A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator).
Cube Homes’ Holcombe View in Whitefield was named as Boutique Housing Development of the Year at Insider’s North West Residential Property Awards at Manchester Central. The development, of 14 large family homes, beat competition from across the region to win the prestigious title at the event which was compered by
Devon County Council and Norse Group are to launch a new joint venture. South West Norse will bring together Devon Norse’s facilities management, cleaning and catering operations with NPS South West’s multidisciplinary property consultancy services. The existing joint ventures between the Norse Group and Devon County Council have separately secured
Leading national contractor, Novus Property Solutions, has promoted long-serving former senior operations manager Ray Fielder to Head of Operations for its Southern region – making him responsible for the company’s largest geographic area, stretching from Cornwall to Norfolk. Ray Fielder embodies Novus’ ethos of recognising and rewarding talented people at
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer of logistics property, has agreed a 10-year lease for a new 131,780 sq ft unit, currently under construction at Prologis Park Hams Hall. Birmingham based logistics and distribution company LTS Global Solutions will be moving into DC3, which is due for completion in the summer,
Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has today gone live with its latest procurement offering – its Soft Facilities Management Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – which has an anticipated full-term value of £100m. Pagabo’s Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) provides a compliant procurement system for a wide range of facilities management works, including
The project will see the construction of 155,000 sq ft of grade A standard industrial/warehouse space in a range of sizes from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a strategically positioned site in Croydon. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power,
A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator). The RSVT allows the rail industry to forecast, monitor and evaluate the social value of its activities. This is about measuring the impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both individuals and wider society, the net positive (or negative) social, economic and fiscal value that a project, organisation or specific initiative generates. With 500 indicators, organised across 12 social impacts, the RSVT can measure and monetise a wide range of benefits. These include: Improving safety Jobs created, apprentices employed and training provided Change to air quality Increasing biodiversity, by protecting and boosting plant and animal life, and planting trees Curriculum enrichment support for young people Design features that make rail travel more accessible and inclusive Employee and community volunteering Co-designing infrastructure and services with communities The RSVT has undergone extensive testing since November 2021 by early adopters, including Network Rail and companies in its supply chain. Liz Holford, Network Rail’s Sustainability Strategy manager (Social Performance) said: “The launch of the Rail Social Value Tool is an important milestone which enables our industry to make a step-change in how we understand and manage our impacts on people. “We’re already using the tool to forecast and maximise the social value of station redevelopments and infrastructure enhancements as well as current projects and some completed ones, and we’re looking forward to using it further to manage and improve the impact our railway has on society.” George Davies, RSSB’s Director for Sustainable Development said: “It’s fantastic to see the Rail Social Value Tool launched today. It’s a first for the rail industry, and I would like to thank everyone involved in its development. “Rail is one of the most sustainable forms of transport. However, until now, we haven’t been able to measure its social value in sufficient detail. “We can now assess, and importantly place a financial value on the effect the railway has in a number of areas including the natural environment, communities, people and their health, cultural heritage, housing, inclusivity, and distribution of opportunities. “As we transform the Railway and deliver the vision of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, the Rail Social Value Tool will guide decisions on rail development across the country to ensure the best return on those investments for society.” Gerard Toplass, Group Chief Executive, Loop said: “We are proud to have worked with RSSB and the wider rail sector to help them deliver the Rail Social Value Tool. Together we have developed 449 measures (KPIs) across 12 social value impact areas that cover people, sustainability and economic activity. “It is a first for the industry, and our software team worked in true collaboration with RSSB to develop a simple and accessible tool that can be used throughout the supply-chain and is aligned to the sector’s needs and objectives.Over the next 5 years we look forward to further developing the tool and helping the rail sector continue to deliver measured social value.”
