringe, bringing purpose and an energy to an area that is currently characterised by surface car parks. “Residential investment at this scale should be celebrated and will contribute significantly to meeting demand for high quality homes in this part of the city. And once again, developments such as this show a real confidence in Manchester as an attractive place to invest and do business – the importance of which cannot be underestimated as we look to economic recovery following the pandemic.” Matthew Hard, Associate Director at planning consultancy WSP, commented: “We’re delighted to reach the important milestone of having Manchester’s planning committee endorse the proposed redevelopment of the historic gasworks. Gasworks New Town will be a fantastic development in its own right, and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the post-industrial Irk Valley. “With its carbon credentials, its green infrastructure and focus on walking and cycling, I’m confident that the neighbourhood will become a future exemplar of
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively. Daniel MacDonald has joined the company as a design engineer. He has close to 10 years’ experience in civil engineering, having previously worked in a similar role for Robertson Partnership Homes. Claire Ferris, who previously worked for Allan Waters Developments and CALA Homes East, has taken up the position of quantity surveyor. Ashleigh Donnelly has taken on the role of finance manager, bringing with her over 10 years’ experience. Chloe Paterson, who is also a qualified plumber and gas engineer, has joined the customer care team as customer care advisor. Speaking of the new appointments, Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union said: “We are pleased to welcome Daniel, Claire, Ashleigh and Chloe to the business at a time when Urban Union is at a key stage in our development. “They bring with them strong experience and skills, and as we are a business with a bright future, we’re confident that their expertise will play a significant role in our continued growth.” Urban Union currently has three active developments in Scotland: Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow and Pennywell Living in Edinburgh. For more information visit: https://www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/
Perimeter security is a vital element of any construction project, but getting the right design, the best products and a quality installation can be a real headache for developers. With so many points of contact typically involved, from designers, engineers, and installers, this often leads to conflicting views, constant design changes and, inevitably, higher costs. By working with Berry Systems at the planning stage of a project, contractors can benefit from their years of experience to expertly lead and manage the perimeter security requirements of a development, from design to completion. “Our knowledge of the perimeter security market means we are perfectly placed to provide the best possible solutions,” says Dannyjo Cox, Head of Commercial and Perimeter Security at Berry Systems. “We can ensure the most suitable, cost-effective designs, the correct products and expert installation – all with one point of contact. “Our extensive industry knowledge means we can identify important factors in the design process that can often get missed and lead to delays. We take a number of aspects into account including risk, buildability and cost to create the best possible outcome, eliminating the need to re-work any designs, as all potential issues are addressed early on.” 2020 saw Berry Systems become the latest member of HS Security, a collaboration of seven of the world’s leading physical security firms. As the installation arm of the group, Berry are able to provide a full end-to-end service. Dannyjo adds: “The more people that are involved in the production process, the more hurdles there are to overcome, as things are often missed by designers or suppliers. Our involvement with HS Security means that we can eliminate these hurdles to make the project run smoothly. “We can provide expert design, the best products and meticulous installation – all with one point of contact and a single guarantee – saving on time, hassle and cost.”
In a post-Covid world, the need to consider the overall sustainability of the built environment in order to make sure we build and renovate in a low carbon and circular way will require all stakeholders to build better. Historically, actions we take in the name of sustainability have created some challenges from a fire perspective. Not that sustainability was wrong, but we need to think of the impact of these actions, particularly the impact on fire. There have been instances in the past decade where the construction sector has been so concerned with sustainability, safety and resilience has been sometimes overlooked. A recent fire that destroyed a motorcycle museum in Austria that was lauded for its green credentials made me think of this again. When I looked at the Austrian fire, I kept running into images of a similar structure here in England, the Carbon Neutral Laboratory in Nottingham. It too was largely complete and built with excellent sustainability credentials, but then destroyed by fire. The timber construction, so prized for its sustainability credits, meant the building was vulnerable to such a fire, especially as the building did not have active fire protection. This new fire in Austria struck a chord with me as articles talked of rebuilding a similar