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October 18, 2022

Construction unemployment falls to lowest level since records began in 1995

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “At the height of the pandemic in 2020, almost 80,000 construction workers were jobless. However, new data shows that the situation has vastly improved in recent months, and the sector’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since records began

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Progress Housing Group celebrates the positive impact it’s helping to make on the lives of people and communities across the country

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

A Lancashire not-for-profit housing association has invested £24.8m to provide affordable homes as part of its ongoing work to tackle the current social housing crisis. With a commitment to support the local community, Progress Housing Group has pledged to provide 1,000 affordable new homes by 2024, with 226 homes built

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Mace Appointed Contractor for Sky Forest Office

Mace appointed contractor for sky forest office

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2022

Mace has been appointed the main contractor by Investor Fabrix to deliver the 430,000 sq ft next-gen HQ office building, Roots in the Sky, in Southwark. Erith has been selected as the enabling works contractor. Mace will deliver the main contract for this innovative, net zero reimagining of the former

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Fieldhouse Refurbished into Station Apartments

Fieldhouse Refurbished into Station Apartments

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2022

Kirklees Council has approved a £2.38 million grant to refurbish Fieldhouse into Station Apartments. Fieldhouse is a four-storey building which stands opposite Dewsbury Railway Station, in the area around Daisy Hill and Bond Street. The council plans to create a new neighbourhood around Daisy Hill, made up of homes which

Read More »

Measuring the pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Lisa Pollinger October 18, 2022

Vinyl flooring doesn’t pose many disadvantages. In fact, it is one of the best options if you are looking for durability, easy maintenance, and good looks. However, like every other flooring option, vinyl isn’t perfect. It may be more appropriate for some homeowners than others. The Pros of Vinyl Flooring

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

October 18, 2022

Glencar appointed by Baytree for major new 1 million sq ft sustainable logistics facility in Nuneaton

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Site which will consist of two warehouses of 771,000 and 210,000 sq ft is being developed by leading logistics developer Baytree Logistics Developments and is pre-let to logistics specialist Rhenus Glencar Construction has today announced that it has been appointed by leading logistics development company Baytree Logistics Developments to develop a major new 1 million square foot sustainable logistics development pre-let to logistics specialist Rhenus at a site in Nuneaton in the West Midlands. The site will consist of two warehouses, totalling one million square feet. The first warehouse is due to complete by the end of this year and will be 210,000 square feet. The second, which is due to complete in early 2023, will be 771,000 square feet. Upon completion, the development will be known as the ‘Rhenus Campus’ and be the equivalent of 36 football pitches. The state-of-the-art, sustainable warehouses will offer a wide range of warehousing and distribution services to Rhenus’s diverse customer base. As such they will benefit from the latest in robotics, AI and warehouse management systems to provide flexible solutions and control of the supply chain. In addition, the development will feature the very latest digital technology and upon completion the development will be certified BREEAM Outstanding. Solar panels will be installed on the roof to provide solar energy and air source heat pumps will be installed, additionally the car park will be equipped with electric car charging points. The site will become home to numerous trees, log piles, bees, bat and bird boxes, as well as a pond and wildflower grassland and meadow, which will support biodiversity. Employee allotments, outdoor seating areas, sports facilities and a walking track will also be installed, providing staff with green, open spaces for them to enjoy outside of work. Speaking about the development Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North Pete Goodman said: ”So soon after completing our first project for Baytree in Milton Keynes at their incredible Fenny lock scheme we are absolutely delighted to receive this second instruction and to be delivering another stand out sustainable logistics development. Baytree are leading the way in terms of the technological, social, and environmental aspects of next generation sustainable logistics developments and we as partners are incredibly pleased to be partnering in this regard. As a result, Glencar is developing a profound understanding of the circular economy and ‘cradle to cradle’ principles in terms of future material usage and return to best use without any compromise in quality. We are already making excellent progress and we look forward to seeing this building rapidly emerge out of the ground”. Also commenting, Jonathan Fenton Jones, Baytree Operations Director said: “It is invigorating for Baytree to play its part in creating this new development with Glencar for Rhenus which sets new benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility. Clearly, Rhenus care deeply about their people and the positive impacts which their enterprise will have for its customers and the wider community. It is the symbiosis of Rhenus’ business vision and values expressed within the built and natural environment which will make the Rhenus Campus in Nuneaton a beacon amongst its peers. Baytree is delighted to partner with Glencar once again as their trusted delivery partner for construction of the new Rhenus Campus development in Nuneaton”. Also commenting Kerry Delaney, Managing Director at Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Lutterworth, said: “We are very proud that construction has begun on our new warehouses at Baytree, Nuneaton, and to have celebrated this important milestone alongside our development partner Baytree. “The brand-new facility will reach the highest level of sustainability in warehousing, creating a site that’s environmentally diverse and that promotes happiness, health and well-being amongst our employees. At Rhenus, we put our people at the heart of all we do, and operating from a flexible space where they can boost their work life and mental health is hugely important to us. “This new site will allow us to more easily meet the demands of our growing business and attract new customers, whilst enabling us to deliver our high-quality, personalised service. More importantly, our new, sustainable warehouses can support our customers in achieving their own carbon-zero goals. “Every aspect of our warehouse environment, in terms of its carbon output, will be measured using the latest in digital technology. As all companies will need a plan to achieve a carbon-zero supply chain by 2045, Rhenus is perfectly positioned to help its customers document their own roadmap to deliver this. “We’re very excited about our business expansion and are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with Baytree throughout 2022 and beyond”

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Construction unemployment falls to lowest level since records began in 1995

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “At the height of the pandemic in 2020, almost 80,000 construction workers were jobless. However, new data shows that the situation has vastly improved in recent months, and the sector’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since records began in 1995.   “In fact, at 36,000 (June-August 2022), the number of people out of work in the industry is now less than half of what it was two years ago. It’s also 11,000 fewer than the last data period (May-July 2022), and down 27,000 year-on-year (YOY).  “Furthermore, job vacancies in the sector are on the rise, so the number of employed workers could increase further. Between July and September, there were 45,000 listings advertised, which was 1,000 more than the previous quarter, and 1,000 more than this time last year.  “Compared to 2021, there is seemingly more work available too, as the average number of hours worked each week is higher. Twelve months ago, construction employees typically did 36.1-hour weeks, but that has now risen to 36.3.  “Accordingly, earnings are also considerably greater. In construction, average weekly income now stands at £692, which is £29 higher than last year, while in the electricity, gas and water supply sector, weekly wages are now at £767, up £40 YOY.  “These pay increases must be interpreted in the context of the current Cost of Living crisis and rocketing inflation rates. The recent statistics indicate that salaries have increased approximately 4% vs. this time last year, however current inflation rates sit at around 9%. Tradespeople are fuelling Britain’s growth, and salaries must continue rising to help offset soaring living costs in order to attract more professionals to the sector. The new data suggests that the industry is in a fairly healthy position to be able to support its workforce moving forwards, however there’s still more to be done.”  For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/   For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/  

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Construction industry holds firm against challenging economic conditions but can it last?

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Monthly construction output increased by 0.4% in volume terms in August 2022, which is the second consecutive monthly growth following the upwardly revised increase to 0.1% in July 2022 Commenting on last weeks ONS Construction Output for August, Stuart Law, CEO of the Assetz Group, said: “This month’s data reveals an increase in monthly construction output, rising for the second time consecutively. The data suggests that the heatwave in July inhibited construction growth, but as the high temperatures cooled towards the end of August, activity started to increase again. However, looking forward as we move out of summer, we cannot ignore broader socio-economic and political ongoings that are likely to have a significant impact over the winter months. The construction sector is among the industries that will be the hardest hit by the challenging economic environment. “This is particularly significant for SMEs who are disproportionately impacted by exponential increases in the cost of materials, labour shortages, rising energy bills, supply chain issues and the looming threat of at least a modest recession driven by sharply rising interest rates. This instability is also aggravated by uncertainty in economic policy that has often failed to prioritise small and medium sized businesses. As a result, we do expect construction to slow materially into 2023 as this combination of further factors comes to bear on the market. “While we have seen the UK construction industry welcome the new Energy Bill Relief Scheme from 1 October, the pressure will be on the Government to uphold long-term support for the sector in the face of steadily rising energy bills. “Whilst macro-economic conditions can’t be easily solved, a key solution to this is supporting SMEs through innovative funding solutions so they can properly play their part in boosting construction, and most importantly, meeting the urgent need for new homes as we face a housing crisis in the UK. SMEs are agile and favourable when it comes to sustainable growth in the construction sector and through revitalising the SME sector, we can support companies that are pioneering innovative construction methods. “Intervention couldn’t be more needed, particularly as high street banks are visibly pulling back funding due to decreasing risk appetite. Private investors already play a huge part in stimulating and mobilising the SME sector, but we need to consider the future of construction carefully and private investment needs to play a bigger part of supporting the sector going forward.”

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Despite a backdrop of industry talent shortages, apprenticeships are thriving at Polypipe Building Services

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

With 266,000 extra workers needed within the construction sector by 2026 according to the Construction Industry Training Board, employers are being urged to use apprenticeships as a vehicle to home grow the people they need – a tactic that is reaping dividends for Polypipe Building Services. The Kent-based drainage system company has found success using apprenticeships not only as a means of attracting new talent into the company and giving people their first step on the career ladder, but also to support staff looking to upskill or change roles. Luke Pollington and Kim Gleadhill are among 12 apprentices currently at Polypipe Building Services, after the company began taking on apprentices to drive a transfer of skills and knowledge which support the growth of the business.  Luke began working at Polypipe Building Services in 2019. Having recently left university where he studied Business Studies and Marketing, he’d never considered that construction would offer him a role in digital marketing. He said: “Working here has changed my view of construction, as I never thought something like drainage would involve subjects like Building Information Modelling (BIM) or Research and Development (R&D) and I’ve found it really interesting.  “On the digital side it’s opened my eyes in terms of how different learning the theory has been to actually doing it in practice. When you apply it in the real world there’s so much more to think about and having a team around to help you makes a difference.  Kim Gleadhill decided to make a career switch following lockdown moving across to Polypipe Building Services from the water industry as an HR & Payroll Coordinator. She attends college one evening a week and has a half day a week devoted to her studies to complete her HR apprenticeship and diploma course. She said: “Training is supported here and there is a learning culture. I began my course in January and I get a lot out of studying, as there are 10-15 other women on the course and we talk about the different ways of doing things which helps you to look at things differently and not get too set in your way of doing things.” Andy Cullum, managing director at Polypipe Building Services said investment in people is key to growth and success at the company, as well as being essential to retention and in creating a workplace culture that recognises and values new ideas. He said: “We are a proud member of The Genuit Group 5% Club – which means we aim to have at least 5% of our workforce in sponsored training, graduate schemes or apprenticeships at all times. “Apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to foster a culture of continuous development through a mixture of on the job training and a structured college courses which allows people to apply their skills as they learn them.  “Not only does it help our employees feel valued and more confident in their work, but as a business it helps us to maintain high standards, as well as develop and grow from the fresh ideas they bring back to Polypipe.” For more information about careers at Polypipe Building Services go to https://www.polypipe.com/careers-hub

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Progress Housing Group celebrates the positive impact it’s helping to make on the lives of people and communities across the country

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

A Lancashire not-for-profit housing association has invested £24.8m to provide affordable homes as part of its ongoing work to tackle the current social housing crisis. With a commitment to support the local community, Progress Housing Group has pledged to provide 1,000 affordable new homes by 2024, with 226 homes built last financial year. Recognising the necessity for a variety of affordable housing to reflect the needs of its tenants, 122 of these homes were for affordable rent, 69 for shared ownership, and 35 were supported living properties for people living with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Jacqui De-Rose, Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, said: “We are on course and hope to meet our target. This financial year we invested £24.8 million into the development of new homes, with £4.4 million coming from government grants. “We have been working in partnership with Onward Homes to secure Strategic Partnership Grant funding from Homes England to support the delivery of 600 affordable homes by March 2026″.” Building homes is not the Group’s only focus, as it pledges to create a positive impact on its residents and the neighbourhoods where they live. Through this work, the Group has been named Corporate Fundraiser of the Year at the North West Employee Experience Group Awards. Mrs De-Rose added: “We believe housing associations have a wider role in society. We are committed to creating opportunities for people through access to personal and career development, and we have supported 304 people into training or employment through our Project Futures scheme. “We have also continued to work closely with communities across the country. “We invested £73,197 in supporting local groups and projects and activities at a number of our RWP supported living schemes. Projects have included a sensory garden, a pop-up Caribbean Carnival, digital engagement, youth activities, support for young carers, and activities for older people”. The Group has also carried out social value work, enabling its contractors and other suppliers to make a real difference. This has included community clean-up days, supporting a food bank, and sponsoring the Typhoon’s inclusive rugby club. With the cost of living crisis unfolding, Progress Housing Group remains steadfast in providing help for tenants who are struggling to manage their money or pay their rent. During the last financial year, the Group’s Financial Inclusion Team has helped 136 people increase their income by a total of £282,705. The Group has also created opportunities for 2,892 people to become more independent through its charity Key Unlocking Futures. Mrs De-Rose added: “We recognise that to make our communities great places to live, we need to help people achieve their aspirations and improve their prospects. Our Key Unlocking Futures team has been an integral force in achieving this. As well as securing accommodation, they have also been providing people at risk of losing their homes with vital advice on finding employment; and have provided family mediation sessions and budgeting support.” Progress Housing Group’s full annual report can be found on its website: https://www.progressgroup.org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-performing/annual-reports/corporate-annual-reports/

