February 13, 2025
GPE Names William Eccleshare as Incoming Chair

GPE Names William Eccleshare as Incoming Chair

Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and

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The Importance of Tension Control Bolts

The Importance of Tension Control Bolts

In the field of structural engineering and construction, no part is more important in keeping a structure safe, stable, and lasting than any other. Of these components, tension control bolts (TC bolts) are a unique innovation that’s made a huge difference in the way we build. These specialized bolts are

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

February 13, 2025

https://bdcmagazine.com/2025/02/the-momentum-group-makes-senior-hires-and-looks-to-the-next-stage-of-growth/

The Momentum Group makes senior hires and looks to the next stage of growth

Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has announced a series of key hires across the business, including two new directors, as the company focuses on the next stage of its growth following a successful 2024. Jacqui Saunders has been appointed as Director of Momentum Manage, with a remit to grow the Group’s property management division across the North West and South East.  With over 20 years’ experience, Jacqui was previously Associate Director at Network Space, and held positions at The Arch Company and Savills. The second senior hire is Jyssica Murphy, who has joined as Health, Safety, and Quality Director, overseeing The Momentum Group’s strategy across the business. Jyssica brings a wealth of experience, including her previous role as Building Safety Regulatory Lead at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). She has also worked at Redrow Homes, Torus and as a consultant for a wide array of Construction and Refurbishment Projects. In addition to the two new directors, Momentum Advise has strengthened its team with the appointment of Stella Costa as Senior Project Manager, James Blackmore as Project Manager, Lucas Smith as Trainee Project Manager and Claudia Watson as Graduate Project Manager, to support the division’s growing portfolio of retail delivery projects following the team’s recent geographical expansion.  Momentum Build has also welcomed Nick Barrett as Construction Project Manager to help facilitate further growth as the team diversifies its client base across retail, leisure, residential, and parking facilities.  Whilst Momentum Manage has appointed Jo Miller as Property Manager. Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, Co-founders and Directors of The Momentum Group, commented: “The success of The Momentum Group is driven by its people and, as we grow, we remain committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff.  Jacqui Saunders and Jyssica Murphy bring not only renowned sector expertise, but the senior leadership skills that will help to drive our growth.  Together with our other heads of the individual businesses and our board advisors, Yvonne Emmett Cannell and Ian O’Doherty, we are in a great position to expand, diversify and, ultimately, thrive.” Jacqui Saunders, Property Management Director, said: “Momentum Manage already plays a part in making great places; places that people, be they shoppers, workers or residents, actively want to spend time in.  There is an opportunity, however, to expand our client base, not only in the North West, but across the UK.  The company has the ambition and ability to do that, and I am very excited to be leading the team to make it happen.” Jyssica Murphy, Health, Safety and Quality Director at The Momentum Group, added: “The Momentum Group’s values and culture reflect what I believe matter in a business, so to join now, as the company pushes to achieve its next stage of growth, is very exciting.  Working with Chris, Chris and the rest of the senior leadership team, I will ensure the Group delivers exemplary health, safety and quality standards, while also supporting its commitment to operating sustainability.” With the seven new hires, The Momentum Group now employs over 60 people, with the growth in the team reflecting a very strong 12 months for the company.  2024 saw the company become a B-Corp Certified business; the delivery of Momentum Build’s second project for leading leisure operator, Gravity MAX, in Westfield Stratford; and the facilitation of the second Building Sustainable Cities Beyond 2023 Conference, held by the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Property Group, which The Momentum Group founded. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GPE Names William Eccleshare as Incoming Chair

GPE Names William Eccleshare as Incoming Chair

Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He currently serves as a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media, as well as Chairman of Team ITG, a digital media company. Additionally, he chairs the Design Council, a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design. His previous non-executive roles include serving as senior independent director at Britvic, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and a board member at Hays. In the executive sphere, he spent 13 years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021, leading the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. His career also includes senior leadership roles at BBDO Europe, Young & Rubicam EMEA, McKinsey & Co, WPP, and Interpublic Group. Looking Ahead Outgoing chair Richard Mully expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. His extensive experience in marketing, business transformation, and growth will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide strong leadership and support to Toby Courtauld and our management team. It has been an honour to serve on the board for over eight years, and I look forward to working closely with William to ensure a smooth transition.” Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong market position and high-quality portfolio, I look forward to leading the board and working with the management team to drive the company’s strategy and capitalise on new opportunities. I am also grateful for Richard’s guidance during the transition period.” With Eccleshare’s appointment, GPE is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen its strategic direction in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Importance of Tension Control Bolts

