The Lifetime Achievement Award was handed over to Lawrence Waterman, OBE, Chairman of the British Council, for his contribution to health and safety at the Safety and Health Excellence Awards gala night on the 11th of April 2018, at the VOX Conference Centre at the Birmingham NEC. Launched this year,
The Financial Controller of Sustainable Building Services (UK) Limited, Steve Richards, has completed a mammoth cycle tour and marathon that aimed to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. He cycled 420 miles from Pontefract to Paris for two days and participated in the Paris Marathon the following day. On days
A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy is set to breathe life into one of Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas after it scooped a huge £653,000 lottery grant. Colchester-based Daniel Connal Partnership will work with Ipswich-based Nicholas Jacob Architects to restore The Electric Palace cinema, Harwich, as part of an ambitious nine-month project.
Where Has This Menace Come From? Mould is a type of fungus. It is difficult to say from where it comes. But one thing is certain. Mould thrives in a damp, humid atmosphere. And because mould in the house is very dangerous for both the house and its occupants, it
Workers in the road construction and excavations industry constantly face hazards throughout their working day and many unfortunately become victims of accidents. However, recent years have seen an increase in many safety measures such as detailed site inspections, wearing high visibility clothing and the use of barriers around open trenches.
In a trading update ahead of its 2016 results, due in September, the housebuilder said it achieved 147 legal completions against 248 the previous year. Vantage Design and Build appointed Grant Thornton as administrator in June and Inland Homes took over four sites on which the company was working for
East Midlands Trains (EMT), part of Stagecoach Group, has handed Interserve a two-year account extension to provide facilities services. Above: Clean train Interserve has delivered facilities management services for EMT since 2012 and will now continue to provide cleaning services for seven EMT offices and 13 stations, as well as
Ofwat has called on water companies to “step up” to the challenges which face the sector, such as a growing population, higher customer expectations, and the threat of climate change. Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross The regulator has published its five-year business plan – the second to be made
Savills, on behalf of The White Brasserie Company, has acquired the leasehold of The Village Hall in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire for an undisclosed sum. The detached, two-storey public house can seat up to 110 customers internally plus an additional 150 in the external terrace and beer garden. Located on
Bureau Veritas has pledged its full support to the Government’s long-awaited response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s (WEC) inquiry into disability and the built environment – saying that the proposed provisions will go a long way in enabling improved access for all. In April 2017, the Women and Equalities
The Lifetime Achievement Award was handed over to Lawrence Waterman, OBE, Chairman of the British Council, for his contribution to health and safety at the Safety and Health Excellence Awards gala night on the 11th of April 2018, at the VOX Conference Centre at the Birmingham NEC. Launched this year, the Awards celebrate innovation and achievements in occupational health and safety. Tim Else, Director of Western Business Publishing, presented the award to Lawrence Waterman: “Lawrence’s contribution to the health and safety industry over many years has been nothing short of outstanding. That’s why I am so delighted to present him, on behalf of the panel of judges and all of us at Western Business Publishing, with the Safety and Health Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement.” Lawrence also commented on his achievement: “I am a very proud recipient of this award. Like many people who worked on the London 2012 Olympic Games, I was privileged to have the opportunity to make a contribution to a project, which the whole country felt proud of. Now, as Chairman of the British Safety Council, I feel equally positive about the opportunity to work towards achieving and maintaining standards of excellence in health and safety. However, there is nothing better than receiving approbation from your peers and I am very grateful for it.” Lawrence Waterman OBE CFIOSH is the Chairman of the British Safety Council and a founding partner at the Park Health and Safety Partnership. He was formerly head of health and safety for the London Olympic Delivery Authority and is a past president of IOSH. Lawrence is also a visiting professor at Loughborough University, where he both teaches and participates in research. Lawrence was appointed OBE for services to health and safety in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Honours.
