Companies in Bedfordshire and beyond now have a simple choice when it comes to purchasing tinted HMG Paints products. As Barton Le Clay based Simply Coatings have completed the installation of a brand-new UNIT Tinting scheme. The UNIT Tinting scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix a vast array of colours
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed a £32m Government initiative to improve the efficiency of existing district heating or communal heating projects. Launched in February, the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) will provide grants to public, private, and third sector applicants in England and Wales. The two-year programme
A sustainable housebuilder has set out its vision for the future – and how it will help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity in the communities it builds. Cora, based in Northamptonshire, has released its new Sustainability Report, setting out clear targets on cutting emissions and construction waste, nature stewardship,
A Suffolk construction firm has been named within a £1 billion national framework to deliver projects across the public sector. SEH French, based in Ipswich, is among 94 companies included in Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework to deliver projects worth up to £10 million. The company was also included within the
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden
The latest analysis from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the nation’s homebuyers are turning to equity release to help combat the cost of living crisis, with the total value of equity released up 73% annually, driven by both an increase in volume and the sums being
WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships. The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent
Companies in Bedfordshire and beyond now have a simple choice when it comes to purchasing tinted HMG Paints products. As Barton Le Clay based Simply Coatings have completed the installation of a brand-new UNIT Tinting scheme. The UNIT Tinting scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix a vast array of colours including BS, RAL, Agricultural and more for their customers. Furthermore, the scheme allows Simply Coatings to mix larger volumes of HMG Paints products and offer faster turnarounds for customers. Products that can be colour matched and tinted include 1K & 2K topcoats, undercoats and primers, as well as a variety of sheen levels. Darren Hardiman, Managing Director of Simply coatings remarked “We are delighted to be working with some of the best in the industry here at Simply Coatings and for our new investment it was an obvious choice to partner the Corob equipment with HMG Paints as we continue to grow the business in 2023 and beyond.” DTM, PVC, Wood Coatings and more Like many of HMG Paints distributors Simply Coatings are an independent family business and supplier & distributor of Paint & Protective coatings. Simply Coatings pride themselves in offering a range of products and full support from the moment customers get in touch until long after they have received their order. Along with the HMG Paints range which includes Direct to Metal Coatings (DTM), PVC coatings and wood finishes they offer a range of systems from various manufacturers. “The installation of the UNIT Tinting machine takes the offering from Simply Coatings to a whole new level, and will allow their customers faster turnaround across a wide range of HMG products.” added Roger Blinco, HMG Key Account Manager. “Darren and the Simply Coatings team have built a great business and the installation of the new HMG Mixing schemes shows their commitment to the customers on providing exactly the right product, in the right colour when they require it.” A wide selection of colours The new UNIT scheme installation is also backed up by the HMG ColourBase Colour Box, which contains over 2400 colour chips, displayed in chromatic order within 20 fan decks. The box allows distributors and customers alike to choose the perfect colour from a number of ranges including RAL, British Standard, Commercial Vehicle Fleet Colours, Agricultural, Afnor and more. Every colour in the box can be then produced across a number of 1K and 2K HMG products. Across the whole of the UNIT mixing scheme HMG offer over 70,000 colour formulations ensuring that customers can always find the correct colour for their project. Uniquely HMG Paints actually manufacture their own range of colourants which in formulations to create exact colour matches. Being a colourant manufacturer means HMG can ensure each colourants uses the best pigments on the market ensuring the perfect colours every time. As an independent paint manufacturer HMG Paints Ltd rely on a loyal, countrywide distribution network to supply and service customers. All of HMG’s paints are Made in Britain accredited and supplied across a number of industries including, industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, defence, wood finish and arts & craft. Distributors are selected based upon their reputation and the Simply Coatings package of product and local knowledge makes them a perfect partner. Visit www.simplycoatings.co.uk to see the whole range of products available. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed a £32m Government initiative to improve the efficiency of existing district heating or communal heating projects. Launched in February, the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) will provide grants to public, private, and third sector applicants in England and Wales. The two-year programme also applies to thermal insulation in both plant room pipework and secondary distribution pipework, including laterals and risers. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing thermal insulation contractors, has welcomed the inclusion of secondary heat network insulation as an eligible measure within the Government guidance – pointing out that poorly insulated pipework is often a significant contributor to energy loss. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager said: “Thermal insulation of pipework is often an afterthought, resulting in missed opportunities to reduce energy losses. “It is fantastic therefore that thermal insulation of secondary heat network pipework has been included as an eligible measure within the new guidance. “There is a real consumer issue around overheating corridors because of poorly insulated heating pipework and insulating secondary heat network to acceptable levels should already be considered ‘low hanging fruit.’ Hopefully, the introduction of HNES will encourage more clients to address this important factor. “Heat networks form a central plank of UK Government energy security policy and going forward, we can expect a real focus on quality assurance and the maximisation of efficiencies for future heat network schemes.” With interest growing in the technology, it was estimated that as of March 2018, there were more than 14,000 operational communal or district heating networks in England and Wales. While the networks are considered a cost-effective and efficient supplier of heat compared to alternatives, a report for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy indicated that some existing heat networks were operating sub-optimally leading to detrimental outcomes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A sustainable housebuilder has set out its vision for the future – and how it will help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity in the communities it builds. Cora, based in Northamptonshire, has released its new Sustainability Report, setting out clear targets on cutting emissions and construction waste, nature stewardship, social responsibility and reducing its carbon footprint. Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora, said: “This is a very exciting time at the company. “Last year the company underwent a complete rebrand and we developed our new Sustainable Building Framework, our new vision for the future. “This new Sustainability Report shows some of the progress we have already made and sets out what we want to achieve in the years ahead. “We want to be at the forefront of tackling the climate emergency and building sustainable, environmentally-conscious communities and hope other companies in our sector do the same.” The company has current sites in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. The report reveals that last year more than 96% of Cora’s construction waste was diverted from landfill – a total of almost 375 tonnes – while in the office, 3.48 tonnes of paper was recycled. Of the 106 new homes that it delivered in the last financial year, 78% were EPC rated A or B – approximately 40% more energy efficient than existing housing stock in England. The company has also joined the UN’s Race to Zero campaign, pledging to halve its greenhouse emissions by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050, and is committed to voluntarily reporting its annual carbon emissions. Over the next two years, Cora aims to increase its affordable housing provision to more than 50%, reflecting the business’ growing social ambitions. Cora is also pushing ahead with research into modern methods for off-site construction with the aim of reducing its carbon footprint and harmful emissions even further. Mr Simmons added: “Sustainability and climate responsibility is at the heart of everything we do at Cora, and I am very proud of the progress we have already made. “We are committed to achieving our goals – to help combat the climate emergency and provide families with energy efficient, climate-resistant homes in sustainable, biodiverse communities.” Cora has recently been shortlisted in the SME of the Year category at the prestigious Edie Awards, the UK’s largest awards celebrating sustainability and climate leadership. For more information on Cora and its Sustainability Report, visit https://cora.uk/about-us/sustainability/impactreport2022/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Suffolk construction firm has been named within a £1 billion national framework to deliver projects across the public sector. SEH French, based in Ipswich, is among 94 companies included in Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework to deliver projects worth up to £10 million. The company was also included within the initial framework launched in 2019, before being named in the second instalment which launched on 17 January 2023. Simon Girling, Director at SEH French, said: “It’s an honour for SEH French to be included in the second generation of this framework. “This provides significant opportunities for the company and our staff, and our appointment is testament to the quality of work we provide.” Pagabo helps public sector organisations to connect with suppliers to deliver a full range of works, services and goods through framework agreements. Every company is pre-approved by Pagabo and includes a range of national and regional contractors. The Medium Works Framework will run for four years until 2027 and cover construction projects between £50k and £10 million. Mr Girling continued: “The new year is off to a fantastic start already and we look forward to seeing the opportunities this news brings.” SEH French already works on a number of other frameworks led by organisations including Suffolk County Council, Essex County Council and Wellcome Genome Campus. The company operates throughout East Anglia with projects covering sectors including education, residential, industrial and more. To find out more about SEH French, please visit www.sehfrench.