PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant
Study Inn Group, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Liversage to head up the development arm of the group’s business. Simon brings over thirty years’ residential and student sector experience in hands-on delivery of development projects specialising in overall
James Abbott has been appointed Land and Partnerships Director at the Keepmoat Homes South Midlands region. James joins the national housebuilder with 16 years of experience in the construction industry, having previously worked as Land Director at Morris Homes Eastern, where he worked for four years after joining them as
Home-buyers looking for village life within a commutable distance of Nottingham, Mansfield, Hucknall and the M1 motorway should make tracks to Forest Park and explore the exciting new show homes now open at the latest development from award-winning Midlands-based developer Taggart Homes. With a total of 45 detached and semi-detached
Haringey has become the first council in London to provide a specially designed modular development that tackles homelessness and helps those in pressing need of a safe and secure roof over their heads. Deputy Mayor of London, Tom Copley, joined Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet and Greg Hill,
Construction is one of the world’s most important industries. Even just one day off-track can have a domino effect on a project. When deadlines aren’t met, business is delayed, shareholders demand answers and the work environment can become stressful and chaotic. Whether it’s poor coordination or lack of resources, there
Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice,
PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5 acres of currently vacant land transformed into two three-storey office blocks. When completed, the development will provide c. 3,500 sq. m. of grade A office space, and include 112 private car parking spaces, including seven disabled and 12 EV charging points, 80 cycle storage spaces and 15 motorcycle parking spots. The proposals also include new tree and hedge planting to increase biodiversity on site and a new footpath link to Worcester Parkway to enable convenient access to the train station. Businesses located on-site will benefit from excellent rail connectivity due to the development’s prime location next to the new train station, with direct routes into central London, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff. Just a mile away from Junction 7 of the M5, it will also provide easy access to the UK’s extensive road network and fast transport connections into the airports of Birmingham and Bristol. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for this commercial scheme which will provide much-needed grade A office space in South Worcestershire. As a part of the local Development Plan, which is expected to deliver 5,000 homes and 50 hectares of employment land by 2041, it will provide much needed additional space for new and existing SMEs to grow and establish their presence in the West Midlands. It will also deliver flexible remote working opportunities for larger businesses who seek to create a suitable base for remote workers, living in the area. “We would like to thank IMA Architects for designing a scheme that fits well into the local landscape, and Wychavon District Council for their support throughout the planning process.” The application for this scheme was delivered in conjunction with planning and development consultants Avon Planning Services Ltd. For further information on Godwin Developments visit www.godwindevelopments.co.uk
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios. Under current standards, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables greater than 20mm in diameter undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris and water jet testing on a single test sample. For ‘ENHANCED fire resistant’ cables under 20mm, no direct impact test takes place, and the water test is just a spray test, whilst different stages of each test are carried out on different samples of cable. Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this is putting lives at risk. It comes at a time when London’s Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has called for urgent change in the building industry as the number of blocks of flats in London with fire safety failings is now more than 1,000. Whilst a majority of the issues are due to cladding, the remainder have other fire safety defects, and in all of these buildings, LFB has suspended its ‘stay put strategy’. Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety. He commented: “ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supportedin the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, they keep them safe whilst providing extended time for rescue services to evacuate occupants and ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. “The tests which construction products are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used in fire alarms, emergency lighting, extraction systems, monitoring systems or even backup generators may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain a ticking time bomb.” Mr Williams says Mineral Insulated Copper Cable (MICC) is the only fire performance cable that, in historical testing, has survived over 1000˚C, whilst being subjected to direct hammer blows and a full water pressure test using a fire hose. Samples tested have been measured at just 5.7mm in diameter and maintained circuit integrity for over 3 hours. He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a higher classification for such products. The Government’s review of current systems for testing construction products was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of buildings. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”
Study Inn Group, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Liversage to head up the development arm of the group’s business. Simon brings over thirty years’ residential and student sector experience in hands-on delivery of development projects specialising in overall commercial management, procurement, contractual arrangements, and handover to operating teams. Commenting on the appointment, Kieran Leahy, director at Study Inn, said: “We created the Study Inn platform to deliver secure asset backed investments with strong and resilient income streams. This Senior Management Board have been specifically selected to cover our in-house activities of: Research, Acquisitions, Finance, Design, Development, and Operations, and substantially increase our capacity to deliver the Group’s objectives. We couldn’t be happier with Simon’s appointment to complete the team”. Simon added: “I am delighted to have joined such a forward-thinking company with an exceptional track record, a successful business strategy, and clear potential for growth. The Management Board are empowered to deliver and will continue the group’s objective of creating and maturing ‘best in class portfolios’ in prime UK locations.
