Guide supports the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038 Greater Manchester Combined Authority has partnered with CBRE’s ESG Consultancy team to create a new commercial Occupier Retrofit Guide to support the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038. The collaborative guide aims to help commercial
Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1 The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. The seamless finish was installed over the 440m2 floor area, which will be used as new warehouse space. Concrete was supplied by Flowmix and pumped by Max-Pump. Suitable
New scheme which has outline planning permission for 2.6m sq ft of development for build to suit industrial and warehouse units from 11,000 sq ft upto 1,068,00 sq ft in a single building is being developed by Verdant Regeneration Ltd and situated in Ilkeston at J25 of the M1. Glencar,
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, winning two 5-star accolades for its Brigsteer Rise development in Kendal as well as the award for ‘Best Developer Website’ for the second year running. Brigsteer Rise beat strong competition from
Casa by Moda, the single family homes division of developer and operator Moda Group, has reached completion on the first phase of its new rental homes in Springboig, Glasgow – its first residential neighbourhood to open in the UK. With 31 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses available immediately with a
Yorkshire’s leading facilities management company HE Barnes Ltd is preparing the celebrations for its 100th year in business. Established in 1923 by the pioneering Horace Edward Barnes, HE Barnes is a renowned business in Mechanical, Electrical, and turnkey Facilities Management Services with a group turnover in excess of £35 million. Since
Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns has called on the UK Government to retain the option of fixed-term tenancies in the private rental sector where it is mutually beneficial for both parties. Propertymark was the only membership body for property agents represented at the first sitting of the Public Bill
Two-fifths (42%) of UK contractors are not part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme despite the fact that it could become mandatory in 2024, reveals new research. Commissioned by Dispute Assist, the UK’s leading dispute resolution provider, the survey of 200 home improvement contractors found that many are not utilising dispute
A month-long campaign to highlight the value of choosing construction as a profession has culminated in a new recruitment drive by a Northampton-based construction company. To celebrate Careers in Construction month during October, Bhangals Construction Consultants launched the Build A Career at Bhangals campaign, which showcased the variety of roles
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Guide supports the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038 Greater Manchester Combined Authority has partnered with CBRE’s ESG Consultancy team to create a new commercial Occupier Retrofit Guide to support the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038. The collaborative guide aims to help commercial occupiers understand the actions they can take to play their part in delivering the Greater Manchester’s carbon neutral ambitions and wider sustainability strategy. To achieve this target, Greater Manchester has taken steps to tackle emissions across multiple sectors, especially in buildings and transport, where emissions are the highest. The scale of mitigation activities is increasing year on year, however there is much more to do. Commercial buildings account for 6% of Greater Manchester’s total carbon footprint. Councillor Tom Ross, Greater Manchester Lead for Green City-region, said: “To achieve our ambitious environmental aims, we must not only build better, greener buildings, but must also improve the quality of our many existing buildings across the city-region. Local Authorities are already leading by example, with 240 public buildings having been fitted with energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating systems over the last four years. “But improving public sector buildings will only get us so far – we need to encourage commercial building owners and occupiers to do the same. This new guide will provide examples of good practice to help them do just that, all whilst supporting our wider sustainability strategy, which includes increasing the energy efficiency of fuel poor homes, installing more local renewable energy generation and improving public and active transport.” The purpose of the guide is not only intended to steer occupiers towards what to look for, but to help them understand the associated benefits linked with effective retrofit. It focuses on two areas including best practice certification, giving an overview of current market certifications and the benefits related with each; as well as guidance on landlord engagement and green leases, with advice on how to maximise the impact during the term of a contract, and energy provision and management. Part two of the guide expands on circular economy solutions, covering design principles for the future based on the dynamic of reduce, reuse and recycle. It helps to crystalise the direct benefits to organisations, such as direct cash impacts through lower energy bills and reduced operating costs; enhanced strategic and corporate alignment through ESG strategy compliance and ESG messaging to stakeholders; and ultimately improved wellbeing and talent retention through a healthier work environment, and better employee facilities. Lucinda Lay, Associate Director, ESG Consultancy, CBRE, said: “Greater Manchester has one of the most ambitious targets in relation to the climate emergency. By collaborating with the team on this project we can play an important role in helping them realise the city region’s ambitious plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2038, with the role of retrofit playing a significant part in its push. “Sustainability and real estate trends are accelerating. We have investor demands expanding, increasing sustainability and climate change regulation and we have tenant demands evolving. It’s all coming together to actually need greater consideration of ESG and sustainability in the built environment. That’s why guides such as this commissioned by the Council are crucial to get ahead of the climate curve.”
Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1 The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. The seamless finish was installed over the 440m2 floor area, which will be used as new warehouse space. Concrete was supplied by Flowmix and pumped by Max-Pump. Suitable for all environments – from commercial and industrial to residential – the Mapecrete system provided benefits including enhanced durability, reduced maintenance and a fast-track installation. Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) jointless slabs represent a significant advancement in concrete technology, offering numerous benefits over traditional reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The Mapecrete FRC jointless system is based on a shrinkage compensated concrete technology where contraction is compensated by restrained expansion through structural reinforcement. The modular system consists of four Mapei products which work in synergy to create a jointless finish: they include Dynamon XTend W300 N, Mapecure SRA 25, Expancrete, Mapefiber ST42 and Mapecure E30. Whilst RC slabs are jointed to assist in controlling cracking, FRC jointless slabs contain fibres within the concrete mix to enhance performance and reduce cracking and spalling. The slab’s increased durability provides increased load-bearing capacity and greater ability to withstand heavy loads and high traffic. As well as reduced maintenance, further cost savings result from reduced downtime and repairs, and from a less labour-intensive installation. The jointless system is also more resistant to environmental factors, such as freeze-thaw cycles. “The Mapecrete system provided a multitude of installation and performance benefits, as well as a safer working environment. The FRC jointless slab system eliminates the need for steel mesh and greatly reduces labour days. Installation was also far easier, compared to traditional RC slabs, creating a seamless floor. Further down the line, we’ve also eliminated the issues that can arise from having joints every 5-6 linear metres. It’s a fabulous innovation and we’re delighted with the finish achieved in the superstore, ”commented Andrew Hill, Managing Director at Plastering Superstore. For more information about Mapei products and applications, please contact: info@mapei.co.uk or visit www.mapei.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New scheme which has outline planning permission for 2.6m sq ft of development for build to suit industrial and warehouse units from 11,000 sq ft upto 1,068,00 sq ft in a single building is being developed by Verdant Regeneration Ltd and situated in Ilkeston at J25 of the M1. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, yesterday announced that it has been appointed by new customer Verdant Regeneration to design and build a new 20,400 sq ft regional hub for DX (Group) plc, a leading provider of delivery solutions including parcel freight, secure courier, 2-Man and logistics services, at a new 200-acre development site in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The DX regional hub project which will also include construction of offices and external works will be built to an exceptionally high standard with a raised dock and onsite car parking. The new hub and depot will provide significant additional regional capacity, improve efficiency by reducing stem mileage, delivering environmental and customer service benefits. Construction is due to start on site during October 2023 with the building expected to take 24 weeks to build, PC by early April 2024.. To celebrate the announcement and to mark the start of works onsite a ground breaking event was recently held attended by executives from DX, Glencar, officials from Erewash Borough Council, Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips, Leader of the Council Councillor James Dawson and local MP Maggie Throup. The development being formally marketed as New Stanton Park has outline planning permission for the construction of 2.6m sq ft of industrial/warehouse units from 11,000 sq ft upto 1,068,00 sq ft in a single building with the potential to deliver upto 4,000 new jobs once fully developed. The site has power connection of 31mva and can accommodate a high volume water connection. Speaking about the project Pete Goodman, Managing Director – UK Midlands, North and Ireland said: “We are very happy to have been appointed by new customer Verdant Regeneration on what will be the first development to come out of the ground at this brand new strategically located development site which has been a long time in the planning. This development has been designed with sustainability at the core which when combined with large amounts of amenity and green space at New Stanton Park will see fishing ponds, rural walkways and cycle tracks all enhanced to link the site and wider communities. Glencar are fully committed to sustainable construction and a sustainable future. Our ESG approach has been deliberately designed to help us to create a positive impact on the world in which we operate as well as a more innovative, resilient and successful business for the future. We are committed to being a responsible business and to supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability targets and look forward to working closely with Verdant Regeneration and the broader project team. Also in comment, David Grier