August 17, 2023
Construction-starts a third lower than last year

Construction-starts a third lower than last year

Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the August 2023 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of July 2023, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report

Read More »
Groundworks commence on Salboy’s £195 million scheme to regenerate Manchester’s former Boddingtons Brewery site

Groundworks commence on Salboy’s £195 million scheme to regenerate Manchester’s former Boddingtons Brewery site

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has announced that work has commenced on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery, a renowned 52,700 sq ft site on the northern edge of central Manchester whose regeneration has been long-awaited.  DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, has mobilised on site

Read More »
Complete Fibre, Orbit Group and Lightning Fibre rollout new ‘plug and play’ full-fibre offer for residents across South East

Complete Fibre, Orbit Group and Lightning Fibre rollout new ‘plug and play’ full-fibre offer for residents across South East

Full-fibre infrastructure specialist Complete Fibre and leading UK housing group Orbit are collaborating to rollout safe, hyper-reliable, hyper-fast broadband in blocks of flats across the South East. Complete Fibre will manage access to the buildings as well as installing a single, open-access ‘plug-and-play’ digital infrastructure within Orbit’s blocks of flats (also

Read More »
Structural Timber Award Finalists Demonstrate Best of the Best

Structural Timber Award Finalists Demonstrate Best of the Best

2023 has been a year of outstanding achievements and inspirational innovations in the structural timber sector. Celebrating the skills, talent and knowledge driving the industry forward, the Structural Timber Awards showcases the best of the best. A natural sustainable material, structural timber offers exceptional environmental, performance and design benefits. The

Read More »
New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the

Read More »
LOVELL STRENGTHENS EAST MIDLANDS OFFICE WITH MULTIPLE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

Lovell Strengthens East Midlands Office with Multiple Senior Appointments and Promotions 

THE East Midlands team at leading housing developer Lovell Partnerships has ramped up its commitment to the region, strengthening its expanding team with several senior appointments and promotions.   Longstanding Lovell employee Beth Bundonis has been made regional managing director to oversee the growth of the East Midlands team, stepping up from regional commercial director.

Read More »
Common Types of Car Accidents And How to Deal With Them

Common Types of Car Accidents And How to Deal With Them

In the bustling world of roadways, where vehicles interweave and traverse like a symphony of motion, the unexpected can suddenly disrupt the rhythm. Accidents—those unforeseen disruptions—hold the potential to jolt even the most seasoned drivers. This comprehensive exploration will navigate the realm of common types of car accidents, unveiling the

