Keyland Developments Ltd has gained planning approval from Kirklees Council for an industrial development comprising circa 400,000 sq ft of employment space on a 57 acre former water treatment works site in West Yorkshire which could bring about some 800 new jobs. The redundant North Bierley Water Treatment Works site,
A family owned builder’s merchants, Chandlers Building Supplies, is looking for a number of young builders to join a panel of ‘Champions’ for a year. As part of this panel, Champions will be asked to share top tips and helpful advice for others starting out in the sector, provide feedback
Hiab, part of Cargotec, invites the world’s best crane operators to submit their entries for the third World Crane Championship. Local heats begin soon, and the winner will be crowned at the finals, which will take place at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany, on 22-23 September 2018.
Local MP and new Minister for Small Business, Andrew Griffiths, visited Tuffa UK’s Uttoxeter factory to celebrate a quarter of a century at that location and their recent shortlisting for the prestigious Sentinel Innovation Award. “Really good to meet the team at Tuffa and enjoyed a fascinating tour around the
Coastal Recycling has become the first waste resource management organisation in the South of England to be awarded the BSI standard national quality mark, PAS 402. This quality mark recognises the company’s commitment to reducing waste, specifically for the construction and demolition industry. PAS 402 is a nationally recognised quality
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses a model, MCPIPIN (Monte Carlo PIPeline INtegrity), to determine failure frequencies for major hazard pipelines. MCPIPIN uses two models to calculate the failure rates: a model based on operational experience data which estimates failure frequencies for the four main failure modes (mechanical failures,
22 July 2016 | Jamie Harris Construction firm Skanska UK has reported a 24 per cent increase in revenue for the first half of 2016, compared with the same period last year. Skanska UK’s revenues of £836 million was partly down to the extension of its facilities management
16 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The biggest threat to security is believing that no threat exists, according to a counter-terrorism expert speaking at a recent BIFM regional event. Kenneth Upham, counter-terrorism security adviser for Greater Manchester Police, was speaking at a seminar organised by the BIFM
Darlington Civic Theatre is set to reopen in autumn 2017 as the Darlington Hippodrome after a £13m refurbishment by contractor Willmott Dixon. Above: Darlington Civic Theatre Darlington Borough Council appointed Willmott Dixon under Scape’s major works framework to overhaul the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre Improvements include more seating capacity,
Mears chairman Bob Holt has taken over day-to-day control at troubled support services contractor Lakehouse. Above: Bob Holt OBE Bob Holt, 61, has been appointed executive chairman of Lakehouse, taking on the role previously filled by Stuart Black until his resignation in April. The company’s remuneration policy is beiong re-written
Keyland Developments Ltd has gained planning approval from Kirklees Council for an industrial development comprising circa 400,000 sq ft of employment space on a 57 acre former water treatment works site in West Yorkshire which could bring about some 800 new jobs. The redundant North Bierley Water Treatment Works site, which is strategically positioned at a major intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and the M606 Bradford Link in West Yorkshire, has lain dormant since 2010. Keyland’s plans to transform the site into a major commercial scheme have been given the green light, giving a boost to the local and regional economy with the unlocking of land for new development and subsequent job creation. Keyland has worked closely with Kirklees Council to design a well-considered scheme to make a positive contribution to the long-term economic regeneration of the area. The circa 400,000 sq ft of industrial and associated ancillary office space approved for development is split in a ratio of 30% as B2 general industrial use and 70% B8 storage and distribution usage. Additionally, a separate application for a new school car park is in the planning process with Bradford Council. The range of unit sizes is intended to address the severe regional shortage of new industrial accommodation. Early research undertaken by Keyland indicated that nearby business parks in North Kirklees and South Bradford, as well as the wider regional area, are operating at full capacity. This has the knock-on effect of limited opportunities for local and regionally based businesses to expand within the area. The approval of the plans for North Bierley should assist with the retention of local and regional businesses. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments Ltd, said; “Securing approval to bring back into use the strategically important North Bierley site is an excellent result and we are delighted that such an extensive and well-located site will now be able to achieve its full potential. The demand for new industrial and distribution space to support the growing needs of regional businesses is well documented and, in addition to facilitating some 800 new jobs, this scheme can protect the long-term needs of local and regional occupiers and potentially welcome inward investment to the area.” Keyland Developments Ltd is the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water. Keyland has been operating across Yorkshire for over 20 years, regenerating Yorkshire Water’s redundant sites. In addition to its work transforming former Yorkshire Water land, the team also works alongside independent landowners, corporates or regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites in order to facilitate regeneration by securing planning consent for future use. Turley submitted the North Bierley planning application on behalf of Keyland Developments.
