Construction sites pose many dangers to workers. There are risks of slipping, falling from heights, and accidents from moving objects. Some chemicals like asbestos and adhesives used in buildings may also be dangerous and lead to potential health issues. Noise, harsh weather, vibrations, and dust are also potential hazards. Accidents
Proposals for a new research and development campus in Birmingham have secured the green light. The scheme is expected to create thousands of jobs upon completion and will provide a hub for healthcare and technology innovators. The hybrid application for the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) was brought forward by
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,
Mansfield based Rippon Homes has expanded its marketing team with two new recruits to accommodate its rapidly increasing number of developments across the Midlands. With more than three decades experience in the new homes industry, Leicestershire based Julie Johnson brings plenty of expertise to Rippon in her position as Sales
A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage
Homeowners and landlords looking to find a quality builder to carry out improvement works to their property can follow these top tips for choosing a trusted professional from the experts at Taggart Homes. Whether you are planning an extension, looking to create an open-plan layout, or are simply seeking repair
Despite the Covid-19 health crisis impacting significantly on the Lifting Industry, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Sector Benchmark Research reveals optimism for the post-pandemic future, and a move towards new and possibly more productive ways of working. Indeed, 72% of firms reported being optimistic for the next 6 months, with
Pelion, the Connected IoT Device service provider, and subsidiary of Arm, jointly announced a partnership with Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. This partnership will accelerate innovation in connectivity, security and intelligence at the edge for Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology. “This partnership combines Johnson Controls
Smartroof is delighted to launch the Smartmove Challenge 2021 as a fun way to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff, suppliers and customers, win prizes and raise funds to support the mental health charity Mind. At a time when our health and wellbeing has never been more important, the
Bespoke square bay lintels and the award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels from IG Lintels has ensured the character, thermal efficiency and build quality of an exclusive range of new build homes is second to none. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Market Reach development in the historic market town of Potton consists of
Construction sites pose many dangers to workers. There are risks of slipping, falling from heights, and accidents from moving objects. Some chemicals like asbestos and adhesives used in buildings may also be dangerous and lead to potential health issues. Noise, harsh weather, vibrations, and dust are also potential hazards. Accidents in construction areas are a common occurrence, although that doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided. While most injuries are minor and will have you back to work in no time, there are also more serious cases that may take longer to recover from. The worst ones are severe injuries that lead to disabilities, and injuries that result to an untimely death. When you suffer an injury while working, you have the right to receive compensation or disability aid. The good news is, there are lawyers and law offices that specialize in workers’ compensation. Most of them offer free consultation, like Terry Katz and Associates. WC lawyers will guide you throughout the process and help you get the maximum compensation possible. Working in hazardous environments doesn’t have to be scary, especially when accidents can be minimized. This is where site managers or supervisors can make a big difference by implementing stricter safety measures that may help to create a safer environment for all workers. Here are some useful safety measures that supervisors may implement in construction sites: 1. Reducing Work At Nighttime Working during the night can cause accidents due to poor visibility. Also, workers are most likely tired at this time of the day and may not be alert. Project managers can help reduce nighttime accidents by ensuring that the crew doesn’t work in the dark, especially in dangerous areas. 2. Requiring Reflective Wear Workers should always wear brightly-colored clothes on site. This makes them more visible for other workers no matter what they’re doing. Reflective vests or uniforms with glimmering strips may also help. It’ll ensure that everyone else around the site can see them, thereby avoiding accidents. 3. Encouraging Breaks And Shifts Fatigue can cause mishaps around the working area. Site workers should be encouraged to take a break every few hours to relieve exhaustion. During these recess periods, builders can take snacks or fluids to reenergize. This strategy can help them remain attentive and more focused while doing their job. Shifts may also help to distribute workload better. Employees can come into work in turns, and avoid working hours that are too long for their own good. 4. Emphasizing Safety Gear Construction workers and bosses ought to always have protective gear on them while on site, where they could slip and fall or step on sharp objects. Moreover, some chemicals used in construction may also be harsh to the bare skin. This is why all workers on construction sites must have personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times. Examples are gloves, slip-resistant safety boots, and hardhats. Employers can also provide fall arrest systems, eye and face guards, and gas masks for safety. 5. Advocating For Healthier Meals Construction site workers often require a lot of energy while working. Thus, energy-giving foods should be a part of their daily lives. Additionally, a balanced diet supplies helpful nutrients to the body, which may help reduce fatigue and boost daily performance. As a result, builders can work efficiently without getting exhausted fast. Aside from healthy foods, workers should regularly drink water and other healthy fluids. It’ll help to keep them hydrated and increase alertness. 6. Frequent Equipment Inspection Building apparatus wear out as time goes by. Frequent maintenance to keep tools efficient is quite critical. It’s also vital that all equipment be inspected before work. Some of the things you can look at are: Hand tools Electrical plugs and cords Slippery working areas Hardware handles Heavy machinery parts like brakes, engine performance, cooling systems, wheels and tires, etc. Inspection shouldn’t be done before work only. Ensure that tools are checked even after work to reduce the risk of accidents. 7. Holding Safety Meetings While most occupations have permanent locations, it’s different for construction sites. When working on new locations, it should always be assessed for safety, and workers should receive a full safety briefing each time. Additionally, risks change as projects advance. Employers are therefore required to communicate the necessary precautions for new work areas. They should also frequently update workers on the potential dangers in every stage. 8. Drug Testing Intoxication is a leading cause of accidents. It’s advised that builders be tested daily for drugs or alcohol. A drug-free working environment enhances safety for people within the building space. Conclusion Building sites report more accidents compared to other workplaces. Hence, employers should prioritize safety for their workers. Even though construction injuries are common, some steps can be taken to minimize the risks. For instance, project heads can ensure that all employees have PPEs. They should also test them for alcohol and drugs before work. Managers should also hold safety meetings and allow shifts and breaks. Healthy eating has to be promoted, and tools should be inspected before and after work. Additionally, night work must be avoided at all costs, and reflective wear must be worn all the time.
Proposals for a new research and development campus in Birmingham have secured the green light. The scheme is expected to create thousands of jobs upon completion and will provide a hub for healthcare and technology innovators. The hybrid application for the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) was brought forward by a long-term collaboration between the University of Birmingham, as landowner, and investor-developers Bruntwood SciTech. The application site comprises approximately 10.6 acres of brownfield land and is located adjacent to the district centre of Selly Oak, in close proximity to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Full planning permission was sought for phase one, which consists of a seven-storey office and research development building (building one), with an ancillary café, a temporary surface car park, as well as associated infrastructure and landscaping. Three floors of building one will be home to the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA). This facility will be occupied by the University of Birmingham and will focus on enabling the classification of patients and their treatments. Building one has a gross internal floor area of approximately 171,000 sq ft and, in addition to being occupied by the university, will provide a hub for businesses working in medtech, biopharma, precision medicine, healthcare AI and genomics. Supporting facilities will also be provided, including meetings spaces, and a café on the ground floor. The temporary surface car park, providing 258 spaces, including six accessible spaces, five motorbike spaces, and 68 bicycle spaces, will provide parking for occupiers of building one, as well as accommodate occupiers of the second phase of development. Outline planning permission was also sought for the remainder of the application site to bring forward up to a further five office and research development buildings and a multi-storey car park. A gym is also proposed in one of the buildings. The maximum provision for the multi-storey car park is 1,333 car parking spaces. The 10-year masterplan is expected to support the creation of more than 10,000 jobs and contribute £400m of GVA to the regional economy by 2030. “The proposed hybrid application will deliver a health and innovation campus that will have substantial economic benefits for the locality. In terms of both the full and outline elements, no concerns are raised in relation to highway safety, character, ecology, amenity, drainage, contamination or flood risk. The proposal constitutes sustainable development and is therefore in accordance with the aims and objectives of both local and national planning policy and should be approved,” said a Birmingham City Council document.
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, with prices starting from £250,000 to £800,000. Situated in a prime waterside location to the south of Trent Lane, The Yacht Club will offer residents panoramic views of the river and The Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. Following the government’s budget announcement at the beginning of March, the stamp duty holiday has now been extended until the end of June for homes under the value of £500,000, and until the end of September for homes under £250,000 – presenting house hunters with considerable potential saving opportunities for any property purchases in the coming months. Prospective homebuyers can also take advantage of the return of 95% mortgage schemes, which started at the beginning of April – allowing buyers to put down a deposit of just 5% on the home of their choice. With all south-facing apartments featuring either a large balcony or terrace overlooking the River Trent, including on the lower floors – the development boasts majestic waterside vistas in tranquil surroundings, with the green landscape from The Hook nature reserve located just over the river, and Colwick Country Park less than half a mile away. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2009, The Hook is home to abundant wildlife, an orchard and wildflower meadows, providing The Yacht Club with stunning, uninterrupted views. The location also benefits from no passing traffic, except that of boats, rowers and paddle boarders along the river. The scheme boasts high spec fixtures and fittings throughout including Italian-style kitchens, AEG appliances, underfloor heating, resident parking and picturesque outdoor communal spaces for residents to enjoy, in its prime location. Just a mile away from the vibrant and chic West Bridgford, it is close to a host of independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane stadium. The Yacht Club sits close to a number of waterside developments transforming the banks of the River Trent, becoming known as Riverside – and plans have been put forward for a pedestrian footbridge to be built over the river in the next couple of years, to cater to the burgeoning waterside residential communities. In close proximity to Nottingham train station and the city centre – less than two miles away – the luxury development will provide residents with access to Nottingham’s prime retail and cultural amenities, with the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker among the high street stores. As well as two world-class universities and major employers such as Boots, Experian and E.ON being based in the area – the historic Nottingham Castle, Victorian Lace Market district and 19th Century Arboretum park and gardens make up some of the city’s best points of interest and unique and quirky attractions. The show suite is now available for private viewings, enabling professionals, couples, families and downsizers the chance to peek into the exclusive riverside lifestyle that The Yacht Club has to offer. It will also provide the first opportunity for confirmed buyers to personalise and upgrade apartments – with bespoke options to choose from for interior décor, fixtures and fittings. Kam Mogul, managing director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this unique flagship residential scheme, providing the finest quality spacious homes, with unrivalled views of the River Trent, in an idyllic waterside location, that really provides a tranquil oasis for residents. “With excellent transport links, local amenities on your doorstep and quality living spaces, The Yacht Club offers residents a luxury lifestyle, with a tranquil setting and picturesque views over the water. This is the first of our landmark ‘Southern Gateway’ developments in Nottingham, which also include the 62-apartment Hindle House residential scheme.” Steve Parker, director at the selling agent, FHP Living, said: “The central, yet serene location of The Yacht Club makes it a truly idyllic place to live alongside the river. “As the area’s residential riverside communities continue to grow, Nottingham is experiencing an influx of people moving to the city from areas including London, as many look for a fresh start following lockdown. The stamp duty holiday extension and the introduction of 95% mortgage schemes have also been welcomed by the housing sector, as they are great incentives for those looking to move to a new home and take advantage of the potential savings in the process. “We have had a great deal of interest in The Yacht Club so far, with 40% of the properties already sold, so we’d urge anyone keen to view the show home to act quickly and register interest.” Construction works at The Yacht Club involve a phased completion, with the first practical completion in June 2021, and a full handover of the site expected in July 2021.
Mansfield based Rippon Homes has expanded its marketing team with two new recruits to accommodate its rapidly increasing number of developments across the Midlands. With more than three decades experience in the new homes industry, Leicestershire based Julie Johnson brings plenty of expertise to Rippon in her position as Sales and Marketing Manager. “I really like that in my role I get to wear many different hats – I can be looking at a piece of land one day, designing show homes the next, and helping a customer the following day. Between the close-knit team and the fact that these are lovely people to work with, it feels more like a family than a job.” “Having known about Rippon Homes for many years and knowing their passion for handing over quality homes, I felt Rippon was the best place for me to bring my knowledge and skills to help grow the business. It’s been a challenge this year with the Coronavirus outbreak affecting everyone, but we’ve continued to make sure our customers are well looked after and able to move into their lovely new homes. “My focus, along with my teams, is to ensure the customer journey is as smooth as it can be as we grow the business. I’m very much looking forward to watching the business go from strength to strength as our team grows.” Mansfield based Louise Dickenson also brings plenty of experience in the new homes sector, and agrees that a great team makes all the difference when it comes to work. “I worked for Julie many years ago, so when I saw she was advertising for a Sales Coordinator, I jumped at the opportunity to join her at Rippon.” Housebuilding is a change of scenery from Louise’s most recent role as a New Build Conveyancing Assistant at a law firm, but is an arena she’s familiar with having worked in various roles in the property industry since 2002. “I have known for a long time that I wanted to get back into the new build industry so I didn’t think twice about applying. My previous role also provides me with many transferable skills which will come in very useful in helping Julie grow the business. I’m really enjoying learning something completely new, supporting the Sales Manager and it’s great being a part of the growth of the business. I look forward to progressing in my role and developing my career with Rippon.” Ian Dyke, Managing Director of Rippon Home added, “It’s fantastic to have these highly qualified members on the marketing team. They’ve already made an impact on the business, and I expect they’ll continue to make their mark and grow within the company.”
A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage into a workshop to hone your woodworking skills. Or you could use it as a place to carry out handiwork, such as repairing or redesigning household appliances and electrical equipment. Irrespective of how you use your garage, there will come a point when you’d want to remodel it. Perhaps you’d like to add more storage cabinets and upgrade your workbench. Or you might want to improve its aesthetics and better utilize the available space. As with any home improvement project, remodeling your garage isn’t a cakewalk. It requires thorough planning and tremendous hard work. Also, you’ll have to select high-quality and durable materials, including storage shelves, cabinets, and paint. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes you need to watch out for when remodeling your garage. Let’s take a look. 1. Treating It As A DIY Renovation Project Here’s the thing – remodeling a garage isn’t as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls. From installing new doors and windows to changing the electrical wiring – it involves various complex tasks. Also, depending on the extent of the project, you might have to re-construct certain sections of the garage. Unless you’ve got the combined skills of a handyman, electrician, carpenter, mason, and painter, it’s wiser to avoid the DIY route. Instead, you should recruit a professional garage remodeling company that has the necessary tools, resources, and manpower to complete the project. Make sure you recruit a reputed and trustworthy remodeling company. Check their website and ask for a few references before hiring them. Evaluate their online reviews and find out whether they’ve worked on similar projects. Also, ask them about the duration and type of warranty they provide on their services. 2. Starting Without a Plan You can’t just dive into a remodeling project without a plan. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up with mediocre results and a garage that’s far from what you’d expected to build. Worse still, you might even consider abandoning the project mid-way. That’s why it is always a good idea to devise a concrete plan before you start rebuilding the garage. If you’ve sought professional help, chances are your vendor will provide you with a timeline of the project. Make sure you coordinate with them to handle various tasks, such as making alternate storage arrangements for the equipment, tools, and other knick-knacks you’ve been keeping in the garage. Also, you need to figure out where you’re going to keep your car and other vehicles while the garage is being worked upon. The key is to ensure that not having access to your garage for a few weeks won’t disrupt routine life in your household. This is also a good time to check with your vendor and find out whether they’ve designed a floorplan for the garage. A robust floor plan will come in handy for optimizing storage space, as well as ensuring that the garage serves all purposes it’s intended for. 3. Ignoring the Floors If you’re remodeling your garage for the first time, it’s natural to focus all your attention on the walls, shelves, cabinets, and other superficial elements. However, in this process, you might be ignoring one of the most crucial aspects of your garage, i.e. the flooring. The quality of flooring in your garage plays a key role in determining its longevity and usability. That’s why you should make it a point to use high-quality garage floor paint. While you’ll find various types of garage floor paint options, epoxy floor paint is the ideal choice because of its strength and durability. It’s resistant to stains and doesn’t chip as easily. In addition to the type of floor paint, it’s also crucial to select a reliable and trusted supplier. If you’re looking for top-notch garage floor paint, you can check out the options available at Promain Paints (https://www.promain.co.uk/floor-paints-and-coatings/garage-floor-paint.html). 4. Not Optimizing Storage Space One of the main reasons you’re remodeling your garage is to create more storage space. However, if you restrict yourself to simple cabinets, you’re likely not going to utilize the entire available space. Instead, you should look for ways to install shelves in obscure corners that can’t be used for any other purpose. Also, you should explore options to utilize overhead storage. What strategy would you use to remodel your garage? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.
Homeowners and landlords looking to find a quality builder to carry out improvement works to their property can follow these top tips for choosing a trusted professional from the experts at Taggart Homes. Whether you are planning an extension, looking to create an open-plan layout, or are simply seeking repair and maintenance work, finding a reliable professional can feel like a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with the process and work involved. With the country subject to lockdown restrictions over the past few months, which has seen many of us adjust to spending more time staying in and working from home, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of homeowners wishing to renovate and improve their properties. As a roadmap out of lockdown is now underway, it’s the ideal time to plan your next home improvement project to make the most of what is expected to be a more positive year for many following the difficult circumstances of last year. Here is the list of top tips for finding a trusted builder: Establish the type of builder or company you require Depending on the type of work you require at your property, it may be necessary to recruit a specialist company to complete the job. If the work is more general, then a builder who has experience in all basic aspects of home improvement works – from renovating kitchens, to fitting wooden flooring, will possess the skills needed to finish the job to a high standard. Once you have decided upon the type of builder you require, do your own research online to find local professionals in your area. Many online directory websites will allow you to do this easily, where builders can advertise and showcase their work, experience and services. Make sure you contact other clients of your chosen builder to ensure that your builder has decent reputation and is easy to communicate with. Be specific about what you require One of the most important parts of planning your home improvement project is deciding early on exactly what it is you require and if necessary, take advice from a reputable architect on your requirements. If the chosen builder is reputable and knowledgeable then they may be able to advise you depending on the job and if you require planning or building control approvals before starting, be specific about what you expect your builder to do and not do – for example, would you like them to source the building materials and products needed, or are you willing to find those yourself? Would you like them to dispose of the waste produced on a job, or to save costs will you do that yourself? Answering questions like these will help you to specify exactly what you are looking for in terms of works, so a builder can provide you with a quote based on your requirements and expectations. Put your job out to tender Once you are clear about the type of work you would like, you can advertise your job on various websites, where trade professionals can get in touch with you if they are able and willing to carry out the job. In any instance, make sure that you obtain independent references on your builder and if necessary, go and ask the referee. Don’t hesitate to shop around either – finding three or four quotes from different specialists will give you an idea about the cost of a project, how much you can expect to pay and the level of workmanship you can expect. Each quote should specify exactly what work it includes, so you can compare what you are getting for your money and make the best decision. The cheapest job can sometimes end up expensive, especially if the requirement is not well documented beforehand or if the builder uses inadequate material or labour – only employ a builder who puts their work, their customer and credibility first. Credentials and experience After shopping around for quotes and determining exactly what work needs doing, you should have one or two builders for consideration. The next step is do some research into each builder to look at their credentials – how much experience do they have? What types of projects have they completed in the past? Do they have any references you can look to? And is there a portfolio of work that you can view? Choosing a builder who has a wide range of experience and many years in the industry is reassuring, as you can be confident that they have the skills, organisation and knowledge needed for most jobs. You may need to wait and plan well ahead before getting the right builder as good builders are always busy. Check they’re insured Remember to ask the builder if they are insured. They should have public liability and personal insurance to protect themselves, their customers and the public if a property is damaged during work, or if an accident or injury occurs. They ideally should have product insurance in the event of any of the building products failing, this has happened previously. They should also be registered with the NHBC as this is a further layer of protection for the customer in the event of a problem within 10 years of the project being completed. Agree costs and work involved upfront To ensure your home improvement project goes smoothly, and you receive the desired outcome you were hoping for, it is important to agree on the cost of the work upfront, as well as how long it is expected to take, and what type of work is involved from start to finish. A verbal or written contract can be put in place to specify exactly what is required and expected, so you know the work will be carried out exactly to plan. The customer should employ a quantity surveyor to quantify the work and give the customer an idea of the cost before going out to tender, the QS should then certify the work
Despite the Covid-19 health crisis impacting significantly on the Lifting Industry, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Sector Benchmark Research reveals optimism for the post-pandemic future, and a move towards new and possibly more productive ways of working. Indeed, 72% of firms reported being optimistic for the next 6 months, with this increasing to 80% for the next 12 months. However, the breadth of specialisms and the number of supply chains in the sector have produced a varied picture in the research. LEEA does not expect the sector to return to pre-pandemic patterns of work as there are now clearly different expectations around training, travel and work patterns, according to the research. The majority of firms (over two thirds) reported their attitude towards e-training had changed in the past 12 months, with it being seen much more as an option. Training by Zoom specifically has its supporters, with nearly three quarters of firms reporting that they now see it as a more likely option. However, there is clearly a view that face-to-face training remains the preference, regardless of company size or specialism. Most firms are looking at more focussed travel, however, with 65% reporting that they expect to make changes to their business travel budget post lockdown. Few can be surprised to see such a large percentage of respondents recording revenue falls due to the economic impact of the pandemic and associated lockdowns. Surprisingly, however, the survey reveals a larger percentage recorded an increase in revenue. The picture improves when looking over the duration of the crisis: during the initial pandemic period (April to June 2020), there was an equal split between those reporting revenues up or down compared to the same period in 2019 (45% each). But, across the longer period of April 2020 to February 2021, the balance shifts to 54% reporting revenues up compared to 39% seeing a drop, which gives reason for optimism looking forward. Nevertheless, there has been a dramatic impact on the workforce with an incredible 50% of respondents making job losses attributable to the pandemic across a range of roles. Half the respondents expect the workforce to be smaller in March 2022 than it was in March 2020. While we can speculate about the reasons behind the ups and downs, further research will be required to fully understand which parts of our sector did better than others. “2020 has been a year that none of us expected. Our personal and work lives have all been impacted and as we look forward, we are now trying our best to predict what the future will look like. A year on from the initial lockdown in the UK, LEEA has issued this research aimed at helping us to understand the implications of the pandemic on our industry. It allows us to see the huge financial effects on our industry and the retrenching we are expecting concerning the size of the workforce, how training is conducted and changes to everyday work,” commented Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA.
Pelion, the Connected IoT Device service provider, and subsidiary of Arm, jointly announced a partnership with Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. This partnership will accelerate innovation in connectivity, security and intelligence at the edge for Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology. “This partnership combines Johnson Controls deep domain expertise in healthy buildings with Pelion’s device and edge management capabilities to usher in an era of truly smart, updatable facilities at cloud scale,” said Mike Ellis, chief customer and digital officer for Johnson Controls. “OpenBlue’s AI capabilities at the edge will consolidate diverse points of intelligence distributed across various floors, sites or even continents into insights and actions, creating an updateable building that can self-heal and evolve over its lifespan.” This innovation mirrors the automotive sector, where software, multiple sensors and AI-trained models have transformed the industry by enabling autonomous driving and software updates that blend data to continually improve vehicle capabilities and experience. Johnson Controls is applying the concept to the built environment. They will leverage Pelion’s flexible device management capabilities to unite diverse device types and application layers to feed AI models that respond to dynamic workloads. “Johnson Controls has the strategic foresight to rely on a partner to streamline the complexity of IoT device management security and secure firmware updates over the air,” said Hima Mukkamala, CEO of Pelion. “Pelion’s connected device platform will standardise the onboarding process for all systems, including the edge and endpoint devices that run on them, plus offer world-class public key infrastructure for secure and simple integration with third-parties.” This secure, open and flexible approach to device management will allow OpenBlue to run any device and hardware configuration, from hardware gateways to constrained temperature sensors. In order to provide sustainable, low cost and low power intelligent processing at the edge, the partnership will utilise proven energy-efficient processors from Pelion’s parent company, Arm, which are a key part of Johnson Controls’ distributed hardware deployment.
Smartroof is delighted to launch the Smartmove Challenge 2021 as a fun way to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff, suppliers and customers, win prizes and raise funds to support the mental health charity Mind. At a time when our health and wellbeing has never been more important, the six month Smartmove Challenge hopes to get people moving for a healthier mind and body, whilst at the time raising much needed funds for the charity Mind, which provides support and advice for anyone experiencing mental health problems. Set to start on 1st April and end on 30th September 2021, the Smartmove Challenge comprises three activities – walking, cycling and running – with participants submitting their completed miles. Smartroof has a set a collective participant target of 250,000 miles in six months after which the company will donate £2500 to Mind. Its parent company The Keystone Group has committed to match the donation. “We are hoping the launch of Smartmove Challenge will motivate people to make meaningful and lasting changes to their health. The challenge will also raise vital funds to help Mind, a charity at the frontline of people’s mental health,” commented on the challenge, Kevin Sherlock of Smartroof. A monthly prize giveaway of an Apple SE Watch is on offer and a Smartroof Challenge 2021 certificate will be awarded to participants who complete a challenge for six consecutive months. Participants who sign up to the Smartmove Challenge will receive a branded sports towel, snood, water bottle and drawstring bag to use while enjoying all the benefits of increased activity. Mind helps the one in four people in the UK that experience a mental health problem every year. The money raised will fund their vital work including the Mind Infoline, advice services and the campaigning Mind does.
Bespoke square bay lintels and the award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels from IG Lintels has ensured the character, thermal efficiency and build quality of an exclusive range of new build homes is second to none. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Market Reach development in the historic market town of Potton consists of eighty-five luxurious three, four and five bedroom homes. Developer Mulberry Homes’ philosophy is to ensure homes offer a strong character and identity whilst at the same time constructed with thermally efficient building envelopes. To achieve their fabric first approach, IG’s award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels feature across a range of plots while bespoke IG square bay lintels added character and increased natural daylight. “Mulberry Homes wanted to build in a way that considered the environment, taking into account the most sustainable options for the building fabric, without compromising on the interior and exterior build quality to achieve Part L SAP calculations,” said Ben Cheetham, National Specification Manager for IG Lintels. IG’s BBA approved Hi-therm+ lintels provided a low-cost solution to improve energy efficiency within SAP. Incorporating a thermal break, Hi-therm lintels are up to 5 times more thermally efficient than a traditional steel lintel. Hi-therm+ lintels were installed at window and door junctions accommodating different lengths throughout the building envelope to reduce heat loss in key problematic areas. This fabric first approach helped Mulberry Homes to lower carbon emissions and minimise running costs for the homeowner. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance repairs and improvement upgrades are not required with Hi-therm+ lintels unlike other costly bolt on renewable technologies. “At Market Reach, IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels were used for reducing carbon emissions and running costs for homeowners by improving the energy performance of our newly built homes,” added Shaun Aran on behalf of Mulberry Homes. To meet the developer’s aesthetic requirements, IG’s technical team designed bespoke heavy-duty square bay lintels that increased the surface area of the ground floor wall allowing natural light to enter the homes. The square bays 4390mm span and the perpendicular returns added a window opening with three facets, creating a large and more spacious illuminated internal living space with a unique external appearance to the properties. With these stunning homes now complete, IG’s lintel solutions have ensured this thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing housing development delivers on all fronts.