Lord Heseltine returned to the Tees Valley today to launch a new Strategic Economic Plan, placing the region at the centre of a new approach to industrial strategy. Meeting in Darlington, Lord Heseltine was joined by 250 business leaders, and the leaders of the five councils, to reaffirm commitment to
ONE OF THE TOP-PERFORMING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND CHOOSES A REFURBISHED BUILDING FROM FOREMANS FOR ITS 1ST SIXTH FORM Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, a member of the Portakabin Group and the UK’s largest supplier of refurbished Portakabin buildings, has handed over a purpose-designed sixth form centre at Higham Lane School
2 September 2016 | Jamie Harris Sodexo’s UK regional chair Neil Murray is to leave the company, reports the service provider. Murray joined the business in 2009 from GSH Group. He is leaving “to pursue opportunities outside the group”, according to a Sodexo statement. Murray said: “After seven years
An exhibitions and displays company has been fined for safety breaches after a labourer was crushed by a road roller. The incident occurred in November 2015 at Quantum Exhibitions & Displays Ltd in Hipperholme. The 26-year-old injured worker sustained several breaks to his right leg tibia and fibula bones along
Tata Steel has been fined after two workers suffered injuries to their hands in two separate incidents involving machinery. Northampton Crown Court heard how a 26-year-old employee lost two thirds of his left hand and his middle and ring fingers whilst trying to clear a blockage on a steel tube
On behalf of Kames Property Income Fund, international real estate advisor Savills has sold 140/141 Princes Street, Edinburgh, to Whinstane LLP, part of Thistle Properties Group, for £2.55 million, representing a net initial yield of 5%. Situated on the western end of Princes Street, the property totals 6,926 sq ft
The research from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is unusual in that it makes direct reference to the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on human health and premature death rates. The vast majority of air pollution studies only take outdoor
A company developing a high altitude wind power generation device – a kite with a wind turbine – has raised £5 million from leading energy companies to commercialise its technology. Kite Power Systems’ (KPS) patented power system consists of two kites flown up to 450m high, tethered to a winch
Develop Training Ltd (DTL) held its first Authorising Engineer Forum at The Hawkhills Emergency Planning Centre in Easingwold near York on Friday 9 December. In a day full of presentations from a cross-section of industry, electrical safety took centre stage with the importance of safe systems of work being stressed
Romsey based consulting civil and structural engineering company WFBA is continuing to introduce additional members of staff to their expanding team. Harry Hunter graduated from Plymouth University in 2014 and since then has been working within the infrastructure team for a practice based in Exeter. Harry has relocated to Hampshire
Lord Heseltine returned to the Tees Valley today to launch a new Strategic Economic Plan, placing the region at the centre of a new approach to industrial strategy. Meeting in Darlington, Lord Heseltine was joined by 250 business leaders, and the leaders of the five councils, to reaffirm commitment to the economic growth of the Tees Valley, and to use the opportunities arising from devolution to support a bright future for our region. With a £12.3 billion economy and world class expertise in chemicals, energy, health innovation and advanced manufacturing, Tees Valley makes a major contribution to the UK economy. The Industrial Strategy for Tees Valley 2016–2026 sets out bold plans to create 25,000 additional jobs, by building on our strengths, improving skills and infrastructure, and supporting business growth. The plan sets out key priorities and areas of activity over the next ten years including: Business Growth – attracting new business, improving access to finance and skills, and growing local business through an expanded Business Compass programme. Research, Development, Innovation and Energy – creating centres of innovation and technology, contributing to the UK’s industrial strategy in sectors of expertise; including biologics and materials. Education, Employment and Skills –increasing the number of graduate opportunities and vocational training, improving educational outcomes, and increasing the number of young people in education, employment and training. Place – creating vibrant town centres and expanding the quality and number of new homes. Transport and Infrastructure – plans to improve road, rail and bus services, connect Darlington to HS2, and develop plans for improved East-West connections and an additional Tees Crossing. The Circular Economy – proposals to develop a ‘low cost/high productivity/low carbon’ model for industry in Tees Valley, securing new investment by building clusters of companies connected through supply chains and sustainable energy supplies. Read more at http://neconnected.co.uk/lord-heseltine-launches-tees-valley-industrial-strategy/
