Finning UK & Ireland is on track to double the number of regional dealers in its network by the end of 2024 with the recent addition of Oakley Machinery in Somerset Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® equipment, parts and service, established a network of regional Cat distributors in
NATIONAL award-winning architecture and interior design practice CPMG Architects has been appointed to design Metsä’s planned new tissue paper mill in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. Assuming the necessary approvals are achieved, the proposed advanced manufacturing facility will boast the largest tissue production capacity in the UK, the latest in sustainable production technology and world-class environmental
The success was in relation to the company’s expert delivery of a multiple-roof project at a residential complex in Westburn Gardens, Aberdeen. In explaining their decision-making process, NFRC judges praised BriggsAmasco for overcoming the challenging programme ‘with careful planning and expert tradespeople. Tony Lawther, Managing Director said: “This is a
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd has pre-let the first of two new speculative developments at an established industrial location in the Black Country. Manufacturer NDB Engineering has signed a 15-year lease on Unit 6, a new 21,400 sq ft industrial/warehouse at Electrium Point in Willenhall. The firm will relocate
Reynaers Aluminium UK has won the coveted ‘Aluminium Systems Company of the Year’ award at this year’s National Fenestration Awards ceremony. The accolade highlights Reynaers’ work in supplying premium aluminium systems for doors, windows and facades to the UK fenestration industry. Decided by an open vote, the awards are based
Business one of only 30 members awarded new standard McLaughlin & Harvey has been awarded Platinum accredited membership via The 5% Club’s 2023-24 Employer Audit Scheme. The award recognises significant contributions made to the development of employees through “earn & learn” schemes such as Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes and Sponsored Students
Plans to develop over 20 high-quality, energy-efficient council homes on a derelict site on Perry Road in Staple Tye, Harlow, have been given the go-ahead. The proposals were submitted by The Harlow Regeneration Partnership (HRP), an equal partnership between Harlow Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group. The plans form
Northern ethical property investors are set to receive impressive rental yields in student accommodation. The region is seeing a boom in demand for high-quality properties from its growing intakes of UK and international students following investment in higher education facilities, putting the region on the map as a go-to
Roma Finance, the borrower first lender, achieved its record month in October, not only for new business following the highly successful launch of its new FLOW product range. New business increased by 51.2% in October compared to the average levels for 2023 as a whole. Roma has experienced multiple record-breaking
When looking at prospective business ventures, opening an estate agency firm is easily one of the most attractive options. It offers the chance to work on something you are passionate about while people’s dreams come true. Better still, there is an opportunity to make big money. The UK’s estate agents
Finning UK & Ireland is on track to double the number of regional dealers in its network by the end of 2024 with the recent addition of Oakley Machinery in Somerset Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® equipment, parts and service, established a network of regional Cat distributors in 2022 setting local company’s up as Authorised Sales and Service Centres (ASSCs). As the network continues to expand at pace, Finning has brought in construction industry expert Nadine Craddock, as Regional Dealer Manager. Nadine, who’s worked for Finning for 13 years in various roles including Parts Supply Chain Supervisor and Supply Chain & Inventory Manager said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop relationships with our existing regional dealers and look forward to helping with the company’s ambitious plans to continue to grow the network. “Having a dealer who’s local to them is something our customers really value. We’ve also found customers like to deal with someone with industry knowledge and an understanding of the operational capabilities of the Cat machines so they can provide the most appropriate guidance on which machine is the best fit. “As we look beyond 2023 the aim is to continue to grow the network to include other regional areas to cover the whole of the UK by the end of 2024. This will mean we can provide customers with a fast, reliable and localised service that is tailored to their needs.” “Our most recent addition, Oakley Machinery, is positioned well to cover the South West of England – one of the area’s which we don’t currently cover. This sets us on target for our wider aim to cover the whole of the UK.” With an increase in demand for smaller Cat machines across the construction, landscaping, and agricultural sectors, each of the established dealers are strategically located to serve customers across the country. England is covered by four dealers – Norris Plant Hire from Nottinghamshire, Bennie Plant in Northamptonshire and East Anglia, Howard Plant in the North West and Cooks Midlands covers the Midlands territory. Scotland is covered by four dealers – Mark Garrick for northern Scotland, R C Dalgliesh takes responsibility for the south, DM Forklifts covers the east, while LCF Engineering serves customers in the central belt. Wales is covered by three dealers – DJS Hydraulics Agri covers north Wales whilst South Wales Forklift Trucks and Frank Sutton Ltd cover the South. Nadine continues: “Looking forward, as we start to plan for our dealer conference in the new year, I hope to be able to cover the whole of the UK to ensure accessibility for all customers. We hope to see our current dealers succeed and grow as we continue to support them by providing the best tools and training.” For dealers who sign up to become ASSC’s, Finning offers extensive support and training throughout the year including an annual dealer conference and training event. To find out more, or to express an interest in becoming an ASSC dealer click here: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/company/Become-an-ASSC.