The Momentum Group has been awarded the property management contract for Aviation House, Estuary Business Park, Speke, Liverpool. The Grade A office accommodation close to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, adds 18,000 sq ft of space under management to The Momentum Group’s growing portfolio of property management instructions and fits with
Construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has announced the acquisition of Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, a regional leader in ready-mix concrete, primary and recycled aggregates, concrete products and waste management solutions. The strategic acquisition will see Aggregate Industries strengthen its operations in the South
East Midlands-based design and building contractor, Grace Construction, is set to commence work on the transformation of the iconic Derbyshire building, Victoria Ironworks. The former foundry, which currently serves as the Rolls Royce Heritage Centre, will be converted into as classic vehicle restoration workshop and showroom, becoming the new home
Hortons’ Estate Ltd has delivered the new UK headquarters of international hydraulic and pneumatic specialist Brennan Industries Inc. – one of two new developments at an established industrial park in the West Midlands. The independent property company has completed construction of 35,000 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at Anchor
Bluechain plans to reach 100,000 new customers in their first year, focusing on large businesses and SMEs with digital payment needs Bluechain, the fast-growing fintech startup that transforms the traditional payments and receivables process, has officially launched in the UK with their first customer, leading construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries.
CHAS, the trusted expert in supply chain compliance, has teamed up with SafetyCulture, the global technology company, to provide CHAS contractors with discounted access to SafetyCulture’s digital operations management platform. SafetyCulture’s platform empowers businesses to harness the power of observation to identify and reduce risk and save money while driving continuous
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has broken ground at its £13m residential development in Esh Winning. Located six miles west of Durham city centre, the scheme named The Oaks will deliver 89 high quality homes for long-term rent; a mix of 54 bungalows, the largest delivery in a generation,
Boutique developer Life Less Ordinary has created five significant new roles, further expanding its workforce to deliver more homes. The move comes as it looks forward to continued growth with an appetite to see its output increase to a residential development value of over £50 million next year. In what
An opportunity to build a £100m industrial or logistics scheme on land in a prime spot south of the river Thames is up for grabs. The Greater London Authority, GLA’s development arm, Land & Property, is looking for a developer-led team to build on two freehold sites on 75 Bugsby
Following a recent flurry of acquisitions within the UK, Prologis, a leading owner and developer of logistics real estate, has announced three strategic developments across the Midlands and the South East. The projects at Prologis Park Midpoint, located in Birmingham, Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands in Weybridge
The Momentum Group has been awarded the property management contract for Aviation House, Estuary Business Park, Speke, Liverpool. The Grade A office accommodation close to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, adds 18,000 sq ft of space under management to The Momentum Group’s growing portfolio of property management instructions and fits with the Group’s aspirations for continued growth. The appointment adds to the Momentum Group’s growing property management instructions including those in the city centre – 18-20 Church Street, and Princes Building and One Temple Square on Dale Street. A spokesperson for the landlord said “The Momentum Group’s credentials and commitment to continued high level service delivery is what mattered to us. Having heard about their service delivery and the difference they have made to the buildings they manage, it made perfect sense for us to award the property management contract to this growing and agile team.” “The Momentum Group truly meets our desire to manage and maintain high-quality buildings to help our tenants’ businesses thrive and we are delighted to be working with them.” Chris Bliss, Director, and Co-Founder of The Momentum Group commented “It’s a privilege to be invited to deliver the property management services for Aviation House. To be able to continue the momentum with the team, proves our commitment to high service delivery for our clients and their tenants. It is testament to our approach that treating client investment as our own to realise the property potential does make a difference.” “This adds to our growing portfolio of property management instructions and our commitment to continued growth in the region. We are now managing more than 140,000 sqft of retail, commercial, and residential space through our property management team.” The Momentum Group were appointed by Redevco earlier this year to manage the 80,000sqft Church Street site, now the home to Decathlon and Storeaway.
Construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has announced the acquisition of Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, a regional leader in ready-mix concrete, primary and recycled aggregates, concrete products and waste management solutions. The strategic acquisition will see Aggregate Industries strengthen its operations in the South and South-West of England with new sites in Devizes, Theale, Faringdon and Fairford, as well as providing future growth opportunities. It will also enable the company to introduce the ECOPact+ range in the regional market with a supply of Construction and Demolition Waste. Driving circular construction, Wiltshire recycles 150,000 tons of construction & demolition waste each year into aggregates and concrete with its state-of-the art material recovery system. This transaction represents the first acquisition of a recycling business in the UK, helping Aggregate Industries to deliver on its circular economy ambitions at scale and strengthening its position in innovative and sustainable building solutions in the UK. Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials, through its Wiltshire Concrete and Berkshire Concrete brands, is a good tactical fit for Aggregate Industries expanding the company’s footprint along the M4 corridor, which links London to Southwest England. Wiltshire recorded net sales of GBP 17m in 2021. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “Wiltshire Building Materials is a well-established business with a history spanning more than three decades, with a team of highly talented and passionate people. It has a strong customer base in what will be new areas of operation for Aggregate Industries. Its focus on recycled aggregates also provides us with specialist expertise as we promote a circular economy and strive to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials.” Kevin McQuaid, Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, added: “Our whole team is incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business and has a real passion for the service we provide our customers. We are excited to begin the next phase of our journey as part of Aggregate Industries and are confident that, with our new owners’ backing, we can continue to build on our excellent reputation based on trust and customer service.”
East Midlands-based design and building contractor, Grace Construction, is set to commence work on the transformation of the iconic Derbyshire building, Victoria Ironworks. The former foundry, which currently serves as the Rolls Royce Heritage Centre, will be converted into as classic vehicle restoration workshop and showroom, becoming the new home of heritage vehicle initiative, Great Northern Classics. Led by Grace Construction, the extensive renovation project has begun following years of planning and design. With a dedicated team of 40 contractors on site, it is expected to take approximately one year to complete. The vast site encompasses four conjoined factory buildings, which will enable Great Northern Classics to house a fully equipped training school, workshops, a vehicle storage area, exhibition and entertainment space. As part of the plans for the project, Grace Constructions will install a full glass frontage leading to a feature staircase and mezzanine floor. As well as restoring the building’s existing character features. Stuart Bennett, owner of Grace Constructions, commented: “It’s a real honour and privilege to be leading this important conservation project. The site holds so much history and heritage to Derby and indeed to the whole country, having witnessed and contributed to some of the most significant industrial developments throughout the twentieth century. “When working on the designs and plans, the real challenge was to balance preserving the building’s rich past and full character, while adding new elements to enable the building to become a fully functional and secure. “We hope that the project will enable future generations of vehicle enthusiasts to fulfil their passion and hone their skills, as well as creating a destination for Derbyshire and adding to the legacy of this iconic building. We’re looking forward to getting construction work and the next chapter of Victoria Ironworks underway,” he added. Shaun Matthews, the Driving Force behind Great Northern Classics, added: “Stuart and I have been working closely on this project since our first meeting in 2018, whilst many things have changed since then our shared passion for classic vehicles and delivering something spectacular for Derby has remained constant.” “Now we have the ownership of the site and its rich history we are very excited to begin the job of converting it into Great Northern Classics, a truly unique project and opportunity for the East Midlands.” The transformation of Victoria Ironworks is one of the latest high-profile projects undertaken by Grace Construction, having previously completed construction of Derby’s Kings Crescent residential development, Nottingham-based Whyburn Business Park and We Are Padel Derby, to name but a few. For more information about Grace Construction, visit https://graceconstruction.co.uk/ Find out more about Great Northern Classics at https://www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/
Hortons’ Estate Ltd has delivered the new UK headquarters of international hydraulic and pneumatic specialist Brennan Industries Inc. – one of two new developments at an established industrial park in the West Midlands. The independent property company has completed construction of 35,000 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at Anchor Brook Industrial Park near Aldridge town centre. The new building has been divided into two separate units of 17,500 sq ft, one of which will be occupied by Brennan Industries Inc. as a distribution hub with integral office space, and the other will be let. US-based Brennan Industries Inc. has purchased the land and both new units on a long lease from Hortons and will relocate its UK team from an existing facility in Walsall. It is the largest of two new developments to have been delivered by Hortons at the business park, following completion of a new retail unit on an adjacent plot that will be occupied by Greggs. Matt M. Stahr, vice president of operations at Brennan Industries Inc., said that the company’s new distribution hub would support its recent and anticipated growth, and could create new employment opportunities. He said: “We are incredibly excited about our new facility at Wharf Approach. This new distribution hub will allow us to more easily service the UK market, return value to our customers, and make for an enjoyable place for our employees to work. Thank you to the Hortons team for their world-class expertise, communication, and efficiency.” James Slater, head of building surveying and development at Hortons said: “It’s very pleasing to have completed this nine month development programme at Anchor Brook Industrial Park. “We’ve worked closely with Brennan to deliver a facility that meets its needs, both now and in the future. We’re confident that the quality of the building, and the park’s convenient location near the national motorway network, will provide an ideal platform for business growth. “We have a good relationship with Greggs having worked together to develop a similar facility in Cannock and its new retail unit will undoubtedly enhance the offering for existing occupiers of the business park and surrounding area.”
Bluechain plans to reach 100,000 new customers in their first year, focusing on large businesses and SMEs with digital payment needs Bluechain, the fast-growing fintech startup that transforms the traditional payments and receivables process, has officially launched in the UK with their first customer, leading construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries. The objective is to allow Aggregate Industries to digitise the billing, collections and reconciliation process with their SME customers. Bluechain sees the UK as a strategic marketplace for its current growth objectives and they plan to expand aggressively into the marketplace, aiming to reach 100,000 new customers by the end of their first year. With further global expansions already in the works, including Europe and Africa, Bluechain has their sights set on landing large businesses and SME customers across a range of sectors including utilities, wholesale, construction and professional services. The UK expansion follows a very successful Australian launch in the summer of 2020 focused on supporting SMEs. Bluechain has a growing number of customers and partners, including NRS Couriers, Rabbithole Café, Madcrew Wealth and Tuber. The Request to Pay (RtP) experts offer their platform to connect businesses and their customers in real-time, transforming the biller and payer experience and taking the reactive “black hole” of invoicing into an insightful and connected mutually beneficial relationship. As the global economy navigates rising inflation, energy prices and the cost of living, financial management and budgeting are more important than ever. Bluechain’s platform puts the control in the hands of the payee. Customers can schedule bills at a date that aligns with their payday and split payments into smaller amounts, pay in full or query their bill. With Bluechain’s network, businesses receive complete transparency on invoice status with live data to know when they will get paid. It also eliminates security risks as payment data is never in transit and verified billers no longer need to share risky text payment links. With 54% of banks and Payment Service Providers citing technology limitations and existing systems as their biggest obstacle, Bluechain provides a fully featured capability that can seamlessly plug into existing core platforms like ERPs, accounting platforms and CRMs. Tim Annis, UK Managing Director at Bluechain, said: “Businesses, such as Aggregate Industries and their customers are the backbone of the UK economy and this launch into the UK market is a great opportunity for Bluechain to help transform the payments experience particularly for SMEs. Bluechain’s platform takes businesses one step closer to their customers, and we are thrilled at the opportunities that this is bringing for UK customers. It’s great to be able to work with a partner like Aggregate Industries as we thrive together in delivering the best in class customer experience for billing and collections.” Phil Rice, Head of Credit at Aggregate Industries said: “Aggregate Industries and the broader Holcim Group are always looking for new ways to support and improve the customer experience. Through our open innovation platform, Holcim MAQER, we identify and partner with startups delivering the most impactful solutions that solve challenges for our customers and our own teams. Bluechain presents an opportunity to create a closer level of customer engagement. The focus on how we can help them become more digitally enabled whilst at the same time supporting the cost-to-service receivables makes it a win-win. Bluechain’s end-to-end approach presents just such a solution.” Stephen Bedggood, Vice President of Product at Bluechain added: “Bluechain’s launch in Australia has been very successful, with a significant number of small businesses and enterprises making or receiving payment via our platform. The expansion into the UK is a testament to the global success and impact we have had to date empowering businesses and customers in their payments journeys and I am excited to see this replicated in the UK market.” Philip King, Ex Small Business Commissioner and Advisor at Bluechain said: “One of the most challenging things for people to do in a cost of living crisis is pay, which is why it’s important to give customers the ability to do so efficiently. Bluechain’s technology takes payments and billing to the next level in a way that transforms how companies connect with their customers. Managing finances is at the front of people’s minds, and it is easy to lose sight of the person behind the invoice when focusing on the end goal of getting paid. Bluechain’s platform is customer-centric and gives the biller the visibility to meet their customer’s needs.” Bluechain is available now in the UK. For more information, please visit bluechain.com. Media inquiries, please contact: bluechain@hardnumbers.co.uk
CHAS, the trusted expert in supply chain compliance, has teamed up with SafetyCulture, the global technology company, to provide CHAS contractors with discounted access to SafetyCulture’s digital operations management platform. SafetyCulture’s platform empowers businesses to harness the power of observation to identify and reduce risk and save money while driving continuous improvement in safety and quality management. The agreement includes the use of iAuditor, SafetyCulture’s flagship inspection management software which allows teams to capture data, identify areas of improvement, share reports and collaborate via a simple-to-use app. Using iAuditor, CHAS members can perform checks, report issues, automate tasks and communicate fluidly within a single auditable trail. CHAS members have access to an exclusive 10% discount on iAuditor and can get started for free for up to 10 users. CHAS members are also eligible for a 10% discount on EdApp, an all-in-one mobile training platform that gives workers the flexibility to train at any place, any time. The SafetyCulture discount is the latest in an ever-growing bank of CHAS membership benefits designed to help members’ businesses thrive and save them thousands of pounds a year. Other benefits include discounted cyber security support, access to a free legal helpline, 20% discount with Speedy Hire, TradePoint cards that give 10% off at B&Q, as well as discounted training courses and free access to e-learning resources. Commenting on CHAS’s partnership with Safety Culture, CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon says: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with SafetyCulture to offer our members an exclusive discount on access to this cutting edge platform. “CHAS is committed to helping members strive for continuous improvement in their health & safety performance and SafetyCulture’s tools enable users to do just that. “By harnessing these tools, CHAS members will have the potential to strengthen their risk management processes, reduce accidents and incident levels and build even better businesses.” Niamh Keane, Head of UK, SafetyCulture adds: “SafetyCulture and CHAS share a vision to make the highest levels of risk, health and safety and quality management available as broadly as possible. Through the use of SafetyCulture’s easy-to-use tools like iAuditor and EdApp, CHAS members will be able to equip their frontline with market-leading technology and skills to deliver on this vision.” To find out more about how CHAS can help your business, call CHAS today on 0345 521 9111 or visit www.chas.co.uk
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has broken ground at its £13m residential development in Esh Winning. Located six miles west of Durham city centre, the scheme named The Oaks will deliver 89 high quality homes for long-term rent; a mix of 54 bungalows, the largest delivery in a generation, and 35 three-bedroom houses. The start of construction was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony which was attended by key members of the Placefirst project team and representatives from Durham County Council. Placefirst has worked with architect POD Newcastle and landscape architect Southern Green to design a scheme which will transform the two-hectare brownfield site. Placefirst’s commitment to placemaking and sustainability is showcased through the masterplan which is landscape-led with the retention of high value oak