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in an off-market deal from an investment vehicle managed by Kennedy Wilson. It is located within the boundary of Brighton City Airport and with excellent access onto the A27. Panattoni plans to begin speculative development of the park, which has detailed planning consent, in the first quarter of 2023, with completion expected in the fourth quarter. It will consist of seven units, ranging from 19,000 sq ft to 71,495 sq ft, which will be built to a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from eaves ranging from 7m to 10m, 15% roof lights and EV charging for vans and cars. The speculative development will offer much-needed space for occupiers, due to the lack of availability in the area. Tony Watkins, Head of Development for the South East and London at Panattoni, said: “Despite the headwinds facing the whole real estate sector, both Panattoni and Kennedy Wilson are delighted to have closed the transaction for this very well-located site in a very supply-constrained market. We hope to work together on further development transactions. “We continue to look for opportunities to acquire land, given that the need from occupiers for the development of new facilities remains great. Logistics still has value and we retain our strong commitment to the sector”. Mike Pegler, Head of UK at Kennedy Wilson, said: “We recognised a compelling opportunity to unlock the full potential of the whole Brighton City Airport estate following our acquisition of the site in 2020 and moved quickly to secure planning permission for a new industrial development on this site. “Two years later, as demand for new logistics and industrial space has steadily increased within a region acutely lacking in supply, we are pleased to complete this transaction with Panattoni that will lead to the creation of much-needed, high-quality space with leading ESG credentials. We retain our interest in the remainder of the airport estate and look forward to working with all stakeholders to further its long-term success”. DTRE represented Kennedy Wilson on the sale. Agents for Panattoni Park Brighton are DTRE, Savills and SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. LEIAB offers a choice of four window models, with a variety of frame and sash combinations to create 16 different exteriors and three interiors. All products are tailored to customer specifications, ensuring the right style and fit for each property. The most exposed parts of the window, the frame and outer sash, are composed of strong powder-coated aluminium fitted with weep holes. This prevents the window from rotting and ensures a superior life span. The interiors are engineered from dense timber with a high-quality decorative finish. LEIAB’s Secured by Design accredited products also include their timber aluminium composite door range, a selection available in double or single leaf, fully glazed, and offering a high level of security to the property. Johan Pettersson, LEIAB Windows, said: “By joining Secured by Design, LEIAB now have confirmation that their products meet the stringent SBD criteria, thus providing additional comfort to our clients by having this accreditation.” Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that LEIAB Windows AB have joined Secured by Design with their timber aluminium clad door and window range, and understand that they may be looking to extend this soon. I look forward to this being a successful relationship with them over the coming years.” You can find out more about LEIAB Windows and their Secured by Design accredited products at: Secured by Design LEIAB Windows Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands. He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region. Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser. A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology. He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”
The latest analysis from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the nation’s homebuyers are turning to equity release to help combat the cost of living crisis, with the total value of equity released up 73% annually, driven by both an increase in volume and the sums being released per plan. The cost of living crisis continues to stretch households across the nation to financial breaking point. As of October, a 95.8% increase to the energy price cap means the average household is paying £2,500 per year to run their homes. Even the average annual spend on our shopping has soared, with the average household now spending £4,295 per year – up 15% in a year. While the record levels of house price growth seen during the pandemic have started to subside, the average UK house price has still climbed by 12.6% in the last year. However, with the health of the UK property market looking uncertain over the short-term, at least, the nation’s homeowners are turning to equity release to combat the cost of living crisis, as well as improve their existing homes, rather than making the move to a larger property. In fact, the latest quarterly data shows that the number of homeowners opting