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Kenneth Booth

SIKA PROVIDES WEATHERTIGHT PROTECTION FOR AWARD-WINNING OFFSITE SCHOOL PROJECT

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

A technically advanced, high-performance, hybrid roofing membrane from global building product manufacturer Sika, provided the watertight finish for a new school which was built using innovative offsite construction techniques. The newly-constructed King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls in Birmingham, which was designed by architect Atkins Global on behalf of

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Innovative water mist fire suppression business appoints Julian Williams as CEO

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

International managing director Julian Williams has been appointed as CEO of iMist, the fast-growing Hull-headquartered water mist fire suppression business. Following a £4.5m investment by private equity firm Foresight Group a year ago, the business has seen rapid growth with demand for its innovative high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR

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BIGGER IS BETTER FOR FAMILIES AT BEAUCHAMP PARK

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Bigger, as the saying goes, is better and this is true when it comes to describing the new four bedroom detached family properties that have been released for sale at L&Q’s Beauchamp Park development off Gallows Hill in Warwick. All private sale four bedroom detached homes come with a single

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AD Ports Group Holds Stakes in Aramex and NMDC

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Move Provides Important Growth Opportunities and Business Synergies for Integrated Port, Logistics and Maritime Leader AD Ports Group, part of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company with a broad portfolio of major enterprises, confirmed that it now owns stakes in two leading enterprises. AD Ports Group now holds

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Revealed: the local authorities investing the most in construction funding

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

Despite Covid, local authorities spent over £100 million more on construction in 2020/21 than in 2015/16  Welwyn Hatfield Council increased its construction funding the most (5,482%)  On average, each local authority spent £28 million on construction in 2020/21 – up 3%  New research has revealed the UK local authorities that are increasing their construction funding at the

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Builders Merchants to see growth of 2-3% annually

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

Builders’ merchants represent a key part of the UK construction industry and account for up to 85% of the UK’s built environment, by supplying a wide range of building materials. Builders’ merchants and their suppliers contribute over £40bn to the economy every year. Builders’ merchants who are within the end

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

SIKA PROVIDES WEATHERTIGHT PROTECTION FOR AWARD-WINNING OFFSITE SCHOOL PROJECT

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

A technically advanced, high-performance, hybrid roofing membrane from global building product manufacturer Sika, provided the watertight finish for a new school which was built using innovative offsite construction techniques. The newly-constructed King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls in Birmingham, which was designed by architect Atkins Global on behalf of client Acivico Group, replaces Turves Green Girls’ School. The original establishment was in a poor state of repair and following consultations with the local authority, it was agreed constructing a new school building represented a cost-effective alternative to refurbishment. The new school includes contemporary classrooms, a dance studio, sports hall and a purpose-built library. The building’s airy feel is created by its wide corridors and stairways which are filled with natural light. This will help to inspire a calm and pleasant environment for staff and students. To meet performance and programme goals for the building’s construction, a hybrid design was devised by offsite construction and modular specialists, Innovaré. Such innovation was recognised at the annual Offsite Awards, with Innovaré – in a joint submission with Sika – winning the ‘Best Use of Hybrid Technology’ category for its successful Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) delivery of the King Edward VI Northfield School construction project.Innovaré’s hybrid system included integrated BBA-Certified i-SIP panels, hollow core concrete plank floors, and a lightweight timber cassette roofing system. This hybrid method of construction, which meant most of the new school structure was manufactured offsite, offered a radically quicker speed of build, reducing preliminary and overall costs. It also ensured the building’s performance and programme goals were met. As a global building product manufacturer with a wide range of products and technical expertise to offer, Sika is ideally placed to support offsite construction projects. Its Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Division is specifically tasked to work with offsite manufacturing and assembly companies to consider how Sika products could be used as part of the building process in this fast-growing sector. Sika’s 4mm elastomeric and plastomeric bituminous hybrid membrane, SikaBit Pro 940®, provided the watertight finish for the new building’s energy-efficient roofing system, which integrates timber cassettes with i-joists.SikaBit Pro 940® combines the advantages of APAO and SBS-modified bitumen, allowing two different compounds to work together. The upper layer comprises APA-modified bitumen, offering excellent heat resistance and durability. The under layer is SBS-modified bitumen, providing increased elongation, improving flexibility and excellent resistance to thermo-oxidative aging which will last longer than traditional membranes and reduce ongoing maintenance. SikaBit® has been developed to comply with the NFRC’s Safe2Torch Guidance to help specifiers prioritise safety at the design stage of roofing projects. The specification of SikaBit Pro 940® as part of the school’s energy-efficient roofing system contributed to the building’s fabric achieving required levels of thermal, airtightness, acoustic and maintenance performance. In terms of the roof’s construction, Innovaré manufactured large-format structural timber roof cassettes, ensuring that the structural members and deck went into place quickly. RLW Roofing, one of Sika’s Certified Roofing Contractors, were responsible for the design and installation of the roofing system. In addition, RLW Roofing completed façade works, using Sika Parex Historic Mortar KL. “We are proud that in collaboration with RLW Roofing, our products and expertise were used to successful effect in the delivery of this wonderful school, RLW’s skill and expertise were instrumental in delivering a technically robust solution” Simon Griffiths Head of Sales, Offsite Construction at Sika, said. “The hybrid method of construction implemented by Innovaré for this project aligns perfectly with Sika’s promotion of sustainable development within the construction industry.” Now fully opened, the King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls will begin its purpose to serve as a catalyst to transform opportunities, build aspiration and further develop academic success for its 750 students. It’s a huge ambition that Sika is delighted to help fulfil.