Cube Homes’ Holcombe View in Whitefield was named as Boutique Housing Development of the Year at Insider’s North West Residential Property Awards at Manchester Central. The development, of 14 large family homes, beat competition from across the region to win the prestigious title at the event which was compered by television’s Matt Baker and attended by 860 people from the built environment industry in region Judges said that Holcombe View provided ‘a great fit with its surroundings’ and that the ‘characterful development is something a little different.” Nestled within semi-rural surroundings, the four and five bedroom properties feature large windows and vaulted ceilings and were positioned to take advantage of the breath-taking views of Holcombe Hill. Christopher Heath, Managing Director of Manchester-based Cube Homes, said: “It’s a real honour to win this award especially as the competition was really tough – all of the finalists in this category were amazing. “We are so proud of Holcombe View, it was one of our fastest selling developments – we sold 10 of the properties within the first 10 days of release! Many people still think of new build developments as rows of cookie cutter houses but we always try to offer genuinely different homes which have the proportions and individuality of traditional properties but with the added benefit of energy efficient heating and the latest contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. “We are passionate about the locations we chose to build in and always try to choose inspiring places, with lots of access to green space and fantastic local amenities.” Cube Homes is the private sector arm of the Great Places Housing Group, which provides affordable social housing across the region. With its profit-for-purpose ethos, all profits generated by Cube Homes is reinvested to help projects across Great Places’ communities.
Devon County Council and Norse Group are to launch a new joint venture. South West Norse will bring together Devon Norse’s facilities management, cleaning and catering operations with NPS South West’s multidisciplinary property consultancy services. The existing joint ventures between the Norse Group and Devon County Council have separately secured a number of exciting contracts, which will continue under the new combined joint venture Working together from 1 May 2022 will allow expertise across both joint ventures to be combined and services to be extended, said Matt Wilby, newly appointed Operations Director for South West Norse. “South West Norse will not only provide greater efficiencies but will also allow us to work closer together as a team and develop new commercial opportunities,” he said. The Norse Group works with clients across a range of sectors and is known for its innovative joint venture partnerships with other local authorities. Its new partnership with Devon County Council will run to at least 2027 and will play a vital role in helping the county council to meet its future strategic priorities, including its pandemic recovery plans. Councillor John Hart, Devon County Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member responsible for property, said: “Devon County Council is pleased to announce the creation of South West Norse based on the strong foundations of the successful partnership it has built with Norse over the last 15 years. The combined joint venture offers the opportunity to innovate and change the way services are delivered, to be more efficient by integrating Property and FM services and support and work closely with the Council.”
Leading national contractor, Novus Property Solutions, has promoted long-serving former senior operations manager Ray Fielder to Head of Operations for its Southern region – making him responsible for the company’s largest geographic area, stretching from Cornwall to Norfolk. Ray Fielder embodies Novus’ ethos of recognising and rewarding talented people at every level: he began working with Novus as a joiner 16 years ago, and having excelled at a number of site and contract roles, he progressed through the ranks to join the company’s senior team. Most recently, he achieved great success when managing Novus’ Southampton operation, priming him for this latest step up. Speaking of Ray’s promotion, Executive Director Lee Hartley said “We have always had a strong ‘grow our own talent’ ethos at Novus, and seeing Ray progress through the company is absolute proof of this. From the moment our colleagues join us, we continually strive to develop and maximise their personal and professional potential to allow them to progress. One of our key values as a business is to nurture, and this applies to both our people and our relationships with clients and suppliers. Year after year, Ray has excelled in each of his roles and it gives me incredible satisfaction to see him reach this highpoint in his career. I have every confidence that Ray will continue to excel and drive our growth throughout the region.” In line with the wider business, Ray’s immediate focus is on rolling out the company’s recently-launched Sustain service to new and existing clients from across the south of England, as well as expanding the reach of the Assure service in recognition of the need for improved passive fire protection across public sector buildings and housing associations. Ray will also oversee the full roll-out of Novus’ innovative Oneserve system, a cloud-based application which offers Novus’ clients and their residents or customers full transparency on any given project, providing real-time updates and acting as an information hub for both contractor and client. Commenting on his appointment and ambition for the region, Ray said: “This is an exciting time for Novus, with new services and technological leaps forward, and I’m proud to be stepping up to a more senior role in this crucial period. Having worked with Novus on both site and office-based positions for 16 years, I feel I know the company very well and it is impressive to see the business taking such ambitious strides whilst managing to retain its family feel – that’s what makes Novus special. I’m looking forward to supporting the new services as they take root in the Southern region and building valuable partnerships with our new and existing customers.” The Southern region will also continue to support Novus’ social value initiatives, which have so far included a mobile foodbank created in partnership with Guinness Homes and designed to serve hard-to-reach rural communities in the South West, which was spearheaded by senior operations manager Mark Noad with Ray’s full support. Ray has also encouraged customer liaison officers (CLOs) across the region to come up with creative ways to keep in touch with residents and build good relations – such as a recent Easter egg donation which saw six CLOs drop off chocolate eggs for local charities.
