Joblogic and Refcom have collaborated to launch a software module in the UK that ensures F-Gas compliance. It also makes it simpler and faster for HVAC engineers to comply since they can now input the data directly into a compliant logbook via a mobile app. Legislation demands that an engineer
A brand new Morrisons Superstore has already opened as part of the wider revamp of the town centre recently completed by Knowsley Council and GMI that has also seen new restaurants opened and a cinema scheme progressing. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the completion of a significant package of
As a pioneer of pressure piping, GF Piping Systems (GF) announced today the introduction of bio-attributed materials to all of its market-leading polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) metric pressure pipes, fittings and valves produced in Europe. The sustainable PVC resin, made using tall oil, a waste product from paper production will see
SCAPE Scotland, one of Scotland’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed a new framework manager to lead its partner relationships and support best-in-class procurement across the nation’s public sector built environment projects. Gary Meechan joins SCAPE Scotland following eight years with construction consultancy Currie & Brown, where he was
Montel Civil Engineering starts work to deliver access and services for CGX Connect Ground break is catalyst for unlocking the potential of strategic economic development at airport Works supported by £1.885 million Growth Deal funding through GFirst LEP A flagship new Gloucestershire development with the potential to deliver more
An apprentice who works for a property maintenance company has won an award from the college where he studies. Sam Cooper, an apprentice property maintenance operative at Platform Property Care – a subsidiary of Platform Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been awarded a Best
Leading the way in sustainability, award-winning interior design studio Andrew Henry Interiors has launched a new service focused on creating environmentally friendly designs for its corporate clients in the housebuilding industry. The comprehensive service for show home design is another addition to the expanding design practice, which aims to add
A ground-breaking event to mark the start on site of the first new homes at McArthur’s Yard in Bristol took place on Wednesday 17th November, when the Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard joined senior members of The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group to officialise
There are just three homes now available to buy at a housing development in Salisbury where work is set to be completed next year. Bellway is building 82 new homes at Harnham Park, off Netherhampton Road, including 49 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 33 affordable homes
GDR Sales has taken delivery of the first SV120 sold in the UK. Retailed through Ben Burgess, Yanmar’s official dealer for Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Rutland, the new model will be used for riverbank maintenance, flailing and general building applications. One of the most powerful machines in the Yanmar portfolio,
Joblogic and Refcom have collaborated to launch a software module in the UK that ensures F-Gas compliance. It also makes it simpler and faster for HVAC engineers to comply since they can now input the data directly into a compliant logbook via a mobile app. Legislation demands that an engineer must track and record any movement of refrigerant gas in an official logbook. There also needs to be a back-office system that shows all the work completed on equipment. Says Greg Hill, Principal Consultant at Joblogic: “While it is possible to record work completed on paper-based systems this can be time consuming and lead to errors when a second person inputs the data into the back-office system. With each piece of equipment and all the cylinders having their own logbooks, it can take time to find all the necessary paperwork, discover what needs completing on an asset, do the work and then fill in each of the logbooks with all the correct information. “Using the Refcom F-Gas Tracking Module, the engineer will know what work they need to do before they arrive to ensure that they have the right tools and equipment to get it right first time. Having completed the work they simply input the relevant information into the Joblogic Refcom App on their phone or tablet which will then automatically populate the online logbooks and the back-office systems to save time and avoid any errors.” Further time savings are possible if a company decides to use QR codes to identify individual assets within an HVAC system since the engineer can then simply scan the equipment to find out about its service history and the work that needs doing. This will also automatically find the form for that asset to make it easier and faster to complete and record the job. With each asset in a system having its own logbook, automating the track and trace system will save hours of time so that the engineer can complete more work. Says Graeme Fox, Head of Technical for Refcom: “We wanted a software system that would report data straight into the correct forms to ensure compliance. We also wanted to make the task simpler and faster for our members and take advantage of all the technology that is available to ensure accurate track and trace, such as for example using QR codes. “It is vital that HVAC engineers are fully compliant with F-Gas legislation and there have been occasions where data has been missed or the logbook has been incorrectly filled in so that a job was not compliant. This is generally an honest mistake and people may not even realise that they have not met the legislative needs.” All Refcom members will receive a free user licence for the new software module which includes a back-office reporting system, logbooks and the facility to add the mobile app for an engineer. This allows an organisation to plan and schedule future maintenance work and customise and produce reports in whatever format they want. For a free demonstration of the Joblogic Refcom F-Gas tracking and compliance software visit https://www.joblogic.com/features/fgas-compliance-software/.
