Construction output fell 1.8% in volume terms in October 2021, this is the largest monthly decline since April 2020 when output fell by 41.7%; new work fell (2.8%) from September to October 2021 while repair and maintenance remained unchanged (0.0%). Like recent months, anecdotal evidence in October 2021 from businesses
To take action against modern slavery, Kier is the first UK contractor to train its Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) to spot the signs of modern slavery and exploitation. With 900 colleagues having become MHFAs at Kier, this new training is being delivered through Jericho, a social enterprise based in
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has furthered its reputation for business excellence after being named HR Team of the Year Silver Award winner at the seventh annual HR Brilliance Awards. The HR Brilliance Awards celebrate outstanding contributions that innovatively
Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring
A public consultation has been launched asking for views on a new gateway residential development planned for Wilford Road, within Nottingham City Centre ‘Southside’. Jensco (Wilford Road) Limited, part of the Jensco Group, is proposing to build a development of purpose-built student accommodation on a cleared and underutilised site on
Heat pumps have been very much in the news recently. Interest in them began to increase when it was announced that from 2025 gas boilers could no longer be installed in new homes. Then more recently gas prices soared, and the government announced that there would be grants available for
GOSPORT based housebuilder Elite NuGEN is celebrating winning three prestigious awards in a matter of days, bringing national recognition to its expertise in building sustainable homes using modern methods of construction. The company, which is based in Gosport, Hampshire, was a winner in two separate categories in the WhatHouse? Awards
Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub
Stelling Properties are proud to announce they have joined the Climate Positive Workforce initiative operated by Ecologi, one of the UK’s leading carbon offsetting organisations. As a modular construction company Stelling Properties are working hard on developing innovative construction methods helping to reduce the time and energy required to construct
– The telehandlers are used for both construction and farming work – Launched earlier this year, the first of Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandlers have been delivered in the UK. The three T41.140SLP 14 m Stage V telehandlers form part of an order for five T41.140SLPs purchased by Truelove Property and
Construction output fell 1.8% in volume terms in October 2021, this is the largest monthly decline since April 2020 when output fell by 41.7%; new work fell (2.8%) from September to October 2021 while repair and maintenance remained unchanged (0.0%). Like recent months, anecdotal evidence in October 2021 from businesses continues to suggest that product shortages caused by supply chain issues leading to subsequent price rises in raw materials such as steel, concrete, timber and glass, were an important reason for the decline. At the sector level, the main contributors to the decline in monthly output in October 2021 were infrastructure and private new housing, which decreased 7.1% and 4.4% respectively; these decreases were partially offset by increases in private industrial and public other new work of 8.8% and 7.0% respectively. In line with the monthly fall, construction output fell by 1.2% in the three months to October 2021; this was because of a 1.5% fall in repair and maintenance (mainly because of a 3.5% fall in non-housing repair and maintenance) and a fall of 1.0% in new work (with new housing (both public and private), public other new work, and private commercial new work all falling). Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group said: “While the latest construction output figures have declined this month, we are beginning to see some green shoots of recovery in the sector. This is largely due to many significant construction projects nearing completion so it’s important that the industry maintains this momentum with a strong pipeline of new building projects to help with the ongoing recovery into next year. At Cruden, we have secured a healthy construction pipeline for 2022, particularly as we are included in a number of important procurement frameworks coupled with a robust housing market across central Scotland. “Logistical difficulties, arising from material and labour shortages, remain prevalent throughout the sector. That’s why we are putting our continued focus and investment in our apprentices and the lifelong development of employees through our Cruden Academy in order to help mitigate against the impact of these industry challenges.”
