December 8, 2023
How to Make Your Website Stand Out from the Competition

How to Make Your Website Stand Out from the Competition

When you’re running a business you want to make sure that your website stands out from the competition. It can be a headache and a hassle trying to figure out how to make yourself unique in a large space such as the internet.  However, you need to make sure that

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

December 8, 2023

Goold Estates reveals plans for £28m industrial/urban logistics scheme at Bilston Urban Village

Goold Estates reveals plans for £28m industrial/urban logistics scheme at Bilston Urban Village

Goold Estates has brought forward plans to regenerate a vacant brownfield site in Wolverhampton that could create up to 300 new jobs. The Oldbury-based property investment and development company has submitted a detailed planning application for the speculative development of a 12-acre plot at the Bilston Urban Village employment site, off Brook Street in Bilston. It proposes development of 166,500 sq ft of new industrial/distribution warehouse accommodation, comprising 15 units ranging in size from 2,500 – 60,000 sq ft to suit a variety of uses. The scheme will be built to BREEAM Excellent, including photovoltaic roof panels and electric vehicle charging. Works could commence on site as early as spring 2024, subject to planning approval. Goold Estates is the City of Wolverhampton Council’s chosen developer for the Bilston Urban Village employment site and recently completed purchase of the land from the council. Its plans represent the final phase of development on the site and have a gross development value of £28 million. Goold Estates already has experience of working in Wolverhampton after constructing six industrial and warehouse units at Steelpark Trading Estate in Wednesfield, which generated more than 150 jobs. Dominic Goold, managing director of Goold Estates, said that the planning application included a significant investment in remediating, decontaminating and stabilising the site, which will result in environmental benefits to the area. He said: “We are very pleased to bring forward plans for Bilston Urban Village, and are excited at the prospect of delivering our second speculative scheme in Wolverhampton in recent years. We’re based locally, we know the market well and we believe this multi-unit employment development will attract a high calibre of occupiers, creating as many as 300 new jobs. “There has been an intent to develop this site for some time but it has been vacant for more than 15 years, which gives an idea of its complexity. The industrial legacy of the site requires extensive remediation and we’ve put a lot of time and effort into planning that during the pre-application process with the City of Wolverhampton Council. “We look forward to working with the Council to take these proposals forward and commence development of the site in early 2024.” Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “We welcome this planning application for development of this wider site by Goold Estates. It is another milestone for Bilston Urban Village, where we have realised our vision of creating hundreds of new affordable homes for families. With that we need more good jobs. “The urban village offers extensive areas of open space to enjoy on the doorstep, new schools for kids to learn in, a top-class leisure centre nearby, a family pub/restaurant on tap and further investment planned for the town centre. “It is also a great location with purpose-built transport connectivity and the new commercial plot can provide hundreds of job opportunities.” The Bilston Urban Village employment site lies less than three miles from Wolverhampton city centre, south of the Black Country Route. It is situated adjacent to Morrisons supermarket and borders the Midland Metro and Bankfield Road, with easy access to Jct 10 of the M6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Gone in 60 seconds: Data shows front gardens are key to driving house-buying decisions

Gone in 60 seconds: Data shows front gardens are key to driving house-buying decisions

Two-thirds (60%) of people make up their minds about whether they want to buy a house within one minute of seeing the garden.  Planters, trees, driveways, front doors and bin storage all play a key role in the decision making, according to new data.  The survey of 2,001 people carried out by Marshalls, found that 68% of people would be put off wanting to buy or live in a property if there were big design flaws with the front garden that they didn’t like. Looking at the features that appeal to prospective buyers, those supporting biodiversity top the bill. Planters, hanging baskets and real grass areas (21%), as well as trees (20%), wildlife gardens (17%), raised bedding areas (15%) and bird baths (14%) were the top responses, followed by new driveways (14%), bin storage (13%) and privacy screening (12%).  More than two-fifths (43%) said they care more about the appearance of the front of their home now – including their garden, driveway and features like the front door – than two years ago. People’s top reasons for caring about their home’s kerb appeal include improving its appearance from the outside (44%) and improving its value (29%). One in ten want to keep up with their neighbours, while others take inspiration from family and friends (20%), social media (15%) and magazines and TV shows (15%) on how to style the outside of their homes.  In terms of wider housing developments, two-fifths of the research respondents said they’d be more likely to buy a newbuild home if it had well-landscaped communal areas. Safety was also critical, with lighting and CCTV making up the rest of the top three features sought after in shared spaces.  Speaking about the findings, which are outlined in the Marshalls Improving the Landscape white paper, Ben Warren, Managing Director of Landscape Products at Marshalls, said: “In a world where image is so important, it’s no surprise to find that kerb appeal has a huge impact on whether someone buys a property – and these findings prove just how influential is, with the outside of a home impacting a buyer’s decision within a matter of seconds.  “In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in social media trends focusing on the front of homes, with searches for ‘front garden’ on Pinterest increasing 35%. Driveways have also been in demand for some time, and with the rise in electric cars we suspect this will continue as people want to charge their vehicles safely and securely.  “What’s important in the quest for ultimate kerb appeal is to balance practical spaces – like driveways and bin storage – with features like plants and trees, to help attract wildlife and make a space attractive. As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sustainable building materials, at Marshalls we do more than just supply the right products, we also support with design and engineering expertise to help builders and developers enhance their offering to sell homes’ quicker, as well as supporting installers to create dream spaces for homeowners.” For more information about the expertise and support Marshalls are offering housebuilders visit marshalls.co.uk/builders/house-builders  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ecophon enters into an agreement to acquire Träullit, a Swedish wood wool manufacturer

