Following 2023’s highly successful initial foray south of the border, DM Hall, the leading independent firm of chartered surveyors, is set to open a new branch office in Truro, Cornwall under the management of DM Hall director, Scott Harrington. The new office, at the Cornwall Innovation Centre in Treliske, Truro,
The latest market insight from London’s largest lettings and sales estate agent brand*, Foxtons, has revealed that London’s much loved parks are attracting house price premiums of 53% compared to the wider market average, with Green Park home to the highest premium of the lot. Foxtons analysed current market data looking
United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Ben Jenkinson as Head of Product & Strategy in its Property Development division. Ben has over 20 years’ experience in real estate finance holding senior positions across both public and private sectors and with lenders and agencies including Nationwide, RBS and Homes England. Ben’s
Ali White, Associate Director and Head of Business Development, Conscious Communications Businesses are increasingly being held to account for their broad social and environmental impact, which has led to stakeholder engagement shifting to become a central focus of corporate strategy. For organisations, particularly those operating in sectors with significant community
City & Country has further strengthened its expert technical team with the appointment of Adam Towers as Technical Director. Adam joins with more than 17 years’ experience, having started as a trainee technical co-ordinator at Telford Homes, before moving to CALA Homes, based out of its Northern Homes Counties. Adam
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist,
In the competitive world of construction materials, having a stunning product presentation can make a significant difference in driving sales and capturing the attention of potential customers. For distributors and manufacturers of tiles, bathroom fixtures, and construction materials, the way products are displayed can either make or break a sale.
The semiconductor industry is one of the most advanced sectors in the U.S. and worldwide. As this industry grows, semiconductor jobs are also seeing an upward trend. Safety and quality work are top priorities in the semiconductor sector. This is why a framework that ensures conformance is crucial. A SEMI
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Following 2023’s highly successful initial foray south of the border, DM Hall, the leading independent firm of chartered surveyors, is set to open a new branch office in Truro, Cornwall under the management of DM Hall director, Scott Harrington. The new office, at the Cornwall Innovation Centre in Treliske, Truro, will open in the first week of September and is currently recruiting Cornwall-based professional and administrative team members. A highly experienced chartered building surveyor, Scott is principally involved in de-risking high-value projects for clients to achieve budget confidence and undertakes high-value pre-acquisition surveys which often lead to project management commissions. Having acted as an expert witness in a substantial number of construction and boundary dispute matters, Scott helps clients resolve disputes while also undertaking a wide range of other building surveying work. He is transferring from DM Hall’s office in Carlisle, having been a co-founder of Hyde Harrington, chartered surveyors, some 30 years ago before it was acquired by DM Hall in 2023. His former role has been filled by Pamela Holness who recently relocated to the region. Scott said: “Having holidayed in Cornwall for the last twenty years I have reached the stage at which I had a real yearning to relocate there. I have thoroughly researched the market in Cornwall and made a compelling business case to my colleagues which tells us that we can build real market presence by focusing on the type of work that I have been involved in for many years. “There are some great surveying firms in Cornwall, but with my experience over the last 40-plus years, I hope to provide a slightly different approach, and in some ways a complementary service in the Southwest. “I’m pleased to say that I have the full support of the senior management team at DM Hall and my wife, Pamela Harrington, an artist who paints Cornish seascapes and is represented by Gallery Tresco.” John McHugh, DM Hall’s managing partner, said: “We have been hugely encouraged by the boost to our activity level from the acquisition last year of our Cumbrian operation. “We are excited by this new development and have high hopes that Scott’s opening of a DM Hall office in Truro, at the other end of the UK from our long-established Scottish operation, will demonstrate that we continue to be a dynamic, innovative professional firm with an unquenchable ambition always to be the best we can be. “We have pledged our full support to Scott and his new team and have no doubt that his expertise, combined with our support, will build a new, successful DM Hall office in the Southwest.“ DM Hall has a network of offices across Scotland, Cumbria, and the newly launched Southwest office. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest market insight from London’s largest lettings and sales estate agent brand*, Foxtons, has revealed that London’s much loved parks are attracting house price premiums of 53% compared to the wider market average, with Green Park home to the highest premium of the lot. Foxtons analysed current market data looking at house prices in each of the postcodes straddling 13 of London’s biggest and best parks to reveal just how much a park adjacent property purchase will cost you in the capital*, before comparing this to the average price across the wider boroughs in which these postcodes are located to reveal what premiums a park house purchase commands in the current market. The research shows that, on average, purchasing a property close to one of London’s best parks will set you back £802,422 – that’s a premium of 53% when compared to the current average London house price of £523,134. In fact, all but two of the 13 parks analysed by Foxtons commanded a house price premium for those looking to purchase within walking distance of green