structure. The laboratory in Nottingham was rebuilt in line with regulations but using the same design principle and materials as before and according to contractor Morgan Sindall, is “indistinguishable” from the previous building. There was no increase in fire resilience and no active fire protection. Imagine my dismay on reading about this building and its fine green credentials. The very same building went on to win the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’ at the annual Building Awards. Organised by Building Magazine, the awards recognise the best of the industry with the rebuilt laboratory praised for its sustainability credentials and carbon savings. Let me line this out: the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year is a project that burnt completely to the ground and then needed to be rebuilt; a building fire that could be seen for miles; a building fire that required over 60 firefighters to tackle and use thousands of litres of water to quell; a building that required what was left of the structure to be removed and would need to be disposed of by specialist contractors; a building that required materials to be procured again, shipped to site again and erected by scores of contractors…again. This is the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’? A simple search on the internet revealed that this is not the only sustainability award that this large university laboratory has been shortlisted for. The fire and its impacts are all but a footnote in the story. It raises the question of how sustainable such a project can be when one considers the impact of fire; how the issue of fire could be addressed and whether fire should be more of a factor in that measure of sustainability. So how can this be? It is simple. None of the metrics that define prized sustainability awards consider fire or its impact. A building that burns to the ground and needs to be rebuilt does not incur any penalty in these schemes. Fire is simply an issue that is not covered in those scoring schemes or it would seem in the judging panels for sustainability ratings and prizes. Only last year, Premier Inn was granted planning permission to replace a hotel that was largely destroyed by fire in the summer of 2019, despite the efforts of 60 firefighters. The event disrupted local roads, businesses and stretched resources. There were no sprinklers in the building and the damage was so extensive the local fire and rescue service were unable to conclude on the cause. There are no sprinklers noted in the planned building to aid with resilience to fire. They are not a feature of the regulatory guidance. However, the planning details for the new hotel note that it will have a BREEAM ‘Very good’ rating by achieving more than a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions over and above the standards set in prior Building Regulations. The aspects of fire safety are noted as being covered separately by Building Regulations – the same Building Regulations which are currently under review. Isn’t it time that we also reviewed how we define sustainability and considered fire as part of this? For more information about the Business Sprinkler Alliance visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org
whatimpact, an AI matchmaking platform, has launched to connect property companies and charities to help implement CSR programmes in line with the new requirements in the Social Value Act (SVA). The Procurement Policy Note that came into effect in January requires all companies that bid for public contracts to present a social value delivery plan and to report back on their social value impact, or risk losing their contract. As a result of the new procurement policy note, simply adding general corporate policies and corporate responsibility statements to a tender is no longer sufficient. Now, companies will need to deliver and evidence targeted social value improvements for the duration of the contract. The end goal of the newly enhanced SVA is to deliver genuine social value through the government’s commercial activities. The UK government requests that all public contractors deliver social value on five key areas, which are split into eight specific policy outcomes including Covid-19 recovery, tackling economic inequality and fighting climate change. However, determining and evidencing social value is a time-consuming and confusing process for many companies, which is why whatimpact requires charities to report back to companies using their social impact reporting tool which is directly compatible with the eight outcomes and their specific award criteria. whatimpact uses AI to match companies and grant-makers with charities and social enterprises in a strategic, efficient and transparent way. The platform matches organisations based on shared values, UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and geographic needs across the country, so that companies can direct donations and skills to the organisations that need them most. Supporters (companies and grant-makers) can post resource offers (money, skills, product and service donations) on their public profile. Recipients (charities and social enterprises) can then apply for the resources they need. Both Supporter and Recipient profiles offer transparent data pulled from the Charity Commission, the OCSR, 360Giving and Companies House. whatimpact sets a new precedent in how Company Social Responsibility (CSR) and social value is established, managed, and reported on – all hosted on the whatimpact platform.