of Verdant Regeneration said “Having acquired the site in 2020, we have worked hard across the team to quickly bring forward an outline planning application for a development of 2.6m sq ft on what is one of the largest regeneration projects within the region. We are delighted to have now successfully secured outline planning consent and thank Erewash Borough Council for the professional manner and efficiency in which they have dealt with the planning application. New Stanton Park offers an excellent strategic location, blending an active rail connection with strong private and public transport connectivity, plentiful labour, large power supply and high volume water connection. When combined, we are confident this will result in a highly successful development with the next chapter set to positively transform and improve the area, bringing forward large scale job creation in the process. Also commenting, Paul Ibbetson, Chief Executive Officer DX (Group) plc, said “DX is delighted to be announced as the first business taking space on New Stanton Park Industrial Estate, a redevelopment scheme near Nottingham. The purchase of this 25,000 sq ft site will enable us to create a major new regional hub and depot to service our Group’s parcel freight activities. The new hub and depot will provide significant additional regional capacity, improve efficiency by reducing stem mileage and is in line with our plans to make strategic property investments. We also look forward to creating further job opportunities in the area. Construction, which will benefit from a raised dock and mechanisation, is expected to be completed during Q2 2024.” New Stanton Park has outline planning permission for the construction of 2.6m sq ft of industrial/warehouse units from 11,000 sq ft upto 1,068,00 sq ft in a single building with the potential to deliver upto 4,000 new jobs once fully developed. The site has a very substantial power connection of 31mva and can accommodate high volume water connections. For further information please visit: https://newstantonpark.com/
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, winning two 5-star accolades for its Brigsteer Rise development in Kendal as well as the award for ‘Best Developer Website’ for the second year running. Brigsteer Rise beat strong competition from national housebuilders to win the award for the ‘Best Residential Development’ in the Cumbria region as well as the award for ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home.’ Now in its 30th year, the UK Property Awards are the most demanding and rigorous in the property sector. The awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts, focussing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability. Story Homes was presented with the three awards at a ceremony on 10 November at The London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. As winners of two 5-star awards, the builder will be entered into the European Property Awards, which ultimately determine Europe’s finest property companies. Hayley Blair, Sales & Marketing Director at Story Homes said: “We are so proud to be recognised once again at the UK Property Awards, which is a very prestigious accolade within the housebuilding industry. “To walk away with two 5-star awards for our Brigsteer Rise development, plus a further award for our website for the second year running, was a fantastic achievement and further demonstrates the quality and design of the new homes we hand over to our customers.” Brigsteer Rise is a desirable development of high quality homes located in Kendal. This exclusive development offers Story Homes’ ‘Story Collection’ of two to five-bedroom homes, carefully designed throughout, with a high specification as standard. Since its official launch in August 2022, the development has been extremely popular with customers and Story Homes recently handed over the keys to its 10,000th new home, and the milestone event took place at Brigsteer Rise with new homeowners Tina and Colin, who purchased a 5-bedroom Cranford home. For more information, please contact Katie Brown, Communications Manager on 01228 891528 or email katie.brown@storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Casa by Moda, the single family homes division of developer and operator Moda Group, has reached completion on the first phase of its new rental homes in Springboig, Glasgow – its first residential neighbourhood to open in the UK. With 31 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses available immediately with a further 85 additional homes due to arrive over the next 12 months, Casa, Vista Park, signals a significant change to the rental market in Glasgow, as it marks the first time that the single family housing (SFH) model has been offered in the city. Casa, Vista Park will eventually comprise of 156 state-of-the-art homes located close to the east end of the city at Edinburgh Road. Construction is being delivered across six phases by Glasgow-based contractor CCG (Scotland), with the neighbourhood planned to reach final completion in Spring 2025. With the show home now open, the new properties couldn’t be more timely with studies showing that Glasgow has the second highest rental demand in the UK, and for every 100 rental units there are nearly 1,000 prospective renters.