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Innovative water mist fire suppression business appoints Julian Williams as CEO

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

International managing director Julian Williams has been appointed as CEO of iMist, the fast-growing Hull-headquartered water mist fire suppression business. Following a £4.5m investment by private equity firm Foresight Group a year ago, the business has seen rapid growth with demand for its innovative high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems growing post-Grenfell as local authorities, developers and property professionals have sought new active fire suppression solutions. Founded in 2015, the iMist range has been designed specifically for domestic and larger residential properties and offers a number of benefits over traditional fire sprinkler products including more efficient use of water as it uses 80% less, ease of installation as it runs off the mains and cost effectiveness as it does not require a tank. With 35 years’ experience across a number of senior commercial roles, Julian specialises in driving dynamic growth in all sizes of organisations from fledgling SMEs to blue chip multinationals. He has worked in a diverse range of sectors including property services, consumer durables, retail and strategy consulting. As well as having a solid grounding in sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing, latterly Julian has focused on the digital space and the application of technology to make companies more productive and more effective in connecting with customers.  Julian further strengthens the iMist board following the appointment of former CEO of Kier Group, Haydn Mursell, as chair last March. He comments: “With his broad management skills, passion for developing talent and impressive track record of growing businesses, Julian is exactly what we need at this exciting point in iMist’s development. As the company scales up, he will also help to put in place the processes and systems as well as the experienced people we require to ensure a smooth transition. “Over the last year, with the backing of Foresight Group, we have seen the business continue to grow as fire suppression has remained high on the public agenda. As well as seeing increasing numbers of public and private sector specifiers here in the UK recognising the benefits of fire mist systems and turning to iMist’s unique range, we also have ambitious plans to explore overseas opportunities and Julian’s international experience will be invaluable.”  Julian adds: “As a PE-backed business with a good, solid funding base, iMist is in a fantastic position to realise its growth potential. Having developed its own proprietary misting system, the company’s mission is about saving people, saving property and saving water and I am proud to be part of that cause. Tony Sims, engineering expert and founder of iMist, will continue to lead the company’s investment in R&D and he comments:  “With our strong focus on R&D, iMist has developed an outstanding product which we believe can become the market leader in its field. We see Julian as someone who can help the organisation develop and lead iMist to the next level on its growth journey.”

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR said: “The recognition of the vast untapped potential of the under-used land surrounding our railway stations is exciting, because this is so crucial to unlocking the regeneration of place that is a cornerstone of this Levelling Up strategy. “We’ve seen this potential realised at Kings Cross, as Michael Gove has mentioned before. And will soon see it in cities like Sheffield, where the Levelling Up Fund’s investment into maximising the potential of reduced rail travel times to London will help to bring forward the Sheffield Midland and Sheaf Valley Regeneration Framework, which we have worked on alongside our partners in the city and the wider region.   “While funding is one part of the puzzle and no doubt the focus of much of the feedback on today’s announcement, the other critical element is collaboration between devolved authorities, councils, transport executives, government agencies and landowners. This strategy provides the framework and impetus for this to take place.”

