Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property, has leased DC4 Prologis Park Kettering to Mannol, a leading global lubricant supplier. The 10-year lease will support Mannol’s expanding UK operations. Located in the prime logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, the 154,452 sq. ft. unit will provide the space required for
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has welcomed leaders from new client Aitchison Developments and funders Savills Investment Management to the Bourn Quarter site in Cambridge to mark the steel frame erection
OP has been appointed to design and fit out the new UK headquarters of global electronics leader, Epson. The office fit out and design consultancy will transform more than 30,000 sq ft of space at The Clarendon Works, a Grade A office building on Watford’s Clarendon Road. OP will create
Northumbria University in Newcastle has chosen to retain Sodexo for its soft and hard FM services and residential living management contract for a further ten years in a new contract with the addition of a new food offer for the University’s largest Trinity Square student accommodation. Sodexo has been managing
Citu has secured plans for Phase One of the Attercliffe Waterside urban regeneration scheme in Sheffield. The 23-acre brownfield site is owned by Sheffield City Council and straddles either side of Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, once a vital waterway in powering the city’s Industrial Revolution. The transformational scheme will celebrate
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham
Market insight from Material Information and digital property pack provider, Moverly, suggests that the proper implementation of Material Information across the estate agency sector could reduce the amount of lost or delayed commission due to fall throughs to the tune of £357.4m per year. Moverly looked at the number of fall
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July,
The marketing team from Algeco UK, the leading storage accommodation and temporary building solutions provider, recently attended Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, donating their time to help keep the 65 bedrooms, communal kitchens and living room spaces clean for people who need accommodation when children are in hospital nearby. Sunil Achtar,
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property, has leased DC4 Prologis Park Kettering to Mannol, a leading global lubricant supplier. The 10-year lease will support Mannol’s expanding UK operations. Located in the prime logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, the 154,452 sq. ft. unit will provide the space required for Mannol’s future growth ambitions, with transport links to the M1, M6 and M11, as well as connections to coastal ports and rail hubs, for national and international distribution. Mannol will join household brands including CEVA, Argos and Specsavers at the Park. Jevgenij Lyzko, Chief Executive Officer at Mannol, said: “As we continue to grow, we were in need of a larger unit to cater for our expanding operations. We chose Prologis UK as our trusted partner to provide this. DC4 Kettering offers a large, modern facility and has the benefit of great transport links to our distribution network and an array of welfare amenities for our workforce.” In line with Prologis UK’s sustainability credentials, DC4 underwent a full refurbishment, including both the main warehouse and the office block, bringing the unit to an EPC A rating. The all-electric unit is fitted with warehouse LED lighting, sprinklers and racking allowing for immediate occupation. Prologis Park Kettering also benefits from a rich labour pool with a large percentage of the local population already employed within the logistics sector. Additionally, the site benefits from a public open space, Linear Park, encompassing 90 acres of regenerated land and featuring woodland areas, outdoor gym and network of paths to staff and the local community. Linear Park is owned and managed by Prologis as part of its PARKlife services. Mannol has also been provided with a Prologis Essentials allowance, providing opportunity for future upgrades as and when required. As an integrated product service offering, Prologis Essentials is a turnkey warehouse solution which can offer enhancements in the areas of operations, energy and mobility. Tom Price, Leasing Director at Prologis UK, said: “DC4, and Prologis Park Kettering, was the perfect fit for Mannol’s expanding operations. Originally built in 2007, we upgraded DC4 to meet the same high-quality standards of our current generation buildings in order to match customer expectations. The refurbishment programme also allowed for additional future proofing, for example the option to add in in additional EV charging points as needed. “We look forward to welcoming Mannol and watching the business grow and take advantage of all that the location offers.” ILPP and Cushman and Wakefield acted for Prologis UK. Louch Shacklock acted for Mannol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has welcomed leaders from new client Aitchison Developments and funders Savills Investment Management to the Bourn Quarter site in Cambridge to mark the steel frame erection with a signing ceremony. Winvic is progressing its first Life Sciences project at pace and the nine facilities, targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, will be constructed by the end of this year. People from each of the organisations signed a steel member which will be installed in Unit 16, the largest building on the 4.66 Ha site. Bourn Quarter is a best-in-class Life Sciences, Research and Development, production and storage development offering space