As employers strive to make environments as safe of possible for staff returning after working from home, many companies are looking at technology to create healthier, safer workspace for their colleagues. One of the main ways that illnesses, including coronavirus, can spread through workplaces is via airborne particles which are
Lipton Plant Architects have been appointed by the award-winning Fennies Nurseries, and their development partners, Origen Developments, to regenerate two prime sites in South London. The combination will deliver a unique, new-build nursery providing spaces to nurture and encourage adventure, creativity and growth, along with much-needed new homes both adding to and improving an important local infrastructure.
Building materials supplier CEMEX is pleased to confirm that the sale of its award-winning Attenborough Nature Reserve to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been finalised. The Trust has been keen to purchase the reserve for many years, and this has become possible thanks to a £750,000 grant from Biffa Award
Keepmoat Homes has announced four new land deals across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire that will see the Doncaster-based top ten UK home builder create 1,058 new homes with a combined gross development value of £166 million. The sites include two in South Yorkshire, one in North Yorkshire and one in North Lincolnshire.
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has commenced works on the new Greenwood House Medical Centre in Burntwood, Staffordshire. Due for completion in September 2021, the new £3.4 million medical facility, located on Lichfield Road, will bring first class healthcare facilities to the community, relieving the pressure of local hospitals. The
Homeowners looking to maximise the kerb appeal and value of properties can look to considerations from improvement experts when searching for the perfect front door. A front door is the face of any home and the first feature that visitors and passers-by will notice in a property, so ensuring yours
The publicly traded Daiwa House Group (Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., with a turnover of around € 32 billion) signed a share purchase agreement with the current shareholders of Flexbuild Holding (Flexbuild) on December 18, 2020. Flexbuild is the holding company of Jan Snel Group (Jan Snel), which realises modular
A full planning application has been put forward for a landmark mixed-use development on London Road in Nottingham, which if approved, will be a prominent gateway building along one of the main arterial routes into the city centre. Plans for the scheme, located at 152-160 London Road, on the site
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s
As employers strive to make environments as safe of possible for staff returning after working from home, many companies are looking at technology to create healthier, safer workspace for their colleagues. One of the main ways that illnesses, including coronavirus, can spread through workplaces is via airborne particles which are then directly inhaled, or can land on surfaces where they recolonise and can be transferred into a host via their hands. A single bacteria cell can multiply to over eight million times in an eight-hour period, which can be a huge problem with multiple colleagues touching hundreds of different surfaces a day. Effective cross infection control needs to be in place to ensure staff confidence and safety. Chemical fogging and air filtration are becoming very popular ways to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, especially in the age of Covid-19, and on surfaces in places of work, but what are the pros and cons of each? Chemical fogging Chemical fogging (sometimes called ‘smoke-bombing’) is the act of spraying a fine coating of disinfectant chemicals across an entire room, including all of the surfaces. It can be used for larger areas where other types of cleaning or decontamination may not achieve full coverage or completely rid the space of bacteria and viruses. During the coronavirus pandemic it has become one of the main ways for many types of businesses to rid spaces of infectious particles. The fine mist reaches into corners and difficult to reach areas and can also penetrate porous surfaces. It also means surfaces do not need to be rinsed afterwards, which can be a benefit. Chemical fogging is very effective at removing microbiological contamination. It is a quick and efficient way to kill germs and viruses on surfaces, however once complete, viral or bacterial colonisation will recommence. The process needs to be repeated regularly to keep control of bacteria and viruses from building up again. To effectively decontaminate an area using chemical fogging it needs to be completely free of people until the process has finished. The area will need to be ventilated for up to 60 minutes after fogging process has taken place and left for a period of up to four hours before employees can return, which can be disruptive for workforces. Fogging is not a one-product fits all solution. There are many types of disinfectant, which can only be effective on certain types of virus or bacteria, so the cleaning specialist would need to advise on the best product for requirements. The cost of chemical fogging starts from around £250 per hour, however it will need to be repeated every time there is a case of infection, meaning the cost to the business can soon mount up, depending on the size of the area. Air Sanitisation Units Air sanitisers such as the new Steraspace range from Airdri help to control infections by killing bacteria and viruses, mould and fungi. As an added advantage the units also remove pollen, pollution, smoke and odours. The Steraspace range from Airdri is unique in that it works by producing a continuous flow of disinfecting plasma into the air generated by combining photo catalytic disinfection, germicidal irradiation and dual waveband UV technology. The technology has been tested at Porton Down and is proven to kill 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface micro-organisms. Steraspace has also been tested by the Health Protection Agency and the efficacy results show that within five minutes 96-98% of airborne viruses were eliminated. Depending on the size of the room, the cost of installing an air sanitisation unit starts at around £250 and once installed the unit can work continuously in the background, constantly sanitising the area and surfaces in the room. When it comes to the economic factors of keeping your office safe, the Steraspace is definitely the more cost-effective option – the units cost as little as £2 a month to run, with an annual outlay of around £50 for a new bulb. Other options for cross infection control: Ultra-Violet Light These blue lights can be very effective, the germicidal waveband UV will kill most micro-organisms, however direct contact with this waveband of UV is harmful to humans and so must be shielded. Although this then also significantly reduces the contact with any micro-organisms. Filtered Pumps and Fans Whilst more of an air-purifier system than air-sanitation, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters work by trapping micro-organisms in fine fibres arranged into a matt to intercept particles. However, all of the air in the room must pass through the filter in order for it to be purified; some viruses are so small they flow straight through the filters and they escape back into the air. This method does not sanitise surfaces and requires regular filter changes, which can be costly. Bleach and Liquid Solutions Bleach can kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and is a strong and effective disinfectant, however it is also harsh on skin and traces of it on surfaces can cause irritation. It can also erode and damage some materials so only suitable for use in certain areas. Once an area has been cleaned with bleach or liquid solution, the colonisation of bacteria starts very quickly after. This approach also only focusses on surfaces and not the sanitisation of the air.
Lipton Plant Architects have been appointed by the award-winning Fennies Nurseries, and their development partners, Origen Developments, to regenerate two prime sites in South London. The combination will deliver a unique, new-build nursery providing spaces to nurture and encourage adventure, creativity and growth, along with much-needed new homes both adding to and improving an important local infrastructure. Jonathan Plant, Managing Director at Lipton Plant Architects, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to work with Fennies and Origen Developments on this exciting regeneration project. We have extensive experience in both the private residential sector and in designing and delivering nurseries, so we are really looking forward to combining both of these disciplines and supporting the local community with the facilities they need.” The project comes off the back of the practice’s RIBA Award winning ‘The Bath House Children’s Community Centre’ in Dalston; a multi-purpose building functioning daily as a nursery for children aged 1-5 and as an after-school club and holiday care.
Building materials supplier CEMEX is pleased to confirm that the sale of its award-winning Attenborough Nature Reserve to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been finalised. The Trust has been keen to purchase the reserve for many years, and this has become possible thanks to a £750,000 grant from Biffa Award and public backing for the Trust’s Attenborough Lifeline Appeal. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which has managed the site for over 50 years, launched its Lifeline Appeal campaign for funding to purchase the reserve in November 2019 – following the end of CEMEX’s commercial sand and gravel extraction which helped shape the site for almost a century. It is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Such is the popularity of the nature reserve, an area of restored former sand and gravel quarries alongside the River Trent south of Nottingham, that the charity reached its ambitious £1 million target in a matter of weeks – enabling negotiations over the sale of the site to begin. “After more than half a century of partnership, we are enormously pleased to see the transfer of this amazing and award-winning site to the Trust being completed. To see Attenborough evolve into such an important nature reserve in such close proximity to major population centres has been most rewarding. Our partnership with the Trust – which has included the establishment of the impressive Visitor Centre with support from the company’s own Landfill Communities Fund – has been a major success and we look forward to the Trust taking ownership as the site moves on to the next phase in its development,” said Stephen Redwood, Land Development and Permitting Director for CEMEX Europe. Now, with contracts signed and exchanged, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is planning for the long-term future of the site, which provides a safe haven for over 1,000 species including otters and bitterns and welcomes an estimated half a million visitors each year. Since being opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1966 Attenborough Nature Reserve, situated on the edge of Nottingham, has become one of the best loved nature reserves in the UK. The Trust has worked closely with CEMEX over this period to create a reserve which is an excellent example of how industry can work with conservation bodies to create a site high in biodiversity which is of national importance. Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Chief Executive Paul Wilkinson said: “The support of Biffa Award and the backing of the public and our supporters has delivered a prize that we have been working with CEMEX to achieve for some time. Attenborough is a cherished site, where so many come to connect with nature. Our aspiration has always been to take the site into our ownership so that we can plan for its long-term future and that future begins today. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made it possible including Biffa Award, our supporters and CEMEX.”
