March 18, 2022

£500million of construction contracts are lined up for Central Bedfordshire over the next four years…

Carefully selected construction firms have been chosen to help build about £500million of important projects in Central Bedfordshire over the next four years. Central Bedfordshire Council has created its own procurement framework tailored to its construction requirements and priorities such as promoting sustainability and the need to provide social value.

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New St. Modwen projects to deliver over 1,100 homes in England

St. Modwen Homes announces £85m+ of investment across five sites St. Modwen Homes, one of the UK’s leading developers of new communities and high-quality homes, today announces five projects which will deliver over 1,100 new homes across England. The new sites will be situated in Lancashire, Kent, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and

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Oscrete UK announces new NPD and sustainability manager

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK continues its growth trajectory with the appointment of a new NPD and sustainability manager. Former laboratory manager Matthew Gabriel, has been promoted to the new role as the team further develops the company’s sustainability strategy. With a clear focus on strengthening the firm’s commitment to

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Klober Invests in Sales Team Ahead of Busy 2022 for UK Roofing

With 92% of UK homeowners planning home renovation projects in 2022, Klober has invested in its sales team to support merchants and installers in 2022 and beyond. The appointments follow reports that 30% of roofing contractors saw their workloads grow in the last quarter of 2021, according to the NFRC’s

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A BRIEF GUIDE TO WOODWORKING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS

Working with wood is not just an essential part of most homeowners in the modern world; it is also a stress-relieving therapy for tired minds that need rest. It can also boost creativity in ordinary folks as they learn to make functional and innovative items with various wood types. Beginners

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

March 18, 2022

KEY GLASGOW CITY CENTRE DEVELOPMENT SITE ACQUIRED TO DELIVER 275,000 SQ FT OF WORKSPACE

Property investment and development company CEG has managed the acquisition of 33 Cadogan Street in the heart of the central business district of Glasgow. With full planning permission in place for a 275,000 sq ft development, the site has already been cleared and readied for construction. CEG has appointed a design team to enhance the sustainability credentials of the new development. Glasgow based, Cooper Cromar, has been retained as architect for the scheme having successfully delivered CEG’s award-winning Number One Kirkstall Forge in Leeds. CBRE advised CEG on the acquisition of 33 Cadogan Street. Knight Frank and JLL represented M&G on the sale. JLL and CBRE have been appointed as joint agents to market the new development on behalf of CEG. Tom Gaynor, Head of Investment at CEG, said: “We are confident in the strength of Glasgow’s office market. The city is under supplied in terms of Grade A workspace and there is a very restricted pipeline of consented and funded schemes. A significant number of recent lettings has further eroded available stock. “Designed as a UK best in class building, The Grid responds to occupiers Net Zero Carbon and sustainability requirements as well as providing enhanced amenities and a workspace environment that occupiers are seeking for their employees. The scheme is fully funded and we are committed to a pathway to commence construction on site as soon as possible.”  The new development will reflect the quality of workspace CEG is renowned for, with its Kirkstall Forge office being named the best commercial space in the UK by the British Council of Offices. CEG has a track record of delivering award-winning offices in Scotland. Following the development of Aurora on Bothwell Street in 2006, the company helped to kickstart the regeneration of the area with its 178,000 sq ft new build. The successful speculative development was fully let within six months of completion. The company’s ONYX development in Glasgow was recently redeveloped to deliver a new café, an extensive range of facilities for cyclists and new flexible Let Ready studios, providing fully-furnished grow-on space for smaller companies and project or satellite space for larger firms.