We all love a bask in the sun from time to time — especially if it’s on a warm beach or in your garden on a summer’s day. But when you work outdoors, overly warm weather may not be ideal for your health or for the projects that you’re working on. Knowing how to protect yourself from sun damage is important at any time of year. Not only can too much time in the sun harm your eyesight and put you at risk of dehydration, but it can also cause severe health problems in the long term, like skin cancer and a suppressed immune system. Heat can affect your work area too, for example by warping tools and equipment. To mark the rumored end of Spring heatwave, Zoro have put together these five tips for tradespeople looking to avoid the effects of sun damage. Wear the right clothing First things first, you need to make sure you have the right kit to keep yourself protected from the sun. When things start to heat up it can be tempting to remove your shirt to cool down, but this will only expose more of your skin to harmful rays. Instead, you should look for clothing and PPE that is lightweight, breathable, or moisture-wicking. These can circulate the air close to your skin, absorb sweat, and keep you nice and cool all while providing a barrier from the sun. While adding more clothing may seem counter intuitive, it is recommended that you wear a baseball cap or a hat with a brim to keep the sun off your face if your work doesn’t require you to wear a hard hat. Some hats also include flaps that can cover your neck and prevent sunburn there, too. Protect your eyes Our eyes are often forgotten about when it comes to sun protection, but harsh light can cause discomfort and even damage to these delicate organs. It’s worth taking the time to find a pair of sunglasses that are comfortable to wear and fit you properly — otherwise you may be tempted to remove them if they’re irritating, or you might fail to replace them if they fall off and become damaged. If you are short or long-sighted, you could speak to your optician about reactive lenses for your current eyewear, so you don’t have to carry two pairs of glasses around with you on site. Take breaks in the shade It’s important to get out of the sun when you can, particularly in the middle of the day when it’s at its brightest. Try and schedule your breaks between the hours of 11am and 3pm, so you can spend some of the hottest part of the day inside, plus grab a drink and re-apply your sunscreen (you should be topping it up every two hours). If you can’t go inside, you should think about setting up a shaded area close to your workstation or requesting a tent or marquee from your site manager (if you have one). Your tools and equipment can suffer in the heat as well, expanding, warping, or melting in extreme cases. So, invest in some coverings that can keep the sun off them when you’re taking a break or when they’re otherwise not being used. Just like you would in frosty weather, cover masonry and other projects in polythene or hessian sheets to block the sun’s rays. Practice proper skincare Skincare professionals usually suggest a minimum of SPF 15 to protect your skin from UV rays, but for extensive work out in the sun you might want to consider using a high factor of at least 30 to ensure you’re properly protected. If you’re not used to wearing lotions on your skin, don’t worry — skin products have come a long way since the greasy creams and balms you might remember from your childhood. Many lotions, moisturisers and day creams contain sun protection while keeping your skin hydrated, so they’re a good two-for-one to consider. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your skin for new moles and dark spots, particularly ones that are itchy or sore. The sooner you react to skin cancer the better, so be sure to get anything unusual checked out by your GP just in case. Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of water is recommended for everyone, not just outdoor workers. But being dehydrated is much more dangerous than many people think, and if you’re labouring in hot weather without an adequate supply, you risk heat stroke, fainting, accidents, and much worse. So, make sure you have a refillable water bottle with you on every job. You should also consider drinking less fizzy drinks while you work, as well reducing the amount of tea and coffee you consume. This is because sugar and caffeine can often make dehydration worse. Instead, stick to water, sugar-free squash, or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks to stay hydrated.
Once the summer months roll around, people all over the UK take to parks and gardens for picnics and barbecues, and to enjoy the great outdoors. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden in your home, late spring or early summer is a great time to freshen up the space with some new garden furniture, freshly planted flowers and perhaps a new coat of paint along a fence or shed. If you don’t have a garden or outdoor space, there may be some indoor garden tips and tricks you can implement to bring a bit of greenery indoors and enjoy the brightness of the season. Otherwise, read on for some ideas on how to make the best use of your outdoor space. Flowers & Furniture for a Summer Garden The best way to introduce colour in a summer garden is, naturally, through plants and flowers. Rose, lavender, foxglove and hydrangeas are all bright options that will add plenty of vibrancy to a summer garden. Garden furniture sets are a great way to create a little haven – setting up a seating area with chairs and a garden table can create a relaxing space, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or reading the paper on the weekends. Rattan garden furniture, in particular, is a great investment as it is durable, easy to maintain, and comfortable to sit on. It is also very weather-resistant, which is ideal given the changeable and at times inclement British climate. Garden Decor & Maintenance If you have garden furniture or ornaments such as statues, flower pots or decor items that need repairing, a DIY fix can be far more cost-effective than replacing them. Many garden items that are damaged can be repaired quickly and easily with a specialist epoxy glue, which is generally very straightforward to use. Such glues can also be used on standard household items. Other tips for getting your garden in shape for summer include the following: Plant bulbs during the spring months so they are blossoming in time for summer Mowing the lawn regularly will keep it looking extra green and fresh Invest in a BBQ for summer dining al fresco A water feature such as a fountain or pond is a striking feature in any garden Wooden decking or a patio space is a great way to section off a seating area Invest in a fire pit for a next-level garden-seating zone Repainting a fence or garden shed can truly elevate the look of your outdoor space A trellis is a great way to add texture and dimension to an area of flowers or plants Garden Decor on a Budget There are lots of ideas, big and small, and ways to spruce up your garden for summer that don’t cost a fortune. Once the lawn is mowed and any flowers or shrubbery are freshly pruned, the space will look open and inviting. Accessories such as cushions, flowerpots and outdoor candles are generally inexpensive and can be used to add character and colour in a seating area. Garden lighting such as outdoor bulbs, fairy lights and lamps can also be picked up quite cheaply and are a great way to create a warm, cosy atmosphere on a summer evening. It can be quite a bit of work to get a garden ready for summer and maintain it throughout the season. It is well worth it, however. A garden can act like an additional room in your home and is, for many, a relaxing place to spend some leisure time. Get the most out of your garden this summer by prepping it well, planting some beautiful blossoms and equipping it with comfortable garden seating.
