Kenneth Booth
What Is The Best Type Of AC For A House?

What Is The Best Type Of AC For A House?

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home can be overwhelming. There are so many different types of AC units on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will discuss the different types of

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Planning permission sought for Phase Two of Tustin Estate

Planning permission sought for Phase Two of Tustin Estate

The planning submission for Phase Two of the re-development of the Tustin Estate in south-east London has been submitted. Planned in four phases, the whole scheme includes 250 replacement council homes and shared equity properties for returning leaseholders, 220 additional council homes for social rent and keyworker homes, along with

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UK's first biophilic school chooses WindowMaster for its ventilation systems

UK’s first biophilic school chooses WindowMaster for its ventilation systems

WindowMaster’s A-grade solutions help to lower energy usage WindowMaster has long championed the benefits of sustainable specification for education, particularly natural ventilation, and how it can support happier, healthier, and more productive learning. Recently, it was involved with a landmark project at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Derby, a school reshaping

Read More »
Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

As high-speed internet becomes an increasingly indispensable part of modern life, Pulse Fibre is calling on stricter regulatory measures to ensure a stable, efficient, and equitable fibre optic marketplace. Recent data has highlighted the disparity in fibre optic network deployment across the UK. In Braintree, Essex, five different Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP)

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Bicester Motion & TeamSport unveil new ultimate indoor e-karting centre plans with £6 million investment in young talent

Bicester Motion & TeamSport unveil new ultimate indoor e-karting centre plans with £6 million investment in young talent

Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and TeamSport, the ultimate indoor karting experience company, have agreed a partnership to invest £6 million in grassroots motorsport to deliver a new indoor electric go-karting centre. The proposed two-level track will be built inside Bicester Motion’s Hangar 137, a

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Kenneth Booth

Navigating international hiring in the Netherlands: Key strategies for businesses

Navigating international hiring in the Netherlands: Key strategies for businesses

As the Dutch economy continues to thrive, more and more international companies are looking to tap into the talented workforce of the Netherlands. This trend has led to an increased focus on effective strategies for hiring international employees in the country. In this article, we’ll explore two key concepts that can help businesses streamline their international hiring process: the IND recognized sponsor system and Employer of Record services. Understanding the IND recognized sponsor system For companies looking to hire highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands, becoming an IND recognized sponsor can be a game-changer. This status, granted by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), offers several benefits to businesses: However, with these benefits come certain responsibilities. IND recognized sponsors must maintain accurate records, report changes in employee status, and ensure compliance with Dutch immigration laws. While the process may seem daunting, the advantages often outweigh the administrative burden for companies committed to international hiring. Leveraging Employer of Record services in the Netherlands For businesses that want to hire in the Netherlands without establishing a local entity, Employer of Record Netherlands services can be an excellent solution. An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer for your workers in the country, handling payroll services, taxes, and compliance issues on your behalf. This arrangement offers several advantages for foreign companies: reduced time and cost associated with setting up a Dutch subsidiary, minimized legal and compliance risks, and flexibility to test the market before committing to a permanent presence. By partnering with an experienced EOR, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring their Dutch employees are managed in full compliance with local laws and regulations. Best practices for successful international hiring Regardless of whether you choose to become an IND recognized sponsor or work with an Employer of Record, there are several best practices to keep in mind when hiring internationally in the Netherlands: Cultural considerations The Dutch workplace culture values directness, equality, and work-life balance. When recruiting and managing international employees, it’s essential to understand and respect these cultural norms. Consider offering cultural training to both your existing team and new hires to foster a harmonious work environment. Legal and administrative tips Stay informed about Dutch labor laws, including working hours, vacation time, and termination procedures. Ensure that your employment contracts are compliant with local regulations and clearly outline the terms and conditions of employment. It’s also wise to establish a clear communication channel for addressing any concerns or questions your international employees may have. The future of international employment in the Netherlands As the global workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the Netherlands is likely to remain an attractive destination for international talent. Businesses that can effectively navigate the complexities of cross-border hiring will be well-positioned to benefit from this trend. By leveraging tools like the IND recognized sponsor system and Employer of Record services, companies can build diverse, talented teams that drive innovation and growth in the Dutch market and beyond. As you consider your international hiring strategy, remember that success often lies in finding the right balance between compliance, efficiency, and cultural sensitivity. With the right approach and support, your business can thrive in the dynamic and diverse landscape of international employment in the Netherlands.

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What Is The Best Type Of AC For A House?

What Is The Best Type Of AC For A House?

