Located a stone’s throw from Neasden London Underground station, Brunswick House is a well-connected new development offers home hunters the chance to put down roots in a vibrant north London district. Situated in the center of the London Borough of Brent, which has been hailed as the Capital’s most diverse
Proptech investment platform houzen has highlighted the scale of the work required to reduce carbon emissions from residential properties in the UK ad which need sustainable retrofits. Known for its innovative use of property data, the company has put the issue of sustainable retrofits under the microscope. Its algorithms have
Housing association Platform Housing Group, one of the largest social housing landlords in the UK, has welcomed Felicity Cort and James Robinson as its two new appointments as data assurance analysts. Felicity and James are part of a new team at Platform with a remit to raise and continually improve
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of student accommodation on Alscot Road in Bermondsey, celebrated in style by a topping out ceremony attended by developer Alumno, a range of stakeholders and the core design team. These included Greenaway Architects, project funder Barings and the headteacher of local
Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, is a finalist at the Northern Design Awards 2021, shortlisted for Amazing Space in the residential category. The Northern Design Awards bring together designers, retailers and property developers in a celebration of Northern design and style, consisting of 22 prize categories across the commercial and
The final few homes remain for sale at a new development in Brampton as work on site reaches the last stages. Bellway is building 150 homes at Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent, where construction is due to be complete next year. A total of 83 of the 90 properties for
It is not just homewares and electronics where Black Friday deals are to be found, new build homes developers are also offering special incentives this weekend at Burrington. Burrington Estates will give customers who reserve a new home at one of its South West developments over Black Friday weekend (26-29
In a bid to make up for the stunted celebrations of 2020, the opportunity to end this year in style could come in the form of securing a brand-new luxury home. Millwood Designer Homes is happy to provide a gift that isn’t just for Christmas, with a number of stunning
The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), share its expert heating and bathroom trends predictions for 2022 and beyond. Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) begins with saying, “We are finding new appetite for heating solutions that provide homeowners with all the advantages of warmth and
Investing in improving customer service is a trend that has reached most of the world. The explanation for this can be found in how expensive it is to acquire a new customer, rather than keeping an existing one happy and satisfied. Customer satisfaction can be achieved relatively easy through having
Located a stone’s throw from Neasden London Underground station, Brunswick House is a well-connected new development offers home hunters the chance to put down roots in a vibrant north London district. Situated in the center of the London Borough of Brent, which has been hailed as the Capital’s most diverse borough and is home to the iconic Wembley Stadium arch, this exciting area has plenty going on. A modern collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom modern apartments, available to purchase with Shared Ownership and launching this winter, purchasers can secure a brand-new home with a deposit of £6,781.25. “We are excited to be launching Brunswick House this winter and delivering quality homes that will enhance the lives of the people who live in them as well as the local area. Homes used to be a place that we rushed out of first thing in the morning and then slumped back into at the end of the day, but lifestyles have changed dramatically and as a result so have buyers’ needs. These apartments have been created with this in mind. Private outside spaces and open plan living areas provide a balanced living environment whilst communal gardens provide an idyllic setting to unwind and relax or stretch the legs after a busy day of home working,” said Krete Luca, Sales Director at Latimer, part of the Clarion Housing Group. Crafted with community at its heart, Brunswick House has been constructed around two landscaped courtyard gardens. Acting as a space for residents to come together or to meet with friends and family, these gardens feature benches and a variety of wildlife. Homes have been designed for modern lifestyles with open plan kitchen/dining/living spaces creating the heart of the home, direct access onto a spacious private balcony or terrace, sleek and stylish bathrooms and well-sized bedrooms. Finished to a high specification, externally the use of glass and brick at Brunswick House creates an architecturally striking statement, whilst large windows flood the living spaces with light and further accentuate the space available to residents. Oak laminate flooring to the living spaces and plush carpets to the bedrooms provide a neutral canvas for any design scheme, allowing residents to paint or wallpaper their new home without the worry of clashing colour schemes. Kitchens have been well planned, with plenty of work surface space to prepare meals and integrated Electrolux and Zanussi appliances. Locally, Gladstone Park and its tree-lined avenues, walled garden, duck pond, sport pitches, tennis courts, outside gym and children’s play areas is a five-minute cycle away. A variety of coffee shops, bakeries, hairdressers and restaurants can be found in Neasden Town Centre, just a 10-minute walk from home whilst Wembley Park and its array of amenities including BOXPARK, London Designer Outlet and Wembley Stadium is either a 15-minute cycle ride or 3-minute tube journey away. Brunswick House is positioned just a short four-minute walk away from Neasden Underground Station and on the Jubilee Line, providing access to Bond Street (19 mins), Westminster (25 mins), Waterloo (27 mins), London Bridge (31 mins) and Canary Wharf (38 mins). The North Circular is a five-minute drive from home and conveniently links Neasden to Finchley Road, Hampstead and the rest of North London, whilst the M1, M40 and M4 are also easily accessible. For those who travel often for work, or recreationally, Heathrow airport is under 40 minutes away, whilst The Eurostar at St Pancras can be reached in less than half an hour via tube.
