August 15, 2023
CHAS appoints Lee Brunsden to strengthen growth plans

CHAS appoints Lee Brunsden to strengthen growth plans

Lee Brunsden has been appointed as the Head of Sales EMEA at CHAS, a Veriforce company, as part of the supply chain risk management expert’s ongoing global expansion strategy. With a track record of over a decade in compliance and risk management, Lee has assisted numerous clients worldwide in enhancing

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Pick Everard appointed to NHS framework

Pick Everard appointed to NHS framework

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to the £1.6 billion NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement. Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction

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BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber has received international recognition for its commitment to health and safety after scooping a gold award at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK

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James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World Collection

James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World Collection

James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World, a unique selection of Melamines specifically for the UK and Ireland. Yesterday, James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural materials and finishes, announces the UK and Ireland launch of Swiss Krono’s One World collection. Specially curated for James Latham,

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Are Poor Logistics to Blame for Local Authorities Failing to Hit Targets?

Are Poor Logistics to Blame for Local Authorities Failing to Hit Targets?

Logistics, the intricate web of processes that ensures the efficient flow of goods, services, and information, is a vital component of modern society. From supply chains in multinational corporations to the movement of resources within local communities, logistics plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of various

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

August 15, 2023

Panattoni wins planning consent for 200,000 sq ft speculative logistics development in Crawley

Panattoni wins planning consent for 200,000 sq ft speculative logistics development in Crawley

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has secured planning consent for a 200,000 sq ft speculative logistics development in Crawley. Crawley Borough Council has approved Panattoni’s planning application for Panattoni Park Crawley, which comprises two facilities of 134,012 sq ft and 65,660 sq ft on a 10-acre brownfield site on Fleming Way in the established industrial area of Manor Royal Business District, close to Gatwick Airport and junction 10 of the M23. They will provide direct access to the affluent consumer markets of London and the south east. Manor Royal is a proven last mile and distribution location, with occupiers including Amazon, DPD, Evri, Parcelforce, Royal Mail, UPS and Yodel. Grocery occupiers include Ocado and Tesco. Panattoni is expected to start construction at the end of September 2023 and the speculative development is expected to reach practical completion in the fourth quarter of 2024.  The facilities will be built to a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’, with many sustainability features, such as electric vehicle charging points and 15% roof lights, incorporated into the development. Panattoni Park Crawley will be the third development start for Panattoni this year south of London, joining a 452,469 sq ft last-mile logistics development at Burgess Hill and a 268,063 sq ft development in Brighton. David McGougan, Development Director at Panattoni, said:“Panattoni hopes to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2023 and this will be the third site development we have commenced south of London within the last three months, reflecting our confidence in and the strength of the south coast’s logistics market. “This location within the Manor Royal Business Park offers tenants an excellent place to service London and south east markets”. Letting agents are JLL, Savills and Hollis Hockley. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Carrier Hosts Decarbonisation Technology Webinar to Support Commercial Buildings and Industries’ Journey to Net Zero

Carrier Hosts Decarbonisation Technology Webinar to Support Commercial Buildings and Industries’ Journey to Net Zero