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Daikin Altherma 3 WS heat pump now works up to 16 bars, meeting high-rise building requirements

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Daikin Europe unveils the latest update on Daikin Altherma 3 WS, an innovative solution to decarbonizing apartment buildings. The indoor water-to-water heat pump now works up to 16 bars and therefore meets high-rise building requirements. Decarbonizing the European building stock, and more specifically apartments, is an important step towards a greener future, since the building sector accounts for 40% of the energy used in Europe. With more people living in flats in urban areas, Daikin Altherma 3 WS offers the perfect solution to decarbonize apartment buildings. Innovative heating and cooling solution for all apartment buildings Daikin Altherma 3 WS is an indoor water-to-water heat pump with an integrated domestic hot water cylinder. It provides heating, cooling, and domestic hot water. It is part of a larger solution for apartment buildings, called “water loop system”. The system consists of a central heating generator working on renewable energy that pre-heats the water and distributes it to individual heat pumps, installed in each apartment. Daikin Altherma 3 WS heats it up a second time to meet individual needs. Its minimal footprint and silent operations make it as discreet as possible in the apartment. In 2020, Daikin Altherma 3 WS was introduced as an innovative solution to decarbonizing apartment buildings. It reduces the energy needed to produce water temperature, the heat losses during the transport and the insulation on the piping system in the building. Thanks to the update on Daikin Altherma 3 WS, the heat pump can now work up to 16 bars. It now meets the requirements for high-rise buildings, on top of it being suitable for other apartment buildings already. One step closer to a decarbonized future Numbers from Eurostat show that in 2020, 72% of the EU population in cities lived in a flat. In towns and suburbs, this is 41%. The large number of people living in apartment buildings in urban areas raises a challenge. Apartment buildings are significant contributors to energy consumption and CO2-emissions. The challenge lies in building environmentally friendly apartment buildings. Daikin Altherma 3 WS and its latest update to meet high-rise building requirements are a step in the right direction to a decarbonized collective housing market. Patrick Crombez, General Manager Daikin Europe Heating and Renewables: “At Daikin, we always aim to further innovate our existing products, with one clear goal: strengthen decarbonization. Daikin Altherma 3 WS was launched in 2020 as a sustainable solution for greener apartment buildings, and now, less than two years later, its update also meets high-rise building standards. This shows that faster decarbonization is possible within the European building sector, which represents 40% of the energy used. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts for a sustainable building stock in Europe.” Daikin Altherma 3 WS  product specifications Available in heating only and reversible Dimensions (HxWxD): 1891 x 597 x 666 mm A+++ energy performance (space heating) A+ energy performance (domestic hot water) 16 bar pressure rating (water loop side) Cloud ready

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BIGGER IS BETTER FOR FAMILIES AT BEAUCHAMP PARK

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Bigger, as the saying goes, is better and this is true when it comes to describing the new four bedroom detached family properties that have been released for sale at L&Q’s Beauchamp Park development off Gallows Hill in Warwick. All private sale four bedroom detached homes come with a single garage and a high-quality ‘premium’ specification as standard – at no extra cost. Kitchens are equipped with AEG appliances including a washer dryer, fully-fitted bathrooms feature a ceiling-mounted waterfall showerhead and stylish chrome/stainless steel fixtures, there’s lighting and flooring throughout plus turf and paving to the south-facing rear garden. Depending on the stage of the build, buyers can also style the interior from a choice of three colour palettes to ensure their home is just as they want it before they move in. Residents at Beauchamp Park will enjoy the variety of beautiful, scenic public open spaces, footpaths, cycleways and children’s play areas within the development. There’s also a choice of independent and state schools nearby which between them can provide families with an education from primary through to sixth form. This combined with access to a host of bars and eateries, shopping facilities, parks, open spaces and entertainment venues in Warwick, means the development is the ideal choice for buyers with children. Claire Brenlund, L&Q’s Sales Director, said: “Beauchamp Park enjoys an enviable setting in one of the country’s most desirable locations. It has been carefully planned with families in mind and is the ideal choice for buyers who are looking for a property they can grow into in years to come.” The Penrith, a four bedroom detached property, is an ideal family home that features a thoughtfully designed layout with plenty of flexible living accommodation and a single garage. It includes a stunning kitchen/dining room with French doors that open onto the south-facing rear garden, a spacious living room, handy study and cloakroom. Upstairs there are four spacious bedrooms, with an en suite and built-in storage to the master, and a shared family bathroom. Four bedroom homes are currently priced from £525,000 – £530,000. For more information call the Beauchamp Park sales team on 01789 430 165 or visit lqhomes.com/beauchamppark.