Keepmoat Homes has announced four new land deals across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire that will see the Doncaster-based top ten UK home builder create 1,058 new homes with a combined gross development value of £166 million. The sites include two in South Yorkshire, one in North Yorkshire and one in North Lincolnshire. The four schemes are: A 93-plot development at Carlton Road, Barnsley with a total gross development value (GDV) of £18 million A 360-plot development at Thurnscoe, Barnsley with a total GDV of £52 million A 454-plot development at Warren Wood in Gainsborough, North Lincolnshire with a total GDV of £68 million A 151-plot development at Field Lane, Scalby near Scarborough with a total GDV of £28 million “Our team has been working hard for many months on a number of land acquisitions and we are delighted to complete on four significant sites in the region. As a business our ethos is to not just build homes, but transform communities and improve the lives of local people. The sites will offer 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, multiple house types and various purchasing options from open market sale, shared ownership as well as affordable housing,” said Daniel Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “The housing market is picking up once again and we can see from our existing developments across Yorkshire in particular that demand for new build homes is increasing. To this end, as well as the deals announced, we have more in the pipeline and we are actively looking for further land acquisitions across the region,” added Daniel. In September, Keepmoat Homes was ranked 9th in Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table, which ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the biggest sales. It is a top 10 UK home builder and leading partnership focussed home builder providing high quality, affordable homes across the country, employing more than 1,000 people.
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has commenced works on the new Greenwood House Medical Centre in Burntwood, Staffordshire. Due for completion in September 2021, the new £3.4 million medical facility, located on Lichfield Road, will bring first class healthcare facilities to the community, relieving the pressure of local hospitals. The new single storey centre will consist of 12 consulting rooms, five treatment rooms, a healthcare and phlebotomy room, and a health education space with an adjoining pharmacy unit, and will be built on a site previously occupied by a residential care home, which has been vacant since 2008. “The importance of good quality healthcare is important, now more than ever, and the new medical centre will provide optimised and accessible facilities for the local community which are currently inadequate, meeting the demands of the ageing population in Burntwood. We’re pleased to be partnering with Staffordshire County Council once again to provide vital public service buildings for the wider community, instilling confidence that they have access to good healthcare whenever they need it,” said Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson. Providing a much-needed upgrade to the current healthcare facilities, the centre will be replacing services provided by the Darwin Medical Practice – located on Hudson Drive approximately 300 metres away from Greenwood House, ensuring improved and accessible facilities for the area. There will also be 61 onsite parking spaces created and surroundings will be landscaped, with the centre using the existing road entrance for the former care home. The scheme has been funded by NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, which aims to improve healthcare services for patients across the country with modernised facilities and technology. Procured through the Staffordshire County Council framework, G F Tomlinson has been selected to provide construction works for the site, and this is the fifth project the contractor has procured through the framework since 2016. Recent projects for the framework have included the £3.7 million renovation of King Edward VI Primary School in Lichfield, and the £5 million build of Anker Valley Primary School in Tamworth. “Part of the strategy for reducing demand on our hospitals from ageing communities is to provide more facilities and services close to residents. This development, reusing a dormant plot of land that has long been earmarked for the purpose, will provide additional capacity for the local GP practice and means people in Burntwood can look forward to a new, state-of-the-art facility that meets the community’s needs,” added Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council and former cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing. Staffordshire County Council is leading this project, with project management from ENTRUST, G F Tomlinson acting as main contractor, CPMG as architect and Jackson Purdue as structural engineer.
