A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s
West Retail Park acquired in £11.70 million deal FWHRE, an Isle of Man Regulated Fund, listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), has completed the acquisition of units 1A and 1B, West Retail Park in the affluent residential suburb of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. The two units are let
Exclusive opinion poll finds key Red Wall political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a
Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A
The world has changed and keeps changing rapidly. Mentalities are playing a stronger role than ever, in the evolution of our world. The construction industry cannot be left out of these changes, as consumers go forward. Sustainability is at the top of their agenda, and so it should be as
When you’re in a food manufacturing setup, nothing is more significant than maintaining and keeping every food product safe for consumption. For this to be successful, you must implement the principles of food safety and sanitation in every process. In a medium to large manufacturing setup, checking every product one
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes and no longer living on the streets. Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26 January for the former ITEC site in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon. The new development will act as follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness. Residents will live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy. The scheme, which will have office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Program (RSAP) from the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities). The six modular units, known as SoloHaus, have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of their commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years. They will provide safe, comfortable, sustainable homes for single people experiencing periods of homelessness. The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by the housing association, Peabody South East, in partnership with Basildon Council. Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.” Chairman of the Housing and Estate Renewal Committee Councillor Andrew Schrader said: “The scheme aims to provide our residents affected by homelessness with a home. Receiving support, vocational training and the skills required to be able to move on and sustain their own tenancy, they will get the opportunity to turn their lives around.” For more details on SoloHaus, please visit www.solohaus.co.uk.
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite prefabricated component products. Since its inception, its product designs and manufacturing processes have progressed, becoming more advanced and innovative. This has led the company to review its branding to bring it more in line with its current philosophy, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, explains: “Stormking’s branding has always been synonymous with quality and service. From the commencement of the company in 1985, its brand design and style has reflected its market leading status within the GRP market and the house building construction sector. Although the brand has developed over time, after nearly a decade of the same brand, it was time for an update. “We felt a new approach was needed to reflect the advancements the company has made over the past 40 years, both in terms of product development and manufacturing practices. We wanted the new branding to be an evolution rather than a revolution, so although we have moved to a cleaner, more contemporary visual identity, we have retained the red, white, and blue colours to ensure continuity, as we transition between the outgoing brand to the new updated version. “We also wanted to emphasise the many benefits prefabricated products and offsite manufacturing can offer the construction industry. More companies are looking to prefabricated products to revolutionise the way they build new homes. The ease of installation of these products, which are delivered to site either complete or in a limited number of pieces, is saving construction companies both time and money – especially when compared to traditional building materials and methods. Andrew concludes: “Our new branding reflects Stormking’s commitment to being at the forefront of the GRP supply sector, with the continued development of innovative products and manufacturing processes that support the future of the house building sector.” Further information about Stormking and its range of products can be found at www.stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick clay brick slips and Glass Mosaic finishes, and visualize the perfect solution for their individual project. “This is a significant step forward that delivers a number of benefits for our customers,” explains Sto’s Sales Development Manager, Joe Mellor. “The Cladding Creator provides visitors with a virtually endless array of design possibilities covering these façade finishes. They can refine their ideas by changing different parameters such as sizes, textures, bond patterns, colour combinations, joint mortar and glass mosaic options, before arriving at a final visual solution that gives them a very clear and accurate indication of how the various hues and textures will appear on their own building.” The resulting file can then be downloaded and used with any modelling software to create images for various purposes, such as client presentations or inclusion into drawings. “This greatly simplifies the process of choosing between the many different options available, saving valuable time for architects and specifiers,” adds Joe. “Once they have arrived at a design they wish to follow, they can then order a sample direct from the website, making the whole specification process even more efficient.” The Sto Cladding Creator focusses the spotlight on the BBA-certified StoCleyer B resin brick slips, which offer great design freedom, with the option to be manufactured in almost any colour combination or texture. Made from over 90% mineral component, they allow the creation of brick façades at a fraction of the weight, cost and installation work associated with traditional brick, as well as creating considerable energy savings in the manufacturing and transport processes. All the façade finishes chosen via the new Sto Cladding Configurator are compatible with the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, and StoVentec rainscreen system.