The Financial Controller of Sustainable Building Services (UK) Limited, Steve Richards, has completed a mammoth cycle tour and marathon that aimed to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. He cycled 420 miles from Pontefract to Paris for two days and participated in the Paris Marathon the following day. On days four and five, together with 12 other fundraisers, he cycled back home. By the end of his five-day journey, Steve had covered almost 700 miles on two wheels, and 26.2 miles on foot. Collectively, the whole team cycled approximately 8,400 miles and ran nearly 160 miles. In order to be able to finish the cycle ride and the marathon, Steve, just like the rest of the team, trained hard in some of the worst weather seen in years. Despite that, the team maintained excellent morale and the goal to meet the £10,000 fundraising target kept them motivated throughout. “In the past I have done four Ironman races and I’ve ridden from Land’s End to John O’Groats but this was undoubtedly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The final day was a true test of endurance as we were already so fatigued from both physical exertion and sleep deprivation, but we kept each other’s spirits up in the knowledge that we had beaten our fundraising target along the way,” said Steve. Sustainable Building Services, as well as the sister company PermaRock Products, pledged £250. Overall, the team raised over £12,000, but they want to raise even more. If anyone is wishing to support the team’s fundraising efforts, they can do so by visit their JustGiving website: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-strutt3. The Sustainable Group (UK) Limited has offices in the North West, North Wales and the East Midlands, offering services such as new build, roofing, insulation, cyclical maintenance and the management of all related trades. Sustainable Building Services’ registrations and accreditations include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, 18001, Safe Contractor, Constructionline and Investors In People amongst others.
A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy is set to breathe life into one of Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas after it scooped a huge £653,000 lottery grant. Colchester-based Daniel Connal Partnership will work with Ipswich-based Nicholas Jacob Architects to restore The Electric Palace cinema, Harwich, as part of an ambitious nine-month project. The firm will start work on the development, which boasts a silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage, in June. Daniel Connal Partnership, who have considerable experience working on successful heritage lottery projects, will act as quantity surveyors on this project. Project lead Paul Coleman and associate at Daniel Connal Partnership, said: “Securing this level of funding is a major step forward in restoring the fabric of the building and breathing new life into the site. “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting project, continuing our long relationship with NJ Architects, and helping to ensure the future of this landmark building in historic Harwich.” Shaun Soanes, the architectural lead on the project, said: “This is a building of national significance in the history of cinema in the UK and we are thrilled to have been contracted to play such an important role in its preservation and restoration. “This lottery grant will allow this important building to be preserved for generations to come.” The Electric Palace cinema was built in 18 weeks at a cost of £1,500 and opened in 1911 with a screening of the black and white film Battle of Trafalgar and The Death of Nelson. Designed by architect Harold Hooper and developed by Charles Thurston, a travelling showman, the venue, in Kings Quay Street, ran successfully for 45 years, closing only briefly in 1953 due to flooding. It was shut in 1956 however and left derelict until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1972. Since then members of the Electric Palace Trust and volunteers have managed – and continue to work – to protect the building and this is recognised by the cinema’s status as a Grade II* listed building. The venue was officially re-opened in 1981 and, thanks to a minor refurbishment in 1985, it now runs as a community cinema which shows films every weekend as well as special live and music events. David Looser, chairman of the Electric Palace Trust said the lottery funding would allow the trustees to undertake essential conservation work to strengthen the ceiling of the building, redecorate the auditorium, refurbish the seats and toilets, replace electrical switchgear, enlarge the stage and enhance security. “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players,” he said. “This will enable us not only to do the work necessary to keep the Electric Palace operating for the foreseeable future but also to expand our range of activities.” The palace trust announced the Heritage Lottery Fund grant this week, which follows £51,000 from the same fund last January. But the trust’s own appeal to raise £60,000 towards the work needed is still ongoing. Chris Strachan, Electric Palace Trust trustee, said: “There is an expectation we will provide our own funds that amount to 10 per cent of that sum.” To donate to the trust’s appeal for funds, use sort code 40-19-43 and account number 81379224 and reference HEPT Roof Appeal.
