The developer behind a £35m Birmingham residential project has appointed a key sub-contractor for its first concrete frame build in the city centre. Elevate Property Group has announced renowned concrete frame specialists MPB have secured the contract to deliver both the frame and groundworks package on its Chapman’s Yard development
A free-to-access embodied carbon database has been launched by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) with a rallying cry for the industry to unite behind it. The first data repository of its kind, the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) is designed to help drive down carbon emissions by enabling users
Arco Professional Safety Services, the UK’s leading safety products and services provider, is expanding its equipment hire capabilities nationwide with new funding into four fully stocked hire centres in key locations across the UK. The expansion of hire products will enable customers to access a wider range of hire equipment
Hayley Ivin promoted to marketing director as Cardiff-based firm is on track to reach the £60-million turnover mark High-growth company Paramount has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Hayley Ivin as marketing director to accelerate its advance to the £60-million turnover mark. The Cardiff-headquartered design, build, fit-out and
Leonardo Hotels’ Hinckley Island select Multitone’s i-Message Cloud based system for next level of sophistication. Leonardo Hotels’ four-star hotel and conference venue at Hinckley Island stands in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside and accommodates up to 1,000 guests. Formerly known as Jury’s Inn, the hotel has relied on Multitone’s
Development is currently being built by North West construction company, Bansco Network Space has agreed deals on two further units at Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham. Bansco is delivering the development on behalf of Network Space, with the first unit already complete and the remaining development at the 11.5 acre former
The Civic Mayor of Doncaster, Councillor Duncan Anderson, recently attended the official ground-breaking ceremony for De Maulay Manor, Harron Homes’ newest development in New Rossington, Doncaster. De Maulay Manor will offer 105 high-specification homes on a 12-acre site, with two showhomes anticipated by March 2024, and the first residents expected
Cavanna Homes is investing in training the next generation of homebuilders in the construction industry, teaching vital skills to on-site and office staff as part of the homebuilder’s commitment to nurturing talent. Under the leadership of People & Culture Manager, Sophie Aylott, who joined Cavanna Homes earlier this year, the
The developer behind a £35m Birmingham residential project has appointed a key sub-contractor for its first concrete frame build in the city centre. Elevate Property Group has announced renowned concrete frame specialists MPB have secured the contract to deliver both the frame and groundworks package on its Chapman’s Yard development in Upper Gough Street – a major regeneration scheme of 111 new homes. This follows the appointment of Shropshire based Buildfifty5 who will act as the construction manager for the development. Managing director James Costello said that the appointments represented a key milestone for the delivery of the project with works now scheduled to start in the next few weeks. James said: “Chapman’s Yard is our latest collaboration with Buildfifty5 as we have successfully worked together previously on Elevate’s city centre Heaton House and Price Street developments and the redevelopment of a former HMRC site in Solihull. “We are also excited to have MPB on board to deliver the concrete frame package, this underscores our commitment to work alongside people we trust and who share our approach to delivering high quality projects to the city. “This is Elevate’s first project to be delivered under a construction procurement route – giving us the benefit of maintaining a level of control over standards and suppliers to make sure we’re delivering the quality we’re known for. Chapman’s Yard is Elevate’s 11th development in the city of Birmingham, delivering a mixture one and two bedroom apartments plus a number of larger street level duplexes within walking distance of Grand Central station, the Mailbox and the city centre. James added: “It’s a challenging topography in the city centre, with quite a big fall away on the Chapman’s Passage side of the site and two existing buildings either side. But we have an excellent team of delivery partners on board, with a track record of success matching Elevate’s own reputation for high quality projects which positively contribute to the regeneration of Birmingham city centre.” Also appointed for the project are Associated Architects, civil engineers CWA and engineering services company CPW – all based in Birmingham. Garry Whiting, managing director of Buildfifty5, said the Bridgnorth-based team was delighted to be managing the construction for Elevate Property Group on the Upper Gough Street site. “The key to success for any build is being able to enjoy a great working relationship with the people commissioning our services. We’ve worked with James and his team previously, and we’re looking forward to delivering Elevate’s first concrete frame build under this new contract.” Elevate Property Group currently has six live residential sites across Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A free-to-access embodied carbon database has been launched by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) with a rallying cry for the industry to unite behind it. The first data repository of its kind, the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) is designed to help drive down carbon emissions by enabling users to both submit data to, and download data from it, to facilitate consistent carbon estimating and benchmarking. It has been funded and developed by BCIS in collaboration with a range of leading organisations and professional bodies from across the built environment over the last three years. BCIS CEO James Fiske, who chairs the BECD steering group said: “The built environment industry has a moral and ethical responsibility to take action. “In the absence of the government taking a lead and mandating carbon