April 14, 2022

New laboratories to spur growth in energy security solutions

Nuclear AMRC Midlands is set to lead dynamic supply chain developments in high value UK manufacturing Work on a transformative £15m nuclear research facility in Infinity Park Derby (IPD) is now underway, which will advance manufacturing capabilities in sustainable energy using pioneering technologies. The 46,728 sq. ft research centre, Nuclear

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Buro Happold acquires laboratory planning and design specialists Abell Nepp to broaden science-focused service offer 

Global engineering consultancy Buro Happold has announced its acquisition of London-based Abell Nepp, specialists in laboratory planning and design in the science and higher education sectors.   Buro Happold has already built a strong working relationship with directors Chris Abell and Bruce Nepp over the past two decades, both prior to

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IG MASONRY SUPPORT ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides

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Roann Limited Celebrates Record-Breaking Month

Roann Limited Celebrates Record-Breaking Month

Roann Limited, the granite and quartz worktop supplier, celebrated a record-breaking month in February, reaching a sales total of £1,102,060. The Wakefield-based business secured three six-figure project deals with credible housebuilders and construction businesses which contributed to this sales peak, including Midgard Construction, Hill Partnerships and Vistry Partnerships. The news

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Loose Moissanite Stone – the Ultimate Save Option

Creating a unique piece of jewelry is now easy using moissanite loose stone. Most importantly, moissanite comes from ethically acceptable sources. Therefore, loose moissanite gems are a great option over diamonds on such grounds. Typical cushion-cut moissanite loose stones have exceptional cuts. Their sparkle and brilliance are comparable to that

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

April 14, 2022

New laboratories to spur growth in energy security solutions

Nuclear AMRC Midlands is set to lead dynamic supply chain developments in high value UK manufacturing Work on a transformative £15m nuclear research facility in Infinity Park Derby (IPD) is now underway, which will advance manufacturing capabilities in sustainable energy using pioneering technologies. The 46,728 sq. ft research centre, Nuclear AMRC Midlands, scheduled for completion by early 2023, next to Rolls-Royce and within 20 minutes’ drive of global manufacturers Toyota, Alstom and JCB, is preparing to support companies of all sizes to join carbon neutral supply chains ahead of the global race to achieve net zero by 2050. With energy prices now at record levels, Nuclear AMRC Midlands will help to guide the manufacturing industry towards critical energy transitions to facilitate growth in a carbon neutral economy. Development of the new Nuclear AMRC facility follows a successful pilot programme at Infinity Park’s Connect iHub, joined by the University of Derby, now home to fifteen engineers and support staff. The new research site will support 35 collaborative research and development projects, including high value sectors such as aerospace, automotive and rail within the first five years. Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “Co-locating the Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering with the Nuclear AMRC will enable us to share resources and expertise and open up new opportunities for our academics to support whole business sectors to become greener, more efficient, more competitive and ultimately help drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.” The Government-backed IPD collaboration, with the University of Derby, Derby City Council, Wilson Bowden, Peveril Securities, Harpur Crewe Estate and Rolls-Royce, with over £9m from D2N2, will accelerate technological innovations uniting skills, markets, and demand with clean energy. Andrew Storer, CEO, Nuclear AMRC said: “As the first High Value Manufacturing Catapult facility in the East Midlands, we will continue to work closely with local industry, academic and government partners to deliver sustainable growth for decades to come. The coming years will see increasing investment into clean energy and low-carbon technologies, and the region is well placed to capitalise on the opportunity thanks to its wealth of experience, innovation and engineering expertise. We have already helped dozens of Midlands-based manufacturers to develop their capabilities for the nuclear sector and want to work with even more to support their ambitions across other growing low-carbon sectors.” Mark Bielby, of March Developments, development managers for IPD LLP said: “Nuclear AMRC is a beacon of excellence and its involvement at Infinity Park Derby is projected to add £71m to the local economy over five years. The shift to carbon neutral technologies is now an obvious priority for industry and with the help of our construction partner Stepnell we will deliver a sustainably designed building, which will lead by example.”

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Buro Happold acquires laboratory planning and design specialists Abell Nepp to broaden science-focused service offer 

Global engineering consultancy Buro Happold has announced its acquisition of London-based Abell Nepp, specialists in laboratory planning and design in the science and higher education sectors.   Buro Happold has already built a strong working relationship with directors Chris Abell and Bruce Nepp over the past two decades, both prior to and following the founding of Abell Nepp in 2009. The two firms have collaborated on various projects including Imperial College London’s Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub and the London Institute of Medical Sciences for the Medical Research Council. Building on this foundation, the two firms have taken the natural next step to combine practices.  Abell Nepp boasts a wide-ranging knowledge of the science, research and technology sector. It has worked on a range of campus, building, and laboratory planning projects covering biomedical, biopharma, engineering and forensic science. The integration of Abell Nepp will strengthen client-consultant teams, ensuring Buro Happold can provide a seamless offer to clients that includes design alongside integrated engineering services for its growing sectors.  Buro Happold and Abell Nepp will combine abilities to deliver world class, innovative spaces that provide the optimal environment for scientists, clinical specialists and technology engineers to solve current and future real-world challenges.   Chris Abell, director of Abell Nepp, says: “We’ve built a close relationship with Buro Happold over the past 20 years, so it was a logical move to unite our two likeminded practices. By combining our engineering and deep sector expertise we can leverage the wider capability set of the firm to offer a new level of integration and creativity to our client base.”  “As a specialist consultancy embedded within Buro Happold, we will continue to provide science-focused services to clients and architects as well as other engineers while expanding resources to improve the integration of laboratory design and technical services. We are enthusiastic about the new collaboration and the resulting creativity and synergy from our combined expertise,” adds Bruce Nepp, director of Abell Nepp.  “We’re thrilled a company as highly regarded in the sector as Abell Nepp has joined the growing Buro Happold portfolio,” says James Bruce, chief executive officer at Buro Happold. “There is increasing interest for engineering-led design teams in the Healthcare, Science and Technology sector, so having the ability to offer consulting services for laboratory planning and design is an exciting next step.   “Expanding our collective consultancy capabilities for existing and new clients both nationally and internationally forms a major part of Buro Happold’s vision for sustainable growth over the coming years.”  CEO James Bruce unveiled ambitious plans in early 2021 to see the business double from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across the globe. Since then, Buro Happold has acquired three other firms including leading acoustics and AV consultancy Vanguardia Limited and its subsidiary Crowd Dynamics International, alongside US sustainability consulting firm Paladino and Company and higher education consultancy firm brightspot strategy.  The acquisition of Abell Nepp follows the appointment of John Swift last month as the Global Sector Lead for Healthcare, Science and Technology.  

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IG MASONRY SUPPORT ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides quick access for architects, engineers and specifiers. With a fresher, modern look and feel, the new website is designed to provide a user-friendly experience with intuitive navigation. It features new functionalities including comprehensive technical data such as CAD drawings, BIM objects, installation guides, Declarations of Performance and much more – allowing visitors fast and easy access to the product, system or specifier tool they need. “We are delighted to launch our brand-new website. The new site structure makes it easy to find and download materials and information in seconds,” commented Andy Neal, Managing Director at IG Masonry Support. “With a substantially upgraded search function and simplified internal navigation, product specifications will be more accessible than ever before, ensuring the customer finds the product, system or solution that best fits their project requirements.” Furthermore, the simplified structure ensures users can swiftly locate technical information, case studies, as well as user-friendly downloadable online literature. Future enhancements for the website include an interactive timeline on the company’s sustainability journey, project map, an online education initiative and more. Part of the renowned Keystone Group, the largest steel lintel manufacturer in the UK and Ireland, IG Masonry Support manufactures the most practical and advanced range of stainless steel masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems for the construction industry. For more information, visit the new website at igmasonrysupport.com

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MKDP appoints Activate, Workman, to seek development partner for Milton Keynes market opportunity

Ahead of a full tender process, expected to take place this summer, MKDP has appointed Activate – Workman Placemaking to lead the search for a development partner to help transform this centrally-located commercial space, into a vibrant, future-proof destination. Currently covering 3,446m2 of Grade A retail space, the scheme contains a strong core of 100 existing outdoor commercial units. Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has announced its intention to seek an investment, development, and operational partner to facilitate the development of Milton Keynes Open Market, a centrally located, prime commercial space. MKDP has appointed Activate, Workman’s in-house placemaking team, to assess initial interest in this scheme. As the landowner, MKDP is seeking a partner to help transform Milton Keynes Open Market into a destination retail, leisure, and food and beverage scheme which will be future-proofed against market changes by providing a dynamic, modern, customer experience to local residents, and visitors, whilst retaining the market’s core values and appeal. MKDP is keen to work with partners with broad experience in the retail destination sector, and remain open to new ideas, and innovative concepts for the space. Tracey Aldworth, MKDP’s Managing Director said: “MKDP is seeking comments, and enquiries, from partners keen to enter into a long-term agreement and is open to partnering with a singular institution, or a consortium. We are also seeking the views of potential partners to determine the best-suited contractual vehicle for the development of this site.” Esther Worboys, Placemaking Manager for Activate, said: “Milton Keynes Market is an essential element of Milton Keynes’ civic fabric, and retail offer. The market is centrally located on Midsummer Boulevard and immediately adjacent to the centre:mk shopping centre which attracts 23.4mn visitors per year. We are keen to find a partner who will work with MKDP on both operating the market as it is in the short-term, but also developing it in the medium to long-term into a destination for local residents and visitors.” For more information, visit www.mkdp.org.uk or email activate@workman.co.uk Responses must be received by May 6th, 2022.

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Roann Limited Celebrates Record-Breaking Month

Roann Limited Celebrates Record-Breaking Month

Roann Limited, the granite and quartz worktop supplier, celebrated a record-breaking month in February, reaching a sales total of £1,102,060. The Wakefield-based business secured three six-figure project deals with credible housebuilders and construction businesses which contributed to this sales peak, including Midgard Construction, Hill Partnerships and Vistry Partnerships. The news comes shortly after the business reported a record-breaking year in 2021, with a total sales value of £6,440,579. Following this profitable month, Roann Limited is seeing higher than ever before production figures and anticipates an average of £200,000 per week, in the very near future. “We’re thrilled with the results in February here at Roann Limited! These projects have been in the pipeline for over a year, and we’re delighted that we have now secured them all. We’ve been experiencing a large period of growth over the past two years, and it’s only set to continue. We’re really excited to get started on these new projects and continuing to expand our business growth,” said Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited. Established in 1990, Roann Limited specialises in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops within the house building, property development and construction sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, Roann Limited is dedicated to procuring stone worktops that help developers significantly reduce costs on their projects by selling direct to them. Roann Limited’s purpose-built factory in Wakefield houses more than £2 million worth of state-of-the-art stone manufacturing machines and equipment, enabling the business to fabricate more than 15,000 worktops every year. The company proudly holds accreditations with many of the industry’s leading health & safety schemes, including SSIP certification, and is also ConstructionOnline Gold Approved. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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Loose Moissanite Stone – the Ultimate Save Option

Creating a unique piece of jewelry is now easy using moissanite loose stone. Most importantly, moissanite comes from ethically acceptable sources. Therefore, loose moissanite gems are a great option over diamonds on such grounds. Typical cushion-cut moissanite loose stones have exceptional cuts. Their sparkle and brilliance are comparable to that of diamonds. The D-E-F (colorless) colors loose stone moissanite also resembles a blemish-free diamond. In addition, it has a dazzling sparkle due to its almost-perfect cut. Again, you can find custom moissanite-cut stones in different sizes and shapes. If you choose moissanite over diamonds, you get much more value for money. Most importantly, it is an environmentally friendly choice and ethical. The Cost-Benefit of Loose Stones over Set Stones Loose stones are precious or semi-precious gems that are not set in jewelry pieces. Consumers use them as an investment. However, some people obtain this version of gemstones in bulk, which affords them some good discount. Later on, they can set the loose stones into jewelry pieces and sell them at a profit. Buying colorless loose moissanite for your engagement ring will save you good money. However, several factors determine the final cost of your ring. One of the considerations to make is buying a loose stone. That way, you can easily come up with a bespoke ring. In addition, it will cost you less unlike if you were buying a premade ring.  Why buy loose Moissanite stones? The main objective of investing in loose moissanite stone is to help you save on your jewelry purchase. Therefore, there is a big cost difference between a loose stone and a set one. This is the best route to go if you are working with a small budget. Most importantly, you will have the say in how you want to set your jewelry piece. To get the best out of loose moissanite, experts can help you cut it to your preferred dimension. That way, you can set your loose moissanite in a specific frame of your choice. Do not shy away from picking a loose stone for your jewelry. With the help of a jewelry expert, you will get the perfect jewelry for your use. Jewelry Pieces to attach your loose Moissanite Stone You can use your loose moissanite stone for a bracelet, engagement ring, bridal set or wedding ring. In addition, this option gives you control over your jewelry because it is customer-centric. They also come in various colors, which gives you the freedom to pick what you want. Loose moissanite stones also come in different shapes. These include heart shapes, emerald, oval and round brilliant among others. All you need is to pick the right setting to brag about your new jewelry. This option is perfect for unique presents for those who have all they need. You can also give a loose moissanite stone to someone you love. That way, they can take it to the jewelry store and get a jewelry set of their choice. This is a great gift idea that will bring a great experience to the end-user. Benefits of Moissanite stones Moissanite is lab-grown. Therefore, it presents you with many options to pick the loose stones you want. Here is what you should expect buying loose Moissanite: Loose moissanite presents a unique idea for a gift. You will not find many people with the same thought. Therefore, it is a special thing to do for your loved one. The possibility of personalizing your jewelry piece is a great advantage to consider. Moissanite is a hard and durable stone that will last forever You can easily clean and maintain your moissanite stone, unlike other gemstones. All you need is a soft cloth, warm water and soap. A loose moissanite stone will fit anything. You can pass it on to future generations. Final Thoughts If you browse through the available moissanite rings and have not found one that you like, you can choose loose moissanite stones. That way, you can come up with a custom option uniquely designed for your use. With the help of an expert, you can get your ring done perfectly and at a low cost. Instead of buying a pre-set moissanite jewelry piece, choose a loose moissanite stone for a different experience.

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