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home can be overwhelming. There are so many different types of AC units on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will discuss the different types of air conditioners and help you choose the best air conditioning system for your home. Choosing the Right AC Unit Here are a few tips for choosing an AC unit: If you are unsure which type of AC unit is the best fit for you, you may want to consult with a professional. Edmonton air conditioning services or other nearby providers can help you choose the right AC unit for your home. They can also install and maintain your AC unit. Types of Air Conditioning Units There are three main types of air conditioning units: window AC, central AC, and ductless mini splits. Window Air Conditioners Window AC units are the most basic type of air conditioner system. They are typically installed in a window opening and are used to cool a single room. Window ACs are a good option for smaller homes or apartments. Here’s why window air conditioners are a great choice: Window air conditioners offer a simple, affordable, and efficient way to cool your home. If you’re looking for a straightforward solution to keep your individual rooms comfortable, consider a window air conditioner. Central Air Conditioners A central AC unit is a type of installed in a central location, like your basement or attic, and cool your entire home. Here’s why central AC systems are popular: Central air conditioners are a great choice for homes of all sizes. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to cool your home, a central air conditioner is a great option. Ductless Mini Splits A ductless mini split are a relatively new type of home air conditioning system. Unlike a central AC system, which rely on ductwork to distribute cool air, ductless air conditioners use a series of indoor and outdoor units. Here’s why ductless mini split air conditioners are a great choice for many homeowners: Ductless mini split air conditioning systems offer a modern and efficient solution for cooling your home. With their flexibility, quiet operation, and energy efficiency, they are a great choice for many homeowners. Portable Air Conditioners A portable air conditioner is a convenient option for cooling specific rooms or areas in your home. It is typically self-contained units that can be moved from room to room. Portable air conditioners can be a good choice for: While portable air conditioners offer flexibility, they may not be the most energy-efficient or quiet option. If you have the option, consider installing a central home air conditioner or ductless mini split for more efficient and quieter cooling. Factors to Consider When Choosing an AC Unit When choosing a home air conditioning unit, there are several factors to consider, including: Final Thoughts Choosing the right AC unit is a big decision. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect fit for your home. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional for personalized advice and installation.

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Planning permission sought for Phase Two of Tustin Estate

Planning permission sought for Phase Two of Tustin Estate

The planning submission for Phase Two of the re-development of the Tustin Estate in south-east London has been submitted. Planned in four phases, the whole scheme includes 250 replacement council homes and shared equity properties for returning leaseholders, 220 additional council homes for social rent and keyworker homes, along with 220 homes for sale. In addition, it will feature a central park, refurbishment of existing council homes, at least 1,800 sqm of commercial floorspace and a replacement primary school. This latest phase delivers 295 homes at the east of the Estate. A mixture of maisonettes, and one, two and three-bedroom flats across four buildings provide 151 affordable homes and 144 private tenure homes. Taking inspiration from the history of the estate two of the buildings, flanking the Tustin Common park area, are proposed in green and light grey brick. For the others, a combination of red and pink brick referencing the industrial past of the area and defining the Ilderton Road character area. The team has continued to work closely with residents of the estate, to ensure the project remains resident-led and reflects the requirements set out within the Tustin Residents Manifesto. Following on from Phase One, it will continue renewing and upgrading the estate’s public spaces. The core objective for Phase Two is to produce a quality building design to complement Phase One and continue the creation of a vibrant community focused redevelopment, whilst ensuring an efficient buildable design. Since planning permission for the outline masterplan and Phase One was granted, Bouygues UK been appointed as Development Partners with Southwark Council and will be both contractor and developer for all phases. The dRMM-led design team, which includes architectural collaborators McCloy + Muchemwa, Landscape Architects Exterior Architecture, Structural Engineers Shockledge, and Sustainability Consultants XC02 have worked in close collaboration with the local community. The resultant vision for the estate retains and reinforces the existing green oasis and community spirit as part of the masterplan of 690 homes. Phillippa Prongué, Bouygues UK‘s Managing Director of London and the South East said, “The planning submission for Phase Two is a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Tustin Estate, and we are excited to continue our close collaboration with Southwark Council and the local community to bring this ambitious scheme to life.” Victoria Hale, Senior Associate at dRMM said, “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to progress our work with Southwark, and the residents of the Tustin Estate, in developing the next phase of the masterplan. Phase 2 continues the transformation of the estate, delivering and managing good quality homes for all their residents.”  The 167 homes which make up Phase One are currently on site, with completion expected next year, and the whole project is planned to complete in 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Transformative Revamp Planned for Edinburgh's Calton Square Office Building

