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September 20, 2023

Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Kenneth Booth September 20, 2023

SUNDERLAND’S distinctive new car park has won a national award in recognition of its excellence. Sunderland City Council’s new Riverside Sunderland Multi Storey Car Park, which provides 657 new spaces at Farringdon Row, was named Best New Car Park Award at the British Parking Awards, an independent competition created and

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Screwfix targets 60 new stores by the end of the year

Screwfix targets 60 new stores by the end of the year

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

Screwfix is targeting 60 new store openings by the end of the financial year in the UK and Ireland, despite its parent company Kingfisher lowering its profit guidance for the 2023/24 financial year. The DIY retailer opened 12 new stores in the first six months of the year in the

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Oxford City Council acquires over 100 homes

Oxford City Council acquires over 100 homes

Cristina Diaconu September 20, 2023

Oxford City Council has acquired over 100 homes from housebuilder The Hill Group at Oxford North’s Canalside development, south of the A40. The new homes, part of the first 317 energy-efficient new homes that Hill is delivering at Canalside, will bring vital affordable housing to the Oxford market, which currently

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The Benefits of a Home Warranty

The Benefits of a Home Warranty

Nick Child September 20, 2023

Home warranties provide numerous advantages to homeowners. Finding a trustworthy provider with terms, conditions, and clauses tailored specifically to your coverage preferences is key when purchasing such plans. Consider hiring a company with experience resolving disputes and an established list of qualified contractors; this will ensure an easy process should

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

September 20, 2023

First residents receive keys to council homes at Meridian Water

First residents receive keys to council homes at £6 Billion regeneration project Meridian Water

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

The first residents have received their keys for new council homes at the transformational Meridian Water project in Edmonton, delivered by Enfield Council and developers Countryside Partnerships. Enfield Council tenants in Edmonton were the first people to be offered housing in the high-quality homes at the development. Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships have delivered a range of family-sized homes, including accessible homes for disabled tenants as well as some one-bedroom residences. The homes, Brambling House and Greatcrest House are named after native birds that can be found in the area. The 20 completed homes are part of the 50 per cent affordable housing offer being built in the first phase of Meridian One. Three hundred homes will be delivered in this phase by the end of 2024. Residents met with The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley and Countryside London Divisional Chair, Mike Woolliscroft.The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, who met the first Council tenants at Meridian Water on 4 September, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the Meridian Water project and our plan to build decent, affordable homes in Enfield. Alongside new homes, Meridian Water will invest in Edmonton residents with new leisure facilities, training and job opportunities. “Seeing the first residents receive their keys for their new homes is a testament to the ambitions and hard work of the people of Edmonton, and this is only the start.” The Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the first tenants to these new, high-quality council homes at Meridian Water. This impressive development, which is set to deliver three hundred homes by the end of next year, will ensure that more Londoners can benefit from the record-levels of council homes we’re building in the capital. There is also enormous potential for regeneration and community development in Enfield through the new facilities, jobs and training on offer – helping to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for all.” Mike Woolliscroft, London Divisional Chair, Countryside Partnerships, commented: “As one of London’s most significant regeneration projects, we are proud to have delivered the first council homes for local residents at Meridian Water, in partnership with Enfield Council. “Our ambition has been to transform a challenging brownfield site into a vibrant and sustainable new community where the design encourages residents to have healthy, active lifestyles, and where we can deliver socio-economic value for Enfield residents. Meridian One is setting the benchmark for future phases of the £6bn Meridian Water project, and we’re looking forward to welcoming many more residents over the coming years as the community grows.” This year, Meridian Water has already completed a Community Garden, Enfield Construction Skills Academy, and has been successful in securing £195 million in infrastructure costs for the next phase of the £6 billion regeneration project. Visit the Meridian Water website to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Kenneth Booth September 20, 2023

SUNDERLAND’S distinctive new car park has won a national award in recognition of its excellence. Sunderland City Council’s new Riverside Sunderland Multi Storey Car Park, which provides 657 new spaces at Farringdon Row, was named Best New Car Park Award at the British Parking Awards, an independent competition created and presented by Parking Review magazine to recognise the leading examples of car park management, enforcement, design and teamwork. The MSCP – which was designed by the architectural firms Ryder Architecture and Tonkin Liu, and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine – beat off strong bids from provision across the country and was recognised alongside facilities in Chester and Stevenage to scoop the urban car park title, the latest in a string of awards for Riverside Sunderland developments. Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member, said: “This is yet another award for Riverside Sunderland, which we know is world-class development that is transforming the cityscape with developments that will create jobs and opportunities for our residents. “We are proud to be leading on developments that are of a standard and quality that leads to national recognition.  It is what the city and our communities demand of us and deserve.” The new facility opened earlier this summer and is split over 11 levels.  It features a striking design that is illuminated on an evening, with two living walls constructed with over 50,000 plants some of which are native to Britain and were carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate.  The walls are located on the north and south sides of the car park, the impressive structure spans a staggering 200,000 sq ft and will provide a stunning new gateway to Riverside Sunderland. The quality of the design fits with the ambition of Sunderland City Council to deliver exceptional buildings that raise the bar of the built environment. The car park is one of a number of new buildings emerging at Riverside Sunderland and is part of a plan to boost the number of people living and working in the heart of the city.  The ambition is to double the resident population of the city centre from 2,500 to 5,000 and increase employment by 50% to 18,000.  For the latest developments from Riverside Sunderland, visit www.riversidesunderland.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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G F Tomlinson secures place on prestigious Procure Partnerships Framework

G F Tomlinson secures place on prestigious Procure Partnerships Framework

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has successfully been selected for two lots on the Procure Partnerships Framework. Running from 1 November 2023 for four years, G F Tomlinson have been selected to deliver a range of schemes within the public sector. As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects from £5 million to £15 million, across both the East Midlands and West Midlands.   Procure Partnerships Framework Ltd has operated a national contractor framework for the past four years and has supported the delivery of over 150 construction projects year on year. This second iteration of the Framework covers four disciplines, including construction, under which G F Tomlinson has been appointed. The total value of the Framework across its nine regions is anticipated to be £8 billion, over the four-year term. G F Tomlinson secured its place on the Framework through a rigorous and comprehensive selection process encompassing several critical assessments, including: PAS91 Selection Questionnaire; Financial Standing Checks; Relevant Experience; and Commercial Assessments; and Quality Assessments, covering aspects such as cost management, health and safety, sustainability, social value, and performance management. G F Tomlinson’s Framework Manager, Ian Dalby, will be managing this new relationship, ensuring the contractor’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional construction solutions. Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: ‘The Procure Partnerships Framework will enhance our coverage in the regions we operate in and provide a cost-effective platform for delivering essential public sector projects, and we are pleased to now be part of it. “Since 2018 G F Tomlinson has delivered in excess of £500 million projects within the public sector and this award will help to continue our commitment to delivering excellence in construction and our commitment to transforming communities. We look forward to developing significant projects across the East and West Midlands.” Robbie Blackhurst, Director and Founder at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework looks forward to working with G F Tomlinson on a number of key projects essential to the delivery of public sector works at the highest standard. The new iteration of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement, and we look forward to seeing what G F Tomlinson achieves over the next four years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Screwfix targets 60 new stores by the end of the year

Screwfix targets 60 new stores by the end of the year

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

Screwfix is targeting 60 new store openings by the end of the financial year in the UK and Ireland, despite its parent company Kingfisher lowering its profit guidance for the 2023/24 financial year. The DIY retailer opened 12 new stores in the first six months of the year in the UK and Ireland, and is also eyeing further expansion into Europe. Kingfisher had also revealed that B&Q has expanded its trade-focused banner, TradePoint. The retailer opened 18 new counters in the first half of the year, extending its presence within B&Q’s estate to 207, over two-thirds of stores. This comes despite Kingfisher lowering its pre-tax profit guidance for the year from a previous estimation of £634m to £590m. During the first half of 2023, the group’s statutory pre-tax profit fell by 33.1% to £317 million. Despite an increase in like-for-like (LFL) sales in the UK and Ireland of 1.7%, the group saw poorer European performance in France and Poland, where LFL sales fell by 3.8% and 10.9% respectively. The group’s total sales increased by 1.1% to £6.88bn. Thierry Garnier, chief executive officer, said: “Our LFL sales in H1 were slightly ahead of expectations, against a backdrop of unseasonal weather and ongoing macroeconomic challenges in our markets. We saw good growth in our UK banners, with Screwfix gaining significant market share.” “Trading in the UK & Ireland continues to have positive momentum. However, to better reflect our performance in H1 and the trading environment in our markets, we have updated our profit guidance for this year and are proactively managing our operating costs accordingly. We remain very positive on the medium-to-long term outlook for home improvement growth in our markets, and confident in our ability to grow market share and deliver on our medium-term financial objectives”, he added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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MC Construction blazes a trail with Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint

MC Construction blazes a trail with Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

Salford-based MC Construction is blazing a trail after teaming up with environmental business Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is the first construction business to join Play It Green’s Climate Positive Workforce programme as it steps up its drive to lower its carbon emissions and to progress towards becoming a net zero operation by 2038. MC Construction has signed up its entire 60-strong team to Play It Green’s online subscription service. For a monthly fee, every staff member will receive weekly tips, discounts, education and tools to help them and the business reduce their footprint. A total of 780 trees will be planted each month on behalf of its staff. In addition, as part of the same subscription, the North West Air Ambulance Charity will receive a regular donation as the company’s charity of the year. Ten per cent of Play it Green’s revenues go to each member’s chosen good cause. Play It Green, which was launched in 2021 by Chris Thair and Richard Dickson, is based in Manchester. The B Corp accredited business has grown to have subscribers across nine countries, including Sri Lanka, Germany and Australia as well as the UK. Among Play It Green’s members are Warrington Wolves RLFC, basketball team London Lions, Shire Leasing, Ecoegg, Levitex, Ikonic Technology, Affirmative Finance, Dains Accountants, Manchester Central and The Regency Club London. Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “The impact of the construction industry is widely documented on the global stage. World leaders have committed to shifting towards a more sustainable future. This is a responsibility for everyone in the industry, regardless of size, and we are determined to play our part.   “As a long-established business, our success has always been anchored to our core values, including taking responsibility for our actions.  “By joining forces with Play It Green, we are showing our commitment to building upon our existing initiatives to tackle and reduce the environmental impact of our work.  “We recognise that there is no quick fix, and that positive results will come from concerted effort, but we are fully committed to a strategic and determined approach to achieve our net zero target by 2038. Our partnership with Play It Green is a positive step on that journey and will help us make a tangible difference. “Play It Green shares our values and has a straightforward and transparent approach, making it a natural fit for us. I have no doubt that our fantastic team will engage with the Climate Positive Workforce programme, ensuring that environmental and sustainability considerations are further embedded in our culture.” Chris Thair, chief executive of Play It Green, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MC Construction into our community. “The Climate Positive Workforce service now moves them to the next level by continually educating and rewarding their staff, giving them the knowledge, drive and tools to bring innovation and further positive action within the business. “Our model significantly boosts our members’ ESG credentials, helping them move to net zero and make a positive ongoing environmental and social impact. “We look forward to working with MC Construction and creating a brighter future for their business, local community and the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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The Chartered Governance Institute calls on the FRC not to buckle under calls to weaken corporate governance provisions

The Chartered Governance Institute calls on the FRC not to buckle under calls to weaken corporate governance provisions

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

The Chartered Governance Institute, UK & Ireland, has responded to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) consultation on the review of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) to urge it to protect the huge benefits of the strong governance environment in the UK, balancing the desire to improve the Code against the proportionality of any additional reporting. Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director CGIUKI said,‘Calls to simplify legislation and regulation are regularly made by those suggesting the current regime is off-putting to large corporates. In some areas these may be justified, but not in that of governance, where we believe that a strong reputation for governance practices is an asset to the UK, adding huge value to the market and reassuring shareholders and stakeholders alike. They should not be diluted in response to a perceived trend in corporate behaviour. But there is an important balance to be struck within the Code. It is right and important that management attention is spent on reporting, but this should not unduly redirect attention away from business matters. The amount of reporting required of companies, and the complexity of regulation to which they are subject, must be proportionate. Our recent Boardroom Bellwether survey highlighted that 81% of respondents believe that, to some or to a large extent, increasing reporting requirements are reducing the time available for strategic discussions at board level. That cannot be the intention. And it is essential that changes to the Code do not add to that burden. The FRC must be confident that any changes it makes to the Code add value and that their impact is not overly onerous, encouraging the micro-management of companies by either regulators or shareholders.’ Key points in the Institute’s response include:• The enormous respect for the value that the Code adds to the UK market.• The need to take advantage of technology to ensure that reporting can be kept up to date, through the use of company websites rather than always through the annual report.• The pivotal role of company secretaries and governance professionals in corporate governance, and the importance of their specific expertise to support board in making better decisions and increase trust in company reporting.• The need to ensure that materiality is a matter for the judgement of the board alone – only the board is in the appropriate position to judge what reporting is material to the company and what is not; allowing other stakeholders to second-guess this, based on their own values and interests, is not helpful.• Our call on the FRC, as the regulator, to provide guidance on how and what companies should report on their climate ambitions and transition plans. These will vary between companies depending on the sector they operate in and the pace of change appropriate to their business. There is a need for consistent reporting but also to avoid duplicating existing regulations and guidelines, such as the UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS). Without clarity, others will fill the vacuum, whereas FRC guidance would better enable companies to respond to reasonable expectations from stakeholders and regulators without confusion or ambiguity.• The ever-increasing breadth and depth of required topics for disclosure can contribute to a rise in boiler-plate disclosures, in particular where companies feel obliged to report on issues which they believe are simply not material to their business. And boiler-plate disclosures are, we would suggest, of little use to anyone.• The Stewardship Code lacks effective enforcement and should be updated to recognise current investment market practice and to give it more authority to strengthen shareholder engagement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Oxford City Council acquires over 100 homes