To take action against modern slavery, Kier is the first UK contractor to train its Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) to spot the signs of modern slavery and exploitation. With 900 colleagues having become MHFAs at Kier, this new training is being delivered through Jericho, a social enterprise based in the Midlands, which is an organisation that creates positive change in society including supporting victims of modern slavery. Kier is also introducing a Level 1 qualification that has been created with the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority) and Skills and Education Group. This will teach people about basic employment rights provided by UK law, how to identify exploitation, how they should go about reporting it and will make them aware of signs to look out for to help them avoid being taken advantage of. The course will be delivered remotely by Boston College and Sheffield College. David Foster, Group legal and compliance director at Kier, said: “Modern slavery and any exploitation on site is unacceptable and, working alongside the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), we’re working to eradicate it and prevent it across our operations. “Our Mental Health First Aiders are a fantastic community who support our colleagues and, through this new addition to their training, they will be better able to spot any signs of modern slavery trafficking or exploitation on site. “As well as helping those that are already victims of modern slavery, we wanted to find a way to prevent people from becoming unsuspecting victims of modern slavery. Through the qualification we hope to do this and will be targeting potential attendees through our early careers team, who will predominantly engage with those joining through an apprenticeship or the Kickstart scheme.” GLAA Head of Prevention and Partnerships Frank Hanson said: “We know only too well that construction is a high-risk sector for modern slavery so we were delighted to support Kier in providing them with the resources to train their mental health first aiders in spotting the signs of exploitation. “This is something that could easily be replicated across the labour market and we would encourage other employers to follow Kier’s lead. They would be using existing products and by engaging with the right partners, helping to make the workplace safer for everyone, including for workers within their supply chains.” With the GLAA and Jericho, we have created this video (https://youtu.be/jXNRBtud0NA), which explains the initiative and also in it you will also hear from Valdis, a victim of modern slavery.
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has furthered its reputation for business excellence after being named HR Team of the Year Silver Award winner at the seventh annual HR Brilliance Awards. The HR Brilliance Awards celebrate outstanding contributions that innovatively design and superbly execute Human Resources and strategies that improve overall business performance. Previous winners include the likes of Canon, O2, Virgin Media, Astra Zeneca, Odeon, Zurich and BMW. This year, the judging panel included senior representatives from companies such as Deloitte, Co-op and LinkedIn. At a glittering awards bash in London, Mobile Mini overcame strong competition from ten other leading businesses from various sectors and industries to be named the Silver Award winner in the HR Team of the Year category. Mobile Mini is headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees and has 16 regional sites across the UK. Typical customers range from builders and construction professionals to facilities management personnel in sectors as diverse as retail, education, entertainment, medical, sports and events. The Mobile Mini HR team aims to improve the industry through its advanced Employee Benefits Scheme (EBS) including a new Health Care Cash Plan but added to this with further schemes last year encouraging smoking cessation, additional exercise promotion and the implementation of flexible annual leave buying/selling models, which provides opportunities for staff to take extra time off when needed. Mobile Mini is proud to partner with the Lighthouse Construction Charity, which offers guidance on wellbeing issues and financial and emotional support to the individuals and their families within the construction community. All company employees completed an award-winning, IOSH-approved Mental Health Awareness module, which featured building resilience and developing a personal wellbeing toolkit. 7% of all Mobile Mini employees are now MHFA qualified. On receiving this accolade from the HR Brilliance Awards, Helen Johnson, HR Manager said, “Mobile Mini is thrilled to have been recognised for the ongoing commitment of our people to improving and developing successful HR methods and approaches. Fulfilling employee benefits, providing employees with the means to source any form of wellbeing or mental health support and playing a vital role in developing, reinforcing and shaping culture are just some of the ways the six-person HR team at Mobile Mini supports operations and overriding business goals. Our number one golden rule is that people are our most valuable asset and we wanted to help employees build resilience and mental strength so that they are better equipped to cope with challenges in work and in life. Being named HR Team of the Year Silver winner shows that we are living up to these key values. We remain fully committed to ensuring that our future HR strategies are just as efficient and effective.” Earlier this year, three Mobile Mini branches were awarded Merits from the British Safety Council and the UK SHEQ team were named ‘Safety Team of the Year Highly Commended Winner’ at the International Safety Awards. The business installed a new digital reporting system, Assure by SHE Software, to improve risk assessment, incident and health & safety reporting; as well as upgrading its FORS Gold accredited fleet of Trucks with a revolutionary new crane-shut off feature. Mobile Mini is proud to have rolled out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all of its UK branches this year for the protection of customers, clients and over 370 members of staff.
Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring Distribution, one of its businesses. Both Stoford and Victoria PLC have committed to a more environmentally friendly approach to the development, with the base build of the unit being net carbon zero in operation. It will also have photovoltaic panels on the roof and there will be extensive electric vehicle charging points. Stoford will also create two new ponds to further improve the green infrastructure on the business park. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said it had secured £28.3 million forward funding for the scheme from Frasers Logistics and Commercial Trust (FLCT), a Singapore-based REIT (real estate investment trust). Frasers’ acquisition through a forward funding agreement for the facility builds on its strategy to grow its core logistics and industrial portfolio in existing markets. Stoford aims to start building work in the new year, with an expected completion date of Q4 2022. “We’re pleased to have been given the go-ahead for another major business to join the raft of global names that have already made their home at Worcester Six,” said Edward. “This is a thriving business park that is playing a significant role in helping to boost the local economy, thanks to the jobs the businesses are creating, and Victoria PLC will be no exception as it forges ahead with its growth plans. “We’re looking forward to getting started on delivering the scheme for this historic, local company.” Victoria PLC, a major employer in Kidderminster since 1900, has agreed a 15-year lease for bespoke unit. Philippe Hamers, CEO for Victoria PLC, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted. It means we are one step closer to enjoying an exciting new chapter that will enable us to both future-proof and grow our distribution business. We’re looking forward working with Stoford as our bespoke, environmentally friendly unit is built at Worcester Six.” In the past three years, Worcester Six has welcomed a number of national and global names to the business park, including Zwick Roell, Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS. Victoria PLC was advised by Brasier Freeth and Stoford by BNP Paribas and Harris Lamb. For details about the scheme and other units that can be provided, contact the agent: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Ben Wiley at BNP Paribas – ben.wiley@realestate.bnpparibas
A public consultation has been launched asking for views on a new gateway residential development planned for Wilford Road, within Nottingham City Centre ‘Southside’. Jensco (Wilford Road) Limited, part of the Jensco Group, is proposing to build a development of purpose-built student accommodation on a cleared and underutilised site on the corner of Wilford Road and Traffic Street. The development of the site will further contribute towards the regeneration of the Southside, connecting the City Centre with the Meadows. The development, designed by Nottingham based architects CPMG, would provide a mix of studio apartments and clustered bedrooms around a shared kitchen and lounge, for up to 356 students. Designed as two blocks, both using brick palettes, the style is indicative of Nottingham’s industrial past, contributing towards reinstating Traffic Street’s historic frontage whilst providing a landmark to the Southside regeneration area. Both Traffic Street and Wilford Road will benefit from attractive frontages and a vastly improved, upgraded public realm. A public arrival plaza will link to a community café, creating a vibrant and safe space, as well as connectivity between a central courtyard fronting Traffic Street. The development will vary in height from six storeys up to twenty storeys. The elegant, taller elements will be set back from the Traffic Street and Wilford Road frontages, helping the buildings to blend with their surroundings. Sustainability is at the core of the scheme, contributing towards Nottingham’s aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2028, through a careful choice of materials and the inclusion of modern highly sustainable features. The development is designed to enhance and support wildlife and ecology, helping to improve CO2 balance with the planting of wildlife-friendly native species and the re-introduction of nature to the built environment. This will include bird boxes, as well as planting beds for on-site food growing. The location has a fascinating, varied history. It was once an area used for growing crocuses to harvest saffron, with which the developer hopes to re-establish this connection by planting a number of native crocus species. The unattractive and overgrown brownfield site has remained vacant for over fourteen years. Several new developments along Traffic Street, including the soon to be completed Ten Traffic Street also by Jensco, are a sign of Nottingham’s growing pace of regeneration, providing jobs and high-quality student accommodation. The ‘Southern Gateway’ is quickly becoming an established area within the City Centre that benefits from excellent transport links — with the train station, tram and City Link bus service all easily accessible on foot. Walking and cycle routes are also a key benefit. Three Wilford Road is a stone’s throw from the newly proposed University of Nottingham Campus at Castle Meadow and will help to address the evidential need by Nottingham City Council to provide more high-quality student accommodation in the right locations, which in turn helps to redress the balance of houses in multiple occupation (HMO’s) being occupied by students. Nigel Bobroff, Director at Jensco Group, commented: “Jensco Group is passionate about creating great places to