for a broad spectrum of businesses, and Winvic is delivering nine facilities in six buildings within Phase 2, totalling 144,330 sq ft. Three industrial units – 17,800 sq ft, 16,010 sq ft and 21,400 sq ft – are detached and the remaining six facilities will be constructed in adjoining pairs. The connected buildings range from 6,880 sq ft to 11,630 sq ft. The scheme will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and EPC A+ and Winvic is delivering the project in line with the clients’ aspirations to achieve Net Zero Carbon in construction. Each facility comprises a single-storey office space – ranging from 1,870 sq ft to 5,360 sq ft – which Winvic will fit out to CAT A standard. Winvic’s contract also comprises all associated service installations and the construction of on-site roads, yards and car parks. The facilities will be complete by December 2024. However, the scheme will reach practical completion in the Spring when Winvic will have finished the extensive planting scheme; a total of 351 trees alongside shrubs and multiple insect blocks, significantly enhancing Biodiversity on the site. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, said: “We were delighted to welcome partners from Bourn Quarter’s funders and developer, and they were delighted with our construction progress. The start of a steel frame erection programme is always an exciting milestone, and the signing of the steel member is a meaningful way to mark that progress. Entering the Life Sciences sector marks another significant enhancement to Winvic’s project portfolio. “I’d like to thank new client Aitchison Developments for putting their trust in Winvic to deliver Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter, a ‘small-box’ development primed for Life Sciences and Research and Development companies. And also, to the Winvic team for once again bringing their sustainability expertise, passion for quality delivery and commitment to safe but swift delivery.” Harry Aitchison, Development Manager, Aitchison Developments commented: “Following the successful letting of Phase 1 we are delighted to be working with Winvic to deliver Phase 2 at Bourn Quarter to provide much-needed high-quality space to the Cambridge market. It has been great working with Winvic to try and improve on every aspect of the scheme from our Net Zero Carbon aspirations to the quality and finish of the buildings. The speed at which Winvic are attacking the programme is impressive and the team on site have been very considerate to our Phase 1 tenants throughout.” Tom Bird, Director from Savills added: “Following lots of hard work from the team through planning and procurement, its brilliant to see Winvic continuing to push the project forward through the construction stage. The drive and can-do attitude of the Winvic team gives us confidence that works will be completed to allow occupation from Q1 2025. Savills Project Management are delighted to be leading another project on behalf of Aitchison Developments and Savills Investment Management whilst adding more experience to our proven track record within the life sciences/mid tech sector.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP has been appointed to design and fit out the new UK headquarters of global electronics leader, Epson. The office fit out and design consultancy will transform more than 30,000 sq ft of space at The Clarendon Works, a Grade A office building on Watford’s Clarendon Road. OP will create a modern and collaborative workplace that aligns with Epson’s brand identity and supports the firm’s evolving hybrid work model. Its design incorporates an informal, timeless palette that complements the building’s industrial backdrop while aligning with Epson’s evolving brand identity. Features include a unique product demo space, which will showcase Epson’s innovative technology and serve as an additional sales asset. Epson will relocate from its current premises in Hemel Hempstead when the 12-week project is complete. The Clarendon Works is a BREEAM Excellent, EPC A-rated building, which offers community spaces, including a lounge and gymnasium, and 12 floors of open plan floor plates. Tom Parsons, sales director at OP, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Epson on this transformative project. Our design challenges traditional corporate layouts and creates a space that reflects Epson’s forward-thinking ethos. By centralising breakout areas and prioritising collaboration, we’re helping Epson transition from a conventional office to a hybrid setup that puts its people first. “Sustainability has been a constant thread throughout the design process. We’ve worked closely with Epson to ensure that its new headquarters exceeds the company’s sustainability aspirations, capitalising on the building’s excellent green credentials.” OP secured the project through a competitive tender process, based on the strength of its in-depth research, company values and best practice design principles. It also conducted staff engagement sessions to facilitate Epson’s smooth transition to the new environment. OP is working with the building’s developer Regal as part of its ongoing work at The Clarendon Works. Savills is acting as client agent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northumbria University in Newcastle has chosen to retain Sodexo for its soft and hard FM services and residential living management contract for a further ten years in a new contract with the addition of a new food offer for the University’s largest Trinity Square student accommodation. Sodexo has been managing student accommodation services at Northumbria University since 2014. Initially covering just Trinity Square, a contemporary accommodation block