Scotland’s five regional hub companies have delivered 151 new schools and nurseries to the value of £2 billion across Scotland. The public-private partnership bodies will come together for the Learning Places Scotland conference on 23rd November at the SEC Glasgow to showcase their success in creating modern learning facilities that
Rebecca Needham, Road Safety Officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said: RoSPA welcomes the announcement by the Government on the ban on using handheld mobile phones for any purpose whilst driving. Drivers holding their phone are gambling with their own lives and the
Hyde Group has been awarded the title Housing Association of the Year 2021 at The Whathouse? Awards, as Judges applaud the social housing landlord’s forward-thinking approach to some of the biggest issues facing the housing association sector over the coming years and its leadership position in the vanguard of sustainable development. While most big developing housing associations are cutting back development plans in
LEADING commercial property agency Innes England has announced an exciting expansion to its business following the appointment of highly experienced investment advisor Ben Robinson who is relocating from London. Ben has spent the past six years as a senior investment advisor at Matthews & Goodman where he was involved in
MORE than 300 industry professionals attended the seminal built environment sustainability conference “Net Zero Carbon: What’s Stopping Us?” in Birmingham. The event, held at The Grand Hotel, was hosted by national construction company Willmott Dixon in partnership with Building Brum, the region’s largest built environment network. It saw industry leaders
Following the Government’s announcement that it will provide extra funding for pilot schemes to provide temporary housing and extra care for the homeless that have recently been released from hospital, Stelling Properties is calling on those responsible for delivering the pilot programs, to look at modular construction as a way
Inland Homes has started work on the construction of Patchworks, the regeneration of the former Homebase site in Walthamstow, on behalf of its partners London BTR Investments (LBTR) (the build-to-rent joint venture between EQT Exeter and Sigma Capital Group Limited) and Newlon Housing Trust (Newlon). Brownfield developer and housebuilder Inland
After last year’s Christmas lockdown, UK retail sales over the Christmas period are expected to rise to £84.71 billion this year, which is a 1.9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. With many expected to strive for a bigger and better Christmas this year, Shanly Homes’ is delighted that their latest
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated
Regularly voted as one of the best places to work in the UK – it is clear to see why Reading is in such high demand and why central residency is much needed. This well-planned town is an increasing hub of service sector job opportunities, with titans of the industry
Scotland’s five regional hub companies have delivered 151 new schools and nurseries to the value of £2 billion across Scotland. The public-private partnership bodies will come together for the Learning Places Scotland conference on 23rd November at the SEC Glasgow to showcase their success in creating modern learning facilities that will benefit communities for many years to come. The hub companies continue to build on their successful track record with a further £310 million of education projects under construction and £524 million in development. An independent report published this year by economic and social researchers, EKOS Ltd, found that the hub programme has performed well against its objectives, delivering substantial social impacts and community benefits across Scotland. The hub companies have adopted a social value approach to their projects that includes economic impact and sustainability in the communities they serve. Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust that manages the hub Programme, explained: “Since their inception, the five hub companies have worked with local authorities to deliver learning places which provide great environments for young people to thrive. “All of those involved from the client teams and the hub companies themselves through their design and construction supply chains to the smallest SMEs should be proud of the outcomes they have delivered for the industry and local economies as projects have been successfully delivered, and for communities across Scotland through the buildings they have created.” Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training will give the keynote address at the conference. The theme of the event is “Scotland’s Learning Estate – Connecting People, Places and Learning”, which aims to support more collaboration around the planning and implementation of new integrated learning environments to improve education and the life chances of children and young people. Scotland’s five regional hub companies are: hub North Scotland hub East Central Scotland hub South East Scotland hub West Scotland hub South West Scotland
Rebecca Needham, Road Safety Officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said: RoSPA welcomes the announcement by the Government on the ban on using handheld mobile phones for any purpose whilst driving. Drivers holding their phone are gambling with their own lives and the safety of others – as they are four times more likely to crash *. In 2020, there were 368 collisions of all severities where use of a mobile phone was a contributory factor. The 2003 legislation, which initially banned mobile phone use while driving, was brought into being before the age of the smartphone. There is now a considerable number of potential distractions, such as mobile phones and infotainment systems, which can divert the driver’s attention away from the road. Today’s announcement ** further underscores the importance of clear and enforceable penalties for distracted drivers, this will help change the belief that holding a phone is consequence free. Using a mobile phone behind the wheel has been shown to reflect a deep-seated and irresponsible attitude rather than an in the moment reaction. For more than a century RoSPA has been at the forefront of making our roads safer, having campaigned for changes in the law to make wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehicle mandatory, drink-driving illegal and more recently banning the use of handheld mobile phones while driving. To read more about RoSPA’s position on mobile phone use whilst driving head here: https://www.rospa.com/media/documents/road-safety/consultation-responses/RoSPA-response-to-DfT-mobile-phone-consultation.pdf * WHO ‘Mobile phone use: a growing problem of driver distraction’ https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/distracted_driving_summary.pdf ** Ipsos MORI & DfT (2021) ‘Research on the use of mobile phones while driving’ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-on-the-use-of-mobile-phones-while-driving
Hyde Group has been awarded the title Housing Association of the Year 2021 at The Whathouse? Awards, as Judges applaud the social housing landlord’s forward-thinking approach to some of the biggest issues facing the housing association sector over the coming years and its leadership position in the vanguard of sustainable development. While most big developing housing associations are cutting back development plans in the teeth of multiple and severe sectoral financial strains, Hyde is forecasting an increase on its 650 completions last year of around 15% and aiming to build 13,000 homes over the next 10 years. It’s achieving this through positive large-scale collaborations, including joint venture arrangements with Barratt, Countryside and Brighton & Hove Council, and by teaming up with other developing housing associations to share costs, risks, and rewards. It is also developing innovative sources of finance, including a £500m ground-breaking deal with M&G to create 2,000 shared ownership homes. Hyde is in the vanguard on sustainable development too, as one of the founding partners of the Greener Futures Partnership with four other HAs, designed not only to benefit its own homes and residents but to share learning sector-wide around financing, technological solutions and decarbonisation options. It is already pushing ahead with digital improvements to its development process, including BIM and smart technology, and reducing costs through construction management and a solid contractor framework. The Judges said: “Hyde Group is a deserving winner of the title Housing Association of the Year. The social landlord is ensuring it delivers on social value, with innovative and influential research around the societal value created by its social housing tenancies; efforts to reduce homelessness through properties listed on its own specialist website, which other HAs are now contributing to; and a new housing management strategy.” The WhatHouse? Awards – dubbed the Oscars of the housebuilding industry – showcases and celebrates the brightest stars in the housing sector, honouring those who build Britain’s best homes. Now in their 41st year, the glittering ceremony took place at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, where the winners of the 21 categories were announced. Housing Association of the Year Award Gold – Hyde Group Silver – Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Bronze – Abri
LEADING commercial property agency Innes England has announced an exciting expansion to its business following the appointment of highly experienced investment advisor Ben Robinson who is relocating from London. Ben has spent the past six years as a senior investment advisor at Matthews & Goodman where he was involved in over £250m of real estate transactions across the office, industrial and alternatives sectors. Prior to this he spent time at CBRE undertaking international real estate transactions, and eight years at Mapeley where he was an asset manager overseeing a £600 million UK fund. Returning to his hometown of Nottingham after 15 years with some of the capital’s top firms, Ben is looking to bring his wealth of experience and client contacts to the East Midlands and will be heading up a new investment department with Innes England. Ben, a Nottingham Trent University alumnus, said: “I’m delighted to be moving back to the city I grew up in and where I studied for my MA. “Innes England is one of the biggest consultancy firms in the region so it was an easy choice. I’m very excited to be joining the team and look forward to adding to its already impressive reputation in the market as the go-to agent in the East Midlands. “I intend to utilise the wealth of experience I have gained during my time in London to provide a high quality and joined-up investment service across the East Midlands through Innes England’s Nottingham, Derby and Leicester offices. I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate and prosper from the trends that have been accelerated by the pandemic, which continue to play out across the ‘sheds, beds and meds’ sectors. I’m looking forward to working with managing director Matt Hannah as well as the rest of the team to provide a full cycle service to existing clients and new investors to the region”. Following successful recognition for its investment services, including at the EG Awards in 2020 where it scooped ‘Most Active Agent 2019 for Investment’, the firm is looking to solidify its achievement with a dedicated department. Matthew Hannah, managing director at Innes England, said: “We are building on our activity in the investment market to launch a dedicated new department. Having Ben on board to head this up will be invaluable to its growth and success. “Ben has an impressive resume of experience working with some of London’s top firms, including major accounts, so I have no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to the team. I’m excited to see where he takes the new department and look forward to working alongside him. “With the firm’s market knowledge on rental levels, tenant demand, and data from our Market Insite reviews we are in a strong position to bolster our investment services with Ben as a dedicated source. Together with our building surveying and asset management teams we can now offer pre-acquisition advice on properties and service charges with agency input to ensure the asset performs to its maximum potential.” Find out more at http://www.innes-england.com or join the conversation at @InnesEngland.
MORE than 300 industry professionals attended the seminal built environment sustainability conference “Net Zero Carbon: What’s Stopping Us?” in Birmingham. The event, held at The Grand Hotel, was hosted by national construction company Willmott Dixon in partnership with Building Brum, the region’s largest built environment network. It saw industry leaders from across the UK gather in the ‘second city’ to discuss how the sector can achieve its net zero carbon ambitions. A select panel – from both the public and private sector – shared their insights into the challenges, solutions, and realities of achieving carbon net zero in construction as well as discussing the outcomes of COP26 and how the built environment should respond. Peter Owen, managing director at Willmott Dixon in the Midlands, said: “We’re delighted with the success of the packed-out event last night, which demonstrated the passion and dedication of both the public and private sector in its efforts to reach net-zero. “It was important to us to bring together key players within the built environment industry to have meaningful discussions on net zero but also highlight the importance of collaboration in order to achieve our shared sustainability goals. The panel discussion, and subsequent questions from the audience, showcased the significance everyone is placing on this matter and how we can join forces to make it happen.” “One year after its launch, our ‘Now or Never’ 2030 Sustainability Strategy is well underway and we are on track to achieve multiple ambitious targets by 2030. By sharing our three key themes – brilliant buildings, building lives, and better planet – we hope to inspire other businesses to join us in aiming for zero-carbon in our own operations instead of settling for net-zero. Providing unique insight and valuable experience, the guest panelists included Deborah Cadman OBE, chief executive of Birmingham City Council, Belinda Morgan, partner at multi-disciplinary consultancy Cundall, Tim Carey, chief product director at integrated construction platform provider Collida, and Chris Clarke, director of performance and improvement at public sector framework provider Scape, and James Douglas, head of sustainability at fellow contractor Lendlease. The panel was led by Willmott Dixon’s chief sustainability officer, Julia Barrett, who is also director of the Aldersgate Group, a business, politics and civil society leadership alliance that drives action for a sustainable economy. Julia said: “Sustainability is at the centre of discussions in both the public and private sector, which was evident at the event. Collectively we are responsible for moving forward with carbon net zero, and the panel’s insights into solutions to achieve this really sparked conversation, and hopefully action, among attendees.” During the conference, guests learned more about how the sector can accelerate the journey to net zero. Topics included the widespread adoption of sustainable materials; prioritising sustainability against cost in contract selections, the importance of building for the future today as opposed to retrofitting, and the importance of working with and upskilling the supply chain. The event was held in partnership with Building Brum, a leading built environment networking platform that brings together passionate professionals across the sector, to discuss key topics. Conor Nolan, programme director at Building Brum, added: “The “Net Zero Carbon: What’s Stopping Us?” event exemplified the ambitions of Building Brum; to provide educational events and unique networking opportunities that spark meaningful conversations. We were delighted to collaborate with our construction partners Willmott Dixon to create such a successful event and hope to see exciting changes in the industry moving forward towards its sustainable goals.”
Following the Government’s announcement that it will provide extra funding for pilot schemes to provide temporary housing and extra care for the homeless that have recently been released from hospital, Stelling Properties is calling on those responsible for delivering the pilot programs, to look at modular construction as a way of accelerating the delivery of the homes needed. A recent study of 3,000 homeless patients found that 2,000 were readmitted to hospital within a year, with the onset of winter approaching, there is a need to move quickly to provide high quality, safe, secure accommodation, Stelling Properties believes that modular constructed Meanwhile Housing is a solution which will allow the most vulnerable to benefit quicker thus contributing to breaking the cycle of hospital readmissions. Meanwhile housing affords the opportunity to accelerate the delivery of new homes on sites awaiting permanent redevelopment as these homes can be occupied several years before a final development is completed allowing redundant land to be utilised. With the potential to deliver modular construction projects up to 50% quicker than traditional projects, Stelling Properties believes modular construction provides an immediate solution to homelessness crisis. “We have an innovative solution that is readily available. The extra funding is great news that will make a real difference, we now need to make sure that all parties including planners act fast to reduce the seasonal impact of winter and provide the safe secure temporary homes that are needed” said Antonio Lopez, Head of Property Operations & New Opportunities at Stelling Properties.
Inland Homes has started work on the construction of Patchworks, the regeneration of the former Homebase site in Walthamstow, on behalf of its partners London BTR Investments (LBTR) (the build-to-rent joint venture between EQT Exeter and Sigma Capital Group Limited) and Newlon Housing Trust (Newlon). Brownfield developer and housebuilder Inland Homes gained planning consent for the development of 583 homes in April this year. The site was then sold to LBTR with the remaining for housing association Newlon, with Inland securing build contracts to construct the homes on behalf of both parties. This major regeneration scheme in Walthamstow will deliver 355 private rented apartments under Sigma’s Simple Life London brand for LBTR and 228 affordable homes for Newlon. New commercial and community space, gardens and play areas, a cycle hub and pedestrian routes will also be delivered, creating a sustainable and integrated place to live. It is expected to be complete in 2025. “We are delighted that construction has begun at Patchworks in Walthamstow, with Inland working in close partnership with Sigma and Newlon to transform this brownfield site into a vibrant new community and deliver 583 additional new homes to the area,” said Gary. “Both partners share our vision of high-quality regeneration and I am excited to see the scheme progress and deliver benefit for the whole community.” This strategy of securing land and planning before selling and building on behalf of third parties is a core part of Inland’s business model, playing to the team’s strengths of working in partnership and adding value. The deal with LBTR at Patchworks is Inland’s largest partnership housing contract secured to date at almost £90 million. Inland currently has a total of 1,257 homes under construction on behalf of partners. “Newlon are delighted to be working in partnership with Inland homes on this exciting new development, which will provide a further 228 much needed new affordable homes in Waltham Forest,” added Angela Wint, Senior Project Manager at Newlon Housing Trust. Following demolition of the former Homebase store, construction has now begun on site. Inland Homes Group Managing Director Gary Skinner and Sigma Investment and Acquisitions Director Jack Barnet met on site last week ahead of groundworks starting on the first build to rent block.
After last year’s Christmas lockdown, UK retail sales over the Christmas period are expected to rise to £84.71 billion this year, which is a 1.9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. With many expected to strive for a bigger and better Christmas this year, Shanly Homes’ is delighted that their latest collection of three-bedroom homes at Millside Place in Epsom will be ready to move into for Christmas. Currently available to purchase at Millside Place are three three-bedroom houses. Ideal for buyers looking to be settled into their new home before the start of the new year, these spacious homes provide ample space for families looking to get together this holiday season. “The three-bedroom homes now available at Millside Place are ideal for hosting family and friends over the Christmas period and into the new year. These homes have been finished to a high specification and enjoy beautiful, contemporary interiors. Anyone interested in settling into their new home in time for Christmas should arrange a visit at Millside Place as soon as possible,” said Greg Kaye, Head of Sales at Shanly Homes. All of the three-bedroom houses currently available at Millside Place enjoy spacious interiors. Open-plan layouts provide plenty of space to host family and friends over the festive period. Contemporary kitchens come complete with a range of integrated appliances including a fan-assisted single oven, induction hob and a full height fridge/freezer, perfect for preparing Christmas dinner. The ground floor is complete with the convenience of a downstairs toilet. Upstairs the homes enjoy three stylish bedrooms. Primary bedrooms provide a cosy retreat away from the rest of the home, and are complete with the added luxury of an en-suite shower room. The second and third bedrooms ensure there is ample space for overnight guests, as well as space for a designated workstation, ideal for home working. Sleek family bathrooms are complete with white porcelain sanitaryware and luxury Minoli tiling. Residents also benefit from private parking spaces. Millside Place is positioned just a stone’s throw away from Epsom’s charming town centre, meaning a plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants are available nearby. Ideal for Christmas shopping, The Ashley Centre is just a 15-minute walk away and hosts a range of shops including The Body Shop, New Look and M&S. For supermarket needs, a Sainsbury’s superstore is a short 10-minute walk away. Ideal for a festive Panto, Epsom Playhouse is just an 18-minute walk away. This venue won ‘Panto of the Year (Under 750 Seats)’ at the 2020 Great British Pantomime Awards and this year is showing Beauty and the Beast. Located in Epsom, Millside Place has plenty of picturesque greenspaces available on the doorstep. Nearby Alexandra Recreation Ground is home to cricket and football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green. Alternatively, Rosebery Park is the ideal place for an evening or weekend stroll, complete with well-maintained lawns and a duck pond. For those hoping to enjoy longer walks once the warmer weather comes around, Epsom Downs is under two miles away and provides miles of fantastic walking routes. Epsom train station is just a 15-minute walk from Millside Place. Ideal for visiting friends and family over the holiday season, residents can enjoy direct services to London Waterloo (36 mins), London Bridge (43 mins), London Victoria (39 mins) and Guildford (37 mins). Junction 9 of the M25 is just an 18-minute drive away, providing convenient access to the wider motorway network.
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Under the agreement, the leading hire firm has pledged to establish a tailored employment pathway for veterans by working with not-for-profit service Career Transition Partnership, and by recognising military skills and qualifications in interview processes. “Signing this covenant formalises the respect we have for those that come from armed forces backgrounds and underlines our commitment to supporting them in developing their future careers,” said Ellie Armour, HR director at Speedy. “Our veteran colleagues enrich our business with the training and skills they developed while serving their country, from project management to driving heavy goods vehicles, and we recognise our duty as a major employer to give back to armed forces communities nationwide.” The company, which already has a number of ex-service personnel in their ranks, is aiming to increase the number of employees from armed forces backgrounds. Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant it’s received the Bronze Award in the Employee Recognition Scheme, which evidences the tangible support an organisation offers to its armed forces community, with the company now progressing through silver towards its gold standard. The covenant was signed at the firm’s national support centre in Tamworth, where HR director Ellie Armour was joined by co-signatory Colonel Paul Gilby alongside veteran colleagues from across the company. Speedy joins other major employers in the construction industry including some of the UKs largest contractors in signing the covenant, signalling to ex-service men and women that they are armed forces friendly organisations at a time when almost one in five (17%) veterans in work say that finding the right job is very difficult*. The business has also committed to support its employees with family in the armed forces by upholding several principles that include sympathetically reviewing requests for leave surrounding partners’ overseas deployment and providing paid leave for employees whose loved ones are lost or injured in the line of duty. “Construction services and the armed forces share many complementary skill sets. It’s excellent to have Speedy’s support with the covenant. The company shows clear intent to help veterans across the country to build successful careers as they transition away from the military,” added Colonel Paul Gilby, co-signatory and Ministry of Defence representative. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure, and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.
Regularly voted as one of the best places to work in the UK – it is clear to see why Reading is in such high demand and why central residency is much needed. This well-planned town is an increasing hub of service sector job opportunities, with titans of the industry Microsoft and The Oracle having their UK headquarters in the area. Combined with its growing selection of good schools and excellent transport links, Reading has secured itself as a prime spot for homebuyers. The town centre offers residents an excellent place to reside with a fabulous work/life balance but homes close to the heart of town are becoming increasingly hard to find. Based in central Reading, close to the mainline train station, The Printworks is an impressive collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom properties from five-star housebuilder, Bellway. Enjoying a prime position on Cardiff Road, The Printworks comprises a collection of contemporary apartments and houses set on an historic location dating back to 1777 that was once home to local printing house Cox and Wyman. “Homes are becoming an increasingly rare commodity in central Reading. The Printworks is perfectly situated for buyers that want the buzz of being close to the centre of town and I urge potential buyers to act now to secure one of these popular properties. With a selection of apartments and a variety of three-bedroom houses still available, home hunters will struggle to find a better opportunity to live in an area that has so much to offer, as well as fantastic connectivity links to London and the home counties,” said Emma Jones, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Valley. The impressive homes are enhanced with attractive landscaping and include an accessible play area, ideal for residents with children. A total of 121 parking spaces have been included in the scheme and many of the three-bedroom homes come with parking for two cars. Designed with sustainability in mind several electric car charging points are available, and a car club scheme will ensure that residents who don’t own a car are still mobile. Each property includes an open plan kitchen and dining area, a spacious living room and plenty of storage options. An integrated Zanussi oven, Roca sanitaryware and a generous balcony contribute to the stylish and contemporary aesthetic of the homes. The Printworks proximity to Reading town centre offers both convenience and choice with plenty of fantastic shopping, dining and leisure options available for those choosing this central residency. High street stores, well-known restaurants (including the Michelin-starred L’Ortolan) and artisan bakeries are all on the doorstep. Less than five miles away, a conservation centre known as ‘The Living Rainforest’ houses more than 850 species of animals and plants. Ideal for a family day out – this is just one of the very many places of interest in the surrounding area. Convenient connections should also be considered. The A33, which connects to the M4 for London, is close and Reading railway station is a short walk from home providing regular services to Oxford, London and Manchester.
