Quintain, the asset manager and development company behind London’s renowned culture and entertainment hub, Wembley Park, is showcasing its commitment to biodiversity and natural capital this National Tree Week. Aligned with the start of the UK’s annual tree planting season, National Tree Week runs from 23rd November to 1st December
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills
A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on
Renovating a space is an exciting venture. However, it’s crucial to prioritize the electrical infrastructure that powers your home or business. Commercial electrical services, from simple upgrades to complex installations, are essential to ensuring a safe, efficient, and stylish space. This guide will discuss the essential services you can
Quintain, the asset manager and development company behind London’s renowned culture and entertainment hub, Wembley Park, is showcasing its commitment to biodiversity and natural capital this National Tree Week. Aligned with the start of the UK’s annual tree planting season, National Tree Week runs from 23rd November to 1st December 2024, bringing the conservation sector, volunteers and dendrophiles together. This National Tree Week, Quintain is celebrating the planting of over 1,000 trees across Wembley Park’s public realm and resident podium gardens in accordance with its award-winning, site-wide tree planting strategy. This strategy has been in place since 2005, at which time there were just a few dozen trees dotted across the entire 85-acre Wembley Park site. Now, there are 1,333 trees flourishing in the neighbourhood, with an impressive survival rate of 99.5% following the implementation of a careful management approach. The trees are spread across the entire estate, including public areas and the gardens of those living with Quintain’s management company, Quintain Living. Trees play a key role in Quintain’s placemaking strategy, not simply for aesthetic purposes but for their role in delivering a sense of connection to nature (with a resulting boost to visitors’ and residents’ mental wellbeing) and in enhancing local air quality. Wembley Park’s trees span an impressive 103 species. They include Snowy Mespilus, English Oak, Pin Oak, London Plane, Lime, Double White Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Dogwood, Hop-Hornbeam, Japanese Stewartia, Japanese Maple, Birch, Silver Birch, Sweetgum, Ginkgo and many more. Different species are used to create distinctly different vibes across the neighbourhood, boosting the distinctive character of its various public and residential areas. One of the most recent new species in 2024 is the Tupelo Tree with stunning Autumn foliage. You can see them in Union Park. Tree-lined Olympic Way is a notable example of this, with pairs of trees used to draw the eye along the promenade towards Wembley Stadium. Trees from temperate zones around the globe are used to create a sense of arrival and destination, while celebrating different cultures and enhancing biodiversity as part of the neighbourhood’s overall tree matrix. The avenue of ‘champion trees’ uses height, texture and colour to create a heightened sense of interest along the boulevard. In total, 62 trees of 25 species line the famous pedestrian zone leading up to the stadium, including 24 matched pairs. Quintain’s tree-planting strategy extends to ensuring residents and visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy the leafy Wembley Park neighbourhood. The firm has a dedicated Wembley Park hub on the Greentalk platform, which shares a selection of mapped walking routes that take in some of the area’s most notable and impressive trees. Walkers can also devise their own routes, focused on passing specific green points of interest along the way. Guided walks also take place, with Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design at Quintain, on hand to talk participants through the technical aspects involved in urban tree planting and maintenance at such a scale. Tree maintenance is a priority for the Quintain team. With some trees decades old and an average canopy size of 20 sqm, tree health is excellent across the neighbourhood, from the extensive planting in Union Park and the many residents’ gardens and pocket parks, to the trees along the wide boulevards. The character of the latter changes in line with the seasons, serving as welcome shade in the summer to beautiful creations adorned with twinkling lights throughout the festive period. Across the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s design teams have measurable targets for Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Green Factor, providing encouragement to boost wildlife-friendly planting and maintain the existing glorious greenery. In 2022 alone, an additional 380 sqm of tree cover was added to the neighbourhood, while the total amount of public realm delivered at Wembley Park to date runs to 98,324 sqm. That equates to 38.75 trees per hectare across the entire estate. “The abundant, flourishing growth of the greenery around Wembley Park delivers a huge range of benefits as part of Quintain’s sustainability strategy. National Tree Week serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of such greenery and we are delighted to be celebrating the planting and survival of more than 1,000 trees across Wembley Park. From headline environmental benefits and enhancement to air quality to positively impacting the mental wellbeing of all those who spend time in the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s trees provide much to celebrate. Every tree is logged on a publicly accessible online tree map – Greentalk – accessible through the Wembley Park Website. Treemendous!” Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design, Quintain Moving forward, Quintain’s tree-planting strategy will continue to centre on three key areas: biodiversity, natural capital and pollution prevention, with an overarching objective of preserving, protecting and improving biodiversity across all of the asset manager’s developments. Within Wembley Park, the focus is on reconnecting the surrounding network of natural ecosystems and wildlife corridors and providing open space within the heart of Wembley. This will encompass further planting over the coming years, not only as part of the opening of a new section of Union Park, but within podium gardens for new residential developments and across other areas of public realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in 2010, working his way up to Valuation Director and most recently, Director of Risk and Underwriting. In these board-level roles he has led both the Valuation and Underwriting teams with accountabilities for all valuations and credit risk. At the same time, he has continued to manage numerous long-standing client portfolios and pursue new business development. Adam’s experience of the property and financial services sectors goes back nearly 20 years. Before joining MSP Capital, his background as a RICS Chartered Surveyor had already enabled him to apply insight in secured lending valuations for major UK banks. This year he was a key influence on MSP Capital’s decision to reduce rates on its Development Exit Bridging Loan ahead of the base rate cuts from the Bank of England. The firm’s move, in June 2024, enabled customers to access development exit bridging from just 0.8% per month, its lowest rate since 2022, under a ring-fenced £50 million funding allocation. Adam said: “Over the years with MSP, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with a talented team and contribute to our growth. “This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique needs of our clients and the evolving landscape of property finance. “I now have the opportunity to further leverage these insights as we continue to expand our offerings and deliver exceptional solutions to our clients across the UK.” Welcoming him to the new role, MSP Capital’s Managing Directors Paul Miracca and Martin Higgins both praised Adam for his contribution and skills. Paul said: “Adam’s appointment is the latest core change we have implemented over the past 18 months to further strengthen our position in the market. “With future plans to increase the number of homes we are able to fund in England, there will be further exciting announcements at the beginning of 2025 as we look to launch additional lending solutions, ramp up our presence in the industry and further increase our flexibility of funding. “Adam’s deep industry knowledge and innovative thinking have already contributed greatly to MSP Capital’s success, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to propel our business forward in this exciting new chapter.” Martin said: “Adam’s understanding of the development cycle, and his desire to put the customer first, is a driving force in our strategy to offer an experience beyond finance. “With nearly two decades of experience in the property and financial services sectors, he brings a wealth of expertise in valuation, credit risk and client relationship management. “He is a respected figure in the industry and, at MSP Capital, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify opportunities for innovation and has successfully developed new products and growth strategies.” For more information on MSP Capital, visit www.mspcapital.co.uk, email info@mspcapital.co.uk or call 01202 743400. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills shortage. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure over the next five years, an estimated 50,300 more workers are needed annually to meet the demand. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North Holdings, operates a leading flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Lee shared his thoughts on the announcement. He said: “We welcome the Labour government’s ambitions and drive to advance the country’s housebuilding mission. At EN:Able Futures, we have been championing apprenticeships for more than ten years, and this new investment is a step forward in providing more young people with a foot on the career ladder. We know first-hand just how effective apprenticeships are for both the apprentice and employer and a skilled workforce will bring us back on track to meeting these wider ambitious targets. “However, central government must seek guidance from organisations with expertise in this field as they know how best to support the talent of tomorrow and ensure the government’s investment provides the missing link. Without the steer from those already working successfully in this area, we could see this worthwhile investment not delivered as effectively as possible and ultimately fall short of the expectations. “Flexi-job apprenticeships are a key part of the solution, especially for SMEs. These employers often serve as the backbone of the industry, and flexi-job models provide apprentices with access to high-quality training, valuable skills, and recognised qualifications, all while offering host businesses the ability to have an apprentice for only part of their training – safeguarding the business’ through turbulent times. By focusing on this approach, we can secure the future of both our workforce and the industry, maintaining the quality and integrity of apprenticeships in construction. “Overall, it’s fantastic to see the focus on apprenticeships as a tool to deliver much-needed housing nationwide. But, the government must look at how this is already being delivered successfully and consult with the experts, to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than a decade, and represents a significant update and consolidation of previous guidelines to reflect the very latest legislative requirements and best practices in the industry. It provides an essential reference and resource for a broad spectrum of construction industry