housing up to 1,000 students in double en-suites or shared flats for groups of three-five students. Over the course of the contract the University has added all its four City residences, housing nearly 2,500 students every year. Sodexo is focused on ensuring the student living experience is second-to-none and is committed to ensuring its presence has a positive social impact for the residents, the University, and the local community in which it operates. Services managed by Sodexo in the University’s student accommodation include reception, helpdesk, security, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and cleaning. Sodexo employs 58 people at Northumbria University and uses digital platforms for students to report maintenance issues, recently mobilising a mobile-enabled maintenance system to ensure timely servicing of request within the residences to reduce unexpected breakdowns and inconveniences, minimise costs and extend equipment life. The new contract will see Sodexo introduce a brand-new catering offer at Trinity Square student accommodation serving hot drinks and a grab and go food solution such as paninis and pastries. The team will transform the currently under-utilised space at the accommodation to further enhance the student experience creating a fantastic live learning experience that creates a true home from home atmosphere. Sodexo’s commitment to social impact underpins the strategic business ambitions at Northumbria University and is engrained into every floor cleaned, every maintenance job resolved, and every conversation had with students. Sodexo has built strong relationships with the local community and works with local charities and social enterprises such as Northern Rights and the DFN project, which are focused on helping the long term unemployed and people with learning difficulties get in to work. The Sodexo team at Northumbria has: Supporting students from applicant to alumni is a crucial part of Sodexo’s focus at the University, the team provides vital support to residents at a time which can be quite difficult as they adjust to life away from home where they need to balance studying with financial independence, making new friends and settling into a new setting and city. To provide further support in this area Sodexo has committed to train five mental health first responders across the contract. In 2022 Sodexo introduced Residency Advisors, students who live within the residences join the Sodexo team on a part-time basis to work with the accommodation team to manage any issues that arise quickly and efficiently and offer proactive peer to peer support. Through this programme Sodexo provides employment opportunities for 15 students which helps the long-term employability of the students as a valuable addition to their CVs. Sian Thompson, national operations director, Universities & PFIs, Sodexo UK & Ireland, Sodexo said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Northumbria University. There is a strong cultural fit between our organisations, and we are committed to continually delivering a leading facilities management service alongside the award-winning residency living model, with aligned goals and strategic objectives. This next contractual period brings with it some exciting service developments and we expect to achieve great things by continuing to work in a strategic and trusted partnership.” Erin Peart, executive director of campus services, Northumbria University said: “Sodexo continues to be one of the University’s valuable partners – not only because of the services it delivers and the commitment it has to enhancing the student experience, but in helping us to deliver social impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership with students at the heart of our shared ambitions.” Sodexo’s team at Northumbria University has received numerous awards including the 2023 IWFM award for Excellence in Customer Experience, Contract Manager Tom Martin received the 2022 title of Young Leader of the Year at the PFM Partnership awards and the contact was highly commended in the 2022 Student Accommodation awards for Collaboration. The team was also shortlisted at the 2024 Property Week awards for excellence in social impact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Citu has secured plans for Phase One of the Attercliffe Waterside urban regeneration scheme in Sheffield. The 23-acre brownfield site is owned by Sheffield City Council and straddles either side of Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, once a vital waterway in powering the city’s Industrial Revolution. The transformational scheme will celebrate the rich heritage of the site which has been derelict for years and is now destined to become one of the largest low-carbon communities in the UK. Around 1,000 homes will be delivered in three phases across the scheme, complemented by community-focused leisure opportunities and creative workspaces. Phase One – which includes 362 homes, a new public realm, a new pedestrian bridge across the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, and the repurposing of existing buildings – was approved by Sheffield City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee. The first phase on the north side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal will form the heart of the new district, with work expected to begin this autumn on the leisure and commercial elements, ahead of construction of the first homes on site. Six existing historic buildings will be reimagined at the centre of the new neighbourhood which will include a café, bar, bakery, restaurant, offices and multi-purpose venue. Contemporary designs and surviving architecture will be interwoven to create a new Attercliffe