September 10, 2024
HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has exceeded a turnover of £400m for the first time, posting a turnover of £424m in 2023. This represents an increase of 26% from 2022, when the company achieved a turnover of £336m.  The company remained profitable throughout what it described as a very challenging

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TOWN to develop cohousing community in Northstowe

TOWN to develop cohousing community in Northstowe

Profit-with-purpose developer, TOWN, has been appointed to deliver a new cohousing community in Northstowe. Located eight miles northwest of Cambridge city, Northstowe is one of Britain’s most significant new towns under development. Following the success of its cohousing community – Marmalade Lane – in Cambridge, TOWN’s vision will bring together

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GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I

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Wildheart Residential Management Welcomes New Property Director

Wildheart Residential Management Welcomes New Property Director

Boutique managing agent, Wildheart Residential Management has appointed Chris March as its new Property Director.  Chris will be instrumental in supporting the management of a portfolio of around 5,000 residential units. A Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience working in the sector, Chris has held a number of

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What Is Pipe Beveling and Why Is It Used?

What Is Pipe Beveling and Why Is It Used?

Working in construction, manufacturing, pipeline installation and similar industries may require you to rely on the process of pipe beveling. If, however, you are new in these industries, chances are that you may not be sure why using this technique is so important. Furthermore, you may not exactly understand it

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

September 10, 2024

HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

HG Construction Turnover climbs to £424m in 2023

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has exceeded a turnover of £400m for the first time, posting a turnover of £424m in 2023. This represents an increase of 26% from 2022, when the company achieved a turnover of £336m.  The company remained profitable throughout what it described as a very challenging year, achieving a gross margin of 3.8% and a gross profit figure of £14.7m. Whilst the margin achieved was notably less than the previous year, the contractor believes that 2024 will see a return to stronger margins following the completion of legacy fixed price contracts and with less turbulent trading conditions to contend with. HG Construction has grown significantly in the past five years, entering into new sectors and expanding into regions including Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.  It has also invested into a manufacturing facility in Hull, where the company produces bespoke bathroom pods and utility cupboards for use in its schemes, offering quality, programme and environmental benefits for clients. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction, said: “We are pleased to have achieved our growth targets over what was an extremely challenging year with record price inflation. This impacted our profitability across fixed price contracts in particular, however we continued to invest in our internal delivery capabilities and this offered us some level of protection against escalating costs. “HG Construction has undergone a period of significant growth in recent years, and we have invested in plant, procedures and staff in line with our expansion. Going forward our focus will be on revenue stabilisation and internal strengthening, ensuring that our structure, procedures and processes enable us to maintain the high standards we are committed to.   “We are proud of our teams for their hard work and dedication, keeping safety, quality and delivery at the forefront of our offering and ensuring a consistently high level of service for our valued client base. 2024 is proving to be a year of more certainty and stability and we are pleased to have secured a strong pipeline of work in our core sectors.  Our focus will remain on supporting our teams to deliver exceptional standards and maximising our social value contributions across our sites. We are excited to be working on outstanding schemes across the UK and feel very positive about the next phase in our company’s evolution.” HG’s clients include Dominus, Elysian Residences, Greystar, Manner, Meadow Residential, McLaren Property/Living, Scape, Studio Hive, Southern Housing Group and Tribe Student Housing. Recent contract wins include a 1014 bed PBSA scheme in Manchester, a 375 bed build-to-rent scheme in Leeds and a 706 bed PBSA scheme in Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Nurture Group Expands with 49th Acquisition, Welcoming Environmental Specialists Hortech

Nurture Group Expands with 49th Acquisition, Welcoming Environmental Specialists Hortech

The Nurture Group has strengthened its position in the environmental services sector with the acquisition of Hortech Limited, a leading provider of environmental solutions based in Stone, Staffordshire. This marks the group’s 49th acquisition, further enhancing its sustainability and service offerings across the UK. Founded in 1987, Hortech operates a network of regional depots throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. The company boasts an £8.5 million turnover and employs over 100 staff, delivering bespoke services such as grounds maintenance, invasive weed control, arboriculture, and pest control to a wide range of clients in sectors including utilities, telecoms, industrial, and facilities management. Peter Fane, Executive Chairman and Founder of the Nurture Group, hailed the acquisition as a significant step in bolstering the group’s environmental credentials. He commented: “As a carbon-neutral business, proud to comply with the global PAS 2060 standard, this acquisition is the perfect fit as we continue to strengthen our environmental service offerings across the UK.” This deal follows closely on the heels of Nurture Group’s acquisition of Spacecare Ltd in July. Fane added: “We are delighted to welcome Hortech Limited to the Nurture Group family. Their arboricultural expertise aligns seamlessly with our recent acquisition of Gristwood & Toms, expanding our reach in northern England and Scotland. Hortech’s diverse range of services, including invasive weed control, complements and enhances our current offerings.” “Hortech’s renowned ‘can-do’ attitude, strong commitment to health and safety, and dedication to staff training further solidify Nurture Group’s reputation as the leading consolidator and acquirer of choice in the market,” Fane continued. “This acquisition allows us to continue building a national presence across all our core services.” Hortech Director Duncan Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “At Hortech, we pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions and outstanding service, drawing on our deep industry expertise. We share Nurture Group’s passion for delivering excellence, and our portfolio aligns perfectly with theirs, particularly in the northern regions where Nurture’s operations have recently grown.” “Both companies share common values of teamwork, respect, and integrity, making this partnership a natural fit for us,” Jones added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Investment hotspots: The top five areas of London for buy-to-let property revealed