Where Has This Menace Come From? Mould is a type of fungus. It is difficult to say from where it comes. But one thing is certain. Mould thrives in a damp, humid atmosphere. And because mould in the house is very dangerous for both the house and its occupants, it is better to eliminate it as soon as possible. What Are The Dangers Of Mould? The role of the pest we call mould is destruction. That’s fine in the wild where there are corpses to decompose. But in the everyday world, we can do without the destruction of our beloved books, clothes and antiques.Exposure to mould causes, at the very least, an allergic reaction in humans. At worst, it can cause black mould poisoning, which can be quite dangerous, especially for the very young and the very old. Symptoms include headaches, rashes and respiratory ailments. We owe it to ourselves and our families to keep our living spaces clean and mould free. Especially in places like bathrooms, which are constantly wet and in which ventilation is often a lot less than it should be. How To Launch An Attack On Mould Attacking the mould problem takes some strategy. In order to keep our homes and families mould free, there are certain measures we can take. Firstly, we should ensure that our homes and living spaces are well ventilated. Secondly, we should be doubly sure of ventilation in the cases of areas which are prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Burst pipes and leakage must be dealt with promptly. Houses which have experienced flooding need special care. Mould can be removed using a solution of bleach and water. But please remember, that when using bleach to clean away mould, it is important to protect the skin and eyes.Or look for non-chemical solutions to banish the dreaded mould. And remember, if the problem is beyond you, call the specialists in. They will remove the mould and advise you how to keep your home mould free in future. Mould removal services are available in most cities and are a great help when nothing else works. Home Remedies Calling in professional services is something that people often do as a method of last resort when the problem is out of control. But not everyone needs to do that. In many cases, the mould can be contained by the householder. An effective mould remover and constant vigilance after mould removal is often all that’s needed. Also, if the idea of using bleach as a house cleaner doesn’t appeal to you, there are other substances which are not as dangerous. They can do the job just as well. Vinegar is one substance which is very effective against mould and not at all dangerous for humans. Another is tea tree oil. Finally Mould Free Finally, the dreaded pest which we call mould is banished and your house is mould free. What a relief. You can live in peace again. And provided you make sure that all areas of your house are kept damp free and well ventilated, your house should stay mould free in the future. Your family members will thank you for it, as they will be leading happier, healthier lives.
Workers in the road construction and excavations industry constantly face hazards throughout their working day and many unfortunately become victims of accidents. However, recent years have seen an increase in many safety measures such as detailed site inspections, wearing high visibility clothing and the use of barriers around open trenches. Road Construction Due to the use of generators and improved lighting, road construction has seen an emphasis on work being carried out at night in areas where there are usually high volumes of traffic during daylight hours. This enables the use of large machinery without hindering the traffic and reduces the risk of injury to the workers. Road repair often has to deal with the hazard of speeding traffic in addition to workers being constantly aware of where excavating machinery is operating. Common injuries include being hit by vehicles, becoming trapped between machines or being struck as an excavator truck overturns. The weather can also play a part with heavy rain, fog and ice can contributing to poor working conditions. Excavations Deep excavations are particularly hazardous if the sides are not securely fixed. Safety requirements insist on regular inspections being carried out at the beginning and end of each working day and work should never begin until any necessary maintenance to the safety structures has been carried out. Landslips of unstable earth piled too near an excavation can bury workers and the edges of a large hole can sometimes not bear the weight of machinery causing it to overturn. Before any work begins in an area, detailed site analysis should take place to determine the type of soil and predict the effect of the weather, for instance, heavy rain causing instability. The locations of underground obstacles have to be clearly mapped to prevent damage to the services and to prevent accidents from a build up of gas or the danger of electrocution. Natural hazards such as underground streams must also be located before work can start. Safety Clothing One of the most significant improvements has been the introduction of high visibility clothing in yellow or orange material. With additional reflective panels, it gives a certain degree of visibility even in foggy conditions. Some materials are coated to create a water resistant surface to make working in bad weather more comfortable. Footwear, including waterproofed boots, has been redesigned with improved heavy duty soles that are resistant to hazardous substances and metal toe caps. The enforced wearing of hard safety helmets in particular has contributed to reducing the severity of on site accidents. These are adapted to suit particular working areas, such as including secure chin straps for working at height. For severe cold weather, thermal linings are available to wear inside the safety helmets. Barriers To protect not only workers, but members of the public, from falling into excavations, secure barriers and guard rails should be placed that are clearly visible and not causing any unnecessary obstruction. Steel road plates, or trench sheets, can be used to cover open excavations. Heavyweight fluorescent bollards and warning lights, which are particularly useful in fog, are used to help prevent vehicles driving into the lanes that are under construction.
