One of the North West’s fastest growing contractors, HMS, has signed a new £450 million repairs and maintenance contract with leading housing group, Torus. Part of Torus’ £1.2 billion Repairs and Maintenance Framework, HMS has been appointed to deliver a variety of reactive repairs and planned maintenance activities to Torus’
The market-leading temporary site service company WysePower, which emphasises the use of carbon-neutral building solutions, has been acquired by the RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. Founded as WysePlant in 1958, the company began by providing temporary electrics, hoists, cranes, cabins and general plant. Today, WysePower
The UK’s leading supplier of powered access for working at height, Nationwide Platforms, has recently announced a huge investment to add to its fleet of specialist vehicles for 2023. This significant investment follows a previous overhaul of 8% of the fleet in 2021 and looks set to ensure the supplier
Leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors, today released its review of the Scottish investment market for the final quarter of 2022, along with predictions for 2023. Simon Cusiter, Director of Lismore comments: “The speed and extent of the pricing correction that has taken place in the latter
Leading surface preparation specialist, National Flooring Equipment , will exhibit its entire range of products on its stand S11327 at World of Concrete (WOC) from January 17 to 19, 2023, in Las Vegas. The show will bring together more than 60,000 professionals from all sectors of the construction industry to
The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity is one step closer to fulfilling the dreams of children cared for at Rotherham Hospital thanks to a £5,000 donation from Keepmoat. The generous donation is a major boost for the charity’s Christmas fundraising appeal, which this year aimed to fund the redevelopment of the
When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you’d be able to do is to start researching for personal injury lawyers. However, if you’re considering hiring one, choosing someone with extensive experience and legal expertise is essential. Here are some crucial things to look for when choosing a
One of the North West’s fastest growing contractors, HMS, has signed a new £450 million repairs and maintenance contract with leading housing group, Torus. Part of Torus’ £1.2 billion Repairs and Maintenance Framework, HMS has been appointed to deliver a variety of reactive repairs and planned maintenance activities to Torus’ 40,000 homes for at least the next three years. The First Call Off Contract from the framework, HMS will deliver a range of Asset Management Services to Torus’ property portfolio across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire East and West, Wirral, West Lancashire and Wigan, HMS will head up a number of workstreams, including Responsive, Vacant home property repairs and Planned Maintenance, Facilities Management, Gas and Electrical Servicing and Estate Services. Expanding on HMS’ existing partnership with Torus, this latest iteration of its Repairs and Maintenance service will see the team continue futureproofing homes and creating safe, secure properties and neighbourhoods thanks to increased funding into the creation of a bigger network of tradespeople, suppliers and apprenticeships. Paul Worthington, Managing Director of HMS, said: “It’s fantastic to continue our work with Torus and act as their preferred supplier of all repairs and maintenance services. Being able to expand on the services we have delivered for the Group over the past three years is something we’re excited to continue as we have already recorded several successes for Torus and their customers over the years and know we are able to further exceed expectations. “Quality is central to how we deliver, as we constantly learn, improve and collaborate to ensure that Torus customers influence the repairs and maintenance services they ultimately receive. This iterative approach to delivery has seen us effectively mobilise multiple workstreams and grow alongside the Group, acting as a single provider of a number of vital services.” Continuing, Chief Operating Officer at the Torus Group, Cath Murray-Howard, said: “HMS have a great track record of delivering for our customers and we have numerous examples of how the team has gone above and beyond to support our communities. Their dedication to each one of our customers and our wider communities is evident and along with their passion for delivering award-winning services makes them the perfect delivery partner. “As a Group, Torus is committed to investing in its properties and ensuring every one of our tenants live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home – one that they and us at Torus can be proud of – so the launch of this framework and renewed partnership with HMS is something to be celebrated, having already seen so much progress to date, and we’re thrilled to begin works and see our investment come to life in the new Financial Year.” HMS will commence delivery of the new Repairs and Maintenance contract in April 2023 and the increased investment in all workstreams will see numerous career opportunities available for residents within our community. To find out more and stay up