In a bid to drive growth for the city, Leeds Trinity University will be establishing a city centre location at a building on 1 Trevelyan Square. The University has secured a lease on the 57,000 square foot building, which is located just off Boar Lane in the heart of the
GMI Construction Group, one of the biggest privately owned construction companies in the UK, has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region. GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft
THE GOVERNMENT OF QATAR is investing millions of pounds in the expansion of the South Hook LNG terminal in Milford Haven, as the UK becomes more dependent on shipments of the liquefied fuel imported from abroad. To accommodate around 25% more liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from around the world,
LEADING MEP and sustainability consultancy CPW has partnered with developer Court Collaboration to deliver its most ambitious project to date – One Eastside, the tallest building in Birmingham and the city’s first ever skyscraper. Having secured funding work will now start on the 51-storey building, with a total height of
Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, said: “Borough finances remain in a critical condition. Before today’s statement from the chancellor we estimated a £700 million shortfall next year for councils in the capital, which means a bleak future for many of the local services our communities rely on. “Council
CITB ’s Chief Executive, Tim Balcon said: “Construction employers are facing rising energy bills and materials costs and they need confidence in the future pipeline of work and support to train through challenging market conditions. “We will do everything we can to support the construction industry so companies can continue to
Following on from the delivery of a 100Te gas turbine rotor to Saltend Power Station, Hull, the Collett Team were once again appointed by Expeditors to undertake transport of the original turbine. The Saltend CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Power Station generates power efficiently using exhaust heat from the gas
You can use a real estate phone system to control and automate your organization’s telephony features. This includes functions like call queuing, voicemail, call routing, and call recording, among others. Real estate professionals can use these systems to streamline their workflow. Numerous functions of the best phone systems for real
Boosting efficiency offers benefits for business owners across all industries. If you run a construction firm, it’s advantageous to take steps to iron out inefficiencies, streamline processes and increase productivity. This guide highlights effective ways to build a more efficient construction company. Review and update technology and machinery Technology is
In a bid to drive growth for the city, Leeds Trinity University will be establishing a city centre location at a building on 1 Trevelyan Square. The University has secured a lease on the 57,000 square foot building, which is located just off Boar Lane in the heart of the city, subject to a ‘change of use’ planning application. Despite the announcement of the new building, Leeds Trinity’s campus in Horsforth, located just six miles from Leeds, will continue to be central to its offer – including new programmes in Nursing and Biomedical Science, which are being designed to respond to key public sector workforce needs in the City Region. “I am delighted to confirm that we are at the early stages of establishing a city centre location at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, to complement our campus in Horsforth. Colleagues involved in this process have been hugely impressed by the potential of the building, the opportunities it will provide for our future students, and our ability to align with city-based partners and businesses as a career-led university,” said Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University. “Leeds Trinity remains fully committed to Horsforth, which will continue to offer students a supportive and engaging experience. Overall, this is a significant investment by the university, which will support our strategic ambitions to drive growth.” The plan to establish a city centre base is part of Leeds Trinity University’s growth ambitions, set out in its Strategic Plan 2021-26, which is underpinned by increasing engagement in the Leeds City Region. A city base to complement its existing campus in Horsforth will enable the University to work more closely with key partners and employers to bring new opportunities for its students, contribute to the continued growth of Leeds city centre and support demand for skills. In addition, by refurbishing an existing building, the University is seeking to contribute to sustainable development in the city centre. This comes as Leeds Trinity University has been ranked top for student experience in Yorkshire and the Humber and second for teaching quality in the region, in The Times and Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2023. Nationally, the institution was placed 18th in the UK for student experience and joint 24th for teaching quality, reflecting high rates of student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (NSS). Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group, one of the biggest privately owned construction companies in the UK, has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region. GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft logistics warehouse for St. Modwen Logistics in Birmingham and a retail park in Tamworth boasting brands such as Lidl and B&M. In Derby, work has commenced on the Becketwell development – the most significant development in Derby city centre since 2007 – which will see the completion of a GMI-built Build to Rent apartment block in 2023. GMI will also complete a bottling plant for a German client at Dove Valley, Foston, by December 2022. As part of its investment in the West Midlands, GMI has commenced build on various sites in Birmingham, including the development of a 102-unit residential project in the Jewellery Quarter, the regeneration of the former James Cond building for University College Birmingham and the development of a new student accommodation in Selly Oak. It has also recently completed a logistics warehouse for fashion retailer, ASOS, in Lichfield. Andy Bruce, Divisional Managing Director at GMI, said: “The Midlands is a big area with even bigger potential and, as we continue to invest in the region, it’s expected to become our largest UK division. “As we further grow our pipeline of work in the Midlands, we will be collaborating with likeminded, forward-thinking organisations that align with our key purposes of sustainability and supporting the next generation of workers. “It’s an exciting time for the Midlands and we’re committed to supporting the region to grow and thrive in the future, mirroring the ambitions of the Midlands Engine to create positive change.” To find out more about GMI, please visit: www.gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk.
THE GOVERNMENT OF QATAR is investing millions of pounds in the expansion of the South Hook LNG terminal in Milford Haven, as the UK becomes more dependent on shipments of the liquefied fuel imported from abroad. To accommodate around 25% more liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from around the world, Qatar is upgrading to meet demand. ExxonMobil is also making a significant investments to help increase the capacity of the South Hook. Prices for fuel have skyrocketed as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prompting the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe to scramble for a deal securement with the world’s biggest LNG exporter, Qatar. After the Cop27 climate change summit in Egypt, UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to make a significant supply announcement with the United States, the Telegraph revealed. The two major players in the global LNG industry are Qatar and the US. The development of the $10 billion new Golden Pass terminal in the US, which is scheduled to open in 2024 and is anticipated to export to the UK, is being carried out in tandem with the investment in South Hook LNG by state-owned QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil. In recent years, the UK has relied more and more on LNG, despite previously vilifying gas producers and pushing for an urgent end to fossil fuel production. Approximately 17% of the UK’s gas demand was met internally in 2021, with its significance expected to increase as output from the ageing North Sea declines. In the midst of an LNG market boom, Qatar and relevant partners completed the South Hook terminal in 2009. The terminal is one of three UK LNG facilities, with the other two in Kent and Wales, respectively. The processing capacity of the station is 15.6 million tonnes of gas per year, or, according to the proprietors, nearly 20% of the UK’s annual gas demand. One of the largest in Europe, the terminal is already. Analysts believe that Qatar’s plan to extend South Hook’s capacity to over 20 million tonnes of gas annually might cost hundreds of millions of pounds. Midway through 2025 is the anticipated completion date. The US and Qatar are both already major LNG suppliers to the UK. 51 of the 175 shipments made to the UK between January and September originated from Qatar and 81 from the US, S&P Global Platts data detailed. This year, the UK has received significantly more international cargoes than usual because it serves as a “gas bridge” to Europe, which is rushing to replace Russian supplies but does not yet have sufficient import infrastructure, the UK Government said. A spokesperson for South Hook LNG in Milford Haven has confirmed there are plans to expand the facility by July 2025. “Our shareholders have taken a positive final investment decision to increase the Terminal’s re-delivery capacity to 812.5GWh/d.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING MEP and sustainability consultancy CPW has partnered with developer Court Collaboration to deliver its most ambitious project to date – One Eastside, the tallest building in Birmingham and the city’s first ever skyscraper. Having secured funding work will now start on the 51-storey building, with a total height of 155.1 metres, building on CPW’s experience with tall residential builds. The consultancy was awarded the contract in 2018 and is delivering mechanical, engineering, and plumbing services, along with advising on sustainable approaches. CPW developed the energy and embodied carbon strategies, ensuring environmental considerations were top of the agenda. Formerly a chemical engineering teaching facility for Birmingham Metropolitan College, One Eastside is a landmark regeneration of a brownfield site vacant for many years and is just a stone’s throw away from Curzon Street station, part of the £1billion HS2 development, expected to complete in 2026. Designing a build to rent tower of this height presents a range of challenges, in particular when considering fire prevention and ventilation. Led by associate director, Paul Titmus, and drawing on extensive experience in the industry, CPW were able to advise the developer of best practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the end tenants. The physical height of the building also meant engaging with the Civil Aviation Authority and Birmingham Airport to raise the height of the Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) for the whole of Birmingham. Paul said: “The project has taken four years to reach this stage, so we are delighted to continue our involvement in the next stage of this landmark building’s development. One Eastside firmly puts CPW on the map and we’re really proud to be working alongside Court Collaboration to bring this vision to life. “The development will have a hugely positive impact on the area and will remain a very visible addition to Birmingham’s skyline; it’s a testament to where the city is headed in the future.” Local people will benefit for the development thanks to its proximity to the new station, with HS2 connecting Birmingham and London in under an hour. Residents at One Eastside will be just minutes’ walk from the city centre and all the amenities on offer, likewise businesses will benefit from increased footfall in the area, plus more students from several local universities drawn to the area’s renewed vibrancy. Alex Neale from Court Collaboration said: “For us, it was the obvious choice to partner with CPW – they have long been a trusted partner to Court Collaboration and bring a wealth of experience managing and delivering residential developments, including tall towers. “The CPW team, led expertly by Paul Titmus, were able to provide solutions-driven advice and were able to respond quickly and capably to the requirements of this unique project. As a company, we like to work with local teams wherever possible, as this brings an added sense of pride in working on projects that showcase our cities and showcases what can be achieved by teams living and working in the area.” One Eastside is expected to complete by Q3 2026. For further information on CPW visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. For further information on Court Collaboration visit www.courtcollaboration.