Completing the world’s first zero-emissions harvest of a Barolo cru, and celebrating 2025 by opening the first 100% sustainable bottle of the highly prized King of Wines: these are the aims of the partnership between FPT Industrial and Fontanafredda presented at a digital press conference today. The global challenge of
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with multi-million expansion works at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, for Coventry City Council. The project involves the construction of a new dining hall and the refurbishment of existing buildings for optimised teaching spaces, which will allow for an additional 200 places at the
Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have
Anyone who is aged 40 or over has experienced one of the most significant growth periods for technology ever seen in a lifetime. They will remember when the Internet did not exist. We all used a single landline and had four channels on our television. One of the biggest areas
Merchants can edge ahead of the competition with the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system, the proven dry fix roofing solution from Ariel Plastics that is fast, easy-to-fit and fully compatible with an expansive range of roof tiles. Developed and designed for ease of installation, the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system
Panattoni, the largest industrial developer in Europe, is set to start work on the second phase of its 1.6 million sq ft industrial park in Northampton. Panattoni Park Northampton is already the home to three former Panattoni buildings and will see further units delivered at 250,000 sq ft, 380,000 sq ft
Mixergy, the smart hot water tank company, has upgraded its entire range of hot water cylinders to allow them to operate with a heat pump at any point during their working life. Once fitted, the multi-use cylinders, which can be used with a gas boiler, mains electricity or solar PV,
The controllers and push-buttons of the KNX eTR series are switch-sized and flexible in their installation. The clear design language creates quick and easy access to KNX building technology. The real glass surface is elegant, hygienic and durable at the same time. The controllers and push-buttons may be installed on
London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Estates and Academic Environment Management team has won (25 February) a prestigious CIBSE Building Performance award for efficient facilities management. The team won their award for improving overall energy efficiency and sustainability across the University’s estate. They employed energy efficient technologies to reduce overall electric,
An award-winning entrepreneur who built a booming construction firm in under a decade has launched a new coaching business to help other companies in the industry to grow. Parm Bhangal, Managing Director of Bhangals Construction Consultants, started the business in 2010 at the age of 22 and now has offices
Completing the world’s first zero-emissions harvest of a Barolo cru, and celebrating 2025 by opening the first 100% sustainable bottle of the highly prized King of Wines: these are the aims of the partnership between FPT Industrial and Fontanafredda presented at a digital press conference today. The global challenge of energy transition demands not only widely shared solutions on a large scale, but also targeted actions in specialist sectors, which must be able both to deliver concrete results and to attract the interest of a broader public, through the high intrinsic value of the projects themselves. Both can be achieved by projects involving partners with a long-standing commitment to environmental accountability. Implementing these guidelines, a core part of its brand identity from the outset, FPT Industrial, the global powertrain brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI), and the world’s largest producer of low environmental impact engines, has joined forces with Fontanafredda, the historic winery founded by Vittorio Emanuele I, the first King of Italy, in 1858. The heart of the partnership is the supply of two New Holland TK Methane Power crawler vineyard tractors with biomethane-fueled FPT Industrial F28 Natural Gas engines, which will work in the Vigna La Rosa cru that produces the grapes for the legendary Barolo of the same name, a wine which has been included in the Wine Spectator Top 100 of the world’s best wines. Recently awarded the title of “Engine of the year 2020” for its modular, multi-propulsion approach, the FPT Industrial F28 engine is designed to be compact, productive and environment-friendly. In fact, it ticks all the boxes in terms of power, performance and low environmental impact for specialized applications such as orchard and vineyard tractors where compactness and small overall dimensions are an essential requirement. The F28 is able to operate on diesel or natural gas and is hybrid-ready. The biomethane model designed for Fontanafredda was developed on the basis of a New Holland Agriculture crawler vineyard tractor. It can provide a power output of 75 hp with peak torque of 330 Nm and therefore ensures, in complete safety, performance which is absolutely identical to that of its diesel equivalent, even when working on the steepest slopes and on the slippery terrain typical of the finest vineyards in Italy’s Langhe wine-growing region. This is all with a zero-carbon footprint, as the biomethane that powers the engine is not a fossil fuel, but is produced by the anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste. Fontanafredda has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, both on the land, by implementing organic growing methods, and in the cellar, through the use of autochthonous yeasts. In 2020 these decades of evolution culminated in a fresh perspective: the Green Renaissance. The new Renaissance will create a great global community, united around respect for the land, which will also be expressed through respect for people. These values have led to the “greening” of all daily procedures, from the reuse of water to the choice of healthy, natural, environment-friendly packaging, and the use of clean energy for the Village inside Fontanafredda the farmstead. Thanks to FPT Industrial, from the 2021 vintage onwards, mobility in the vineyard has also become sustainable. The arrival of biomethane-fueled tractors will enable Fontanafredda to cut vineyard emissions to zero and make growing operations ever more sustainable.