James Abbott has been appointed Land and Partnerships Director at the Keepmoat Homes South Midlands region. James joins the national housebuilder with 16 years of experience in the construction industry, having previously worked as Land Director at Morris Homes Eastern, where he worked for four years after joining them as Head of Land. James will lead the Keepmoat Homes South Midlands Land and Partnerships team, supporting land acquisition and development projects in the region. The role will see James manage land acquisition strategy for the top ten housebuilder, ensuring the business meets its five-year plan within the region. This will include maintaining existing relationships with key land agents, local authorities and affordable housing providers, as well as forming new connections to expand opportunities in the area. Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “It’s great to have James onboard, he will be a fantastic asset to the team. He brings to our business a wealth of experience and the kind of attitude which aligns with our regional aspiration for continued growth, and has a clear remit to support us in meeting our development targets.” James Abbott, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “I’m thrilled to join the team at Keepmoat, as they have an established reputation for entering into partnerships to deliver much-needed quality homes at affordable prices. This is reinforced by our 5-star Home Builders Federation rating, which we are rightly proud of. “I’m excited about building strong relationships with key land partners, registered providers and local authorities, and to be working alongside a dynamic team to deliver the forecast growth for the region.”
Home-buyers looking for village life within a commutable distance of Nottingham, Mansfield, Hucknall and the M1 motorway should make tracks to Forest Park and explore the exciting new show homes now open at the latest development from award-winning Midlands-based developer Taggart Homes. With a total of 45 detached and semi-detached three and four-bedroomed spacious homes, Forest Park sits proudly in a prominent location in the welcoming village of Annesley. Properties are now on sale in phase two, with phase one selling out within two months of launch in June 2021 after a flurry of interest – prices begin at £250,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached home, falling within the East Midlands Help to Buy threshold of £261,900. “These outstanding new homes are perfectly-designed for modern family living, each with their own private garden and off-road parking. Close to commutable locations, including Nottingham city centre, Mansfield and Hucknall, these homes are surrounded by rolling Nottinghamshire countryside, close to Newstead Abbey, woodland walks and every amenity for family living,” said Dale Brewster, branch manager at exclusive selling agents Pygott & Crone in Nottingham. Annesley has a number of shops, including a Co-op supermarket, a medical centre, an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary school and the Sherwood Business Park, home to more than 70 established local companies. Nearby secondary schools include the mixed 11 to 18 National Church of England Academy, also rated ‘Good’. With easy access to Junction 27 of the M1, Forest Park is situated to the west of Derby Road, which runs north-south through the village, at the junction with Forest Road. It is 11 miles north-west of Nottingham, four miles south-west of Mansfield and four miles from Hucknall. “We are thrilled to be part of this notable project which is helping to revitalise the former coal-mining community of Annesley. Forest Park has been built on the site of a vacant and derelict working men’s club, bringing much-needed new homes to the village. Our commitment to the community demonstrates our investment in the future of the area as a thriving location popular with families and commuters,” added Michael Taggart, CEO at Taggart Homes. The new homes at Forest Park are strikingly contemporary, with open-plan living/dining/kitchen areas, en-suite bathrooms and energy-efficiency to the fore. Homebuyers can choose from a range of high-specification fixtures and fittings to customise their new home. Exclusive selling agent Pygott and Crone welcome prospective buyers to their show home weekend taking place 30th and 31st October, with incentives available for purchasers.