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL award-winning architecture and interior design practice CPMG Architects has been appointed to design Metsä’s planned new tissue paper mill in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. Assuming the necessary approvals are achieved, the proposed advanced manufacturing facility will boast the largest tissue production capacity in the UK, the latest in sustainable production technology and world-class environmental performance standards, acting as an exemplar for the industry. Anil Parmar, director, and industrial lead at CPMG, said: “This is a hugely exciting scheme for not only for us, but also for Metsä, East Yorkshire and the manufacturing industry. Designing the facility to meet Metsä UK’s ambitions to be fossil fuel free by 2030 and using cutting-edge sustainable production technologies is a challenge we are delighted to accept. “The site itself is more than 200 acres and, once complete, will have the capacity to produce 240,000 tonnes of tissue paper, so the scale of the project is self-evident. CPMG’s role is to make Metsa’s vision a reality, something which will bring us great pride when the wider positive impacts of job creation, manufacturing capability and economic growth are realised.” The leading Finnish tissue paper manufacturer’s first venture into the UK is set to create more than 400 direct local jobs over the next decade, and many more indirectly generated across the supply chain, through planned investment totaling several hundreds of millions of pounds. The result will be the UK’s self-sufficiency increasing by more than 30 per cent in the production of essential tissue products. Esa Kaikkonen, CEO at Metsä Tissue, said: “We are delighted to announce our plan to invest in a world-class production site in Goole. This exciting investment would bring the UK and Finland together through combining the sustainable raw material of fresh wood fibres grown in the Nordics with world-class local production of quality tissues in the UK. “We are thrilled about how these plans can contribute to more sustainable local tissue production in the UK, offering alternatives to the currently imported tissue products. The project will significantly enhance Metsä Tissue’s presence in this country and underscores the importance of the UK market to our business in the years ahead. “Goole is the perfect location for this proposed investment. The Humber region provides a crucial gateway to the whole of the United Kingdom and the region’s ambitions to bring cutting-edge green technology and jobs to the UK matches our ambitions in clean, sustainable manufacturing.” Speaking recently, following his speech on the UK’s net zero ambition, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Metsa Tissue’s investment is good for Yorkshire, good for our economy and good for sustainability. This announcement is another example of the UK being the first choice for European investment and delivers on my commitment to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.” Up to 45% of tissue products are currently imported into the UK and Ireland. Metsä Tissue aims to replace almost half of the imported products with local British production. For more information on CPMG, please visit https://www.cpmg-architects.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The success was in relation to the company’s expert delivery of a multiple-roof project at a residential complex in Westburn Gardens, Aberdeen. In explaining their decision-making process, NFRC judges praised BriggsAmasco for overcoming the challenging programme ‘with careful planning and expert tradespeople. Tony Lawther, Managing Director said: “This is a wonderful achievement and congratulations to everyone involved in the Westburn Gardens project. Awards such as these are verification of our ability to make smart work of roofing projects varying in complexity and profile. We thank the judges for their kind comments and overall input with these superb awards.” BriggsAmasco representatives received their NFRC award at a presentation luncheon held at the Central Hotel, Glasgow on Friday October 27th. Tony continued: “The presentation event was indictive of the hard work teams across the company have put in throughout the year. Thanks to each and every one of you for your dedication to upholding BriggsAmasco’s reputation for the highest quality service delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd has pre-let the first of two new speculative developments at an established industrial location in the Black Country. Manufacturer NDB Engineering has signed a 15-year lease on Unit 6, a new 21,400 sq ft industrial/warehouse at Electrium Point in Willenhall. The firm will relocate from existing premises on John Harper Street in Wolverhampton to facilitate its continued growth and expansion. Both new industrial/warehouse developments at Electrium Point are expected to be complete in December 2023. NDB Engineering manufactures safety critical parts and precision machined components for applications including nuclear, defence, oil and gas, and many other industrial uses. The firm’s owning partner, Rebecca James said that the manufacturer had experienced a rising demand for its products and expects the move to larger premises will create several new jobs. She said: “We’re really excited for the move. The specification of the unit provided by Hortons is exceptional. It has given us the perfect blank canvas to lay out a modern production facility that both benefits our loyal workforce and allows us to continue to invest in equipment and importantly, continue with our growth.” Her business partner, Andy Williams is excited for the social and environmental benefits of the move. He