space, with Green Park in Westminster topping the table. Straddled by the W1J and SW1A postcodes, the average price of a property surrounding Green Park comes in at £1.48m. While the wider borough of Westminster boasts an average house price of £954,279, this means that properties close to Green Park still command a premium of 55% in the current market. Battersea Park is home to the second highest park property premium across the capital, with the average price of a home across the SW11, SW3 and SW8 postcodes sitting at £927,098 – 50% higher than the wider borough of Wandsworth. Kensington Gardens is home to the third highest premium at 40% and with an average house price of £1.5m across its surrounding postcodes, it’s also home to the highest average house price of all 13 parks analysed by Foxtons. However, there are two London parks where surrounding property prices come in at a more affordable level versus the wider boroughs in which they are found. A property within the four postcodes surrounding Bushy Park in Richmond will cost you an average of £597,543 in the current market – -19% below the wider average of £737,024 for the borough of Richmond. The average price of a home in postcodes surrounding Crystal Palace park is also some -14% more affordable than the average found across the four boroughs it sits within. Foxtons CEO, Guy Gittins, commented: “London’s parks are an iconic part of the city’s landscape and they also provide vital green space for those who live and work within the city to relax and unwind, especially when the sun comes out. This is vital as it provides them with a place to get out of the house, exercise, meet with friends and family, or simply get some fresh air. All of which are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Of course, this makes them a desirable feature in the eyes of the capital’s buyers and, as a result, properties within close proximity to one of the capital’s best parks don’t come cheap. As our research shows, all but two of London’s best parks boast healthy house price premiums when compared to the wider boroughs in which they are found”. Sources and data tables *Foxtons is London’s No.1 estate agency brand based on TwentyCi data, 2023 v 2022 market share and market share growth of New Instructions at a brand level. *Foxtons is the UK’s fastest growing sales agent in the top 10 agents based on TwentyCi data of market share and market share growth of New Instructions at a brand level 2023 v 2022, growing by 28% year on year. Foxtons is the UK’s fastest growing lettings agent in the top 10 agents based on TwentyCi data of market share and market growth of New Instructions at a brand level 2023 v 2022, growing by over 35% year on year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Ben Jenkinson as Head of Product & Strategy in its Property Development division. Ben has over 20 years’ experience in real estate finance holding senior positions across both public and private sectors and with lenders and agencies including Nationwide, RBS and Homes England. Ben’s expertise extends to product creation, origination, credit, transacting and restructuring. In his new role with UTB, Ben will be working with Head of Property Development Adam Bovingdon and Head of Originations – Property Development, Paul DeCroos. The role will see Ben supporting the Bank as it aims to maintain its strong growth by assisting even more housebuilders and developers across England & Wales in their endeavours to build the many thousands of new homes the UK needs. Continuing its investment in people, and in response to greater demand for development funding seen since the start of the year, the Bank also announced the appointment of Kayleigh Simpson as Manager – Property Development. Kayleigh has worked in real estate and commercial banking for 11 years with lenders including Cynergy Bank and RBS. In her new role she is assisting housebuilders operating across the North West of England with a range of development finance and developer exit solutions. Adam Bovingdon, Head of Property Development – United Trust Bank, commented: “With the economy continuing to improve and demand for development finance growing stronger, we’re keen to provide housebuilders and developers with the products and service they need to seize opportunities and build their businesses. “We have never been busier supporting projects in the North of England and Kayleigh will ensure we maintain our high levels of service to customers whilst continuing to build awareness of UTB amongst housebuilders operating in the North West. “Ben’s extensive experience in creating innovative finance solutions will help us to create a suite of new products as we continue to evolve our proposition and service to meet the changing needs of housebuilders. The future is looking increasingly bright and UTB aims to be at the forefront of specialist development finance lenders as we encourage our customers to look ahead with renewed confidence and ambition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ali White, Associate Director and Head of Business Development, Conscious Communications Businesses are increasingly being held to account for their broad social and environmental impact, which has led to stakeholder engagement shifting to become a central focus of corporate strategy. For organisations, particularly those operating in sectors with significant community implications like property development, a robust approach to stakeholder engagement is essential. Not only does it facilitate the smooth delivery of projects, but it also lays the foundation for creating meaningful social value that resonates long after the initial investment. The Social Value Act of 2012, followed by the 2020 Procurement Policy Note, and the upcoming changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (under consultation) have, and will continue to, fundamentally change the expectations placed on contractors and developers in the delivery of effective engagement and social value. It’s all about relationships Effective stakeholder engagement is first and foremost about relationships. Relationships which, when thoughtfully cultivated, can be powerful drivers of social value. When approaching social value commitments, successful