Transformative Revamp Planned for Edinburgh’s Calton Square Office Building

Plans are underway to extend and modernise the iconic Calton Square office building in Edinburgh, expanding its space from 150,000 sqft to 200,000 sqft. This ambitious retrofit project aims to significantly enhance the building’s environmental performance while maintaining respect for its historic location next to Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ardstone Capital Ltd (UK), the development manager acting on behalf of Macquarie Asset Management, has appointed the architectural firm Sheppard Robson to lead the redesign. The architects are tasked with creating a structure that seamlessly bridges Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. Sheppard Robson’s approach prioritises a fabric-first reuse strategy to address several challenges that the existing building poses for modern occupants. The current extensive glazing has led to overheating and operational inefficiencies, and the building’s fragmented internal layout needs reconfiguration to improve the entrance experience, which is complicated by the site’s varied street levels and stepped primary access. A key feature of the redesign is a new dramatic triple-height atrium covered with a structural timber roof, which will repurpose an underused internal courtyard for cultural activities that benefit the local community. The new façade will feature profiled spandrels and vertical fins to maximise self-shading and improve thermal efficiency. The project is targeting prestigious environmental and wellness certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5*, and WELL Platinum. Mark Kowal, Partner at Sheppard Robson, commented: “Calton Square is a thoughtful blend of old and new. Our design approach has been to integrate the building into its unique location, creating a seamless transition between the city’s Old and New Towns. The goal is to reposition the existing building by creating an exemplary adaptive reuse project that excels in environmental performance and becomes an asset to the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UK's first biophilic school chooses WindowMaster for its ventilation systems

UK’s first biophilic school chooses WindowMaster for its ventilation systems

WindowMaster’s A-grade solutions help to lower energy usage WindowMaster has long championed the benefits of sustainable specification for education, particularly natural ventilation, and how it can support happier, healthier, and more productive learning. Recently, it was involved with a landmark project at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Derby, a school reshaping the educational landscape as the UK’s first biophilic school, with the natural environment woven deep into the building’s DNA. The goal was simple: to create a healthy, happy, and productive learning environment using fresh air, natural daylight, and biophilia, whilst keeping CO2 as low as possible. Let’s take a closer look… One in, one out With sustainable design at the heart of the project, carbon neutrality was a core objective, meaning energy consumption and emissions had to be kept to a minimum wherever possible. During an early discussion about the Academy’s intended utilities, its ventilation requirements were soon identified as an area where carbon and energy costs could be kept down. Understandably, traditional mechanical systems were ruled out due to higher operational emissions and maintenance requirements, also because their use would make meeting the required Net Zero outcome much harder. So, after consultation with lead contractor Cundall, they advised the project team were looking for a passive alternative, project architects Hawkins Brown settled on a Smart Windows Network. Quickly appreciating the efficacy and efficiency of this type of system, that simply automates the opening and closing of windows to regulate fresh air throughout a building’s interior, it was then selected as the solution. It was felt by all parties this choice would best guarantee maximum amounts of fresh air circulated within the building’s interiors, with lower CO2, less maintenance, and smaller energy bills. Of course, establishing and installing a Smart Windows Network takes a high degree of expertise, this led the project team to approach WindowMaster – the leading natural and hybrid ventilation specialist, to integrate & deliver the complete solution.  The natural choice WindowMaster arrived on site during August 2023, the combination of cutting-edge technology, high-quality components, and expert consultation played an integral part in installing / integrating actuators & controls into this landmark project. The school design required 18nr ‘ventilation’ zones. This was achieved using 11nr networked control panels & 18nr intelligent CO2 & temperature sensors. Capable of monitoring the indoor CO2, temperature, and humidity, these sensors work by limiting window opening times, and keeping rooms comfortable all year round. This is made possible through its signature, NV Embedded® technology, a unique solution that can also provide seamless interface with building management systems (BMS). The controls network was then combined with WindowMaster’s signature smart actuators, a total of 90nr OEM WMX 823 models fitted into the façade’s VELFAC windows and 42 WMU 882 models installed on the high-level modular roof lights. Strong and effective, these actuators offer millimetre precision when opening and closing windows, accurately modulating for precise airflow control.  Optimal learning Beyond sustainability, WindowMaster’s systems also provide optimal indoor air quality and maximum climatic comfort within learning environments. Studies have shown the benefits of continuous, freshly oxygenated air in the education environment, it helps students to focus, giving them the ‘brain food’ they need to learn and engage, especially when combined with sunlight from large windows. Without removing stale air, pupils can become lethargic and are less likely to participate, which could impact their grades over time. The Smart Window Network at St Mary’s achieves this with minimal mechanical intervention, consistently bringing in fresh air and removing it simply through the management of natural air currents.   Comfort-wise, the ‘NV Embedded’ system works hand in hand with building management systems on site to maintain a constant pleasant temperature, again at a low carbon cost. But that’s not all, to provide added flexibility, 5nr comfort control panels were fitted throughout the site. This meant staff could quickly customise classroom conditions, and keep their students as engaged as possible, by ensuring optimal ventilation dependent on internal / external atmospheric conditions. Commenting on the new natural ventilation system, WindowMaster’s UK Director, David Brown, said: “St Mary’s represents a new era for educational buildings. It’s all about promoting the physical and mental health of the pupils by keeping them connected to nature. We understand that the air children breathe and the environment that they learn in are crucial to their health and development, which is why St Mary’s opted for our ventilation systems. The school is a pilot project by the Department for Education and we needed to get it right the first time around. The client knew a low-energy solution was the way forward but refused to compromise on performance which is where our technology came into its own. We knew exactly what they were trying to achieve.” To find out more about WindowMaster’s cutting-edge ventilation solutions click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bargate Homes Submits Detailed Plans for New Housing Development in Old Bedhampton, Havant

Bargate Homes Submits Detailed Plans for New Housing Development in Old Bedhampton, Havant

Detailed plans for a proposed new housing development in the scenic Hampshire suburb of Old Bedhampton have been submitted to Havant Borough Council by Bargate Homes. The reserved matters application sets out design details for 43 new homes adjacent to the historic conservation area on land west of Old Manor Farm and south of Lower Road, Bedhampton, which received outline planning permission in May 2023. The proposed development is Bargate Homes’ second phase, following its hugely successful St Thomas’ Mead scheme, which lies adjacent and incorporates 50 energy-efficient homes.    Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, said: “Phase one of St Thomas’ Mead sold very quickly, with most homes reserved off-plan ahead of the construction programme. It is one of the most beautiful and desirable developments Bargate Homes has delivered, and we’ve made sure this next phase carries forward the same outstanding design principles.  “We’ve received positive feedback and comments from the Borough Council and we’re confident that these detailed plans build upon everything we promised in our outline application. With a target EPC rating of A, these much-needed energy-efficient homes will benefit the local community, with home choices for first time buyers, growing families, and downsizers.  “This special location is set to provide an opportunity to secure a beautiful home in a picturesque part of Hampshire with great links to Portsmouth, Brighton and London.” The proposed new community has an attractive mix of traditionally styled two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and chalet bungalows. 30% will be allocated for affordable housing with VIVID, the parent company of Bargate Homes. The highly detailed architecture takes inspiration from the local context of Bedhampton, and both reflects and enhances the variety of characterful homes in the local area, as well as the adjacent high quality completed St Thomas’ Mead development. The plans include details of the predominantly mixed red brindle brickwork, traditional red and brown roof tiles, and striking black cladding facades to create variety across the collection of homes.  Enclosed by substantial green landscape buffers, the site will be enhanced by new tree planting, landscaping, and environmental benefits to deliver 30% biodiversity net gains, well beyond the required policy of 10%. Other assets include large areas of multi-functional green open space, a new play space easily accessible by residents of both Phase 1 and Phase 2, allotments and a community garden, and an attenuation basin. Vehicular access to the site is to be provided from Lower Road, following the approved route through the adjacent St Thomas’ Mead development. Cycle and pedestrian links will also be provided through the earlier phase to encourage a healthy lifestyle, utilising a network of dedicated footways and shared space streets. Many of the home designs feature garages, with parking generally provided on-plot. Additional allocated visitor parking is incorporated within the scheme design, and every home benefits from its own or shared EV charging point and PV solar panels. Local amenities in Bedhampton include shops, sports facilities, a community hall, restaurants and bars. Several schools and pre-school facilities are within walking distance. The development is around a mile from Bedhampton train station and only a few minute’s drive from the A27 and A3, which leads to the coastline and the national motorway network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Stay ahead of the competition by attending one of Propertymark’s upcoming regional conferences

Stay ahead of the competition by attending one of Propertymark’s upcoming regional conferences

Find out more about the latest legislative changes that will impact the housing market as well as the latest thinking on best practices for the property industry by attending one of Propertymark’s upcoming regional conferences.   As part of the professional body’s #MOREFOR24 campaign, Propertymark members can attend one of these conferences for free as they continue to offer this member benefit to help the very best agents throughout the country.   Propertymark’s Bristol Regional Conference taking place at the Bristol Hotel on 12 September has a fantastic selection of speakers including Insights Practitioner Tracey Thompson, and James Munro, the head of the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team, who will specify the most recent material information guidance to assist you with meeting your legal obligations.   Additionally, the founder of Landlord Action and TV star Paul Shamplina will discuss previous letting agent failures, and Alex Jeffrey, Partner at Bright Solicitors, will talk about the possible challenges ahead, as well as the opportunities letting agents have for the rest of the year.   James Munro and Alex Jeffrey will also feature as guest speakers at Propertymark’s Regional Conference at the Old Trafford on 17 September.   Other keynote speakers include Lucy Noonan, founder of specialist acquisition management services Atomic Consultancy, and Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns.   There will also be updates from ARLA Propertymark President Angharad Trueman, NAEA Propertymark President Toby Leek, and NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel Member Stuart Collar-Brown.   Attendees will also get the opportunity to network with leading industry suppliers.   Jason Lee, Head of Commercial at Propertymark, said:   “Propertymark’s regional conferences are back with a bang and continue to grow. We have an amazing line up of guest speakers for all attending these events to help enrich their knowledge about the latest happenings across our industry. Non members are also welcome to attend and book their tickets. “We encourage members to use this membership benefit and book your free ticket to attend a conference near them and network with likeminded professionals.”  To locate a Regional Conference near you, view its full programme and secure your place, visit: https://www.propertymark.co.uk/careers-learning/conferences/west-country-regional-conference.html. Attending one of these events also contributes towards a member’s Continuing Professional Development requirement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

As high-speed internet becomes an increasingly indispensable part of modern life, Pulse Fibre is calling on stricter regulatory measures to ensure a stable, efficient, and equitable fibre optic marketplace. Recent data has highlighted the disparity in fibre optic network deployment across the UK. In Braintree, Essex, five different Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks have overbuilt each other, whilst contrastingly, only 62.7% of the overall UK currently has FTTP availability. The UK’s FTTP rollout has consistently failed to meet government targets of 85% availability by 2025 due to concentrated installations in specific areas. Pulse Fibre is advocating for appropriate regulation as a solution to guiding FTTP networks into underserved regions. Pulse Fibre is advocating for the separation of network providers and service providers to avoid resource duplication and enhance the efficiency of FTTP network deployment and maintenance. Without regulation, overbuilding presents risks for consumers and companies due to unnecessary costs, disruptions and a negative impact on sustainability. Higher regulatory standards would reduce the amount of redundant infrastructure being installed, resulting in fewer roadworks and disruptions. It would therefore lead to a significant reduction in the carbon emissions associated with required construction works to install infrastructure. Market regulation would ensure that infrastructure is installed where it is genuinely needed, enhancing both customer experience and environmental sustainability. Drawing parallels with the UK’s energy market, where the National Grid provides a centralised hub for all energy companies, Pulse Fibre suggests a similar model for internet providers. Market regulation would play a vital role in ensuring fair competition by reducing the risk of anti-competitive practices, and encouraging innovation and investment from a diverse range of providers, fostering competition and leading to lower prices and improved services for consumers. Pulse Fibre believes that market regulation is crucial for the continued growth and success of the fibre optic broadband industry. By promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests, and fostering innovation, regulators can create a vibrant, healthier, and more sustainable broadband ecosystem. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction and property industry has the second highest staff tenure, new data reveals

Construction and property industry has the second highest staff tenure, new data reveals