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

August 17, 2023

Construction-starts a third lower than last year

Construction-starts a third lower than last year

Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the August 2023 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of July 2023, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The central finding of the August Review is that construction-starts remained weak throughout the three months to the end of July, with main contracts awards also slumping as the sector continues to be weighed-down by a stalled economy. Sustained external pressures continue to be the root cause of this disappointing performance.  Rising interest rates and inflated material, fuel, and labour costs have shown no signs of easing in the short-term, further weakening investor and consumer confidence. Yet again, project-starts dropped, this time by 10% against the preceding period, to stand 33% lower than the same time a year ago. These disappointing figures were echoed throughout the construction pipeline, with main contracts awards also falling back against the preceding three months (-24%) to finish 33% behind the year before. However, a couple of bright spots appear amidst the gloom. While detailed planning approvals fell 26% against the preceding three months, the value increased by 37% against the previous year. Further, major project planning approvals were up a massive 167% on 2022 levels. This is indicative of recovery on the horizon, buoyed by upcoming planned major works which will provide a much-needed boost to the industry. Commenting on the findings in the August Review, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen, says “Starts on site are softening and, as global and national disruption continues, we’ll likely see clients continue to adopt a cautious approach, pushing back start dates until the economic landscape looks less hostile. Short term, changing Government priorities in the run-up to the General Election are also likely to slow investment in major infrastructure projects, halting activity further. “Despite this, residential construction offers a glimmer of hope, with increases in private housing starts helping to offset sluggish activity in this sector vertical.” With one or two exceptions, the sector-specific and regional index, which measures underlying project performance, painted a picture of general decline. Taking a closer look… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction experienced an uptick, rising by a fifth (+21%) during the Review period, but remained 26% lower than a year ago. Private housing starts increased 40% during the three months to the end of July, but fell back 26% on 2022 levels. Social housing starts were down 25% on the preceding three months and 21% on the year before. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Non-residential performance was weak. However, the health sector showed some signs of life, growing 23% against the preceding three months but remaining 25% lower than 2022. Posting one of the worst performances, office project-starts suffered a 35% fall during the three months to July, with levels declining 50% against last year. Similarly, industrial starts also fared poorly with their value slashed 24% against the preceding three months and 51% compared to the same period in 2022. Hotel & Leisure starts declined 22% against the preceding three months and 41% compared to last year. Retail followed a similar trajectory, remaining flat against the preceding three months and standing 40% down on the year before. Education and Community & Amenity also crashed, dropping 34% and 36% against the preceding three months, to stand 7% and 40% down on the previous year, respectively. Civils work starting on-site crumbled, falling back 25% against the preceding three months to stand 46% down on a year ago. Infrastructure starts dropped 8% during the Review period, finishing 45% on the previous year’s figures. Utilities starts also declined 43% against the three months to the end of July, finishing 49% down on a year ago. Regional Performance Regional performance was generally poor, however, the South West and East Midlands fared relatively well with project-starts increasing 9% and 3% on the preceding three months, respectively, but slipping back 32% and 37% on 2022 levels. The East of England followed a similar trend, with the value of project-starts advancing 4% against the preceding three months but remaining 31% behind the previous year. The North East (-26%) performed particularly poorly against the preceding three months, falling back 44% against a year ago. Wales fared worse still, finishing 30% down on the previous three months and 43% against the previous year’s levels. Project-starts in the South East also experienced falls against both the preceding three months (-7%) and previous year (-32%). Yorkshire & the Humber and London weakened against the preceding three months, falling back 4% and 15%, respectively. Both regions were down on the previous year, remaining 35% and 30% lower than a year ago. This was also the case in the West Midlands, the North West and Scotland, which all crashed compared to both the preceding three months and previous year. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. 2023 sees Glenigan celebrate its 50th anniversary, commemorating half a century of delivering the highest-quality construction market intelligence. To find out more about its services and expertise click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Groundworks commence on Salboy’s £195 million scheme to regenerate Manchester’s former Boddingtons Brewery site

Groundworks commence on Salboy’s £195 million scheme to regenerate Manchester’s former Boddingtons Brewery site