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AD Ports Group Holds Stakes in Aramex and NMDC

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Move Provides Important Growth Opportunities and Business Synergies for Integrated Port, Logistics and Maritime Leader AD Ports Group, part of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company with a broad portfolio of major enterprises, confirmed that it now owns stakes in two leading enterprises. AD Ports Group now holds a 22.32% stake in logistics firm Aramex PJSC (“Aramex”) and a 10% stake in UAE-based contractor National Marine Dredging Company PJSC (“NMDC”), which specialises in engineering, procurement, construction and marine dredging. With more than 600 offices in over 65 countries worldwide, Aramex is a global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, while NMDC is a marine industry leader, capable of operating and delivering major projects anywhere in the world. Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “These two leading companies provide a strong strategic fit with AD Ports Group’s vision to develop the maritime and logistics industries across the region and globally. Given the international scope of both Aramex’s and NMDC’s operations, we are confident that there will be significant opportunities for collaboration and growth when aligned with AD Ports Group’s diverse, integrated business model.”

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Akela wins contract to deliver piling for retail giant in Falkirk

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Akela Ground Engineering (GE), part of the Akela Group, has secured a contract to deliver piling solutions for the extension of ALDI supermarket at Redbrae Road in Falkirk.  The project valued at £27k is the second project that Akela GE has secured with the retail giant in quick succession. It follows the successful completion of a large-scale refurbishment and extension of ALDI supermarket at Craig O’Loch Road in Forfar – worth approximately £70k.  The project will incorporate a number of sustainability features including using displacement piling which eliminates the need to dispose of soil offsite. Work is scheduled to begin on site this month and will be complete by March. Mark Markey, Akela Group Managing Director, said:  “This contract win closely follows our successful delivery of ALDI’s refurbishment in Forfar and is a shining example of the innovative solutions that we are using to deliver high quality and sustainable projects for our clients. “We are pleased to be working with ALDI again as we continue to grow our ground engineering and construction portfolio in the retail sector across Scotland.”

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Major land purchase in city centre for council’s regeneration plans

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

The former Tricorn site in City Centre North has been purchased by Portsmouth City Council, supporting regeneration of the area. Real estate investment and development advisor, Delancey previously owned a long lease for the site but now the council have full land ownership. The site will continue as an NCP managed car park until required for development. This is the second major land purchase in the city centre that the council has completed within twelve months; the first being the former Sainsbury’s site on Commercial Road in March 2021. Cllr Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said, “Listening to people’s views on the city centre through the Local Plan, the Imagine 2040 City Vision, and other council-led engagement, we have been working to a strategy that will protect its future. We know more needs to be done to improve the high street in the core area and we also know that there are opportunities to make significant improvements in City Centre North and City Centre South. I’m delighted to say that we are going to make those improvements and this significant land purchase is more evidence of that.” Since the demolition of the Tricorn Centre in 2004, there has been much discussion and debate over what should replace it. However, full ownership of this site further enables the council to deliver its long-term regeneration plans for City Centre North, as announced in November of last year. The creation of a large, public park is at the heart of those plans, alongside the development of around 2000 new homes. Cllr Vernon-Jackson continued, “We will be delivering a major regeneration scheme in this part of the city centre that considers a wide range of factors, from our current housing targets and current road infrastructure to the need for more sustainable travel, and more green space. We are currently working through the planning process and aim to submit a planning application before this summer. People have already told us what they need and want to see in the city centre through the Local Plan surveys but there will be an opportunity to comment on this specific regeneration project in more detail at a public consultation planned for the summer.” Anyone who has a property interest in this area should contact: CityCentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

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Revealed: the local authorities investing the most in construction funding

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

Despite Covid, local authorities spent over £100 million more on construction in 2020/21 than in 2015/16  Welwyn Hatfield Council increased its construction funding the most (5,482%)  On average, each local authority spent £28 million on construction in 2020/21 – up 3%  New research has revealed the UK local authorities that are increasing their construction funding at the fastest rate, with some councils upping their spend by more than 5,000% over five years.  IronmongeryDirect issued Freedom of Information requests to each local authority and asked how much they spent on construction projects, including buildings, roads and railways, in the 2015/16 and 2020/21 financial years, to see how investment has changed over time.  Despite the impact of the pandemic, almost half (49%) of the local authorities that responded spent more on construction in 2020/21 than they did five years earlier.   Funding across the UK rose by over £100 million (3%) from £4.63 billion in 2015/16, to £4.77 billion in 2020/21. In the last financial year, each local authority splashed out an average of £28 million on construction.  Twenty-nine councils more than doubled the amount they spent on the industry and the average increase across the country was a remarkable 154%.  The average increase stands so high because nine local authorities saw rises of over 1,000%.  Welwyn Hatfield council, in the East of England, reported the greatest increase – a staggering 5,482% (£763,863 up to over £42.5 million).  Local authorities that have increased construction at the fastest rate over the last five years (2015/16 to 2020/21):  Out of all the local authorities, Leeds City Council spent the largest overall amount, with a total of £389.8 million allocated for construction. The authority also recorded nationwide highs for both general construction costs (£272.1 million) and road infrastructure (£117.6 million).  Birmingham City Council, meanwhile, spent the largest amount on building construction (£279.8 million), whilst Pembrokeshire Council spent the most on open spaces (£9 million), such as parks, play areas and gardens.   Hertfordshire County Council topped the list for bridges, having spent £9.6 million.  Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “After the difficulties the construction industry has faced over the last two years due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it’s incredibly reassuring to see large scale increases in local funding across the UK.  “With the industry continuing to recover from recent setbacks, it’s a positive sign that many local authorities are feeling confident enough to increasing their investment into local infrastructure and construction work.”  To explore an interactive map showing the amount of construction funding in your area, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/construction-funding/ 

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Builders Merchants to see growth of 2-3% annually

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

Builders’ merchants represent a key part of the UK construction industry and account for up to 85% of the UK’s built environment, by supplying a wide range of building materials. Builders’ merchants and their suppliers contribute over £40bn to the economy every year. Builders’ merchants who are within the end use sector have fared differently to other product sector areas over the last 5 years. Some experienced a sharper downturn in demand during the pandemic and subsequent lockdown rules that were imposed, however many received a much quicker rebound in sales once the lockdown measures were eased. Many are still noting that this was due to many consumers having money saved during the pandemic and wanting to improve upon their living standards whilst spending so much time in their homes. The main product sectors that saw a downturn during lockdown measures were kitchens, bathrooms, roofing and insulation products, HVAC equipment, plumbing and drainage products. These all experienced a double-digit decrease in market value during 2020. However, the downturn in sales was less evident for building materials such as timber and glazing, cement and plaster and bricks and blocks. The number of overall outlets within the builders’ merchants’ sectors continues to shrink further. Online outlets should start to account for a greater share. For builders’ merchants, physical outlets will still remain a part of the central strategy, as consumers will still require items immediately or will want to physically see and touch items prior to purchase. There will likely be more emphasis placed onto the online channels, such as apps, which will offer a better experience for trade customers, where they will be able to manage their own business account with the merchant. In 2020, builders’ merchants accounted for 8.5% of UK construction output, up slightly from 8.2% the previous year. This was down to the reopening of builders’ merchants when many other stores were still closed during the height of the pandemic. Builders’ merchants were able to bolster the demand for construction projects as they resumed, even when they faced many struggles such as product shortages, notably timber and structural steel. The pandemic caused the builders’ merchants market value to decrease by 11% in 2020. We are forecasting a steady recovery of 2-3% annual growth up to 2025. During this period, we are expecting to see more companies consolidate their networks. Some will be moving from small branches which may have been underperforming at late, to a focus on larger outlets, in the hopes that they will be better suited to the modern consumer’s needs. The report comes from Builders Merchants Market Report – UK 2021-2025

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