* Since reservations went live, Casa by Moda has already had over 1,700 rental enquiries, with applications now being considered for the further phases of development. The new neighbourhood offers residents deposit-free, pet-friendly living as part of an industry-leading inclusive offer which places service, technology, wellbeing, and sustainability at the forefront of the rental community. Casa, Vista Park residents will also benefit from smart environmental sensors from Moda’s technology partner Utopi – giving residents the ability to monitor everything from room temperature to air quality and light pollution in real time. The homes also feature solar PV panels as part of Casa’s commitment to sustainable development and Moda’s journey to operational net zero by 2030. A bespoke MyCasa app has also been designed to make residents’ lives as easy as possible, by providing them with 24/7 access to speak to customer service and report maintenance requests at the click of a button. The MyCasa app also provides the opportunity for residents to take advantage of regional and national brand partnerships such as FiiT, Neom Organics, The Ivy and Sky, as well as the option to conveniently book local recommended at-home services, such as dog walking, window cleaning and gardening services. The MyCasa app will allow residents to share their own news and events via the community forum, helping them to truly get to know their neighbours. As a long-term operator, Casa will also organise community events, from arranging for local food vendors to run pop-up stalls on site, to organising outdoor fitness workshops for residents. The 6.5-hectare neighbourhood was developed in collaboration with CCG, one of the largest privately-owned construction and manufacturing groups in Scotland. The company is based just four miles from Casa, Vista Park in Cambuslang and it is this localised expertise that will be of benefit to residents moving in this winter with a high-quality finish as well as market-leading energy performance standards contributing to the modern and comfortable living environment. Matthew Townson, Director of Development and Projects at Casa by Moda commented: “With Casa, Vista Park, we are aiming to pioneer change within the Glasgow rental market and improve how people live for the long term.” “With there being a significant undersupply of quality rental homes in Scotland, these new homes will make for a standout offering, as they provide long-term security and focus on the wellbeing of residents.” “This first phase is only the beginning for Casa, Vista Park. We look forward to welcoming even more residents to the neighbourhood throughout the next two years, as we plan for overall completion in 2025.” CCG Director, Calum Murray, said: “By partnering with Casa by Moda, we’re pleased to offer a real first for the rental market in Glasgow. The new homes don’t compromise on quality and will have everything residents would expect from the CCG and Casa by Moda partnership with advanced construction methods and an excellent standard of specification combining to create truly desirable homes. “The contribution of the development to Springboig and the wider east end community will be significant and we look forward to welcoming the first residents over the coming weeks.” Prospective renters can take a virtual tour of these new homes on the Casa website. To find out more visit: www.casa.moda Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire’s leading facilities management company HE Barnes Ltd is preparing the celebrations for its 100th year in business. Established in 1923 by the pioneering Horace Edward Barnes, HE Barnes is a renowned business in Mechanical, Electrical, and turnkey Facilities Management Services with a group turnover in excess of £35 million. Since its inception, the business has grown over 10 decades to become the force it is today. Innovation has played an important role in the organisation’s development and is integral to its success. New products and services have opened opportunities and introductions to fresh markets. Embracing new processes and emerging technology has also dramatically changed the organisation, setting the stage to continue being a future-looking business. To mark the centennial year, HE Barnes will be hosting a charity ball on Friday 17 November at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel. As well as celebrating the achievement of 100 years in business, the event also aims to raise funds for local charity Sheffield Futures which supports young people getting into training, education, or work. Nigel Pollard Managing Director of HE Barnes said “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be working within HE Barnes, as we celebrate 100th year of trading. Expansion of our hard and soft facilities management division means that our customers can now receive a complete turnkey solution with support every step of the way. The combination of this means that buildings can be managed effectively ensuring our customers are able to maximise business productivity. “The entire business prides itself on keeping the same ethos that Horace had when he first started the business all those years ago. Seeking opportunities, adapting to change, growing, and evolving with integrity. “We have our own unique story derived from our actions and our people over time, and we have never strayed away from Horace’s vision. This centennial year reminds us what we have always stood for and