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has announced that work has commenced on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery, a renowned 52,700 sq ft site on the northern edge of central Manchester whose regeneration has been long-awaited.  DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, has mobilised on site with groundworks under way. Construction is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. The original 2018 planning application was made by Assael Architecture; the scheme was later revised and modernised by Architect Studio Power. After the Boddingtons Brewery ceased operations in 2005, proposed schemes for the site became known as Old Brewery Gardens. Salboy has renamed the scheme Waterhouse Gardens, paying homage to Alfred Waterhouse (1830-1905), one of the most successful Victorian architects whose work included Manchester Town Hall and Manchester’s Strangeways Gaol, many ‘red-brick’ universities, as well as the Natural History Museum in London.  The Waterhouse Gardens scheme will incorporate red brick in its designs, reflecting Waterhouse’s generous use of terracotta and enthusiasm for the Victorian Gothic revival style. The scheme celebrates its local environment too. Each of Waterhouse Garden’s five principal buildings will be named after local waterways, and their interior design and landscaping will be inspired by the location’s past as a brewery.  Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Right on target, work has commenced on our hugely exciting new scheme on one of Manchester’s largest and last-remaining regeneration sites. As is always the way with Salboy schemes, we only start the sales process once we are live on site. With boots now on the ground, from September buyers will be able to purchase with confidence in this scheme, which is fully funded and their deposits are protected. ” Salboy acquired the site in December 2022 with the intention to develop a mixed-used scheme (£195m GDV) across five buildings, including a 20-storey tower, and a landscaped public realm.  Located adjacent to Manchester College’s new city campus and only a short walk from the city’s Northern Quarter, Waterhouse Gardens will provide 556 new city centre homes likely to appeal to students and young people. The scheme will include 31,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, as well as exclusive access for residents to their own onsite ‘Clubhouse’ that offers them swimming pools, squash and basketball courts, lounges and games rooms, private dining, cinema room, meeting rooms and work spaces and a private landscaped garden.Ismail concludes: “Waterhouse Gardens will be a residential-led mixed use regeneration project that pays close attention to creating an appealing landscaped environment where young people buy and rent their homes, as well as study, begin or progress their careers and socialise, all within easy reach of Manchester’s vibrant city centre. We’ve specifically and painstakingly designed a new local neighbourhood that’ll suit anyone – renters and owners alike – who’s seeking a vibrant, convenient, city central lifestyle where what they need and want is available on site at a consistently high quality and easy access.”  Sales for the fully funded scheme will commence in September. Graham + Sibbald is advising Salboy on the commercial space within Waterhouse Gardens. Director Conor Mulloy comments: “We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project upon one of Manchester’s most landmark locations, and it’s great to see the works now starting on site. The design of the development together with the attention to detail on items such as the landscaping will ensure this brand new neighbourhood will be hugely attractive to both residents and commercial operators alike. “With over 31,000 sqft of quality commercial space being created with an abundance of well designed and landscaped external seating areas, particularly along Central Avenue, Waterhouse Gardens will be an exciting opportunity for bars and restaurants seeking space within the city. These new operators will not only benefit from the rapidly growing residential population but also the immediately adjacent AO Arena. In turn they will bring vibrancy and activity to the area which will enhance the neighbourhood and local environment even further.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Urban Group (York) Ltd secures £15million home improvement contract from City of York Council

Urban Group (York) Ltd secures £15million home improvement contract from City of York Council

Urban Group (York) Ltd has won a £15 million contract from the City of York Council to provide home repair & upgrades, including energy retrofitting improvements, across its social housing portfolio. Following a competitive tender process, Urban’s Maintenance & Energy team was appointed to cover around 3,500 of the Council’s social housing properties across the city. The five-year contract covers home improvements and repairs,  extensive damp works  as well as an energy retrofitting programme to make the homes greener and more energy efficient for the residents. Dunnington-based, Urban Group Commercial Director Andrew Green commented: “We are delighted to be working with City of York Council on this important programme of works that will upgrade  thousands of homes, making them warmer and more energy efficient, which is obviously very good news for the tenants. “We were able to demonstrate a proven track record in the social housing sector across the North and, with our headquarters also based in York, our team has an excellent understanding and knowledge of the city which means we can hit the ground running.” He added: “We’ll be looking to recruit on the back of this contract win to grow the team, as well as take on some keen apprentices who can learn and progress with Urban over the coming years. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has enthusiasm and wants to learn on the job, whilst gaining industry-recognised qualifications.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Buro Happold to Lead Next Phase of Mayor of London’s Local Energy Accelerator Programme

Buro Happold to Lead Next Phase of Mayor of London’s Local Energy Accelerator Programme  

Global engineering, design, and advisory practice Buro Happold will continue its role as lead consultant for the Mayor of London’s Local Energy Accelerator (LEA) – a funding programme which supports the development and delivery of local energy projects across London – as it is extended to Spring 2024.  A further £3 million of funding has been made available from the Mayor of London to support organisations to deliver clean and flexible local energy projects and help to meet London’s ambition of being net zero carbon by 2030.  Buro Happold will work closely with partners Turner & Townsend and communications consultancy Camargue to continue the work done to date to decarbonise London and tackle the climate emergency.  Through the continued programme, funded support and expertise will be provided to organisations including local authorities, government departments, NHS Trusts, and housing associations to develop projects such as district heat networks and technologies, including heat pumps and solar PV.   Buro Happold will continue to lead on the delivery of the programme, working closely with beneficiary organisations across London and providing technical expertise to support the development of projects. Their extensive energy consulting work will help guide organisations across London to benefit from low carbon, low-cost energy solutions that are suited to the challenges faced because of climate change.   Turner & Townsend will continue to provide programme management services for the GLA and support the Local Energy Accelerator’s beneficiaries.  As well as supporting the application process, the firm will provide guidance and oversight throughout the projects to help ensure effective delivery.  Camargue will continue to provide communications and engagement support, including promoting the programme to potential beneficiaries across London and driving applications for funding.   Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: “The Mayor is committed to making London net zero by 2030 and as we see the growing impacts of climate change on our world and our city we know we must accelerate our work on this target. We all need to work together and make the bold decisions now.   “I’m pleased that the Mayor is providing further funding to support the delivery and development of local energy projects and that Buro Happold will continue their excellent work as lead consultant for the Mayor’s Local Energy Accelerator. This programme has already helped hundreds of London based organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and work towards achieving net zero in 2030. Working together we can build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.”   Alasdair Young, Director of Energy at Buro Happold said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our work, along with our partners, to support organisations across London developing clean and locally generated energy projects. The Mayor has set ambitious targets to decarbonise London. Scaling up local net-zero carbon energy systems requires a step change in the pace of deployment. It is an exciting time, but there are huge challenges for councils looking to transition to low carbon energy. However, with the right guidance and leadership, the opportunities to reduce energy, reduce cost and cut carbon are real. We have found that many organisations are committed to reducing their emissions but often struggle to access specialist, independent expertise. Buro Happold is relishing the opportunity to lead in this critical area for London to deliver on important net zero targets and are delighted to be supporting the GLA in providing access to skills which will help to tackle this huge challenge.”   Matt Sutton, Director at Camargue, said: “It’s brilliant to see the progress that has been made over the last few years by organisations across London to decarbonise the city, and to have worked closely with the GLA to support this work through the Local Energy Accelerator programme.    “Over the coming months we’ll be helping the GLA to promote the extended programme and drive applications for funding – supporting the delivery of more essential clean energy projects.  We’ll also be telling the story of the success of the programme to date and fostering collaboration between beneficiaries to continue the move towards net zero over the coming years.”  Richard McWilliams, Director of Sustainability at Turner & Townsend, said: “Decarbonising the UK’s energy and heat networks is central to achieving our net zero ambitions, and strengthening national energy security.  This award demonstrates our ability to drive complex programmes and it’s fantastic to be able to continue our work in supporting the delivery of essential local energy projects.     “Our long-standing relationship with the GLA and strong track record of working in partnership with local authorities makes us well placed to support the energy transition across the capital.”  Buro Happold is leading the design and deployment of innovative net-zero carbon heat and renewable energy systems across the UK. This ranges from river, lake and mine water source heat pumps to district energy schemes which recycle waste heat from sewage to provide hot water and heating to homes and workplaces. Their specialists work with clients to tackle technical and commercial challenges. They prepare investment cases and high-performance designs which enable clients to decarbonise the built environment across scale – buildings, campuses, and cities.   Buro Happold is committed to developing and sharing knowledge of this critical issue across engineering and construction. They were among the first signatories to the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration and have a seat on the steering group for the UK Green Building Council net zero carbon buildings framework definition task group.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Complete Fibre, Orbit Group and Lightning Fibre rollout new ‘plug and play’ full-fibre offer for residents across South East

Complete Fibre, Orbit Group and Lightning Fibre rollout new ‘plug and play’ full-fibre offer for residents across South East

Full-fibre infrastructure specialist Complete Fibre and leading UK housing group Orbit are collaborating to rollout safe, hyper-reliable, hyper-fast broadband in blocks of flats across the South East. Complete Fibre will manage access to the buildings as well as installing a single, open-access ‘plug-and-play’ digital infrastructure within Orbit’s blocks of flats (also known as Multi Dwelling Units, or MDUs) which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can connect into, to provide full-fibre to residents. Lightning Fibre is the first ISP to plug into Complete Fibre’s infrastructure in Orbit buildings to provide residents safe, ultra-fast fibre broadband and boost digital inclusivity in the region. Multiple ISPs can connect into Complete Fibre’s plug-and-play solution, offering Orbit’s residents more choice when selecting full-fibre packages. Eddie Minshull, CEO of Complete Fibre, explained: “We’re the bridge between landlords and telecommunications providers. By installing one plug-and-play solution, ISPs can deliver their services via existing infrastructure rather than each company needing to install its own network. “We’re delighted that Lightning Fibre are working with us to offer Full Fibre for residents in the South East. Together, we can meet stringent safety standards, reduce disruption of multiple installations for residents and reduce the carbon footprint for fibre infrastructure builds by up to 75%*.    “Amid a race to lay fibre infrastructure to hit the government’s target of at least 85% gigabit coverage by 2025, this innovative approach, developed with support from Trenches Law, eliminates the need for statutory intervention in the market. It empowers landlords to manage digital connectivity with a strategic and planned approach and meets the needs of residents, developers, and ISPs. Orbit is one of the largest housing groups in the UK, has a growing portfolio of over 46,500 homes spanning the Midlands, East and South.  Tony Clark, Director of Property Operations at Orbit, said: “In addition to providing quality, safe, and affordable homes, we’re committed to offering wider support to help our customers in their day-to-day lives. Working with Complete Fibre to offer our customers access to reliable, ultra-fast digital connectivity is just one of the ways in which we can help to support them in their work and education, as well as provide them with easier access to community and online services.” Tim Passingham, Chairman of Lightning Fibre, added: “We’re committed to driving digital inclusion and bringing hyper fast broadband to communities in the South East. Utilising Complete Fibre, we’re able to give Orbit and their residents access to a choice of providers, and for our part, we’ll do so with a fair pricing model and a keen focus on customer care. This way of working also contributes to Lightning’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions – fewer installations mean less material and more efficient energy usage.”  *Compared to four telecoms companies installing fibre infrastructure in one building.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Structural Timber Award Finalists Demonstrate Best of the Best

Structural Timber Award Finalists Demonstrate Best of the Best

2023 has been a year of outstanding achievements and inspirational innovations in the structural timber sector. Celebrating the skills, talent and knowledge driving the industry forward, the Structural Timber Awards showcases the best of the best. A natural sustainable material, structural timber offers exceptional environmental, performance and design benefits. The annual Structural Timber Awards is a highlight of the construction industry events calendar. Construction professionals are once again invited to congregate at a prestigious awards ceremony and dinner on 04 October at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham – to celebrate architectural achievements and engineering ingenuity in timber construction. Hosted by actor, writer and comedian Ellie Taylor, event guests will enjoy a drinks reception, three course dinner, awards ceremony and post-event entertainment. The evening will provide guests with ample opportunities for high-value networking and business socialising in a prominent and central setting. Ellie Taylor is known as one of the latest hosts of Bake Off: The Professionals and has appeared in numerous hit panel shows, including The Mash Report, QI, Mock the Week and The Hit List. Every year, the awards give an incredible insight into the breadth and complexity of structural timber projects across the built environment. The 2022 awards saw 17 categories, over 130 entrants and over 60 companies shortlisted. Previous winners have enjoyed extensive media coverage for their projects following success at the awards. The 2023 finalists have now been announced! Chosen by a panel of expert judges from across the industry, the standard of entries has been truly outstanding. A huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2023 Structural Timber Awards. Over 200 entries were received, with the judging panel impressed by the engineering prowess, aesthetic appeal and commitment to sustainable practices demonstrated by all entrants. Congratulations to all the 2023 Structural Timber Awards finalists. To view the complete shortlist, go to: www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk/2023-finalists  For details of the few remaining 2023 sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities or to register your interest in sponsoring the 2024 Structural Timber Awards, contact: ellie.guest@radar-communications.co.uk To book your place to the Awards Ceremony, visit: www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk/book Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, alongside Staffordshire County Council, design and project managers Entrust and architects Arc Partnership. The £7m two-storey school will initially welcome nursery and reception pupils before filling up year on year to accommodate 210 school pupils and 26 nursery places. The school, which has been built in response to increased demand for places in the local area, boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, large hall, dedicated design and technology room and a full production kitchen to provide healthy meals for pupils and staff. The accommodation makes good use of natural light, ventilation, and technology to provide modern energy-efficient spaces, as well as modern outdoor formal and informal play spaces. Anna Seward Primary School will be part of the highly successful Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which runs six other facilities in Lichfield. An official ceremony to celebrate its opening is planned to take place in September 2023, once staff and pupils have started the new term. G F Tomlinson provided £212,976.00 of social value added opportunities for the local community, including organised site visits and career talks with students from nearby schools and recycled 98 per cent of its construction waste generated on site which was diverted from landfill – contributing positively to the local environment and the national carbon net-zero agenda. Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Anna Seward Primary has been built in response to local housing developments, which have increased demand for school places in the Lichfield area. It has been great to see the school constructed over the past few months and, although the school summer holidays are currently in full swing, I’m sure many parents and pupils will be looking forward to starting their education in a brand-new school come September.” Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have completed another project for Staffordshire County Council and continue our excellent working relationship, playing our part in expanding primary school provision in the local community. “Seeing Anna Seward Primary School take shape over the last few months has been truly rewarding – knowing that the school will provide an exceptional learning environment for many local children.” Richard Gill CBE, the ATLP CEO, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see many months of planning and hard work come to fruition at Anna Seward Primary, where we have assembled a first-class teaching team. “The ATLP has built a highly respected reputation for delivering excellence in education to primary and secondary school pupils in Lichfield and beyond. Parents of Anna Seward pupils can expect such high standards.” This is the sixth school G F Tomlinson has delivered for Staffordshire County Council to date, these include the most recent Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter and Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield last Summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
LOVELL STRENGTHENS EAST MIDLANDS OFFICE WITH MULTIPLE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

Lovell Strengthens East Midlands Office with Multiple Senior Appointments and Promotions 

THE East Midlands team at leading housing developer Lovell Partnerships has ramped up its commitment to the region, strengthening its expanding team with several senior appointments and promotions.   Longstanding Lovell employee Beth Bundonis has been made regional managing director to oversee the growth of the East Midlands team, stepping up from regional commercial director. Continuing the upward trajectory, former regional technical director Lewis Charity has also been promoted to land and technical director helping to spearhead continued growth.   To ensure the ongoing market success of the business, the regional office has also secured three senior hires – commercial manager Dan Buller, refurbishment manager James Phillips and sales and marketing manager, Mark Blake.   Dan Buller has returned to Lovell having originally started his career with the firm in 2005 as a trainee quantity surveyor. After holding senior commercial roles for the past eight years within another housebuilding association, Dan has taken the opportunity to rejoin Lovell to help drive forward success for the East Midlands.   He said: “I have always held Lovell in high regard, so I am very keen to get stuck back in and help Beth and the team achieve our growth plans, while also continuing to develop our commercial team and building key relationships with stakeholders and subcontractors in the region.”   With more than 20 years’ industry experience, James Phillips has been appointed as refurbishment manager having spent the past 10 years working in the region and is keen to harness the potential for Lovell. This service arm is designed to help partners to make best use of their existing property portfolios through repurposing spaces and using retrofit services to create more sustainable homes.   He said: “The planned refurbishment and maintenance works in the region is a key focus for many social housing and local authorities within the region. With the introduction of the SHDF for installing energy measures to reduce energy consumption, I’m keen to position us as the go-to refurbishment partner in the region to really unlock the potential in the existing building stock, build on the great existing partnerships to see where we can add more value to our clients and its local communities. I will also be developing my own team and am really looking forward to nurturing new talent.”  The third senior appointment is Mark Blake, who joins Lovell as sales and marketing manager with extensive experience within the housebuilding sector. His appointment marks significant strides for multiple developments as they go on sale across the region.    The team changes reflect the progression of several key developments with housing partners such as EMH, Riverside and Compendium Living. Most notably, the Castleward development – a major regeneration in Derby city centre under the Compendium brand – has announced the launch of 83 homes for phase 3 and planning permission for phase 4. Once completed, the scheme will deliver 800 new homes, as well as schools and commercial space in a once underused area of the city.  Mark said: “The reputation at Lovell is well known in the industry, and as it is currently in a phase of huge growth it felt like an exciting time to join. I’m keen to hit the ground running with sites already selling well, as well as helping with bids to acquire and expand on new land. With Derby’s Castleward progressing and St Aidan’s Garden in the pipeline – a new development in Burton-upon-Trent – there is plenty to get stuck into.   “It’s certainly a challenging time for developers, however, I am confident in finding innovative ways to overcome and help deliver fantastic communities for the region.”  In addition to the senior team, Gareth Bevan and Rory McPheators have been promoted to land and preconstruction manager and procurement manager respectively, both having spent more than 15 years with the business.  Beth Bundonis, regional managing director at Lovell in the East Midlands, said: “I’m proud of the progress the East Midlands team has made since opening its dedicated office just last year. We have a diverse mix of projects happening, strong partnerships and a highly experienced and committed group of people to deliver for them. I welcome all the new additions to our team – the combined knowledge of Dan, James and Mark will help to ensure we can reach the goals we have set for this year, and really shine a spotlight on Lovell in the East Midlands.”   For more information, please visit https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Common Types of Car Accidents And How to Deal With Them