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, said: “Borough finances remain in a critical condition. Before today’s statement from the chancellor we estimated a £700 million shortfall next year for councils in the capital, which means a bleak future for many of the local services our communities rely on. “Council tax is not the answer to the inadequate funding we’re grappling with. Council tax rises during a cost-of-living crisis are extremely difficult for the struggling households we’re determined to support. But even if council tax goes up, it could never plug that £700m funding gap. “Boroughs need proper investment from the government. Just as ministers worked in partnership with councils during the Covid-19 pandemic, we now require similar support in the face of the current economic emergency. We stand ready to work together in finding a sustainable solution that protects local services, helps Londoners through cost-of-living pressures, and secures the economic growth we all want to see.” London Councils’ analysis ahead of the Autumn Statement showed boroughs in the capital face a funding gap of £400m this year (2022-23) and £700m next year (2023-24). Local authorities are highly dependent on central government funding and there are no realistic options for boroughs to raise the £700m through other means. If boroughs were to try generating the £700m from London’s council taxpayers, council tax bills would need to rise by around 18%. There are strict legal limits on local authorities raising council tax. Before the changes announced by the chancellor at the Autumn Statement, London boroughs could only raise council tax by 2.99% and would need to hold a referendum to go above that. London Councils’ calculation of a £700m funding shortfall next year already factors in an anticipated increase in council tax revenue. The cross-party group estimates that the government permitting council tax increases of 5% could still only close the gap by £80m, if boroughs chose the new maximum increase. London Councils wants to see significant reform of local government finance so that boroughs have more resource-raising flexibilities and are less reliant on central government funds and council tax. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CITB ’s Chief Executive, Tim Balcon said: “Construction employers are facing rising energy bills and materials costs and they need confidence in the future pipeline of work and support to train through challenging market conditions. “We will do everything we can to support the construction industry so companies can continue to have the confidence to invest in skills. “CITB has simplified the process for SMEs and sole traders to take on an apprentice and our New Entrant Employer Support team has placed 200 apprentices in the north of England alone since September. This scheme is being rolled out nationwide from January to provide employers the training support they need in this tough environment. “We also look forward to working with the newly appointed Adviser on Skills Reform, Sir Michael Barber in his review to improve prospects for school leavers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals Building Design & Construction magazine is constantly at the forefront of this fast-moving and dynamic industry. With sound journalism and up-to-date news and reaction to the stories that are affecting your industry today, BDC magazine keeps you one step ahead. For nearly 20 years, BDC has been the go-to resource for business professionals in the industry. With its contemporary design, a news section packed with current events, interviews with the trade’s top professionals, and in-depth case studies on leading businesses, the magazine puts you in touch with the developments of your industry. It’s our business to help your business.
Following on from the delivery of a 100Te gas turbine rotor to Saltend Power Station, Hull, the Collett Team were once again appointed by Expeditors to undertake transport of the original turbine. The Saltend CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Power Station generates power efficiently using exhaust heat from the gas turbine to produce steam which, in turn, drives a steam turbine on the same shaft, increasing the energy output of each generating unit and producing more power for less fuel. The Collett Team, on behalf of Expeditors, were tasked with this two-stage project, firstly delivering a new 100 Tonne gas turbine rotor to the CHP station, before removing the old module to allow for refurbishment. Having undertaken the delivery and positioning of the new 100 Tonne gas turbine rotor from the Antonov 124 aircraft at Doncaster Airport the previous month, the original unit remained in storage at the power station awaiting transport and transshipment overseas. With the new turbine now in position and operational, our Team were on hand to begin stage two of the project, to extract and remove the old turbine rotor from the power station site. Stored on stools since its removal, we arrived on site ready to load the cargo. Utilising a 12-axle drawbar trailer, our Transport Team reversed directly under the module before employing the hydraulic capabilities of the trailer to raise the trailer bed. This, in turn, lifted the 100 Tonne turbine free of the support stools, loading directly to the trailer. Once secured, the cargo left Saltend Power Station, under escort, for the short journey to our Goole Heavy Lift depot for secure weekend storage. As Monday morning arrived, the loaded cargo took to the road again. Continuing to travel under escort, the convoy made the short 50-mile journey to the CLdN Terminal at North Killingholme, north-west of Grimsby, ready for short sea shipping to Rotterdam. Still loaded to a 8×4 MAN TGX equipped with a drawbar 12 row trailer, and accompanied by the driver and steersman, the gas turbine rotor arrived at the Port of Rotterdam. After rolling off the CLdN vessel, the cargo was then transshipped from the trailer by 500Te mobile crane for onward shipment to Antwerp. With all transshipment operations complete, the our Team hopped back on the ferry, returning to Goole and completing stage two of the Saltend Power Station project.