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer of logistics property, has agreed a 10-year lease for a new 131,780 sq ft unit, currently under construction at Prologis Park Hams Hall. Birmingham based logistics and distribution company LTS Global Solutions will be moving into DC3, which is due for completion in the summer, as part of their ambitious expansion plans. LTS Global Solutions, advised by Gerald Eve, provides a comprehensive range of services within logistics, transport and shipping worldwide. It is partnered with some of the world’s major shipping line and airlines to facilitate the provision of bespoke supply chain solutions which include storage, Just In Time delivery and international freight forwarding. Like all new Prologis UK buildings, DC3 at Prologis Park Hams Hall will meet the highest standards of sustainability and is planned to meet net zero carbon emissions in construction. Additionally, the building will aim to be BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as well as achieving an EPC A rating. Located only 10 miles from Birmingham City Centre and 1 mile from Junction 9 of the M42, Prologis Park Hams Hall is already home to Jaguar Land Rover’s Battery Assembly Centre and is one of the leading manufacturing and logistics locations in the UK. The wider Hams Hall park also features an on-site rail freight terminal and is home to global brands such as BMW, Sainsburys and DHL. Tom Price, capital deployment and leasing director at Prologis UK, commented: “Welcoming LTS Global Solutions as one of our newest customers is testament to the growing demand for prime logistics real estate space right now – and the business will certainly be in good company at Prologis Park Hams Hall. “Dave and his team have growth in their sights and we’re extremely proud that we’ve been able to provide a high quality facility in a prime location that will allow the business’ expansion plans to come to life.” Dave Hands, managing director at LTS Global Solutions, adds: “Moving into the new unit at Hams Hall signifies an exciting time for us. It’s been a pleasure working with the Prologis team and we can’t wait to move in and push on with our plans to expand our operations further.” John Sambrooks, Partner for Gerald Eve, said: “The successful lease of Ham Hall illustrates the continued demand for well-located, high-spec industrial facilities. Its strategic location, combined with LTS Global Solutions’ track record of industrial supply chain solutions, makes this an attractive dynamic for the company’s significant expansion plans. We’re delighted to have secured the premises for LTS, and look forward to seeing the company grow over the coming years.”
Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made from 88% recycled polymers, the environmentally friendly kerbstone is helping the restaurant drastically reduce its carbon emissions. Thanks to its lightweight nature, it is also safer and easier to install, helping to minimise energy consumption and risk during construction, whilst increasing efficiency. The revolutionary site uses more than 250 square metres (sqm) of recycled materials in its construction, from building cladding made from recycled IT equipment and white household goods. Other features include two wind turbines, 92 sqm of solar panels, a drive-thru lane made from recycled tyres, and a biodiversity garden and nature trail designed by children from Market Drayton Junior School. The site is reported to be the first in the UK that fits into the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) net-zero carbon buildings framework. The company plans to use the design as a “blueprint” for new builds around the UK from 2022, with some of the sustainable measures already being implemented at other outlets. Transforming the built environment Sustainable construction innovator Dura Products, based in Deeside, Flintshire, is the company behind Durakerb. Having installed over 400,000 units since 2003, the company prides itself on its sustainability credentials. These credentials were affirmed in September 2021 with the announcement of its updated Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for Durakerb along with its, Durachannel, a linear surface drainage system, and Duradrain, a dual function kerb and drainage system. The three products recorded remarkably low carbon footprints of just 1.06, 1.47 and 1.71kg of carbon dioxide per kg respectively. Commenting on the installation of Durakerb, Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products said: “It’s a very proud moment for the company as our product is installed at the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant – a historic step for green construction in the UK. Our products are the example of what modern construction can be and should be – environmentally responsible. With the built environment contributing some 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, our industry has a long way to go, but as this project demonstrates, it is possible. To watch Roman Kemp discuss Durakerb and the UK’s first ever net-zero restaurant, click here https://metro.co.uk/video/first-net-zero-mcdonalds-branch-2566055/
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has today gone live with its latest procurement offering – its Soft Facilities Management Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – which has an anticipated full-term value of £100m. Pagabo’s Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) provides a compliant procurement system for a wide range of facilities management works, including cleaning, catering, washroom and hygiene services, pest control, security, and waste management and recycling. The DPS is now live and will run until May 2027, with the option of a one-year extension, and will connect public sector organisations with pre-approved businesses of all sizes across the UK. At the same time, it has also issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – its brand-new, £100m Total Facilities Management Solutions framework. Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We’re really pleased to be bringing forward these new options for clients to access the facilities management services they need, no matter their project size, type or location. “Our DPS cuts timescales, streamlines the process and simplifies the tender process for clients and suppliers alike. It provides an ‘open market’ solution, being designed to give clients access to a pool of pre-qualified suppliers, which can be constantly updated with new suppliers. This differs to the more traditional framework agreements, to which suppliers are locked in for the full term. “With no limits on the amount of suppliers, the DPS provides any client with a wide range of options when it comes to suppliers, which will go through the further competition process to ensure the best supplier is appointed to the job.” The Soft Facilities Management DPS will allow the procurement of services for projects of unlimited value, covering three value bands: £0 – £250k £250k – £1m £1m and above The DPS will be able to cater for an unlimited number of national and regional suppliers, which will cover 174 geographical regions. Clients will be able to appoint suppliers for works via further competition. Meanwhile, the Total Facilities Management Solutions framework will be split into three lots, covering soft, hard, and total facilities management. The contracting authority for both procurement routes will be Red Kite Learning Trust. Jason said: “Clients will be able to benefit from super streamlined processes, which are backed up with full compliance. The pre-qualification process gives confidence that all our suppliers have the skills, governance and business viability for any project – as well as providing quality and value services. “The flexibility of a DPS being open to new suppliers throughout its term also means that clients are able to engage with potential suppliers on a more localised basis, supporting wider government aims of economic growth, levelling up and creating social value.” Suppliers interested in applying to be on the Soft Facilities Management DPS will be able to submit via MyPagabo. A pre-market engagement webinar will be held for the Total Facilities Management Solutions framework on 26 May at 1pm. Interested parties can register via https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_212m1jJaR4216nKJAg9iyQ For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/
The project will see the construction of 155,000 sq ft of grade A standard industrial/warehouse space in a range of sizes from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a strategically positioned site in Croydon. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been awarded a contract to construct 155,000 sq ft of grade A industrial and distribution space in a range of units from 5,000 to 85,000 sq ft at a site in Croydon. The development, which is being marketed as Segro Park Croydon, is situated on a seven-acre site at Redhouse Road, just off the A236 and well connected to London via the M25, The site serves as a well-established strategic location for trade counter, light industrial and warehousing. Units are expected to complete and be ready for occupation in early 2023, In keeping with the developer’s sustainability commitments, the site is being developed to Grade EPC A specification, incorporating a variety of sustainability features including photovoltaic panels, intelligent low energy lighting and EV charging points. Speaking about the contract award Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director London and South said: “Glencar are absolutely delighted to have been appointed on this high-quality last mile logistics scheme in one of the most connected urban centres in the Southeast. This instruction serves to reinforce Glencar’s continued expansion across London and the South and within the fast-expanding last mile urban logistics sector. This is the second appointment Glencar have been given by our customer having previously undertake the design and construction of a new industrial development in Acton comprising a single unit including associated external works and services. We are committed to going above and beyond our customer expectations and to develop long-term relationships and repeat business opportunities” Also commenting Alan Holland, Managing Director, Greater London at SEGRO said: “This is another milestone in the execution of our strategy to significantly grow our Greater London portfolio in key strategic sub-markets in the capital.” The project team includes Liberty QS, UMC Architects and WSP Structures and the scheme is expected to be complete by Q4 2022. Segro Park Croydon offers occupiers the opportunity to locate within the most connected urban centre in the Southeast, one of the only London boroughs linked by multiple modes of public transport, tram, road, bus and rail.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free download from the BSRIA Bookshop. It has been prepared to help consultants, specifiers, facilities and project managers, installers and end users deal with a period of considerable change for the industry as legislation and tightening environmental and performance targets combine to increase restrictions on how refrigerants are used and what gases will be allowed in the future. The increased use of heat pumps and greater focus on climate change mitigation, including the need to address overheating in buildings, means industry professionals are faced with greater design and installation challenges and opportunities to adopt new practices, which are covered in the guide. ‘Refrigerants in Building Services’ (TG 21/2022) includes information and advice on: * Current environmental and health and safety legislation affecting refrigerants * Forthcoming changes to legislation * Energy efficiency issues * Commonly used refrigerants * Applications including DX coils, chillers, split systems, VRF/VRV systems and heat pumps * Sources of further information. The two bodies were keen to work together to promote best practice across the sector and to fully explain the implications of stringent cuts to the use of HFCs and other bans as part of proposals to strengthen the European F-Gas regulation. The UK continues to ‘mirror’ the regulation, despite its departure from the EU, and the latest proposals from the European Commission include an acceleration of the current phase down process in 2024. This could be followed by a ban on the use of HFCs with global warming potential (GWP) of 150 and above in many split systems and heat pumps from 2027. “The timing of this guide is crucial,” said Fox. “There is so much change going on in the industry and there is a danger that people will be bamboozled by all the current and proposed legislative changes. If people are confused, they can end up simply ignoring their obligations with extremely unfortunate consequences. “We were, therefore, very keen to work with BSRIA on a document that would be both informative, practical and relevant to building engineering systems designers.” Fox added that the new guide reinforced the importance of people being properly trained and holding up-to-date technical and health & safety qualifications to work with both traditional and alternative refrigerants. This is particularly important because many HFC replacement refrigerants are mildly flammable, he pointed out. It also reminds end users that they should only employ F-Gas registered firms to remain legally compliant and to achieve their environmental goals. BESA manages the UK’s primary F-Gas register REFCOM and offers F-Gas Awareness training via its online Academy. BESA and BSRIA will also be jointly presenting a webinar on May 3rd featuring Graeme Fox and BSRIA publications manager, David Bleicher. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the new guidance, understand its wider context and why it is such a timely and important publication. To book your webinar place click here www.theBESA.com
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power, control and fire performance on the new extension of the United Christian Hospital project. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “There is a need for the highest levels of quality cabling in a building such as this where medical care relies on continuity of power supply and with such large numbers of people moving about, many of them vulnerable. We are proud to be chosen to supply the cables for such an iconic project.” Kevin Siu, Business Development Director of Fordex Electric Co, Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be awarded an important project like this and also proud to work alongside our partner AEI Cables. We are happy to have earned the trust and confidence from our client knowing Fordex Electric is here to fully support them throughout the project. I believe the UCH project will create opportunities for us to supply to similar projects of this scale in the Hong Kong market.” A new block to the hospital will provide specialist out-patient services, including psychiatric and day hospital, electro-diagnostic, multi-speciality day services, renal dialysis, diabetes, oncology and pathology. The design of the new block adopted a twin-tower approach to help with the function and flexibility of the building and to maintain major view corridors and breezeways at the upper levels, whilst enhancing the visual aesthetic of the design. A further wing will also provide endoscopy, peri-operative and in-patient services. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.