said: “The unit is very local to our current facility, meaning 100% of our workforce has been retained. This is so important to us, given our staff are key to our success. Hortons has considered many environmental benefits too, including solar panels and electric vehicle chargers, meaning we will continue to improve our environmental impact.” Unit 6 is one of two new buildings that Hortons is delivering on a vacant plot at Electrium Point that will deliver a combined 41,900 sq ft of new high spec, energy efficient industrial/warehouse accommodation. The sustainable scheme contains photovoltaic roof panels and EV charging stations, and is targeting an EPC ‘A’ rating. Other features include 50 kN/m2 floor loading capacities, 8m clear heights and level access doors, with the remaining Unit 7 also benefiting from a large enclosed service yard. Jeremy Boothroyd of Hortons said: “NDB Engineering is a successful local manufacturer and we are very pleased it has chosen to relocate to Electrium Point. There is a shortage of high-quality industrial space like this in the Black Country and pre-letting Unit 6 supports our decision to speculatively develop the scheme.” Electrium Point is located approximately one mile from Willenhall town centre and less than two miles from Jct 10 of the M6 via Clarke’s Lane (A462) and Wolverhampton Road West (B4464). Wolverhampton city centre lies c.3 miles to the west and Walsall town centre is c.3 miles to the east. For more information regarding Unit 7 at Electrium Point, please contact retained agents, KWB and Bulleys. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers Aluminium UK has won the coveted ‘Aluminium Systems Company of the Year’ award at this year’s National Fenestration Awards ceremony. The accolade highlights Reynaers’ work in supplying premium aluminium systems for doors, windows and facades to the UK fenestration industry. Decided by an open vote, the awards are based on industry recognition with all companies working within the UK fenestration trade eligible to take part and vote. Over the past twelve months Reynaers has made significant strides in ensuring its customers receive the best service and product range. This has included a major expansion of its warehouse facilities to increase stock availability and reduce lead times; continually developing products to offer additional options such as motorisation and open corners, as well as continuing to provide top performance quality for air, wind, and water testing. In addition, the company has implemented a strong sustainability strategy in Reynaers Act. It manufactures nine systems that are cradle-to-cradle certified and has developed products for the trade and retail sector that can achieve thermal efficiency ratings as low as 0.8W/mK² without compromising on slim sightlines. Reynaers also offers a comprehensive support programme for its installers and fabricators, with access to an online portal to make ordering and tracking deliveries easier, along with dedicated marketing support, including the Reynaers at Home website, which aims to generate additional sale leads for installers. The winners of the 10th NFA’s were announced at a ceremony on Saturday, October 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Doncaster. Reynaers’ UK Head of Marketing Samantha Hill and Head of Sales for Trade and Retail Terry Ledwith were present to collect the award. In a statement they said: “Being voted as the Aluminium Systems Company of the Year by the people within the industry means everything to the team here at Reynaers. “We are committed to providing the highest quality products, backed by excellent service and to see this recognised by the industry that we serve directly is a privilege.” Managing Director of Reynaers Aluminium UK Richard Hall added: “Reynaers is dedicated to creating market leading aluminium systems that bring quality, durability and design excellence to the buildings they are used in. “We look forward to continuing to develop futureproof systems that are designed to meet increasingly stringent UK regulations, delivering sustainable, high performance, innovative products for our customers. “Customers are at the heart of everything we do here at Reynaers, which makes winning this award particularly important to us as it is voted for by the people within the industry that we work alongside. To see our commitment recognised in this way is a real honour.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Business one of only 30 members awarded new standard McLaughlin & Harvey has been awarded Platinum accredited membership via The 5% Club’s 2023-24 Employer Audit Scheme. The award recognises significant contributions made to the development of employees through “earn & learn” schemes such as Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes and Sponsored Students Course Placements. Launched to mark their 10th Anniversary, The 5% Club’s new top tier of Platinum Membership is awarded to those who have attained Gold Membership for three consecutive years, with the third year consisting of 10% or more staff members “earning and learning”. McLaughlin & Harvey is one of only 30 employers who have met the Platinum standard, putting them in the top 3% of members. Alison Reilly, Group HR Director, commented: “We have supported the 5% Club for a number of years as we believe investing in talent development creates a sustainable pipeline of skilled and motivated employees. Earn and learn employees currently make up 11.5% of McLaughlin and Harvey’s workforce. The initiative promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, addresses the skills gap and demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility and investing in long-term success and sustainability.” Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club, said: “Our Employer Audit scheme recognises the efforts of all those employers who invest in their workforce through a broad range of workplace learning schemes. It is fantastic that in these challenging times so many are able to commit to the Employer Audit and to gain the credit for their efforts, and that the majority are striving to expand their schemes over the coming years. Their efforts and achievements are to be applauded. Even more impressive is the 3% percent who have achieved Platinum level membership – they represent the very best of our movement and of employers offering ‘earn and learn’ opportunities.” Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club added: “Having seen The Club grow to more than 900 members, I am always impressed at the commitment, drive and energy our members channel into offering “earn and learn” skills opportunities. To now see 20% of these members gain Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum accredited membership of The Club is inspiring and demonstrates how these companies are all contributing to the future of skills in our economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to develop over 20 high-quality, energy-efficient council homes on a derelict site on Perry Road in Staple Tye, Harlow, have been given the go-ahead. The proposals were submitted by The Harlow Regeneration Partnership (HRP), an equal partnership between Harlow Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group. The plans form part of the council’s priorities to rebuild the town and improve housing stock in the surrounding area. The HRP received unanimous approval from Harlow’s Development Management Committee for the redevelopment of the former Lister House site, which becomes the first to be delivered by the partnership. Councillor Michael Hardware, Harlow Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Not only will this development deliver much-needed homes for Harlow residents, but it will also contribute to the regeneration and renewal of Staple Tye. The former Lister House site has been sitting derelict for far too long and now I am pleased to say we can get on with the job of rebuilding this area of Staple Tye. “These high-quality apartments will be some of the most energy-efficient homes in Harlow and they will all be delivered by the Harlow Regeneration Partnership, which was only recently launched to accelerate the rebuild of our town. We look forward to working with The Hill Group on this development.” Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to receive planning approval for our first site in partnership with Harlow Council, contributing to the regeneration of the town’s housing. This first exciting development is just the beginning for the Harlow Regeneration Partnership, and we look forward, not only to starting on site at Perry Road but to delivering many more high-quality, genuinely affordable, sustainable homes for Harlow’s communities in the future.” The development will include four one-bedroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom apartments, with commercial space on the ground floor. Each home will have access to electrical vehicle charging points, and the plans include an allocation of 24 car parking spaces and 32 cycle spaces, with a further four car parking spaces and 10 cycle spaces for commercial use. The gas-free development will feature photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, and heating and hot water will be provided via air-source heat pumps, helping residents keep their electricity bills low. Biodiversity at the Perry Road site will be carefully managed through the planting of new trees, and there will be attractively landscaped areas situated around the development. Hill will take possession of the Perry Road site in November 2023, with work due to begin in Spring 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern ethical property investors are set to receive impressive rental yields in student accommodation. The region is seeing a boom in demand for high-quality properties from its growing intakes of UK and international students following investment in higher education facilities, putting the region on the map as a go-to city for education and training. The housing challenge faced by students across the UK is a pressing issue, and Integritas Property Group (IPG) is at the forefront of addressing it. Through initiatives like Optima in Bradford and the completed Bijou student living project (the first phase of this development), IPG is leading the way in the student accommodation landscape and is reporting a boom in rental yields for property investors. The student population in Bradford is currently over 42,000, with 30% of students arriving from 130 countries, as the university offers 352 undergraduate courses and 213 graduate courses. With University of Bradford only having 1,004 units available for student accommodation, comprised of 2 managed halls of residence and 34 four-story townhouses, there is huge need for new, highly quality student accommodation across the city. Mitchell Walsh, CEO at IPG, says, “By providing students with first-class living options, IPG is offering investors a lucrative opportunity to invest in a growing metropolis.” IPG’s approach goes beyond just housing provision as it creates accommodation that is accessible, affordable, and conducive to learning. As it becomes increasingly more difficult for students across Bradford to find suitable accommodation, these luxury lets, currently on sale to investors, will soon be home to some of the city’s student population. Mitchell Walsh continued, “Decent student accommodation in a city near their place of study is often a challenge to find – as a result, students are then pushed further out into the suburbs, which adds extra pressure to their day whilst increasing social isolation. Our Optimadevelopment is strategically located in the heart of Bradford city centre, giving students easy access to the city centre, nightlife, and the university.” “Optima, the high-spec property, offers exquisite finishes, stylish interiors, and modern appliances in each unit, ensuring a luxurious living experience for residents – a step up from the run-of-the-mill student digs most people think of.” The big driver in student accommodation demand is growth in PGT (Postgraduate Taught) international intakes, with the University of Bradford coming 15th in the