Cristina Diaconu

Affordable Homes League Table For People Looking to Buy Homes

The community organizing charity Citizens UK’s campaign group London Citizens has recently published an affordable homes league table for people looking to buy homes in London. The table displays the percentage of affordable housing that have been built in the area over the course of the past five years. These

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Approval for £90m Congleton link road

Cheshire East Council has given planning approval to its 5.7km Congleton link road project. The £90m scheme will now be referred to the secretary of state for communities and local government for a final decision on the planning application. This will allow the council to take the next steps of

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Carillion boss joins engineering firm board

Richard Howson, group chief executive of Carillion, has got himself an additional part time job on the board of another company. Above: Richard Howson Richard Howson has been appointed a non-executive director of John Wood Group, an international oil & gas services company based in Aberdeen and Houston. He will

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Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies Research Report 2017 with Technology Roadmap to 2022

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies” report to their offering. The ‘Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies‘ technology and innovation report reviews the recent technology advancements and innovations impacting various industries. Robotic Exoskeleton has been experiencing significant technology enhancements in the recent years. This advanced

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LEADING LEARNING PROVIDER DTL EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Leading learning provider Develop Training Limited (DTL) has strengthened its management team with two new appointments. Nichola Kitching joins DTL as Business Development Manager, bringing with her more than ten years’ experience in the welfare-to-work and education sectors, most recently specialising in apprenticeships and work-based learning in roles covering sales,

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Considerate Constructors Scheme goes international

Considerate Constructors Scheme launches in Ireland John Sisk & Son is the first contractor to register site. The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the organisation established to improve the image of the construction industry – is now international, having launched its first registered site in Ireland. The Scheme is delighted to

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

Cristina Diaconu

Energy Assets Group Announced That They Have Acquired Dragon Group

Energy Assets Group has announced that they have recently acquired Dragon Group. Energy assets is a company that offers metering and other related services in the I&C section of the utility market. The company has acquired Dragon Group in order to move forward with carrying out their aim of being a multi-utility network designer, constructor and operator for both the residential, industrial and commercial markets. Dragon Group was started initially by Simon Phipps and Debbie Edgar 15 years ago and the Group manages to generate a revenue that is valued in excess of £14 million. Dragon Group is a Northampton based company that includes Dragon Infrastructure Solutions, or DIS. The Infrastructure company is one of the leading providers of Independent Connections and Utility Infrastructure. DIS mainly focuses on offering their services to the residential new development market; but is does have a reputation for delivering solutions across all market sectors, residential, commercial and industrial.  It is thought that the company’s core electricity design and their operational skills will be useful to Energy Assets and will help them boost their portfolio in order to achieve their expansion goal. The acquisition made by Energy Assets Group includes Dragon’s Utility Distribution Networks means that the Energy company will have an iDNO licence to add to their Independent Gas Transporter accreditation. This new licence means that the Asset Group are able to accelerate their offering to the gas and electricity network on a national scale. Dragon is seen as a complimenting company for Energy Asset because of their comparisons in strategies and their shared ideals which strive for operational excellence. DIS will also offer an increased geographic coverage and an improved technical strength. These improvements will mean that Energy Assets will have an improved proposition for both the commercial and industrial sectors across Britain.

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Affordable Homes League Table For People Looking to Buy Homes

The community organizing charity Citizens UK’s campaign group London Citizens has recently published an affordable homes league table for people looking to buy homes in London. The table displays the percentage of affordable housing that have been built in the area over the course of the past five years. These figures only cover the percentage of affordable homes that have been built by the eight biggest housing providers. Countryside the property developing company has a score of 48%, meaning that it is ranked as the number one house builder of affordable homes amongst the top eight housing developers. The list of house builders included companies like Qatari Diar/Delancy, Bellway Homes, Mount Anvil, Barratt Home, Telford, Berkley Homes and Taylor Wimpey. Citizens UK wanted to highlight the lack of affordable homes being produced and suggested that all property developments in London should have at least 35% of the project allocated to affordable homes. This could help tackle the challenge faced by Londoners to find affordable housing. It is thought that more and more communities are being damaged because of the lack of affordability and the poor levels of housing provision, which could be changed if developers allocated more houses for the affordable market when carrying out developments. Countryside house builders have been said to have a unique ethos which requires them to provide affordable homes and work in partnership with local councils, housing authorities and business partners in order to make the best development choices for the community. With the lack of affordable housing at the moment it would be beneficial if more companies looked in to providing for this market. The figures from London Citizens have been cross referenced against the websites for public planning application websites and other industry data to work out the percentage of affordable homes created.