Homeowners looking to maximise the kerb appeal and value of properties can look to considerations from improvement experts when searching for the perfect front door. A front door is the face of any home and the first feature that visitors and passers-by will notice in a property, so ensuring yours delivers impact is key. Whether you are looking to place your property on the market and want to increase its appeal to potential buyers, or simply wish to enhance your home’s security and energy efficiency – a new front door is a worthwhile investment to add value to your home. From style and colours, to materials and thermal efficiency, the home improvement experts at Stormclad have highlighted the main factors to consider when choosing a new front door to upgrade your property. “A new front door can significantly transform the overall kerb appeal of a property, as well as providing added security and peace of mind. Choosing a front door with excellent energy efficiency can also drastically decrease the heat loss from your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills. Choosing a new front door for your home can seem somewhat daunting with so many options available, and as property experts with more than 20 years of experience, we have compiled a list of considerations to help you make the right decision for your home,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. Here are five things to consider when choosing the perfect front door: Budget The easiest place to start when deciding which front door is right for your home is to choose a realistic budget. This will help you to narrow down the options that are available to you, as well as helping you prioritise what aspects of the front door are most important to you. For example, is improving your home’s security a top priority? Do you wish to find a bold and colourful style that is going to make your property’s exterior more attractive, or do you want something that offers both excellent functionality and kerb appeal? Asking these questions initially will help to decide on a budget and do your research to find out what options are going to work best for you. Style With hundreds of front door styles on the market, making the right choice can be challenging. There are, however, several styles you will encounter in your search which all fit into more streamlined categories – traditional, contemporary and ultra-modern. Each offer their own style and performance benefits, and the one you choose will depend on the design of your property. Traditional styles will suit character properties and cottages alike, and modern designs will compliment new-build and more contemporary style homes. Consider choosing a front door which includes glass to increase the natural light into your property – doors with large or small rectangular panes, translucent or patterned glass, and even sidelight windows can make all the difference to natural light at the front of your home. It is important to browse different options before choosing a design that is bespoke to your needs, and considerations include – if a property is north or south facing, or if you have a wide or narrow entrance. All quality glass should meet British standards in terms of security. Materials Materials are one of the most important considerations when browsing front door options, as different styles offer a variety of benefits and finishes. UPVC doors are strong, sturdy and can be easily customised, as are composite doors, which have an authentic wooden finish and do not require painting. While traditional wooden doors are attractive and highly desirable, they do require more maintenance than other styles, with regular painting and varnishing recommended. They can also depreciate in harsher weather conditions over time, and are often less insulating than UPVC and composite option – so consider if you are willing to maintain the door in years to come to ensure that it lasts. Colour There is a growing trend for choosing a front door that has an unusual, striking or pastel colour – if you are feeling bold, a mustard yellow or vibrant teal can make a real impact to the exterior of your property. For something more subtle, pastel greens and blues can brighten the front of your home without being too excessive. If you are planning to sell your home, consider whether a bright colour may be off-putting to potential buyers – in which case, selecting a subtle or more traditional colour may be the right choice for you. Consider if you are planning to paint the outside of your property in the near future, as this will help to determine the right colour to choose. Most UPVC and composite doors come in a range of colours and are customisable if there is a particular colour that you desire. Energy efficiency Preventing excess heat loss where possible in your home is so important, as you want to live comfortably and efficiently when it comes to energy bills. Poorly fitted, old or damaged front doors will allow heat to leak out through the sides and glazing – so choosing a quality, well-fitted door is key to preventing draughts. Modern door styles can also ensure that your home stays cooler in the summer months, and this helps to balance the interior temperature to provide comfortable living conditions. All quality doors will meet performance standards and will be awarded with a ‘U’ value, rated on a scale from E to A ++ based on materials.
The publicly traded Daiwa House Group (Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., with a turnover of around € 32 billion) signed a share purchase agreement with the current shareholders of Flexbuild Holding (Flexbuild) on December 18, 2020. Flexbuild is the holding company of Jan Snel Group (Jan Snel), which realises modular building solutions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. With this agreement, Flexbuild and Jan Snel will become part of Daiwa House Group and together are taking an important step in the ongoing rollout of industrialised building across Europe. Investing in new markets Jan Snel and Daiwa House are forerunners in industrialised and modular building. Daiwa House is already active in Asia, North America and Australia. Together with Jan Snel, Daiwa House will be capable of further expanding its modular building business within the European market. The growing housing shortage and a lack of professionals in the European market has resulted in increased demand for smarter housing solutions in the market. By combining global knowledge, manpower and solutions, Jan Snel can offer well-suited solutions for the European housing shortage. Strong growth ambitions Jan Snel is the market leader in the Netherlands in the field of industrialised and modular building. By producing housing under controlled conditions in their factory, Jan Snel is able to improve both the quality and speed of the construction process. The reusage of materials, in combination with less waste and fewer emissions, enables the shift towards a more circular economy. Jan Snel specialises in innovative, industrialised solutions for the residential, healthcare, office, educational and industrial sectors. The Dutch company (based in Montfoort) has been making international progress and is already active in Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. Harry van Zandwijk, CEO of Jan Snel, explains: “The signing of this agreement is a reflection of our growth ambition. Daiwa House will add further expertise in industrial building to Jan Snel’s existing knowledge. With this, we want to become the clear market leader in Europe. In comparison to traditional construction methods, our modular construction method is smarter, faster and more sustainable. By combining our solutions and expertise with the strength of Daiwa House, we are laying a strong foundation for the future.”
A full planning application has been put forward for a landmark mixed-use development on London Road in Nottingham, which if approved, will be a prominent gateway building along one of the main arterial routes into the city centre. Plans for the scheme, located at 152-160 London Road, on the site of a former Indian restaurant and car valeting centre, have been developed by Nottingham-based ALB Group, which specialises in the conversion, redevelopment and letting of residential and commercial properties nationwide. The ALB Group has been working alongside CBP Architects for the design of the 100-apartment scheme, which if approved, will comprise one and two-bed apartments with balconies, spacious communal terraces, a ground floor two-storey restaurant, a café and bar, basement car parking and a gym for use by residents. Situated just outside of the Nottingham Urban Design Guide Zone of Reinvention and the Waterside Regeneration Zone, plans for 152-160 London Road have been carefully considered in partnership with Nottingham City Council and its design collaborators, with sustainability and the building’s positive impact on the surrounding areas, identified as primary aspects. The development designs include generous planting schemes and living walls on the balconies and terraces, which have been designed to enhance the ecological value of the site, and will be maintained using grey water recycling through a built-in irrigation and drainage system. Solar panels located on the roof would also provide a sustainable source of electricity to the building. Situated in a prime location close to both city and West Bridgford amenities, the development would be located just a few minutes’ walk from the River Trent, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Notts County and Nottingham Forest FC’s, and Nottingham train station. Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “As one of the main routes into Nottingham, London Road is a prominent location and provides a gateway to both West Bridgford and the rest of the city. We are excited to be submitting plans for this landmark scheme, which if approved, would bring luxury homes and further amenities to the area. The new development would improve the aesthetic of a major gateway, and serve to welcome visitors as they approach and travel through the city. “We have been working closely with Nottingham City Council, CBP Architects and the local community, to ensure the design of the building fits in seamlessly with the environment. The scheme’s contemporary look, complete with natural greenery, would also enhance the view corridor towards Nottingham Castle, which is something Nottingham City Council is keen to maintain. “The apartments would offer residents attractive views of the surrounding vicinity, towards West Bridgford and the city centre. Spacious, open-plan living and quality fixtures and fittings throughout will provide a desirable living experience complete with on-site amenities. Being in such close proximity to Nottingham train station, makes this an ideal location for commuters. Simon Birch, director at CBP Architects, said: “It is a pleasure to be working on plans for such a prominent, residential and commercial development in an unrivalled location in Nottingham. The design of the scheme respects its location on one of the main routes into the city and if plans are approved, it will provide a striking piece of architecture to welcome visitors and commuters along the route. “The contemporary design including living walls and planted terraces will help to bring the building to life and will provide a natural ‘green’ feel to its aesthetic, as well as boasting sustainable energy credentials to maximise the building’s performance and efficiency.” Construction on the development is due to begin in autumn 2021, with works expected to complete by spring 2023.
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails for the commercial and residential sectors. Recently named as the third fastest growing balustrades company in the UK by Plimsoll, the company reported record months in July, August and November this year, with turnover up 20% from 2019. After making a number of key hires earlier this year, the firm is now nine strong, with further plans to expand its team in the new year, as it continues to invest in the manufacturing side of the business. All of SMART Balustrades’ fabrication and assembly is done in-house at its Burntwood production facility and it has recently made a significant investment of £30,000 in a specialist tube drilling machine, which will accelerate production by up to five times. Despite the challenges of 2020, the business has remained strong; working in buoyant markets such as residential and education. Notable residential projects delivered by the firm this year include a balustrade scheme in Lewes, a platform balcony scheme in Luton and a roof terrace balustrades scheme in Bournemouth. The company is also working on a substantial project for national hotel brand Fairmont on its new Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, next to Windsor Great Park. Works include the installation of stainless steel and structural glass balustrades for the hotel’s stairways, terraces and spa areas. David Hough, managing director and co-founder of SMART Balustrades, said: “We couldn’t be happier ending this year with record results for our business. Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to adapt to the market, offering new products and services such as platform balconies as the demand for outdoor space increases. “Like most construction-based companies, installation slowed down due to uncertainty onsite, but once social distancing guidelines had been clarified and necessary safety measures were put in place we were back to normal levels of output. It’s been a different year for everyone to say the least, but we look forward to continuing to learn and grow in 2021 and beyond.” Jonathan Hough, contracts director and co-founder, added: “Being up 20% with our year-on-year growth is an incredible achievement, especially in the current climate and we have ambitious growth plans for 2021 – with a target of 35% further growth. “Manufacturing remains a key part of our business, and next year we will continue to invest in our equipment and our team to increase efficiency and productivity. The tube drilling machine is a worthwhile investment and throughout 2020 we have invested in systems, accreditations and staff, to put ourselves ahead of the rest. Thank you to our brilliant team who have been resilient throughout the year, and our clients who have continued to support us.” SMART Balustrades is part of the Unitech Group, and it designs and manufactures its products at Unitech Group’s 75,000 sq. ft. production facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s apprentice carpenters at the company’s workshop in Dublin. This is part of a longstanding Sisk tradition which will see 400 wooden toys donated throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. West Midlands Rehabilitation Service in Birmingham is a key service provided by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust based in Selly Oak. Their specialist teams provide wheelchair services; communication and technology device support; functional electrical stimulation (FES) a technology that helps children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy to walk and amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation. Work on the wooden toys commences in mid-November and takes four to five weeks to complete, with all staff and management in the Sisk training centre getting involved. Each November, the team get together to decide on the toys they are going to make, sourcing ideas from books, websites and feedback from the charities who have received toys in the past. The Sisk Christmas toy project was started by John G Sisk at the Sisk Joinery Workshop in Dublin almost 45 years ago. Today, Sisk has a state of the art training facility for apprentice carpenters and joiners located at its head office in Dublin and also has ten apprentices working at its Broad Street project. Sisk is currently building The Mercian (Birmingham’s tallest residential tower) at Broad Street in Birmingham city centre for its client, Moda. The project is located on the former site of the renowned nightclub, The Click Club at Burberries. Working in partnership with Moda, Sisk has already delivered on its promise to create hundreds of new jobs at The Mercian. In addition, with support from the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), a bespoke Training Hub has been implemented on site. Simon Dingle, Regional Director, John Sisk & Son, said: “This past year has been extremely challenging for everybody, particularly families who need to access vital support services. We are delighted to be able to team up with Moda to deliver our handmade toys to West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre. One of our greatest success stories has been our ability to give back to the many communities in which we work through our longstanding Sisk Christmas toy story. The toys are handmade by our apprentice carpenters and joiners, utilising the skills taught to them at our training centre. We would also like to thank all our supply chain partners who have donated a further 70 commercial toys as part of our donation the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre.” Tony Brooks, Managing Director at Moda, said: “With the extreme challenges faced by so many this year, it is a true pleasure to be able to bring some Christmas joy to children in Birmingham, our newest home. At Moda, we work hard for the communities we live in and The Mercian is no different – we’re proud to stand tall against the Birmingham skyline and give back to the community as we look ahead to everything we can bring to the city when we open late next year.”