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
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
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
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.