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RIBA strengthens chartered practice criteria in drive for diversity and equality

Browser does not support script. Contact us As part of an ongoing commitment to driving out inequality from the construction industry, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will be strengthening accreditation requirements related to equality, diversity and inclusion. With effect from 1 January 2016, RIBA Chartered Practices will be required to: • Operate an appropriate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy• Commit to paying all students at least the UK Living Wage, or the London Living Wage where applicable. The accreditation changes have been approved by RIBA’s Membership Committee. Jane Duncan, RIBA President Elect and champion of Equality and Diversity, said: “Every employee deserves to be treated fairly for the contribution they make. I am delighted that our practices will be enshrining their commitment to equality and fairness by signing up to the new accreditation criteria. “These important changes are a vital step to driving positive change and encouraging talent to join and stay in the profession. “Working as a collective and galvanised profession we can make a real difference by stamping out inequality.” The RIBA will shortly be publishing an EDI toolkit to assist practices in developing appropriate policies. -ends- Notes 1. For further press information contact Gagandeep Bedi, RIBA Press Office 020 7307 3814 gagandeep.bedi@riba.org  2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com 3. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA Posted on Thursday 28th May 2015 Search architecture.com just start typing and hit enter again × Browser does not support script. Browser does not support script. Source link

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Approval for £90m Congleton link road

Cheshire East Council has given planning approval to its 5.7km Congleton link road project. The £90m scheme will now be referred to the secretary of state for communities and local government for a final decision on the planning application. This will allow the council to take the next steps of land acquisition and the appointment of a contractor for the scheme. With £45m coming from central government and a target of £23m from developers set to benefit, the council is left to meet the funding gap of £22m. The route of the planned road runs to the north of the town, south of Eaton. It will link the A534 Sandbach Road, near its junction with Sandy Lane, to the A536 Macclesfield Road, near its junction with Moss Lane and provide a new village crossing at the river Dane. It will create the potential for improved road connections to both Congleton Business Park and Radnor Park Trading Estate. It is also expected to reduce traffic in the middle of Congleton. Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways & infrastructure, said: “I am pleased that both Cabinet and the strategic planning board have reached these decisions. This is the biggest road infrastructure scheme undertaken by this council and I know it will be of enormous relief to many people in Congleton to know that it is proceeding. “The link road will relieve traffic congestion in Congleton and, as a result, will boost the local economy by opening up new sites for development and create new opportunities for businesses and workers.”     This article was published on 23 Jun 2016 (last updated on 23 Jun 2016). Source link

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Carillion boss joins engineering firm board

Richard Howson, group chief executive of Carillion, has got himself an additional part time job on the board of another company. Above: Richard Howson Richard Howson has been appointed a non-executive director of John Wood Group, an international oil & gas services company based in Aberdeen and Houston. He will be a member of the nomination and the safety, assurance & business ethics committees.   This article was published on 15 Apr 2016 (last updated on 15 Apr 2016). Source link

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Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies Research Report 2017 with Technology Roadmap to 2022

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies” report to their offering. The ‘Emerging Robotic Exoskeleton Technologies‘ technology and innovation report reviews the recent technology advancements and innovations impacting various industries. Robotic Exoskeleton has been experiencing significant technology enhancements in the recent years. This advanced technology is destined to play a critical role in transforming the everyday lives of people, especially patients with disabilities. It has opportunities in manufacturing, for instance in warehouse applications. Robotic exoskeletons are anticipated to impact the healthcare, military, and manufacturing industries significantly. The technology literally improves the physical strength, functionality, and performance of the user. Key questions covered in this research service: – What is the significance and impact of robotic exoskeleton technology across industries? – What is the key industry trends propelling adoption? – What are the major drivers and challenges? – What are the key innovations? What is the patent and funding trend? – Who are the key stakeholders? What is the technology roadmap for the next five years (2017-2022)? – What are key growth opportunity areas? Robotic exoskeletons can be classified into six main categories: – Full body powered suits – Limb assistance suits – Back support suits – Powered gloves – Supernumerary robotic arms – Tool holding exoskeletons Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary Technology Impact across Industries is Expected to Increase Innovations and Developments are Increasing the Adoption Rate of this Novel Technology Competition Between Key Stakeholders Has Significantly Increased the Funding Level 2. A Sneak Preview of Robotic Exoskeleton Technology Segmentation of Robotic Exoskeletons Can Be Anticipated in the Next Five Years Robotic Exoskeleton Segmentation by Application 3. Application Landscape Assessment The Technology Impact and Adoption Scenario is Anticipated to Increase in the Coming Years 4. Factors Influencing Technology Adoption-Drivers and Challenges Patient Rehabilitation is One of the Key Drivers for Wide-Scale Adoption Lack of Funding is One of the Critical Challenges Hindering the Adoption of the Technology 5. Patent Assessment Most Patents Pertain to the Assembly Method of Robotic Exoskeletons A Neck-to-Neck Race to the Finish – Technology Development and Global Adoption Footprint 6. Recent Innovations and Advances An Exoskeleton to Improve the User’s Mobility A Knee Brace Exoskeleton to Improve Soldiers’ Movement Remotely Controlled Robotic Exoskeleton A Robotic Exoskeleton to Help People with Spinal Cord Injury A Biologically Inspired Ankle Exoskeleton Suit Biofidelic Robotic Exoskeleton Suit An Exoskeleton Power Suit to Assist Paraplegics 7. Key Industry Initiatives Companies are Developing Proprietary Technologies to Improve the Functionality of the Exoskeleton Most Companies are Focusing on Developing Full-body Exoskeleton Suits for the Military Industry Key Players in the Industry are Investing Heavy Funding for R&D Purposes 8. Recent Industry Activities The Race to Increase Company Portfolio Sudden Shift Introduces New Participants into the Market 9. Mergers & Acquisitions, Funding Strategic Collaborations for Large-scale Adoption and Growth The Funding Scenario is Expected to Tremendously Increase in the Future 10. Technology Benchmarking (2017-2022) Technology Readiness and Wide-scale Adoption of Limb Assistance Suits are Anticipated to Foresee a Significant Change The Technical Features of Full Body Powered Exoskeletons Directly Impact its Wide-scale Adoption Footprint Wide-scale Adoption and Increase in Number of Patents are Expected During 2017 to 2022 11. Technology Roadmap (2017-2022) 12. Key Patents Patents Pertaining to Assembly Techniques for Robotic Exoskeletons Patents for an Adjustable Force Exoskeleton and Ambulatory Exoskeleton Propulsion Patents Pertaining to Resistive Exoskeleton Control System and Exoskeleton Slipper Patents Pertaining to Exoskeleton for Limbs Patents for Leg and Arm Support Exoskeletons For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gskt3h/emerging_robotic

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AECOM Announced That They Have Been Appointed to Create a Technical Advisory Service

AECOM has announced that they have been appointed to create a technical advisory service for the Priority School Building Programme 2. The global infrastructure service provider was selected for the role by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. The Programme 2 rebuild is part of the Priority School Building Programme, a scheme that was created by the government. This Programme will see the government invest £4.4 billion in to rebuilding and refurbishing the school buildings around the country that are classified as being in the very worst condition. While in this role AECOM will be expected to deliver a variety of multidisciplinary services in order to help with the rebuilding and refurbishment of the schools around the UK. The services AECOM will provide to this programme include architecture, quantity surveying, structural engineering as well as Mechanical and Electrical engineering. The infrastructure service firm will also provide the project with a range of procurement advisory services and a range of feasibility services which cover geotechnical, acoustic, building condition, ecology, flood risk assessment and topographical services. To begin with, the contract with AECOM will cover 15 different schools in four different geographical batches: Midlands; Leicestershire; South One, covering Norfolk and Somerset; and South Two, which includes Hertfordshire. Depending on how well the programme works in these areas, and if it is successful, more batches could be added to the Programme throughout the four-year contract. The work on the Priority School Building Programme started immediately and it ids thought that it will continue up until 2020. The second phase of the Building Programme began in 2014 as different local authorities, dioceses, sixth form colleges, academies and academy trusts were first asked to submit their expressions of interest for either an entirely new school site or for one or multiple buildings to receive funding as part of the programme. AECOM’s contract covers those that are being taken forward from this initial selection process and it is thought that the programme will improve the conditions for hundreds of different school children around the country.

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Irwin Mitchell Announced That Adrian Barlow Is the New National Head of Real Estate

Irwin Mitchell has announced that they have appointed Adrian Barlow for the position of National Head of Real Estate. The Pinsent Masons’ partner has been appointed to this role within the Law firm where it is planned that he will lead his own team of more than 30 commercial real estate partners. The Irwin Mitchell role will be based in London where Adrian Barlow will be responsible for his team or more than 30 commercial real estate partners and more than 40 other commercial real estate lawyers. Although Adrian’s role is based in London, these team members will be spread across eight different offices in the UK. Adrian has a good deal of experience in the real estate industry as he managed to successfully lead Pinsent Masons’ Property Group between 2004 and 2016. Adrian’s experience has a client focus as he has worked advising both public and private sector organisations with things such as project strategy and real estate portfolio. Adrian has also given advice to companies about business change management from a legal perspective. As part of his work, Adrian Barlow has offered advice regarding real estate to a number of different household names including businesses that are in the FTSE 100 and foreign companies. Adrian is said to be an excellent leader, and hopefully should flourish in his new role at Irwin Mitchell. His career at Pinsent Masons included being a senior sponsor for the Diversity & Inclusion agenda. Adrian Barlow is also a trustee of the Ouseley Trust where he sits on the main board and finance committee. Adrian’s appointment reflects the company’s ambition to increase their Business Legal Services division. Irwin Mitchell intend to carry out their growth plans through appointing people like Adrian who have good experience and track record in this sector in order to make sure that they can continue to offer a high standard of customer service.

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LEADING LEARNING PROVIDER DTL EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Leading learning provider Develop Training Limited (DTL) has strengthened its management team with two new appointments. Nichola Kitching joins DTL as Business Development Manager, bringing with her more than ten years’ experience in the welfare-to-work and education sectors, most recently specialising in apprenticeships and work-based learning in roles covering sales, account management and operations. Marisa Harris has been appointed Skills Funding Agency (SFA) Administration Manager, drawing upon several years’ experience of working for a training provider managing SFA funding and administration with a detailed understanding of funding rules, the Individual Learner Record and compliance relating to apprenticeships. Chris Wood, CEO of DTL, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nichola and Marisa to the team. They join us at an exciting time for our business, as we continue to grow following our listing on the SFA’s register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP). Our inclusion in the register underlines the quality of our apprenticeship programmes and our ability to deliver training of the very highest level for large organisations in critical infrastructure sectors. We are now in a very strong position to help employers utilise their Apprenticeship Levy payments and to deliver the training that meets both their needs and the wider needs of the country.” DTL can provide specialist training at any of its bases nationwide, in addition to delivering on-site training solutions. All courses are fully accredited by the relevant leading professional industry bodies, which include City & Guilds, ILM, IGEM, Gas Safe Register and IOSH. Visit www.developtraining.co.uk for more information.

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Considerate Constructors Scheme goes international

Considerate Constructors Scheme launches in Ireland John Sisk & Son is the first contractor to register site. The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the organisation established to improve the image of the construction industry – is now international, having launched its first registered site in Ireland. The Scheme is delighted to welcome its first contractor to register projects in Ireland – family owned John Sisk & Son – a member of the international construction company, SISK Group. The first registered Irish site is located at The Exchange, which forms part of the International Financial Services Centre at the heart of Dublin’s financial district. This project involves the construction of a six-storey office block with a basement car park and two retail units at street level. The Scheme – which introduced site registration in the UK in 1997 – has received increasing interest from contractors with sites in Ireland asking to register construction activity. All are keen to improve the image and reputation of the construction industry, in line with the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice, which commits those registered to care about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment, secure everyone’s safety and value their workforce. Sisk led the pilot of site registration to help ensure that this model of registration within the Irish construction industry was appropriate and fully tried and tested, before making it available to all construction activity in Ireland. Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “The opportunity for contractors to now register sites in Ireland is a huge step forward for the Considerate Constructors Scheme. With over 18,000 monitoring visits to UK-based sites, companies, and suppliers every year, the Scheme is highly regarded across the construction industry as a central part of instigating positive long-lasting change, for the benefit of the workforce, local communities and the environment. “We are delighted to now be able to provide monitoring and support services to Irish-based construction sites to help raise their standards beyond statutory requirements – pushing the bar of considerate construction to a new level in Ireland.” Brian Handcock, Head of Sustainability at Sisk commented: “We are proud to have worked with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to deliver the first project registered in Ireland. Indeed, Sisk was one of the early supporters of the Scheme, and has attained the highest standards possible on its projects on numerous occasions. “As a business that is over 158 years old and with over 1300 staff employed, it is important to all of us to be recognised for the good work our industry does for the communities, workforce and environment that we live in, are a part of and care for. Being part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme gives us an objective viewpoint of our performance, helping us and the wider industry to improve our image and reputation. We look forward to seeing the Scheme being taken up by our peers across Ireland so that the whole industry benefits.”

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