A brand new Morrisons Superstore has already opened as part of the wider revamp of the town centre recently completed by Knowsley Council and GMI that has also seen new restaurants opened and a cinema scheme progressing. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the completion of a significant package of works it has been undertaking since January 2020 when the announcement was made concerning its appointment to deliver Knowsley Council’s multi-million redevelopment of Kirkby town centre. Working on behalf of Knowsley Council GMI has created a 45,000 sq ft Morrisons superstore, a petrol station, car park, a 20,000 sq ft Home Bargains and Taco Bell and KFC drive-thru restaurants as part of the retail-led development in the town centre. Knowsley Council bought the town centre just two years ago after deciding to take control of the plans and speed up the delivery of the retail development and wider regeneration of the area. Talking about the new Kirkby Town Centre development, Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time. In less than two years since we took ownership, residents and visitors to Kirkby can now enjoy a new Morrisons superstore, petrol filling station and drive thru KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. Plus a larger Home Bargains will be opening in the new year. It’s amazing what has been achieved, particularly as the pandemic came just a few months into the construction. “Not only is this scheme about physical improvements in the town, but it has also created almost 400 new jobs for local people, with more opportunities soon to be advertised, and will boost the local economy by over £15m per year. “This is just the start as our plans also include a multi-screen cinema with food and drink outlets and we will also be welcoming more businesses into Kirkby over the coming months. Keep a look-out on www.knowsleynews.co.uk for the latest Kirkby news.” Also commenting on the development and GMI Construction Group PLC’s achievement, Divisional Director Marc Banks said : “This multi-million pound redevelopment breathes new life into Kirkby and is set to rejuvenate the town. We are proud to have played a leading role in that the new Morrisons supermarket is a really great addition to the town’s skyline. This was a multi-faceted development involving the construction of several elements. We would like to pay testament and thanks for the full project team involved here who once again have delivered an outstanding solution.”
As a pioneer of pressure piping, GF Piping Systems (GF) announced today the introduction of bio-attributed materials to all of its market-leading polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) metric pressure pipes, fittings and valves produced in Europe. The sustainable PVC resin, made using tall oil, a waste product from paper production will see up to 90% reduction in the CO2 emission during production versus conventional PVC while still maintaining the highest quality, durability, and recyclability. The PVC piping systems from GF, first produced in 1955, have been tried and tested for more than 65 years. Today, they include pipes, fittings, valves, actuators, and measurement and control technology used across industries in over 100 countries for the most demanding applications. To achieve the biggest impact, the PVC resin used for pipes, fittings and valves is successively adjusted to use up to 20% bio-attributed PVC. The sustainable PVC resins meet the same stringent performance criteria as GF’s conventionally produced PVC grades. To verify the correct use, an independent certification body is appointed to audit the production plants and supply chain which processes the bio-attributed PVC-U. “With the introduction of bio-attributed PVC into our material mix, we are transitioning toward more sustainably sourced products,” announces Jens Frisenborg, Head of Business Unit Industry/Utility at GF Piping Systems. “By adding renewable raw material, with identical chemical and mechanical properties, to our valves, fittings and pipes, we provide our customers with unrivaled quality, while also supporting them in achieving their own sustainability goals.” Insensitive, flexible to plan, easy to install, and very reliable: these properties of piping systems are in demand in numerous industrial areas: in drinking water treatment, microelectronics production, in sewage treatment plants, in shipbuilding, and the food industry. PVC piping systems are suitable for use in almost every branch of industry. It is not only their durability that makes them so versatile but also their easy installation. Now with bio-attributed PVC, GF Piping Systems is ensuring they are more sustainably sourced. More about sustainability at GF Piping Systems can be found here: https://www.gfps.com/com/en/about-us/company/sustainability.html