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£500million of construction contracts are lined up for Central Bedfordshire over the next four years…

Carefully selected construction firms have been chosen to help build about £500million of important projects in Central Bedfordshire over the next four years. Central Bedfordshire Council has created its own procurement framework tailored to its construction requirements and priorities such as promoting sustainability and the need to provide social value. This new framework will see specialist construction firms, which best met the council’s criteria for a delivery partner, able to tender for forthcoming construction projects. The framework will enable the council to develop strong working relationships with delivery partners to enhance potential projects. It will also speed up the procurement process and how quickly schemes will be built and offers better value for money as external frameworks are not required. Councillor Eugene Ghent, Executive Member for Housing and Assets, said: “Having our own procurement framework and choosing from a carefully selected group of firms has significant benefits. It will offer cost savings and speed up the procurement process meaning we can get schemes built quicker. Importantly, we will work closely with a smaller number of firms forging important relationships and this collaborative working will ensure we can deliver quality, value for money projects which support our ambitions for Central Bedfordshire and our residents. “We look forward to working closely with our selected partners over the next four years as we build prosperity for our local communities.” Some of the projects expected to be procured through the framework, subject to the relevant Planning and Executive approvals, include Schools for the Future, the proposed new leisure centre in Leighton Buzzard and various housing projects. The new procurement framework comes into operation at the end of March 2022 and is important in supporting the council’s Strategic Plan. Procurement framework information The procurement framework was created in lots linked to the potential value of the project and specific types of projects needing specialist experience. The successful firms are below. Lot 1 £0k: £750k Beardwell Construction Ltd Gray & Sons Builders Ltd Borras Construction Ltd Conamar Building Services Ltd G&S Hutchinson Ltd Steel & Bray Ltd Lot 2: £750k – £2.0m SEH French Beardwell Construction Ltd Conamar Building Services Ltd Borras Construction Ltd T&B Contractors MGBC Ltd Chas Berger Ltd (reserve) SDC Builders Ltd (reserve) Lot 3: £2.0m – £8.0m Pentaco Construction Ltd RG Carter Cambridge Ltd Barnes Construction T&B (Contractors) Ltd Ashe Construction Jeakins Weir Ltd Chas Berger Ltd (reserve) SDC Builders Ltd (reserve) Lot 4: £8.0m – £15.0m Kier Construction Ltd Wates Construction Ltd RG Carter Cambridge Ltd Morgan Sindall Construction Willmott Dixon Construction Barnes Construction BAM Construction (reserve) VINCI Construction UK Ltd (reserve) Lot 5: £15m+ Kier Construction Ltd Wates Construction Ltd Morgan Sindall Construction Willmott Dixon Construction BAM Construction John Graham Construction VINCI Construction UK Ltd (reserve) Farrans Construction (reserve) Lot 6: Modular Elliot Group Portakabin Hawker Construction For further information please contact: Julian Cotton, Communications and Engagement Business Partner – Place, on 0300 300 5987 or email julian.cotton@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. 

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New St. Modwen projects to deliver over 1,100 homes in England

St. Modwen Homes announces £85m+ of investment across five sites St. Modwen Homes, one of the UK’s leading developers of new communities and high-quality homes, today announces five projects which will deliver over 1,100 new homes across England. The new sites will be situated in Lancashire, Kent, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and London and will total over £85m of investment from St. Modwen Homes. The new developments include 28.6 acres of land in Ditton Edge, Kent, which has permission for 300 homes, as well as 116 homes in Coalville, Leicestershire. In West London, St. Modwen’s joint venture with Vinci has secured permission for 267 units in Uxbridge on the former RAF Uxbridge site while a further 300 homes will be delivered in Newark, Nottinghamshire. An additional 128 homes are due to exchange in Chorley, Lancashire. The announcement follows news this week that St. Modwen Homes plans to double in size over the next five years. St. Modwen Homes built almost 1200 new homes in 2021 and has been recognised as a five-star housebuilder with a Home Builder Federation customer satisfaction rating of over 90%. In September 2021, St. Modwen was named by Homes England as a preferred partner in its new Delivery Partner dynamic purchasing scheme. Dave Smith, Managing Director, St. Modwen Homes, said: “There is an urgent need for new homes in the UK, but the homes that are delivered need to be high quality, and communities must be created in the right places. St. Modwen has a proud record of delivering homes of the highest standard and thriving communities for people to live. Today’s announcement expands our footprint into new areas across the UK and builds on our continued, sustainable growth.”