to date with current vacancies, please visit the HMS website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The market-leading temporary site service company WysePower, which emphasises the use of carbon-neutral building solutions, has been acquired by the RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. Founded as WysePlant in 1958, the company began by providing temporary electrics, hoists, cranes, cabins and general plant. Today, WysePower is the market leader in temporary site services, with more than 260 directly employed and qualified staff operating from eight regional UK offices, from Glasgow to Bristol, along with operations in five European countries delivered from its operational centre in Amsterdam. WysePower recorded an annual turnover of £28 million in the last financial year. WyseBase is part of the WysePower group and offers a carbon-neutral and cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete foundations for modular and building set-ups, as well as ground stabilisation and walkway solutions. This enables the installation of stacked cabins of various heights without breaking ground. In addition, the foundations are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable after use, which will save on average 1.66 tonnes of carbon for each tonne of concrete produced. Recent WysePower projects include data centres across the UK, Europe and Scandinavia, Gigafactories, HS2 works, Grade 1-listed buildings, expansive commercial and retail developments and a multitude of high-quality residential schemes. Managing Director Shawn Callaghan, who will continue to lead the business, said: “For more than 60 years, we have developed and maintained the trust and support of our clients, who appreciate the breadth of our service packages, the quality of our designs and installations and the dedication of our employees. We look forward to continuing this work, specialising in prestige projects and emerging market sectors, such as high-tech manufacturing, hyperscale data centres and major infrastructure projects while benefitting from the growth RSK can offer. This gives us the opportunity to enhance our project work and client relationships by working with a host of RSK businesses from the same or related sectors.” RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “I’m pleased to welcome WysePower and its 260 employees into RSK. Temporary site services remain in high demand despite the ongoing economic slowdown, and I expect this will only continue. Beyond this, WysePower is a great cultural fit in our group; the ethos and values of the business are very similar to those of the wider RSK family, so I have no doubt they will settle in quickly.” As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 175 companies, employing 10,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY22 is expected to be in excess of £800 million, more than double that of the previous year. The acquisition advisor was James Mines, Partner of FRP Advisory Trading Limited. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading supplier of powered access for working at height, Nationwide Platforms, has recently announced a huge investment to add to its fleet of specialist vehicles for 2023. This significant investment follows a previous overhaul of 8% of the fleet in 2021 and looks set to ensure the supplier sustains its place at the top of the powered access industry. This continued investment will ensure that Nationwide Platforms’ fleet serves the needs of its customers, delivering highly effective machines that are safe and reliable. Among the new machines are models supplied by the Finland-based Bronto Skylift, such as the Bronto T38 and the Bronto T56 with extended reach. Two more Bronto S35EM machines have also been ordered. Eight of these machines were ordered by Nationwide Platforms earlier in 2022, making them the first UK company to invest in the Bronto Skylift S35EM fitted on a Scania Chassis. Designed to provide a city-safe option for truck-mounted lifts, this cutting-edge machinery will make inner city work safer and more efficient. In addition, the purchase of over 20 3.5 tonne truck-mounted platforms between 21-26m will substantially contribute towards the ongoing diversification of Nationwide Platform’s fleet. After the investment the company will have over 220 3.5 tonne trucks. These new machines will allow Nationwide Platforms to cover the self-operated market, so that companies need not hire a licensed operator alongside the machine. “We’re looking to secure a more balanced split of both articulated and straight stick trucks with this investment. By diversifying our range in this way, we can cater to a much larger proportion of the powered access requirements in the industry, and make our clients that much happier in the process,” says Glenn Hall, Head of Sales at Nationwide Platforms. “During an economically turbulent time, many businesses are having to reconsider their investments and even pull out of the market. However, Nationwide Platforms is dedicated to meeting customer demand and providing long-term security no matter the circumstances. With this impressive investment, we will continue to supply multiple sectors with the best in cutting-edge machinery through-out 2023.” For more information on Nationwide Platforms please visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors, today released its review of the Scottish investment market for the final quarter of 2022, along with predictions for 2023. Simon Cusiter, Director of Lismore comments: “The speed and extent of the pricing correction that has taken place in the latter half of 2022 has caught even the most seasoned experts by surprise. However, as with most market shocks, there comes opportunity, and we predict continued demand across various sectors, in particular, prime PBSA and BTR. “In addition, retail warehousing still offers good value, particularly in urban locations, anchored by food/value retailers and with a drive-thru offering. The sharpest outward movement in pricing has been witnessed in offices and distribution, with the latter expected to find its level quickly, particularly around the central belt where we will see further rental growth.” Lismore Investor Research: These views are borne out by the latest investor research undertaken by Lismore, with respondents ranking the top three performing sectors for 2023 to be: Living (42%), Distribution (32%) and Food stores (30%). Growth in the living sector continues to be driven by an undersupply of PBSA, BTR and senior living accommodation in the key cities. High street retail could be the dark horse for 2023, with retailers having success in driving shoppers back through promotional activity and free returns, whilst the business rates revaluation coming into effect in April 2023 offers significant reductions in their total occupational costs. Funds were the biggest backers of food stores in the top three sectors with an expectation of further sale and leaseback transactions by the big four chains and continued buoyancy in the sector. Lismore’s research indicates that a significant majority (65%) of respondents expect to be net buyers in 2023, with only 12% expecting to be sellers. Buying activity is likely to be from quarter two onwards, with the first few months of 2023 expected to see limited new stock on the market. The main buyers over the next 12 months are likely to be property companies (84%) and investment managers (74%). Only 13% of funds expect to be net buyers and with 50% of responses neutral, it appears to be a watching brief from the funds. By the end of 2023, 69% of investors anticipate an improvement in market sentiment. Investment managers are almost unanimous (90%), whilst over 50% of funds and property company respondents expect sentiment to improve. It was also noted that there is potential for a swifter bounce back should the macro-economic environment continue to stabilise during the first quarter of 2023. Simon Cusiter adds: “We have seen increasing appetite from Hong Kong and Singapore, as investors look to move capital into the UK, including Glasgow and Edinburgh. Helped by the stronger dollar, opportunistic capital, particularly from North America and the GCC (cash buyers) are best placed to take advantage of the current market dynamics over the coming months and many of the private equity and sovereign wealth houses are eyeing the Scottish market with interest. “With values adjusting anywhere between 10-30% across different sectors, it feels like the opportunity has arrived quicker than anticipated. Trying to second guess if the correction has fully played out is not easy but those best capitalised and bravest will be first to move and likely to find best value. “Even if pricing moves further, the opportunity to acquire better quality assets in a less competitive buying environment will prove attractive to investors and we anticipate a more liquid market in 2023. “PBSA will be most in demand as the strong demand / supply imbalance continues, with rental growth managing to off-set operational cost increases, hence the investment rationale remains positive and development appraisals for new stock are continuing to make sense. We anticipate more clarity around the current rental freeze legislation which should give investors more confidence to push ahead with a number of new schemes in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.” Tom Hoye, Real Estate Transaction Director of Redevco added: “Markets tend to over-react and in that sense any downturn represents a good buying window. The question is how long that window will be open for and when is the optimum time to get back in, especially in the context of there being a lot of equity available. At the moment a lot of investors are taking stock and we’re definitely in a period of ‘price discovery’, but I expect there to be more activity in the second half of the year.” Finally, despite the recent market volatility and subdued final quarter, total volumes for 2022 ended up at £1.77bn, an increase of 32% on the total for 2021. Investment volumes for quarter four traded at £396m, which is 24% down on quarter four of 2021 and 20% below the five-year average. Bearing in mind the range and severity of the headwinds faced during the year, the final outcome can be described as reasonable! The full Lismore Quarterly Review for Q2-2022 is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading surface preparation specialist, National Flooring Equipment , will exhibit its entire range of products on its stand S11327 at World of Concrete (WOC) from January 17 to 19, 2023, in Las Vegas. The show will bring together more than 60,000 professionals from all sectors of the construction industry to share knowledge and experience the latest surface and floor preparation equipment on the market. When preparing any floor or surface, every job is different and will require the right combination of tools to complete. NFE designs and manufactures all the machines a surface preparation contractor needs, and will bring its full range to the latest WOC exhibition in Las Vegas. Visitors to the show will have the chance to see all the US-designed and manufactured tools that National Flooring Equipment has to offer including scrapers, grinders, polishers, shot blasters and floor scarifiers. Highlights will include the best-selling 5000 Ride-on Scraper, a high-speed, compact, and durable machine that’s equipped with hydraulic steering to make even the tightest of manoeuvres simple. Also on display will be National Flooring Equipment’s new walk-behind scraper, the Rogue. This latest addition to the company’s catalogue is a game-changer. Fully electric with precision steering, the Rogue is capable of covering up to 150 ft per minute and has a fully adjustable blade angle at the touch of a button. “World of Concrete 2023 will be a great opportunity for us to connect with our customers and show them our full range of surface and floor preparation tools” explained Jake Sinna, president of National Flooring Equipment. “Not only that, we get to share our expertise and advice, and provide specialist training in the form of tutorials and videos, so our customers can get the most out of their machines. Learning how to properly use and maintain our equipment is just as important as owning it in the first place.” Attendees will have the chance to put their surface preparation questions to experts at National Flooring Equipment and learn key skills from training videos and tutorials, which will be available to watch on a screen at the stand. To explore all National Flooring Equipment has to offer, and discover how its product range can help you meet your surface preparation needs, visit www.nationalequipmentdirect.com. You can register for WOC 2023 at www.worldofconcrete.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity is one step closer to fulfilling the dreams of children cared for at Rotherham Hospital thanks to a £5,000 donation from Keepmoat. The generous donation is a major boost for the charity’s Christmas fundraising appeal, which this year aimed to fund the redevelopment of the Children’s Ward outdoor play area. The donation was celebrated at the launch of Keepmoat’s latest housing development at Moorgate Boulevard, off Moorgate Road, Rotherham, where representatives from Keepmoat were joined by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, and Dr Ted to explore its new showhomes which are now open to the public. Alongside the charity donation, Keepmoat is offering an exclusive £1,000 referral bonus*, for The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust staff when they successfully refer friends and family who go on to purchase a new home at the development. “We are so grateful and proud to receive such a significant donation from the team at Keepmoat. Their new showhomes at Moorgate Boulevard are a short walk from Rotherham Hospital so it showcases their commitment to enhancing the environment around them,” said Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising. “We have ambitious plans to revamp the rooftop space and hope to make it a special place for children and young people for generations to come. We’re one step closer to making that happen thanks to Keepmoat. I hope they have inspired other businesses, community groups and individuals to support us too.” Last year, colleagues at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, schools, community groups and individuals pooled their festive cheer to kick-start fundraising for the play area, raising a magnificent £6,500 by taking part in our Virtual Santa Jog, Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Jumper Day. More than £30,000 is needed to revamp the play area, so every penny raised will count. Our previous young patients, their families and Children’s Ward staff have already told us what their dream play area would look and feel like – now we need your support to make their dreams a reality. “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting another important institution in the community next to our new Moorgate Boulevard development. As homebuilders, we strive to build communities and transform lives, and I’m proud that we are able to support the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity through our donation. The donation is designed to enable children of all ages who may find themselves at Rotherham Hospital, to enjoy an improved children’s ward play area on its rooftop,” added Antony Rowe, Sales Manager for Keepmoat. “We were honoured that our three fabulous showhomes have been officially opened by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, and the charity’s mascot Dr Ted. Our new 170-home development is located opposite Rotherham Hospital, which is in ideal proximity for commuting staff – and our referral scheme is designed to support NHS employees get their foot onto the