SCAPE Scotland, one of Scotland’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed a new framework manager to lead its partner relationships and support best-in-class procurement across the nation’s public sector built environment projects. Gary Meechan joins SCAPE Scotland following eight years with construction consultancy Currie & Brown, where he was most recently associate project manager, specialising in delivering projects for public sector clients including the NHS. In the newly created role, Gary will work closely with SCAPE Scotland’s construction and consultancy partners, including contractors on its £2bn, net zero-ready Construction framework, to enhance the quality and social value generated by projects for its public sector clients. Partners on the recently launched framework include Kier, Morgan Sindall and McLaughlin & Harvey. Consultancy partners include Faithful & Gould, Triskelion & Arup. As well as managing and supporting SCAPE’s delivery partners in Scotland, Gary will also ensure the smooth-running of SCAPE’s construction frameworks in Northern Ireland, delivered by Graham and McLaughlin & Harvey. The new hire represents further investment in Scotland for the procurement authority, which appointed Lillian McDowall as senior business manager in April. Lillian is currently leading SCAPE Scotland’s client engagement team, which supports local authorities in driving community regeneration and economic growth through construction. SCAPE Scotland currently works with more than 45 public bodies, generating revenues in excess of £400m for Scottish contractors through its frameworks. With projects currently being delivered for clients including the City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Perth & Kinross Council, Edinburgh University and East Dunbartonshire Council. Gary Meechan, framework manager at SCAPE Scotland, said: “Regenerating the public estate will be at the heart of the Scottish government’s plans and approach to the climate emergency in the coming years. As such, it’s imperative that local authorities and other public sector organisations are able to make the most of investment in infrastructure with the support of best-in-class procurement advice and experienced contractors whose goals are aligned with their own. Our delivery partners have a long track record of helping public sector clients achieve their objectives, and I’m looking forward to working with both groups to accelerate project delivery, drive innovation and generate community benefits for the Scottish public sector.” Andy Bacon, operations director at SCAPE Scotland, said: “Gary’s appointment represents the latest investment in our team as we continue to strengthen our support for the public sector while aiding the growth of an extensive local supply chain across Scotland. His experience bridging the gap between client and contractor is incredibly valuable and will no doubt aid the success of our latest generation of consultancy and construction frameworks, which continue to see our projects deliver positive and sustainable legacies for local communities.”
Montel Civil Engineering starts work to deliver access and services for CGX Connect Ground break is catalyst for unlocking the potential of strategic economic development at airport Works supported by £1.885 million Growth Deal funding through GFirst LEP A flagship new Gloucestershire development with the potential to deliver more than 1,500 new jobs has broken ground and is already reporting ‘strong interest’ as the region’s economy continues to bounce back. CGX Connect is a new commercial development located on land within the northern perimeter of Gloucestershire Airport between the existing Anson and Meteor business parks. When completed it will provide around 30,000 sqm of flexible floor space in a prime location for businesses operating in the logistics and industrial sectors. Westcountry-based Montel Civil Engineering will create an entrance into the development, divert and protect existing and new services, and widen access to the B4063 to allow a dedicated right turn for those coming from the west. To do this, it will clear the site, create suitable drainage using existing sewers, construct new carriageway with two pedestrian refuges, and install streetlights, signage and road markings. Work is expected to take 20 weeks in total, with completion scheduled for Spring 2022. Montel was selected as the contractor for the work by Gloucester-based project manager Vitruvius. GFirst LEP is providing £1.885 million in Growth Deal funding to support this infrastructure work needed to deliver the new development. Karen Taylor, Managing Director Gloucestershire Airport, said: “With such a good location close to the road network and with the airport on its doorstep, we’re already seeing interest in CGX Connect from businesses across Gloucestershire, the West Country and further afield. “It will play a key part in our sustainable business growth in the decade ahead, so we’re excited to now be at a point when we can start to unlock CGX Connect’s potential.” Mark Price, Managing Director, Vitruvius Management Services, said: “It’s hugely satisfying to see work getting underway, having partnered with Gloucestershire Airport on CGX Connect as part of its ambitious ten-year plan. As project managers, we’ll continue to keep things on time and to budget, to create quality flexible space for growing commercial and industrial businesses.” David Owen, Chief Executive, GFirst LEP, said: “We’re proud to deliver Growth Deal funding for such an ambitious transformational project in the county, delivering up to 1,500 quality jobs. It’s fantastic to help break ground on a such a key development for Gloucestershire.” Simon Turbutt, Managing Director, Montel Civil Engineering, said: “We’ve a proven expertise and an excellent track record working as principal contractor on traditional schemes as well as larger design and construction projects. So the team’s delighted to have been selected to deliver such a high-profile project.” A construction plan has been carefully developed to avoid impacting the operations of existing nearby businesses. In addition to writing directly to residents and businesses to keep them informed on the progress of the works, Montel has put in place a dedicated 24-hour helpline 07795 415752 for any queries as the work progresses. A project specific webpage will also be regularly updated with details of the works progress – including advance notice of any temporary traffic management systems that might be put in place. The project webpage can be found at: www.montelcivilengineering.co.uk/project/cgx-business-park-infrastructure-works/ For information about the CGX Connect and Gloucestershire Airport, contact the Gloucestershire Airport team direct by emailing CommunityRelations@gloucestershireairport.co.uk orcalling 0800 062 2985.
An apprentice who works for a property maintenance company has won an award from the college where he studies. Sam Cooper, an apprentice property maintenance operative at Platform Property Care – a subsidiary of Platform Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been awarded a Best Progress Award from Herefordshire and Ludlow College. Sam started at Platform Housing Group in November 2020 as an apprentice working towards becoming a multi skilled engineer. He combines his time at Platform with his college course which includes brickwork, plumbing, carpentry, decorating and electrics. Platform Housing Group has worked closely with Herefordshire and Ludlow College for more than 10 years, seeing many apprentices complete their studies with its support in areas including plumbing and heating, electrical and carpentry. In 2020, the two organisations worked together to introduce the property maintenance operative – or PMO – role into Platform Property Care under the apprenticeship umbrella. “Sam joined us just over a year ago, successfully gaining one of eight property maintenance operative apprenticeships placements from more than 70 applicants. This was Sam’s first success! Since then Sam has consistently demonstrated the values we believe he possessed from the point of his interview,” said Adam Rudge, Head of Voids at Platform Housing Group. Sam is a humble man who has shown honesty, commitment and dedication to learn his trade, whether this be at college or onsite in one of our empty homes. Sam is a likeable person who has fitted well into the wider void team and has developed a strong working relationship based on mutual respect with his mentor. We are all so proud of Sam and would like to encourage him to build on the success he has justifiably achieved to date.” The college awards take place annually to reward the students for their hard work. “This is a new qualification in its first year; Sam had lots to learn, including skills, knowledge and behaviours and new surroundings at college and in his workplace. He has taken it all in his stride and his commitment during what has been a tough year has been excellent. Well done Sam,” added Brian Rodgers, Apprenticeship Support and Marketing Officer at Herefordshire and Ludlow College. “Platform continues to develop its apprenticeship programme; it is not just the number of apprentices that is impressive but the individual support the apprentices receive from this forward thinking and vibrant company. Each apprentice has a mentor and is able to access support and guidance within the company. The contact with the college is superb and we have established a great working relationship. Platform most definitely put their apprentices first and is with them every step of the way. An excellent company and a well deserved award for Sam.” Since September 2021, 17 new apprentices have joined Platform Property Care; with 30 apprentices in total, this equates to 5 per cent of its total workforce.
