Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role,
Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers. As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and
Three-quarters of Local Planning Authority officers in Wales felt overstretched in their work, according to a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) survey of 209 planners in Wales. The age of social media has worsened the issue, creating an environment of insults and misinformation. 58% of respondents said social media had
MSV Housing’s new Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (‘HAPPI’) development has launched in South Manchester. Cllr Bev Craig and Andy Burnham buried a time capsule to commemorate the occasion, created by the residents at neighbouring Elmswood Park extra care scheme. Bowes House offers 40 high quality 1 and
Global construction companies face a unique challenge: how to manage their operations and projects in the most cost-effective way while still delivering high-quality results. Outsourcing is one way that businesses are tackling this challenge. It can offer access to skilled experts who may not be available locally, cost savings, improved
Are you considering taking your commercial real estate business to the next level? If so, you’re in good company. Many new and old business owners are looking for ways to increase profits. This blog post will look at how you can take your commercial real estate business to the next
Your home is your castle, and you should feel like a king or queen when you’re in it! If your home is in need of a little bit of TLC, never fear – there are plenty of ways to give it a makeover without spending a fortune. In this blog
Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role, Dixon will continue to bring the team from strength to strength, driving sustainable growth, digital & sustainable outcomes for Johnson Controls customers and positioning the business to thrive in an ever-evolving world. “I am thrilled to announce Sarah’s new role in the business. Having been with Johnson Controls for two years now, Sarah has shown herself to be a proven leader in fire suppression, applying her experience and insights to some of the most complex fire suppression challenges,” shared Richard Lek, VP and GM, Building Technologies and Solutions, UK&I at Johnson Controls. “She is an asset to the team and I am excited to see her thrive in our enterprise sales function.” “I’m honoured to have progressed in my role at Johnson Controls and am eager to work among some of the best in the business,” said Sarah Dixon. “I look forward to drawing on my experience to help drive Johnson Controls toward continued industry leadership and global success.” During her time with Johnson Controls, Sarah has led her team in driving the return of sales for Fire Suppression. Alongside her fantastic work in improving their financial results, Sarah has spent time speaking both internally and externally to encourage diversity and inclusion within the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers. As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market. “At The Offsite Guide we attract and facilitate early interaction with customers, allowing manufacturers of commercial and domestic modular buildings and offsite solutions to showcase a range of their products & help educate potential customers. We provide a trusted platform not only for showcasing offsite construction, but also to facilitate initial dialogue and ongoing interaction between customers, manufacturers and MMC suppliers.” Ingrid Orbie – Director For TOG Partners, listing MMC case studies & solutions on the Offsite Guide marketplace is a cost-effective method for manufacturers to bring in targeted traffic. Partners listings can easily be found under various search categories that can subtlety hand off and complement other marketing channels in the marketeer’s toolbox. Listing as a partner will also assist the partner company’s own website SEO ranking in an effective and cost-efficient way. For companies offering products and services complementary to MMC, creating an entry in the TOG Directory is an effective way to promote to the sector. These offsite system & product suppliers include companies offering panellised systems, sub-assemblies & components, as well as site based MMC structural components. This also includes offsite main contractors & other professionals including main & general contractors, offsite/modular solutions, offsite consultants & engineers, offsite designers, and digital designers and architects. A wider group of offsite trades people are also included in the Directory such as groundwork companies, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, landscape & external works contractors, flooring installers, painters & decorators, and all associated construction products like road signs, PPE, damage protection products, health & safety products. Whether listing as a TOG Partner on the marketplace or as Advertiser in the Directory, TOG offers an opportunity to raise brand awareness, increase a company’s visibility and gain access to new customers. Through TOG’s marketing and launch promotion campaigns TOG is striving to elevate MMC sales channels and engage with the market in a more efficient and effective way. Until now, there has been a lack of any resource for either private and commercial buyers to search & compare modular buildings and offsite solutions and engage directly with suppliers. The Offsite Guide provides this much needed resource in this fast-developing market. Online marketplaces are prevalent in many different B2B and B2C markets and are globally recognised as efficient methods of delivering fast, efficient and timely market interaction. By bringing proven marketplace technology to the MMC market TOG is strengthening the ecosystem of the MMC construction sector. Housing associations (HAs), developers, builders, self-builders, schools and universities, suppliers, central and local governments are all seeking more sustainable and efficient ways of construction. The TOG marketplace facilitates that search for proven solutions and gives examples and case studies that show ways that organisations and developers can break tradition and drive efficiency using MMC. Ultimately this is a wayto share information and experience, as well as to educate the market. To find out more and to benefit from TOG’s marketing expertise in the built environment and the construction sector go to www.theoffsiteguide.com. Partner and Advertiser eBooks can be downloaded from the site that give more detail of the services on offer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three-quarters of Local Planning Authority officers in Wales felt overstretched in their work, according to a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) survey of 209 planners in Wales. The age of social media has worsened the issue, creating an environment of insults and misinformation. 