Proptech investment platform houzen has highlighted the scale of the work required to reduce carbon emissions from residential properties in the UK ad which need sustainable retrofits. Known for its innovative use of property data, the company has put the issue of sustainable retrofits under the microscope. Its algorithms have revealed that some 21.3 million UK properties will need some kind of sustainable retrofit in order to make a positive impact on the planet. “Having analysed the COP26 pledges in detail, it’s frightening to see how many long-term promises have been included. These effectively kick commitments to the curb until it is too late – they are false promises that will result in countless lives being lost and livelihoods destroyed. It’s the action we take in the next few years that will be key to curbing global warming. Aiming to change by 2050 or later is not good enough,” said Eashita Saxena, Sustainability Analyst, houzen. According to the houzen team, both individual homeowners and the housing industry as a whole can begin making changes immediately. Cities are currently responsible for 71-76% of energy related CO2 emissions, with the construction and operation of buildings, along with the manufacture of the materials required to build them, playing a major role in this. The solution to the construction sector’s problem emissions is not complex, but it will take time, money and effort. There’s a need for extensive collaboration across the supply chain in order to promote sustainable practices and reduce embodied emissions. Modern methods of construction have a clear role to play here. Low-carbon solutions and circular solutions are already available. But they need to be implemented at scale. And, of course, who should foot the bill for this is under intense debate. Some companies are committing their own funds – French multinational Saint-Gobain is a leading example of this – but there is still a major need for government support with the cost of implementing more sustainable practices. Patrick Vallance, the UK government’s chief scientific advisor, acknowledges that cost is an issue, stating that “We have many of the technologies needed to tackle the problem but they need to be improved,” and that technologies that can help reduce emissions need to “come down in cost, they need to increase in convenience, they need to be applicable right across the globe and we need to scale them.” There’s an educational element at play too. The Construction Leadership Council, for example, has joined forces with ITN Productions Industry News to deliver a ‘Building a Greener Britain’ programme aimed at delivering a zero-carbon built environment. The programme explores the cutting-edge construction methods that focus on sustainability. At present, the building materials and construction sector accounts for an estimated 40% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why the sector is so key to efforts to reduce the rate of global warming, in addition to what individual homeowners are able to achieve in the buildings that already exist.
Housing association Platform Housing Group, one of the largest social housing landlords in the UK, has welcomed Felicity Cort and James Robinson as its two new appointments as data assurance analysts. Felicity and James are part of a new team at Platform with a remit to raise and continually improve data quality throughout the Group. Felicity, who began work with the organisation in 2015 when it was Waterloo Housing, will, in her new role, investigate and improve data, making sure it remains compliant and fit for purpose. “I am delighted to take up this new role; by continuing to improve our data and the trust surrounding it, we can pass this trust onto our customers. I will really enjoy working in a role where I can make a difference,” Felicity said. In James’ role, he will ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of data across the Group allowing operational teams to perform their roles efficiently and to a good quality. James began with the Group in 2017 as an apprentice when it was Waterloo Housing. “Platform Housing Group is an employer that offers opportunities for progression and new learning. The better quality our data is, the better our business processes will be. I look forward to playing a part in this,” James said. “We are delighted to welcome Felicity and James to this newly formed team; both roles will be pivotal in understanding data needs, identifying issues and challenges, improving processes to maintain integrity, drive performance and manage risks. We wish them all the luck in their new roles,” commented on the two appointments at Platform Housing Group, Colin Bailey, Head of Information Governance and Assurance at Platform Housing Group. Platform Housing Group, which owns more than 47,000 homes in total, completed 1448 homes in 2019/20 (1,598 in 2018/19) at an investment of £258m (£228m in 2018/19). The Group also built more social rented homes – at a figure of 981 – during the past 2 years in England than any other provider, 523 in 2019/20, almost 33% of the total homes built. Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South.
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of student accommodation on Alscot Road in Bermondsey, celebrated in style by a topping out ceremony attended by developer Alumno, a range of stakeholders and the core design team. These included Greenaway Architects, project funder Barings and the headteacher of local Kintore Way Nursery School and Children’s Centre, for which Alumno is aiming to help refurbish the external playground and develop an archive project to mark its long and fascinating history dating back to before the Second World War. Alumno’s fourth development in Southwark, Bermondsey, will deliver fully integrated student facilities for 143 students, including high-quality rooms with shared amenities, such as a basement cinema lounge, study room and community area. It will follow the aims of Alumno’s previous projects in delivering key local community benefits. Speaking at the topping out event, Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “We are delighted to have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard in the current difficult circumstances, in particular Greenaway Architects for the building’s stunning design, praised by Southwark Council, our construction partners HG Construction, and funders Barings. “The development will not only provide much needed high-quality accommodation for the area’s student population but will also contribute to the vibrancy of this diverse neighbourhood and make a valuable contribution to the local community in line with our ethos of always giving something back.” Commenting on the project, which is due for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, HG Construction Managing Director Conor Rice said: “It’s always a special feeling when we reach this stage, and this is all the more satisfying during these tough times, and also due to the benefits we know this development will bring to Bermondsey as a whole.” Rory Allan, Managing Director of Real Estate Fund Management at Barings, added: “We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the development of what will be a high-quality student accommodation. Barings has a strong conviction in the structural drivers behind investing in student housing in major undersupplied university markets and is committed to delivering projects that positively impact local environments and communities.”
Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, is a finalist at the Northern Design Awards 2021, shortlisted for Amazing Space in the residential category. The Northern Design Awards bring together designers, retailers and property developers in a celebration of Northern design and style, consisting of 22 prize categories across the commercial and residential sectors, one of which Daval is a finalist in. Judged by the best in the business including Linda Barker and Wayne Hemingway, these awards serve to recognise excellence across the North of England and are sponsored by Haywoods International and The Cheshire Magazine. This bespoke garden room project is complete with outdoor kitchen living space in partnership with local oak building specialists, Paragon Oak. Both award-winning companies are based in West Yorkshire, a mere 11 miles apart, so it was easy for the lead designers to collaborate to create a Daval kitchen living space within a Paragon Oak oak-framed building for a manor house in West Yorkshire. This instantly added an extra dimension to the living and entertaining spaces available for family members and guests in the client’s rural property. The Mayfair kitchen in Talpa, a contemporary matt finish in taupe, is the ideal choice to complement the natural oak hues of the timber. “With an upsurge in investing in the home and garden predicted for 2022, the luxury kitchen market is willing and able to support property owners and developers who are keen to optimise their surroundings as home comforts continue to be of prime importance. Hybrid and home working has brought new options to the work/life balance equation and we have been finding that flexible spaces are increasingly important. We have been getting requests to assist with an increasing number of personalised garden rooms, which underlines the desire for versatility along with a determination to optimise indoor outdoor living all year around,” said Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval. Daval Furniture is a British designer and manufacturer of luxury fitted furniture, delivered to UK homes via a premium network of 100 independent Design Partners nationwide. Daval Furniture’s 100,000 sq. ft HQ is nestled in the heart of Yorkshire’s Colne Valley in the village of Slaithwaite. The company employs 70 staff with an annual turnover of £6m. It makes bespoke fitted furniture including kitchens, bedrooms and offices. The family-run business was founded by cabinet maker David Bodsworth and his wife Alyson in 1978.
The final few homes remain for sale at a new development in Brampton as work on site reaches the last stages. Bellway is building 150 homes at Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent, where construction is due to be complete next year. A total of 83 of the 90 properties for private sale have already been reserved at the Brampton development, with just seven now available, while the remaining 60 homes on the development are being provided as affordable housing available for local people through rent or shared ownership. “With just seven properties remaining for sale at Brampton Gate, there are now only a few opportunities for homebuyers to purchase a new home here. We’ve now reached the final stages of construction and will be completing the last homes on site next year ready for their new owners to move into,” said Luke Southgate, Sales Director of Bellway Northern Home Counties. “The development has now really taken shape and a new community is beginning to form among those who’ve already settled into their new properties. Our showhomes are still open so I would advise anyone who is interested in finding out more to book an appointment to view them and get a taste of what we have to offer.” The final homes for sale include a mix of four and five-bedroom houses, with prices starting from £470,000. The properties still available to buy, include the five-bedroom Oakley and the four-bedroom Potton housetype, which was one of the showhomes at the development.
It is not just homewares and electronics where Black Friday deals are to be found, new build homes developers are also offering special incentives this weekend at Burrington. Burrington Estates will give customers who reserve a new home at one of its South West developments over Black Friday weekend (26-29 November) a Fortnum & Mason hamper worth £250, as well as a £10,000 saving on select homes*. Exeter-based Burrington Estates has made its mark across the South West with a strong track record in building homes of distinction in excellent locations. The Black Friday offer is open to purchasers reserving a home at several of Burrington’s developments across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset including Upbury Grange in Yetminster, Highwood Gardens in Tiverton, The Heaths in Illogan, Home Farm in Exeter and Stowford Mill in Ivybridge. Not only will they be able to secure their dream home but receiving the added treat of the indulgent ‘Burlington Hamper’ from Fortnum & Mason will make that decision even sweeter. Purchasers at Upbury Grange, Highwood Gardens, The Heaths and Stowford Mill will also benefit from a £10,000 reduction on the purchase price. “We are pleased to offer purchasers a little extra this Black Friday weekend when they reserve their new home. These gorgeous Fortnum & Mason hampers will get everyone in the festive mood and as Christmas can be an expensive time of year, we are also offering buyers a saving of £10,000 on select plots. We would love to see any prospective house-hunters in our show homes and sales suites this weekend – please get in touch to find out more about what could be your new home,” said Natalie Tucker, Sales & Marketing Director for the South West region. Every one of Burrington Estates’ developments is individually conceived to complement its setting, combining high quality interiors and stylish architecture designed to suit the lifestyles of a wide range of buyers. Stowford Mill offers a choice of contemporary homes on the edge of Dartmoor, transforming the heritage of Ivybridge’s historic former mill site into a vibrant new community. Only a few houses still remain for sale at the family-friendly Upbury Grange, set around a central village green and surrounded by the picturesque Dorset countryside. And at The Heaths close to the North Cornwall coastline, the stylish open plan homes offer single floor living providing an outstanding choice for those considering rightsizing or retirement.
In a bid to make up for the stunted celebrations of 2020, the opportunity to end this year in style could come in the form of securing a brand-new luxury home. Millwood Designer Homes is happy to provide a gift that isn’t just for Christmas, with a number of stunning properties available to reserve in time for Christmas. By reserving one of these highly sought-after homes, 2022 could prove to be the start of an exciting new adventure. Aiming to provide buyers with a fantastic end to the year and the perfect start to 2022, a selection of Millwood’s properties across Sussex and Surrey are available to reserve in time for Christmas. Three examples of a luxury home ready to buy in time for the festive season are Hollyhock Cottage at Cherry Tree Lane – a three-bedroom semi-detached property nestled in the picturesque Surrey village of Ewhurst -, Bell Flower Cottage, a two-bedroom property also at Cherry Tree Lane and The Warnham, a four-bedroom semi-detached home located at Lillybank, in the historic East Sussex town of Battle. “Both Cherry Tree Lane and Lillybank have proved very popular to homebuyers this year, with many looking to move into areas that perfectly balance urban and rural living. Sussex and Surrey are two of the most highly regarded areas in the South of England, and house-hunters have a fantastic opportunity to treat themselves this Christmas and reserve one of these spectacular homes, ready to move into next year. For many, Christmas 2020 was one to forget, but by cementing one of these stunning new homes, Christmas 2021 could be one that new homeowners will remember forever,” said Philip Brown, Sales and Marketing Director at Millwood Designer Homes. Hollyhock Cottage is a charming three-bedroom semi-detached luxury home at Cherry Tree Lane in Ewhurst. The landscaped front garden with feature planting mirrors the serene Surrey setting, and the open-plan living/dining area provides families the perfect environment to entertain others during future festivities. The spacious kitchen/breakfast room comes equipped with a comprehensive range of wall and floor cabinets with laminate worktops, and comes with fully integrated appliances including a double oven with grill, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and a dishwasher. The property also enjoys a garage, ideal to store the family vehicle. This wonderful home is priced at £597,500 and is perfectly placed in an ideal location that fuses the convenience of city links with the luxury of living in the countryside. Also available at Cherry Tree Lane is Bell Flower Cottage, a two-bedroom semi-detached luxury home priced at £422,500. Offering the perfect first home or a downsizer’s retreat, the stylish property is benefits from a fully open-plan downstairs, with the kitchen/dining/living room all rolled into one. The kitchen hosts a number of integrated appliances including a double oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer. Upstairs, the master bedroom enjoys a luxurious en suite bathroom and fitted wardrobe, whilst a spacious family bathroom and second bedroom complete the first floor. Exteriorly, the landscaped rear garden offers space for the homeowners to make the most of time spent outside. At Lillybank in Battle, East Sussex, Millwood has recently released a number of four-bedroom properties available to purchase off-plan now. Offering the perfect abode for families looking for a fresh start in 2022, The Warnham is a four-bedroom semi-detached property set across three floors and priced at £545,000. Ideal for multi-generational living with plenty of space for all the family, the ground floor enjoys an open-plan dining/kitchen area with a number of integrated appliances including an induction hob, double oven, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. On the first floor is the cosy living room with French doors leading out onto the rear garden. The second bedroom with an en-suite is also located on this floor, along with the third bedroom and a separate family bathroom. The second floor is dedicated to the plush master bedroom – which comes complete with an en suite and and walk-in wardrobe, alongside an adaptable fourth bedroom, offering the perfect place to set up a remote working space. The property also enjoys a number of beneficial additions, including a utility room, cloakroom and a car port to store the family vehicle.
The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), share its expert heating and bathroom trends predictions for 2022 and beyond. Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) begins with saying, “We are finding new appetite for heating solutions that provide homeowners with all the advantages of warmth and style without the environmental impact and so this needs to be factored in to the overall ‘design picture’ from the outset. I believe this new desire has stemmed from the abundance of sustainable materials now available, for instance, aluminium heating designs which are now being considered as an eco-luxe choice for the modern bathroom. Given its water efficiency, flexible installation and lightweight material, aluminium is a great example of a sustainable material which can be endlessly recycled as an end product = designer radiators and towel warmers!” So what else is predicted to shake-up the heating trends market in 2022? Steve explains: Lifestyle heating: When looking ahead to 2022, it will be a case of ‘anything goes’ as many of us now have more confidence to take charge when updating our homes and so selecting the right heating design will be critical when designing in line with specific lifestyle preferences. We are now in an era where you really can ‘be your own home stylist’ and meet your every need. With this in mind, robust materials and finishes on the darker spectrum like anthracite and black, will be just as desirable as vintage metallics and timeless white finishes as we move into next year. In addition, hidden heating trends solutions which are designed as singular floating bars that can also come together in a range of styles and formations, are on the rise in the modern bathroom. With property experts indicating that house prices will continue to rise in 2022, personalisation in interiors is going to be fundamental moving forwards. Creative products like single bar heating will therefore answer demand from homeowners who appreciate traditional craftsmanship, coupled with the latest technology. Added value: The 2022 home is about adding value where there is none, offering easy living and high comfort that is both beautiful and practical. In light of this, en-suite bathrooms and cloakrooms continue to be a popular way to enhance convenience and add value to your home and research proves that over three quarters of home buyers are likely to offer more money for a house if these are on offer. It therefore makes sense to consider the virtues of wall-hung heating solutions next year, whether looking to upgrade an existing model or working on a new bathroom project, it is the extra features that will elevate the space. Foldaway heated shelves, integrated robe hooks, optional towel bars and even a built-in aroma oil dish so you can bring your favourite scents to the bathroom, are just some of the added-value features your radiator or towel warmer can benefit from so make sure to ask what extras are available: as standard and made to order. Eco-design compliant: As energy prices rise, so too does market demand for heating solutions that can give homeowners all the advantages of warmth and style, whilst being kind to the pocket and environment. As a result, ‘doing the right thing’ has now become an essential part of the design and manufacturing process and to answer demand, you can now choose from a range of green heating solutions that will become a market mainstay moving forwards. Be it material or a specific eco design element, products which are environmentally compliant are set to make a name for themselves next year with no signs of abating.
Investing in improving customer service is a trend that has reached most of the world. The explanation for this can be found in how expensive it is to acquire a new customer, rather than keeping an existing one happy and satisfied. Customer satisfaction can be achieved relatively easy through having a great product or offering a great service. It does however also include following the client through their whole purchasing experience or customer journey, from the customer first becoming aware of your product to showing initial interest to buying your product or service to finally evaluating both the product and process. Being accessible and answering questions, reviews and other inquiries can go a long way in giving your customers a good experience with your brand. Missing out on new business A study was conducted which discovered that technology and marketing companies together with delivery services and home services such as plumber had the lowest response rate, out of 160 business sectors tested. For these businesses, only 5, 11 and 15% of businesses respectively answered incoming queries from new potential customers. Although this is only part of the customer journey, it is still fatal when businesses miss out on new clients that want to spend their money with them. Even though there can be many explanations for this, it is always bad to miss out on new business. One reason could be that the business finds its schedule filled up with current business. That would, presumably, be the optimal reason for many to not responding to new work. If this is the reality, you would ideally be looking to expand your business. Bringing in more qualified personnel to take in the extra work is the best solution if you consider this demand for your services or products to be lasting. Are you missing out on new business because you are ignoring your inbox, or not prioritizing new customers? Getting new clients is the culmination of all your marketing efforts and should therefore be prioritized just as much as you prioritize your email marketing, your social media efforts and the like. Otherwise, all that would be a waste of your time. What is the solution? You might not need to hire new personnel or prioritize your time differently to manage new incoming business. If you are a business with a busy inbox and a lot of different queries, you may be able to benefit from investing in your customer experience. Advanced AI workflow software can be used to categorize all your customer queries. Its AI is designed to recognize every individual request it gets by using keywords and customer information. The eTray workflow software from Nexcom saves data and learns every time it is put to work. This means that automating customer service becomes much less of a compromise between how much time you spend answering your inbox and how good the service you offer is. With this software, your company will be able to take full control over the customer journey.