Carrier hosted an educational webinar to discuss how heat pump technology can play a vital role in decarbonising the commercial heating segment and help companies in different industries move closer to net zero. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The Journey to Decarbonisation and Net Zero using Heat Pump Technology, is available to watch on-demand for free here. The hour-long webinar provides insight and practical guidance into Carrier’s approach and solutions to decarbonisation and highlighted government incentives available to support the adoption of heat pump technology.  Carrier Commercial HVAC UK experts explained how heat pumps operate and how customers can harness the technology to reduce their carbon footprint, become more energy efficient and cut energy costs. Guest speaker David Sullivan, General Manager at E.ON’s Citigen district heating network detailed how E.ON is using heat pumps to power heat networks. This award-winning heat network project in the City of London supplies renewable, low-carbon heating and cooling to buildings across the Square Mile. Three Carrier AquaForce® 61XWHZE high-temperature heat pumps, which operate on hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) R-1234ze refrigerant, extract thermal energy from water pumped from deep boreholes in the aquifer 200 metres beneath the capital. Groundwater sourced from the aquifer is used in the heat pump system and recirculated back to source for reuse in E.ON’s application or by others. The heat pumps also harness waste heat from the existing combined heat and power plant that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere. “We were really excited to host this webinar and share our expertise on decarbonisation and heat pumps,” said Paul Smith, Commercial HVAC Director UK&I, Carrier. “We want to help our customers meet their decarbonisation goals and this session provides practical advice about how our high-performance heat pump-based solutions can help them do that. Harnessing the power of heat pumps can have huge benefits for our customers, not just in terms of heating and cooling, but for the environment and their return on investment.” Innovative, efficient heat pump solutions support Carrier’s aim of helping customers reduce their GHG emissions by more than 1 gigaton by 2030 as part of its own 2030 Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Goals. The webinar is available to watch on-demand at http://bit.ly/carrier_webinar Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Viral and Beena enjoy life in the new home that ‘ticks all the boxes’ for them

Viral and Beena enjoy life in the new home that ‘ticks all the boxes’ for them

After living in a 75-year-old house in Bedworth, with all the associated renovation work and unexpected costs, Viral and Beena Modha (both 45) made a checklist of all the must-haves in their next home. They wanted to move into a new home that would allow them to enjoy their life more and make the most of every day, and that meant one thing – choosing a newbuild. That led them to Davidsons Homes’ Grange View development in Lower Bardon, not far from Beena’s job as a dental assistant in Leicester. Viral, a senior category manager for an automotive parts company, said: “Between Beena and I, we had an extensive checklist for our perfect home. We knew it had to be a three-bedroom detached house with a driveway and a garage, and we particularly wanted a corner plot to give us plenty of space.” Beena added: “There were smaller, yet important, details too – like a built-in microwave at eye-level in the kitchen, a utility room, good lighting and good windows, and spacious rooms too. We looked around lots of new homes developments in the Nuneaton and Leicester areas, but although some ticked some of the boxes, none of them ticked all. “That was until we visited the three-bedroom Ford at Davidsons Homes’ Lower Bardon development. There wasn’t a single box it didn’t tick. In fact, we loved it so much that we reserved it there and then.” As they already owned a property, Viral and Beena used Davidsons’ Part Exchange scheme to sell their existing property and buy their new Ford. Viral said: “The Part Exchange process couldn’t have been easier – in fact, as our home was ready to move into, from seeing it to moving in took just five weeks. It was very smooth and we really didn’t have a single issue. Every step of the way we were communicated with, and even Davidsons’ recommended solicitors were brilliant to work with.” Asked what they particularly like about their new home, Beena said: “As we’re on a corner plot, we have green space right around our house. In fact, my favourite part of the house is the kitchen as it opens right up onto the side garden, so we both love sitting in that room and enjoying the views outside. “We’re also not too far from a lovely area of green open space on the development itself, so we really enjoy walking there, and a little further afield too.” Viral added: “We’re quite near the outskirts of Grange View which is nice as we’re just a short way from pretty countryside walks. It’s perfect too as we are off a cul-de-sac which means that it’s very quiet but we have got to know our neighbours really well already. We really like everyone, and it definitely feels like a community has formed already. “The customer service at Davidsons Homes has been very good, we’d recommend them to anyone. Our Sales Manager Amber has also been great, she’s guided us through the process really well and kept us updated every step of the way. “Having lived in a newbuild before, we’re looking forward to lower energy bills this winter, along with no maintenance and repair costs! From our initial reason for moving – to enjoy our lives more and spend less time worrying about our house and more time doing things that we love – we definitely feel that we’re doing that here at Grange View.” For more information, visit davidsonshomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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CHAS appoints Lee Brunsden to strengthen growth plans

