Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers has launched a new QR code initiative as part of its ongoing evolution of digital incident reporting systems. The company has won multiple awards for their approach to health and safety in 2021 but
Hörmann UK have launched a new high speed industrial sectional door, the Series 60 which has been designed and developed to provide the Hörmann guarantee of quality construction, high security, and easy installation. When fitted with the new WA 500 FU operator, the Series 60 can achieve an impressive door
The Briton brand is synonymous with the best in door controls and exit hardware and Allegion is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed, end-user focused Briton website. Following updates to their brand style, the new Briton website boasts a streamlined, modern design and concentrates on providing customers
Industry body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has responded to this afternoon’s Programme for Government, welcoming the commitment to increased levels of affordable housing whilst warning of deliverability concerns across homes of all tenures in light of material shortages and cost pressures. The organisation also highlights the very real impact that
Research from the national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, explains why UK house price growth could remain buoyant until at least summer 2022. House prices have reached phenomenal highs since the start of the pandemic, a shortage of supply and ever-increasing demand means homes are selling for handsome sums and
PROPERTY, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has been appointed by Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) to provide project management, cost management and CDM advice services on a once-in-a-generation transformation of the former Machynlleth Union Workhouse – currently operating as Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital. Based in the heart of Machynlleth, a popular market town
New planning requirements on fire safety for high-rise residential buildings came into force on August 1st and require developers to consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. While we understand this is a starting point on the road to a safer built environment, what does this mean for
Leading housebuilder Harron Homes Yorkshire has submitted a planning application to Barnsley Metropolitan Council for 236 new homes which will transform a discussed brownfield site on Bleachcroft Way in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The proposals will not only regenerate the site, which has stood empty for 50 years, but it will
As more and more companies offer remote work, and thanks to the advantages offered for new residents by certain countries, many Brits are deciding to leave the United Kingdom. Today, Brits are choosing Spain as their country of residence – attracted by the excellent climate, accessible cost of living and
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers has launched a new QR code initiative as part of its ongoing evolution of digital incident reporting systems. The company has won multiple awards for their approach to health and safety in 2021 but has decided to invest even further in maintaining improvement from a position of strength. The newly installed digital reporting system, Assure by SHE Software, provides a flexible solution for incident reporting, as well as asset maintenance and service tracking and compliance. The business is now better placed than ever to capture all incidents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This builds upon a three-year adoption of digital centralisation and is a clear statement of intent and commitment to maintaining the successes seen throughout this time. By utilising QR code technology, accessibility and efficiency are improved, making it easier than ever for all teams facing hazards to report the issues or challenges they face. Employees on the front line are typically extremely busy but instilling an efficient and adhered to reporting process is essential for future safety and success. Leaders will now gain faster access to more insightful data that will allow the focus to quickly switch to where the priority areas are. The system will allow and encourage benchmarking between regions and branches to track progress and measures of success where best practices can be shared. AI and automation are other key benefits of this new process, with system intelligence capable of analysing results and predicting future challenges based on historic data. This will allow teams to review the advance warnings and make informed decisions to proactively prepare for any potential challenges. In addition to QR code posters, coasters and key-fobs being supplied to every branch, Mobile Mini is encouraging employees to engage by emblazoning all high-visibility clothing, PPE and equipment with the unique Mobile Mini Safety 365 QR code. The aspiration is to ensure no matter where an incident takes place, either at branches or remotely, staff will immediately be able to see it, sort it and report it. Once this happens, actions are tracked by the system through to completion with escalation points, reminders and overdue notification alerts making it almost impossible for a requirement to be missed. Assure is not bespoke to Mobile Mini UK and is already utilised by serval leading companies around the world, but Mobile Mini has enhanced the system for maximum benefit by refining the processes to the exact nature of their operations. By taking this approach the influx of data will provide extremely accurate information to address risk and steer strategic initiatives moving forward. The system is also amendable in real-time, making the launch product a starting point that will be even further developed and finely tuned towards specific Mobile Mini needs as time and reviews progress. Chris Watcham, Health and Safety Director at Mobile Mini UK said, “We have seen a significant increase in the use of our reporting systems since we began transitioning to digital solutions three years ago and this latest effort to increase reporting aims to help increase engagement and improve on an already improving healthy safety culture within the business. Despite no major incidents over the past two years and recent international recognition from awarding bodies, we are never complacent and always aim to improve. Many of the processes we have introduced as early adopters are now accepted as the industry standard and we expect this to be another one of those success stories. “The ROI on digital reporting and QR code investments is clear when considering the benefits of preventing injuries, equipment damage and downtime. We now have a process that accurately tracks all the associated costs of incidents, accidents and near misses. Managers generally have a good understanding of the direct costs of an accident but this system takes a real granular look into events and teases out all the hidden costs which sometimes is a real eye-opener, this I believe will truly show the economic reasons for effective safety management. “The automating processes also boosts efficiency as we stand to gain a huge amount of time that would have normally been spent manually presenting data into an understandable format. Mobile Mini is synonymous with safety excellence and commitment to these kinds of developments will ensure we remain both a supplier and employer of choice.” Three of Mobile Mini UK branches were previously awarded Merits from the British Safety Council this year and the company-wide SHEQ team were named ‘Safety Team of the Year Highly Commended Winner’ at the International Safety Awards. Mobile Mini also rolled out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all of its UK branches earlier this year, for the protection of customers, clients and approximately 370 members of staff.
Hörmann UK have launched a new high speed industrial sectional door, the Series 60 which has been designed and developed to provide the Hörmann guarantee of quality construction, high security, and easy installation. When fitted with the new WA 500 FU operator, the Series 60 can achieve an impressive door opening speed of up to 1 m/s making it the fastest sectional door on the market. Not only does the Series 60 door offer an exceptional opening speed, but optimised track radii and enlarged rollers result in up to 5 dB(A) quieter door operation together with improved stability, leading to low wear and smoother door travel. Easy fitting and maintenance are aided by reduced components and the provision of press-fitted screws, whilst transition sleeves provide a precise fitting of the track and radius. The door is delivered factory set to the optimum speed but can be easily adjusted and the speed varied to suit individual operational requirements. For added security anti-lift kits are fitted on both sides of the bottom section of the door as standard, and optional RC 2 security measures are available according to DIN/TS 18194. Operator safety is enhanced by the inclusion of an in-line light grill which automatically stops the door if an obstruction occurs whilst the door is closing. The new WA 500 FU operator features soft-start and soft-stop for gentle, smooth door travel, and constant travel speed for both high-lift and vertical track applications. The set-up and commissioning of the Series 60 door is fast and simple with the provision of an innovative Bluetooth app. Accessible using either a mobile phone or tablet, the app provides users with friendly, easy to follow step-by-step instructions and also provides straightforward fault finding and diagnostic data. As part of their strategy to improve and optimise warehouse operations, Hörmann UK are installing four Series 60 doors and WA 500 FU operators at their Coalville headquarters. The doors, which will each measure 5m wide x 4.5m high, incorporate a 42mm insulated panel and triple glazed vision panels providing excellent thermal properties. Kerry Seager, Operations Manager at Hörmann UK comments, “The past 9 months have seen an increased level of vehicle movements in and out of our Coalville facility as our levels of business continue to grow. When it came to replacing our existing sectional doors in our four loading bays the Series 60 was the obviously choice. Not only will they provide us with the opportunity to speed up and streamline our operations, but they will also help to lower ventilation heat loss. Speed and ease of installation is also a crucial factor as we are limited to amount of downtime available for each loading bay, with around 200 vehicle movements in and out the facility on a daily basis there is no room for delay.” To find your local Hörmann please visit Industrial Sectional Doors Industrial Doors from Hörmann (hormann.co.uk) or call 01530 516868
The Briton brand is synonymous with the best in door controls and exit hardware and Allegion is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed, end-user focused Briton website. Following updates to their brand style, the new Briton website boasts a streamlined, modern design and concentrates on providing customers with improved functionality and a wide collection of essential resources. The website brings together the full product portfolio of Briton Door Controls and will be updated frequently to ensure users have access to the latest information in a bid to assist users throughout the product selection process. Adopting a user-friendly navigational system, the website will act as a central resource hub and will include detailed product listings with features and specifications details, downloadable certification information, and a refreshed set of supporting product datasheets and literature. In addition, a new automatic Door Closer Calculator and useful product selectors will further help users by recommending the most suitable products for their projects. Pete Hancox, Country Manager at Allegion UK comments: “With more than 100 years of history, Briton is a trusted brand with a reputation for providing an extensive range of high-quality products that are fully certified and built to last, and we felt it was time the brand’s web presence embodied that. With that, we’ve created the new Briton website, detailed with fresh branding and one that works much harder for our customers, with improved usability and a comprehensive portfolio of the Briton door controls range. “We wanted to make it easier for people who know and use Briton products to access the information they need throughout their journey, from product selection through to installation and maintenance. Our hub of resources is something we’re extremely proud of, and we believe it will consistently support Briton customers for years to come.” Highlights of the new website, which went live on 3rd September include an updated design, extensive product support resources and streamlined user experience across all devices. Following the launch, Allegion is now proudly inviting users to view the website and its new content, including the latest installation guides and maintenance toolkits on all Briton door controls. For more information, visit: www.briton.co.uk.
Industry body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has responded to this afternoon’s Programme for Government, welcoming the commitment to increased levels of affordable housing whilst warning of deliverability concerns across homes of all tenures in light of material shortages and cost pressures. The organisation also highlights the very real impact that ignoring the plight of Scottish First Time Buyers (FTBs) will have on the future prospects of our young people. HFS Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said: “With public and private housing delivery so crucial to our social and economic outcomes, the announcement of an extra 10,000 affordable homes as a result of the recent SNP-Green co-operation agreement is very much welcomed. “However, the present issues surrounding material shortages and consequent price increases are causing significant difficulties for all housing developers, regardless of tenure. Unless the situation quickly returns to more normalised levels, we could see longer term problems being created. “This is also the case with the planning and regulatory systems which are in need of increased resources to enable local councils to cope with the levels of demand for new homes. Although the move to a digital planning application platform, as announced in today’s Programme, is encouraging, active support for more homes must go much further than that, as we emphasised in our recent response to the Scottish Government’s call for views on economic transformation. A disappointing omission from the Programme for Government in Barclay’s view was the lack of any substantial assistance (beyond LBTT relief) for FTBs: “One of the document chapters is ‘Scotland as a Land of Opportunity’ which talks about supporting young people and promoting a fairer and more equal society. In the context of the disadvantage now facing FTBs as a result of the sudden closure of the First Home Fund and main Help to Buy scheme earlier this year, coupled with the fact that 82% of Scotland’s population aspire to own their own home, it is disappointing not to see any policy intentions on this. This is in stark contrast to other parts of the UK where the First Homes initiative has recently been launched, providing discounted home ownership as an integral part of affordable housing delivery. Only by providing the full range of housing options will we meet the needs of our population”.
Research from the national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, explains why UK house price growth could remain buoyant until at least summer 2022. House prices have reached phenomenal highs since the start of the pandemic, a shortage of supply and ever-increasing demand means homes are selling for handsome sums and at breakneck speed. It has left many industry experts and commentators asking when prices will start to fall again, having already defied expectations by climbing even after the end of the initial stamp duty holiday. Keller Williams has analysed how the four seasons impact house prices and market demand over the past 36 months, a project that reveals prices are very unlikely to drop until at least June 2022. This is because, by splitting the calendar year into seasons, it is clear that the UK housing market follows a predictable cycle. The average house price in autumn – September, October, November – over the past three years has sat at £240,000. Always a busy time of year, this goes a long way to explain why prices and demand are still so high today. As the year moves into winter – December, January, February – the average house price climbs even further. Over the past 36 months, the average house price in winter has been £243,998. Moving into Spring – March, April, May – prices rise again to an average of £245,000. It is only with the arrival of summer that prices start to decline. Over the past three years, the average house price in the summer season has sat at £237,980, the lowest price for the whole year. So the data suggests that having already seen a summer of hot house price growth, we should now see property values continue on their upward trend until summer 2022, at the very least. CEO of Keller Williams UK, Ben Taylor, commented: “The stamp duty holiday has spurred an incredible run of upward house price growth and despite many predicting a market slump, we’re yet to see any let up. Season trends suggest this could be the case for the rest of this year and much of next as the market tends to perform at its best during the autumn, winter and spring seasons. “For buyers, this is difficult news to stomach, especially those who are hoping to move sooner rather than later. But it will no doubt be welcomed by sellers who should continue to secure a very good price when entering the market.” Table shows seasonal average house prices and transactions from the past 36 months (June 2018 – May 2021) Season Average transactions Average (median) price Summer 232,302 £237,980 Autumn 246,694 £240,000 Winter 217,232 £243,998 Spring 160,287 £245,000 Source HMLR – Price Paid
PROPERTY, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has been appointed by Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) to provide project management, cost management and CDM advice services on a once-in-a-generation transformation of the former Machynlleth Union Workhouse – currently operating as Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital. Based in the heart of Machynlleth, a popular market town at the head of the Dyfi estuary in mid-Wales, the redevelopment of the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital will ensure residents have access to leading healthcare facilities in the heart of their community. In addition to improving primary care facilities, the project will provide space for local authority and third sector teams to work collaboratively, encouraging efficiency and quality of care. The £15 million project will see contractor Willmott Dixon deliver an integrated health and wellbeing centre in collaboration with Perfect Circle via SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings. Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to be overseeing the regeneration of the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital, with all of its wonderful heritage. Originally built in 1860, it has since served several purposes, including a WWII Red Cross auxiliary hospital and the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Much of our work will involve breathing new life into the historic building, restoring it as an important asset to the local community.” Appointed due to its extensive healthcare credentials, Perfect Circle will be working in partnership with Willmott Dixon, the local community and stakeholders to ensure engagement throughout. By modernising the hospital and centralising the GP practice, local people will benefit from a comprehensive, cross-service approach to their health and wellbeing needs. Mike Petersen, principal regional lead for Wales at Perfect Circle, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to not only create a modern facility but overhaul the way in which the community accesses healthcare. Perfect Circle is delighted to be leading the project and rejuvenating a building of such significance both in the past and for the future.” Construction commenced in May 2021, with contractor Willmott Dixon taking the lead on the ground via the SCAPE Construction framework. Works are expected to complete by the end of 2022. Ian Jones, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are proud to be working alongside Perfect Circle via the SCAPE framework to deliver this integrated health and wellbeing facility for the Powys Teaching Health Board. The project builds upon our proud history of delivering first-class healthcare projects in Wales and will create vital facilities for the people of Machynlleth and the surrounding areas.” The SCAPE Consultancy framework offers direct access to the most extensive property, construction and infrastructure consultancy services available to the public sector. The fully OJEU-compliant procurement route brings together the strongest collaborative team with value for money, while contributing substantially to local social value. Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “Modern, best-in-class healthcare facilities are the foundation to ensuring thriving, healthy communities in Wales. SCAPE is proud to help accelerate this important project, which will see a much-needed update to Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital that also respects the significant heritage of Machynlleth Union Workhouse. “Perfect Circle, Willmott Dixon and Powys Teaching Health Board are regenerating a historically significant building into a future-proofed facility that will deliver a lasting benefit to residents for years to come.” For more information on Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.
New planning requirements on fire safety for high-rise residential buildings came into force on August 1st and require developers to consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. While we understand this is a starting point on the road to a safer built environment, what does this mean for other buildings such as those in the industrial and commercial sector which have similar challenges when it comes to fire safety? Planning Gateway One is the first of a series of ‘gateway points’ and a key measure to ensure high-rise developments consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. It comes in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Review of Building Regulations, which was commissioned by the government following the Grenfell tragedy. As part of this, developers of higher risk buildings will need to submit a fire statement which sets out fire safety considerations specific to the development before planning permission can be granted. A higher risk building is classed as any building which is 18 metres or more in height and contains two or more dwellings or educational accommodation. The concept of a fire statement within the new planning gateways is a positive step, as it ensures that the thinking on fire safety is included at an early stage. Whilst we understand government wanting to be proportionate, the BSA’s view has always been that this should happen for a range of buildings. It ties to the thinking on being clear on outcomes in the event of a fire. It is also an opportunity for clarity and to avoid a gap between the parties involved. However, as we view this change, as we have stated before, our long-term concern is that this fosters a two-tier system. The implication being that those outside the scheme perhaps need less attention and this will pose challenges as it will offer opportunities to play the system. Clearly fire safe design should not be an afterthought and is essential for all building types. While the intention is for hotels and care homes to be added down the line, the risk of loss of life and property inherent in many other building types is also too high. It is also important to point out that the system is predicated on the existing (i.e. old) classification of buildings and we are building differently now, both in techniques and materials, and using buildings differently too. Bluntly, the nature of risk will continue to evolve as will the hazards these buildings will pose, especially as they age, so we should ensure that all buildings are safe throughout their lifespan. Whilst we understand these changes are a starting point, all buildings, including high-rise will need such a strategy. This will be important to all people seeking to understand the direction the design is taking. Similarly, it will inform those seeking to manage the building when it is in use. I understand government wants to focus in a certain area, but do we really think we do not have similar challenges in other buildings?
Leading housebuilder Harron Homes Yorkshire has submitted a planning application to Barnsley Metropolitan Council for 236 new homes which will transform a discussed brownfield site on Bleachcroft Way in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The proposals will not only regenerate the site, which has stood empty for 50 years, but it will also bring significant enhancements to the existing ecological features of the site, including Dob Sike. The development will deliver a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes all with electric car charging points and will feature green open spaces with picnic benches, a Trim Trail, a play area, footpaths, wildlife habitats, a woodland and 12.5 hectares of wildflower areas. The Dob Sike waterway is a historic area of high ecological value which is home to ancient trees, water voles and other wildlife. It will be restored and maintained by Harron and incorporated into the new development. The development will also feature an area of Birch Oak woodland that in previous plans for the site was lost. “We are delighted to have submitted a planning application for this new development. We are hopeful that our plans will rejuvenate this derelict site while maintaining the rich variety of wildlife which calls this site home, and bring much needed homes to the Barnsley area,” says Tony Lee, Managing Director of Harron Homes Yorkshire. Harron Homes was founded in Yorkshire in 1992 and now, the company builds luxury homes in handpicked locations across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire from its two regional offices in Leeds and Barlborough.
As more and more companies offer remote work, and thanks to the advantages offered for new residents by certain countries, many Brits are deciding to leave the United Kingdom. Today, Brits are choosing Spain as their country of residence – attracted by the excellent climate, accessible cost of living and various facilities on offer for their relocation. Spain as a country of residence for Brits Life in the United Kingdom can be very exciting, but also draining. That’s why many Brits are deciding to move to Spain, whether it’s to work from the country or retire in a warmer and more accessible location. As a result of the country’s many kilometres of sunny coastline, great prices when compared to other European countries, and the various cultural advantages it has to offer – such as its delicious cuisine – Spain is a particularly attractive choice. In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in British residents in this country, hoping to improve their quality of life in every way possible – simply by moving. What’s more, various facilities are available to help with this relocation. Spanish residency visa Brits looking to move to this country can opt for the Golden Visa for Spain. This is a permit for foreign nationals looking to enter the country to make a significant capital investment and is valid for residents of the United Kingdom. In these cases, British nationals can apply for a temporary visa or – if applicable – a residency visa for investors, offering some excellent advantages. This residency permit can be obtained by meeting certain requirements and allows applicants to obtain a residency visa to live in the country for at least one year, and authorisation to stay for two years – with the option to renew if the investment made is maintained and at least one trip to Spain has been made during the residency period. Advantages of this excellent change Brits who choose to move to Spain with this visa can enjoy various benefits. The price of living is generally less than in the United Kingdom, which usually implies an improvement in the quality of properties available. With affordable prices, Brits can purchase larger homes in safe locations, with all the social benefits they need and an exceptional climate in which to enjoy the outdoors, all year round. Carrying out the formalities To carry out the formalities and make this change, we recommend turning to experts, who can also help you apply for a resident’s visa. One great choice is My Spain Visa: a team of lawyers specialised in these matters who have helped dozens of Brits to start their new lives in Spain. The company is well acquainted with the necessary protocols for a change of residency – ensuring all documents are in order and offering you the greatest benefits possible – taking the burden of paperwork off the shoulders of interested investors and guaranteeing total peace of mind throughout the process.