live in Nottingham and has a strong track record for bringing forward attractive, sustainable developments on strategic sites in the East Midlands, including our latest development at Ten Traffic Street, to be completed during 2022.” “Three Wilford Road will be a high-quality and sensitively designed, car-free, purpose-built student housing development in the heart of Nottingham Southside, with 24-hour a day on-site management, vastly improved public realm and fantastic transport links to both universities.” “Nottingham is seeing continued growth at both universities and with 64,000 students, there remains about 30,000 students unable to access purpose-built accommodation, with close to 20,000 students living in houses that could provide homes for local families”. “As with our Traffic Street development, Jensco will continue to work with local firms, the local supply chain and local labour to deliver the development, bringing significant economic benefits to Nottingham both during and after construction”. The public consultation is online. More details of the scheme and images can be viewed at: http://www.planningconsultationonline.co.uk/three-wilford-road
Heat pumps have been very much in the news recently. Interest in them began to increase when it was announced that from 2025 gas boilers could no longer be installed in new homes. Then more recently gas prices soared, and the government announced that there would be grants available for homeowners to purchase heat pumps. So, what is the deal with heat pumps? Heat pumps are by no means new. I was first introduced to heat pumps 30 years ago while visiting a community of sustainable housing. As a carbon reduction engineer, I have been recommending heat pumps for a very long time. This is because they can offer a low carbon solution to providing warmth, and with appropriate consideration can offer a versatile solution. Many places have already fitted heat pumps – they can be found in homes and on libraries, they are heating schools and even the most forward thinking of factory buildings. Yet to many there is still mystery surrounding them. There can be a misconception that heat pumps can only be fitted where there is enough land space to dig down into and fit a ground source heat pump, or to new builds. But there are three main types of heat pump – air to air, water source and geothermal or ground heat pumps, giving a range of application. Air source heat pumps are suitable for a wider range of buildings. They can be fitted to any building, either new build or existing. Air pump ones, for example, are suitable even for older buildings with no garden and examples of these can be found on Victorian terraces in London. Air pumps can have disadvantages though. One concern is noise, especially given the domestic setting, as the pump is fitted on the outside of the house, and so near neighbouring homes. Imagine one fitted in your street. Then imagine every house in the row having one. And if they are not well maintained they are noisier. In addition, homes they are fitted to will need more insulation, and ideally under floor heating. Heat pumps are also more expensive – relative to a new gas boiler they cost about £4,000 more. This disadvantage might be addressed by the recently announced government grants offering £5,000 to buy a heat pump. But the funding available will not meet the full cost of buying and installing a heat pump. It is likely that homeowners will need to find around £2,500 to install a funded heat pump. The funding pot will amount to around 90,000 grants – so the remaining hundreds of thousands of homes will not be able to benefit. As non-domestic heating incentives closed a while back the funding would be for homes only, not businesses, though there is the possibility it could be used for owners’ accommodation, or a home that is yet to be converted into a BnB. Even so, with rising costs for gas, and a need for solutions to carbon emission, and so the climate crisis, they may work out cheaper than the alternative of leaving global warming unchecked. Dr Torill Bigg, Chief Carbon Reduction Engineer, Tunley Engineering www.tunley-engineering.com
GOSPORT based housebuilder Elite NuGEN is celebrating winning three prestigious awards in a matter of days, bringing national recognition to its expertise in building sustainable homes using modern methods of construction. The company, which is based in Gosport, Hampshire, was a winner in two separate categories in the WhatHouse? Awards – receiving a Gold in the Best Sustainable Development category, as well as a Silver in the Best Small Housebuilder section. The announcement follows on from the company’s success in the British Homes Awards a week previously, where it was awarded the top prize in the Sustainable Development of the Year category. The award wins recognise the innovation and overall calibre of Elite NuGEN’s project at Priddy’s Hard in Gosport – an impressive zero-carbon development of 39 eco-friendly homes on the disused military brownfield site. The new homes have impressive eco-credentials, with modern methods of construction, careful choice of materials to create properties with lower embedded carbon, and the latest renewable energy and home technology systems, combining to create homes with a 75% lower energy usage than a standard home – and a very welcome 75% saving on energy bills. Popularity of the award-winning homes has been high with 50% of the new properties sold off-plan. The award-winning homes were built on the site of a former Naval Fortress that was built in the 1750s and played a vital role making munitions until it was decommissioned in the 1980s. Despite its numerous historically important buildings and structures, the area had become overgrown and dilapidated, as previous plans by another developer had failed to meet with approval. After three years of negotiations with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic England, planning officers and ecology groups, Elite NuGEN’s scheme for an initial 39 new homes, plus the refurbishment of Grade II listed buildings to form a new military museum, brewery and gastro pub, was approved. The plan forms part of a £30m regeneration scheme between Elite and Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust that will provide good-quality housing, enable historic buildings to be revived and re-used, bring new jobs and visitors into the locality and boost the economy across Gosport and the wider area. Judges’ comments in the British Homes Awards included: “Architecturally this scheme looks great! I like the mix of building styles and love the black water front houses nestled between the old brickwork.” “The design shows a sensitivity to the needs of the local community and wildlife. The clever combination of MMC and PMV has reduced impact all round to produce a great result.” “Bravo! This is what all developments should be doing. Clearly planning for a better future.” “A very good submission which responded sensitively to its context and promotes the benefits of MMC in achieving sustainable developments.” The comment from the judging panel on the WhatHouse? Awards praised Priddy’s Hard as “A blueprint for green living strikes gold” and noted: “It is rare to find a housing development that oozes such environmental conscience and eco-authenticity.” The judges praised the company for its commitment to using modern methods of construction, including setting up its own timber factory next to the development for convenient off-site construction, as well as for using renewable energy, incorporating flood management and carefully relocating wildlife; summing up the project as “a flagship development across the water from HMS Victory”. Director David Craddock, who was praised by judges at WhatHouse? for “embracing sustainable technology and modern methods of construction long before they became fashionable”, is delighted with his double win in the awards; “We are so proud to have been recognised amongst the very best of the UK’s housebuilding industry,” he said. Of the Sustainable Development of the Year at the British Homes Awards, he added: “This award means even more this year coming at the end of COP26 where the whole world has been looking at the impacts of climate change and this shows how we, in our small way, are trying to address and overcome them.” The company will shortly be launching a new phase of homes at Priddy’s Hard, including two, three and four-bedroom houses at Cordite Way and at Canary Yard. For more information visit www.elitenugen.com.
Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub at Preston and Lancashire’s premier art gallery, museum and library. The council will now enter into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Conlon, which enables further detailed discussions about the project plans before presenting a further council report in April 2022. Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Night time Economy at Preston City Council, said, “The ambitious plans and vision we’ve had for the re-imagining the Harris project are now coming to fruition as we take this huge step forward, with local Preston firm Conlon Construction as the preferred construction partner. We can’t wait to progress this project, which will deliver an incredible revitalised space for residents and visitors to Preston to explore arts, culture and fantastic events in the years to come. Don’t forget, while this work takes place The Harris library and IT services are still open at their ‘home from home’ in the Guild Hall. Michael Conlon, chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “The Harris is a beacon for the arts and culture in Lancashire, and we’re delighted to be the preferred project partner in bringing this vision to reality. “As a local business, proud of our Preston roots, we have worked previously at the Grade I listed Harris having constructed the Discover Preston Gallery just ahead of the 2012 Guild celebrations. Our appointment to this project is a key milestone as we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year and reflect upon decades of successfully contributing to the built environment of the city and the county.”
Stelling Properties are proud to announce they have joined the Climate Positive Workforce initiative operated by Ecologi, one of the UK’s leading carbon offsetting organisations. As a modular construction company Stelling Properties are working hard on developing innovative construction methods helping to reduce the time and energy required to construct and operate new buildings. We are constantly assessing our materials, waste, equipment, energy, and transportation used in our daily activities. Now we are going one stage further and partnering with Ecologi, this will result in making every staff member climate positive. This includes emissions from their homes, personal travel, holidays, food, hobbies and more. The result will be around 12,900 trees being planted and 972 tonnes of CO2 offset each year by contributing to a variety of climate positive initiatives from re-planting mangroves to community infrastructure and renewable energy programmes all helping to make a positive impact on the planet. “Ecologi play a key role in helping us to offset our carbon emissions while we work towards implementing our carbon reduction strategy”. Said Gary Robson, Technical Lead at Stelling Properties.
– The telehandlers are used for both construction and farming work – Launched earlier this year, the first of Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandlers have been delivered in the UK. The three T41.140SLP 14 m Stage V telehandlers form part of an order for five T41.140SLPs purchased by Truelove Property and Construction Ltd, based in Lincoln in England. With standard tyres fitted, the T41.140SLP offers a maximum lift capacity of 4.1 tonne, a maximum lift height of 13.65 m and a maximum forward reach of 9.8 m. Established in 1968, Truelove Property and Construction is a family-run business based in the heart of Lincolnshire with over 50 years’ experience and the completion of nearly 1000 new homes to its name. Truelove also has a subsidiary farming business called Happy Days Farming Company. The Perfect Choice for Housing Development Projects The new T41.140SLP telehandlers were supplied by AMS Bobcat Ltd, the local Authorised Bobcat Dealer based in Scunthorpe. Barrie Truelove, Owner and Director of Truelove Property and Construction Ltd, comments on the move to Bobcat telehandlers: “We were not satisfied with the performance of our previous brand of telehandlers. We chose to replace them with the Bobcat telehandlers for a number of reasons including their suitability for our applications, the price, the lead time and the quality and locality of service offered by AMS Bobcat. It has been a very successful transition as all of our operators are very happy with the new Bobcat telehandlers.” The new telehandlers are in use on current Truelove property developments at Kirton Lindsey and Nettleham in Lincolnshire, where the company is building prestigious, individual two-storey family homes designed and built for modern open plan living with bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Truelove builds all its houses to the LABC standard, one of the three main providers of structural or ‘new home’ warranties in the UK and the company abides by the Consumer Code for Home Builders 2020. Presiding over some of the new Bobcat telehandlers on his project is Site Manager, Henry Truelove, Barrie’s son. Henry recently completed his first Ironman challenge in Mallorca in Spain, where he performed well, narrowly missing the podium in his class. He also dedicated his race to raising well over £2000 towards the treatment costs for the mother of a good friend. She was seriously injured during a horse riding accident and was put into an induced coma for several weeks and is only now learning to walk and talk again. From Construction to More Success in Farming One of the T41.140SLP units is also being used on Worlaby Farm near Brigg, where it is being employed to lift and handle steel components being used to build a new 10,000 tonne grain store at the farm. Worlaby Farm forms part of Happy Days Farming Company. Truelove bought its first farm in January 1994 at Farndon near Newark in Nottinghamshire and then went on to buy Worlaby Farm and another in Kingerby at Market Rasen. The company has continued to grow with the acquisition of three further farms since then, with one at Snitterby in 1996 and two at Nettleham in 2006 and 2016. Typically, the Bobcat T41.140SLP telehandler is used in construction applications, but this model can also find other uses in agriculture as demonstrated at Happy Days Farming, where the telehandlers are used for applications such as loading and stacking hay bales. Happy Days Farming mainly concentrates on arable farming with over 5000 acres under management, but the company has also moved recently into pig production. Happy Days Farming employs all of their own labour and runs the farms themselves – the company is continually looking to expand and seek new opportunities in the farming market. As mentioned above, three of the new T41.140SLP telehandlers are the first of the new R-Series models to be sold in the UK. As well as the T40.140SLP, the new generation R-Series telehandler range provides a choice of 11 more models with Stage V engines. The new R-Series telehandlers cover lifting heights from 6 to 18 m with maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonne. The new R-Series range of telehandlers from Bobcat comprises the models below: Compact telehandlers – TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 Middle range telehandlers – TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL High lift telehandlers – T35.130S, T35.130SLP, T35.140S, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP Precise Control and Placement at Height The new R-Series telehandlers offer agility on demand, with a newly configured transmission system providing enhanced smoothness to carry out the trickiest jobs at height with surgical precision. These operations are also facilitated by the combination of the Boom Positioning System, the new updated, ultra-accurate joystick, the inching function and the improved visibility from the cab. An enhanced inching pedal design is easier to use and reduces fatigue. A higher engine brake provides a shorter stop distance and increases safety on construction sites. Turtle/rabbit speeds are standard on all models and operated from the joystick. There is a new DYNAMIC mode for applications requiring rapid transmission response and the new optional hand throttle with FLEX DRIVE function allows for the control of travel speed independent from engine rpm. Approaching 30 Years as a Bobcat Dealer: Nearly 4000 Machines Sold Established in 1992, Scunthorpe-based AMS Bobcat is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in Europe and is approaching 30 years of partnership with Bobcat in the UK. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold nearly 4000 new Bobcat units into a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition. As well as Bobcat telehandlers, AMS Bobcat is also responsible for sales and service of Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators, compact wheel loaders, light compaction and attachments throughout Lincolnshire and South and East Yorkshire. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com