CHAS appoints Lee Brunsden to strengthen growth plans

Lee Brunsden has been appointed as the Head of Sales EMEA at CHAS, a Veriforce company, as part of the supply chain risk management expert’s ongoing global expansion strategy. With a track record of over a decade in compliance and risk management, Lee has assisted numerous clients worldwide in enhancing their supply chain risk management practices. Lee’s expertise in sales strategy, adept team leadership, and change management make him a valuable addition to CHAS as they expand their solutions to a broader international audience following their acquisition by Veriforce in January 2023. As a seasoned Sales Leader, with over 20 years of experience across all disciplines of sales, Lee specialises in new business development, major market expansion, and fostering high-performance sales teams. His leadership skills and passion for building partnerships will play a pivotal role in overseeing CHAS’s sales organisation across EMEA.  Lee’s recent career highlights include overseeing the introduction of a new carbon product which has enjoyed rapid success. Lee has also been proactive in interfacing with trade bodies across the infrastructure sector to champion industry best practice, inform on upcoming legislation and provide industry perspective. Eager to engage with both new and existing customers, Lee is excited about launching innovative products tailored to meet the needs of the construction, utilities, and facilities management sectors in the UK and beyond. Lee comments: “I’m thrilled to be joining CHAS and to have the opportunity to play a part in their expansion plans. “CHAS has earned an excellent reputation for driving advancements in supply chain risk management within their operating sectors. I am eager to build upon this success both in the UK and overseas.” Welcoming Lee aboard, CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon adds: “Lee is a formidable leader with extensive experience in the supply chain risk management space. We are delighted to have him join us at this exciting time in our company’s history. “Lee’s experience and enthusiasm will be of great value as we strive to expand our product offering and our audience.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Pick Everard appointed to NHS framework

Pick Everard appointed to NHS framework

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to the £1.6 billion NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement. Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy & Ancillary Services Framework Agreement, spanning architectural and project management services to net zero environmental consultancy. Open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS and the wider public sector, the new agreement builds on the previous NHS SBS Framework Agreement and a nine-year working relationship Pick Everard has held with the organisation on the NHS SBS framework agreement. Alex Hamilton-Jordan, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “This agreement provides an efficient route to market to procure our services, and offers flexibility for organisations to adapt to meet their requirements. “Collaboratively, we aim to deliver better, together. Nothing can be achieved in isolation, and key to our continued success on this framework will be to engage and work with a full range of partners throughout the supply chain, including local SMEs that can offer valued, local insight. “We’re excited and open to the opportunities this will bring to appoint our professional services, engaging public bodies through the framework agreement.” Pick Everard has successfully delivered a wide range of projects through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, including the relocation of congenital heart services for the Leicester Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which had been threatened with closure until campaigning efforts ensured the centre received part of a £450m pot of government funding. The firm also designed and managed a £250m+ schools expansion programme for the London Borough of Hounslow, which delivered more than 1,000 new school places. Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our strength as a business is being able to create a positive impact for local communities, that scale regionally and nationally. We’ve made huge strides in growing our operation over the past five years, and part of this owes to our framework appointments, which have a real focus on quality, a broad range of service delivery and technical excellence. “We’re hugely proud to be able to continue our journey with NHS SBS and the success the framework agreement delivers – ensuring the best possible outcomes for clients and end-users.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber scoops international health and safety RoSPA accolade