A family owned builder’s merchants, Chandlers Building Supplies, is looking for a number of young builders to join a panel of ‘Champions’ for a year. As part of this panel, Champions will be asked to share top tips and helpful advice for others starting out in the sector, provide feedback on various products and services, and share brief updates on building projects they work on during the year. Each Champion can also nominate a charity that they would like to benefit from their Champion status, with Chandlers Building Supplies making a small monthly donation on the Champions behalf to their charity. Sue McKinney of Chandlers Building Supplies said: “Supporting the next generation of builders is important to us so we are launching the Chandlers Champion programme. We hope this will provide a better understanding of young builders, identify the issues that affect them and establish what support they need to flourish in the construction sector.” Champions will be remunerated on a monthly basis, as well as receive other benefits to include products to test and branded work clothing for free. Eligible champions will be builders aged 18 to 35. For more information and to apply for the opportunity, email: sue.mckinney@chandlersbs.co.uk by April 3, 2018.
Hiab, part of Cargotec, invites the world’s best crane operators to submit their entries for the third World Crane Championship. Local heats begin soon, and the winner will be crowned at the finals, which will take place at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany, on 22-23 September 2018. The World Crane Championship aims to showcase the skills and abilities of loader crane operators from around the world, and give them the chance to test their skills against their peers, using the latest load handling products from Hiab. The first-ever World Crane Championship in 2015 started a new tradition in the industry, and generated such huge interest, that Hiab decided to make it a biannual event. The idea of the contest is quite simple: using a HIAB X-HiPro 232 crane, move water cans from a truck, accurately and with precision, around a circuit of obstacles, in the shortest time possible. The operator with the lowest time and fewest faults is crowned the winner, and takes home a prize worth €25,000. The first qualification rounds for the 2018 contest will take place in Germany and Austria in early March. To date, there are entries from 16 countries, including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, The UK and Ireland, Spain, France, Poland, Slovenia, and Israel. The winner of the second World Crane Championship in 2016 was Tim Hansen, from Denmark, with a time of 2 minutes, 51:42 seconds. Aged just 25, Mr Hansen, of Tim S Hansen ApS, and the third generation of crane operators in his family, said, “Winning was a bit unreal.but it felt pretty good to win the prize and be able to call myself World Crane Champion.” His modesty belies his dexterity and agility at operating the HIAB X-HiPro-equipped crane with pin-sharp precision and accuracy whilst in the glare of the spotlight. The operators are the key people in any crane business. It is their skill and precision in operating a crane that determines how quickly and safely goods can be delivered to end-users. “The competitors take their entry into the competition very seriously,” says Lotta Sjöberg, Global Marketing Manager, Loader Cranes, Hiab. “I have been told that some set up a replica course in their work yards, and practice on a daily basis to hone their skills. They ask me all sorts of questions about the rules, the penalty system, and the course. So, this year, we are keeping all elements of the test course, the crane, and the truck the same, because contestants want to test themselves against the two previous winners on a like-for-like basis, and try to beat them.” There is intense, albeit good-natured, competition amongst the contestants, who are proud to represent their companies and their countries. “Afterwards, they swap contact details, so they can stay in touch with one another,” says Sjöberg. “If you are part of this competition, you become part of a wider Hiab family, and people really like that.” Indeed, feedback from contestants and their companies is very positive. Being the country-level champion is almost as good as being the world champion. “We are proud to have the World Crane Championship UK-country champion driving our company vehicles,” said Gary Halford, Plant Manager at Agetur UK Ltd, after the 2016 contest. And the winning UK-country driver, Trevor Tack, expressed his thanks to the whole Hiab family for an experience he will never forget. “We invite competitors from around the world to take up the challenge of testing themselves against each other,” says Joakim Andersson, Senior Vice President, Loader Cranes, Hiab. “I am looking forward to this year’s contest, and seeing the breathtaking levels of skill and precision that will be demonstrated by our finalists. We are proud to be able to host this competition, and be a part of the growing Hiab family of crane operators around the world.” For more information, and to sign up to compete in the qualification rounds, please visit www.worldcranechampionship.com.
Local MP and new Minister for Small Business, Andrew Griffiths, visited Tuffa UK’s Uttoxeter factory to celebrate a quarter of a century at that location and their recent shortlisting for the prestigious Sentinel Innovation Award. “Really good to meet the team at Tuffa and enjoyed a fascinating tour around the factory. It’s absolutely brilliant to hear of a local, second generation family business continuing to innovate and expand, and I wish them every success in their bid to win the Business Innovation award,” said Andrew Griffiths. Tuffa was shortlisted for a regional Business Innovation Award, with the judging panel being highly impressed by the innovative product design and development that has resulted in an increase in sales. The products include a unique, patented fire-protected material that can be integrally factory-fitted to heating oil tanks. This enables the tanks to be located next to a building for added convenience, security and space saving, while still complying with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) regulations. The company also developed a newly designed range of plastic fabricated tanks for the storage and dispensing of AdBlue®, the diesel cleaning additive. Currently, they are developing a new remote fuel monitoring telemetry system that will be launched over the next 12 months. Furthermore, Tuffa has also been awarded BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Certification, with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) stating that the internationally recognised Quality Management System “helps to ensure customer get consistent, good quality products and services”. Due to these developments, Tuffa has experiences a significant growth over the last 18 months, with sales up by 25% halfway through the current financial year. Additionally, the company also managed to create 10 new permanent jobs in their factory and office. “We have a culture of continuous re-investment and innovative product development. We listen carefully to our customers to provide the best solutions for their bulk liquid storage,” said James Shenton, Tuffa UK General Manager. “We also work hard to offer the highest levels of customer support to create a winning combination of quality and service.”
Coastal Recycling has become the first waste resource management organisation in the South of England to be awarded the BSI standard national quality mark, PAS 402. This quality mark recognises the company’s commitment to reducing waste, specifically for the construction and demolition industry. PAS 402 is a nationally recognised quality waste management standard that focuses on recycling and energy recovery. It follows a rigorous process set by the BSI (the national standards body of the UK) to meet the particular needs of the construction and demolition industries. “This marks a key milestone for us. To lead the way as the first waste resource management organisation in the south of England to achieve this quality mark demonstrates our commitment to the environment. Recovering resources has been at the heart of our operations for some time and achieving PAS 402 is a fantastic external endorsement. The award is testimony to the great work done on all our sites and by all our teams of recycling operatives,” said Richard Marsh, Coastal Recycling Director. Coastal Recycling managed to achieve PAS 402 by meeting key performance targets across the operation including collection, transport, recovery, treatment and disposal of waste as well as reporting and evidence collection on waste management activity and materials recovery rates. In order to keep the standard, the company will have to continue meeting the same performance specifications. “Achieving PAS 402 is a great step for Coastal and a recognisable seal of approval for customers. When choosing to work with Coastal Recycling, customers can be confident that the demolition and construction materials leaving a site will be managed according to strict standards and that they will have verifiable information for any waste management audit,” said Taryn Clements, Coastal Recycling Head of Compliance. Based in Exeter, Coastal Recycling is the South West’s leading independent recycling and waste management specialist.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses a model, MCPIPIN (Monte Carlo PIPeline INtegrity), to determine failure frequencies for major hazard pipelines. MCPIPIN uses two models to calculate the failure rates: a model based on operational experience data which estimates failure frequencies for the four main failure modes (mechanical failures, ground movement and other events, corrosion, and third party activity); and a predictive model that uses structural reliability techniques to predict the failure frequency due to third party activity only. The historical failure rates used in the operational model are over 10 years old. HSE asked the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) to review and update the failure rates using more up-to-date fault and failure data. Data from CONCAWE (CONservation of Clean Air and Water in Europe) for crude oil and products has been analysed, as well as that from UKOPA (UK Onshore Pipeline Operators Association). EGIG (European Gas pipeline Incident Group) data was requested but was not made available. Failure rates by the four different failure modes have been derived from each of the datasets. In addition, substance specific failure rates have been derived, based on earlier analyses of appropriate combinations of UKOPA, CONCAWE or EGIG data. Assistance in the use of Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our FAQs page. Source link
22 July 2016 | Jamie Harris Construction firm Skanska UK has reported a 24 per cent increase in revenue for the first half of 2016, compared with the same period last year. Skanska UK’s revenues of £836 million was partly down to the extension of its facilities management contract at Barts Health NHS Trust, where it is to continue its provision of waste management services until 2021. The waste management service was awarded with the BIFM New Product or Service of the Year in 2015. The award was given for its improved control of waste disposal methods, cost reduction and an increased internal waste segregation. The firm also landed highways maintenance contracts in North Somerset, Hampshire, and West Sussex. Skanska UK also reported a number of construction contract wins that attributed to the latest figures, including work with the National Grid and Network Rail. Mike Putnam, Skanska UK president and CEO, said: “Despite a tough contracting environment and with an uncertain future caused by the EU referendum, we have a strong order book and pipeline of work. “The financial crisis and recession showed that Skanska has a well-honed capability to manage through external change. We will continue to take a measured and calm leadership approach to our business as the picture following Britain’s decision to leave the EU becomes clearer.” Source link
16 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The biggest threat to security is believing that no threat exists, according to a counter-terrorism expert speaking at a recent BIFM regional event. Kenneth Upham, counter-terrorism security adviser for Greater Manchester Police, was speaking at a seminar organised by the BIFM North Region. He said: “The threat to British interests in the UK from international terrorism is severe.” Although Upham noted that the threat is unlikely to disappear in the near future, he called on event delegates to proactively understand and prepare for a threat, rather than panic. He said that crowded places, such as sports and leisure venues, retail centres, transport networks and educational establishments, are key targets for a potential attack, but premises with high-risk neighbours, hazardous sites, organisations with hazardous substances, or those holding important information, could also be a target. Upham urged organisations to identify any potential threats and to build resistance to create resilience for business continuity. He also explained that although facilities managers have a right to be suspicious, they should try to identify suspicious behaviour rather than stereotyping and judging on appearance. Upham gave examples relevant to facilities managers, such as the employee whose reference does not materialise, or the person who suspiciously asks for detailed information that is not relevant to their job. Upham said each police authority has its counter-terrorism units and advisers and any suspicious activity should be reported immediately, as this could be the missing link in an enquiry. Mark Whittaker, BIFM North Region deputy chair, encouraged the FM audience to take back the messages from the seminar to create awareness, rather than fear. Source link
Darlington Civic Theatre is set to reopen in autumn 2017 as the Darlington Hippodrome after a £13m refurbishment by contractor Willmott Dixon. Above: Darlington Civic Theatre Darlington Borough Council appointed Willmott Dixon under Scape’s major works framework to overhaul the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre Improvements include more seating capacity, better backstage facilities, a new restaurant area and a grander entrance. The project also includes transforming a neighbouring former fire station into a children’s theatre, called The Hullaballoon. Further Images This article was published on 2 Sep 2016 (last updated on 2 Sep 2016). Source link
Mears chairman Bob Holt has taken over day-to-day control at troubled support services contractor Lakehouse. Above: Bob Holt OBE Bob Holt, 61, has been appointed executive chairman of Lakehouse, taking on the role previously filled by Stuart Black until his resignation in April. The company’s remuneration policy is beiong re-written to meet Mr Holt’s salary demands. Ric Piper, the former WS Atkins finance director who has been non-executive chairman since April’s boardroom coup, is now vacating the chair but will stay on the board as a non-executive until the end of November to help Mr Holt bed in. Bob Holt, 61, bought Mears in 1996 for £50,000 and then floated it on the stock exchange. He remains chairman of Mears, as well as social housing contractor Forrest. According to his LinkedIn page, Bob Holt is also currently chairman of Totally plc, DX Group and Inspired Energy. Before taking over Mears, he had previously been involved with building up Mitie. In a statement, Lakehouse said: “The board of Lakehouse believes that Mr Holt’s expertise and background in the support services industry, in particular his knowledge, considerable experience of and reputation in the sector in which the company’s principal business operates and his track record of turning around underperforming companies, will be invaluable to the group going forward. It makes him a highly qualified candidate for the position of executive chairman of the company as the board seeks to restore value for Lakehouse shareholders. So that they can afford Mr Holt, Lakehouse is having to re-write its directors’ remuneration policy. Shareholder approval is being sought for this. If the shareholders do not agree to My Holt’s terms, he will walk away, the board said. Robert Legget, senior independent non-executive director and acting chairman of the remuneration committee of Lakehouse, said: “We are delighted that we have attracted a very senior candidate of the calibre of Bob Holt. He is a sector specialist, has a proven track record of operational expertise and is expected to be key to helping Lakehouse restore value to our shareholders. We are confident shareholders will recognise his potential positive contribution and support his appointment.” Bob Holt said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board of Lakehouse and believe that my experience in the areas in which the group operates will be of benefit. The board is committed to return significant shareholder value and I look forward to working with the team to deliver that strategy.” This article was published on 22 Jul 2016 (last updated on 22 Jul 2016). Source link