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Shrewsbury’s £800 million Regeneration Plans – ‘Reshaping the Riverside’

Shropshire Council has unveiled proposals for a huge re-shaping of the Riverside area of Shrewsbury, in what would be one of the county’s biggest ever development projects. This is a major opportunity to transform Shrewsbury’s town centre for generations, creating a truly 21st century destination and experience, taking the town to the water to create a stunning riverside attraction. This is the future of Shrewsbury that respects its past, reconnects it to the River Severn, transforming how we work, how we spend our leisure time and what the town has to offer. The river has always been central to Shrewsbury, and this now brings that full circle to create a new focal point and a fresh addition to a historic town centre, in tune with the fast-changing world around us, opening up to one of Shrewsbury’s greatest assets – the Severn. This is a game-changing mixed-use development combining new leisure attractions, vibrant hospitality and public space, a new quayside and hotels to support the town’s existing retail while bringing new workspace that can attract high quality jobs into the town. A place where you arrive by a brand-new eco-friendly bus, on your bicycle or somewhere you can park – and charge – your electric vehicle. A place you can work in a zero-carbon office and enjoy a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants and bars – all next to the new quayside fronting on the River Severn. A development that will create almost 2,000 jobs, see a modern, friendly multi agency hub and offices open with 500 spaces for workers, allowing the public to access what they need where and when they need it. Somewhere with a brand-new bus station, a high-quality transport hub kitted out for modern vehicles with more charge points, better lighting and bigger spaces. A destination that will see 270 new homes built, offering the chance to live, work and relax in the middle of a green, modern town centre. This transformation should help Shrewsbury attract 750,000 new visits a year and substantially increase investment and footfall for the benefit of existing businesses across the county as part of a wider £800 million investment in the town under the Big Town Plan. This is chance for Shrewsbury to transform and thrive in a changing world and offer everyone using this part of the town a unique experience and the chance for the town to continue to evolve and open a new chapter in its long and vibrant history.

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KEYSTONE LINTELS AWARDED BUILDBASE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Keystone Lintels, the UK’s leading manufacturer of steel lintels, is delighted to once again be awarded ‘Supplier of the Year’ by Buildbase for 2021 in recognition of its outstanding customer service. Keystone Lintels has won this coveted award for the second year in a row having won in 2020.  With over 142 branches nationwide, Buildbase is now part of the Huws Gray Group and is one of the largest builders merchants in the UK. In what was a difficult year for trading, the award was especially poignant for Keystone whose core customer promise has held true. Chris Hemmington-Green, Sales Director for Keystone Lintels said: “This award is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by all at Keystone, from Production, Logistics, SOP, Technical, Sales and Finance. For this to be recognised by one of our key customers is a real indication of the relationship and partnership we strive to develop. During what can only be described as difficult and challenging times, the whole team at Keystone have pulled together and delivered exceptional service to all our customers, and shown we remain the leading supplier in the industry. It is this mind-set and commitment that has seen us through the difficult times and ensures we are best placed to maximise the opportunities that are now becoming apparent as we start to move to some sort of normality.” Raza Naim, Senior Category Manager for Buildbase added: “Keystone Lintels was chosen as the Supplier of the Year for 2021 for the second year running, which has never been achieved before. Keystone does a fantastic job at having touchpoints in all areas of our business, so much so in fact that the Group had far and away the most nominations from our teams. Feedback from sales, finance and procurement was that Keystone just ‘makes it easy’ for us and we have a great relationship with all Keystone Group brands.” Keystone is the largest supplier of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland and carries more stock than any of its rivals. The company also supports merchants with innovative ranges of products which solve problems for the builder and deliver more opportunity, added value and margin for merchants

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Oscrete UK announces new NPD and sustainability manager

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK continues its growth trajectory with the appointment of a new NPD and sustainability manager. Former laboratory manager Matthew Gabriel, has been promoted to the new role as the team further develops the company’s sustainability strategy. With a clear focus on strengthening the firm’s commitment to sustainable construction, Matt’s two decades of concrete industry experience provides a strong foundation for further developing the company’s sustainability remit. Matt says: “With the environment at the forefront of everyone’s minds and customers looking to increase their use of supplementary cementitious material, my priority is to develop products and processes which support our customers’ own route towards low carbon concrete. “Our role as an additive manufacturer is crucial in helping reduce concrete’s CO2 footprint while finding cost effective, green solutions without impacting performance is key to the future of the construction sector. We are now looking to develop products that can help our customers to use or increase the use of products with a lower eCO2, hence the creation of a role dedicated entirely to this arena.” Oscrete is one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers, manufacturing a comprehensive range of concrete admixtures for the pre-cast and ready-mix market and developing and supplying additives for the manufacture of dry bagged mortars and adhesives. Director Scott Wilson added: “We expect to see continued growth in global demand for construction additives and that demand will be driven by sustainability requirements as well as performance. “Our strategy is to keep product evolution and responsible manufacturing at the forefront of our output. Matt’s promotion is just the first step in our 2022 laboratory development plan where NPD and sustainability will lead our growth and our supply.” Matt joined Oscrete in 2017 as laboratory manager following more than 10 years with Tarmac and Breeden. He added: “This an exciting and an important time as we accelerate our development of new admixtures to help the transition to carbon neutrality. I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into a role which will help customers – and Oscrete – meet their sustainability goals.”

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Esh Construction appointed to deliver £3m affordable housing scheme in Sheffield

20 new affordable homes will be constructed on land near to Earl Marshal Recreation Ground. Esh Construction has been named as construction partner on a £3 million scheme which will bring new affordable homes to Sheffield. Working on behalf of Great Places Housing Group, one of the fastest growing housing associations in the North of England, Esh will build 20 new properties on a vacant piece of land off Osgathorpe Drive, near to the Earl Marshal Recreation Ground. Named Fir View Gardens, the two and three-bedroom homes will be available for affordable rent and will include associated parking and landscaping. Great Places Housing Group selected Esh Construction as the chosen contractor after the scheme was procured through the Innovation Chain North framework. Esh Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said: “We are delighted to secure our first contract award via Innovation Chain North and to be working in partnership with Great Places Housing Group. “Throughout this scheme we are committed to delivering a raft of initiatives which will provide social and economic benefits within the local area, including school engagement, work placement opportunities, volunteering and community funding.” The development was given the go ahead by planners in August last year and forms part of the housing association’s plans to develop 11,000 homes by 2030. Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, Helen Spencer, said “This scheme is within the heart of an existing Great Places community, and its completion will deliver high quality new homes to complement the existing neighbourhood. We are looking forward to working with Esh to deliver these homes and excellent social value outcomes for our community.” Esh will work in partnership with Poole Dick Associates, Bowker Sadler Architects and Sutcliffe to deliver the scheme which is expected to get underway in March this year. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk

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Largest trade association for the scaffolding and access sector announces new partnership with TradePoint.

The Scaffolding Association is delighted to announce its partnership with TradePoint. From this week, members of the association are eligible for free TradePoint membership with the highest level of discount and with no minimum spend. Members of the scheme will benefit from all TradePoint services and savings inside B&Q’s 300+ stores or online. The partnership will allow Scaffolding Association members to benefit from 10% off almost all products and with a choice of collect from store or delivery to site. Commenting on the new partnership, Helena Blundell, National Customer Account Partner, TradePoint said: “We are delighted to partner with the Scaffolding Association and look forward to the members fully benefiting from the discount in-store and online”. Stacey Underhill, Head of External Affairs at the Scaffolding Association, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with such an established and familiar brand. The discount offered to our members will be of significant value in the current economic climate”. The partnership with TradePoint is the latest benefit to be offered by the association to its almost 600 members. Members can register for TradePoint membership here: Register for your TradePoint Card (zohopublic.com)

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Klober Invests in Sales Team Ahead of Busy 2022 for UK Roofing