BSW Timber has received international recognition for its commitment to health and safety after scooping a gold award at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK and the accolade acknowledges the hard work going on behind the scenes at BSW Timber to ensure employee safety. A new auditing system was developed and built by the firm’s ESH team with a view to putting more focus on legislative requirements and Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP) compliance across BSW Timber’s sawmills. The audits were able to identify procedural weaknesses which resulted in group procedures and technical references being updated or rewritten and making roles and responsibilities clearer. Additionally, improved communication, co-ordination and co-operation between the mill teams has resulted in a more focussed scrutiny of ESH KPIs for the betterment of the entire BSW Timber team. Wayne Jones, BSW Group’s ESH Manager, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award on behalf of the company. It is testimony to the hard work and ambitions of the senior management, ESH and sawmilling teams to improve our performance in reducing risk to employees and liability to the company. We look forward to continuing to build on our initial success and generate even better standards to demonstrate our position as market leaders in our industry. “Our commitment to ensuring efficient operations is centred around the safety of our workforce. This is underpinned by our drive to reduce risk and liability, which in turn reduces accidents, employee absence and staff turnover. We believe the RoSPA award provides an improved reputation among suppliers and partners, as well as increasing productivity and profitability, but most importantly, employees are safer, healthier and better motivated.” The RoSPA programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded. “We are thrilled that BSW Timber has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. To find out more about BSW Timber, visit www.bsw.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World Collection

James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World Collection

James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World, a unique selection of Melamines specifically for the UK and Ireland. Yesterday, James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural materials and finishes, announces the UK and Ireland launch of Swiss Krono’s One World collection. Specially curated for James Latham, One World brings together 37 of Swiss Krono’s highly sought-after, premium melamines in one place. Offering a near-unrivalled variety of patterns and textures, One World covers all the bases, including monotone, woodgrain, material reproduction and design surfaces. Unlocking creativity, One World’s surfaces can be continually combined in new and interesting ways, opening up a diverse range of design possibilities and firing the imagination of any specifier, daring them to mix, match and experiment. A cornucopia of decors  Available across all James Latham’s 14 UK and Ireland depots, the distributor possesses a full stock holding of black, white and standard carcass decors, with three distinct collections: UNI, Woodgrain and Camustyle TX.  Taking a closer look: UNI: From subtle to bold, and beautiful in their simplicity, this collection comprises a wide variety of on-trend colours, updated on a regular basis to ensure everything ‘in fashion’ is always available. Woodgrain: features realistic oak, elm, chestnut and walnut finishes with a timeless and elegant finish that will enhance any style. Camustyle TX: Inspired by limestone and textile surfaces, these sophisticated decors feature an impressive vintage look and a rugged texture, offering massive creative potential for furnishings and interior design at an affordable price point.   Form and Function The quality of the One World range is not just skin deep. Lightweight and simple to fabricate and install, it’s suitable for a variety of commercial and residential internal surfacing applications, from furniture and shop-fittings to kitchens, bedrooms, hotels, and offices. PEFC™ certified, the range meets the new low-emission class of ED2020 (E0.5), halving the formaldehyde content of E1 melamines. Available in the UK and Ireland from James Latham, One World comes as 2800 x 2070 x 18mm sheets. For more information on the One World Collection, click here. For more information on James Latham’s award-winning distribution services, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Are Poor Logistics to Blame for Local Authorities Failing to Hit Targets?

Are Poor Logistics to Blame for Local Authorities Failing to Hit Targets?