Investment hotspots: The top five areas of London for buy-to-let property revealed

New research has revealed the London boroughs where buy-to-let landlords currently looking to invest can generate the best returns. Drawing on the latest house price and private rental data, property analysts at SBA Property Management have identified Tower Hamlets as the highest-yielding borough for rental returns. With average property values of £456,375 and monthly rental costs of £2,244, the inner London borough offers buy-to-let investors yields of 5.9% — significantly higher than the London average at 4.81%. Another area for investors to target is Southwark, which has average house prices of £476,177 and private rents of £2,219, yielding returns of 5.59%. Other opportunity areas identified by SBA Property Management are Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Greenwich, offering average rental yields of 5.23%, 5.06% and 4.96% respectively. The news comes shortly after interest rates were cut by the Bank of England for the first time since March 2020, setting the stage for mortgage costs to fall over the coming months. With further cuts forecast in 2025, property investors will be in an even stronger position to buy. Habib Mogul, Director at SBA Property Management, commented: “After several years of uncertainty, London’s property market is again shaping up to be one of the UK’s most attractive investment opportunities. Falling mortgage costs and stable property prices combined with high demand for rental accommodation means buy-to-let property in particular offers great potential for returns. “Historically, large deposits and borrowing costs have been a barrier for buy-to-let landlords looking to invest in the capital. However, our research shows that many of the highest-yielding areas are those with the lowest property prices, reducing the initial investment needed to secure a piece of London’s lucrative property market.” Average house prices in the five boroughs identified by SBA Property Management are below the London average, with Barking & Dagenham and Newham being two of the three most affordable boroughs for property investors. In Barking & Dagenham – the London borough with the cheapest house prices – buy-to-let landlords would only need £51,060 for a typical 15% deposit to start earning above-average returns on their investment. Tim Darwall-Smith, Director at SBA Property Management, said: “In recent years, we’ve seen London’s property market buck the trend of rising house prices seen across the rest of the country. At the same time, rental costs in the capital have surged, putting buy-to-let landlords in an advantageous position. “The easing of mortgage costs brings more relief to buy-to-let landlords, freeing up resources to make value-boosting renovations and deliver a better tenant experience. Ultimately, the investors with well-managed properties will be best placed to benefit from London’s highly profitable rental market.” To find out more about SBA Property Management’s services, visit: https://sbaproperty.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TOWN to develop cohousing community in Northstowe

TOWN to develop cohousing community in Northstowe

Profit-with-purpose developer, TOWN, has been appointed to deliver a new cohousing community in Northstowe. Located eight miles northwest of Cambridge city, Northstowe is one of Britain’s most significant new towns under development. Following the success of its cohousing community – Marmalade Lane – in Cambridge, TOWN’s vision will bring together high-quality design, good placemaking principles, and a commitment to creating a close, connected community in Northstowe. The development parcel – plot 2D1 in the Northstowe masterplan – lies directly to the south of Northstowe’s future town centre. Earlier in 2024, TOWN undertook a successful market testing exercise, which highlighted a high level of interest in cohousing within the Greater Cambridge area. TOWN is now in the process of building a group of future residents, who, through a codesign process, will help to shape the new cohousing community. The scheme will include 40% affordable housing, together with a range of communal spaces and facilities. Jonny Anstead, Founding Director at TOWN, said: “At Northstowe, we want to create a place where residents know and support their neighbours, and share spaces and resources to live more sustainably. The benefits of cohousing are clear: it allows people to live happier, less isolated lives, fosters a real sense of community and enables residents to share resources and reduce their environmental impact. And in delivering a new cohousing community here at Northstowe, our aim is to support Homes England in shaping a unique, thriving and diverse community with more sustainable ways of living at its heart.” The project once more sees TOWN collaborating with Mole Architects and builds on the success and learnings from Marmalade Lane, a 42-home cohousing development in Orchard Park, Cambridge, delivered by TOWN and completed in 2019. Celebrated as an exemplar for new housing in the UK, that project currently has a waiting list of over 400 households – enough to fill the development another nine times over. TOWN has recently published Insights from Marmalade Lane, a post-occupancy report that highlights the impact that the development has had on the lives of its residents and the social value it continues to generate for them and the wider community. This aligns with Northstowe’s ethos of being a place centred around wellbeing and sustainability. A key finding of the report is that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of Marmalade Lane collectively generate over a million pounds in social value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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O’Dowd welcomes new era for public transport as Belfast Grand Central Station opens