professionals including architects, building control officers, fire officers, responsible persons, duty holders, manufacturers, specifiers, and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors. GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson said: “The primary goal of this Code of Practice is to ensure that key stakeholders throughout the construction industry have access to the most current and comprehensive advice on selecting hardware that meets the stringent requirements for fire safety and escape routes. “While the Code is advisory, it is designed to provide robust guidance that aligns with the latest legal standards. “While compliance with the Code does not confer immunity from legal, local authority or insurance requirements, it will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of fire-resisting and escape door assemblies.” The Code addresses a wide range of legislative requirements, including: • Construction Products Regulations in both the EU and UK. • Building Regulations throughout the UK and Ireland, including the Building Regulations 2010 (England & Wales), Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, and Building Regulations 1997-2021 (Ireland). • Workplace Fire Safety Legislation across the UK and Ireland, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. • Equality Legislation applicable in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, the Code considers third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity with relevant standards, ensuring that the guidance provided is both comprehensive and up to date. The Code applies to building hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance. The hardware items covered are categorised into essential items necessary for the successful operation of the doors (such as pivots and hinges, door closing devices, latch or locks, intumescent and smoke seals, and panic bolts), and optional (non-essential) items that could potentially cause door failure if not properly selected or installed. As a part of this revision there are several new sections relating to electric locking and access control, which are of increasing importance in the world of building hardware. Issue 5 of the Code replaces the previous issue 4, as well as all previous codes of practice published by both the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (now DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, all of which have been withdrawn to ensure that professionals are working with the most current and relevant information. DHF general manager Michael Skelding said: “This revision is the result of more than two years work by the teams at the DHF and GAI in conjunction with technical specialists at the leading companies in our industry. “The result should be seen as an essential reference document for anyone involved in the selection, installation and testing of building hardware and furniture for fire and escape doors.” Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors edition 5 can be downloaded for free at www.firecode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on identifying mispricing within the UK listed real estate sector. Simon Cooke, industry veteran and founding shareholder of Catella APAM, and Ben Kennedy, Head of Investment and Research at Catella APAM, will lead the Fund’s investment strategy, supported by Catella APAM’s senior asset and development management teams, which has advised on over £4.5 billion of assets within the UK and Ireland since its inception. Cooke and Kennedy designed the Fund’s strategy to target undervalued UK listed real estate companies, where underlying asset values have been impacted by recent macroeconomic challenges and shifting demand patterns. The Fund is the Group’s first fundamentals focused product investing in the listed markets following the launch of Catella Systematic Property Fund in 2022, a Swedish UCITS fund targeting Nordic listed property companies through a systematic investment approach. Kennedy commented: “The real estate sector has become more operationally intensive and complex, as asset owners begin to acknowledge their role in providing a service to customers rather than just passively holding assets. This is likely to create a more disparate distribution of returns as the gap between winners and losers widens. Our access to actionable, real-time asset data and hands-on expertise gives the Fund a predictive edge in assessing companies’ current and future value trajectory. Adopting a value investment approach in UK listed equities after a period of re-pricing should offer strong risk-adjusted returns to our investors.” Cooke, who has worked closely with equity fund managers throughout his career, particularly at Deutsche Asset Management throughout the 1990s, added: “I believe the listed sector is often undervalued compared to the wider market, as is the strategy, assets, and management teams, particularly following economic downturns. The sector currently trades at a significant discount to NAV, dragged down by recency bias and consolidated by the backward-looking valuation process. This has been a long journey, and I’m proud that we are now launched and mandated to unlock this embedded value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renovating a space is an exciting venture. However, it’s crucial to prioritize the electrical infrastructure that powers your home or business. Commercial electrical services, from simple upgrades to complex installations, are essential to ensuring a safe, efficient, and stylish space. This guide will discuss the essential services you can expect from electrical professionals. It will explore everything from code compliance and safety inspections to the latest lighting trends and smart home technology. 