Leading the way in sustainability, award-winning interior design studio Andrew Henry Interiors has launched a new service focused on creating environmentally friendly designs for its corporate clients in the housebuilding industry. The comprehensive service for show home design is another addition to the expanding design practice, which aims to add more green features in the interior design process as the industry veers towards a new sustainable way of working. Created to suit individual projects, budgets will be bespoke to requirements where design specifications will focus on upcycled furniture, artworks, flooring, lighting and mirrors individually sourced, without compromising on quality. “As the ESG agenda becomes an increasingly key priority within the industry, it is more important than ever to offer a service to our customers which will allow them to be more environmentally conscious, while still delivering beautifully designed products. We are thrilled to be working on our pioneering sustainable show home design for Newland Homes and are looking forward to further projects like this, as the industry joins the sustainability movement,” commented Andrew Henry, Director at Andrew Henry Interiors. The design studio’s first ever fully sustainable show home will be created for developer Newland Homes, at its zero carbon homes development in Tickenham, North Somerset. This property will showcase their responsibility to the environment using elements sourced sustainably including reclaimed and upcycled pieces. The design inspiration for this four- bedroom show home is focused on creating a modern abode for a prospective family. Eclectic, warm and welcoming with some rustic elements in the furniture, the impressive design will be complete in February 2022. “Newland Homes is on a journey to create more energy efficient homes for our customers and we are delighted to be able to reflect the zero carbon values of the new homes at Tickenham through an exceptional interior design process. Working together with Andrew and the rest of the AHI team has been enlightening and we can’t wait to see the final results of this innovative show home,” said Chris Parker, Marketing Manager at Newland Homes.
A ground-breaking event to mark the start on site of the first new homes at McArthur’s Yard in Bristol took place on Wednesday 17th November, when the Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard joined senior members of The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group to officialise this important milestone. “A great partnership between Guinness and Hill, together with Bristol City Council planning department has resulted in this derelict brownfield site, which sat vacant for 20 years, to at last be put to good use. I am thrilled to be here today to break ground on what will soon become new homes for the people of Bristol,” said about the start of work on site, Councillor Renhard. This significant harbourside site in Bristol’s historic dockyard is one of a few areas that has remained undeveloped in the City. Once completed, McArthur’s Yard will provide 142 new-build homes for market sale, shared ownership and social rent as well as commercial space on the ground floor and a café for the enjoyment of the community. “We are delighted to have welcomed Councillor Renhard to join us this morning and thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend our event. This ceremony marks an important ‘next step’ for Guinness and our delivery partner, Hill as we begin to create a new waterside community. I am delighted that work has now commenced on this significant addition for the city,” added Jon Milburn, Group Development Director at The Guinness Partnership. Mc Arthur’s Yard will provide a collection of 142 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes will be modern in design, thermally efficient and economical to live in with 20% of the energy generated through renewables. The scheme will also include cycle spaces for residents to easily access the city centre and electric car charging points will be installed to enhance the environmental credentials. Throughout the build of this new mixed- used development, new jobs will also be created for skilled local construction whilst the new street-level commercial units at the development will continue to boost the local economy whilst also offering local residents a wider choice of businesses on their doorsteps. “We are delighted to celebrate the start of this exciting regeneration project in Bristol, a city which has a growing demand for housing. McArthur’s Yard will provide an attractive mix of new social and private apartments and houses which we will be creating to suit today’s lifestyle. I am sure many people will really enjoy living in this unique waterside development once completed,” commented Chief Executive for Hill Group, Andy Hill.
