Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons has been named Client Advisor of the Year at the East Midlands Property Dinner 2021. The annual black-tie event, which took place on 29 September at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, celebrated the best of the region’s real estate successes. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons specialises in environment, health
Nearly £2bn of public money to remediate 1070 hectares of derelict or unused land will help the nation build more new homes but it is not a complete solution warns the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, said more land would be needed to create employment space and
The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking
All landlords understand the importance of ensuring that their properties comply with building regulations. They also make the necessary changes to secure fire, gas, and electrical certification. But things that are less heavily regulated tend to almost get forgotten. The provision of outdoor lighting is a classic example of this.
Energy efficiency has improved, but much more could have been done 69% of homes could be upgraded to band C for under £10k per dwelling The scale of new heat pump incentive is “yet another missed opportunity” Back in 2012, the English Housing Survey took an in-depth look at the
M9 interchange provides access to Winchburgh development Approval unlocks delivery of 20-year masterplan Winchburgh is one of UK’s biggest place-making projects A new junction for the M9 has been given the green light, paving the way for new access to the major development at Winchburgh in West Lothian. The development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a new Energy technologies for net zero guide which gives a detailed look at the technologies available that can decarbonise the UK energy system and shift energy demand from fossil fuels to a low-carbon supply – vital to reach the Government’s
B&Q opens its new Colchester store at Stane Park Colchester is B&Q’s first purpose-built digital store as the brand commits to e-commerce growth The Mayor declares the store officially open with ribbon cutting ceremony B&Q’s new Colchester store was declared officially open today with a formal cutting of the ribbon
The importance of responsible and sustainable growth took centre stage as the 2021 Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards were held at Knebworth Barns on 21 October. The Flint House development in Watton-at-Stone won Project of the Year – one of four main awards handed out on the night – at an
TODAY the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s largest membership organisation for private landlords, announces that it has agreed a new commercial partnership with leading online electricals retailer, AO. This new partnership means that AO is now a supplier of a range of Major Domestic Appliances (MDA), including fridge-freezers,
Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons has been named Client Advisor of the Year at the East Midlands Property Dinner 2021. The annual black-tie event, which took place on 29 September at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, celebrated the best of the region’s real estate successes. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons specialises in environment, health & safety and sustainability, providing support and advice within the property development, asset management, corporate and industrial markets. At the awards, Delta-Simons were up against eight other shortlisted finalists for the Client Advisor of the Year accolade, which celebrates companies that provide leading support, advice and professional services within the property industry in the East Midlands. The judging panel was made up of senior professionals from the sector in the region and judges’ comments for selecting Delta-Simons as the winner of the category included: ‘The judges were impressed by how this firm brought new solutions to problems, and really added value, through creative and innovative thinking.’ Delta-Simons currently operates from ten locations across the UK and employs more than 150 environmental professionals. Paul Bennett, unit director for the Midlands region at Delta-Simons, said: “Delta-Simons is delighted to receive this award which is recognition for the fantastic efforts of our midlands based geo-environmental team. The projects we put forward for this award are an indication of the fantastic clients that we are working with on some of the most technically complex sites in the East Midlands, all of which are key to bringing inward investment and employment to the region.” Delta-Simons’ notable, active projects in the East Midlands include Fairham; a major 606-acre greenfield urban extension in Nottingham, which will bring thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities to the city, G-Park in Ashby-de-la-Zouch; a 48-acre historic coal processing and disposal point, derelict since 2004, and SmartParc in Derby; a 55-hectare former chemical works. The latter is the largest brownfield site of its kind in the East Midlands and has a number of complex technical challenges. The development is strategically important for the region and aims to put Derby and the UK at the heart of sustainable food manufacturing globally, creating up to 5,000 jobs.