Waterside that respects its industrial heritage and paves the way for a sustainable future. A public and commercial square will also be created, alongside a series of south-facing courtyards and walkways down to the canal. The new pedestrian and cycling footbridge will connect Phase One to the south side of the river, opening up the community to Sheffield’s wider East End, additional green space and a tram stop for easy access to the city centre. The first homes to be built on the site will consist of 3 & 4-bedroom townhouses and 1 & 2-bedroom apartments, all constructed using Citu’s ground-breaking timber-framed housing system. This combines bold architecture with flexible designs alongside sustainable, low carbon materials to ensure the highest standards of energy efficiency. The houses will be constructed on a podium which sits above an under-croft car park, with plans to remove cars from specific stretches of Effingham Road which will be replaced with pedestrianisation, public realm and a cycle lane, all part of the scheme’s vision to create a landscape that prioritises people over cars. Public art by local artists will also be introduced throughout the public and private spaces, with murals on building facades, existing building structures being repurposed as sculptural artefacts and imaginative new play areas integrated into the local landscape. Chris Thompson founder and co-director from Citu said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for Phase One of Attercliffe Waterside that will kickstart the wider regeneration of Sheffield’s East End. “It’s an area steeped in history and our plans have been inspired by the heritage industries that were powered by the waterways running through it. The area presents huge opportunities from its location alongside the canal and the River Don, with green space, the Olympic Legacy Park and easy access to the city centre by tram in just ten minutes. “We are creating a new community in this beautiful waterside location that will have its own identity; one that pays homage to the area’s rich history but that adapts the landscape to address the various challenges of our day, not least the climate emergency.” He added: “Attercliffe Waterside will enable future generations to live more sustainable lifestyles, in homes that are built to the highest environmental performance standards, setting an exemplar nationally for this type of regeneration.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch End in Minster on Sea – on Friday 14 June. The group, who are studying for their Level 2 qualification in Bricklaying and Construction, were shown different stages of build at the development including the show home, finished houses, piling, brickwork, scaffolding, and plots at the second fix stage of construction. Nicole Fitzpatrick, Head of Building Services at EKC Sheppey College which is part of East Kent Colleges Group, said: “We would like to thank Jones Homes for this opportunity and are looking forward to developing this relationship further in the future. “These links are vital in supporting our learners’ development and, as well as supporting tutor delivery, will allow them an invaluable insight into the latest developments within industry. “Learning from professionals via these links will help support with the transition into their chosen vocational fields and hopefully spur their passion for this industry further.” The students, who were all supplied with hi-vis vests and hard hats to wear during the visit, met Sales and Marketing Manager Sophie Steel, Construction Director Terry Brown, and Site Manager David Yeo. They spoke to the students about a range of topics including health and safety, the importance of communication, hitting targets, quality control, and the process of building a home from start to finish. Terry said: “Pursuing a career in construction is a great choice for young people as there are so many opportunities to learn, develop and progress. So, we were very happy to host the students from Sheppey College and give them a real insight into the work we are doing here and give them an understanding of what the industry is like. “These students are already making great strides by studying for their Level 2 qualifications and I hope that their visit to Shurland Park inspired them even further and has shown them what the possibilities are.” To find out more about Jones Homes’ Shurland Park development, visit jones-homes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham Skills Academy to provide work experience and training opportunities for individuals kickstarting their career. Having supported over 8,200 learners in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire with fully-funded courses and training, the Skills Academy is expanding their service with help from Injecta Fire Barrier. “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy! We’re always looking for ways to support the next generation, and by helping provide work placements we hope to give young people of Nottingham the tools they need to succeed” says Shaun. Skills Academy is a training centre run by the Skills People Group that offers high-quality teaching and learning for construction, digital business administration and warehousing. Established in 2008, the Skills People Group is the country’s leading provider of construction-related qualifications and now has seven dedicated training centres, including the Nottingham Skills Academy. Their academies provide a first-class training environment to help young members of the local community to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours. “Gaining work experience can be a challenge for young people and we’re hopeful our partnership will give eager individuals