Property owners and tenants in the UK are largely in the dark about the future options for heating their homes and many remain unconvinced about the Government’s focus in supporting them with the switch to more sustainable heat sources, according to a new survey by Wolseley, one of the country’s
Today, Hanson UK becomes Heidelberg Materials, aligning with its parent company which announced its new global branding in September 2022. “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united Group,” said Simon
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has appointed three new senior leaders, as the building materials supplier to the public sector continues to see increased demand for its services and expertise. Ryan Kellingray has been named Operations Director, Ben Lewis joins JPS as Head of Ranging and John Moss has been hired
Three landmark care homes in Derbyshire have finished pivotal works this summer to improve facilities for residents. Led by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, and delivered for Derbyshire County Council through the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework, the works have included a range of improvements to bring the ageing buildings
Steve Muncaster and Rob Armstrong were appointed as Joint Administrators of Hounslow Property Development Limited on 28 September 2023. Alongside Steven and Rob, Kroll’s Real Estate Advisory Group will be supporting the insolvency process. Hounslow Property Development Company recently acquired an old Ministry of Defence site, Cavalry Barracks, near Heathrow
Property owners and tenants in the UK are largely in the dark about the future options for heating their homes and many remain unconvinced about the Government’s focus in supporting them with the switch to more sustainable heat sources, according to a new survey by Wolseley, one of the country’s largest specialist providers of heating and cooling systems. The poll indicated an alarmingly low level of awareness of alternatives to gas and oil-fired boilers, and demonstrated a broad need for improved public clarity and understanding as the Government moves ahead with revised energy transition policies following its announcement on 20th September. Responses from 1,000 homeowners and tenants across the UK found that: Of the people surveyed, 54% were renters and 42% owned their home. The survey found a crucial knowledge gap among households, suggesting that the Government needs to provide greater clarity and information: These findings follow the Government’s announcement, which saw the delay to a number of key net zero commitments. The Government plans to extend the ban on diesel and petrol cars, as well as the ban on the sale of new gas boilers, to 2035. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is also due to rise from £5,000 to £7,500. “Homeowners are still waiting for the Government to clarify how the energy transition will be accomplished. We need more information on the options, an acknowledgement that no single technology will be the solution, better listening to homeowners and installers, and clear alignment of public funds and policy in the areas where it is needed most. Following the recent announcement by the Prime Minister there is even more of a policy vacuum to support reduction of carbon in the home. Policy will need to address the very significant up-front costs to homeowners, and ideally acknowledge a role for hybrid heat pump systems that can offer carbon reductions at a lower cost to the homeowner in many cases” said Simon Oakland, CEO, Wolseley Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Hanson UK becomes Heidelberg Materials, aligning with its parent company which announced its new global branding in September 2022. “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united Group,” said Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK. “Having a single brand name and identity sends a clear and consistent message to our increasingly global customers and fosters collaboration across both geographical and organisational borders. “It will allow us to work together to lead the field in driving down carbon emissions; promote the circular economy by recycling and reusing construction waste; develop digital solutions to provide added value to our customers; and develop sustainable and innovative building materials.” Hanson has been part of the Heidelberg Materials Group for 16 years, following its acquisition in 2007. The new branding will be rolled out at sites and on vehicles over the next two years with new packaging following in early 2024. The new identity includes a subtle ‘h’ to reflect the initial letter of the brand, while the larger shape signifies a construction element, and the colours reflect the Group’s heritage. “It’s an exciting time for us,” added Simon Willis. “Customer demands, markets, and competitors are changing rapidly and being part of a global team will allow us to take full advantage of our strengths. “Our commitment to decarbonisation, growing the circular economy and delivering excellence remains and, as we head to the future, we will continue to drive innovation and deepen partnerships with our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease terms to fit their individual requirements. With over 18 years of combined experience working with students, University Living and Londonist recognized the need for more flexibility in tenancy options to better serve the dynamic needs of students. Uninist is specifically designed to address this gap in the market and provide students with the freedom to create their ideal living experience. Uninist