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Mace Appointed Contractor for Sky Forest Office

Mace appointed contractor for sky forest office

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2022

Mace has been appointed the main contractor by Investor Fabrix to deliver the 430,000 sq ft next-gen HQ office building, Roots in the Sky, in Southwark. Erith has been selected as the enabling works contractor. Mace will deliver the main contract for this innovative, net zero reimagining of the former Blackfriars Crown Court into an office space. Erith will deliver the basement box and demolition works as part of the two-stage construction process. The start on site date has been set for January 2023. Roots in the Sky will provide over 280,000 sq ft of net lettable area alongside 46,000 sq ft of external terraces, including a fully publicly accessible garden and the UK’s first rooftop urban forest. The appointment is a major milestone in the delivery of this transformational scheme designed to reinvent what a progressive and sustainable HQ office can be. The all-electric building will be net zero carbon in both construction and operation and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum and NABERS 5. Designed by Sheppard Robson, the building delivers much-needed highly sustainable, quality office space, with unprecedented access to nature and community, at a time when occupiers are asking for more from their buildings. The design reintroduces original features of the 1950s building through its façade retention, such as opening sash windows, which flood the spacious workspaces and six-storey atrium with light. Generous floor-to-ceiling heights of between 3.5 and 6.8 meters provide all-important volume, essential for the modern office.Natural influences inform the design of the interiors and finishes throughout, in keeping with the 1.4-acre urban forest on the roof of the building. Fabrix is working with RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning landscape architect Harris Bugg Studio to introduce 125 trees and 10,000 plants, building a genuinely biodiverse space for occupiers and the wider community to enjoy. Local fauna will be introduced, including stag beetles, to support the establishment of an authentic ecosystem. The highest value part of the building, the section of the rooftop with views of the City of London and the Shard, will be fully open for the community. Local people and the general public will have their own dedicated entrance and be able to enjoy the gardens, get involved in planting with access to potting sheds and seedbanks, and relax over a coffee or host events in the 3,000 sq ft community barn. Circular economy principles have been prioritised in the design of the project. The structural solution incorporates reclaimed steel salvaged from a building being demolished in the City of London. Using reclaimed steel is 80% less carbon intensive than recycled steel. As a pioneer of ‘urban-mining’, Fabrix is the first UK developer ever to purchase second-hand steel for structural reuse. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News

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Fieldhouse Refurbished into Station Apartments

Fieldhouse Refurbished into Station Apartments

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2022

Kirklees Council has approved a £2.38 million grant to refurbish Fieldhouse into Station Apartments. Fieldhouse is a four-storey building which stands opposite Dewsbury Railway Station, in the area around Daisy Hill and Bond Street. The council plans to create a new neighbourhood around Daisy Hill, made up of homes which are both excellent quality and affordable to rent or buy. Once completed, the neighbourhood will feature both new buildings and converted ones. The plans will give Fieldhouse – and other buildings – a new purpose and lease of life, and will future-proof some of Dewsbury’s beautiful historic architecture for future generations. Fieldhouse itself will be the flagship of the development, transformed into 23 spacious apartments and commercial space. Once finished, the building will be known as Station Apartments. “There’s a growing need for quality, affordable housing, not just in Kirklees but nationally. To address this, we don’t just want to keep building new homes – we want to make the most of the beautiful structures we already have,” said Councillor Eric Firth, Cabinet Member for Transport and Dewsbury Ward Councillor. “This project, like others across Kirklees, isn’t just about tackling our housing shortage. It’s also about future-proofing our great historic buildings, giving them a new lease of life, and maintaining that personality in our town centres. Fieldhouse is the flagship of our development at Daisy Hill, which will be a turning point for Dewsbury as a living town and a major milestone in our Dewsbury Blueprint.” The aim of the neighbourhood is to create a type of residential development that doesn’t currently exist in Dewsbury. The plans will drive more spending in the town centre, supporting local retailers and boosting Dewsbury’s economy. Fieldhouse is perfectly situated – central, and just opposite the train station. It’s a particularly fantastic location to make the most of Dewsbury’s excellent transport connections, which make it a great commuter town. Fieldhouse is also a Grade II* Listed building, part of the Dewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area and the Dewsbury Heritage Action Zone (HAZ). The area was awarded HAZ status in 2017. The developer plans to start construction work in November this year. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News

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Panattoni secures 630,000 sq ft pre-let to Alliance Automotive Group in Rotherham

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has signed a pre-lease agreement with Alliance Automotive Group (“AAG”), a leading distributor of passenger and commercial vehicle parts, with significant international brands such as NAPA, BOSCH, Apec and FPS for a 630,000 sq ft facility at Panattoni Park Rotherham. AAG has signed a 25-year lease for the facility, which will be one of the largest-ever speculative logistics buildings in the north of England. Construction of the facility along with a smaller 80,000 sq ft unit, has just begun, with completion expected in August 2023. They will be built to a minimum BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. The Park is located next to junction 1 of the M18 at Rotherham, the 40-acre Panattoni Park Rotherham bridges the last mile to the 1.4 million consumers of the Sheffield city region. Dan Burn, Head of Development, North West &Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “This major pre-let to AAG endorses our continuing commitment to a significant speculative development programme across the UK and our continued confidence in the logistics sector.  We look forward to working with AAG over the coming months as we bring significant investment and employment opportunities to Rotherham”. Steve Richardson, AAG’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Panattoni to secure this new facility for our FPS business. We’ve experienced significant growth since acquiring FPS in 2016 and this investment not only allows us to consolidate our three existing facilities in Sheffield, but also forms part of our wider programme to strengthen our distribution infrastructure to ensure we are prepared for future growth. “This will be a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility, integrating best-in-class logistics operations with advanced technologies to put us at the forefront of aftermarket distribution.  As we move forward customers can expect an even wider product offering alongside market leading service and support. It’s an exciting next step in our journey and we expect the new facility to be operational in the first quarter of 2025”. Letting agents are M1 Agency, Legat Owen and Knight Frank.

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Measuring the pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Lisa Pollinger October 18, 2022

Vinyl flooring doesn’t pose many disadvantages. In fact, it is one of the best options if you are looking for durability, easy maintenance, and good looks. However, like every other flooring option, vinyl isn’t perfect. It may be more appropriate for some homeowners than others. The Pros of Vinyl Flooring Affordability This is perhaps the biggest benefit of vinyl flooring. Compared to wood and tiles, the upfront cost is pretty low. You can spend less than $1 per square foot on the lower end. Even though rigid core vinyl planks are more expensive, their average price per square foot is lower than alternative flooring types. Hardwood flooring or carpet, for example, can cost up to double the price of vinyl. Variety of Finishes Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of beautiful finishes to suit different needs. The floors are available in traditional and modern designs, including hardwood, stone, and marble imitations. You can also choose from abstract patterns and motifs for modern and contemporary rooms. Scratch-Resistance Vinyl planks are scratch-resistant. They are hard to damage because of the resistant wear layer. Unlike hardwood which exhibits dings and dents after years of use, vinyl will look great for a long time. Durability With proper maintenance, quality vinyl flooring options can last very long. It can last much longer than hardwood and certainly longer than carpet. Vinyl flooring requires little upkeep to stay in good condition for a long time. This is the sort of flooring where less is more regarding maintenance. You don’t need to use any expensive cleaning supplies. Most detergents and waxes can harm the material. Simply use a homemade mixture of hot water and white vinegar to clean your floors. Alternatively, you could mop the surface with a cleaner for vinyl flooring. Great for Pets and Kids Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice if you have children or pets. Even though it isn’t always fully waterproof, all types of vinyl are water-resistant. You don’t need to worry about accidental messes and spills staining your floor. You can simply clean with a mop or vacuum. Comfortable On Your Feet Vinyl flooring is softer and easier to walk on than hardwood or tile, even though it isn’t as comfortable as carpet. This is a significant advantage, especially if you want to put new flooring where people need to stand for extended periods. The ability of the material to maintain room temperature is another benefit in terms of comfort. Simply turn on the central heating, and your vinyl floor will feel reasonably warm to the touch. This perk is especially significant if you enjoy being barefoot inside your home, even during the cooler months. They Can Look Like Anything One of the best things about vinyl flooring is that it can be customized to look like anything you want. Your selections are obviously limited to what the manufacturer has to offer. However, you can always find something for your space. Would you like your vinyl planks to resemble natural wood? Do you want them to look like stone, wood, or a huge flower? You can have whatever you want. The Cons of Vinyl Flooring The benefits of vinyl flooring are undeniable. It is inexpensive, looks like natural wood, and comes in various styles. However, this flooring isn’t for everyone. Here are a few disadvantages of vinyl flooring: In conclusion, vinyl flooring is ideal for modern homes or renovations on a budget. Depending on the type, this flooring can simulate real wood at a lower cost. Vinyl flooring is also simple to install and maintain. It might not be as durable as tile or have the same market value as hardwood, but you can still count on it to last for many years.

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