and sustainable delivery will be determined by the strength of networks that can be tapped into to create quality partnerships. Take, for example, development projects in urban areas. The success of these projects often hinges not on the physical structures themselves but on the relationships built around them. When developers engage with local communities and stakeholders in a meaningful way—early, often, and with a willingness to listen—projects can transcend their immediate economic purpose. They become vehicles for broader social value, addressing issues like public space creation, community cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Local knowledge cannot be underestimated While broader trends and global best practice can be useful to inform strategy, effective engagement needs to be deeply rooted in local context. In a city like Cambridge, where economic prosperity coexists with stark inequalities, the importance of local knowledge cannot be overstated. Despite its global reputation as a hub of innovation and learning, Cambridge also struggles with significant social issues. The city’s thriving economy, driven by its world-leading higher education and research institutions and a globally significant cluster of high-growth, knowledge-intensive industries, are the direct neighbours to areas of severe deprivation and poverty. Cambridge has the second highest level of income inequality of any city in England and Wales, and there are persistent gaps in educational outcomes and skill levels which can limit the life chances of people from low-income backgrounds in the city. Engaging locally means recognising these disparities and considering them in a meaningful way in order to understand the local context. This requires a commitment to understanding the lived experiences of those in the community and tailoring engagement efforts to meet their specific needs, moving beyond the traditional metrics of success and focusing on outcomes that enhance the quality of life for all community members, particularly the most vulnerable. Avoid it being a tick-box exercise To take a locally focussed approach to stakeholder engagement, it’s important to consider what true engagement looks like. It’s not enough to simply inform stakeholders or seek their feedback. Real engagement is proactive, inclusive, and sustained. It involves identifying all relevant stakeholders—those who will be affected by a project, as well as those who have the power to affect it—and valuing their perspectives through active involvement. It is also about transparency and trust. Influential stakeholders have the power to turn the tide of local feeling, and engaging with them in a way which feels temporary, or like a tick-box exercise will generate more bad-will than never having reached out in the first place. This requires clear communication, a willingness to compromise, and, importantly, the courage and agility to make decisions that prioritise long-term social value delivery over short-term gains. When approaching engagement it’s important to view it as a continuous process, not a one-time effort. The most successful projects are those where engagement is maintained throughout the life cycle of the initiative, from initial planning through to implementation and beyond. This ongoing dialogue helps to build trust and ensures that the project continues to meet the evolving needs of the community. The social value created through such engagement can take many forms, from improved public spaces and enhanced educational opportunities to better health outcomes and greater community cohesion. However, to achieve this, organisations must be willing to rethink their approach to engagement. They must move beyond traditional models and embrace a more holistic, integrated strategy—one that doesn’t see stakeholders as obstacles, but as partners in the creation of shared value. At Conscious Communications, we understand that the strength of our networks and the partnerships we form are fundamental to achieving social impact and always encourage a locally focussed approach to stakeholder engagement and social value. By focusing on local contexts, building strong partnerships, and prioritising social value—we can create a future where businesses thrive not at the expense of their communities, but in harmony with them. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City & Country has further strengthened its expert technical team with the appointment of Adam Towers as Technical Director. Adam joins with more than 17 years’ experience, having started as a trainee technical co-ordinator at Telford Homes, before moving to CALA Homes, based out of its Northern Homes Counties. Adam has since worked for Berkeley, working on its Clarendon Road scheme in Alexandra Palace, and Durkan as head of the Technical Department. At City & Country, Adam will be responsible for heading up the technical team within the business, working on flagship schemes, including The 1840 St Georges Gardens in London. He will ensure its new development schemes are viable and technically possible, including delivery of planning permissions and development programme, and managing any obstacles along the way. His role also includes support for adjacent departments, including Land and Design, enabling them to operate smoothly and efficiently. Adam Towers, Technical Director at City & Country, comments: “It’s a great time to join the business, with several new schemes and an ambitious five-year growth plan, it feels like the perfect time to work with a highly motivated team. Not only this, but the product they build is superior quality. The level of detail and design that goes into each development is beyond anything I have seen before, and it excites me how passionate City & Country are about their product.” Wayne Douglas, Managing Director at City & Country, added: “Adam’s appointment is a further investment into our plans to deliver more high-quality homes. Adam brings a wealth of technical experience to the business, as our project pipeline continues to expand across the UK.” City & Country specialises in the restoration and conversion of historic and listed buildings as well as new build, with sites across Essex, West