Common Types of Car Accidents And How to Deal With Them

In the bustling world of roadways, where vehicles interweave and traverse like a symphony of motion, the unexpected can suddenly disrupt the rhythm. Accidents—those unforeseen disruptions—hold the potential to jolt even the most seasoned drivers. This comprehensive exploration will navigate the realm of common types of car accidents, unveiling the art of managing them. By dissecting each distinctive scenario, the objective is to equip readers with knowledge that serves as a safety net, offering reassurance amid the uncertainties of the road. Like car accident attorneys meticulously analyzing cases to uncover the truth, this article aims to analyze accident scenarios, unveiling strategies to navigate the aftermath of various collisions. Rear-End Collisions: Imagine a domino effect: one car abruptly stops, and the vehicle behind it doesn’t react quickly enough, leading to a rear-end collision. These incidents are as common as sipping morning coffee, often arising from sudden stops or the perils of distracted driving. When this unexpected thrust propels your vehicle forward, engaging in proactive measures is imperative. Start by exchanging insurance information, a task akin to sharing contact details at a social gathering. Moreover, documenting damage through photos—much like capturing memories—can provide valuable evidence. Equally important is the recognition that seeking medical attention is as crucial as reporting the incident. As tending to a wound prevents further complications, addressing potential injuries promptly safeguards your well-being. T-Bone Accidents: Envision a game of chance where one vehicle crashes into the side of another at a perpendicular angle—a T-bone accident. These dramatic collisions often unfold at intersections, with drivers sometimes running red lights, much like disregarding rules in a game. When the side impact leaves you rattled, summoning the authorities and obtaining witness information is the first resolution act. This is akin to enlisting impartial judges in a competition to ascertain fairness. Waiting patiently for law enforcement to arrive is analogous to observing the protocols of a contest, ensuring a just determination of fault. Sideswipe Incidents: Visualize two cars on parallel paths, their sides brushing against each other like strangers exchanging glances—a sideswipe accident. These incidents frequently occur during lane changes or while merging onto highways, resembling brief interactions among strangers. When the unexpected graze shakes your equilibrium, pull over to the side of the road. Much like a courteous exchange of apologies after a minor collision, assess the damage, capturing photos as if preserving the scene. Exchanging information with the other party is comparable to extending a handshake of acknowledgment, reflecting civility amid an inadvertent encounter. Single-Vehicle Crashes: Imagine navigating a winding road when suddenly, your vehicle embarks on a solo dance—a single-vehicle crash. Factors like adverse weather conditions or mechanical failures can trigger these incidents, similar to how weather influences outdoor events. Maintaining a calm demeanor is paramount despite the aftermath of such a performance. This mirrors the composure an audience expects from performers even when unexpected circumstances arise. Calling emergency services to the scene is equivalent to calling for help during an unplanned act. Just as prompt intervention during a mishap can mitigate its effects, seeking assistance swiftly enhances the chances of a smoother recovery. Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Think of a row of dominoes falling rapidly—a multi-vehicle pileup. These complex collisions often unfold under adverse weather conditions, mimicking the chaos a storm can bring. When entangled in this whirlwind of events, prioritizing personal safety is paramount. Like finding shelter during a storm, checking for injuries amid the chaos is a priority. Promptly contacting emergency services echoes the urgency of seeking refuge during turbulent weather. This proactive action mirrors seeking sanctuary from the elements, ensuring the aftermath is as controlled as possible. Hit-and-Run Episodes:  Envision a shadow fading into the night—a hit-and-run accident. It’s akin to a magician vanishing after performing a trick, perplexing the audience. In this scenario, recording details about the fleeing vehicle and any available witnesses is comparable to capturing fleeting memories within a crowd. Just as preserving an impression of a fleeting moment is vital, retaining these crucial details assists authorities in their pursuit of accountability. Similar to how an audience would rely on their observations to decipher a vanishing act, your observations contribute to piecing together the puzzle of a hit-and-run incident. Dealing with Insurance and Legal Matters: Navigating the aftermath of an accident often involves interactions with insurance and legal entities, much like addressing an audience after a performance. Reporting the incident promptly to your insurer, documenting the damage with photos, and seeking legal counsel if necessary can mirror an artist’s careful preparation before stepping onto a stage. Just as performers rehearse their lines and cues to ensure a seamless show, your preparedness in dealing with insurance and legal matters enhances the efficiency of the process. Documenting the incident through photographs is a visual script, much like the blueprints performers use to guide their actions on stage. Seeking legal counsel, if the situation demands, can be likened to seeking guidance from mentors before a critical performance, ensuring that your decisions align with the desired outcome. Conclusion : Accidents in the road’s grand theater are unexpected plot twists that can bewilder drivers. By venturing through the prevalent types of car accidents and unraveling the steps to address them, this article aspires to offer a comprehensive script for tackling these unforeseen moments. As drivers, our roles extend beyond mere steering and gear-shifting; they encompass adeptly responding to unpredictable scenarios with a composed demeanor. Much like car accident attorneys assume multifaceted roles to navigate complex legal narratives, drivers must become adept problem solvers when confronted with accidents. Armed with knowledge and a touch of experience, drivers can deftly traverse the intricate plotlines of car accidents, ensuring their journey continues uninterrupted, even after the curtain falls on the unexpected scene.

Read More »