offers modern and well-maintained properties in prime locations, in close proximity to universities, colleges, public transportation, and other amenities. The platform provides a variety of room configurations and payment plans, including short-term to long-term options, to meet the unique needs of each student. “University Living has over a decade of experience handling and expanding globally, and especially in and around the UK, catering to 110 plus nationalities globally. It’s a very good combination where Londonist is bringing the expertise on the on-ground operations and University Living is bringing in the market intel for outside London, a flawless way to conquer the rest of the UK, for the flexible contracts. University Living has been catering to 110 plus nationalities globally for a decade now, and we ensure safe and secure premium accommodation in and around universities to all the students,” said Mayank Maheshwari, COO of University Living. Asim Ertürk, Managing Director of Londonist DMC said, “At Uninist we are passionate about helping students thrive, and our flexible housing options empowers students to create their ideal living experience. We are also incredibly proud to have provided access to the top cities in the UK, and we have always been striving to deliver the best experience for students around the globe. Student wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and our spaces to study, exercise, social and relax will ensure the best journey for all students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has appointed three new senior leaders, as the building materials supplier to the public sector continues to see increased demand for its services and expertise. Ryan Kellingray has been named Operations Director, Ben Lewis joins JPS as Head of Ranging and John Moss has been hired as Business Development Director, with all bringing a wealth of expertise from varied careers within the industry. The hires follow the appointment of Scott Cooper as Managing Director across both JPS and its sister company George Boyd, the architectural ironmongery and commercial door sets distributor, earlier this year. Both brands are part of STARK Building Materials UK and the move helped to strengthen the existing synergies between the companies as they continue to see increased demand from the public sector, particularly within social housing. Cooper said: “The last three years have been incredibly successful for JPS and we have established ourselves as a trusted supplier for housing providers and public sector organisations in the UK. “During this time, we have doubled our turnover and we intend to continue growing in both size and ability, investing in knowledge and skills that will ultimately help our customers and their end users. “By enhancing our senior leadership structure, we can take our quality of service to the next level, as well as expanding our product range to help customers navigate the ever-evolving challenges facing the public sector. Two of our new recruits have previously worked for our customers and suppliers, so they can bring invaluable real-world experiences of challenges and opportunities that our customers face.” Speaking of his appointment, Kellingray said: “I have always looked on and admired the JPS business, especially the recent trajectory it has been on. When the opportunity came up to be part of the business I couldn’t wait to get started and help shape the continued growth we are aiming for in the coming years. “I have a strong operations and sales background, which I’ll be using to help land our growth plan in the market whilst maintaining the strong customer partnerships that have already been developed.” Adding to this, Lewis said: “Having had previous experience in the material supply chain within the housing sector, I’ve had the opportunity to work with JPS and have always enjoyed doing so. I’m delighted to now be supporting the business from the other side, and will be working to improve the customer experience even further so we can maintain a reputation as a truly trusted supplier.” Reflecting on his new role, Moss said: “Working alongside JPS in recent years has given me a great insight into the impressive trajectory of the business and its incredibly collaborative approach with its customers. “My work within the social housing sector for more than 14 years has provided a real understanding of its needs and I wholeheartedly share the JPS passion for partnership. I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such an exciting phase of growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three landmark care homes in Derbyshire have finished pivotal works this summer to improve facilities for residents. Led by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, and delivered for Derbyshire County Council through the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework, the works have included a range of improvements to bring the ageing buildings up to an approved standard to enhance the experience for residents. The three schemes include £3.1m works to Briar Close House Care Home in Borrowash, £2.9m works to New Bassett House Care Home in Shirebrook and £2.7m works to Rowthorne Care Home in Swanwick, all of which started in summer 2021 and are due to be finished by autumn 2023. Derbyshire County Council commissioned the improvements as part of a scheme of major refurbishment works to council-run care homes across Derbyshire. Improvement upgrades included asbestos removal, structural roof repairs, new insulation, partition alterations, new ceilings, plaster works, repairs to doors and ironmongery together with the installation of new sprinkler and fire safety systems and new kitchen facilities. The schemes were finished off externally with hard and soft landscaping which included new planters, pergolas, and decorative garden areas for residents to enjoy. The landscape improvements have ensured that all outdoor spaces are safe and accessible, with wider paths and raised beds to enable residents to tend to and enjoy new planting areas. The outside areas have also been designed to be Dementia friendly – and include a sensory garden with lights, wind chimes and fragrant flowers and plants specifically to stimulate participation. Civils works involved the construction of new footpaths and roadways to improve circulation and make the homes easily accessible to care staff and visitors. New drainage has also been installed throughout the sites. As part of their commitment to the environment and supporting local wildlife, G F Tomlinson installed hedgehog highways at each care home. Each project achieved scores ranging from 38 to 41 ‘Very Good’ on the National Considerate Constructors scheme, in recognition of the consideration the contractor gave to residents, staff and nearby neighbours during the construction period. Giving back to the local communities, G F Tomlinson provided a range of social value opportunities at each care home. At Briar Close, the team provided 24 days of work experience to students from local schools and colleges. Other initiatives included Christmas gifts to local residents and furniture replacement following the handover of each area. At Rowthorne, a new washing machine and temporary kitchen was fitted, local litter picks and hedge cutting took place and 15 days of work experience for local young people was provided. The company also donated a defibrillator to the Rowthorne and New Bassett Care homes on completion of the schemes. At New Bassett Care Home, old wardrobes and timber pergolas were disposed of, and the care home entrance slabs replaced, along with moving furniture back in after works and re-fitting curtains, all of which were not part of the original works package. Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering these pivotal works for three main care homes in the county has been a tremendous honour and we’re proud that the improvements will ensure the preservation of these much-needed residential care homes as part of the local social care provision. “Despite delays due to Covid-19 vaccination requirements, as we approach completion, we’re looking forward to residents moving back into the new and enhanced homes which will significantly improve their quality of living. “We’d like to say a big thank you to our different site teams for delivering exceptional quality and going above and beyond to deliver social value opportunities in the local communities.” Scott Rice, Project Manager, Concertus Derbyshire Limited, said: ““Projects like this make a real difference to the lives of our most vulnerable elderly people. At all times, GFT acknowledged they were working in what are in reality people’s homes. The homes remained occupied during the works which took place over a number of phases. “GFT worked closely alongside the home management in order to minimise any disruption – the site teams and operatives have been recognised by the home managers for their consideration towards the residents. Covid threw us a curve ball, and throughout the project the nature of working in phases on old buildings led to many unforeseeable issues arising which were dealt with smoothly and efficiently. We have been kept appraised of progress and changes at all stages which has resulted in remarkable high-quality improvements to what were very tired and outdated properties.” Elliott Talbot, Framework Manager for Pagabo’s Refit and Refurbishment Framework, said: “We’re delighted to see these care home improvements reaching completion thanks to the great work of G F Tomlinson. Our Refit and Refurbishment Framework allowed Derbyshire County Council to find the most suited contractor for this project and streamlined the whole procurement process. A massive well done to everyone who made this scheme a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steve Muncaster and Rob Armstrong were appointed as Joint Administrators of Hounslow Property Development Limited on 28 September 2023. Alongside Steven and Rob, Kroll’s Real Estate Advisory Group will be supporting the insolvency process. Hounslow Property Development Company recently acquired an old Ministry of Defence site, Cavalry Barracks, near Heathrow with the view to build over 1,600 homes and 2,673 square meters of non-residential floorspace for community and commercial use. At nearly 37 acres, the former Ministry of Defence site is one of the largest remaining undeveloped brownfield sites in London. The original development plan was to refurbish in total 14 Grade II listed buildings and nine locally listed buildings were to be refurbished. Rob Armstrong, Joint Administrator, said “It is clearly a challenging time for companies operating in the real estate sector. We are assessing all the possible options related to this site and the Company as a whole.” Annika Kisby, Managing Director, Kroll’s Real Estate Advisory Group: “This site is one of London’s largest remaining brownfield sites. Cavalry Barracks provides a major opportunity and is significant for a wide range of stakeholders across the capital. Kroll’s real estate team is looking forward to bringing our range of skills to maximise the realisation of the asset.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