O’Dowd welcomes new era for public transport as Belfast Grand Central Station opens

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed a new era for public transport as services begin to be phased in at Belfast Grand Central Station. Bus stands at the new world class transport hub became operational this week in the first phase of opening. Set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub, the new facility will advance the transformation of public transport with a step change in customer experience. A date for the commencement of rail services will be confirmed once the rail safety authorisation process is complete.  That important and necessary process is continuing and will be finalised as soon as possible to enable train services at the new station to get underway. Public Realm work to put a clear focus on allocation of road space to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport around the station will continue in to 2025. Speaking as he opened Grand Central Station as bus services begin to operate, John O’Dowd said: “This is truly a new era for public transport here in Belfast and across the north and indeed the island of Ireland.  This new flagship station is iconic as well as historic and it signals our intent in relation to our climate commitments and our focus on transport decarbonization.   There is no doubt that this is an impressive facility with the space to cater for up to 20million customer journeys per year, with 26 bus stands and double the number of rail platforms from four to eight.  With 200+ spaces for bicycles, we are focused on encouraging more active travel and providing passenger facilities and services that deliver an enhanced user experience. “This is an example of the importance of infrastructure and the transformative changes my department can deliver.  I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project to make this happen and bring the vision of Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub to reality.”  Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We are excited to be opening this modern major transport interchange this week.  With advanced customer features and integrated networks, it offers huge opportunity to grow public transport driving economic development across the region and play a major part in tacking the climate emergency.  That means a better-connected future for people and communities for generations to come.   “I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for the funding and the wider NI Executive for their support in designating this as a Flagship Project.   “I would also like to thank the Translink team and the contractors for their commitment and dedication to get this project to this key stage”. Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr JV, said:  “The departure of the first bus from Belfast Grand Central Station this weekend has been a proud moment for the FSJV team who have worked hard to deliver this first operational phase on time. “There has been a true sense of collaboration on this project since day one and we have worked closely alongside Translink, Babcock and our local supply chain to meet the challenging construction programme. This is an impressive building which has been built for the city of Belfast by local people who are invested in our region. We know that it will have wide ranging positive benefits for sustainable travel in Northern Ireland.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I am committed to leading the institution in its mission to advance civil engineering in the region and promote sustainable infrastructure. Together with our members, we will continue to address the challenges facing our built environment and work towards a more sustainable future, Delivering Better Together! Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director Civil Engineering said:  “Emer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served in various leadership positions within the ICE NI. Her passion for civil engineering and her dedication to the profession will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the institution in the coming year.” The ICE NI is a leading professional body dedicated to advancing civil engineering in the region. For over 150 years, ICE NI has been at the forefront of shaping the built environment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and fostering innovation. Through its network of members, events, and initiatives, ICE NI plays a vital role in addressing the region’s engineering challenges and ensuring a sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wildheart Residential Management Welcomes New Property Director

Wildheart Residential Management Welcomes New Property Director

Boutique managing agent, Wildheart Residential Management has appointed Chris March as its new Property Director.  Chris will be instrumental in supporting the management of a portfolio of around 5,000 residential units. A Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience working in the sector, Chris has held a number of senior positions at a variety of well-known managing agents. With experience across both the leasehold and PRS sectors, he has been responsible for the management of substantial national residential portfolios, including some of the tallest residential towers in the UK. Most recently Chris worked at a residential investment business where he was a client of Wildheart, which will allow him to bring a unique perspective to this new role. Chris is also a Fellow of The Property Institute and acts as an appointed manager for the First-Tier Property Tribunal. Chris comments: “With the unique experience I have from having worked with Wildheart for many years as a client, I am aware of the strengths of the business and the dedication of the team. My new role as Property Director presents me with an exciting opportunity to play a role in the development of the business. In a sector where success can be mistakenly equated with the number of units under management, it is refreshing to be working with a family-owned business that prides itself on blending its national coverage with its ability to provide a personalised service that appreciates individual client needs.” Simon Halls, Managing Director at Wildheart said: “Having known Chris for several years, I was keen to work with him when I learnt that he was looking for a new challenge. Underlining our commitment to continuously enhancing our services, Chris’ knowledge and experience of the leasehold sector will enable us to further develop the services we can offer to both Resident Management Companies and Freeholders.” For further information about Wildheart please visit: https://www.wildheart.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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What Is Pipe Beveling and Why Is It Used?

What Is Pipe Beveling and Why Is It Used?

Working in construction, manufacturing, pipeline installation and similar industries may require you to rely on the process of pipe beveling. If, however, you are new in these industries, chances are that you may not be sure why using this technique is so important. Furthermore, you may not exactly understand it completely. Well, it is time to change that. So, what we are going to do in this article is explain the process of pipe beveling, shedding light on what it entails, as well as discuss the purposes of using it. This way, you will get a clearer understanding of the process, and figure out why using it is the right move. Thus, if you want to have great quality pipes that you want to use for a long time to come, then you certainly have to learn about this particular process and get a clearer idea about it. Read about beveling here: https://www.allaboutpiping.com/what-is-beveling/ What Exactly Is Pipe Beveling? Let us begin with the basics, and explain what pipe beveling is in the first place. In short, it refers to the process of grinding or cutting the end of the pipe with the purpose of forming a particular angle. That angle is actually known as a bevel, as opposed to a straight or flat cut. Now, the bevel can vary in degree, which depends on the specific requirements of the actual job. And, while there are some common degrees that are used most often, the great thing is that the bevels can be completely customized in order to fit your specific needs. Another thing to know is that beveling is mostly done on metal pipes. But, this is not exactly a rule set in stone, meaning that you may be able to use it for other materials as well, including concrete and plastic. Of course, which materials you will use depends on the specific application of the pipes, as I am guessing you understand already. When it comes to how this process goes, there are several techniques you can use. For one thing, there is manual beveling, which consists of using hand tools for the job. Then, there is flame cutting, machining, as well as CNC pipe beveling, all of which includes different types of tools, from flame torches to CNC machines, and even some portable beveling machines. Which technique you will use depends on your specific requirements Why Is It Used? Now that we have made this process clear, and you get what it entails, there is another question you have on your mind. In the simplest words possible, you are wondering what it is that pipe beveling is actually used for. So, let me, therefore, list some of the reasons why this particular technique is used, aiming at helping you determine if you want to use it in your manufacturing or construction process. Click this to get the process even further explained. First things first, beveling will improve the quality of the welds, and that is actually one of the main reasons why people do this. The beveled edge provides for a larger surface for the weld to bond to, which will ultimately result in a stronger joint. As you may have guessed it, this is especially important in those industries in which the integrity of the weld is absolutely critical, such as in pipelines that transport chemicals, oil, or gas. In any case, if you want to do great quality welding, beveling is the first step towards it. There is another reason why welding is improved by the process of beveling. Basically, it helps enhance the fit and the alignment, because the angled edges are bound to fit together better than flat cuts, for example. This will reduce the risk of misalignment, which will further lower the chances of leaks and joint failures. As I’ve explained already, welding is the most common reason for beveling pipes. But, it is certainly not the only one. After all, there are other joining methods you can use for the pipes, such as mechanical coupling, as well as adhesive bonding. So, once again, the bevel will help ensure a secure connection and a tight fit, which is definitely what you want. Now, here is something that may not have crossed your mind, but that is definitely highly important. In the simplest words possible, this process can enhance safety. How come? Well, pipe beveling leads to smooth edges, and smooth edges are far less likely to cause injuries during the process of installation, or simply while carrying and handling the pipes. What’s more, since the integrity of the pipes will be improved with this process, the welds are less likely to fail, which further reduces the risk of accidents in pipelines, as well as other structural applications. Sure, you want the pipes to be perfectly welded, and their integrity to be preserved in all settings, all applications and all conditions. Then, you also want them to be safe to handle, so as to reduce the risk of accidents and injury during installation. But, there is absolutely no doubt that you want them to be highly durable and long-lasting as well. And, that is exactly where beveling comes into play, as beveled pipes tend to be much more durable than those with straight cuts. So, longevity is guaranteed with this particular process. Finally, there is another thing you need to know when wondering why this process is done in the first place. Basically, a lot of industries have rather strict standards when it comes to the procedure of joining pipes. Meaning, thus, that beveling may be a requirement in many industries. Thus, if you want to be in compliance with the industry standards, you should certainly take this procedure seriously and use it to your advantage, in order to adhere to the safety and performance rules and regulations.

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