In a trading update ahead of its 2016 results, due in September, the housebuilder said it achieved 147 legal completions against 248 the previous year. Vantage Design and Build appointed Grant Thornton as administrator in June and Inland Homes took over four sites on which the company was working for it. However, this step delayed 23 completions, pushing them into the following financial year. The 2015 results also contained a one-off bulk sale of 59 units. Fewer completions and the costs of replacing Vantage meant “the group’s profit before revaluation of investment properties and tax is expected to be marginally lower than the market consensus forecast of £15.9m”, the update said. Chief executive Stephen Wicks said: “We are confident that our underlying business is extremely robust and the demand for our high-quality, lower-cost homes remains strong. “While we have been somewhat impacted in the short term by one of our contractors going into administration, against the current supportive market environment, we look to the future with considerable optimism.” Inland appointed Gary Skinner as group managing director in February with a brief to increase capacity to build homes itself rather than engage main contractors. The company focuses on the South-east and outer London and said its forward order book was worth £23.4m, with 315 homes under construction across eight sites. Source link
East Midlands Trains (EMT), part of Stagecoach Group, has handed Interserve a two-year account extension to provide facilities services. Above: Clean train Interserve has delivered facilities management services for EMT since 2012 and will now continue to provide cleaning services for seven EMT offices and 13 stations, as well as trains, until March 2018. Interserve sector director for transport Kevin Murgatroyd said: “Transport is a key area of growth for Interserve, and we’re delighted that East Midlands Trains has decided to renew our partnership. We have a strong presence in the rail industry and our dedicated division has a proven ability to safely and efficiently deliver a wide range of services across the specialist sector.” EMT procurement manager Bob Mercer said: “Interserve understands the challenges that we face as a sector and strives to work with us to find solutions. Its approach to delivering an EMT-specific passenger experience is a key differentiator in service delivery.” This article was published on 10 May 2016 (last updated on 10 May 2016). Source link
Ofwat has called on water companies to “step up” to the challenges which face the sector, such as a growing population, higher customer expectations, and the threat of climate change. Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross The regulator has published its five-year business plan – the second to be made publically available – setting out its overall approach for delivering its strategy, ‘Trust in water’, over the next five years. “If we are to build and maintain trust and confidence, then the companies we regulate need to respond to changes in customer and society’s expectations,” the report said. “This means they need to take more responsibility (step up) for delivering the services that their customers and wider society want – and customers are willing to pay for.” Ofwat said companies must do this by: being more focused on customers and responsive to their needs becoming more open and transparent having strong relationships with everyone they work with – from communities to suppliers challenging themselves to work differently to provide better services for less make sure that financial performance is closely linked to delivering what customers want making better use of scarce resources, protecting our natural environment and making sure services are resilient IMAGE: the future challenges facing the water sector Source: Ofwat “Our approach to regulation will support companies to be more agile and responsive – and allow us to step back where monopolies step up or customers can shop around,” Ofwat said. “But if companies do not step up to the challenge or struggle to adapt and progress, we will be ready to step in to make sure customers’ and wider society’s interests are protected.” The regulator also laid out its own priorities for 2016/17: 1. Working to ensure that markets deliver real benefits for customers, the environment and society. 2. Improving information and accountability. 3. Maintaining customer confidence through a period of change. 4. Maintaining investor confidence in the sector through a period of change. 5. To ensure that Ofwat has the skills, experience, systems, processes and culture that support our new strategy. “We continually review what we do to make sure we are delivering the right things in an efficient way,” the regulator said. “And we update our business plan every year so that we always look five years ahead. Our plan may change significantly from year to year, as circumstances change and our priorities evolve.” IMAGE: the water cycle Source: Ofwat Source link