You can use a real estate phone system to control and automate your organization’s telephony features. This includes functions like call queuing, voicemail, call routing, and call recording, among others. Real estate professionals can use these systems to streamline their workflow. Numerous functions of the best phone systems for real estate agents are used to boost client satisfaction in the professional setting and to simplify communication between clients and property owners. Real estate companies use various phone systems based on their technology and operational needs. Types of Phone Systems for Realtors You need the best phone system that fits your budget and is simple to install for your real estate firm. You should also be aware of the practical phone systems that meet all your communication needs. Here are a few examples: Voice over Internet Protocol Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to place calls using your current internet connection. It also provides a wealth of cutting-edge calling functions. VoIP service providers can turn audio into digital data and transmit them to the customer. The calls are forwarded via the Public Switched Telephone Network by a Voice over IP provider. This is possible with broadband internet connections via cable or fiber in milliseconds. With VoIP, small businesses may obtain all the best mobile capabilities for a fraction of the price. VoIP has characteristics that are superior to landlines. A VoIP business phone for real estate professionals is ideal if you want more control over the calling experience in your real estate firm. Private Branch Exchange PBX is used by the majority of phone systems meant for real estate. Real estate owners and clients can communicate with one another thanks to a PBX system, which is a private telephone network. PBX is a hardware component that cooperates with other parts to allow connectivity to the phone network. It serves as the internal phone network for a real estate firm and controls the call scheduling and calling functionality for both incoming and outgoing calls. Session Initiation Protocol SIP is among the specialized communication protocols used by VoIP technology to govern multimedia connection sessions, such as audio and video conversations. It transmits the messages exchanged between the parties and regulates the start and end of your real estate transaction, among other crucial aspects of a conversation. Ways a Phone System Can Benefit Your Real Estate Firm Here are some ways a phone system can help your organization grow: Offers Employees Flexibility When using a real estate phone system, employees can easily access their phone from any compatible device, such as a notebook, tablet, or smartphone, and make and take calls just like they were in the office. They won’t have to stress about missing a crucial call or text and will be free to go anywhere they need to. They can display properties, meet prospective clients, and communicate with landlords and developers as long as your phone system is flawless. Additionally, they will offer top-notch customer service. Simplifies Communications in Business You’ll have easier access to your company’s communications if you move to a business phone system. It will consolidate your communications whether you need specific functions, like call history or teamwork tools, including online meetings and teleconference services. Instead of using a patchwork of tools that occasionally function well together, you may concentrate on one simple solution with components designed to work together. You can also gain access to new features that consumer phone lines aren’t using by converting to a business phone system. Makes Your Firm Look Professional Regardless of your real estate company size, you should conduct yourself professionally. And for that, a cloud corporate phone system might be quite useful. Keep records of your client’s demands by using professional voicemail and call alerts or easy call forwarding. Delivering exceptional and adaptable customer service is made simpler and more practical for you by business phone features like hold music and call forwarding to several extensions. Your communication system will be stressed as your real estate firm grows. Your firm will have access to the necessary functionality, flexibility, and security with a business phone system. Additionally, it provides employees with the tools they need to stay in touch and put in more effort to expand your business. It accomplishes this by facilitating smoother operations and simplifying their lives. Using business phone systems, users can develop expert client relationships that benefit the entire company and increase profitable sales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boosting efficiency offers benefits for business owners across all industries. If you run a construction firm, it’s advantageous to take steps to iron out inefficiencies, streamline processes and increase productivity. This guide highlights effective ways to build a more efficient construction company. Review and update technology and machinery Technology is advancing at lightning speed, offering business owners new opportunities. It’s not always possible to invest in every innovation, but it is beneficial for company bosses to review and update technology periodically. New technology can enhance operations and improve performance while saving time and money. In some cases, upgrading tech can also help building companies to diversify services and gain a competitive advantage. Carry out annual audits and research developments. Identify opportunities that are relevant to your key business objectives and focus on cost-effective tech that will make a positive difference to your employees and your customers. One essential aspect of tech