assessments, it’s really up to us as an industry to drive this forward. “About 40% of global greenhouse emissions come from the built environment and, if we don’t do anything about it, that’s predicted to double by 2050. “We have to ensure that, regardless of what job we’re fulfilling in the industry, we all influence the reduction of carbon emissions in one way, shape or form.” During the live launch of the BECD, a webinar with an audience of almost 800 people, representing the breadth of the construction industry, attendees were polled on their perceptions of and current practices around carbon measurement and reporting. Encouragingly, 76% said they, or their organisation, would not scale back their own approach to carbon reduction in light of the government’s recent change of net zero strategy, though 19% said they didn’t know if they would. Most attendees (84%) said they did not support the government’s new strategy. The majority of respondents said whole-life carbon assessments should either already be mandatory for all UK construction projects (44%) or be made mandatory within 12 months (20%). The lack of decreed reporting in the industry is apparent in current practice, especially where there is inconsistency in methodology and varying levels of commitment to reducing emissions, from clients and investors, among other stakeholders. Out of 436 respondents for whom it was relevant to their role, only 27% said they always report on embodied carbon, while 42% said they occasionally do, if asked. One-quarter said they never do, but would like to. When asked if they felt adequately trained and supported to be able to calculate and report carbon emissions, 41% said ‘somewhat, but could use some help’ and 30% said ‘yes, but I wish it was easier’. Only 16% said yes confidently, and 14% said ‘no, it’s all too confusing’. With many attendees reporting less than sufficient training and support, having a skilled workforce able to carry out the work is crucial, a is the need for an agreed set of rules, provided by the recently updated RICS Professional Standard on Whole Life Carbon Assessment, and compliant software that can work alongside the BECD. Fiske added: “There are dozens and dozens of carbon calculators out there in the industry, all working in different ways, some including and excluding things that others aren’t. These are great to start making the right decisions, but they won’t get us all the way there. Some aren’t compliant with the RICS Standard, which makes it much more difficult to compare outputs and learn from each other. “The BECD is step one. It’s an opportunity to make the industry consistent, but it’s use it or lose it. We desperately need to reduce emissions in the built environment and the BECD is our best chance at sharing our experiences for everyone’s benefit. I implore everyone to use it and not to let it become another footnote in the history of things we could have done to combat climate change, but let the opportunity pass us by.” The BECD consists of two databases for carbon assessments, for assets – at a building or project level – and products, typically from EPDs (environmental product declarations). Projects can be added, with either full visibility to other users or anonymously, with different assessments covering the stages from design through to operation. The BECD is being launched with more than 34,000 data entries from EPDs, with users urged to add data from their own projects. Find out more about the BECD at www.becd.co.uk As the BECD grows, BCIS is also launching a free Carbon Newsletter, which will keep subscribers informed about new developments and provide commentary on the latest carbon news in the built environment. For more information about BCIS, visit the website at www.bcis.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arco Professional Safety Services, the UK’s leading safety products and services provider, is expanding its equipment hire capabilities nationwide with new funding into four fully stocked hire centres in key locations across the UK. The expansion of hire products will enable customers to access a wider range of hire equipment from leading specialist suppliers, including quality-assured confined space, gas detection, respiratory protective and other fall arrest prevention equipment. All hire orders will be available direct from the Arco Bracknell, Doncaster, Linlithgow and Warrington Safety Centres or can be ordered and collected at local Arco stores via a new collection service. Arco offers two types of hire solutions, standard hire, for short term requirements with a minimum contract of one week that can be extended as needed and contract hire that is offered for longer terms, up to five years, that also includes inspection, servicing and maintenance of equipment during the hire term. Alongside this expanded hire proposition, customers can also purchase any of the equipment from Arco’s range of safety products should they require a permanent solution. Gareth Liptrot, Hire & Maintenance Manager, Arco Professional Safety Services said: “As experts in safety, we are committed to providing a joined-up approach for customers offering accessible, high-quality equipment that can be acquired in the most convenient way. “Our increased investment in hire stock at our nationwide Safety Centres and our new store collection service demonstrates our commitment to improving customer convenience and will enable greater access to quality stock and ease of service for any job our customers are undertaking.” To find out more about Arco’s comprehensive hire offering, visit: https://www.arcoservices.co.uk/equipment/equipment-hire Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hayley Ivin promoted to marketing director as Cardiff-based firm is on track to reach the £60-million turnover mark High-growth company Paramount has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Hayley Ivin as marketing director to accelerate its advance to the £60-million turnover mark. The Cardiff-headquartered design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist has promoted Hayley from her role as marketing manager to spearhead the firm’s marketing strategy and maintain its “impressive” growth trajectory. Hayley joined Paramount in February 2020 and her promotion marks further expansion of its management team to