top increases in full-time PGT study numbers in the UK 2021-2022. In many localities, growth in demand is far outstripping growth in the supply of student accommodation. * IPG’s Optima development comes after the success of its Bijou project, set within the residential scheme in Laisteridge Student Village, which saw 46 units snapped up by investors looking to provide accommodation for Bradford’s growing student population. TheOptima development features 54 student pods and four accessible studios, with shared access to a fully fitted kitchen, a laundry room, and a large open-plan living space for student socialising and aims to be complete ahead of September 2024. Mitchell Walsh concludes, “Investing in the property market in Bradford right now is a wise decision as the rental yield is currently at an impressive 8.25%, 3% higher than the national average.” The last few units remain for investors to purchase, starting from £78,000, each with a 999-year lease. These units offer an 8.25% rental yield, and all units come fully furnished and managed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Roma Finance, the borrower first lender, achieved its record month in October, not only for new business following the highly successful launch of its new FLOW product range. New business increased by 51.2% in October compared to the average levels for 2023 as a whole. Roma has experienced multiple record-breaking periods of enquiries and completions over 2023, and a review of cases in underwriting show this to be continuing. Roma has its highest ever pipeline in both volume and value with demand for its RomaFLOW products, the fast completions channel, being its most popular range. The new RomaFLOW range has been put in place as a result of the continued success of the process of the same name. Roma believes the surge in enquiries and cases demonstrates the success of the new range and the continually growing requirement for short term finance and the drive of landlords, developers and property investors to continue their own growth aspirations. Michael Allison, commercial director said, “I am delighted by the results of this first month and November has started strong as well. The results clearly demonstrate the quality of our sales teams, our strength and commercial flexibility in underwriting and the unwavering way we work with brokers and borrowers to achieve positive outcomes. The amount of repeat business, recommendations and referrals we continue to receive are testament to this. This is another fantastic step on our trajectory to achieve our business plan and every possible positive outcome for customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When looking at prospective business ventures, opening an estate agency firm is easily one of the most attractive options. It offers the chance to work on something you are passionate about while people’s dreams come true. Better still, there is an opportunity to make big money. The UK’s estate agents industry was worth £13.3bn in 2022 and continues to grow. However, only businesses that know how to deliver the best results for their clients will succeed. Here’s how your company can lay the foundations for sustained success. Focus On Your Biggest USP: You Buying and selling properties is a process that remains driven by human interactions. As an estate agent, knowing how to connect and communicate with people is a hugely valuable skill. It will give sellers an extra reason to trust you over the competition. Likewise, you will be better positioned to promote properties to potential buyers. Therefore, developing your public speaking capabilities and general body language is vital. Perhaps most importantly, you must also learn to actively listen to clients. Understanding what a buyer wants allows you to match them with the very best property. Quicker sales at fair prices will also result in happier sellers. While simultaneously boosting your commissions. Use The Latest CRM Software Dedicated software has been used in the real estate industry for many years. However, an advanced CRM tool is now more valuable than ever before. You can find the best solution currently available by visiting https://www.dezrez.co.uk/. It allows you to deliver personalised help to buyers and sellers alike. Crucially, it facilitates clear and transparent communication. As well as delivering a better customer experience, modern tech software helps you capitalise on the online market. Most people still want to visit properties in person. Still, the vast majority begin their searches online. Having software that seamlessly lets you post listings to the most popular property sites will clearly serve you well. Make Property Marketing Stand Out When marketing a property, online or offline, it needs to stand out from other listings. As well as other properties, you need to consider the fact that the seller may have multiple estate agents trying to attract buyers. Using modern tech to do things that other agents overlook will give you the edge. Rather than being a gimmick, it can be the difference maker. Right now, creating a 3D virtual tour is the ultimate choice. You can learn how to do this by checking out https://www.giraffe360.com/. Buyers love viewing properties in this way and sellers feel they are getting value for money with your services. Moreover, drones can be used to take shots from up high. This new perspective may translate to increased interest. Find A Niche As already stated, the estate agency market is thriving. So, you do not have to try to be a master of the entire environment. You can find a niche, such as focusing on student accommodation. Or you may look solely at new builds, rental properties, or commercial real estate. The truth is that your passion for a niche will shine through. More importantly, it is easier to establish yourself as an authoritative voice in a niche arena. You could even consider moving away from traditional options to help people with Airbnb property management. Either way, knowing exactly what your property business sets out to achieve will give you the best shot at doing it.