to release equity from their home is up 25% compared to this time last year. The largest increase has been across Northern Ireland, with a 149% annual increase in equity release activity, followed by the North East (60%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (52%). But it’s not just the number of homeowners opting to release equity that is on the up, the amount they’re releasing has also climbed. In fact, the average amount released across the UK during the last quarter sat at an average of £114,356, a 38% increase compared to the previous year. This trend has been driven by the London market, where the average level of equity released is up 59% year on year, averaging £261,880. Both an increase in equity release plans and the propensity to release a higher level of equity has pushed the total level of equity released to £1.526bn in the last quarter alone, a 73% annual increase vs the same quarter last year. CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “Homeowners are facing a prolonged period of financial uncertainty, with the cost of living crisis stretching their household finances extremely thin. At the same time, a drop in property market confidence along with the increasing cost of borrowing has caused many to think twice before continuing to climb the property ladder. However, following the pandemic property market boom, many homeowners have enjoyed a substantial boost where the value of their home is concerned and so while they may be short on cash, they’ve seen the value of their bricks and mortar nest egg increase. As a result, there’s been a sharp increase not only in the number of homeowners opting to release the equity built up in their home, but also the level of equity they are choosing to release. Cashing in their chips is allowing them to improve their existing home in order to meet their needs, as well as providing them with a lump sum to help stabilise their finances during the current economic downturn.” Data tablesData tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships. The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of different buyers, 71 of which will be available on the open market, with the remaining 53 offering affordable housing. The site has been named Cornish Park in honour of Norman Cornish, one of the most celebrated mining artists of the last century. Mr Cornish lived in Spennymoor his entire life, working as a miner for 33 years. He is also known for creating popular works that depicted the people and places of his hometown, along with colliery life. Cornish Park is the first phase of a wider regeneration project happening in Kirk Merrington, as part of Durham County’s ‘Towns and Villages’ strategy. The Spennymoor Area Action Partnership outlines a £21 million investment into the area, which will include finding opportunities to address community housing needs, among other challenges. The scheme is to be delivered in one phase and aims to be completed by February 2025, forming part of the Homes England strategy to provide more affordable housing across the country. Paul Devaney, area director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East region, said: “The Spennymoor site is just one of a number of exciting projects that we have in the pipeline in this region. We’re pleased that work has begun on schedule, and we look forward to watching the development progress. “Lovell’s key focus is on creating new and exciting communities for people across the region, as well as progressing work to achieve our ambitious growth targets, and further establishing our five-star builder status. “Delivering affordable housing under the Homes England banner is also a major factor, as Lovell strives to help meet the rising demand for high-quality homes that suit a range of buyers.” To find out more about Lovell Partnerships, please visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ For more information on Cornish Park, please visit: https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/cornish-park-spennymoor/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent across all group companies, as well as nurturing a successful and inclusive culture. Wolseley has grown organically and through acquisition in recent years, and now has a team of over 6000 people across the UK and Ireland. Sarah was most recently HR Director at Waterstones and also Group HR Director at DCS Group. Prior to that she ran her own interim business working as HR Director at Travis Perkins, City Plumbing, Virgin Atlantic and Bensons for Beds. Prior to which she held permanent roles as Group HRD for Mothercare and World Duty Free Group. Simon Oakland, CEO, Wolseley Group, said: “Wolseley has a proud history of putting the expertise and experience of all of its people front and centre in delivering for customers. As we increase the depth and breadth of our customer offer, our talent strategy is core to how we serve the market and how we make our group the most attractive place to work in the sector for our colleagues. Sarah will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and enable us to ensure we maintain a high bar as an employer of choice.” Sarah Broughton, Group HR Director, Wolseley, said: “As a trade specialist, Wolseley is a people-driven business, which is something that has become ever-more important as the team worked through the pandemic and is now helping customers in a tough economic period. We will endeavour to deliver on a talent strategy that drives positive outcomes for customers and colleagues alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals