Local leading builders’ merchant Haldane Fisher has been named as the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Training Company of the Year. The company, which has branches in Northern Ireland, England, and Isle of Man, was one of four shortlisted for the renowned accolade, which acknowledges excellence in supporting and developing their
Talent shortages and growth ambitions are forcing some of the UK’s most promising science and technology businesses to re-evaluate their building strategies according to a new research report. As a result over half are planning to relocate over the next three years and over one in six (16%) are planning
Expert housebuilder Barwood Homes has announced its new name and brand – Cora. The company, based in Northamptonshire, has been delivering homes across the Midlands since it formed in 2010. However, as the company looks to the future, it wanted a new name and brand that better reflects its values.
Fit out, Design and Build specialists Paramount have used maritime history to inspire their new South West of England base and help revitalise a “forgotten” part of Bristol. The company’s design team have delved deep into the past and taken a lead from local architecture in a move it is
UPM’s ultra-sustainable new technology, WISA BioBond, becomes standard bonding agent in all James Latham Ltd’s collection of UPM WISA-Spruce. Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of panel products, announces the introduction of WISA®’s new BioBond technology to its full range of WISA-Spruce plywood. WISA BioBond is
Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by David Phillips FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), to provide 500 units of kitchen worktop materials to the £100 million flat developments, Central Quay, in Glasgow. Roann Limited is providing over £310,000 worth of Silestone Miami White and Silestone Cemento
The plant hire offering of leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has been enhanced by a substantial six-figure investment. The Enfield-based business has used the investment to further increase the size and variety of its range. More than 350 products are now available to hire from
Imagination and creativity are two watchwords to champion when considering how to make Government and public sector buildings more eco-friendly. Record energy costs coupled with ambitious net zero targets will, no doubt, accelerate the pledge to make buildings more eco-friendly. Late last year, the Cabinet Office set out new guidance
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has been given planning consent to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, Firethorn’s 37-acre scheme will comprise four highly specified Grade-A units, delivered to net-zero carbon in construction. With
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team
Local leading builders’ merchant Haldane Fisher has been named as the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Training Company of the Year. The company, which has branches in Northern Ireland, England, and Isle of Man, was one of four shortlisted for the renowned accolade, which acknowledges excellence in supporting and developing their teams. Nominated by BMF Regional Managers, judges selected Haldane Fisher as the winner for its commitment to training through various initiatives, including a bespoke Excellence in Branch Management programme and BMF LEAP apprenticeship programme. Andrew Laird, Group HR Director at Haldane Fisher, said: “We are thrilled to have been named BMF’s Training Company of the Year, recognising the knowledge and expertise our employees have gained through the learning initiatives implemented across all departments. “At Haldane Fisher, we recognise that our people are an integral part of our operations and are dedicated to helping them be the best they can be. “This award is a testament to their hard work and willingness to learn, resulting in our customers trusting the team to provide them with sound advice when needed.” Andrew continued: “Access to proficient learning and development is essential, which is why we will continue to avail of the broad range of formal and specialist courses offered by the BMF.” Haldane Fisher supplies over 15,000 products in 800 categories, helping both trade and general public find everything they need to complete a vast array of projects. For more information, visit haldane-fisher.com
Talent shortages and growth ambitions are forcing some of the UK’s most promising science and technology businesses to re-evaluate their building strategies according to a new research report. As a result over half are planning to relocate over the next three years and over one in six (16%) are planning to move overseas. The report, Building a Future for Science and Technology, by Ridge and Partners, the multi-discipline property and construction consultancy, suggests a UK science and technology sector with big expansion plans. The 103 science and tech companies interviewed expect to grow by an average 52% over the next three years. However, they are being inhibited by premises and location concerns which have ramifications for the local authorities, developers, city planners, and science parks looking to attract them. These issues and shortcomings are impacting on the sectors’ ability to recruit and therefore grow. For instance, over a third are struggling to fill crucial support roles such as lab technicians and admin staff – personnel who are massively affected by public transport and local housing costs. Meanwhile, almost half (48%) are having difficulty filling more senior roles. These issues have become so pronounced that almost a third (31%) report they need to be nearer a larger pool of talent. For many, that may involve moving overseas. Liz Sparrow, Partner, Science and Tech Lead at Ridge and Partners, comments: “There’s no lack of ambition or opportunity for growth within the science and tech communities. Indeed, a third of the companies we studied expect to grow by over 60% over the next three years. But they need to be in the right environment to do this. That means somewhere with the right infrastructure, transport links, housing, and premises to attract the partners, suppliers, and talent they need.” Ridge’s research also highlights how highly dependent small and large science and technology-based businesses are on each other. Irrespective of size, 31% want to be located nearer to other science/tech businesses. This drive to operate in such ‘eco-systems’ has made tech and science parks the preferred solution for 98%. However, the report shows that these eco-systems aren’t working as they should, with 19% reporting that their science park landlords are not in tune with their needs. A third say that there aren’t enough good suppliers near them, while 24% need to be closer to major academic institutions. Such proximity would make collaboration and innovation easier and create a greater magnet for the specialist talent and suppliers the sectors collectively need. A sizeable 45% strongly agree that science parks can all seem the same and 80% say they feel rather ‘out of town’, an issue exacerbated by public transport problems. Conscious that their choice of building reflects on their own brand, 81% believe their science park should prioritise sustainability. A fifth want their science park to be a more high-tech and greener space to help them attract talent with an array of things on wish-lists such as visible renewable energy sources (19%) and impressive front of house or showcase areas for visitors and partners to use (20%). Liz Sparrow, again: “It’s important that we note these needs, as every company which exits these diverse eco-systems and relocates overseas, or simply fails to thrive, weakens things for everyone else. To protect one we must plan and build for all. “But with such a diverse mix of building, housing, and infrastructure needs to address no single body alone can do this. Joined-up thinking is needed between the public and private sectors, between the UK’s government, its cities, regions, construction sector, and science parks. Collaboration is key if we’re to create, grow – and keep – the UK’s tech/science powerhouses.” The Building a Future for Science and Technology Report is free to download.
Expert housebuilder Barwood Homes has announced its new name and brand – Cora. The company, based in Northamptonshire, has been delivering homes across the Midlands since it formed in 2010. However, as the company looks to the future, it wanted a new name and brand that better reflects its values. Luke Simmons, Managing Director at Cora, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new name and branding and are looking forward to a successful future as Cora. “Our new name comes from the word Chorus, echoing who we are as a company – a group of people working in harmony. “We feel our new brand better reflects our values, a people-centric company focused on delivering high-quality homes while providing great customer service.” Among Cora’s current live sites are Eagles Edge, Redhill, in Nottinghamshire, Romney Meadows, in Quainton, Buckinghamshire and the Old Sawmill in Great Bowden in Leicestershire. Cora is launching a new website to coincide with the rebranding, giving its customers access to an easy-to-use platform packed with information and updates on Cora’s projects. As Cora, the team and management remains the same while the company also looks to extend its strategy on sustainability and the environment. Luke said “Although the company’s name has changed, its dedication to delivering excellent homes and customer service has not. Although we have been building excellent homes since we were formed, the company has grown and evolved since we were first established.” “As Cora, our work will be complimented by our new Sustainable Building Framework, and our focus will also be on protecting the environment and working within our communities. “We will continue to deliver on our promises of excellent quality of product and service, but will build upon these values as the company moves forward.” For more information on Cora and its projects visit Cora.uk
Fit out, Design and Build specialists Paramount have used maritime history to inspire their new South West of England base and help revitalise a “forgotten” part of Bristol. The company’s design team have delved deep into the past and taken a lead from local architecture in a move it is hoped will invigorate Bristol’s historic Welsh Back dock area. The interior design of the harbourside office painstakingly reflects the area’s history with corten steel, burnt timber, rope and metalwork all prominent features all tying the base to the docks. The focal points of the workspace are the boardroom which is hidden behind a slatted door and a bar area which resembles a boat-shaped below a rusted cage structure named the Portcullis in keeping with maritime traditions. Local architectural firm AWW was responsible for the creative concept of the building regeneration. Developer and investor was V7. Gareth Davies, Paramount’s Senior Designer who masterminded the design, said: “We are privileged to be able to call Bristol’s famous floating harbour the setting for our new office because it’s an area that is steeped in history. “We’ve gone Back to the Future for inspiration to create a hybrid working environment that celebrates the bygone days of the Welsh Back area. “A workspace that encourages professional collaboration and helps build team dynamics with a nod to the storied past of Bristol’s dock area was our priority and we’ve worked hard to turn that vision into a reality.” Taking inspiration from neighbourhoods, it is hoped that Paramount’s new workplace will become a thriving community for their teams and industry colleagues alike. Paramount Sales Director Kevin Mashford, who will lead the Bristol team, added: “We set out to create Bristol’s most ‘Instagrammable’ office and thanks to our exceptionally talented design and project team I am proud to say we have achieved our goal. “With a variety of interconnected spaces our new office is a prime example of how you can take inspiration from ‘community’ and create neighbourhoods within the office where the same energy and connection people feel sitting in a coffee shop, or the same level of focus they experience in their own home, can be achieved within one space. “These are exciting times for Paramount, and we are proud to play a part in the regeneration of the Welsh Back area which is forgotten for some people but is now really buzzing and is set to be a brilliant place to do business and socialise.” The new workplace signals the acceleration of Cardiff-headquartered Paramount’s growth and will create up to 20 specialist jobs in the city as it targets £50-million turnover within three years. Paramount Managing Director Richard Jones, who led a management buyout in 2018, said: “Our brilliant new office represents a substantial investment by Paramount which will ensure company growth continues to gather pace across the South West of England. “The Bristol base is a real statement of intent and demonstrates our confidence. Paramount will strengthen its presence in a vibrant region and build on our proud reputation as a company with an outstanding record of creating places where people want to be.” Bristol-based Bafta-nominated natural history film-making company, Offspring Films also now call the Welsh Back building home following a design and fit-out by Paramount. Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £33.5million, is already well known across England where it has developed office space for a number of leading companies and have revitalised 360 Bristol – formerly South Plaza – in Bristol city centre.
UPM’s ultra-sustainable new technology, WISA BioBond, becomes standard bonding agent in all James Latham Ltd’s collection of UPM WISA-Spruce. Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of panel products, announces the introduction of WISA®’s new BioBond technology to its full range of WISA-Spruce plywood. WISA BioBond is the latest bonding innovation from UPM, a globally-renowned manufacturer of sustainable architectural plywood, now used in the entire WISA-Spruce range. A landmark development in plywood adhesive, BioBond replaces at least 50% of standard glue’s fossil-based phenol with lignin, timber’s inherent bonding agent. Obtained as a by-product of the Kraft Process[1], this partial-substitution reduces the carbon footprint of WISA-Spruce by approximately 10%, without compromising technical performance or visual appeal. No compromise on performance WISA-Spruce is manufactured using UPM’s proprietary BioBond technology, and mirrors the qualities of plywood produced using the traditional higher-carbon bonding method. This means it offers a like-for-like greener alternative. As with all WISA’s plywood, WISA-Spruce with BioBond technology has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee its high performance qualities, meeting superior standards of strength, resistance and sustainability. Forming a strong and sustainable bond More than just a new form of glue, BioBond has reduced CO2 WISA’s plywood portfolio, Already available for birch, and now spruce, plywood, UPM plans to roll out BioBond across all its plywood mills, gradually covering its entire range. As one of the UK’s most sustainable materials distributors, Lathams is keen to introduce UK specifiers to the low-carbon advantages of WISA-Spruce with BioBond technology. By incorporating this innovation to its ever-expanding collection of green architectural materials, they are demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable design and build. Commenting on the introduction of BioBond to the WISA-Spruce range, Nick Widlinski, Panels Director at Lathams says, “There’s no doubt timber and wood-based materials are helping architects and designers tackle global climate change through making lower-emission material choices. However, a question around the carbon intensity of glues and adhesives used in the production of engineered wood persists, and WISA BioBond tackles it head on. Its introduction and standardisation across the brand’s high-performance spruce range is a game-changer, offering the best quality with a reduced carbon footprint. Not only is it helping us to promote more sustainable construction methods, it’s also supporting a wider drive toward a Net Zero society.” UPM’s VP of Strategy and Business Development, Susanna Rinne, concludes, “Sustainability is at the heart of our ethos and guides our ongoing R&D. We are the first manufacturer in the world to use a lignin-based solution for spruce and birch plywood, offering a no-compromise sustainable material solution. It’s imperative we work with those who have similar values. Due to Lathams’ longstanding reputation for championing sustainable specification make them a great partner to help us introduce BioBond and its unique properties to the UK and Irish markets.” Providing further confidence in WISA-Spruce’s green credentials and certification, the product category scored one of the best ratings on Lathams’ new Carbon Calculator tool. An academically developed formula which scores the embodied carbon of each Lathams’-stocked timber product from cradle-to-purchase, BioBond WISA-Spruce achieved top ranking across the board, providing third party verifications for the material’s sustainability claims. To find out more about BioBond, WISA-Spruce and UPM’s wider collection of WISA plywood, click here. To discover Latham’s wide range of materials, and realise the potential for almost any design preference or requirement, click here.
Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by David Phillips FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), to provide 500 units of kitchen worktop materials to the £100 million flat developments, Central Quay, in Glasgow. Roann Limited is providing over £310,000 worth of Silestone Miami White and Silestone Cemento Spa quartz worktops, to the build-to-rent development, made up of nearly 500 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. This project comes following an already prosperous year for Roann Limited, with the Wakefield-based business on track to exceed a £9 million turnover for 2023. Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, comments “As always, we’re thrilled to be appointed as the quartz kitchen worktop supplier for this project! What’s special about this project is the build-to-rent element of the property. Due to the current climate, build-to-rent is growing in popularity, and helps to provide housing for people who want cost-effective and flexible living. We’re delighted to be a part of this scheme and look forward to seeing the finished project!” More information on Roann Limited and its products is available at www.roann.co.uk.
The plant hire offering of leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has been enhanced by a substantial six-figure investment. The Enfield-based business has used the investment to further increase the size and variety of its range. More than 350 products are now available to hire from TG Lynes including benches, compressors, dehumidifiers, drills, gas bottles, pressguns, grinders, ladders, hand tools, staging and trestles. Steven Watts, recently appointed Plant Hire Manager at TG Lynes, said: “This is a significant development for our plant hire offering which already has a strong reputation for reliability and excellent customer service. “Extending our range will make a real difference to the day-to-day work of commercial heating and mechanical services engineers, particularly when they are seeking a piece of equipment they are using sparingly. “Convenience is a big part of our offering and giving customers the chance to purchase their materials and complete their plant hire requirements in a one-stop-shop is a real benefit which many companies operating a solely hire offering simply can’t provide.” Further investment is planned for 2023. Amongst the manufacturers that feature strongly in the TG Lynes hire range are Armorgard, Viega and REMS, for which TG Lynes is an authorised service depot, the only one in London and the South-East. All products are tested before each hire and are available on a minimum one-week agreement. Steven heads up a five-strong hire team at TG Lynes, including Gaetan Rene – part of TG Lynes Plant Hire for more than 45 years – and REMS service and calibration technician Nick Bryce. Leighton Hibbert specialises in Armorgard products while Cyrett Campbell focuses on customer service and latest hire trends. Steven added: “I’m privileged to have a strong, talented and knowledgeable team who are completely focused on delivering the best possible service to our customers and ensuring reliability and availability of hire equipment at all times. “People buy from people and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to deliver our hire offering.”
Imagination and creativity are two watchwords to champion when considering how to make Government and public sector buildings more eco-friendly. Record energy costs coupled with ambitious net zero targets will, no doubt, accelerate the pledge to make buildings more eco-friendly. Late last year, the Cabinet Office set out new guidance on how it will seek to reduce emissions and reach a net zero target by 2050. Get it right, and there are huge gains to be made. Making buildings more sustainable is important. Emissions from public buildings contribute significantly to global warming every year. The benefits of reducing the carbon footprint from so many buildings across the UK is therefore clear to see, and can encourage private sector organisations to follow suit. But it is one thing setting a target and another reaching it. So just how do the Government and public sector agencies get there? Having worked with public sector agencies and private companies on sustainability projects for many years, we believe there are some fundamental points – or ingredients – to consider. These are: Future focus: Government and public sector leaders should be in no rush to knock down buildings in favour of developing brand new ones in their place. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding these places, the most sustainable way to improve them is to retrofit them. There’s a saying which reads: ‘the greenest building is the one already standing’. So we need to find ways to improve and adapt our buildings rather than simply replacing them. This is because knocking down and rebuilding is a process which itself creates more embodied carbon and waste. Funding: In terms of the public estate, it’s an aging, underfunded property portfolio which results in maintenance issues and poor performance from a sustainability perspective. Budget needs to be dedicated to this portfolio to help realise the target and ambitions set out with the emissions drive. Fit for purpose: In addition to this, if the Government is to establish guidance which works to regulate itself, it needs to lead by example. It’s not only a question of sustainability but also comfort. Prisons and hospitals need to be fit for purpose and provide a social value element to better benefit the communities they stand in. Education and Regulation: Government, public sector leaders and Consultants need to lead the discussion, and more importantly educate their teams on the issues and possible solutions which should be considered. The hierarchy of ‘Repurpose’, ‘Refurbish’, ‘Remodel’, Re-build should be the default approach where viable. A review of regulations should also be undertaken, with consideration of a new building regulation part, focused specifically on embodied and operational carbon for new construction. While a huge challenge to meet these emissions targets lie ahead, it is also an incredibly exciting time laden with opportunity to really push for a ‘greener’ future. The Government has also published a Net Zero Estate Playbook which will help inspire and guide public sector organisations on effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. This guide highlights encouraging consistent approaches to using solar panels, greener building materials, EV vehicle charge points and LED lighting. The new guidance for Government buildings aims to make national infrastructure ‘greener’ by giving Government departments, the public sector and government property professionals clear guidance on the design, implementation, and monitoring of net zero strategies and delivery programmes. The approaches can be applied to existing and new build properties and aims to encourage the use of low carbon materials and provide an improved understanding of a building’s environmental impact over its entire lifespan. The UK was the first major country to legislate for net zero. This ‘road map’ for Government buildings – if followed correctly – can help this country take a big step towards reaching these ambitious, but hugely important targets to benefit us all.
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has been given planning consent to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, Firethorn’s 37-acre scheme will comprise four highly specified Grade-A units, delivered to net-zero carbon in construction. With approval from Selby District Council, work on site will begin in November, with completion expected in Q3 2023. The ‘Excellent’ BREEAM-Rated scheme includes 15% roof lighting and future provisions for power generation, with particular attention paid to the landscaped environment, which looks to enhance local biodiversity whilst creating an attractive working space. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, commented: “With units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft, Sherburn42 is set to be a significant development for the region. “Providing a flexible, modern and sustainable space, and with excellent transport connections linking road, rail and sea, we believe the scheme offers a smart solution for businesses looking to expand their operations. “Now that we have received the green light from the council, we look forward to beginning work on site and bringing this project forward at pace.” Benefiting from up to 4MvA power, the approved plans include eaves heights of 15m to haunch, 11 ground-level access doors and 633 parking spaces. Close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler.
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team that have been involved in the project, welcomed the Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Paul Boswell to the site opening, which took place recently. The scheme, called Safford Park, incorporates 145 new homes being built on the former Parker Pen factory site and close to the River Ouse, which will provide a range of affordable housing options for residents. Developed by Hill Partnerships, an award-winning house builder that operates across London and the Southeast, the Safford Park scheme is the first collaboration between Stonewater and the construction firm. Each of the homes have been built to EPC B energy rating standards and offer electric vehicle charging points. The development will also incorporate a community garden and allotment space to encourage environmentally friendly living. Stonewater, which is renowned for its inclusion of public art at its developments has paid homage to the history of the site with the artistic display for Safford Park. The entranceway to the development will be home to two oversized fountain pen nibs, while further nods to the Parker Pen history will be seen in pen lid shaped bollards and nib shaped railings that will be installed across the site. Nicholas Harris, CEO at Stonewater said: “We’re hugely proud to have reached our 5000th home achievement and at such a fantastic development at Safford Park, which really showcases the quality of sustainable homes we have built over the last seven years. Achieving this significant milestone is a testament to the team and our partners that have worked with us across every project that Stonewater has delivered to get us to this point.” Jonathan Layzell, Executive Director – Development at Stonewater “The site in Newhaven is incredibly important, not only to the local area where affordable housing is needed, but also to our overall mission to delivering good quality homes to people who need them most. “While we take a moment to celebrate the work that has got us to this point, we also look forward, as a team, to the next milestone, and beyond.” Paul Boswell, Mayor of Newhaven said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the ceremony to mark the construction of the Stonewater’s 5000th home. The development in Newhaven is an attractive mix of houses and apartments of various sizes. New homes in our town are in high demand and I’m sure it won’t be long before all these quality properties are fully occupied. Harvey Dhami, Deputy Regional Director at The Hill Group comments: “We would like to congratulate Stonewater for achieving this impressive milestone and are delighted that homes at our Safford Park development have contributed to the 5,000 new homes provided. These energy efficient homes will deliver much needed affordable housing for the local community at Newhaven and ensure current and future generations can enjoy living in a high-quality sustainable home.” The development also provided opportunities for engagement with the local community. Strong links were established with students studying construction at Sussex College, who were invited to attend regular site visits and meet staff working on site, while children at the local primary school were involved in a poster competition showcasing what they like about their local area, with the winning posters displayed on site. The Hill Group also employed a number of local students at the site and plumbing apprentice, Kai Sol was presented with a new tool bag as a sign of appreciation for his involvement in the project at the opening event.