Oxford City Council acquires over 100 homes

Cristina Diaconu September 20, 2023

Oxford City Council has acquired over 100 homes from housebuilder The Hill Group at Oxford North’s Canalside development, south of the A40. The new homes, part of the first 317 energy-efficient new homes that Hill is delivering at Canalside, will bring vital affordable housing to the Oxford market, which currently ranks among the most unaffordable places to live in the UK. Of the 111 homes, 89 will be made available for social rent and 22 on a shared ownership basis. Hill, which has a strong track record of delivering high-quality homes within the Oxford area, secured detailed planning permission at Canalside in September 2022 and commenced work on the new homes in January 2023, with the first homes due to complete in the spring of 2024. The council’s housing company OX Place are acting as development managers for the acquisition. Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Hill Group, commented: “Canalside at Oxford North represents a landmark residential development for the City, and we are delighted to agree on the delivery of the project’s affordable housing to Oxford City Council. This agreement ensures local people will have access to sustainable, well-designed homes on an affordable basis, built to the high standards for which The Hill Group is renowned.” Homes at Canalside have a strong emphasis on sustainability, going above and beyond Oxford City Council’s progressive environmental targets thanks to a range of low-carbon features. These include air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and living green roofs. The development also boasts water consumption reduction measures, electric car charging points, and ample cycle storage. As part of the wider Oxford North development, Canalside will help deliver a minimum 5% biodiversity net gain, ensuring residents and nature can thrive in harmony. Homes are designed around a large landscaped communal park with play areas, meadow grassland, and an activity lawn. Extensive tree planting of over 200 species is planned across the site, including the introduction of a new orchard. Additionally, an intricate network of pedestrian and cycle paths will be integrated into the development, promoting active lifestyles and sustainable modes of transportation. The construction phase brings with it local economic benefits through the recently published Oxford North Phase 1 Community Employment Plan (CEP) to maximise the opportunities created for local people and businesses during the next 18 months of construction. The CEP covers local labour, supply chain, and procurement, as well as engagement with educational institutions, youth and apprenticeships, and disadvantaged communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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North East-based construction firm grows turnover by almost a quarter to record £62.5m

North East-based construction firm grows turnover by almost a quarter to record £62.5m

Kenneth Booth September 20, 2023

Applebridge Construction Ltd., the civil engineering and utilities division of the renowned construction group operating across the North of England, has grown turnover by almost a quarter (23.3%) to a record £62.5m. The latest financial results from the division has meant the Applebridge Family group is poised to exceed a record breaking £100 million in turnover for the first time in 2023. The Middlesbrough-headquartered contractor has put its success down to a continued commitment to its core ideals, providing quality services and building lasting relationships with clients. Testament to its ideals the group and its component companies have seen significant growth, including a 300% increase in turnover to £30m in 2023 for its earthworks contracting firm ZTL following larger project wins such as Konnect 62 – one of the largest ever warehouse spaces constructed in the Yorkshire region. In 2021, Applebridge Group introduced Applebridge Utilities as an independent entity, and in just two years, it has flourished into a company with a £5 million turnover in 2023. In addition, AD Plant Hire, which supports the component companies with vehicles and plant, is projected to reach circa £6 million in 2023. Applebridge Founder and CEO Donny Hughes said: “We are incredibly proud of how our component companies have thrived and propelled the Applebridge Family towards this remarkable milestone of surpassing £100 million in turnover. “Our journey has been fuelled by the dedication of our remarkable team and our unyielding commitment to quality, relationships, and innovation. As we move forward, we remain devoted to delivering excellence in every project, strengthening client collaborations, nurturing our team’s professional growth, and driving innovation throughout the construction industry.” With its component companies having received several accolades – including CECA training Company of the Year Award 2020, Constructing Excellence North East’s SME of the Year in 2021, Department for Education 4th best SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK 2022 – the group continues to go from strength to strength, building key relationships and winning projects of increasing sizes. With an increase in its capacity and capabilities, in recent years Applebridge has sought to diversify its revenue stream by placing an increased focus on frameworks and has most recently been appointed to; Northern Education Trust procurement framework in 2020, Virgin Media O2’s Network expansion framework in 2022, Teesworks Reactive framework at the start of 2023, and YorCivils awarded earlier this month. Mr Hughes adds: “By consistently exceeding client expectations and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, we have been able to earn a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. As Applebridge looks towards the future, we remain committed to delivering exceptional projects, forging strong relationships and investing in the next generation.” To find out more about the Applebridge Family visit https://applebridgefamily.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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The Benefits of a Home Warranty

The Benefits of a Home Warranty

Nick Child September 20, 2023

Home warranties provide numerous advantages to homeowners. Finding a trustworthy provider with terms, conditions, and clauses tailored specifically to your coverage preferences is key when purchasing such plans. Consider hiring a company with experience resolving disputes and an established list of qualified contractors; this will ensure an easy process should your system or appliance ever malfunction. Click here to read the full report if you want to learn even more than what is highlighted below. Peace of Mind Home warranties can be an excellent way to alleviate anxiety related to potential appliance or system failure. Instead of trying to figure out how to repair something yourself or find an available professional quickly in case of an emergency situation, simply call your provider and they will send someone right away to assist. Before purchasing a home warranty plan, be sure to read all of its fine print and read customer reviews on its website, including reports with the Better Business Bureau. Inquire with friends or neighbors regarding their experiences with similar plans so you have an idea of what you may be getting into. Keep in mind that lower annual premiums often come with limited coverage or financial limits and that home warranties cannot protect against everything that could go wrong with appliances or systems, yet many find the peace of mind they provide worthwhile. Predictable Budgeting Home warranties tend to be far less costly than paying out-of-pocket for repairs and replacements. A warranty company’s service fee covers the cost of an on-site technician who can assess what needs to be done, before scheduling an appointment to repair or replace it. Home warranty companies are subject to consumer protection laws in each state they operate in; some require registration while others mandate license or certification to operate within specific regions. Home warranties can appear expensive initially, but can make financial sense over the long run. Your premium payments could go toward building up a rainy day fund in an interest-bearing savings account that’s ready when something breaks. When selecting your provider make sure they offer clear contracts that outline standard, optional, and upgrade coverage; that way you won’t get any surprises later down the line and can show a track record of customer satisfaction as well. Comprehensive Coverage Home warranties provide homeowners with an insurance-like plan that protects systems and appliances against costly repairs. When homeowners submit claims, vetted technicians are sent out immediately to assess and repair issues quickly – taking away stress so you can continue living life comfortably! Home warranties also take the stress and uncertainty out of system maintenance by assuring that all components are functioning as they should. Should something break, homeowners can call their provider’s customer service number or access their online portal to file a claim and the company will send a contractor out within 24-48 hours to address it or cover replacement costs as necessary. Providers offer both system and appliance warranties, with increasing coverage options as you increase your plan options. When making an informed choice about home warranty companies, you must discuss protections and exclusions with their representative, then analyze a sample contract to make an educated choice. Home warranty companies need to balance risk against payout claims; hence they set limits on what events they cover and their corresponding payout limits for each. Convenience Home warranty companies typically repair rather than replace appliances and systems, saving you money. In cases where repairs cannot be completed, home warranty providers may offer cash settlement or replacement options as an option. Many home warranties allow you to add additional systems or appliances to your plan, which can be useful if you have a pool, hot tub, or rooftop solar that would be difficult to cover under an initial policy. Home warranties can provide peace of mind to both home buyers who purchase pre-owned properties with little information on repairs and maintenance history, and sellers who wish to attract potential buyers by offering active warranties. It is wise to research providers thoroughly to choose one with clear contracts with transparent terms, conditions, and clauses to prevent surprises down the line; ultimately the savings and convenience that home warranties bring far outweigh any initial investment made into them.

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