a practical opportunity which helps boost their employability. As well as helping others, we also plan to utilise their courses to develop our own Injecta Fire Barrier team” adds Shaun. Currently, Skills Academy works with some of the UK’s biggest construction companies and offer a series of courses for bricklaying, joinery, painting, labouring, CSCS card, Skills Bootcamps in construction and much more. Now partnering with Injecta Fire Barrier, the Nottingham Skills Academy will be increasing their support materials with new opportunities for ambitious individuals to learn, develop and prosper in the fire safety industry. “We see that Skill Academy has the location, knowledge and attributes to make a change and we can’t wait to help contribute towards a brighter future for Nottingham residents!” concludes Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Market insight from Material Information and digital property pack provider, Moverly, suggests that the proper implementation of Material Information across the estate agency sector could reduce the amount of lost or delayed commission due to fall throughs to the tune of £357.4m per year. Moverly looked at the number of fall throughs that take place across the property market on a quarterly basis, as well as the total amount of estate agent fees either lost or delayed as a result of these sellers having to return to square one. According to TwentyCI, 64,865 sales fell through across the UK market during the first quarter of this year alone. With estate agents earning £3,975 on the sale of the average home in the current market*, that’s a total of £257.9m in commission either lost, or at best delayed, until a new buyer is found. The figures from Moverly show that in 2023 alone, almost £1,1bn was lost or delayed in commission due to the number of fall throughs across the UK market. While fall throughs are unfortunately inevitable, there are steps that can be taken to minimise the potential of a sale collapsing. One such step is the proper provision of Material and Upfront Information early in the process. This provides agents, vendors, buyers and conveyancers alike, with better insight to the potential issues posed when purchasing a property and the opportunity to resolve issues earlier. Figures from Moverly show that not only does the provision of Upfront Information allow for transactions to complete up to 70% quicker, but it also reduces the chances of a sale collapsing by a third. If estate agents across the UK were to embrace Material and Upfront Information fully, this could have reduced the fees lost or delayed during the first quarter of 2024 by £85.9m. Over the course of 2023, reducing fall throughs by a third would have also seen agents benefit to the tune of £357.4m in fees that weren’t lost or delayed as a result of transactions collapsing. Gemma Young, Moverly CEO, says: “With the introduction of NTSELAT guidelines, agents now have a concrete framework to work towards with respect to Material Information. This provides them with a firm foundation upon which they can drive sector standards forward, whilst, at the same time, reducing the propensity for transactions to fall through Moverly’s mission is to support agents to deliver Material and Upfront Information with greater ease and without adding to their already substantial workload. In turn, Moverly works to connect the key stakeholders in the property transaction to the vital information which helps other stakeholders to progress towards exchange and completion. In embracing this, agents will not only be able to offer quicker transaction times to their sellers, this in turn will also reduce the amount of commission that is either lost or delayed as a result of fall throughs.” Data tables Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July, Square Mile Farms will be creating an immersive urban farming experience, where it will grow a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables, sharing the harvests with the local community through a programme of events. Devonshire Square is home to a selection of wonderful restaurants with cuisines from across the globe. Square Mile Farms is collaborating with two of the restaurants where the chefs will be using the herbs to create classic Italian dishes and modern Indian street food. Enoteca da Luca’s executive chef Giuseppe Ferreri will prepare a classic dish from Liguria – Trofie al Pesto, utilising fragrant basil grown in the urban farm. Workers at Devonshire Square, and its visitors, will be able to sample the dish at aperitivo time (5-6pm) on Tuesday 2 July. Moving to a different continent executive chef Raju Ramachandran of Cinnamon Kitchen will be creating a range of inspired canapés incorporating freshly picked herbs including stir fried shrimp with red chard, thyme flavoured chicken tikka with coriander, and Indo Chinese stir fried chilli paneer in gem lettuce. visit the urban farm on 16July 12.30-13.30pm if you don’t want to be disappointed. Andy Booth, director of offices at Devonshire Square, says: “Nuveen is delighted to partner with Square Mile Farms to provide a new urban farm for the City of London this summer. Devonshire Square is a green oasis in the heart of the City, and this concept adds another dimension to the garden aesthetic that makes the Square such a tranquil haven for workers and visitors. Seeing locally produced goods, grown and harvested has multiple benefits, from educating children, and learning opportunities for local people, to being used as ingredients for our varied restaurants ” During the summer there is a huge outdoor screen in one of the Devonshire Square courtyards which will be showing all the big sporting events which of course includes Wimbledon. We