what makes us and that is our great is our people. “As we celebrate our accomplishments, we also recognise our valued colleagues, customers, and supply chain partnerships as we strive to maintain our position as a leader in the industry. We recognise that our achievements are the result of your hard work. Your unwavering support in our day-to-day operations has helped to fuel growth and expansion, and we are excited to continue building on these successes together.” For more information about HE Barnes Ltd services please visit www.hebarnes.com, call 0114 275 1210 or email enquiries@hebarnes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns has called on the UK Government to retain the option of fixed-term tenancies in the private rental sector where it is mutually beneficial for both parties. Propertymark was the only membership body for property agents represented at the first sitting of the Public Bill Committee on Tuesday 14 November 2023 regarding the Renters Reform Bill. Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, presented evidence to MPs where he talked about Propertymark’s concerns as a sector, and he emphasised what Propertymark needs to see from the Bill. Mr Douglas stressed the need for tenants to have more choice and ‘have the option to rent on a fixed-term or periodic tenancy’ and said there needs to be more ‘flexibility’ in the system, especially when it comes to student letting. He also drew attention to how ‘the existing redress schemes for lettings agents need to be improved alongside requirements for landlords to have redress.’ This includes ensuring the schemes adjudicate in the same way, work to statutory code of practices and they ‘have more power to take action and issue fines.’ The Head of Policy said the UK Government must be care not to meddle with a system that already exists and works for all property agents. Working with the existing scheme providers should be explored as part of plans to extend redress to landlords. Regarding plans from the UK Government to reform the court system the legislation must stipulate that ‘guidance for the courts is vital’ when decisions on anti-social behaviour are made and these cases are ‘prioritised by the courts.’ To help improve the current system, the UK Government need to ‘focus on bailiff capacity’ and ‘to speed up the possession process provide landlords with an automatic right for a High Court Enforcement Officer to enforce the Court Possession.’ Mr Douglas also quoted Propertymark’s membership data during the committee meeting, which shows that there has been a 32 per cent increase in demand for properties, pointing to a housing ‘demand crisis’ and supply is linked to a range of factors. He also urged the UK Government to develop a wider housing strategy that deals with taxes, welfare, social housing, and energy efficiency. Mr Douglas discussed student lettings in depth as he said there needs to be ‘more detail’ when it comes to the new possession ground for student landlords, especially because there is a ‘myriad of student semesters.’ Propertymark’s Head of Policy added houses of multiple occupancy are easily defined as student lets but other properties less so. Allowing the option of a fixed term tenancy for any property with a student in would help solve this issue. As well as the two initial days of evidence, the committee is currently slated to meet each Tuesday and Thursday up to and including 5th December for the usual line-by-line consideration. One of the main intentions behind the Renters Reform Bill is to make it easier for landlords to repossess their property or properties if they intend to move closer to their family, or if they must evict disruptive tenants. Furthermore, tenants will be able to appeal against landlords intending to increase their rent above market value, and an independent tribunal can decide if landlords are justified to do so or not. Finally, tenants will be able to request a pet in a property, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. The Renters Reform Bill had its Second Reading last month. Following the committee stage in the House of Commons, which is the lower chamber of Parliament, the Bill will then move on to the report stage before its third reading in the House. It will then pass on to the House of Lords, the upper chamber that scrutinises government legislation, where it will receive first, second and third readings, and then go through the committee and report stages too. The Bill should receive Royal Assent before the next general election. The UK Government introduced the Bill on 17 May 2023, where it passed its First Reading in the House of Commons. It is in line with the Conservative Party’s commitment from its 2019 manifesto to overhaul private renting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two-fifths (42%) of UK contractors are not part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme despite the fact that it could become mandatory in 2024, reveals new research. Commissioned by Dispute Assist, the UK’s leading dispute resolution provider, the survey of 200 home improvement contractors found that many are not utilising dispute resolution services even though more than a third (36%) have previously had an unhappy customer make a court claim against them. This is partly due to the fact that almost three in ten (28%) of contractors do not know what ADR is. A concerning finding considering that since 2015, it’s been a legal requirement for traders to signpost consumers to an approved ADR provider when they are unable to resolve a complaint. ADR is an effective route to resolving disputes in the home improvement sector. It includes methods such as mediation, conciliation and expert determination which help to avoid lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, enabling both parties to move on in a mutually beneficial manner. Encouragingly, 38% of those not currently part of a scheme said that they would be interested in signing up, suggesting that with a greater level of education on ADR, there is an appetite amongst contractors to get on board. Of the tradespeople who were aware of ADR, 80% are part of a scheme, indicating a high level of awareness within this group of the benefits it can bring. Nearly half (46%) of contractors who are part of a scheme are in one via a trade body or association meaning that these organisations can play a key role in raising awareness of dispute resolution amongst members and providing access to these services. For those who are not currently part of a scheme, the most widely cited reasons for this were that they are too expensive (40%) and that contractors are unsure of how to choose a scheme (33%). Despite 43% spending between two and five hours a month dealing with complaints, a third felt that there isn’t enough of a need to be part of a scheme. Commenting on the findings, Ciarán Harkin, managing director of Dispute Assist, said: “With consumer disputes becoming more frequent as the number of home improvement projects increases, contractors who are not part of an ADR scheme are leaving themselves vulnerable to legal action and reputational damage, even if they’re not at fault. “It’s clear that there is a need for greater education and awareness around the ADR process to provide contractors with the means to make an informed decision about whether to join a scheme. With mandatory ADR on the horizon, home improvement contractors must be clued up on what ADR is, how it works and the benefits that it brings. “When it comes to the reasons why contractors are not part of a scheme, it’s interesting to note that a third feel there isn’t a need when a high proportion of home improvement tradespeople are facing customer disputes each year. “Where cost is a barrier, contractors should investigate different providers and look for a scheme which suits their individual budget. Beyond this, for those struggling to choose a scheme, other factors such as the range of services offered, the speed of resolution and the independence and reputation of the scheme should be considered.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A month-long campaign to highlight the value of choosing construction as a profession has culminated in a new recruitment drive by a Northampton-based construction company. To celebrate Careers in Construction month during October, Bhangals Construction Consultants launched the Build A Career at Bhangals campaign, which showcased the variety of roles available in the sector and at the company itself. As part of the campaign, four Bhangals employees told their stories, which were covered in local and national press, via videos and on social media. Now the company is embarking on a recruitment drive to offer others the opportunity to progress a career in the construction industry. The job vacancies will see the company expand its workforce from 25 to 40 – a headcount growth of 60% by the end of next year. Available roles include Junior Estimator, Intermediate Estimator, Senior Estimator and Client Service positions. Operations Manager Katie Newman is one of the individuals who shared her story as part of the Build A Career at Bhangals campaign, said: “The campaign shone a spotlight on some of the opportunities available in the construction industry and gave a flavour of what you can expect working in this sector. “We hope this will now inspire more people to apply for the roles that we currently have available at Bhangals and encourage those who haven’t previously considered construction as an option to wider their horizons and maybe take that leap in to something new.” Managing Director Parm Bhangal added: “We are proud of the business we have built and have real ambitions to grow even more as we move into 2024. It is an exciting time to join Bhangals Construction Consultants and enter or continue a career in construction with us. We look forward to receiving the applications and growing our team further.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a rewarding choice for house building professionals. Roann Limited, based in Wakefield, is a trusted supplier to some of the UK’s leading house builders and developers, including Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes. The company collaborates with various worktop providers across Europe to offer a range of products and finishes. As specialists in high-volume projects, Roann Limited has transformed the way house builders acquire worktops, by partnering with them to achieve substantial cost reductions on their development and project expenses. Scott Wharton, Operations Director, tells us more about the benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments. Durability For house building professionals, durability is non-negotiable when selecting materials for new developments. Quartz worktops, which are engineered using a combination of natural quartz crystal and resin, exhibit remarkable resilience. This quality ensures that they can withstand the rigours of daily use, resisting stains, scratches and chips. Over the years, Caesarstone has grown to become a worldwide leader in kitchen worktops with an impressive range of products. Its quartz surfaces are made with up to 90% quartz minerals to give advantages that surpass those in marble, granite and other natural stones. Caesarstone is one of our most popular brands for good reason. It’s available in virtually any colour or pattern, and is incredibly easy to cut, so it can be customised to fit any shape or size – no matter how complicated! We recently completed a new development project in West London, where we installed 202 units of Caesarstone worktop. The end result is a modern, sleek aesthetic, tailored for contemporary living. Easy maintenance Unlike natural stones, quartz worktops are non-porous. This means that they do not absorb liquid or stains, and are resistant to bacteria or other microorganisms from spills. This makes quartz the obvious choice for busy and active households. Generally speaking, soap and water or a mild detergent are all that’s necessary to keep a quartz worktop sparkling clean. Another bonus of installing a quartz worktop is that there is no need for time-consuming and often expensive sealing that some natural stone worktops require. This allows house builders to complete projects efficiently and within budget, which is always a bonus! Aesthetically pleasing Quartz worktops are available in an extensive range of designs, colours and finishes. As the material is manmade, the design can be tailored to suit any interior. The consistency in colour and pattern across the entire surface will ensure a uniform and cohesive look. With the appearance and feel of natural quartz, Compac is a technological quartz that has high heat resistance and remarkable quality. It’s available in an extensive range of colours, designs, sizes, thickness and ornamentations. It’s ideal for kitchen worktops that are subject to extensive use. Sustainability House builders committed to sustainability may choose to install a quartz worktop as many of these surfaces are produced using recycled materials. This aligns with corporate social responsibility practices and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Manufactured with exclusive and innovative HybriQ technology, Silestone is a more sustainable approach to architectural surfaces. The products contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials, such as glass, along with premium natural materials that provide depth of colour and high performance. Since its creation, Silestone has set major trends in the market, transforming the world of kitchen worktops. Silestone is one of our bestsellers, and was selected as the worktop of choice for our biggest project to date earlier this year, a residential development in Finsbury Park, London. Worth over £676,000, the Woodberry Down project is a sustainable development which features over 5,500 new homes. “We’re extremely happy with Roann Limited’s performance. I’m getting good feedback from the site team and have had a look at some of the worktops myself, and they look great,” said James Riley, Senior Site Manager, Berkeley Group PLC. It’s a project dedicated to the natural environment and is focused on creating a sustainable community, an initiative we are keen to support through our own endeavours. We recently replaced all of our kitchen worktop packaging from single use plastic, to fully recyclable packaging, preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average project, and are committed to reducing our carbon footprint even further in the coming years. Silestone was also chosen as the upgraded worktop option by David Wilson Homes, part of the renowned brand Barratt Homes, on its Penning Ridge development based in Sheffield. “We are excited to be working with Roann Limited for our beautiful development, across our division at Barratt DWH Sheffield. The quality of the workmanship and service levels so far have been incredible,” added Simone Roberts, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Adding value The long-term benefits of quartz worktops include adding value to a home, as they are designed to stand the test of time. Using this superior material can enhance the marketability and resale value of homes, a crucial selling point for potential house buyers or investors. If budget is an issue, house builders may consider Fugen, which offers a more cost-effective surface than some of the premium brands – without compromising on quality or style. While there is only a limited range of colours and designs available, Fugen worktops boast all the benefits of other quartz worktops, including durability and easy maintenance. Warranty Many producers also provide warranty with their worktops, including Silestone which provides a 25 year warranty. This assurance of quality and longevity can provide peace of mind to house builders and potential house buyers. Whether house builders are renovating an existing property or developing a new one, quartz should be considered as the surface material of choice due to its attractive and superior qualities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The