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with multi-million expansion works at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, for Coventry City Council. The project involves the construction of a new dining hall and the refurbishment of existing buildings for optimised teaching spaces, which will allow for an additional 200 places at the school, in line with a government drive to provide extra student spaces in Coventry. Procured through Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works, this is the first scheme G F Tomlinson has been awarded through the framework in its allocated region, which covers projects between the value of £1m-£5m in the West Midlands. “This will be the first project to be completed under Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works, and we are delighted to be partnering with this framework partner and Coventry City Council, to deliver the expansion works and essential refurbishment for the school, to cater to the government’s vision of providing extra student spaces in the city,” said Andy Sewards, managing director of G F Tomlinson. “This is a very high-quality design and build, and once complete it will bring upgraded facilities to the school, allowing optimised teaching spaces and the space for a considerable increase of student places. We look forward to handing over the project ahead of the new school year in 2021.” Expected for completion in summer 2021, the scheme involves the recently completed refurbishment of the DaVinci Building – including science rooms fitted with new laboratory furniture, a technology room, storage rooms and the relocation of the IT technician’s office to an adjacent space. The main scope of works, which is the construction of a new 400-student capacity dining hall, includes a new, fully fitted catering kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as a mezzanine upper floor to be used by the school’s sixth form students, accessed via an internal floating staircase or accessible lift. The new dining hall will overlook the existing playing field and will also feature an outdoor dining area which will consist of a new external terrace and elevated tiered seating built into an existing grass bank. Internally, there will be high-finish feature concrete columns and the ceiling will be fitted with domed roof lighting to allow natural light into the building. The current dining halls, located in the Lindisfarne and Canterbury blocks will be refurbished and transformed into three teaching blocks and a seminar room, with a new accessible entrance formed to access the existing Teaching and Learning Centre to the rear of the blocks. “It’s fantastic to see work progressing well for G F Tomlinson on what is their first appointment through our Medium Works Framework. Despite the obvious challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, G F Tomlinson has continued to operate in a safe and secure manner, ensuring the school’s extension is ready for its summer 2021 opening,” added Emma Hesbrook, regional relationship manager at Pagabo.
Homeowners wishing to spruce up their properties this spring can look to these top tips from home improvement experts to give homes a refresh in time for the new season. From improving natural light levels and energy efficiency, to transforming a room with a bold statement wall, the specialists at Stormclad have compiled a list of their top five tips for homeowners to consider when looking to improve and spruce up their homes this spring. As many of us are spending more time indoors, working from home, educating our children and looking after loved ones – it’s important to consider how a property complements or inhibits new living habits and routines, and ways in which you can upgrade your property to suit lifestyle changes. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “As spring is just around the corner, it’s a great time to give your home a mini makeover, refreshing it with upgrades that are not only going to improve your living space, but also add value to your property. “We’ve compiled this list of ideas to consider for improving your home ready for the new season, many of which are simple and easy to do and will provide you with lasting results. The comfort, space and quality of our homes have become even more important since lockdown, so whether you’re looking for a productive home working space or somewhere to relax away from the rest of the house, these tips can help you enjoy your home as the days grow longer and summer approaches. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, now is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements.” Here is the list of five top tips to spruce up your home for spring: 1. Home office space If you are working from home, it is worthwhile creating an environment that will inspire productivity. Whether you have dedicated an entire room as an office or have a nook to yourself in one of the main living areas of the house, it is important to make it uniquely yours so that you’re always in the right frame of mind for a day’s work. Consider adopting a minimalist style for your home office space, as clutter can often become distracting and leave you wishing you were somewhere else. Desk plants and flowers will offer a burst of greenery, livening up the space as well as improving the air quality around you. Adding some of your favourite artwork to the walls will inject some personality and colour into the space, brightening it up and making it your own. 2. Conservatory refurbishment Conservatories offer valuable extra space to homes that, if properly maintained, can be used all year round. If your conservatory is suffering from lack of upkeep, is struggling with temperature control or has a damp or leaking rook, it may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space. Consider transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as a home office or somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. 3. New doors Investing in new external or internal doors can completely transform the look and feel of a home – providing a modern and contemporary upgrade that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. New patio, bi-fold or sliding doors that lead out to a garden or courtyard will help to bring the outdoors in, connecting you with nature, and allowing natural light to flood into your home. A new front door will make a huge difference to the exterior of your property, making a modern statement and improving your home’s security, insulation and energy efficiency, that could save money on energy bills over time. 4. New windows Although often overlooked as one of the obvious home improvements – installing new windows in your home can make an instant impact on a number of fronts. From increasing the amount of natural light that comes into your home, to drastically improving insulation, outside noise levels and home security – new windows are a fantastic investment that will last for years to come, adding quality and value. 5. Add a splash of colour For a quick and easy home improvement that really makes a splash, consider painting a statement wall in the living room or bedroom. Simply choose one wall to paint with a bold colour – such as a deep blue or warm mustard yellow – the braver you are with your colour choice, the bigger the impact! You can be extra creative with it too, by selecting an alcove or fireplace wall, so that the colour really stands out and becomes the main feature of the room.
Anyone who is aged 40 or over has experienced one of the most significant growth periods for technology ever seen in a lifetime. They will remember when the Internet did not exist. We all used a single landline and had four channels on our television. One of the biggest areas of growth has been artificial intelligence which was previously the stuff of horror movies rather than the positive, productive technology it has become today. When it comes to business, AI is impacting most industries and offering new and better ways of working. So just how is it transforming businesses? What is AI To explore the impact it has on business transformation, we must first understand what artificial intelligence is. Already we are using artificial intelligence on a daily basis even if we do not realise it. Some of the tasks that AI is assisting with are entirely mundane, while others are gigantic and have a significant impact on the world. Artificial intelligence is something of an umbrella term as it encompasses many areas where computer software is able to engage in activities that would typically be considered human-like. This includes things like problem-solving, planning and, importantly, learning. There are two primary types of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning. Machine learning is where we take advantage of technology to enable us to process vast amounts of data incredibly quickly. This happens because the AI involved uses algorithms to improve on what they do every time they do it. This is said to be learning, but of course, behind that, we have humans programming it. However, it has enabled us to make breakthroughs faster, especially when large data is involved that would take humans decades to go through. Deep learning is a specific version of what happens with machine learning and also uses neural networks which are programmed to engage in something called non-linear reasoning. Here we are using artificial intelligence to be able to deal with complex and multiple factors all at the same time. This is the sort of thing we see in self-driving cars and fraud detection. It is how the vehicles learn things like distance from other objects and calculate how fast they are moving, which gives them the ability to know how quickly they will progress along a route. They also have to be capable of making calculated judgments on things like changing lanes. AI and Business One of the primary concerns about artificial intelligence is that it would negate the need for humans to work and create independent thinking robots that take over the world, which is where the preconceptions of science fiction and horror come into play. The reality is actually AI has a very much supportive role in the human world. While it can work quicker at processing data than a human brain can, common sense is yet to be achieved. But in industry, it has undoubtedly allowed companies to progress quicker and grow more. It also enables the machine to deputise for humans when they are not available. Things like chatbots who answer mundane customer service queries at any time of the day and night are an excellent example of how artificial intelligence is supporting a business. Customer relationship management software is also expanding and being enhanced because of artificial intelligence. When using artificial intelligence in a customer service type way, we are able to offer up an experience that customers will see as personal and cause them to return to your store time and time again. For example, artificial intelligence can take notice of the customer’s previous orders and responses to questions in order to offer services that are likely to be relevant and therefore purchased. This can be done in an instant where it would take a human a few more minutes to look back over someone’s account. It also means it can be set up to target the customer with personalised advertising that looks like someone has put a lot of time and effort into preparing just for them when actually AI has done it in moments. The FutureThe limits of AI are hard to imagine at this stage cause for such a long time; it didn’t even exist. Artificial intelligence has been helping during the global pandemic with things like bedside monitoring and deep cleaning of hospital beds and wards. Surgical robots are used to ensure a completely steady hand but remember again, while there is an element of artificial intelligence, there are people involved to create the actual programming behind it. In the hair, makeup and beauty industry, artificial intelligence is being used to offer live virtual fitting rooms, where a customer can see an outfit, hairstyle or colour, or makeup on themselves virtually using an artificial intelligence-based mirror. When it comes to keeping our roads safe, artificial intelligence is being used in traffic lights, street lighting, and other areas to bring about safety and lower the risk of accident and injury. In security, artificial intelligence is already used widely in homes, from video doorbells to voice assistance. The latest smartwatches can offer ECG’s and fall detection, so it is easy to see how this is enhancing our lives rather than threatening them. It is undoubtedly an area that many young people are looking to move into when it comes to picking their career. With this in mind, computer programming and programming languages have become a popular choice for University courses. AI’s Role in Business Transformation