With 92% of UK homeowners planning home renovation projects in 2022, Klober has invested in its sales team to support merchants and installers in 2022 and beyond. The appointments follow reports that 30% of roofing contractors saw their workloads grow in the last quarter of 2021, according to the NFRC’s State of the Roofing Industry Survey. And this isn’t set to slow, with 43% of roofers anticipating an increase in workload. Hannah Watts joins Klober as an Area Account Manager after discovering her passion for construction as a Field Sales Executive. She will be responsible for the home counties, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire. “As a market leader in roofing components and accessories, the Klober brand is well respected and renowned for offering quality. I knew this role would bring new challenges and felt that Klober would provide a supportive environment in which to thrive,” said Hannah. “My role as an Area Account Manager will involve operating as a key point of contact for customers and I’m most looking forward to getting under the skin of their businesses to understand their specific requirements and identify opportunities for growth.” Also joining Klober as an Area Account Manager is Joey Hall who will be responsible for East Anglia. “When the opportunity arose to join Klober in this role, it was one I was thrilled to take, particularly as I’ve always been interested in pursuing a position like this,” he explained. “In my first 12 months, I hope to build strong relationships with merchants and work in collaboration to help meet their business goals. I am particularly looking forward to travelling and gaining thorough knowledge of my area.” Commenting on the new appointments, Chris Nicholls, Commercial Director at Klober said: “We take pride in our people as this means our network of merchants and contractors can be confident that they are in good hands. That’s why I’m extremely pleased to have Hannah and Joey on board and excited to see what they achieve.” For more information about Klober, please visit www.klober.co.uk

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A BRIEF GUIDE TO WOODWORKING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS

Working with wood is not just an essential part of most homeowners in the modern world; it is also a stress-relieving therapy for tired minds that need rest. It can also boost creativity in ordinary folks as they learn to make functional and innovative items with various wood types. Beginners can refer to reliable guides offered on reputable sources like Saws Hub to know more in-depth about woodworking as a hobby or profession. The details provided in these websites can help them pick the right tools, invest in the appropriate safety equipment, and know which project is best to begin with. In the meantime, you can browse the ensuing information to understand the basics of woodworking better and go about it the apt way. Woodworking and its types Although it began as a profession, the art of making fantastic pieces of functional and decorative items from a wide range of wood varieties is more of a hobby today. The growing interest in this spectacular art is the reason behind the increased production of cutting and forming tools in recent years. But most people might not know that there are different types of woodworking, such as whittling, which involves raw wood pieces using a sharp knife, and woodturning, where one can make stunning bowls and pivots using a lathe. Then there is the scroll-saw machine that people use to make curves on thin wood to create delicate 3D artifacts. Many people indulge in wood carving as a hobby, creating intricate designs on tupelo and basswood using chisels, mallets, gouges, and knives. Others are more construction-oriented, fashioning chairs, cabinets, tables, recliners, sofas, and a range of other functional items. Skills you need It is indeed true that you need not be an expert to start woodworking. However, knowing a few basics of the job and being armed with specific skills can help take you long. For example, knowledge of various wood types, their properties, and what each variety is suitable for can be constructive for beginners. Along the same lines, you should try finding out more about the tools you will soon be using when you begin woodworking. You can start by studying the tools needed to polish, carve, sand, and finish, among other things. Also, learn how to choose screws and develop a keen eye for diverse joints and cuts. What tools to buy It is critically important to buy the right tools before you begin woodworking if you want to do an excellent job. Find the appropriate hand tools that work without electricity, such as chisels, a sliding bevel, hammer, punches, hand saw, and utility knives. Also, remember to buy measuring tape and layout squares to mark the wood effectively. When it comes to power tools, popular options include angle grinders, drills, a jigsaw, wood router, table saw, nail guns, and more. Ensure to buy from reputable dealers with experience in selling high-quality woodworking tools at reasonable prices. Use expert guidance Dependable sources such as Saws Hub can guide you through a range of essential tasks before woodworking like a pro. For instance, you can check their guides on determining the right tools to buy or the kind of wood to begin working with. Similarly, you can also ask your local, trusted expert for tips on becoming adept at cutting, shaping, and polishing various types of wood. People who view woodworking as a full-time profession will benefit from an apprenticeship at a reputable company or under a renowned contractor. Consider starting small Several amateurs make the mistake of taking on massive, complicated projects after being inspired by what they find on the internet. But this can be a terrible mistake as it can destroy their confidence if the result is not as expected. So, instead of rushing, start by building relatively small albeit challenging items, such as a chair or a coffee table, and build from there as you keep getting better with each project.

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