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the potential to create some 300 new jobs for the region. The forward funding commitment will see the delivery of three units at the prime logistics hub located at the major J26 intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and M606 Bradford link. Reserved matters consent has recently been granted by Kirklees Council for a 64,500 sq ft unit and a 43,500 sq ft unit. A further planning application is under consideration for up to 105,000 sq ft, which forms the final phase of development. GMI Construction has been appointed as contractor and work is scheduled to commence on site in early 2022 with delivery of the two consented units expected in late Summer 2022. Works on the final phase will commence once planning has been considered by Kirklees Council. Interchange 26, an Opus North & Network Space Capital owned company, acquired the former water treatment works site on an unconditional basis in 2019 to facilitate the development of prime industrial accommodation and address the severe regional shortages. A comprehensive remediation and earthworks package has now been completed. This latest deal follows on from Interchange 26’s 10.4 acre land sale in 2020 to British Airways Pension Trustees Limited and Tungsten Properties. Work is underway on Super B, a new big box warehouse, which is set for completion in Q3 2022. Interchange 26 forms part of Opus North’s wider development strategy to enhance its £250m development programme with a focus on the logistics sector. Ryan Unsworth, Development Director of Opus North, said; “This forward funding agreement will enable us to bring three much needed mid-box units to the severely constrained regional pipeline, fulfilling our vision for this strategic site. This development will go some way to addressing the supply and demand imbalance in South Bradford and North Kirklees, while facilitating new jobs for the wider region.” 4th Industrial is a commercial real estate company that invests in multi let and light industrial property and was founded by experienced industrial property specialist Derek Heathwood. As of January 2022, the 4th Industrial portfolio totals 2.15m SFT across 12 estates located in key industrial submarkets across the UK. Interchange 26 LLP was represented by Dove Haigh Phillips and Knight Frank in the transaction while 4th Industrial represented themselves.
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s no wonder West Fraser’s (formerly known as Norbord) SterlingOSB Zero range is one of the most popular in the construction industry. West Fraser’s OSB portfolio comprises of SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the precision-engineered OSB3 board; BBA-approved and designed for humid conditions, the board contains zero added formaldehyde (ZAF) and is unique in the market by being the only ZAF OSB manufactured in the UK. Produced in Scotland from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC or PEFC. Among its multiple uses, SterlingOSB Zero is ideal for timber frame construction. The boards are designed to speed up the build process and are available in a wide range, thicknesses and sheet sizes. For structural use in dry or humid load bearing situations, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is the board of choice. When undertaking dry lining, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix quickly provides secure anchorage areas. Flooring and roofing applications are served by SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 and SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove. Panels are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications with no sanding required, even for GRP finishes. In building sites all over the UK (and other rainy, snowy or generally mucky climates), the art of getting buildings wind and watertight quickly is an important one that the builder needs to get right! Choosing a quick, easy to install, reliable and versatile roofing system is, therefore, vital. High quality roof decking or pitched roof sarking is an essential component and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is now the preferred option for many today. And winning the game with outstanding attributes is West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 or SterlingOSB Zero T&G. Ideal for structural use in load bearing dry or humid conditions, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 offers great value and durability. Stronger than most softwood ply, thanks to its makeup of multiple layers of real wood strands pressed together, it is designed to withstand the toughest of conditions. Working with the boards is trouble free as they are uniform in quality with no knots, voids or delamination issues. Helping to cut waste, a range of panel sizes and thicknesses is available to suit all needs. The boards are square edged so butt together easily and cleanly. Panels are cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment and are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. Nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications and no sanding is required, even for GRP finishes. With all the advantages of the Sterling OSB Zero range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G is specifically designed for flat roofing and is BBA approved and fully compliant to BS 6229:2003. The panels are consistent and machined to exact tolerances. Reliable fixings are easily achieved across the board using 3mm diameter ring-shank nails or 50mm long screws at 100mm centers across the supporting joists. The inherent strength of SterlingOSB Zero makes it the natural choice for site hoardings and for boarding up windows and doors of vacant properties. Hoardings formed using SterlingOSB Zero may be finished with most popular surface treatments, allowing marketing messages and designs to be displayed to create a smart site perimeter. Along with its many practical attributes, the Sterling OSB Zero range has strong environmental credentials. All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. Sterling OSB Zero is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, ensuring an even ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/
West Retail Park acquired in £11.70 million deal FWHRE, an Isle of Man Regulated Fund, listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), has completed the acquisition of units 1A and 1B, West Retail Park in the affluent residential suburb of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. The two units are let to Aldi and Home Bargains until June 2039 and June 2034 respectively. The Aldi rent reviews are linked to RPI. Over the past 24 months, both supermarket and discount retail assets have been highly sought after, with investors attracted by the retailers resilient trading performances and the long leases that characterise that sector. The purchase price of £11.70 million reflected a net initial yield of 4.86%. Lismore Real Estate Advisors and Avison Young jointly advised the purchaser, whilst Sheridan Keane acted for the vendor.
Exclusive opinion poll finds key Red Wall political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a range of questions about the UK’s energy future. Excluding ‘Don’t Knows’, 85 per cent of the 1600 residents across 18 Red Wall seats in the north of England back Government plans to allow hydrogen to be blended with natural gas to reduce carbon emissions in the home, from 2023. This figure rises to 92 per cent of Labour voters. These findings support the recent publication by the Energy Networks Association of their “Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan” launched last week. Hydrogen can be safely blended into the natural gas network at levels up to 20 per cent without any changes required to gas boilers, cookers or fires, meaning consumers can reduce their carbon footprint automatically. Across the UK, this offers the potential of a 6 million tonnes a year carbon saving. “We have always believed the great British public want to do their bit on reducing carbon but are worried about the costs and don’t trust some new technologies. Blending hydrogen into the gas network has been given a huge thumbs up from voters,” commented on these findings, Mike Foster, CEO of EUA. “They can continue to use their gas boilers, cookers and fires as they do now, and their carbon emissions will be cut, with them doing nothing. It’s a real win-win situation that is recognised by voters, already struggling with energy bills and having no spare cash for expensive alternatives to gas boilers.” “And the impact is huge. Across the UK’s 23 million homes, it amounts to 6 million tonnes a year saved – the same as taking 2.5 million cars off our roads. Instead of switching 3.5 million homes from gas to heat pumps, to save the same amount of carbon, at a cost of £35 billion, consumers can simply keep warm knowing that the switch to hydrogen is helping to save the planet.”
Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A uPVC panel solution, the system is quicker and easier to install than traditional offerings and fully reusable. Traditional based timber solutions historically end up going to landfill once work has finished, with the Hoardfence solution being reusable, it offers a different proposition reducing the need for this to be the case, and in turn contributes to a more sustainable construction project. By working in partnership with customers, Westgate has developed a panel recycling scheme (when panels reach their end of life) which generates funds and provides a mechanism for donations to be made to charities that are focused towards sustainability/community. Head of Marketing, David Street, commented: “The Hoardfence concept came about as a result of conversations with our customers. Our existing and recognisable internal hoarding and walling solution, Hoardfast, has been described as ‘quick and easy to install’ and customers were enquiring if it was suitable for external use. Through understanding all of the benefits that our internal solution provides to customers, we sought about developing a product that is suitable for use outdoors. By combining ease of install with the reusability of our panels, we have a system that not only reduces install time but can support in delivering sustainable targets for construction projects; something that we all agree is increasingly important to the future of construction.” Westgate have been situated in Stafford for over 45 years and as a trusted and experienced industry expert have seen steady growth for a number of years. The business gives back in some unique ways including a recycling programme for its hoarding panels which most recently saw it partner with Marine Conservation Society both in terms of financial donation and also arranging for the Westgate team to take part in an organised beach clean.
The world has changed and keeps changing rapidly. Mentalities are playing a stronger role than ever, in the evolution of our world. The construction industry cannot be left out of these changes, as consumers go forward. Sustainability is at the top of their agenda, and so it should be as well, when it comes to construction materials. Becoming eco-friendly It is certainly not a new topic in our lives. For decades we have heard leaders of the world promising changes. However, the new generations have decided that it was time to do more than just talk. Actions are being taken, in every industry sector, in order to secure the future of our world. That means, for the construction industry, that it has to rethink the materials it is using. The eco-friendly ones, like aluminium, need play a larger role. Aluminium doors and windows such as the ones found at https://aluprof.eu/en, have proven through their durability and their energy-saving capacities that it is the material for a sustainable construction industry. If there was any doubt of the will of the people to continue working on a les polluted environment, and a safer world for humans, plants and animals, the latest MasterCard data is proving it wrong. More than half of their consumer think that it is more important than before (pre-pandemic time) that companies act in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. They expect this from all industry sectors, including housing, which is even more important than other fields, since it is where they live and spend time with their family. Where Improvements can be made Choosing the materials that will be used to build a house, is the first and most important element that the industry can work on, in order to become more eco-friendly. There is no doubt that aluminium is and will be part of this revolution. That is because this material is a much better choice for the environment then others, such as PVC and timber. If you study the life of aluminium, you will come to learn that more than 75% of what has been extruded from the ground, is still being used today. Its capacity to be recycled is unequal to any other materials used on houses. When you put it back to work, you also need less energy than to create new products. Finally, it is a very light material. That means it costs less to ship and that it emits fewer emissions in the process. Energy saving When you replace old doors and windows by aluminium ones, you save energy. That is because they are built to keep the cold or warm air inside. Therefore, you don’t have any waste, either going out or coming in. With double pane windows, the sun coming through is being regulated so that the house doesn’t become an oven in summer time. It works the same way in winter, by ensuring that the cold weather doesn’t find its way inside the various rooms. Sustainability, in the construction industry, is to be taken seriously. The whole world is moving forward in order to create a better world, and housing needs to do its part.
When you’re in a food manufacturing setup, nothing is more significant than maintaining and keeping every food product safe for consumption. For this to be successful, you must implement the principles of food safety and sanitation in every process. In a medium to large manufacturing setup, checking every product one by one is time-consuming, inefficient, and unproductive. So, it’s essential to adapt the application of advanced inspection systems you can find, specifically the use of X-rays. X-ray is one of the most efficient ways to implement food safety appropriately. A new era of food packaging and safety began when it was introduced. It significantly improved the quality of every product by thoroughly inspecting each product, boosting overall production, reducing company losses, and increasing market value and consumer trust. However, foreign materials still exist even with this technology. But there’s nothing to worry about as X-ray systems continue to evolve and develop over time. If you’re looking for an X-ray inspection system, you may visit tdipacksys.com/inspection-systems/x-ray or your local specialized and advanced equipment provider. Furthermore, here are the ways X-rays improve food packaging safety: Improves Contaminant Detection Before X-ray solutions were introduced, most food companies implemented a stricter detection process. Each product passes through different professional inspectors, who used traditional screening methods back then. However, humans are prone to errors, which often result in recalls, affecting the company’s reputation and revenue. But when X-ray inspection was introduced, contaminant detection was improved effectively and efficiently using the level of technology that previously wasn’t accessible. Also, it reduces product recalls almost to nothing due to the automated screening method. Thus, promoting a new level of security and safety to the food industry. Since X-ray inspection is based on the intensity of variations, it can detect more foreign objects from food than other equipment, such as metal detectors. It can detect various physical contaminants, such as metals, stones, bones, glass debris, rubber, and wood. Checks Item Count Per Box Before Distribution Even in this advanced technology, many companies still use manual processes to put finished items in the box before distribution. Unfortunately, people may neglect to count the products in each box, especially if the conveyor line moves at speeds. So, there are chances that they may not notice if one of these lacks a piece. X-ray inspections prevent this from happening. These ensure that all boxes contain the right amount of goods, depending on your clients’ orders. If it has missing pieces, there’s a chance that other products in the box bump on each other and cause leaks and damage, compromising food safety. Monitors Fill Levels Of Every Product In the automatic packaging line, not all products may be filled appropriately. There are instances when the system that controls and oversees the entire production process may fail. Unfortunately, humans can’t manage the whole packaging line looking for possible errors. X-ray inspections may help you prevent such cases from happening. They can be programmed to detect items that lack the appropriate amount or volume based on their appearance and weight. So, how can it affect the safety of the product? Some products have added components to prolong and secure the shelf-life of the food. For example, a bag of potato chips is half-filled with nitrogen gas to maintain a stable shelf-life and prevent the growth of spoilage bacteria. If such items are released without thorough checking, people may consume defective products and may cause harm. Checks Damaged And Broken Goods Damaged goods are a big no-no in the food industry. It’s of the common causes of contamination that may affect other goods near them. For example, a slightly dented canned good may have a tiny leak that is not visible to the naked eye but is beneficial for germs to thrive and cause spoilage. Also, these small leaks may damage other canned goods and cause chemical reactions, such as rusting. However, not all consumers are vigilant about what they see in the market. Many of them don’t even try to check the condition of what they purchase. If this happens, people might probably consume those that are already contaminated. If they got sick and found out its cause, they would likely file a lawsuit against your company, which is one of the things you’d want to avoid at all costs. Fortunately, an advanced X-ray inspection system can detect damaged and defective items. In addition, it can see even the most minor mishaps in your product and separate it from those in good condition. This will help you secure that all products you release in the market are safe for consumption and away from any possible causes of contamination. Inspects Product Seal Product sealing in the food industry can be challenging in many different ways, especially if a product needs to undergo high pressure and temperature treatment. However, some products may not be adequately sealed, and the problem begins once they reach your customers. Improper sealing is another common cause of contamination. It allows air from the outside to seep inside, contaminating the food. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify products that failed to seal correctly and prevent them from being distributed to other places. And the best way to achieve this is with the use of advanced X-ray solutions. X-ray inspections will help you detect products that are not appropriately sealed automatically. As mentioned before, X-ray inspection can see even minor details. So, even the tiny scratch and opening will be detected and removed from the line. Final Words Packaging occurs in many phases in a food production system. So, it’s only essential to ensure that each process is done correctly based on many standards to be followed. To be successful, you might need an advanced X-ray inspection system. X-ray inspections help improve the safety of your packaging by detecting contaminants, ensuring product count, checking damaged and broken pieces, monitoring filling levels, and checking proper sealing. If this discussion opens up your mind and interest, contact the local specialty equipment provider in your area