The Importance of Tension Control Bolts

In the field of structural engineering and construction, no part is more important in keeping a structure safe, stable, and lasting than any other. Of these components, tension control bolts (TC bolts) are a unique innovation that’s made a huge difference in the way we build. These specialized bolts are engineered for precise tensioning of connections, keeping them secure under even the most extreme conditions. What exactly are these tension control bolts and why are they so important? So let us uncover what they mean in detail. What Are Tension Control Bolts? High strength bolts for use mainly with structural steel connections are often called TC (tension control) bolts. The joint is uniquely designed that can be locked to specific tension so that the joint would be secure and stable. Unlike traditional bolts which need torque to lock, TC bolts are installed in a special way which guarantees the tensioning that is consistent and accurate. A TC bolt includes a spline end, a small protrusion that shears off as soon as the bolt has reached the correct tension. The visual evidence of this shearing action is a welcome addition to the quality control on the bolt itself and indicates proper installation. TC bolts are typically utilized in applications demanding the highest level of structural integrity, including bridges, skyscrapers, and industrial systems. The Science Behind Tension Control Bolts It is vital to have a solid understanding of the science that behind the function of TC bolts in order to comprehend their significance. In the field of structural engineering, the clamping force that is generated by the bolt is directly proportional to the strength of a connection. Because of this clamping force, the materials that are attached to one another are held together and are prevented from slipping or separating when that load is applied. To achieve this clamping force, traditional bolts rely on torque as their primary mechanism. Torque, on the other hand, is not always dependable since it does not take into consideration other elements, such as friction, which can change based on the condition of the threads and the surfaces that are being joined. The consequence of this is that conventional bolts might not always be able to deliver the consistent tension that is required for a secure connection. Learn more here https://www.cross-safety.org/uk/safety-information/cross-safety-report/incorrectly-installed-tension-control-bolts-could-have-1196. On the other hand, TC bolts are produced with the intention of removing this uncertainty. They ensure that the bolt is tightened to the precise tension that is required for the joint by employing a tensioning technique that is calibrated using technology. Utilizing a specialized wrench that is designed to hold the spline end of the bolt is the means by which this level of precision is accomplished. The bolt is stretched to the desired tension by the wrench as it revolves, and after the desired tension is reached, the spline end is sheared off. After going through this process, you may rest assured that the bolt will not be under-tightened or over-tightened, both of which have the potential to undermine the connection’s integrity. Why Tension Control Bolts Matter The significance of TC bolts cannot be emphasized, particularly in applications where safety and dependability are non-negotiable requirements. Here are some of the most important reasons why these bolts are absolutely necessary in contemporary construction: Safety Safety is a primary concern in all construction projects, and TC bolts help to make it possible for structures to bear the load they have to endure. TC bolts are secure connections whether they’re holding the weight of a skyscraper, the vibrations of a bridge, or the stress of heavy machinery in an industrial facility. The tensioning of the bolts to their precise value minimizes the risk of bolt failure, which could result in disastrous consequences. You can actually purchase TC Bolts from BACO or another business to keep your structure safe.  Consistent Performance With traditional bolts, one of the biggest issues is consistent tension in all connections. Even clamping forces can vary due to variations in friction, thread condition, and installation technique and can weaken the overall structure. TC bolts have the variability eliminated by forcing each bolt to be tightened to the same exact tension. In large scale projects, where hundreds or even thousands of bolts are in use beyond the obvious repeating processes, such consistency is important. Ease of Installation The installation of TC bolts is easy and efficient, but they require special tools. Probably the most direct method to the secured bolting is the shearing off of the spline end that provides a clear visual confirmation the bolt has been properly tightened and reduces the need for any additional testing or inspection. Not only does this make the construction process faster, but it also makes it less likely to have a human error. Discover more here. Durability and Longevity TC bolts are designed to build structures. The particular tensioning process guarantees that the bolts can withstand these stresses and strains over the life of them, under environmental factors like wind and earthquakes, or under constant loads by daily use. It makes the structure last longer and lessens the maintenance costs. Applications of Tension Control Bolts TC bolts are used in a wide range of applications, each of which benefits from their unique properties. Some of the most common uses include: Bridges Bridges are subjected to constant dynamic loads, from the weight of vehicles to the forces of wind and water. TC bolts are used to secure the steel components of bridges, ensuring that they can withstand these forces without failing. Their precise tensioning is particularly important in seismic zones, where bridges must be able to absorb the energy of an earthquake. Skyscrapers and High-Rise Buildings The construction of tall buildings requires connections that can support immense vertical and lateral loads. TC bolts are used to join the steel beams and columns that form the skeleton of these structures, providing the strength and stability needed to keep them standing tall. Industrial Facilities Factories, power plants, and other

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