support company progress, which was boosted earlier this year following a strategic move into the construction sector. Hayley successfully led Paramount through a company rebrand in 2021. Since then, she has delivered continued growth for the Paramount brand through effective market-entry campaigns into the South West and expansion of its core offering into the construction sector under the ‘Build’ pillar, following Paramount’s 30-year history in fit-out. Commenting on her new role, Hayley said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with Paramount and I’m relishing the opportunity to work with the management team and senior leadership to ensure our dynamic company keeps moving in a positive direction. “These are really exciting times for Paramount as we expand our geographical reach across England and Wales and embrace opportunities across new sectors. Paramount is a company where creativity and curiosity thrive, and I’m committed to developing a strategy that not only promotes our difference but shines a light on our in-house talent and culture.” Hayley is now part of a management structure headed by Chief Executive Officer Richard Jones and will work in synergy with Paramount’s senior leadership team. Richard Jones, Paramount’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Hayley has accepted my invitation to join our management team. “She’s an outstanding marketing professional and the qualities she has displayed since joining Paramount epitomise everything that is good about the company and her promotion underlines our commitment to developing talent and promoting from within. “Hayley is a brilliant addition to our management team and I am confident her blend of experience and expertise as well as her tremendous work ethic and people skills will ensure she plays a key role in our ambitious growth strategy.” Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £38.5 million, employs 61 people who still own a majority shareholding of the business – 51 per cent – following completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme, in May 2021, a deal which marked a major milestone for Paramount after a period of sustained growth The company is well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in central Cardiff, refurbishment of the Development Bank of Wales HQ, transformation of the Dock House office complex on historic Welsh Back in Bristol and acclaimed office revamps in Bath for American software company SmartBear and financial services consultancy Equisoft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leonardo Hotels’ Hinckley Island select Multitone’s i-Message Cloud based system for next level of sophistication. Leonardo Hotels’ four-star hotel and conference venue at Hinckley Island stands in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside and accommodates up to 1,000 guests. Formerly known as Jury’s Inn, the hotel has relied on Multitone’s solutions for more than a decade, to ensure that team communications are seamless. The need for more sophisticated and streamlined comms The Multitone Access 5000 DECT mobile telephony system had reached end-of-life and the hotel management were keen to replace it with the latest technology, providing a more sophisticated and streamlined communication system. A large hotel and conference venue must service the needs of its guests promptly, as well as handling issues such as fire alarm activation discreetly and efficiently. It is crucial that guests are not troubled unnecessarily by incidents such as false alarms. Multitone’s i-Message helps Leonardo to step up Following a review of Multitone’s multiple technologies, Leonardo Hotels opted for the specialist’s fully managed cloud based i-Message unified communications platform, providing mobile telephony across the site’s Wi-Fi infrastructure, plus integration with the fire alarms and fixed telephone system. Multitone i-Message cloud runs on Amazon Web Services and acts as both a communications hub and a control centre, processing data from myriad sources, facilitating communication between disparate devices, executing automations and providing the administration interface for a number of Multitone solutions. The Leonardo Hotel staff team at Hinckley Island are delighted with the new system. Nathan Whitehead, Deputy General Manager, said: “The old Multitone system was always reliable, but we have replaced the ‘bricks’ we used to handle, which worked only in public areas, with smart new handsets which are much easier to carry and use, and work in all areas of the hotel. The staff really like the ‘social media’ style of messaging that they use as well as voice calls.” Peter Lomax, Multitone’s Sales and Marketing Director added: “Multitone is delighted to continue supporting Leonardo Hotels with our new i-Message platform. This highly resilient platform is part of Multitone’s critical messaging solutions portfolio in use across not only hospitality and retail establishments, but also a large proportion of UK based hospitals and emergency services.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development is currently being built by North West construction company, Bansco Network Space has agreed deals on two further units at Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham. Bansco is delivering the development on behalf of Network Space, with the first unit already complete and the remaining development at the 11.5 acre former Cartwright headquarters due to finish later this year. Worldwide event hire company, Options Greathire, is taking 36,000 sq ft across 2 units at the Atlantic Street site, where some 206,000 sq ft of high quality workspace is being delivered across 25 units. Headquartered in France, with locations across Europe, Options Greathire has recently acquired a North West company and is looking to establish a northern presence at Broadheath Networkcentre, to build on their existing UK facility close to Heathrow. Options Greathire will join XPand Logistics and Maersk at the site, meaning more than 50% of the site is now pre-let. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space, said: “We are delighted to welcome Options Greathire to Broadheath Networkcentre. These latest deals continue our trend in attracting high quality occupiers to the site and it is fantastic to have let over 50% of the total floorspace ahead of practical completion. “On top of the secured lettings, we are still receiving a high level of enquiries in the remaining units which is testament to the scheme’s quality, sustainability credentials and prime location.” The regeneration of this brownfield site will see a mix of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial destination. With remaining units available from 2,100 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft, the development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region. An environmentally friendly scheme, targeting EPC A ratings and BREEAM Very Good, there has also been a significant reduction in embodied carbon through the construction process as the steel and concrete structures on the site are being reused and recycled. In operation initiatives include renewable energy provision through solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the entire scheme. The scheme is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council and with over 95% of the project budget being invested in a supply chain within 45 miles of the site, a significant number of local training and employment opportunities have been created. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. Jonathan Williams, associate director at Savills, said: “We are continuing to see a high level of demand and low level of supply in the North West for industrial & logistics despite the obvious headwinds the market is facing. Being 50% pre let before completion is a fantastic result for the scheme which highlights the quality of the space on offer and the strength of the location. Broadheath Networkcentre will be a much needed supply boost of SME space for the south Manchester market.” The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying and AEW architects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Civic Mayor of Doncaster, Councillor Duncan Anderson, recently attended the official ground-breaking ceremony for De Maulay Manor, Harron Homes’ newest development in New Rossington, Doncaster. De Maulay Manor will offer 105 high-specification homes on a 12-acre site, with two showhomes anticipated by March 2024, and the first residents expected to have moved in shortly afterwards. Catering to first-time buyers, downsizers, families and couples alike, De Maulay Manor is designed to appeal to everyone. A mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes will make up the development, which will be delivered under new regulations that include enhanced insulation and the installation of air source heat pumps, saving residents money on energy bills while boosting sustainability. In addition, street trees, cycle paths and footpaths will be provided to add a spot of greenery, and bird and bat boxes will help local wildlife flourish in the new environment. These green surroundings will complement the semi-rural setting of the development, which is positioned in close proximity to several scenic country trails and walks. In line with Harron Homes’ fusion of rural and city life, the development will also offer excellent commuter access to the nearby city of Doncaster. Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “We were pleased Councillor Anderson could join us for this significant milestone as we start to lay the foundations for this exciting new development. Investing in local communities is something very important to us at Harron Homes; we look forward to seeing this Doncaster site completed and having our very first residents move in.” Councillor Anderson added, “It was fantastic to visit the site in progress and get a glimpse of the potential of this development. I’m excited to see De Maulay Manor become a brand new addition to the community of New Rossington.” A variety of buying schemes will be available for buyers to take advantage of, including Part Exchange and Home Buyers Schemes which expedite and simplify the moving process for a smooth and stress-free move. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cavanna Homes is investing in training the next generation of homebuilders in the construction industry, teaching vital skills to on-site and office staff as part of the homebuilder’s commitment to nurturing talent. Under the leadership of People & Culture Manager, Sophie Aylott, who joined Cavanna Homes earlier this year, the firm is recruiting new apprentices to join its latest qualifiers. Richard Penhaligon started his IT apprenticeship in 2022 and has now qualified and is working as an IT Assistant at the homebuilder’s Torquay head office. Katie Moore and Matt Churchill are due to complete their apprenticeships in HR and Quantity Surveying later this year and both have been offered full-time positions to continue building their careers with Cavanna Homes. Sophie said: “Encouraging the next generation to consider a career in construction and nurturing talent is vital to ensuring we have the skills and people in place to ensure we can continue building high-quality, new homes into our next century. “As a regional recruiter, we’re proud to offer and support alternative routes into homebuilding to create equal opportunities for all our staff and encourage young adults to explore the opportunities available to them.” Rebecca Carruthers, who joined Cavanna Homes as a Site Operative before being promoted to Trainee Assistant Site Manager, has now completed her NHBC Level 4 Management course. She is now working at the firm’s Equinox III development in Exeter as an Assistant Site Manager. Rebecca is now using her experience to encourage other women to consider construction as a career. She said: “From the building site to the boardroom – there are so many different and exciting roles available to women within the construction and homebuilding industry. I want to help highlight these to change the common misconception that working in construction is only about being on-site. “There are so many training schemes and entry-level roles available now, so women should feel empowered and confident to apply and try their hand at a new skill. That’s exactly what I did and I haven’t looked back since.” This year’s apprentices will gain first-hand work experience and mentoring from Cavanna Homes’ skilled teams while also attending college to gain an NVQ. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