The construction and property industry has the second highest tenure in the UK, with employees remaining with a company for 4.4 years on average according to a new study into employee retention. The ‘Employee Retention Report’, compiled by equity management platform, Vestd, analysed a total dataset of 398,006 employees from 1,400 UK companies on LinkedIn to determine the average median employee tenure across 14 industries. Narrowly trailing behind the manufacturing industry, which had an average tenure of 5.3 years, the property and construction industry significantly outperforms the UK average of 3.7 years across all sectors analysed. The findings come after a report found that 30% of UK employees leave to join another organisation every year, while Google trends data revealed over 7,000 web searches for ‘letter of resignation’ in the past month alone. According to CIPD data, older demographic groups typically move less frequently between jobs, which could be observed in the construction sector, where 64.8% of workers are aged over 41, and one in six is aged 60 or over, In contrast, marketing had the lowest tenure with employees staying an average of 2.8 years at a company, closely followed by the hospitality industry with three years. The data also revealed that the IT industry had the third-lowest tenure (3.1), with employees more likely to stay in startups and SMEs (3.3) compared to an enterprise-size business (2.8). In addition, startup and SME companies had on average lower tenure than enterprise companies, likely because startups offer less stability, with around 60% failing in their first three years of business.  Commenting on the findings, Ifty Nasir, CEO of Vestd, said: “Employee tenure is a key indicator of job satisfaction and company culture. Our findings demonstrate that, while it is natural to see movement between companies, industries like marketing, hospitality, and IT are struggling to effectively retain staff for long periods of time, leading to higher turnover rates and disrupted workplaces.  “But with financial stability and well-being becoming a key priority for employees across all industries, offering robust packages that respond to these shifting needs has become a powerful incentive to not only retain current staff, but attract new talent. “Reward-based incentives, such as employee share schemes or enterprise management incentives (EMI schemes), provide employees with a sense of ownership within their workplace, whatever their role. It’s also a powerful incentive for staff to work their way up the ranks, decreasing employee turnover in the long-term while encouraging a vested interest in the success of the company.” For more information and for the full research, visit: https://www.vestd.com/blog/employee-retention-report-2024  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bicester Motion & TeamSport unveil new ultimate indoor e-karting centre plans with £6 million investment in young talent

Bicester Motion & TeamSport unveil new ultimate indoor e-karting centre plans with £6 million investment in young talent

Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and TeamSport, the ultimate indoor karting experience company, have agreed a partnership to invest £6 million in grassroots motorsport to deliver a new indoor electric go-karting centre. The proposed two-level track will be built inside Bicester Motion’s Hangar 137, a 31,000 sq ft (2,880 sq m), Grade 2 Listed building with access from Skimmingdish Lane. The partnership will enable Bicester Motion to invest £4 million to restore, rejuvenate and conserve the historic hangar’s external building fabric and for TeamSport to deliver a new £2 million state-of-the-art 500 metre electric go-karting track and centre to boost grassroots and women in motorsport talent. A planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council for the proposed change of use for e-karting purposes to deliver a long-term, viable use to facilitate the hangar’s repair and conservation. TeamSport has forty e-karting centres across London and the UK which are open for children aged eight onwards and adults to experience this form of highly competitive and popular motorsport. Also, TeamSport will offer a membership scheme and discount for student, NHS staff, emergency services and military personnel. TeamSport’s new electric go-karting track experience will support Bicester Motion’s strategy to continue to boost future mobility. Its 50-strong business community includes NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Polestar’s UK HQ, Zapp, and record-breaking synthetic fuel manufacturer Zero, amongst many other pioneering specialist brands. The proposed new centre is adjacent to its new innovation project, a £60 million investment pioneering future mobility discovery and will deliver seven prestigious HQ buildings with views across the airfield and will total 215,000 sq ft (19,698 sq m). The first three buildings have been pre-let to Mercedes Benz-owned YASA for its new UK HQ as it continues to pioneer new electric drive technology. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “We warmly welcome TeamSport to Bicester Motion and our community. Being in the heart of Motorsport Valley and home to Motorsport UK’s HQ, the synergies are clear. Our estate is uniquely placed to offer this new experience for future young talent in Bicester and Oxfordshire and for the local community to enjoy and enable us to invest in sensitively restoring our much-loved hangar and secure its health for its second century.” Dominic Gaynor, chief executive officer, TeamSport said: “Our future talent starts on the go-kart track and for some time we have been looking to open in Motorsport Valley surrounded by the many F1 teams. Finding the right place and location were key and our new home at Bicester Motion is the perfect match. We will be providing an innovative and exhilarating new two-level track for everyone to enjoy and creating jobs in both the construction and operational phases. We look forward to progressing the planning application and starting work to deliver our latest adrenalin-filled indoor go-karting experience.” Hugh Chambers, chief executive officer, Motorsport UK which is based at Bicester Motion, added: “TeamSport is a valued partner of Motorsport UK delivering the British Indoor Karting Championships, the largest motorsport championship in the world, and the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive programme. With more than 5,500 annual participants in the BIKC, TeamSport provides an affordable route into the sport through their racing leagues, while Discover Your Drive has played a groundbreaking role in growing female participation in karting for 8-12 year old girls. We look forward to having them as our neighbours and opening the sport to the Bicester and Oxfordshire and wider community.” Richard Morris represented TeamSport. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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