ONE OF THE TOP-PERFORMING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND CHOOSES A REFURBISHED BUILDING FROM FOREMANS FOR ITS 1ST SIXTH FORM Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, a member of the Portakabin Group and the UK’s largest supplier of refurbished Portakabin buildings, has handed over a purpose-designed sixth form centre at Higham Lane School in Nuneaton, following completion of a £1.6 million contract. Higham Lane is one of the highest-performing state-funded secondary schools in Warwickshire, and is within the top 100 of all secondary schools in England. The new facility is allowing the school to provide a high quality, direct, post-16 progression route for its students for the first time, maintaining standards and outcomes far above national levels. The sixth form centre has been constructed by Foremans using 52 recycled and refurbished Portakabin modules – a fast and highly sustainable building solution. The two-storey building was completed less than six months from receipt of order to be open in time for the school’s first intake of sixth form students. Cranage of the refurbished modular structure was timed for the school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching. This is Foremans’ 11th school project with education construction consultants Surveyors to Education who were the designers and contract administrators for the scheme. Commenting on the project, Ben Elliott, Director of Corporate Services at Higham Lane School said, “This building is an amazing start to our school year. History has been made as for the first time Higham Lane School is now offering post-16 education from our brand-new sixth form centre. It has been wonderful to see our new sixth formers arrive.” “There is a significant shortage of quality sixth form provision in our area and feedback from our students indicated a strong preference to stay on and study for A-levels at Higham Lane School.” “The centre is both new and modern but in keeping with our existing facilities. Our staff and sixth formers are really delighted to be working and studying in such a high quality learning environment.” The Foremans pre-owned approach gave us significant benefits. “The Foremans pre-owned approach gave us significant benefits – it is very cost effective and the building looks brand new. It gave us more certainty to have the new sixth form up and running in time for the start of the new academic year because the majority of fitting out took place off site. Knowing that Foremans is a member of the Portakabin Group gave us even greater peace of mind along with their excellent relationship with Surveyors to Education.” Martin Hier, Director at Surveyors to Education said, “The school is both a statement building and it blends in well with the existing facilities. It is designed to meet the specific requirements of sixth form learning, which includes teaching spaces to accommodate smaller groups.” “We have a strong and long-standing relationship with the Foremans team and enjoy pushing the boundaries on each education scheme we collaborate on. We take a standard building solution and enhance it to meet the school’s requirements – whether that is for aesthetics or as here, specific classroom sizes.” “We would definitely recommend recycled modular buildings to other schools and colleges. The approach is very sustainable because we are re-using an existing building structure – which is still in perfect condition, and at the same time we can reduce lead times and carbon emissions. Foremans modular buildings are also really flexible so layouts can be reconfigured to meet changing local needs.” The Higham Lane sixth form centre accommodates up to 300 16-19 year-old students and has 17 seminar rooms, an art room, two science laboratories, and common room with café area. Some of the rooms have the flexibility to be divided into two separate rooms for smaller group learning. The building features large amounts of glazing for a high level of natural light, with brick cladding to complement adjacent facilities, and areas of bright red panelling to reflect the school’s colours. Foremans’ 10 previous projects with Surveyors to Education have included a two-storey school complex at Billingbrook School in Northampton and a single-storey community college building with five classrooms and an IT hub at Winstanley College in Wigan. For further information about refurbished Portakabin buildings, visit www.foremansbuildings.co.uk, email info@foremansbuildings.co.uk, or call 01964 544344.
2 September 2016 | Jamie Harris Sodexo’s UK regional chair Neil Murray is to leave the company, reports the service provider. Murray joined the business in 2009 from GSH Group. He is leaving “to pursue opportunities outside the group”, according to a Sodexo statement. Murray said: “After seven years with Sodexo, it is the right time for me to move on. I have had a very fulfilling career with Sodexo and have enjoyed working with a great team of UK and international colleagues.” Murray is to be replaced by Sean Haley as regional chair for Sodexo UK and Ireland. Haley is also managing director of Sodexo’s service operations division. Haley joined the business in 2011, as part of its acquisition of Atkins’ asset management business. David Bailey has taken on the role of CEO for Sodexo’s corporate services division, also vacated by Murray. Having been with the firm since 2004, Bailey has held numerous roles, including managing director of corporate services and global account director for its GSK account. Source link
An exhibitions and displays company has been fined for safety breaches after a labourer was crushed by a road roller. The incident occurred in November 2015 at Quantum Exhibitions & Displays Ltd in Hipperholme. The 26-year-old injured worker sustained several breaks to his right leg tibia and fibula bones along with burns to his right hand and an open fracture of the index finger on the same hand when the three tonne vibrating road roller he was using slid down a steep incline and pinned him beneath it. Quantum Exhibitions & Displays Ltd of Brow Mills Industrial estate, Hipperholme pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £70,000 with £4,139.50 costs by Bradford Crown Court. After the hearing, HSE inspector Jacqueline Ferguson commented: “There was no vehicle restraint or edge protection system in place to prevent vehicles from approaching the unstable edge of the embankment with the foreseeable risk of the vehicle overturning. This was a serious accident that could have proved fatal. “Companies should be aware that the HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fall below the required standards.” Notes to Editors: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk Source link
Tata Steel has been fined after two workers suffered injuries to their hands in two separate incidents involving machinery. Northampton Crown Court heard how a 26-year-old employee lost two thirds of his left hand and his middle and ring fingers whilst trying to clear a blockage on a steel tube manufacturing line which had unsuitable guarding, and in a separate incident, a 52-year-old team leader lost part of his little finger when his left hand was caught, again in an inadequately guarded machine, whilst he was receiving refresher training. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incidents which occurred on 12 September 2014 and 19 February 2015 found that there was a failure to appropriately guard and manage the risks arising from dangerous parts of these items of machinery. Tata UK Limited, of Millbank, London, pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined a total of £1.98million (£185,000 was for the first offence and £1.8m for the second offence) and ordered to pay costs of £22,500. HSE inspector Mark Austin said after the hearing: “Guarding of dangerous parts of machinery is a fundamental of ensuring workers safety, HSE will not hesitate to hold those accountable who do not fulfil their legal obligations, especially if that results in someone receiving life changing injuries.” The HSE decision to prosecute is always made in line with the principles set out in the published Enforcement Policy Statement. The level of fine is a matter for the courts. For further information on machinery visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/ Notes to Editors: 1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk 2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ and guidance at 3. HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases. Source link
On behalf of Kames Property Income Fund, international real estate advisor Savills has sold 140/141 Princes Street, Edinburgh, to Whinstane LLP, part of Thistle Properties Group, for £2.55 million, representing a net initial yield of 5%. Situated on the western end of Princes Street, the property totals 6,926 sq ft (645 sq m) of space, comprising ground floor retail with offices and ancillary space on the upper three floors. The entire property is let to Tesco Stores Ltd on a 20-year lease from 2012 at a rent of £135,000 per annum, with a tenant only break option in 2022. The 2017 review of the lease is index linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). Mark Fleming, director of investment at Savills Scotland, comments: “A prominent retail site on one of Edinburgh’s main thoroughfares, 140/141 Princes Street is a solid investment opportunity with a secure income stream. The sale represented a good prospect for the vendor to trade out of a smaller lot size in the fund at a profit whilst offering the purchaser a well secured prime investment opportunity.” Whinstane was represented by Montague Evans. Source link
The research from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is unusual in that it makes direct reference to the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on human health and premature death rates. The vast majority of air pollution studies only take outdoor contaminants into account. Both colleges called for more specific research to be carried out to deepen understanding of the key risk factors associated with poor IAQ and its causes, but pointed out that it was already apparent that increased levels of airtightness were adding to a growing problem. Indoor and outdoor air pollution causes at least 40,000 deaths a year in the UK and costs the economy £20bn, according to the new report, which also cites growing evidence of harm to children’s health and intelligence. It points to emissions from faulty boilers, gas cookers and heaters, as well as irritant chemicals from new furniture, air fresheners and household cleaning products as contributing to rising health problems inside well sealed buildings. House-dust mites, mould and dander from pets can also damage health, the report said. Harm The report found unborn and young children were particularly susceptible to air pollution. “The developing heart, lung, brain, hormone systems and immunity can all be harmed by pollution,” the report said. “Research is beginning to point towards effects on growth, intelligence, asthma, and development of the brain and coordination. Harm to babies and children will have an impact that lasts far into the future.” Dr Andrew Goddard, at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Taking action to tackle air pollution in the UK will reduce the pain and suffering for many people with long term chronic health conditions, not to mention lessening the long term demands on our NHS.” The new report found that, although the government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) set “acceptable” limits for air pollution, there is in fact no level of exposure that can be seen to be safe, with any exposure carrying a risk. Read more at http://specificationonline.co.uk/articles/2016-12-13/medics-link-deaths-to-indoor-air-quality
A company developing a high altitude wind power generation device – a kite with a wind turbine – has raised £5 million from leading energy companies to commercialise its technology. Kite Power Systems’ (KPS) patented power system consists of two kites flown up to 450m high, tethered to a winch system that generates electricity as it spools out. By achieving flight speeds of up to 100mph (45m/s) in 20mph (9m/s) winds, the kite’s tether tension causes the line to rapidly spool out from a drum, which turns a generator producing electricity. The £5 million investment, made by E.ON, Schlumberger and Shell Technology Ventures (STV), will enable KPS to deploy a 500kW onshore power system at West Freugh, South West Scotland next year. The company plans to build an array of 500kW systems onshore within the next four years, then a 3MW onshore system, before it deploys a similar sized power system offshore. Airborne wind technologies, also known as “energy kites”, are in development around the world. High profile examples include Makani Power, which was acquired by Google in 2013. Last month details were published via a patent of a tethered “windmill” system proposed by Makani, which would tether to floating data centres and produce power to run and refrigerate the computers on board. According to KPS, power generation using kites would not need government subsidies and could be deployed in waters up to 40m deep around the UK, Ireland, and elsewhere in the world. Read more at http://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/energy-investors-back-kite-power-company-with-5m
Develop Training Ltd (DTL) held its first Authorising Engineer Forum at The Hawkhills Emergency Planning Centre in Easingwold near York on Friday 9 December. In a day full of presentations from a cross-section of industry, electrical safety took centre stage with the importance of safe systems of work being stressed by the speakers. The day kicked off with Bill Bates of Foxgloves (Electrical Safety Management) discussing some of the investigations he’d been involved with during his career as HM Principal Electrical Inspector for the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Bill’s hard-hitting presentation underlined how easily very dangerous situations can be created due to a lack of planning, a lack of care and attention, and by not following the correct guidance and procedures. He went on to present the IET Code of Practice for Electrical Safety Management, the production of which Bill was heavily involved with. Quality = safety Lee Bateson, M&E Manager for Costain, then presented Costain’s approach to designated authorities for engineering disciplines before moving on to the automated tunnel drilling rig used on the mechanical and electrical fit out for the Crossrail project, and finally to World Quality Week. Lee’s key message was that through striving for quality on a project, safety will inevitably improve as a result. Next up, DTL’s Al Katib (Senior Lecturer and Authorising Engineer) led the assembly through a talk about the US’ NFPA 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace, looking in depth at arc flashes and the recommendations for suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Following on, ROOTS Original’s Scott Tonkin showcased the company’s range of arc-rated PPE, which included flame retardant workwear of different calorific ratings, eye protection and safety gloves. How to mitigate the risk of the human factor In the afternoon session, after a brief update on low voltage skills compliance from DTL Delivery Manager, John Scott, Lucy Electric’s Phil Bourne outlined a vision for the future of the energy network and how their secondary distribution automation systems are helping to modernise operations for the likes of UK Power Networks. Danny Murphy, of the eight2O alliance then presented on the mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) management challenges presented by working in an eight-strong alliance on behalf of Thames Water. Al Katib concluded the day’s proceedings with a practical case study exercise analysing the human factor in relation to electrical safety. Responding to client feedback “We’ve created the Authorising Engineer Forum after listening closely to our clients and recognising their enthusiasm for a platform which facilitates the sharing of best practice and knowledge, updates in legislation and showcases the latest technology,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Develop Training, “The fundamental reason behind the Forum is about ensuring we all return home safely at the end of each day. It’s a source of pride to us all at DTL that we can play a significant role in this through the creation of the Forum and through the training we provide nationwide.”
Romsey based consulting civil and structural engineering company WFBA is continuing to introduce additional members of staff to their expanding team. Harry Hunter graduated from Plymouth University in 2014 and since then has been working within the infrastructure team for a practice based in Exeter. Harry has relocated to Hampshire and to WFBA and is now working towards Chartered Accreditation with the Institute of Civil Engineering. His appointment at WFBA will strengthen our civil engineering team and our offering to existing and new clients. Two new team members are from the Hampshire region. After 8 years with Southampton based AKS Ward, Graham Machin joins as a Senior Structural Engineer engaged on a variety of projects including a new eleven storey hotel scheme design for Portsmouth. His ambition is to gain his Chartership within the next few years. Romsey’s Tom Marshall started with WFBA as a summer intern in 2015. Now having gained his Master of Science in Civil Engineering at Cardiff University, he has been appointed as a Graduate Structural Engineer and supports the established team that problem solves on a range of intricate and sometimes frustrating projects! Ongoing demand for our consultancy services. WFBA Director Nick Groves, who founded the company in 1995 with Managing Director Bill Brown said; “We are fortunate to be recommended by existing clients across a diverse range of market sectors which has contributed to the strong ongoing demand for our consultancy services. The scale of projects can vary from a £15,000 private home extension to a £30 million commercial development.” Anyone who joins the £1,000,000 turnover company will not only work with architects and developers within Hampshire, but on construction projects throughout the UK. These range from new Travelodge Hotels, retirement homes across the south for McCarthy and Stone, housing developments, complex refurbishments and one off prestige projects. Visit www.wfba.co.uk for information.