The dock station is a vital part of all businesses that operate in the manufacturing and distribution industries. However, this area is often overlooked as a smaller detail; the docking station is the gateway between your business and your valued customers. Because opting for quality loading dock equipment and crucial maintenance can enhance productions, you should consider kitting out your docking station with this essential equipment while also prioritizing ongoing maintenance of the equipment is just as vital. Loading Dock Bumpers Quality loading dock bumpers from Miner Corp are vital components of any dock station. It can be pretty tricky to maneuver a large trailer or truck, even for expert drivers, and this challenge can potentially increase the risks of damage to the loading dock. Installing dock bumpers is a practical way to reduce the chances of damages while also ensuring processes are smoother and less challenging for your drivers. These innovative essentials act as a safety cushion between the truck or trailer and your building. There is quite a wide variety on the market, so be sure to opt for dock bumpers that are best for the type of trucks or trailers at your facility. Dock Seals Dock seals are vital for creating a waterproof seal between the delivery vehicles and the loading dock. Installing dock seals will reduce the costs of energy consumption for your business simply by making it possible to maintain the internal climate of the dock station. When it comes to lean manufacturing, reducing energy consumption is just as crucial as reducing waste, so dock seals can enhance your lean manufacturing status and ensure you can save on expenses as a direct result. Aluminum Loading Dock Boards Aluminum loading dock boards are another piece of essential yet simple equipment required for loading docks. These dock boards will expedite the process of loading-in and loading-out by streamlining the process. However, aluminum loading dock boards are primarily suitable for facilities that deal mostly with lighter loads of less than 15,000 pounds. The boards serve as a bridge between delivery trucks and the dock station. Aluminum is the cheaper material solution for dock boards, although they may need replacing more often than higher quality materials. Regardless, they will get the job done if kept in ideal condition and only used for lighter weight loads. Steel Loading Dock Boards Suppose your facility deals primarily with heavier loads. In that case, steel dock boards will be a more viable solution as these serve the same purpose as aluminum dock boards, although they are significantly more robust and more durable. Steel docking boards can handle loads of up to 60,000 pounds. Even if your facility is handling lighter loads, steel loading dock boards may be the better solution. You won’t have to replace them often; therefore, you can save substantially by investing in the more durable material regardless of how light your delivery loads are. Loading Dock Levelers Loading dock levelers are essential to bridge the gap between the dock station and the delivery trucks or trailers. The decision to install dock levelers will streamline business processes in this area of business and ensure no damage is done to your facility during the delivery process. With that said, you have the choice of hydraulic dock levelers and mechanical dock levelers. You will have to evaluate costs and determine your needs when choosing the best dock levelers for your dock station. Maintaining Loading Dock Equipment Maintaining your dock equipment is just as important as opting for quality equipment installation. Therefore, once you have all the essentials, you should ensure regular maintenance is prioritized. Proper cleaning of the loading dock is part of maintenance, and when cleaning, you should ensure all items are secure before pressure washing the station. Imposing a no eating and drinking policy will also avoid the unnecessary mess that can jam equipment. In addition to this, you should opt for routine pressure washing to keep your equipment in ideal condition while ensuring you are devoted to a maintenance routine with reliable maintenance services is just as crucial. Equipment cleaning and maintenance should be prioritized just as you do loading dock safety. Equipment failure can lead to unplanned downtime, which will have mammoth impacts on profits, processes, and ultimately, your reputation in the industry. So when finding all the necessary equipment for your dock station, you should also ensure you have a proper maintenance and cleaning plan with the right services.