1. Initial Consultation and Assessment The renovation process begins with an initial consultation, during which electricians discuss your project goals, operational requirements, and any unique challenges of the space. This phase often includes a detailed on-site assessment of the existing electrical system. Electricians offering 24/7 electrical service can accommodate urgent needs or unexpected issues that may arise during this stage for businesses that operate around the clock. Professionals identify outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or unsafe installations that could pose risks. They may also evaluate how the current system can handle new demands like additional equipment or advanced technology. Qualified commercial electricians set the foundation for a safe and efficient renovation by addressing these aspects early. 2. Detailed Planning and Design After the assessment, electricians move to the planning phase, which is critical for ensuring the project aligns with your vision. They develop a comprehensive design plan that outlines every aspect of the electrical work, including wiring placement, outlets, lighting, and electrical equipment connections. This phase involves close collaboration with architects, interior designers, and project managers to ensure the electrical system integrates seamlessly into the overall renovation. Careful attention is paid to scalability, ensuring the design accommodates future growth or technological advancements. 3. Upgrading Outdated Electrical Systems One common issue during renovations is discovering outdated or inadequate electrical components. These could include aging wiring, fuse boxes, or panels that cannot meet modern energy demands. An experienced commercial electrician address these by upgrading to newer, safer systems. For instance, they may install modern circuit breakers, replace aluminum wiring with copper, or add grounding systems for enhanced safety. These upgrades improve functionality, reduce the risk of fire hazards, and ensure compliance with current electrical codes. 4. Energy Efficiency Improvements Renovations provide an excellent opportunity to make your business more energy-efficient. Experienced electricians often recommend LED lighting, motion sensors, programmable thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. They may also discuss renewable energy options like solar panels or energy storage systems. These changes lower operational costs and align your business with sustainability initiatives, which can appeal to environmentally conscious clients and partners. 5. Installation of Advanced Systems As businesses evolve, so do their technology needs. During renovations, you might need to install advanced systems such as data networks, smart building technology, or modern HVAC and security systems. Professional electricians ensure these systems are properly wired and integrated to work seamlessly. For example, they might configure wiring for a networked lighting control system that adjusts based on occupancy or connect security cameras to a centralized control hub. Proper installation of these technologies ensures efficiency and minimizes future troubleshooting. 6. Compliance and Safety Measures Electrical work during renovations must adhere to strict local codes and safety regulations. Commercial electricians are well-versed in these requirements and handle all necessary permits and inspections. They follow stringent safety protocols during commercial electrical installations to prevent potential hazards like electrical fires or shocks. Each step of the project is carefully inspected to ensure compliance, giving you peace of mind that your renovated space is safe for employees and customers alike. 7. Minimized Disruptions A critical aspect of commercial renovations is ensuring the work doesn’t disrupt daily business operations. Experienced electricians plan their work schedules to minimize downtime. This could involve working during off-hours or weekends or segmenting the project to allow parts of your business to continue operating. Their efficiency and professionalism help ensure the renovation process is as smooth as possible, maintaining productivity while improvements are underway. 8. Testing and Final Inspections Before the renovation is officially complete, electricians conduct rigorous testing of the newly installed systems. They check for functionality, safety, and efficiency, addressing any fault or irregularities that may arise. This phase includes detailed inspections to ensure all systems meet or exceed local codes and industry standards. The renovation will be considered complete after the system passes these inspections, giving you a fully operational and compliant electrical setup. 9. Post-Renovation Support The relationship with your electrical contractor doesn’t have to end when the renovation is finished. Many companies offer ongoing support services, such as routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or upgrades as your business evolves. These services ensure that your electrical system remains reliable and efficient. Regular maintenance can also help identify potential issues before they become costly problems, protecting your investment. 10. Integration of Smart and Automated Systems Modern renovations often incorporate smart and automated systems to enhance functionality and convenience. Commercial electricians play a vital role in integrating these systems seamlessly into your business operations. This could include automating lighting systems to adjust based on natural daylight, integrating smart thermostats for optimized climate control, or setting up IoT devices to streamline operations. Conclusion By understanding the scope of commercial electrical services, you can ensure that your renovation project is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. From upgrading outdated wiring to installing cutting-edge lighting solutions, a skilled electrician can help you achieve your vision. Remember, investing in quality electrical work is an investment in your property’s long-term safety and value.