property ladder. We look forward to welcoming future visitors to our Moorgate Boulevard showhomes and we’re excited to create a thriving community that is dedicated to improving lives,” Antony concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you’d be able to do is to start researching for personal injury lawyers. However, if you’re considering hiring one, choosing someone with extensive experience and legal expertise is essential. Here are some crucial things to look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Burlington: Experience and track record are essential components you must consider when searching for a personal injury lawyer in Burlington. A lawyer with the right qualifications and background can provide the necessary expertise to win your case and get the best possible settlement. The more experienced lawyers likely have worked on hundreds of cases similar to yours, giving them familiarity with local courts and knowledge of how insurance companies work. They may even be able to advise you on strategies before you even formally file a lawsuit. In addition, your chances of victory in court or negotiations are enhanced by hiring an attorney with a decent win percentage. Research each potential lawyer’s background to ensure they have the necessary expertise and track record of success in similar cases. With this information in hand, you can rest assured that you’re working with professionals who have successfully resolved many other similar cases as yours. When scouting for a personal injury lawyer in Burlington, the cost is always an essential factor to think about. Finding an attorney who is both well-qualified and within your budget can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort. It’s important not to choose the lowest-priced option, as some attorneys are cheaper because they may lack experience or provide a subpar level of service. On the other hand, high fees don’t necessarily guarantee success either. Doing thorough research and checking out lawyer’s reviews can save you time and money in the long run. Ultimately, finding the right personal injury attorney should involve careful consideration of both cost and quality of service to ensure you have the best chance of fighting for justice after an accident. It is critical to do one’s research before hiring a personal injury attorney in Burlington. Taking the time to look into references and reviews is a great start. References offer an experience-based account of how well a lawyer works with clients, while reviews provide helpful insights into their case outcomes, customer service, and cost efficiency. Knowing what others have experienced is incredibly valuable when deciding which attorney can best represent your interests and win your case. Don’t just take someone’s word for it – take the time to research and make sure you choose the right lawyer. It’s essential to consider location when looking for the best lawyer in Burlington because distance can impact the overall convenience of services. And since you’ll be required to attend meetings and check-ins with your lawyer regularly, it’s essential to find one close enough so that traveling won’t be disruptive or would require extra time and money. Additionally, lawyers who are local to the area often have more experience with local laws and tend to be better informed when it comes to getting the best outcome regarding insurance payouts. Thus, it’s worth researching lawyers within Burlington before considering those outside the city limits. When looking for a lawyer, availability is crucial. After all, you need an attorney who can give your case the attention it deserves; this is their area of expertise, and the more dedicated they can be, the better! Furthermore, the lawyer must be readily available if there are changes regarding your case, meetings that need to be arranged on short notice, or if something urgent needs to happen. Undertaking such a serious case requires commitment, and if you feel you’re being neglected or strung along, you’re not getting the representation you deserve. You don’t have to go for less than exemplary service; instead, prioritize the lawyer’s availability if you want to reap the benefits of hiring one for your situation. Lastly, when looking for a personal injury lawyer, it’s vital to consider whether or not they’re board-certified in their field. Consider only hiring attorneys certified by the National Trial Lawyers or the American Board of Trial Advocates. These certifications are awarded to lawyers who have met stringent standards regarding experience and knowledge in their area of expertise; they are subjective, but they still carry weight regarding credibility and effectiveness. Final Words Finding the right personal injury lawyer can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Doing thorough research and checking out lawyer’s reviews can save you time and money in the long run. Ultimately, finding the right personal injury attorney should involve careful consideration of both cost and quality of service to ensure you have the best chance of fighting for justice after an accident. By following the tips above and conducting thorough research, you can be confident that you have made the best choice. Good luck! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