can’t promise a Briton in the final, but we can promise ice cream from Cinnamon Kitchen. During Wimbledon matches visitors will be treated to a deliciously refreshing lemon basil ice cream using organic lemons and basil grown in the urban farm. Patrick Dumas CEO of Square Mile Farms says “There can be nothing more satisfying than freshly grown produce, harvested by hand, that you have watched grow and flourish in front of you. Joining together to enjoy the bounty and sharing the experience has long been part of the human experience. Our indoor community farm represents a significant step towards sustainable urban living and community engagement”. As well as the restaurant collaborations Square Mile Farms will also be hosting walk in workshops, running cooking demonstrations and sharing with the local community and schools to show how we can all live more sustainably, while still being able to enjoy the food we love. Square Mile Farms will be growing 10 different crops using its advanced hydroponic growing systems, delivering fragrant flavours, all grown ultra-locally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The marketing team from Algeco UK, the leading storage accommodation and temporary building solutions provider, recently attended Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, donating their time to help keep the 65 bedrooms, communal kitchens and living room spaces clean for people who need accommodation when children are in hospital nearby. Sunil Achtar, Bev Rutter, Daniel Glover, Stewart Perry and Jai Purewal were met on-site by Laura Bennett, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The team were taken for a tour of the facilities and provided insight into the incredible support and difference these accommodation buildings provide for families who find themselves in the unfortunate circumstances of caring for a sick child who is in hospital. Many think of these solutions as being short-term accommodation needs, but in some scenarios, these locations become a home away from home for families for months, even years. After the tour, the team got their marigolds on and started cleaning for the rest of the day, ensuring windows, carpets, kitchens and living areas were left spotless. These small gestures can make a big impact and give those living through a challenging time one less thing to think about, so they may focus their energies purely on the health of their families. The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia, USA, in 1974. Today, there are over 380 Ronald McDonald Houses in 64 countries around the world, accommodating families with hospitalized children who are being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Algeco UK is a longstanding partner of McDonald’s, whose mascot is shared with the RMHC charity’s name. Primarily, the company has provided offsite build solutions, including McDonald’s Market Drayton, which was notably the UK’s first carbon net zero restaurant (using the UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework) and the two-storey Drive-Thru restaurant in North Acton, London, also the first of its kind in the UK. As a key partner to McDonald’s, Algeco UK has grown to be a long-standing supporter of the charity. In addition to this recent volunteering day by the Algeco UK marketing team at RMHC Birmingham, the company has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Day taking place in Manchester this July, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Worsley Park Country Club. This sold-out event will raise vital funds for the charity and is part of a network of golf days that take place across the country annually. On volunteering at RMHC Birmingham, Sunil Achtar, Algeco UK Marketing Manager, said, “Our team was really happy to spend some time learning more about the incredible work of RMHC Birmingham and we are proud to have contributed in a small way to this wonderful cause. Algeco UK is dedicated to social value and making a positive impact in the communities we work in. Knowing you have made a difference is a great feeling and as a team-building exercise, it has been great to come together and do something that will help people who need support.” Laura Bennett, Corporate Marketing Manager at RMCH, said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Algeco UK for their incredible team of volunteers who recently supported our Birmingham Ronald McDonald House. Their hard work in assisting with housekeeping duties, including cleaning communal kitchens, dining areas, living room spaces, and windows, made a significant difference. This generous support greatly eased the workload for our House team, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks such as room turnaround for families checking in and created a more comfortable and welcoming environment for our families. The team’s dedication and effort have had a profound impact, and we are deeply grateful for your contribution. Thank you, Algeco UK!” Algeco UK has a company-wide target of volunteering 1,000 hours per annum to charitable causes. The organisation also recently took part in a construction industry football tournament organised by The Wates Group, with over £8,000 being collectively raised for PAPYRUS, a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people. Algeco UK has developed the largest workspace fleet in the country, operating from strategically located service centres across the nation. The company recently delivered a full turnkey solution to MOD Stafford Barracks and is currently completing the rapid deployment of the brand-new Northampton School for Boys, a 1200-place new secondary school and sixth form, launching this summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