updates is embracing construction budget software. This software ensures accurate financial planning by automating calculations, minimizing the risk of errors in budget estimates. Real-time updates and collaboration features facilitate instant access to the latest budget information, fostering effective communication among team members. The software’s ability to track and monitor costs throughout the project lifecycle enhances decision-making by comparing actual costs against budgets and identifying areas for optimization. Moreover, construction budget software contributes to resource optimization by analysing historical data and project trends, leading to more efficient resource management. Work with other businesses Outsourcing and business partnerships have become increasingly commonplace in recent years. In industries like construction, where many workers are self-employed, workforces are more fluid and flexible and projects involve multiple components and teams, it’s beneficial to work with other businesses and recognise the potential benefits of outsourcing. Teaming up with other companies and hiring agencies that specialise in specific jobs or areas can optimise outcomes and increase efficiency. From hiring expert machinery movers and companies that provide portable toilets to working with designers and roofing and plumbing businesses, it’s often advantageous to create contact networks. Search for reputable agencies that have experience within the industry, read client reviews and testimonials and meet with representatives. Outsourcing offers an alternative to recruiting employees and it can help business owners to access skills they don’t have in-house and save time. If you’re looking to attract new customers and raise brand awareness, for example, you might want to consider outsourcing digital marketing. If you don’t have an accounts department or an IT team, outsourcing accounting and IT support is a good idea. Use data and analytics Business owners have access to more data than ever before. Collecting and analysing data offers a raft of benefits for construction companies. Using analytics and feedback, you can monitor market trends and identify new opportunities and learn more about your customers and target clients. You can also use data to make decisions rather than acting on thoughts or impressions and you can highlight strengths and weaknesses. Another key benefit of analytics and data collection in the construction sector is highlighting transparency. In a society where reviews are increasingly influential, it’s crucial to be able to back up claims and deliver on promises. Accurate, up-to-date data enables company owners and project managers to analyse portfolios and projects continuously and provide customers and partners with facts and figures. Construction budget software integrates data analytics to enhance project management. These tools analyse performance metrics such as budget adherence, cost overruns, and resource efficiency, providing valuable insights into project health. Utilizing historical data, the systems perform trend analysis, aiding in pattern identification and informed decision-making. The software facilitates cost variance analysis by comparing actual costs with budgeted amounts, highlighting areas for adjustment or cost-saving opportunities. Resource optimization is achieved by analysing usage patterns across project phases, enhancing overall efficiency. Analytics capabilities also extend to risk assessment, identifying potential risks and supporting the development of mitigation strategies. Customizable reports and dashboards visualise key performance indicators and project status, fostering effective communication and decision-making. Increasing productivity Increasing productivity is closely linked to boosting efficiency. There are two key factors to consider when discussing the productivity of construction firms: the workforce and the role of machinery and technology. Investing in new technology and taking advantage of innovative, efficient machinery, systems, software and vehicles can make a huge difference to output and save a substantial amount of time and money. It’s also critical to invest time and effort into the workforce. Low morale can impact productivity, damage business reputation and increase the risks of delays and setbacks. To encourage productivity within your team, it’s essential to recognise the importance of looking after employees and motivating them to give every job their all. Reward loyalty, set competitive rates and salaries, communicate with your team and try to encourage progression and development. Establish clear objectives Confusion and a lack of clarity can contribute to inefficiency, mistakes and delays. If you run a business, you should establish clear company objectives and priorities and ensure that every member of staff is aware of business goals and targets. Outline individual objectives for each project and communicate openly with your team. Every member should be aware of their responsibilities as an individual worker and as part of the team. Issue instructions, double-check that everyone is aware of what they’re doing and update progress. Use software and project management tools to track performance and record updates and organise regular in-person or virtual meetings to bring different teams together. Efficiency is key in the construction industry. Optimising efficiency can save time and money and help you provide a superior service for your customers. To build a more efficient construction company, it’s advantageous to review and update technology regularly, work with other businesses and agencies and use data and analytics. Take steps to increase productivity and establish clear objectives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