Ecophon enters into an agreement to acquire Träullit, a Swedish wood wool manufacturer

Ecophon has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire all the shares of Träullit, further completing its portfolio in acoustic ceiling and wall solutions. Founded in 1946 in Ydre, Östergötland, Träullit is the only wood wool manufacturer in Sweden, and it has a strong sales footprint in Scandinavian markets. The company uses locally grown timber within a 50-km radius from the plant as its raw material. Wood wool has many advantages as an acoustic ceiling solution. The unique composition of Träullit’s solutions, using Swedish spruce, combines acoustic qualities with a warm wood design. This acquisition complements Ecophon’s comprehensive range of solutions, promoting sustainable acoustic comfort while meeting the various design requirements of its markets. Leveraging its R&D competence, Ecophon is looking to further develop this wood wool offer on acoustical and environmental performance. “Träullit has a Swedish legacy to be proud of and we are happy to start a new journey together to develop this offer. The integration with Ecophon will broaden Träullit’s current sales focus from Scandinavia into further European markets and accelerate growth thanks to Ecophon’s complete solution portfolio and experienced R&D,” said Pierre-Emmanuel Thiard, CEO of Ecophon. “We are honored to have been approached by Saint-Gobain and Ecophon. Our family has been running Träullit for nearly 78 years and we see this evolution as a restart, an integration into a great business family with experience. Within Ecophon, we will have both the knowledge and the capacity to fully develop the wood wool material into the standards of the future,” said Erik Rääf, Managing Director of Träullit. The new wood wool offer will be launched gradually during 2024. www.ecophon.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Access Panels in Action: Real-World Scenarios of Streamlined Maintenance and Repair

Access Panels in Action: Real-World Scenarios of Streamlined Maintenance and Repair