Sussex, Wiltshire, London, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Dorset. The company is on track to deliver its five-year plan doubling turnover to £200m and tripling the number of properties complete each year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in an additional eleven X-SOLAR SECURITY towers. This latest acquisition will strengthen their existing stock of CCTV and security equipment available for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers to hire. The X-SOLAR SECURITY towers are manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime. Sustainability is a top priority for Sunbelt Rentals. They remain committed to working alongside their customers to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve their own sustainability goals. This latest product investment is a testament to that commitment, aligned with their sustainability strategy, Our Planet. They initially committed to purchasing twenty-two X-SOLAR SECURITY towers which were immediately livered in the distinctive Sunbelt Rentals green branding and instantly went out on hire, providing increased security at events, site compounds, building sites and more. Commenting on this latest investment, Ross Gibbons, Sunbelt Rentals Business Unit Director – Safety and Communications – commented, “With these X-SOLAR SECURITY CCTV towers, we selected systems at the higher end of the market to ensure they meet our high standards and reflect the quality and longevity of products associated with Sunbelt Rentals. We also took into account that these products have to withstand transportation to the site and harsh weather conditions.” “Trime was already one of our trusted partners, who we have worked with over many years regularly utilising their high-quality tower lights, so we know the company meets our expectations when it comes to quality and service. As part of our purchase process, all products must undergo stringent examination in the form of a structured product review to ensure they meet our high standards. Trime ticked all the boxes regarding quality, quantity, cost and guaranteed delivery window. As the UK’s largest rental company, swift turnarounds from our suppliers are important to us as we have to be able to react quickly to our customers’ needs,” added Ross. The Trime X-SOLAR SECURITY has been designed around the Trime award-winning X-SOLAR lighting towers. The X-SOLAR SECURITY is powered by four solar panels that recharge an internal battery pack which ensures zero emissions and zero noise. The X-SOLAR SECURITY features a 6-metre vertical galvanized manual mast, hydraulically operated for simple rise and fall. The mast is also fitted with a T-Bar head ready to support a choice of security or monitoring equipment. Up to four X-SOLAR SECURITY towers can be fitted onto a single truck. It also has forklift pockets and a central lifting eye to simplify transport and storage. Trime has its’ headquarters in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan, Italy, and operates two production facilities. One is based in Cassinetta adjacent to their head office, and a further facility is situated near Pavia, just south of Milan. Aside from its security tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of sustainable lighting towers, water-recycling equipment wash bays and dust suppression products. Trime UK is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Sunbelt Rentals is the UK’s largest equipment rental provider, with 200 depots throughout the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the competitive world of construction materials, having a stunning product presentation can make a significant difference in driving sales and capturing the attention of potential customers. For distributors and manufacturers of tiles, bathroom fixtures, and construction materials, the way products are displayed can either make or break a sale. This is where a specialized approach to product displays becomes crucial. At INSCA, we understand that effective exhibition goes beyond mere presentation; it’s about creating an impactful experience that converts viewers into buyers. Here’s how an excellent presentation of your Tiles and sanitary showroom display can boost your sales and why partnering with a display solutions expert like INSCA is essential. The Importance of Effective Product Presentation Research shows that customers form their initial impression of a business within just 10 seconds of entering an exhibition or showroom. This brief window of time highlights the need for an outstanding presentation. A well-designed display not only captures attention but also communicates the quality and appeal of your products. However, exhibiting products is not the same as knowing how to exhibit them. The difference between a display that generates interest and one that generates sales lies in the strategic design and innovative solutions provided by experts. INSCA: Revolutionizing Product Displays At INSCA, we specialize in transforming how construction materials, tiles, and bathroom fixtures are presented. With over 45 years of experience and a team of 200 skilled professionals, we are dedicated to crafting display solutions that enhance your product’s visibility and appeal. Our goal is simple: to help you showcase your best products in a way that leaves a lasting impression on your customers. Innovative Display Solutions 1. I.RIS: The Digital Revolution One of our standout offerings is I.RIS, a cutting-edge digital and intelligent system designed to enhance the customer experience. This system allows customers to visualize final environments on a screen, providing a realistic preview from physical samples. By integrating digital technology with physical displays, I.RIS bridges the gap between imagination and reality, making it easier for customers to envision your products in their own spaces. 2. Woodlook Series: Showcasing Laminates and Flooring For those specializing in laminates, parquet, and vinyl flooring, our Woodlook series offers tailored display solutions. These displays are designed to showcase flooring materials effectively, highlighting their texture, color, and design in a manner that captivates potential buyers. Our displays ensure that your flooring products are presented with maximum impact, allowing customers to appreciate their quality and style. 3. Comprehensive Display Solutions Our extensive range of display solutions includes over 1,500 references, catering to all formats and manufacturers. We offer displays that optimize space, allowing you to showcase numerous samples in a compact area. Our systems are engineered to be smooth, silent, robust, and firm, providing optimal support for your samples and ensuring they are presented in the best possible light with Tile display stand. Why Choose INSCA? Expertise and Experience: With more than four decades of experience, INSCA brings unparalleled expertise in creating effective display solutions. Our team includes architects, interior designers, decorators, engineers, and more, all working together to craft displays that drive sales. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our manufacturing plant and logistics center span 26,000 m², equipped to handle everything from design and technical development to production and international logistics. We employ sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that our displays meet high standards of quality and eco-friendliness. Customizable Solutions: We understand that every client has unique needs. Our display solutions are customizable, designed to enhance your specific product range and meet your business objectives. Our focus on conceptualization and design ensures that each display is strategically crafted to improve the customer experience and highlight your products effectively. Ongoing Innovation: INSCA is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Our department of technical development and prototypes focuses on value engineering, advanced technology, and maximum efficiency to provide you with the most effective display solutions. Conclusion To increase sales effectively, it’s crucial to focus on the presentation of your construction materials. A well-designed display can transform how your products are perceived and drive customer engagement. Partnering with INSCA ensures that you benefit from innovative display solutions that maximize impact and showcase your products to their fullest potential. Remember, the key to growth is to show your best—let INSCA help you achieve that with excellence. For more information on how INSCA can elevate your product displays and increase your sales, visit our website or contact us today.
The semiconductor industry is one of the most advanced sectors in the U.S. and worldwide. As this industry grows, semiconductor jobs are also seeing an upward trend. Safety and quality work are top priorities in the semiconductor sector. This is why a framework that ensures conformance is crucial. A SEMI S2 safety assessment documents conformance or non-conformance. The assessment is based on the SEMI S2 standard, which stipulates safety guidelines. Achieving SEMI S2 conformance is not always easy. It requires a thorough understanding of what the standard requires and a full commitment to implementing the necessary safety measures. What Is SEMI S2? A SEMI S2 evaluation is a document that sets out guidelines for environmental, safety, and health considerations. The overall guideline is performance-based, allowing manufacturers to use the latest technologies. The technologies should provide the type of (or better) performance than required. Requirements of SEMI S2 SEMI S2 encompasses several safety aspects, including the following: Benefits of SEMI S2 Conformance Adhering to SEMI S2 regulations provides several benefits. For example, following SEMI S2 guidelines means manufacturers can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Safe and reliable equipment leads to less downtime, resulting in increased productivity. Also, the costs quickly add up when equipment breaks or accidents happen. By preventing these issues in the first place, manufacturers can save money on repairs and replacements. Local regulations regularly refer to SEMI S2, so manufacturers must comply. Those who do will enjoy an improved reputation, likely attracting more customers. Achieving SEMI S2 Conformance The first step to achieving SEMI S2 conformance is a safety assessment. Evaluate your equipment and processes against SEMI S2 requirements. This way, you can easily spot areas of non-compliance and implement corrective measures. You must also draw up a safety plan. This plan should detail your approach to achieving SEMI S2 conformance and include all goals and timelines. You can add individual responsibilities and resource allocation as well. Implement the safety measures required to address non-compliance. This could mean modifying your equipment, updating existing procedures, or obtaining additional training. All design, operation, and maintenance employees should receive full training on SEMI S2 requirements and safety procedures. Your conformance efforts will not stop here. You must conduct regular inspections and audits to confirm SEMI S2 compliance. Safety is not a one-off process. It is crucial to evaluate your safety practices and take advantage of all opportunities for improvement. SEMI S2 Conformance Considerations Implementing several SEMI S2 safety measures may be costly. However, the improved safety and reduced downtime make up for this. SEMI S2 is also a complex standard, so it is advisable to consult experts first. You may encounter resistance from your employees, especially if the SEMI S2 conformance process means changes in how they perform their tasks. For this reason, involving them in the process is crucial while emphasizing the importance of safety. SEMI S2 Conformance is Essential for the Workplace You must work with a third-party assessor qualified to evaluate your equipment against SEMI S2 standards. You will receive a detailed report detailing shortcomings. When you make the necessary improvements and receive a conformance certificate, you must comply with regular inspections and safety protocol updates. SEMI S2 conformance is a non-negotiable aspect of semiconductor manufacturing. It will ensure the safety of your workers, equipment reliability, and industry-standard compliance. Although conforming to these standards may not be easy, following the above guidelines can ensure a safer manufacturing environment. Sources