Logistics, the intricate web of processes that ensures the efficient flow of goods, services, and information, is a vital component of modern society. From supply chains in multinational corporations to the movement of resources within local communities, logistics plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of various endeavors. One area where the impact of logistics often goes unnoticed is in the operations of local authorities. The question is whether poor logistics could be held accountable for local authorities failing to meet their targets and deliver on promises to their constituents. The Crucial Role of Logistics Before delving into the potential impact of poor logistics on local authorities’ performance, it’s essential to understand the significance of logistics in various sectors. Logistics encompasses coordinating resources, materials, personnel, and information to ensure that tasks are executed efficiently, effectively, and on time. This is particularly critical in time-critical logistics, where delays can result in severe consequences, such as missed deadlines, financial losses, and even public safety risks. Logistics involves a wide range of activities in the context of local authorities, including waste management, transportation infrastructure, emergency services, public health initiatives, and more. When these operations run smoothly, they contribute to a well-functioning community where citizens enjoy a high quality of life. However, the repercussions can be felt throughout the community when logistics fail. The Impact of Poor Logistics on Local Authorities Local authorities are at the heart of providing essential services and maintaining the well-being of their communities. The effective functioning of local government is crucial for citizens’ quality of life, economic development, and overall societal progress. Poor logistics can significantly hinder local authorities’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities, resulting in negative consequences. Missed Targets and Deadlines One of the most immediate impacts of poor logistics on local authorities is the failure to meet targets and deadlines. Whether it’s a construction project, implementing public services, or the execution of community events, timely delivery is essential. Delays caused by logistical inefficiencies can lead to project derailment, undermining the authority’s credibility and potentially incurring financial penalties. Research: According to a study conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2020, poor project management practices, including inadequate logistics planning, resulted in 11.4% of projects not meeting their original goals and deadlines. This demonstrates the direct correlation between logistical shortcomings and missed targets. Financial Implications Inefficient logistics can have a direct impact on the financial health of local authorities. Delays, disruptions, and resource mismanagement can lead to increased costs. Extra expenditures might be required to cover overtime wages, rush deliveries, or rectify errors that could have been avoided with better logistics planning. Research: A report published by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) highlights that inefficient logistics can account for up to 30% of operating costs for local authorities. This strains budgets and limits the allocation of funds to other critical projects and services. Public Dissatisfaction The smooth operation of public services is an expectation that citizens hold for their local authorities. When logistics fail and services like waste collection, public transportation, or health programs are disrupted, public dissatisfaction can escalate. Negative sentiment spreads rapidly through social media and community forums, tarnishing the authority’s reputation and eroding trust. Research: A survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that 78% of citizens considered the timely delivery of public services as an important factor in their overall satisfaction with local authorities—conversely, instances of poor logistics and service disruptions directly correlated with decreased public approval ratings. Emergency Response Inefficiency Local authorities are responsible for managing emergencies and disasters effectively. In such critical situations, time-critical logistics are of paramount importance. Delays in mobilizing emergency services, providing resources, and coordinating responses can exacerbate the impact of emergencies, risking lives and prolonging recovery efforts. Research: The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) emphasizes that seamless logistics are a cornerstone of successful emergency medical services. Timely response and resource allocation in emergencies rely on efficient logistics systems to ensure that medical personnel, equipment, and supplies reach the affected areas promptly. Reputational Damage A consistent pattern of logistical failures can lead to lasting reputational damage for local authorities. A negative public image makes garner support from constituents, stakeholders, and funding sources challenging. Rebuilding a damaged reputation requires substantial efforts and resources that could be better allocated to actual service delivery. Research: A case study analyzing the aftermath of a series of logistical failures in waste management within a local authority, conducted by the Institute of Public Administration and Management, highlighted that the authority’s reputation took several years to recover, even after addressing the logistical issues. The Complexity of Local Authority Logistics Local authorities operate in complex environments to manage diverse services, resources, and stakeholders. Effective logistics requires coordinating multiple moving parts, such as procurement, transportation, personnel management, and communication. For instance, consider waste management logistics. Local authorities must arrange garbage collection routes, allocate personnel and equipment, and ensure that waste disposal meets environmental regulations. Even a minor breakdown in these components can disrupt the entire process, leading to missed collections and unsightly neighborhoods. Similarly, transportation infrastructure projects involve intricate logistics. From securing permits and materials to coordinating with contractors and managing road closures, every step requires careful planning and execution. A failure at any point in this chain can lead to delays, cost overruns, and inconvenience for the public. Addressing the Challenge Improving logistics within local authorities requires a multifaceted approach: Technology Integration Advanced technologies like GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and data analytics can enhance visibility and control over logistics processes. This empowers authorities to identify bottlenecks, predict potential issues, and make informed decisions. Collaborative Partnerships Engaging in partnerships with private sector companies that specialize in logistics can provide local authorities with access to expertise, resources, and technologies that improve efficiency. Skill Development Investing in training and skill development for personnel involved in logistics can lead to more effective execution of tasks. This includes training on new technologies and best practices in logistics management. Scenario Planning Developing contingency

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