trees and a network of shared green spaces for residents to enjoy. As a multigenerational community, the development will provide a boost to the village, benefitting local services, businesses and amenities. The site’s proximity to the open countryside and green space will be attractive to new residents, and the site is also well connected to surrounding towns and Durham city centre. The Oaks represents Placefirst’s continued dedication to providing quality homes to the single family rental market, and builds on its strong track record of creating communities in the North East region including The Green in Hartlepool, which transformed three streets of Victorian houses, and Scholar’s View, a new build neighbourhood of 116 homes in Hetton-le-Hole, Sunderland. Placefirst is responsible for every aspect of the home and neighbourhood. Each development has a dedicated resident services manager and renters are guaranteed a characterful, fully maintained, high-quality home for as long as they like. Work at The Oaks is expected to complete in late 2024. James Litherland, planning and development manager at Placefirst commented: “We are proud to commence work at Esh Winning, a project that will bring new life to the site and deliver 89 high quality homes for rent to the North East. The team have worked hard to bring this development together and we’d like to thank them as well as Durham County Council who have shown great enthusiasm throughout. “With a proven track record of placemaking and regeneration, we are pleased to be bringing new single-family rental properties to the area which will make a lasting positive impact on the community. We look forward to work completing in late 2024.” Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We are pleased to see work getting underway on this development and look forward to its completion. Having access to good quality housing is vital to the wellbeing of our residents. “With a mixture of bungalows and houses for single families and new homes for rent, this scheme will help to meet local needs”. Cllr Jean Chaplow commented: “I have been campaigning for the delivery of bungalows on this site for a long time so I am delighted to see work start. On behalf of the ward councillors I’d like to thank Placefirst for their commitment to this project. We are pleased they will be maintaining the existing oak trees as part of the landscaping, and I look forward to seeing the neighbourhood complete in 2024.”
Boutique developer Life Less Ordinary has created five significant new roles, further expanding its workforce to deliver more homes. The move comes as it looks forward to continued growth with an appetite to see its output increase to a residential development value of over £50 million next year. In what amounts to an almost total re-structure of the construction team, Life Less Ordinary head hunted James Cross into the role of Head of Technical. James joins from Persimmon Homes and over a career that spans almost 40 years, he has gained experience with leading industry names that include Barratt Homes, Crest Nicholson, and Berkeley Homes. A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, James is experienced in all aspects of residential development and has built an enviable track record of delivering complex residential and mixed used schemes. Life Less Ordinary has also strengthened its commercial team with Paul Litherland who arrives from Inland Homes to assume the role of Head of Commercial. Sponsored through his university degree by Taylor Woodrow Construction, Paul has gone on to gain experience with Kier Construction and Tolent Construction. Completing the commercial team line-up will be Ben Revel who joins as Assistant Surveyor to support Paul and develop the businesses procurement processes. Darren Breen, meanwhile, left Boshers to join Life Less Ordinary in the construction arm as Operations Manager. After working at Ballymore and Inland Homes, his experience and expertise in construction will allow the business to enhance its product offering with a closer eye to detail and the ability to scale up to a larger number of homes. Commenting on the new appointments, Hinesh Chawda, Director at Life Less Ordinary said: “We have a hugely ambitious appetite to deliver more quality, desirable homes and to do that it is vital that we have the very best senior experience within our team. “The combined experience and enthusiasm of James, Paul, Ben and Darren will allow us to ensure that we continue building quality, desirable homes and a consistently exceptional product as we move through a period of sustained growth.” Life Less Ordinary has also appointed Danielle Chevannes to the role of Customer Service Manager. As a business committed to delivering the strongest customer experience from initial enquiry through to sale completion and follow up, these appointments underscore the team’s focus on providing a customer focused full-service offering. Hinesh concludes: “We have witnessed the positive impact that controlling the entire development process has for the end user and the value that it brings to our customers in their new homes. Danielle will be the principal point of contact for all our buyers and ensure that our customer care matches the quality of the homes that we’re selling.”