Savills, on behalf of The White Brasserie Company, has acquired the leasehold of The Village Hall in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire for an undisclosed sum. The detached, two-storey public house can seat up to 110 customers internally plus an additional 150 in the external terrace and beer garden. Located on the edge of Gold Hill Common, the property has operated as an independent public house for more than 10 years. The White Brasserie Company currently has 11 venues in Greater London, Surrey, Hertfordshire and Cheshire, with each offering a combination of traditional English pub and French Brasserie. The Village Hall is now set to benefit from an extensive refurbishment under its new ownership. Chris Bickle, licensed leisure director at Savills, comments: “We are pleased to have secured the sale of The Village Hall, which offers a sought after location in The Chalfonts and a customer base well-aligned with The White Brasserie Company. The licensed leisure market has seen increased activity in the regions around London and the M25, and we expect this trend to continue.” Mark Derry, chief executive of Brasserie Bar Co, the group behind The White Brasserie Company and Brasserie Blanc, adds: “We were delighted to find a pub with such potential in such a perfect setting. Each pub we open has its own special character and ambience and we are excited to revitalise this site and make it a much loved venue for locals and visitors.” Source link
Bureau Veritas has pledged its full support to the Government’s long-awaited response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s (WEC) inquiry into disability and the built environment – saying that the proposed provisions will go a long way in enabling improved access for all. In April 2017, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) published ‘Building for Equality: Disability and the Built Environment’; a document which highlighted the challenges facing disabled people in accessing homes, public spaces and other buildings. The overall consensus was that the Government must take action to lead the charge in improving access and inclusion in the built environment. Just a little under a year later, and the Government recently launched its response detailing a number of provisions and tactics designed to address the issues raised – which Bureau Veritas, a leading provider of building control services to developers and construction companies across the UK, has been quick to welcome. Andy Lowe, technical director for Bureau Veritas’ Building Control division, comments: “This inquiry was incredibly significant, and is set to shape the continued development of Building Regulations to ensure that disabled people can easily access homes, buildings and public spaces. “Having followed the inquiry closely over the past year, we very much welcome the Government’s recent response which affirms a considered and intelligent course of action which we believe will make a significant and positive impact.” In terms of the key overall approach, the Government has asserted that it will meet the WEC’s call for a more concerted focus on ‘individual components of the policy framework’ by enhancing existing legislation and policy rather than bringing forward new strategies. In response to concerns that Part M of the Building Regs is not based on the latest BS8300 code of practice, the Government has confirmed that the BRAC (The Building Regulations Advisory Committee) is already reviewing the guidance as necessary, along with other key stakeholders such as the Department for Transport. Further key points included clarification that planning guidance will be strengthened by the revised National Planning Policy Framework (due to be published in summer 2018), to include aspects of inclusivity, and greater support for expertise in inclusive design for planning departments, enabled through increased fees and the recent 20% uplift in actual planning application fees. Andy adds: “All in all it appears that the accessibility aspect of regulation is to be overhauled and standards updated in line with the latest research and we applaud that. It will bring much needed equality for disabled persons throughout the built environment. We look forward to seeing the impact of the various provisions as they come to fruition.” To find out more about Bureau Veritas please call 0345 600 1828 or email info@uk.bureauveritas.com. Alternatively, please visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk