Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it
THERE IS no secret that as an industry we need to do more to look after our employees. The sector does go the distance when caring for physical health as this is associated with safety, but as our wider understanding of mental wellbeing grows, we cannot ignore it. National framework
A key driver for the Healthcare Construction market is the NHS’ future vision, structure and funding for capital projects. In the October 2021 Budget and Spending Review, it was announced that the NHS England budget will grow from £136.1bn in 2021/22 to £162.6bn in 2024/25, this is an average real
Stirling-based procurement services provider, PfH Scotland, which represents 95 social housing providers across Scotland, has appointed 25 contractors to its new £0.25bn Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2) framework. Procast, Easy Heat Systems, Changeworks and City Technical Services are among suppliers to win places across eight lots on
Many industries will be affected when red diesel loses its tax-free status in April 2022. With less than six months to go until red diesel users will be charged the full fuel tax to reflect on the emissions they produce, the MHM Group is urging industry leaders to adopt the
Three-storey living is seeing a surge in popularity in the east of England as more and more people work from home, according to a local housebuilder. One lasting economic after-effect of the pandemic is that increasing numbers of employees are either choosing to work from home or being required to
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group and its joint venture partner Marshall have secured full Reserved Matters planning for the second phase of the landmark Marleigh development, which will deliver a further 421 new mixed-tenure homes alongside a variety of new public spaces in Cambridge. This new phase will run in conjunction with
The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), look ahead with renewed enthusiasm as new development opportunities are expected following investment by Kartell UK, one of the largest and fastest-growing suppliers of heating and bathroom products to the independent merchant and showroom sector in
Washington D.C., the U.S. federal capital, is recognized as a political hub where power players sit high and mighty. It is home to the federal government’s three branches: the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court. The national capital is also home to neoclassical monuments, iconic museums and many performing-arts venues.
Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the former Hayes Farm, Clyst Honiton. They include a modern, bespoke facility of 55,000 sq ft on behalf of DHL that has been designed to reduce the logistics firm’s environmental footprint by minimising the number of vehicles required on site. Stoford is targeting BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC A rating for the new service centre, which will benefit from sustainability features including PV solar panels, EV charging points, a sustainable urban drainage system and a green roof atop integral office areas. The new development will also promote employee health and wellbeing through the creation of trim trail and outdoor gym areas, including bodyweight exercise equipment. A second unit of c. 28,500 sq ft is being developed speculatively by Stoford, in partnership with Urban Logistics REIT, and is expected to operate as a conventional facility with flexible warehouse space. The new developments could create more than 150 new jobs when they are functional in Q1 2022. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “This is an ambitious build programme that recognises the need for Exeter Logistics Park to be developed responsibly, delivering environmental and economic benefits. There is huge pent up demand for logistics and distribution accommodation of this size and quality in the region, which is why we’ve taken the decision to develop speculatively. We’re excited by the potential to establish the site as the South West’s leading distribution hub, south of Bristol.” John Barker, Development Director at investor, Urban Logistics REIT, said: “Because of the lack of supply in this location and the quality of the build, we’re already seeing some early interest. This is another deployment of capital into the Exeter market which should be seen as a sign of our confidence in the South West market which we see as an important market for logistics.” Richard Moffitt, CEO of Urban Logistics REIT, commented: “The location of this scheme is already endorsed by logistics operators and the micro location is excellent, being close to the M5 and the airport. We are excited to be working with Stoford and the Church Commissioners for England to bring this site forward.” Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land for the Church Commissioners for England, said: “The Church Commissioners are delighted to be partnering with Stoford to deliver these new facilities at Exeter Logistics Park. We are pleased to see the strong sustainability credentials that form a key part of the scheme, including infrastructure for electric vehicles, green roof spaces and the provision of solar panels, all of which will contribute towards carbon reduction.” Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said: “This exciting development builds upon the incredible growth of the wider Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and will create much welcomed employment for the area. Additionally, this innovative building design will provide a significant number of environmental benefits which will accord with the aims and objectives of East Devon District Council to be a green, carbon-zero and eco-friendly local authority. I look forward to seeing the building in all its glory and send my thanks to all involved for choosing East Devon as the place where they wish to do business.” Exeter Logistics Park is part of the second phase of a significant industrial scheme on a 55-acre site, owned by the Church Commissioners for England. It is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone east of the M5, near Exeter Airport. All enquiries regarding Exeter Logistics Park should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield and M1 Agency.
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it will be used with a variety of different work tools for demolition and materials processing applications. Lawson Demolition, a member company of the Lawson Group, provides bespoke demolition packages to clients by applying innovative methodologies to projects and using the latest technology in its plant and equipment. To be able to guarantee this for its customers, Lawson Demolition was looking for high quality equipment that boasted reliable performance, while also benefitting from better fuel efficiency and lower emissions as the company aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The two 323s will be joining Lawson Demolition’s already established fleet of Cat excavators. The new machines come with built-in Cat GRADE with 2D, Grade Assist and Payload as standard equipment right from the factory, boosting operator efficiency by up to 45 per cent. Combined with up to 15 per cent lower maintenance costs and 20 per cent less fuel consumption, the 323s are a low-cost-per-unit-of-production excavator, built for heavy-duty applications like demolition and site clearance. This year Lawson Demolition is celebrating its 30th year in business, a milestone of successful business operations. Sorrowfully at the same time, the business is mourning the loss of its founder and respected leader, Martin Wilson. Martin was the driving force behind a successful self-grown business within the industry, formed into a group of companies in October 2003 with the launch of Lawson Group. The business is now directed by Claire Wilson, Managing Director and Andy Neath, Projects Director. In addition to Martin’s commitment to Lawson Group, he was a passionate leader in the Demolition Industry and served as NFDC President from 2015 to 2017 to lobby the voice of the industry. “Our 30th year in business hasn’t been exactly as we imagined it, with the tragic loss of my beloved Father and the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Claire Wilson, Managing Director of Lawson Group. “However, with the help of our dedicated team, the support of Finning and our other suppliers, we’re confident that his legacy will live on for next 30 years and more”. “We will continue our excellent working relationship with Lawson Group — something that we’ve had for 20 years through both sales and aftercare,” said Darren Bodio, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The 323 medium excavators will be a fine addition to its fleet, and we will be supporting the company as they continue to secure projects planned for 2022 and beyond with servicing and maintenance from Cat certified engineers and a three-year essentials parts CVA.” Once delivered, the two Cat 323s will be put straight to work at current demolition sites throughout the South West. Delivering power, speed and high production performance, the Cat 323 has all the technology and benefits that companies need to take demolition to the next level. To find out more about the medium range of excavators from Caterpillar, visit the Finning website.
THERE IS no secret that as an industry we need to do more to look after our employees. The sector does go the distance when caring for physical health as this is associated with safety, but as our wider understanding of mental wellbeing grows, we cannot ignore it. National framework provider Pagabo is pushing forward with key wellbeing initiatives, including its ongoing partnership with leading health tech brand Moodbeam. In September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published data for 2020, which shows that for every 100,000 construction workers, 30 took their own lives. The figures are horrendous when the rates in the industry are compared to other kinds of jobs. Glasgow Caledonian University professor Billy Hare has also carried out analysis of rates of suicide in different sectors, which found that construction workers are 3.4 times more likely to take their own life. Charley Wainwright of Pagabo said: “The latest ONS stats and the analysis carried out by Professor Billy Hare is striking – especially when we look at the past five years and across other industries. While the rate has remained fairly steady between 2015 and 2020 for other professions, the construction figure has gone up by five percentage points, from 25 in 100,000 in 2015, to 30 in 100,000 in 2020. “This ongoing issue clearly isn’t going away and instead is becoming even more prevalent, which is why as an industry we need to find new ways to manage this collective issue. We have been working in partnership with health tech brand Moodbeam to test its unique solution across the industry and have concluded a trial across 13 construction businesses. “Mental wellbeing is a complicated issue. Much like a hard hat will not stop you from cutting your hand, there needs to be a network of safety nets and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect workers – and Moodbeam can be seen as PPE for mental wellbeing.” The trials saw more than 380 volunteers* from 13 businesses – including Kajima Partnerships, Pick Everard, and Faithful+Gould – across the industry using Moodbeam’s wearable wellbeing solution. The wristband featured two buttons – a yellow one for the user to press when feeling good, and a blue one for when they were feeling not so good. Organisations were able to visualise this data and see how their teams and individuals were feeling, with a view to being able to identify where changes could be made, or additional support provided to improve more positive wellbeing at work. Feedback from volunteers following the three-month trial has shown that more than half of the participants believe Moodbeam’s initiative should be introduced across the industry. The trials have concluded at a time that Moodbeam has adapted its service offering post-pandemic, launching a more accessible and discrete option of a direct-entry mobile app. The new app features yellow and blue buttons to mirror the original wristband hardware used in the trials, with the revamped dashboard giving organisations even more insight into how their people are feeling across teams, departments and locations. One of the companies that took part in the trials was built environment developer Kajima Partnerships, which had 20 volunteers take part. Talking about their experience in the trials, project director Richard Coe said: “Looking after our staff is something at the heart of our business. However, as the pandemic started to take hold, we were really concerned about staff mental health and wellbeing as they had to start working from home and to juggle personal and professional lives and stresses against the backdrop of Covid-19. “The concept and simplicity of Moodbeam really appealed to us, along with the ability to stay in touch with how staff were feeling – and we found the trials really illuminating. We had volunteers sitting across several departments, so it was interesting to see how different departments were under different pressures at different times. “Not being in the office, we didn’t have the usual visual clues on how our people were feeling. Moodbeam really helped to alleviate this, and if anyone was consistently pushing blue then we were able to check in, find out why and mobilise solutions. We’re really pleased to see Moodbeam is adapting, how it does things further, and look forward to continuing the use of its new app.” Pagabo and Moodbeam will continue to work in partnership to drive change in the way the construction industry handles employee mental wellbeing. Speaking about the new app and continued partnership with Pagabo, Moodbeam’s co-founder Christina Colmer McHugh said: “The pandemic changed everything when it came to how, where and why we work, and we have adapted our offering in line with that and feedback from users to ensure Moodbeam provides businesses with the best tool possible to add to their approach to staff wellbeing. “Moodbeam is all about gaining a true understanding of situations, taking successes and failures forward as learnings in a manner that brings teams together to create the changes when and where they are needed the most. With the worsening statistics around mental wellbeing in the construction industry, we’re really pleased to hear the feedback from the initial trials and to continue our working relationship with Pagabo to make a difference to those working in the sector.” Simon Toplass, group chief commercial officer at The 55 Group, which is Pagabo’s parent organisation, added: “As the materials shortage and skills gaps continue to worsen, the pressure put onto contractors, developers and consultants will continue to grow as timescales and budgets tighten. The race to the bottom is still unfortunately very much on, and with this comes uncertainty and stress – and this is all against the backdrop of anything someone may be dealing with in their personal life, and uncertainty around what the winter months will bring. “Moodbeam is an effective tool for understanding the pressures on our people – and how they vary across businesses, teams and individual people. Earlier intervention is the key to tackling these wellbeing issues at or
A key driver for the Healthcare Construction market is the NHS’ future vision, structure and funding for capital projects. In the October 2021 Budget and Spending Review, it was announced that the NHS England budget will grow from £136.1bn in 2021/22 to £162.6bn in 2024/25, this is an average real term increase of 3.8% per year. Construction output in this sector declined by 37% between 2016 and 2020. There is an ongoing shift from hospital bases provision to a more community-based model. While the forecasts currently suggest there will be market growth between 2021 and 2025, it is not enough to compensate for the decline over the past five years. Ozge Celik Russell, Researcher Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Healthcare Construction market report explains “In the NHS, the shift of focus away from hospital-based provision towards a community-based model of care continues. This transforms primary care services in line with the NHS Five Year Forward View and the NHS Long Term Plan which creates opportunities for smaller value projects to provide extensions, reorganization and refurbishment of existing primary care facilities.” With the Government deciding to axe PFI (Private Finance Initiative Schemes) and PF2 (Private Finance 2) for infrastructure projects; although many contracts are due to expire over the next decade, it is confirmed that all existing PFI contracts will be honoured, noting that some of which will run into the 2040s. Currently the main healthcare construction procurement programmes in the UK are NHS LIFT/ExpressLIFT, the HUB Initiative Scotland, Frameworks Scotland, ProCure22 (until the end of June 2022), ProCure23 (starts in July 2022), NHS Building for Wales Frameworks. Between 2016 and Q3 2021, in terms of the type of contracts awarded, public hospitals accounted for the largest share, followed by surgeries, health and medical centres. In 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, contract awards for all types of healthcare facilities declined over the previous year’s levels. In 2020, contract awards for private hospitals, surgeries, health and medical centres and veterinary surgeries and hospitals increased significantly while the value of contract awards for public hospitals remained stable. Q1-Q3 2021 activity in contract awards suggests that it will be a strong year in healthcare specifically in terms of public hospitals and hospices, nursing and psychiatric homes. Going forward, output from public hospitals and surgeries, health and medical centres will continue to dominate the total construction output in the healthcare sector. Since 2016, projects for public hospitals and surgeries, health and medical centres constituted on average 80% of the contract awards in the healthcare sector by value. On a regional basis, the London, East of England and South East lead the forward planning approved pipeline of healthcare work, with 25%, 23% and 12% worth of schemes respectively.
Stirling-based procurement services provider, PfH Scotland, which represents 95 social housing providers across Scotland, has appointed 25 contractors to its new £0.25bn Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2) framework. Procast, Easy Heat Systems, Changeworks and City Technical Services are among suppliers to win places across eight lots on the five-year contract. In order to attract a wide range of small, local suppliers as well as national contractors, the framework is structured around six regions, covering every area of Scotland. Housing providers can access energy efficiency modelling through the framework, helping them to identify the upgrades needed to bring their stock up to Energy Efficiency Standards for Social Housing post 2020 (EESSH2) target levels. EESSH2 standards, which were confirmed by the Scottish Government in 2019, encourage social landlords to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions by ensuring all social homes in Scotland reach Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band B by December 2032. PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 framework covers whole property retrofit, feasibility studies, funding advice, land and environmental surveys as well as the servicing and installation of gas and renewable heating systems. Scottish housing associations and local authorities can procure from the framework either via mini-competition – where they can access template call-off documents and specifications – or on a direct award basis, meaning they won’t need to go through any additional tender process. Chris McGinn, PfH Scotland’s Commercial Manager said: “Research shows that just 7% of housing association stock in Scotland currently meets EESSH2 standards, so there is a long way to go before 2032. We did a lot of pre-tender engagement with Scottish housing providers, asking about the barriers to improving energy efficiency. They told us that identifying the right energy efficiency upgrades, accessing funding and delivering to deadlines were all areas they wanted support with and I’m confident this new framework will help providers to bring their homes up to EESSH2 standards.” Andrew Filby, Project Manager at Ayrshire-based charity the Energy Agency said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to ambitious targets on both climate change and fuel poverty, but this represents a significant challenge for housing providers. Frameworks such as PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 framework will play a key role in providing a platform for Scottish housing associations and local authorities to access the technical expertise and experienced contractors to meet this challenge. Having access to the right skills will not only provide a pathway to EESSH2 compliance but also minimise the risk to both housing providers and tenants as we transition to a low carbon economy”. For further information about PfH Scotland’s EESSH2 Heating Services framework visit https://pfhscotland.co.uk/eessh2/
Many industries will be affected when red diesel loses its tax-free status in April 2022. With less than six months to go until red diesel users will be charged the full fuel tax to reflect on the emissions they produce, the MHM Group is urging industry leaders to adopt the use of cleaner alternatives, in particular HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). Red diesel is widely used in the agricultural, marine and construction sectors, and although at present business owners benefit from a 47p-per-litre tax rebate for its use, as of April 2022 they will have to switch to ordinary ‘white’ diesel costs, taxed at the full rate. That means many businesses will be paying five times as much in fuel duty as they do currently. In the wake of rising costs and significant impacts on the environment, a market leading equipment manufacturer, the MHM Group is urging businesses within the plant hire and construction industries to consider switching to HVO fuel as a greener, more sustainable alternative. HVO is a premium quality fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials, and can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% when likened with fossil-fuel diesel. Every 1,000 litres of diesel burned produces 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas CO2, compared to just 195kg GHG CO2 for every 1,000 litres of HVO burned. The MHM Group has itself recently confirmed that all of its diesel-powered machinery, principally generators and lighting towers, are now fully compatible, approved and safe for use with HVO fuel. Commenting on how the rental market can reduce its carbon footprint, the MHM Group’s Managing Director Mat Llewellyn said: “Everyone in the industry has been aware that green changes are on the horizon, but often these deadlines come up much faster than we first anticipate. For that reason, we have been doubling down on our efforts to ensure that Bolt, our new equipment for sale and our rehire fleet becomes more sustainable and that we can offer solutions to the construction sector on eliminating harmful carbon emissions. “Using HVO is significant a part of this process and becomes even more important with the tax rises to red diesel and the growing consensus on the need for action to address climate change. We are also continuing to invest heavily in other renewables, such as solar and battery hybrid engine and diesel free machines, as part of our comprehensive approach to a sustainable future.” Launched in 2010, the MHM Group is the leading supplier of a range of sustainable equipment, including solar hybrid generators and solar lighting towers. The supplier offers a range of innovative products that emit zero carbon and can be powered by renewable fuel sources. For more information on MHM and its equipment, visit http://www.mhmplant.com.
Three-storey living is seeing a surge in popularity in the east of England as more and more people work from home, according to a local housebuilder. One lasting economic after-effect of the pandemic is that increasing numbers of employees are either choosing to work from home or being required to by their employers. This significant shift towards working from home has resulted in housebuyers prioritising extra space within the house to accommodate that need – and a house with three floors can be the ideal solution. The recently-formed Vistry Group – which includes Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Vistry Partnerships – has reported increased interest in three-storey houses across its Eastern division, which is building homes in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hertfordshire. Jason Colmer, sales and marketing director of Vistry Eastern, said: “We are seeing a marked rise in the level of interest in properties with three floors, in particular at Saffron View in Saffron Walden, at Cavendish View in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, and at Hanstead Park in Bricket Wood near St Albans. “Since the lockdown restrictions imposed due to Covid-19, there has been a major shift in the idea of the workplace, with many people reassessing whether they want to work in an office or from home, or a combination of the two. “The three-storey properties we are building offer homebuyers much more flexible space. A three-bedroom house such as the Elmdon, which is available at Saffron View for example, can accommodate a dedicated place to work if required. “A large open-plan kitchen/living/dining room occupies the ground floor, which is ideal for day-to-day living, while a spacious bedroom with en-suite shower room spans the entire top floor. The two bedrooms which occupy the first floor can then either both be used as bedrooms, or one transformed into a home office.” “The range of three-storey four and five-bedroom properties we have at Saffron View, Cavendish View and Hanstead Park are also proving popular. All in all, you can see why people who are now working from home are identifying new-build three-storey homes as the solution to having to provide a ‘work zone’ within their own property. A third floor can give them the flexibility they need to create a home environment to suit their individual lifestyle,” Jason continued. There’s a choice of three-storey homes available to reserve at Linden Homes’ Saffron View, in Saffron Walden, including the three-bedroom Elmdon, a choice of four-bedroom designs and the five-bedroom Fordham. Prices start from £465,000. Three-storey houses at Cavendish View in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds include the four-bedroom Aslin and five-bedroom Ripley. Prices here start from £339,995. Meanwhile, at Hanstead Park in Bricket Wood, near St Albans, the four-bedroom Aslin and Aslin Executive and the five-bedroom Fletcher Executive are available to reserve. Prices for three-storey homes here start from £619,995.
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group and its joint venture partner Marshall have secured full Reserved Matters planning for the second phase of the landmark Marleigh development, which will deliver a further 421 new mixed-tenure homes alongside a variety of new public spaces in Cambridge. This new phase will run in conjunction with the current phase of the scheme, which aims to deliver 547 new homes and a wealth of community facilities, including a primary school, a nursery, a market square and a community centre over the next five years. “We are delighted to have secured planning for the delivery of more homes and community facilities in this exciting new neighbourhood in East Cambridge, which has attracted a broad mix of buyers already. We have an unwavering commitment to supporting the wider Cambridge local economy, and it has been excellent to see our efforts supported through this latest approval,” said Andy Hill of Hill Marshall LLP. Construction will start on-site to build the homes in early 2022, when a mix of private and affordable apartments and homes will be delivered as part of the long term masterplan. The properties have been designed to feature active frontages and views overlooking open landscaped spaces, helping to improve the indoor-outdoor connection and encourage people to have a better relationship with nature. In addition, every new home will feature a range of energy-saving and carbon reduction features, including fabric first designs, air-source heat pumps and photovoltaics. The master plan for the Cambridge development has been guided by a strong landscape-led narrative and designed as a place where the city meets the country, offering higher density homes with easy access to the Cambridge countryside. As such, Phase 2 seeks to embrace this interplay between urban and landscape living with exceptional green spaces at the heart of the neighbourhood. These spaces encourage healthy lifestyles with a particular emphasis on creating a range of accessible outdoor areas, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists over cars. This will include The Titch, a new garden square that will sit at the heart of the community for easy access by residents. It will provide amenity space, play areas with naturalistic play equipment appropriate to the setting, and SuDS features in landscape corridors to enhance the site’s biodiversity gain. Phase 2 has been underpinned by the vision and essential placemaking principles set out in the Design Code, created for the wider master plan. As a result, the material palette has been carefully chosen to comply with the Design Code and features a diverse range of high-quality brickwork in a range of colours and textures. These materials establish an exciting street scene and integrate with the emerging character that has been developed in Phase 1. Extensive cycle parking provisions have been incorporated for all residents, including the apartment buildings, each with a dedicated secure bike store close to the entrance.
The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), look ahead with renewed enthusiasm as new development opportunities are expected following investment by Kartell UK, one of the largest and fastest-growing suppliers of heating and bathroom products to the independent merchant and showroom sector in the UK. “Vogue is something I am very proud of, offering a renowned history which has been developed by a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce over the last 30 years. In this post-pandemic environment, I am confident the investment from Alex and Kartell will enable future growth and secure an exciting future for Vogue, all its staff and the Kartell Group,” explains Raymond Tunks, one of the founders. Kartell’s investment in Vogue (UK) will support further growth across the UK and internationally, adding to the market presence Vogue already has in the US, as well as enable a more comprehensive range of products and services to be offered by both brands. “When the opportunity to partner with the team at Vogue arose we immediately identified the strategic fit this acquisition represents and we are delighted to announce the deal. Everyone at Kartell is excited about working with Ray, Rob and the team at Vogue to address the multiple market opportunities in the UK, Europe and International export markets. Our shared focus of best-in-class quality and service will bring added value to all of the group’s customers and stakeholders,” says Alex Norford, CEO of Kartell. Vogue (UK) will continue to operate autonomously, remaining a stand-alone manufacturing and design business within the Kartell group under the guidance of the existing, highly experienced management team. This will all be supported by ongoing integration and leadership support from the founders of Vogue (UK), Raymond Tunks and Rob Kelley, respectively. “Vogue’s success can be attributed to the continual endeavour to provide the best in class service and high quality products to our markets and customers. We wanted to find the ideal home for the business to complement and accelerate the work we have done as a team over the last 30 years and believe that Alex and the wider Kartell group are the right people to take Vogue forward,” adds Robert Kelley. Vogue (UK) is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of quality towel warmers, designer radiators and heating accessories, with market leading eco-credentials since 1990 and here’s to the next 30 years!
Washington D.C., the U.S. federal capital, is recognized as a political hub where power players sit high and mighty. It is home to the federal government’s three branches: the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court. The national capital is also home to neoclassical monuments, iconic museums and many performing-arts venues. But there’s a lot more to discover in Washington, D.C. than just politicians spinning the wheels of government. Business Insider and Niche have consistently ranked the U.S. capital among top 50 cities to live for everyday singles and families, sports fans and foodies, digital nomads, and more. If you’re planning on moving to Washington, D.C., you might want to know what life is really like in the capital city. Here’s what you should know: What’s the Climate Like in Washington, D.C.? Washington, D.C. has a subtropical climate, with cold winters and hot and muggy summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) per month. Summer in the district can be brutally hot and humid. The average summer temps range from as low as 70°F (approx. 24°C) to as high as above 100°F (approx. 39°C). Winters are damp and bring heavy snowfalls that can ground public transit to a halt. The average winter temperatures are in the mid-30s°F (approx. 2°C). There are plenty of clouds and rain as well. Spring and autumn are pleasant months that are often accompanied by mild temperatures. Many tourists flock to the city in March to see the white and pink flowers of D.C.’s cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin. How’s Commuting in Washington, D.C.? The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) runs an extensive public transit system in the District and its suburbs. However, many people that live in Maryland and Virginia suburbs prefer to drive, resulting in heavy traffic. The good news is that Washington is bike-friendly for those willing to get some exercise. The Capital Bikeshare program allows people to get around on two wheels pretty easily. In recent years, bike lanes have been expanded across the city. Residents now enjoy bicycling as a mode of transportation to escape busy urban areas. If the idea of using a bike is something that might pique your interest, living in Washington would make sense. It allows you to meet up with friends and attend social events such as brunch and happy hour—the district’s mainstays of living. How Much Does It Cost to Live in Washington, D.C? The cost of living in Washington, D.C. is 60% higher than the U.S. average. A central location on the east coast, coupled with a high-income population, and the height restrictions all make D.C. the fourth most expensive city in the nation. Housing costs in Washington, D.C. are more than triple the national median. On average, a one-bedroom rental apartment goes for about $2,400 while a two-bedroom one is around $3,200 per month, depending on the neighborhood. There are also plenty of monthly apartments in Washington DC for those looking to settle in as quickly as possible. When deciding to live in DC, it’s vital to consider the cost of public transportation. Where you choose to live in the metro’s four quadrants will significantly impact your cost of living. The D.C.’s transit system is one of the best in the country. But the Metro is also one of the costliest subway systems, with prices starting from $2.25 to $6 for a one-way trip. All this can quickly add up making your stay unfavorable. What’s There To Do in Washington, D.C.? Washington, D.C. has plenty of wonderful things to do and see any day of the year. Looking for cuisines, nightlife, museums, arts, political activism, or outdoor activities? This is the best place to be. Beyond tourist hotbeds like Arlington National Cemetery and the Jefferson Memorial, there are dozens of museums and galleries to visit. From the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to The Mansion on O Street, nearly every corner of the District has a sense of history. Parks and greenspaces comprise close to 20% of Washington’s total area. You’ll come across National Park Service parks like the 9-mile Rock Creek Park, National Arboretum, National Zoological Park, and many other beautiful spaces. Those seeking to stimulate their taste buds have something to smile about. A world-class city, DC is home to cuisines from around the world. From Ben’s Chili Bowl for half-smokes to Henry’s Soul Café for mumbo sauce, rest assured you’ll be spoiled for choice. Need live music and theater? Washington, D.C. has a wealth of nightlife options. Music venues along U Street are full of talent, while amphitheaters in the suburbs provide high-class entertainment all-year round. Washington, D.C. also covers professional and college sports. The District has teams in all six major pro sports: MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, WNBA, and MLS. There is never a dull moment in Washington, D.C. Welcome to America’s Capital! With people from different nationalities, religions and ethnic backgrounds, Washington, D.C. is much more diverse than the average American city. Long-time residents love living in D.C., and you’ll find something to love, too. If the capital sounds like your dream place to live, come experience this great city with boundless opportunities. Whether you prefer a bustling urban community or a discreet residential area, there is a neighborhood to match your budget and lifestyle.