In the bustling construction world, where every detail matters, access panels are crucial in concealing and providing easy access to plumbing and electrical components. These seemingly simple fixtures streamline maintenance and repair tasks, making life easier for construction professionals.  In this blog post, we’ll dive into the real-world scenarios where access panels come to the rescue, unraveling the mysteries behind their practical applications.  The Basics of Access Panels    Before exploring real-world scenarios, let’s begin with the fundamentals.   Access panels refer to panels integrated into walls or ceilings, providing convenient access to concealed elements such as plumbing pipes, electrical wires, and various building systems. These panels are designed to seamlessly blend into the surrounding structure while providing a discreet entry point for maintenance and repairs.  Now, let’s explore how access panels work their magic in practical situations:  1. Concealing Plumbing Woes  Imagine a scenario where a commercial building’s plumbing system needs urgent attention. Without access panels, reaching the pipes hidden behind walls would involve breaking down sections of the structure, causing significant disruption and escalating costs.  Access panels like the BA-AHD flush universal access door come into play by offering a convenient entry point to the concealed plumbing network. Whether fixing a leak, replacing a damaged pipe, or conducting routine inspections, access panels provide a hassle-free solution.   Construction professionals can simply open the panel, perform the necessary tasks, and close it back up—all without disturbing the building’s aesthetics.  2. Taming the Electrical Jungle  Troubleshooting and repairs can be daunting in the intricate web of electrical wirings that power our buildings. Access panels simplify this process by directly accessing electrical components behind walls or ceilings. Electricians can easily reach junction boxes, outlets, and wiring connections without invasive and time-consuming measures.  Consider a scenario where a faulty outlet needs immediate attention. With access panels strategically placed, electricians can swiftly identify and address the issue, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. The streamlined process ensures that construction projects stay on schedule and within budget.  3. Enhancing Safety Inspections  Safety is paramount in construction, and regular inspections are key to ensuring a secure environment for occupants. Access panels facilitate safety inspections by providing quick and efficient access to critical building systems. Fire sprinkler pipes, HVAC ducts, and other safety-related components hidden from view can be easily examined without causing disruptions.  For example, inspectors can access concealed fire sprinkler systems through well-placed access panels during a routine fire safety inspection. This enables them to verify the system’s functionality, ensuring it is ready to respond effectively in an emergency.  4. Speeding Up Renovation Projects  Construction professionals know that renovations often involve navigating through existing structures. Access panels become invaluable in renovation projects, allowing for seamless integration of new elements or modifications to existing ones.  Imagine a scenario where a restaurant undergoes a renovation to install a new ventilation system. Access panels are necessary for the process, which requires extensive demolition to reach and connect the ductwork. Access panels strategically placed in the walls or ceilings provide a non-disruptive solution, allowing contractors to install the new system efficiently without compromising the overall structure.  Challenges When Dealing with Access Panels  Incorporating access panels into building design and construction comes with a unique set of challenges that construction professionals might face. From aesthetic and functional factors to strict regulatory requirements, coordinating all the elements can be complex. Some specific challenges commonly encountered include:  Integration with Design Aesthetics: Balancing the functional requirements of access panels with the overall design aesthetics of the space can be challenging. Ensuring access panels blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture may require creative solutions.  Size and Location: Determining the appropriate size and location of access panels is crucial. Ensuring that they provide sufficient access to the systems behind them while minimizing their impact on the design and flow of the space can be challenging.  Fire Rating and Building Codes: Meeting fire rating requirements and building codes is essential. Ensuring access panels maintain the required fire resistance and comply with local regulations may pose challenges, especially in sensitive areas like fire-rated partitions.  Structural Considerations: Incorporating access panels without compromising the structural integrity of the building can be a challenge. Professionals must ensure that the installation of access panels keeps the overall structure intact.  Water and Air Tightness: Access panels in areas prone to moisture or air infiltration must be designed to be water and airtight. Ensuring that access panels maintain the integrity of the building envelope can be challenging, particularly in humid or harsh weather conditions.  Security Concerns: Access panels may provide entry points for unauthorized individuals. Ensuring that access panels are secure and can only be opened by authorized personnel is vital for maintaining the safety and security of the building.  Accessibility and Ergonomics: Designing access panels that are easily accessible and user-friendly for maintenance personnel is important. Consideration must be given to the ease of opening, closing, and securing access panels to facilitate regular maintenance and inspections.  Cost Considerations: Balancing the functional requirements of access panels with budget constraints can be challenging. Identifying cost-effective solutions that meet the necessary specifications without compromising quality is an ongoing concern for construction professionals.  Coordination with Other Trades: Collaborating with other trades, such as electrical and plumbing contractors, to ensure that access panels are properly integrated into the overall system can be challenging. Coordination is crucial to avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth installation.  Conclusion  Access panels emerge as silent facilitators in the dynamic construction world, simplifying maintenance and repair tasks. These fixtures prove their worth by seamlessly integrating into the building structure while providing quick and easy access to concealed elements.  In the ongoing challenges encountered by construction professionals in the construction and maintenance of structures, access panels emerge as dependable companions. They are crucial in facilitating efficient, cost-effective tasks while minimizing disruptions.   The next time you come across these access panels, acknowledge their vital contribution to maintaining the optimal condition of buildings. They’re the unsung heroes of streamlined maintenance and repair in the construction industry. 

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How to Make Your Website Stand Out from the Competition

How to Make Your Website Stand Out from the Competition

When you’re running a business you want to make sure that your website stands out from the competition. It can be a headache and a hassle trying to figure out how to make yourself unique in a large space such as the internet.  However, you need to make sure that you find a way that make your space on the internet unforgettable. If you’ve been struggling to do this, here are some of the best ways that you can leave your competition behind. What Is Your Unique Value? For you to be a cut above the rest,  there has to be something unique and different about your business. You must offer something that others don’t, you have to walk the walk differently! You must blaze every trail out there if you can and cook up something new. This uniqueness must be clearly articulated on your website so that people’s eyes pop open a bit wider!  When you have a very strong identity it makes a lasting impression and it will definitely encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Whatever you choose to do should get those tongues wagging. Make Sure It Looks Good The look of a site gives good and bad impressions. You have to think of your website as a fashion model you are getting ready for the catwalk, you want it to be the showstopper! Remember that first impressions last and this means that they truly matter, especially on the internet.  When you invest in a design that is eye-catching and makes people gasp in delight you will never regret it or lose out on your money. Make sure that you’re using the highest quality images possible and that your color scheme is on point.  Nobody wants to stare at drab colors that make them feel as if their emotions are being washed down the drain. Create Amazing Content Your aim should always be to become the go-to website for people who want a a product or a service.  The easiest way to do this is to make sure that you are creating amazing content at all times. Aside from amazing content you want to make sure that your content is able to put you ahead of the game in search engines. This means that you have to use the right keywords in your content.  You can hire SEO agencies to help you make the right decisions about this. They can also help you to create great content as well.  This way you can kill two birds with one stone. When you’re creating content you want to make sure that you are hitting at the heart of what is important to the people who use your products and services. Once you do this you’ll be able to captivate them and keep them on your website. Are you ready to take your websites to new heights? You can be king of your industry and be the only one standing on the mountaintop. One of the best places where you can do this is on your website. 

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