Nearly £2bn of public money to remediate 1070 hectares of derelict or unused land will help the nation build more new homes but it is not a complete solution warns the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, said more land would be needed to create employment space and amenities for the 160,000 homes the government hopes would be created. Although the government has pledged to invest £9m towards 100 urban ‘pocket parks’ across the UK. NFB head of housing and planning policy Rico Wojtulewicz described it as a “sticking plaster solution”. “Embodied carbon is just one element to understand, for example, there is a need to consider whether we can retrofit cheaper energy solutions, such as district heating, as well as retain a building; sometimes it is not possible to do both.” The proposed funding which is expected to be announced in chancellor Rishi Sunak’s spending review on Wednesday is part of the government’s efforts to reach net-zero by 2050. The Federation of Master Builders, FMB, said nearly two-thirds of smaller developers quoted lack of available and viable land as a major constraint for building new homes. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “It’s important that more small sites are unlocked in all communities as local builders often deliver fewer than 10 homes at a time, but to the highest quality and to local need.” QR codes to open up planning Rishi Sunak is expected to confirm £65m towards the digitisation of 175 local council’s planning systems. On Friday the government announced the names of 13 planning authorities who had won funding for piloting digitisation. The government hopes this will make the planning process more accessible to a wider cross-section of people who can scan QR codes to see 3-D interactive maps. Cambridge has won £100,000 to use technology to capture views on a scheme appearing in news articles, social media feeds and blog posts. Mr Wojtulewicz said: “Digital planning will illuminate the vast numbers of development opportunities within communities, such as on infill and small sites. A coherent land allocation strategy is the only way we can start solving the housing crisis.” The FMB said it was pleased its calls for more investment in the planning system had been answered. “Digitisation must make the system simpler and faster, and free up planners’ time to support the smallest firms navigate the often-complicated planning process,” said Mr Berry. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said a quicker planning system was something both development finance lenders and SME builders were keen to see.
The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking group Unipol, when it opens later in 2021. The 31,000m2 building offers a modern elliptical design over 26 stories, and is LEED Platinum certified to meet the highest environmental standards. Having examined the priorities to protect the steel structure in the event of a fire with up to 2,000 people working there at any one time, Sherwin-Williams experts selected FIRETEX® C69 Epoxy blast primer, followed by FIRETEX FX6002 methacrylate intumescent coating and a topcoat of Acrolon™ 7300 polyurethane for the project. Winner of a 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied off-site, enabling paint applicators to transport steelwork in a matter of hours rather than days – which means less downtime, fewer bottlenecks and faster project completion, as specified by the steel fabricator for the construction, MAEG Costruzioni Metalliche. The super-fast drying times and off-site application also allow for greater expression of architectural design. FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied direct to metal without the need for a primer or topcoat in some environments whilst retaining the highest levels of durability. With up to 120 minutes fire protection and long-term corrosion protection to the steelwork, the application of FIRETEX FX6002 makes it possible for steel sections to be coated and shipped in one day as opposed to one week in the same circumstances. Alessio Ortolan, General Manager of Maeg Costruzioni said: “This high-rise office block demands the highest level of fire protection in order to safeguard the structure and the thousands of employees inside. “Sherwin-Williams offered the solution we needed to coat the necessary 5,000 tonnes of steel including H profiles and rectangular beams which connect the external diagrid to the reinforced concrete core. Using FX6002 allowed us to apply off-site, leading to a quick throughput and less damage to the coated beams when lifted into place.” FIRETEX FX6002 can be used on a diverse range of steel section types and for different fire protection scenarios. Valter Volta, Sherwin-Williams Regional Sales Manager for South East Europe, said: “Where the lives of people and safety of property are at stake, only the highest level of fire protection measures can ensure the building’s long-term viability.” “FIRETEX FX6002 offers fabricators across Europe high-quality passive fire protection coatings, which also help in reducing bottlenecks and project costs.” Projects using fire protection coatings delivered by Sherwin-Williams in EMEAI include London’s The Shard and the Leadenhall Building (known as The Cheesegrater), as well as Azerbaijan’s Flame Towers. For more information, visit the FX6002 website.