Haringey has become the first council in London to provide a specially designed modular development that tackles homelessness and helps those in pressing need of a safe and secure roof over their heads. Deputy Mayor of London, Tom Copley, joined Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet and Greg Hill, Deputy Chief Executive from Hill Group for the official handover of the 33 new modular homes, known as SoloHaus, on Wednesday 13th October. “I’m proud to be part of this joint initiative to help people move on securely from a life of sleeping rough. We know we can’t tackle this problem alone, which is why I’m so delighted our collaboration with Hill is helping us deliver good quality, transitional housing that ensures people in need can get their lives back on track,” said Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council. “Tackling homelessness remains one of our top priorities and during the pandemic we offered emergency accommodation to over 1000 people sleeping rough. We are determined to continue our efforts and support people off the streets in our borough.” The scheme in Ermine Road, Tottenham is a partnership between Haringey Council and Hill Group, with half of the homes at Olive Morris Court donated by Hill and significant further funding provided by the GLA and central government. It has also had support from Citizens UK, a nationwide charity dedicated to taking action for social justice. It is the first project in London to benefit from Foundation 200, a £15 million initiative by Hill to donate 200 modular homes on small plots of unused land within the next five years to organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness. Situated on a former storage yard, the modular development delivers accommodation for 33 people, helping rebuild their lives after a period of rough sleeping. “We are delighted to be working with Haringey Council to provide the first specially built modular follow-on homes in London. As an important part of our Foundation 200 initiative to gift modular homes, I am confident that this new development will make a tangible difference to people experiencing homelessness in Haringey. I hope this project will give many residents the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, secure and comfortable environment. To maximise the benefits of this initiative, we will be seeking to employ tenants in our developments within Haringey and adjacent boroughs,” added Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group. SoloHaus is specially designed, furnished and fully equipped for a single person to move straight into. Each modular home provides independent space and a clean, safe and comfortable environment for residents to make the transition to more permanent accommodation. The homes have energy costs of £5 a week and are designed to Future Homes Standards, exceeding building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation, and with a design life of 60 years. A team of Haringey Council staff will provide specialist support to enable residents to adjust and settle into their new homes, as well as to tackle the issues that led them to becoming homeless. There will be a presence on site 24/7 and we are working across the public and community sector to deliver wider improvements to the local area.
Construction is one of the world’s most important industries. Even just one day off-track can have a domino effect on a project. When deadlines aren’t met, business is delayed, shareholders demand answers and the work environment can become stressful and chaotic. Whether it’s poor coordination or lack of resources, there are plenty of things that negatively impact construction site productivity. To help your business succeed and improve its operations, here are five strategies to explore. Take Advantage of Technology If there’s any field that can be transformed by technological innovation, it’s construction. There are many reasons that construction teams need the latest technology. Project management software can help keep a team on track, offering a clear and easy to edit timetable with daily tasks. Tracking progress through the software allows you to identify any complications and swiftly resolve any potential setbacks. Improve Site Safety Workplace injuries are harmful to both people and job outcomes. From a business standpoint, an on-site injury can result in hours or even days of missed work. In an effort to demonstrate your commitment to a safe workplace, you can invest in one platform that delivers real-time updates on your budget and time use. Greater visibility means less accidents and unexpected occurrences. This keeps everyone feeling secure, including your customers. Mandating safety training for all workers should also be at the top of your to-do list. If someone does not have OSHA certification, then they shouldn’t be allowed on a worksite. Hire Experienced Professionals Cheap labor tends to yield poorer results. If a job is done fast but poorly, you ultimately lose trust and credibility. Fixing preventable mistakes and backtracking constantly only costs your clients and business more money. Focus on building a reliable team of trained, skilled workers. While there’s nothing wrong with offering on-the-job training, you should have experienced professionals leading your teams. They are able to implement new technologies and equipment into your processes faster, which saves money while onboarding less-experienced workers. Turn Long Contracts into Short Goals It’s easy to lose track of time on a long-term project, but this can lead to a drop in output and efficiency. Make sure that you always have your team up-to-date on your current goals. This means breaking projects down into smaller objectives. Routine progress meetings give workers a sense of camaraderie and support. An open culture also ensures that you can address any immediate concerns without impeding long-term progress. When you are working on bigger projects, it’s vital that everyone feels like they’re on the same page. Members of a team don’t have to perform the same roles. They need to feel like they have the right resources to do their jobs efficiently. Divide Tasks to Appropriate Contractors Having a single supervisor or manager for a massive team will lead to burnout and oversights. Just because someone has the most experience does not necessarily mean they’re equipped for a certain task. Instead, you should look at each workers’ individual strengths. Decide who is the best fit for certain jobs and assign accordingly. When you delegate work based on ability rather than experience, you are able to get more done and boost job satisfaction in the process.
Welding plays an enormous role in many industries. It’s a necessity in automaking, construction, and aviation. In most cases, welding enables frames and connections between the metal parts. Welding’s importance reaches homes as most appliances, tools, and equipment are generally welded. Yet, welding can be challenging. Workers require time, practice, and discipline to master this craft. However, there are tips and tricks that seasoned workers apply to have excellent welds. If you’re still learning the basics of welding, take note of these secrets to have a successful welding project. 1. Incorporate Aluminum In Construction Projects One way to have a durable and outstanding welding project is by using aluminum. Although this metal is generally more expensive compared to steel, aluminum offers more benefits. It’s resistant to corrosion and easier to cut because it’s typically soft. Despite its softness, it’s very durable and lighter compared to other welding base materials. Because of it, an aluminum-based welding project requires limited energy during production and use. Hence, it’s believed to be a sustainable way to reduce emissions. If you’d use aluminum, you may use it alone or combine it with other steel materials. Either way, its strength depends on the overall quality of the project. In other words, the better the materials and welding process are, the more durable the results will be. 2. Ensure That Your Electrode Has The Precise Length You may need to select your electrode or stick’s appropriate length. In doing so, choose the type which is appropriate to your arm’s length when you weld. Or you could adjust your distance to have your desired angle. If the electrode is too long, you might melt the rod. If it’s too short, you might not weld properly, and the joined part might detach anytime soon. 3. Start And Finish Everything Cleanly Use a wire brush to remove grease, rust, and dust in the parts you’ll weld. Ensure that there’s no residue left in the metals before you try to attach them. When the dirt is infused with impurities, the welds are likely to have dust and rust, weakening the spots. If you want dirt-free welds, slow down the process to guarantee proper melting and joining. Lastly, it would be best to clean your workplace by removing burn marks and other impurities that result from your work. 4. Take A Practice Run Before The Actual Weld If you want to find your most comfortable position in welding, take a practice run. It’ll help you in determining your best angle as well as the distance to your work. Professional welders do this to start the momentum in their work. Usually, they do this by welding two pieces of metal. 5. Follow The Basics Of Welding In welding, you’d need to stick with the fundamentals to have clean and good outputs. For that purpose, here are some points that you may consider: Angle: For wire type, position the gun at a 10-20° angle while you have a pushing direction for your weld. For the stick type, keep the angle within 20-30° direction. For fillet type, keep your rod around 45°. These are the ideal angles to each kind of process. Yet, you could always consider your comfort over these prescriptions. Arc spacing: In most cases, welders keep a distance of ⅜ to ½ inch for wire welding. You may apply the rule of thumb in keeping work distances for other types—the arc’s span shouldn’t out-space the core’s diameter. Travel speed: This refers to the speed by which the welding stick moves along the workpiece. If you need to master welding, you need to know when to use slow and fast travel. Too slow welding may produce too many metal deposits or over melting. On the contrary, if you go too fast, it may result in narrow beads that are typically weak. Push or pull: These refer to the basic methods of welding. Push-welds normally create shallow spots and cover a wider area. On the other hand, a pull-weld is preferable when you use a process that creates slags, such as what metal inert gas welders do. Wrapping Up A successful welding project needs more than fundamental skills. Apart from the skills, welders need reliable tools and equipment. Yet, mastering the skills might make welding a lot easier. In addition, they shorten the time of labor and make the workpiece more efficient. Suppose you’re planning to weld your first ever workpiece. In that case, you may get back to the secrets and insights mentioned above. They may provide necessary insights for your craft and develop your welding skills. With the right skills, you’ve completed half of the requirements for a clean and successful welding project.