There are just three homes now available to buy at a housing development in Salisbury where work is set to be completed next year. Bellway is building 82 new homes at Harnham Park, off Netherhampton Road, including 49 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 33 affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership. “Harnham Park has proved to be an incredibly popular development and our sales team has been inundated with enquiries from the outset. Construction work began on the site in June 2020 and we sold more than half of the homes in just six months following the release of the first plots in January this year. Now, we have sold 46 out of the 49 homes for sale on the development,” said Kim Caldwell, Sales Director at Bellway Wessex. “Harnham Park has been in high demand from both local people and buyers looking to relocate from elsewhere. The broad appeal of the development has much to do with the fact that it is within walking distance of Salisbury city centre yet is very close to open countryside. Bellway has taken a disused storage yard and transformed it into a new residential development which is providing much-needed housing for the area. We are also creating an attractive area of public open space for people to enjoy.” A four-bedroom detached Bowyer home is currently available to reserve at Harnham Park, priced at £469,995, while two further properties – a three-bedroom Thespian and the four-bedroom Goldsmith showhome – are yet to be released for sale. “The first residents have recently moved onto the development and a new neighbourhood is taking shape. Work is due to finish by next summer when the final touches will be put on what we are confident will be a vibrant new neighbourhood which will make a lasting and positive contribution to the economy and daily life of Salisbury,” added Kim. “There are three homes which are still available, one of which is the stunning Goldsmith showhome. I would advise anyone who still wants to secure a home on the outskirts of this charming city to contact us.”
GDR Sales has taken delivery of the first SV120 sold in the UK. Retailed through Ben Burgess, Yanmar’s official dealer for Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Rutland, the new model will be used for riverbank maintenance, flailing and general building applications. One of the most powerful machines in the Yanmar portfolio, the SV120 delivers class-leading versatility, impressive capability and unbeatable performance. Its compact design and short tail make it a hugely popular choice for tight job sites, while its offset boom (unique on a machine of this size) allows operators to work in small spaces, close to walls and across the entire track width without having to reposition the excavator. Featuring a 3.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, the SV120 delivers 85kW (116HP) at 2,000rpm and 400Nm torque at 1,600rpm, all fed through a pressure-controlled autoshift transmission. A hydrostatic travel drive (with planetary reduction gears) allows the SV120 to travel in two speed ranges, 0-2.7km/h in forward and 5.4km/h in reverse – at gradients up to 60%. With four independent hydraulic circuits, the SV120 can use a wide variety of tools, making it incredibly versatile – from buckets to rock breakers, loading hooks and pallet forks. A hydraulic pump capacity of 190L/min and a maximum working pressure of 350 bar deliver a digging force of 81.5kN for the bucket and 61kN for the arm. Recently delivered to the GDR Sales headquarters in Norwich, the SV120 is already proving a valuable investment. Director Gary Riseborough commented: “I’ve been a customer of Ben Burgess for more than 30 years and have a good working relationship with the team. Over the years I’ve purchased several machines and have always been really happy with the service received. “I was visiting the Norwich site and spotted the SV120 in the yard. It was very similar to my existing midi excavator, but more compact. I asked the team if it was available and bought it on the spot! “It’s been a really good machine so far. It came as standard with all the features you would usually need to add on to a machine and this particular model actually runs on bio-oil, which (when working close to rivers) is ideal. We also work in a lot of wooded areas, so the machine’s compact size means we can easily fit between trees. Major components are accessible from ground level, so there are no rails to get in the way, and the visibility from the cab is brilliant. I can’t say that I’ve seen a comparable machine do it better!” Robert Turner, Construction Sales Manager at Ben Burgess, added: “We’ve worked closely with GDR Sales for a number of years, providing a wide range of class-leading equipment. When Gary purchased the SV120, we knew it would prove the perfect partner. Combining compact design with class-leading performance, we’re confident that the new model will continue to deliver above and beyond expectation for years to come.” Located in Norwich, England, GDR Sales provides a wide range of contracting services, including riverbank cutting and maintenance, flailing and weeding for farms. Furthermore, the team delivers a variety of building work for sites across the region. For more information about Ben Burgess, visit www.benburgess.co.uk/new-machinery/construction-machinery. For more information about Yanmar’s latest range of compact equipment, including the SV120, visit https://www.yanmar.com/gb/construction/.