58% of respondents said social media had an effect on their well-being. Respondents described hostile and aggressive phone calls and emails from the public. The survey found that the ‘relentless’ complaints and criticism are often vitriolic and personal. Working within these conditions is taking its toll on the profession, which is struggling to recruit and retain staff. Around 10% of respondents said they were looking to move out of planning. That figure jumped to 15% when respondents were working for Local Planning Authorities. The RTPI has launched a well-being helpline across the UK as the first step in responding to this desperate situation. The Planner, the Institute’s official magazine, will broaden this research out to the UK through its annual careers survey. Susan Bridge, President of the RTPI in 2023, said: “We don’t believe this issue is limited to Wales, as we are hearing the same concerns across the UK. “Our helpline will be the first step to assisting our members, however, it is widely recognised that Local Planning Authorities and the wider public sector are struggling to meet expectations. More must be done to provide adequate resourcing to the planning system, alleviating the pressure on planners.” Roisin Willmott, Director of RTPI Cymru said: “We launched our survey last summer out of concern for the well-being of planners in Wales. Our findings are troubling but expected. Continued budget reductions are leading to unmanageable workloads, insufficient staff, and overstretched workers, which will ultimately leave an indelible mark on our planning system. “We’re encouraging all those involved to consider the report and take action to ensure the planning system and profession are able to do the vital work asked of it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MSV Housing’s new Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (‘HAPPI’) development has launched in South Manchester. Cllr Bev Craig and Andy Burnham buried a time capsule to commemorate the occasion, created by the residents at neighbouring Elmswood Park extra care scheme. Bowes House offers 40 high quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments as shared ownership for the over-55s and is MSV’s fourth HAPPI scheme, designed to adapt over time to meet the changing needs of the occupants. This is the latest MSV development at the award winning 5 acre Stagecoach site (now known as The Depot) in Whalley Range. Working in partnership with Manchester City Council and Homes England, MSV has played a key role in providing suitable homes at The Depot for every stage of life, from young families needing contemporary homes to the older generation wanting to live independently but with support in beautifully designed spaces. The 40 apartments at Bowes House have been designed and built to meet the ‘HAPPI’ design principles, ensuring they are adaptable and accessible with plenty of space, natural light and communal areas. Each apartment incorporates stylish open plan living and large private balconies. There is also a shared roof terrace and beautifully landscaped gardens at the scheme. The homes are all available for shared ownership, which enables people to buy a share of a property and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share, a scheme which offers a route into affordable home ownership whilst helping those who may wish to ‘rightsize’. Delivering the new HAPPI scheme has seen MSV invest £5.6m in Bowes House with £2.2m funding from Homes England. The entire Depot site now provides over 200 homes including 30 family homes for shared ownership and 72 apartments at extra care scheme Elmswood Park, which offers a high standard of on-site support from housing management staff and a consistent care service for customers who need it, helping to relieve pressure on residential care settings. Total Investment by MSV on The Depot has been £18.4m with funding from both Homes England and Manchester City Council totalling £9.07m. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global construction companies face a unique challenge: how to manage their operations and projects in the most cost-effective way while still delivering high-quality results. Outsourcing is one way that businesses are tackling this challenge. It can offer access to skilled experts who may not be available locally, cost savings, improved customer service, better management of employees and enhanced quality control. This article will explore how global construction companies can capitalise on outsourcing to enhance their operation. 1) Access to Expertise: Outsourcing provides access to a global talent pool which can help construction companies find the right people for their projects. It allows them to quickly source the most qualified professionals, no matter where they are located in the world. This can be especially beneficial when looking for specialists or niche skill sets, as these may not be available locally. By outsourcing such services, global construction companies can ensure their operation has access to all the expertise it needs without having to build up an in-house team. 2) Cost Savings: Costs are always an essential factor in any business decision; this is one of the major advantages of outsourcing. If construction companies use external contractors and subcontractors, they can save money. This is because third-party providers often have access to more competitive rates than in-house staff. They can also take advantage of economies of scale that come from working with a larger network of service providers. These savings can then be passed on to customers or reinvested into other business areas. 3) Improved Customer Service: Outsourcing can help global construction companies provide their customers with improved service. Customer service is an essential factor in any business, and outsourcing can help ensure that projects are completed efficiently while still meeting the customers’ needs. For example, outsourcing certain tasks or processes can help free up resources for other areas, such as customer service, allowing companies to focus on delivering the best possible experience for their customers. 4) Increased Employee Management: Outsourcing can also help global construction companies manage their employee resources more effectively. By outsourcing certain tasks, such as payroll and HR, companies can reduce their administrative burden and free up more time for managing staff. This can help ensure that resources are allocated to where they are most needed in the business while still ensuring that employees’ needs are taken care of. 5) Enhanced Quality Control: Outsourcing can help global construction companies maintain a higher level of quality control. Specialist contractors and subcontractors are more likely to follow the company’s standards and protocols, allowing them to ensure that projects meet their high expectations without having to manage everything themselves. This can also provide peace of mind that any work completed meets both customer and industry standards. Overall, outsourcing is an excellent way for global construction companies to enhance their operation by providing access to expertise, cost savings, improved customer service, increased employee management, and enhanced quality control. By taking advantage of this capability, businesses can make sure their operations run smoother and more efficiently while still providing excellent results. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Are you considering taking your commercial real estate business to the next level? If so, you’re in good company. Many new and old business owners are looking for ways to increase profits. This blog post will look at how you can take your commercial real estate business to the next level. Keep reading to learn more. Taking your commercial real estate business to the next level can be daunting; however, you can succeed with the right know-how and strategy. Here are five tips on how to take your commercial real estate business to the next level: Evaluate your current strategy: To move forward, it’s important to understand where you currently stand in the industry. Identify growth areas and potential opportunities to elevate your business to new heights. Analyze current trends and market research to assess where improvements should be made to succeed. Update Your Online Presence: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business; this is especially true for commercial real estate businesses. Take advantage of social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter to increase brand visibility and reach potential customers and clients. Additionally, ensure your website is attractive and easy to use so that visitors can quickly find what they are looking for when exploring your offerings. Network Insatiably: It’s important for any entrepreneurial endeavor, especially commercial real estate businesses, to create a network of contacts who can help promote their services or offer advice when needed. Make sure you attend networking events regularly and maintain relationships with past customers to stay up-to-date on industry news and developments that could provide opportunities for growth within your business endeavor. Invest in Quality Tools & Resources: Investing in quality tools such as CRM software or property listings databases will help streamline operations and make it easier for potential customers. And clients to view available properties quickly and easily while saving time sifting through irrelevant information or unnecessary steps of going through agents or brokers firsthand. Budgeting tools allow you greater insight into money coming in versus cash being paid out so that you better understand where profits should be maximized while keeping track of expenses associated with running a commercial venture successfully. Utilize Online Tools & Services: Online services such as virtual assistants or cloud computing systems will save time by outsourcing mundane tasks. So you can focus on higher-level functions that require more expertise or knowledge specific to the commercial real estate industry. Additionally, apps are available that specialize in making the home search process easier by allowing potential renters/buyers to search through properties listed online instead of relying only on physical visits. This allows customers greater flexibility while browsing all options available instead of having limited access due to simply geographical location, which may reduce the number of people interested overall, resulting in a loss of sales or conversions from leads into renters/buyers, respectively. By following these tips, you’ll be able to take your business from just surviving in the commercial real estate market to thriving! Remember that success takes not only hard work but also smart strategies implemented correctly; if done properly, continuous growth should be achieved over time, leading to greater success than initially imagined. Final Words Taking your commercial real estate business to the next level through Urecenter urban real estate company is a wise and profitable decision. With its robust suites of services, such as high-quality market intelligence, powerful analytics, and extensive expertise in the industry, Urecenter is well-positioned to help you maximize your profits and reach new heights. When it comes to commercial real estate investing, there is only one better partner than urecenter, who will ensure a smooth transition into the new market conditions that have emerged in recent years. With its dedication and commitment to client satisfaction, urecenter has established itself as an invaluable resource for those looking to take their commercial real estate business to the next level. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Your home is your castle, and you should feel like a king or queen when you’re in it! If your home is in need of a little bit of TLC, never fear – there are plenty of ways to give it a makeover without spending a fortune. In this blog post, we’ll share some brilliant ideas to refurbish your home on a budget. From painting walls to adding new accessories, there are plenty of ways to love your home again. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to be inspired! Update your radiators Installing new radiators can be a great way to refresh any room in the house. Not only do they provide efficient heating, but modern radiator designs can also serve as an attractive feature in the home. Choose from a range of sizes and styles to match your existing décor. For example, a slimline vertical designer radiator would look perfect in a traditional living room or hallway, while a flat-panel radiator would fit perfectly in a more contemporary or modern space. We love column radiators for the house that shouts out a minimalist and modern style! By choosing the right design and size of the radiator, you can quickly transform any room with minimal effort. Give your walls a new coat of paint in a trendy color. Are you looking for a way to spruce up your home and make it look current? A fresh coat of paint is an affordable, easy way to transform any room in your home. Whether you want to dramatically switch up the style or simply add a touch of brightness, choosing a trendy color can do the trick. Consider colors like sage green and warm grey, which are excellent neutral colors that look stylish in almost any space. Or, if you want to play with bright colors, something like sapphire blue will instantly add character and chicness. Inviting these stylish colors into your home can give it the revamp it needs – without much effort! Get rid of any old or unused furniture pieces. An easy way to quickly improve your living space is by removing old, unused furniture pieces. If you haven’t touched a certain piece of furniture for years, it’s probably time to part ways with it. Donate these items if they are still in good condition and someone less fortunate could use them, or if not, have them recycled or thrown out. You’ll find that throwing out these unwanted furniture pieces gives both you and the space a feeling of renewal and freshness- the start of something new! From here, you can choose to replace your old furniture with something in a more contemporary style or tighten up the layout with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces; either way, you’ll wind up with an organized and inviting home. Bring in some greenery with some new plants or flowers. If you’re looking to breathe fresh life into your home, why not try bringing in some greenery? Adding a few new plants or flowers can completely transform an interior space, making it feel cozy and inviting. Having leaves and petals of various shapes and colors surrounding you will help create a calming atmosphere while also adding a touch of nature. It’s amazing how quickly the small addition of flora can bring vibrancy and flourish to any environment. No matter what type of setting you live in, indoor plants are sure to make it more inviting and enjoyable for all. Change up your window treatments for something more modern. If you’re looking to enhance the style of your home, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do it is to update your window treatments. Traditional curtains simply don’t cut it anymore! With some modern alternatives such as roller blinds, roman blinds, panel tracks, and even motorized solutions, you can find something unique and stylish that fits just right with the atmosphere in your home. Not only can this be a great way to bring life back into a room you’ve grown tired of, but it can also increase privacy, regulate heat loss/gain, or block out non-essential lighting, depending on your needs. These new solutions even come in a variety of colors that can help make any room come alive. Whether it’s for functionality or decoration purposes, try switching up those old boring curtains for something more innovative and modern. Update your light fixtures with something more stylish Adding stylish light fixtures can be a great way to upgrade the look of any room in a house. With so many options available, there is something for everyone; from traditional chandeliers to modern pendant lighting, it’s easy to find a style that speaks to you. Updating your light fixtures can completely re-energize a room and breathe new life into your home’s interior design. Pieces that match the decor can provide the perfect finishing touch to liven up living space and bring out its unique character. Add a pop of color with new pillows or throws around the house Adding a pop of color to your home decor can be an easy and budget-friendly way to update any space. Pillows and throws are both affordable and versatile, allowing you to switch up the look of a room quickly with just a few pieces. With so many colorful options available, you’ll be sure to find the perfect shades for your interior design vision. Whether you want bold hues or something more subtle, adding pillows or throws throughout various rooms in your home is an instant way to bring some life into your décor. Don’t Forget By following these simple tips, you can easily update your home décor to be more in line with current trends. A fresh coat of paint is always a good place to start, and then you can add in some new pieces or make changes to existing ones to really modernize the look of your space. Simple updates like these can go a long way in giving your home a whole