An opportunity to build a £100m industrial or logistics scheme on land in a prime spot south of the river Thames is up for grabs. The Greater London Authority, GLA’s development arm, Land & Property, is looking for a developer-led team to build on two freehold sites on 75 Bugsby Way on Greenwich Peninsula. London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The site has the potential to deliver three-storeys of industrial accommodation. Soft market testing has demonstrated a strong interest in the site from potential partners.” Scheme to offer jobs boost for area The multi-storey development would need to have a wide range of unit sizes and types including SME space providing employment opportunities for the local community. A façade design reflective of the innovative nature of the building would be needed as well as sustainability during and after construction. Achieving the commercial value of the site as well as meeting prospective tenants’ demands are among the key procurement objectives. Menzies Distribution centre is currently based on the 3.38-acre site, but the GLA believes there is potential for more intensive industrial or logistic activity. Khan said a preferred development partner would be selected in spring next year and would be invited to negotiate a 250-year leasehold to the land. A target start date of the summer of 2024 is expected for the project. The successful developer would need to find tenants to generate a return and would be asked to pay at least half of the total £106,943,267 value upon completion. The remaining amount would be due as a variable payment to be settled within five years of finishing the scheme. Development finance intermediary Hank Zarihs Associates said the spot was in a key London location with strong links to central London and the M25 making it attractive to development finance lenders to back.
Following a recent flurry of acquisitions within the UK, Prologis, a leading owner and developer of logistics real estate, has announced three strategic developments across the Midlands and the South East. The projects at Prologis Park Midpoint, located in Birmingham, Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands in Weybridge , bringing the total amount of land under development by Prologis UK for the logistics industry to 2.4 million sq. ft. Ground has been broken at Prologis Park Midpoint, one of the UK’s most successful logistics parks, with the new unit, DC6, under construction as part of a speculative development project. On completion, the new 163,754 sp. ft. distribution centre will bring the total floorspace of logistics properties at the park to over 1.6 million sq. ft. Prologis Park Midpoint is situated in the logistics “Golden Triangle” in the Midlands – a prime location to support growing supply chain needs. The park is situated just eight miles from central Birmingham and has access to 11 motorway junctions within five miles, providing vital accessibility for national and urban distribution. As demands within the ecommerce sector continue to grow, there has been an increased focus on the need for more high-density urban hubs to provide greater last-mile capabilities. In response to the growing needs of the industry, Prologis has broken ground on two key development areas within Greater London. Strategically positioned to ensure access the major consumer markets within West and Central London, and Thames Valley, Prologis Park West London is located on the doorstep of Heathrow Airport and within four miles of the M25. The two new units, DC5 (195,719 sq. ft.) and DC6 (143,849 sq. ft.), are due to finish construction in Spring 2023. Likewise, Prologis Park Brooklands DC1 is situated in a proven last-mile delivery location, serving Central and South London, with easy access to the M25, M3 and A3. The new 124,401 sq. ft. logistics facility draws upon a large and skilled labour pool from Weybridge and surrounding areas. Both Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands are designed and built to meet the demands of high-performance operations. As well as being Grade A logistics and manufacturing facilities,all three developments will be certified net zero carbon in construction, with the new facilities targeted to achieve BREEAM-rated ‘Excellent’, a mark of Prologis’ ongoing environmental credentials. In addition, the units will be kitted out with EV infrastructure for the benefit of customers with green fleets. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “Our development projects benefit from the excellent support of local councils and other stakeholders right from the start. Not only do these speculative developments show the strength and confidence we have in the sector, but also the exemplify the innovative ways in which the industry can support its ongoing growth. We’ve listened to the market, and to our customers, and are actively pushing forward development plans to support areas of growth, such as last-mile and urban delivery. “We’re immensely proud of the development projects that are ongoing across the country, and these new units are expected to generate a high level of interest and bring an array of benefits for the local economy and communities.”