Merchants can edge ahead of the competition with the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system, the proven dry fix roofing solution from Ariel Plastics that is fast, easy-to-fit and fully compatible with an expansive range of roof tiles. Developed and designed for ease of installation, the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system provides a neat mortarless finish at roof verges on new build and retrofit projects. The system is a 100% mortar-free, dry fix solution, offering a hard-wearing, durable and attractive finish to the roofline without the inconvenience of using mortar bedding. Manufactured from lightweight, modern plastic materials that are easy-to-install and weather- resistant, the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system protects the roof verge from wind uplift, pest infestation and weather degradation in accordance with BS 5534. Available in Brown, Anthracite Grey and Terracotta, this all-weather system includes Starter Piece, Verge Section, Batten Clip, and Angled, and Half-Round Ridge Caps options to suit the ridge style. Fully adjustable for installation with tiles of between 260mm-350mm gauges, the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system is quick and easy to install, and offers a wealth of features so that installers can fit with confidence, giving a more superior dry verge solution for both new build and renovation projects. The temporary ‘True-Line’ guide in the Starter Piece ensures it is correctly lined up with the tiles, guaranteeing a perfect and secure alignment on the roof, whilst a handy cut out area provides the flexibility to work around existing gutters. Attention to detail and consideration of the installers needs have played a crucial part in developing this product. The Verge Sections are not handed to fit both the left hand and right hand sides of the roof verge for ease of installation. The ‘True-Connect’ locators fit the ‘True Mount’ allowing adjustable positioning of the Verge Sections to suit various tile gauges. An in-built ‘drip strip’ allows rainwater to run off the Verge, avoiding wall staining and potential damp. There are flex points on the Ridge Caps which allow for differing roof angles and a choice of angled and half round options to suit the ridge style. “With the construction industry reaping the benefits of dry fix products, the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge System is fast and simple to install, and fully compatible with a wide range of tiles. It’s set to become the go-to, hassle-free dry verge system for merchant customers, offering a clean, attractive and maintenance-free finish,” said Paul Goddard, Sales Director of Ariel Plastics. Offering the widest choice of roofing sheet, rooflights and roofing accessories available in the UK, industry leader Ariel Plastics is renowned for providing specialist roofing and glazing solutions for any application. The Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system complements Ariel’s extensive Corodrain roof drainage and Corovent roof ventilation portfolios. To assist each outlet in selling the Coroverge Universal Dry Verge system, merchants can also benefit from a free Display Unit with every stock order.
Panattoni, the largest industrial developer in Europe, is set to start work on the second phase of its 1.6 million sq ft industrial park in Northampton. Panattoni Park Northampton is already the home to three former Panattoni buildings and will see further units delivered at 250,000 sq ft, 380,000 sq ft and 430,000 sq ft, totalling over another 1 million sq ft at the park. The second phase of development at the Park comes after Panattoni successfully speculatively developed and let 625,000 sq ft of space to Eddie Stobart Logistics. Winvic Construction Ltd have begun construction on the three new spec units will be developed over two phases, the first being units 250,000 sq ft and 430,000 sq ft with steels emerging in the coming weeks. Finally, the 380,000 sq ft which will commence later in 2021. “We’re delighted to be continuing the development of 1 million sq ft in Northampton, after only recently completing the three units for Eddie Stobart. This shows that Panattoni has the confidence to deliver speculatively, knowing that the market needs more space,” said Oliver Bertram, Development Director at Panattoni. “This park gives businesses an ideal base to serve key markets across the UK, with direct access to the country’s major motorways. Market interest remains high in this area and we are committed to providing the right spaces for businesses to expand their operations. The new units at Panattoni Park Northampton will do just that.” Each will benefit from the same prominent location based on junction 16 of the M1 motorway, which will see tens of thousands of cars pass the occupiers’ logos each day. All three units will be built to 15m clear internal height and benefit from 50m yards. Northampton sits in the so-called ‘logistics golden triangle’, considered to be the UK’s most strategically important location for distribution. Panattoni Park Northampton is only 20 miles from the M6 and A14. The completed buildings will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and have an ‘A+’ EPC rating. Local services have been improved on site as part of the development, with the Red Lion Truck Stop parking area being expanded to accommodate more vehicles, as well as an HGV filling station being added to the existing set of pumps. The section 278 road that leads to the truck stop and main development has also been improved to give better access to the motorway. Once fully occupied, the development could support over 1000 jobs. “This next phase of development in Northampton demonstrates the success of our high-level business strategy in the UK and the speed and scale at which we work. There are limited opportunities in the UK that will deliver a 1 million sq ft spec option and it’s an important build for industry as a whole and one that we anticipate will soon be let quickly,” added Matthew Byrom, Managing Director at Panattoni.
Mixergy, the smart hot water tank company, has upgraded its entire range of hot water cylinders to allow them to operate with a heat pump at any point during their working life. Once fitted, the multi-use cylinders, which can be used with a gas boiler, mains electricity or solar PV, now give consumers the option to install a heat pump without having to replace the tank. The Mixergy tank is made from high-grade stainless steel to ensure that it lasts at least 25 years. The design team was determined to avoid product obsolescence and prepare the householder for a low carbon future whether using direct electric heating, heat pumps or hydrogen boilers. Mixergy’s smart hot water tanks use innovative technology to optimise energy use. Using thermal stratification to prevent hot water mixing with cold, Mixergy tanks heat only the water required instead of the whole tank at once when operating with direct electric, gas or PV. This approach, combined with the use of AI techniques that learn to heat water only when it is needed, can save consumers up to 20% on their hot water bills. When connecting a heat pump, installers simply fit the Mixergy Heat Transfer Module (HTM) , which uses an external plate heat exchanger assembly and circulation pump to achieve a more efficient heat transfer and improved volumetric performance. The HTM boosts the heat pump’s coefficient of performance (COP) by up to 10% for water heating whilst the tank is able to store up to 20% more hot water within the same installation volume compared to a coil heated tank. “The government has set a target for 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, which the industry agrees is a challenging goal,” said Dr Pete Armstrong, chief executive officer and co-founder, Mixergy. “By developing a heat-pump ready cylinder, we are offering householders a way to upgrade their water tank now, connect it to their existing boiler and be ready if they choose to install a heat pump in the future. The same tank will continue to work if the gas boiler is upgraded to work with hydrogen or if the customer decides to go all-electric with PV and a smart tariff. Fundamentally, we believe that there are multiple paths to net zero and we are determined that our tanks should be equipped for all without needing to be replaced. This saves money and hassle whilst eliminating the environmental impact of product obsolescence.” The Mixergy cylinder is also available as a slim-line version, which is the smallest heat-pump cylinder on the market, and comes with a 25 year warranty. As well as its multi-use features, Mixergy tanks offer smart scheduling controls through an app and are internet-connected to enable them to work with smart time-of-use energy tariffs, so that consumers have the option to heat their water when electricity prices are low or even negative. Mixergy’s solution was the first domestic hot water product to be certified by National Grid to provide grid flexibility services. Mixergy is working with Centrica to deploy thousands of smart hot water tanks as part of Centrica’s 2.5GW virtual power plant. Mixergy tanks already deliver more than a megawatt of Demand Side Response (DSR) service to the National Grid, time shifting demand to help balance the grid and facilitate the uptake of renewable energy generation.
The controllers and push-buttons of the KNX eTR series are switch-sized and flexible in their installation. The clear design language creates quick and easy access to KNX building technology. The real glass surface is elegant, hygienic and durable at the same time. The controllers and push-buttons may be installed on the wall with or without a switch box. All devices of the eTR series are supplied via the KNX bus voltage, so only the KNX TP line is necessary for connection. At 82 mm × 82 mm and 12 mm installation depth, the size corresponds approximately to a normal switch. A temperature sensor is integrated in all devices of the eTR series, so that no further sensors need to be installed for room temperature control. The KNX eTR M touch buttons are flexibly programmable. For example, as a light switch, for dimming, to raise and lower shades or to call up scenes. The LEDs in the touch surfaces can be set individually, as feedback to a touch operation or as ambient lighting. KNX eTR M is available as a single, double or quadruple push-button. The area function is an extra for the multiple push-buttons: When several fields are touched, for example by wiping over them or briefly placing the hand on them, another function is called up. The area function is often linked to the main function for a room, e.g. to switch on the light when passing by. Printed icons immediately show that the KNX eTR MultiTouch push button is used to set light, temperature and shading. Three times three areas are available in total. For light, the following could be set: Dim darker on the left, dim brighter on the right and switch on the lamp icon in the middle. The scene control included in the KNX device application offers further possibilities. The call-up of the scene can be assigned to one of the areas, e.g. “Dimming and ambient lighting” when tapping on the blind symbol. In the temperature area, thanks to the LEDs, it is immediately visible whether one has set cooler or warmer than the standard setpoint temperature. Also heating is visualised by a red LED and cooling by a blue LED. If the thermometer flashes, frost or heat protection is active. The control software for the heating and cooling system is included in the KNX device application. The PI controller can control single- and two-stage heating and cooling systems and switch between heating and cooling in combined systems. The reference is always the comparison between the measured actual temperature and the desired setpoint temperature. The individual feel-good temperature is the focus of the heating/cooling controllers KNX eTR 101 and KNX eTR 201/202 Sunblind. The setpoint temperature is displayed in luminous digits and can be changed using the intuitively understandable “Plus” and “Minus” buttons. Here, too, the controller for heating and cooling is included in the KNX application. Models 201 and 202 have additional up/down touch surfaces for positioning sunshades or blackouts. sun protection or darkening. LEDs in the touch surfaces provide visual feedback, e.g. as long as a drive is moving. So while the user interface of the KNX eTR series convinces the user with simplicity, many individual settings are possible in the application. Another helpful functionality is the mixed value calculation of the temperature sensor, which takes the value of another sensor if required and processes it into a room average. Logic modules enable simple AND and OR links. For example, the feedback of the LEDs in the touch surfaces can be prevented at night. And open window contacts can switch the temperature control to frost/heat protection mode. The great flexibility at a manageable price level qualifies the series not only for private residential buildings, but also in particular for offices, buildings used by the public and hotels with a KNX building bus system.
London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Estates and Academic Environment Management team has won (25 February) a prestigious CIBSE Building Performance award for efficient facilities management. The team won their award for improving overall energy efficiency and sustainability across the University’s estate. They employed energy efficient technologies to reduce overall electric, gas and water consumption. “LSBU’s Estates team is very proud to have won this CIBSE award for efficient facilities management across the University’s campus. It’s recognition of the commitment we’ve given to upgrading our campus facilities and improving the performance of buildings, while reducing our impact on the environment. LSBU’s commitment to renewable energy sources has resulted in a carbon emissions reduction of 85% since 2010,” said Chris Barnes, Maintenance & Energy Manager for Estates & Academic Environment at LSBU. The CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2021, now in their 14th year, recognise the people, products and projects that demonstrate engineering excellence in the built environment. Fifty-five international projects were shortlisted for 14 awards, demonstrating global achievements in exceptional building performance within engineering.
An award-winning entrepreneur who built a booming construction firm in under a decade has launched a new coaching business to help other companies in the industry to grow. Parm Bhangal, Managing Director of Bhangals Construction Consultants, started the business in 2010 at the age of 22 and now has offices in Northampton and London which employ around 20 people. The firm now works with around 3,000 clients, has been involved with £250m worth of construction projects and has completed £900m worth of estimates. In 2019, Bhangals Construction Consultants’ annual turnover hit £1m for the first time. Award-winning entrepreneur Parm has also launched other subsequent businesses in the property and construction industry – estimating firm My Build Estimate, a property management company called Azadi Properties and, just last year, at the height of the pandemic, launched Amico Design Limited, an architectural design and planning consultancy. Now Parm is now offering business coaching to construction industry professionals through his new company, Parm Bhangal. He said: “For years now I have been helping contacts in the industry through offering advice, help and support where I can. During the pandemic, I wanted to do more so started recording a series of You Tube videos offering insights and opinions on how the industry was being impacted and offering practical support. These were well-received and I had lots of positive feedback. “Having received business coaching myself in the past, I saw how I could use my experience, knowledge and passion for helping people in the construction industry and turn it into a business.” Parm is specifically looking to help owners of construction businesses, contractors and property developers to grow. They will learn how to break through limiting beliefs that hold them back and identify opportunities to grow their business through one-to-one business coaching sessions, monthly masterminds, workshops, courses, WhatsApp and Facebook support groups. “It’s not enough for construction firm bosses to simply know how to run their company,” adds Parm. “They also need to know how to get more work and take advantage of the contracts and opportunities that are out there. “Anyone who is involved in the industry knows that profits are their livelihood. They can’t afford to be losing money due to an ineffective business model. This is where I can support them by helping them set clear goals and develop efficient strategies to achieve them.”