All landlords understand the importance of ensuring that their properties comply with building regulations. They also make the necessary changes to secure fire, gas, and electrical certification. But things that are less heavily regulated tend to almost get forgotten. The provision of outdoor lighting is a classic example of this. It is a long way down the list of most rental property owners’ list of priorities. Yet, installing it brings many benefits for the landlord as well as to the tenants. Outdoor lighting makes a property more attractive All landlords want their property to be as attractive as possible to tenants. The higher the standard of the finish is, and the more facilities you provide, the easier it is to rent out a property. For example, installing a set of heavy-duty outdoor festoon lights over a patio area opens up the chance for your tenant to enjoy that outside space in the evening. Socialising at home is becoming more popular, so little touches like installing deck lights or something similar can make a big difference. The benefits of security lighting for property owners It is also well worth considering installing security lighting. Again, there are many benefits for both tenants and property owners. In some jurisdictions, the provision of security lighting is a legal requirement. Installing it ensures that you will not fail an inspection and be fined. But, even in places where you are not legally required to install it, often, it is still well worth your while doing so. Studies show that a significant percentage of professional burglars are put off by security lighting. At least in areas where the property the homes are built quite close together or there is a lot of foot traffic. Anything you can do to reduce the chances of someone breaking a window or door to enter one of your properties is a good thing. You do not need the hassle or expense of having to carry out repairs after a home invasion. There is also a good chance that your tenant will view security lights as a plus. Most people assume that they will be more secure living somewhere that has them rather than in a home that does not have sensor trip floodlights. If you would like to learn more about how the installation of appropriate security lighting makes a property a more attractive proposition to tenants just click this link. When you do you will be taken to a page that outlines the results of several surveys and tests that have been carried out into the effectiveness of property protection lighting. Outdoor lighting reduces the risk of accidents Lighting up the path to a property considerably reduces the chances of someone tripping or falling. As does making sure that the area around the front and back door are well lit. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of installing outdoor lighting in rental properties, you can do so by clicking here.
Energy efficiency has improved, but much more could have been done 69% of homes could be upgraded to band C for under £10k per dwelling The scale of new heat pump incentive is “yet another missed opportunity” Back in 2012, the English Housing Survey took an in-depth look at the energy efficiency of the country’s housing stock. It found that social housing was leading the field, with an average Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 65, compared to just 57 for the private rented sector. The report also observed that while energy efficiency for all tenure groups had improved between 2001 and 2012, increasing from an average SAP of 47 to 59, a full ¾ of homes could have benefitted from energy improvement measures during that time: “The energy improvement measures that could benefit most dwellings were the installation of a condensing boiler (9.7 million), installing cavity wall insulation (5.6 million) and installing or upgrading loft insulation (5.6 million).” English Housing Survey: Energy Efficiency of English Housing, 2012 Fast-forward nearly a decade and what’s now front of mind in terms of improving energy efficiency? Boilers. Still. The most recent English Housing Survey to provide a snapshot of energy efficiency is the 2019-20 report. It found that energy efficiency had improved over the preceding decade, with the proportion of dwellings in the highest EER bands (A to C), rising from 12% to 40% between 2009 and 2019. Social rented homes continued to be the best performers, with 61% in bands A to C in 2019, compared to just 38% of homes in the private rented sector. “It’s good to see that some improvements have been made in terms of energy efficiency in English homes over the past decade, but it feels like so much more could have been done. The 2019-20 English Housing Survey found that it would have cost less than £10,000 per home to bring 69% of dwellings up to a band C rating and around £15,000 to get a further 11% to band C. There simply hasn’t been enough emphasis on the importance of doing so.”Saurabh Saxena, Founder, houzen The average cost to move a property from EER bands D to G up to a band C rating was estimated to be £8,110. The cost varied across tenure, from the cheapest being housing association dwellings (with an average of £5,910) to the most expensive being owner occupied homes (£8,579). Just 2% of properties were found to be unable to reach band C at all. With an average annual energy cost saving of £298 because of upgrading a home to band C, it would take the average property over 27 years to start benefitting financially from doing so. Hence the need for government incentives to speed up the upgrading of English homes’ energy performance. Heat pumps are an interesting example of this. In 2019, just 103,000 homes in England had a heat pump – well below 1% of total housing stock. The government has now announced a £5,000-per-household grant to encourage the installation of heat pumps. However, that will cover the installation of just 30,000 heat pumps per year. How the government target of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 is to be met remains unclear. “This feels like yet another missed opportunity, even with all the knowledge we have now about the importance of improving the energy efficiency of the country’s homes. Funding shortfalls like this show, in many respects, how little has actually changed over the past few years in terms of measures to enhance energy efficiency.”Saurabh Saxena, Founder, houzen Some of those likely to be near the front of the queue for the new heat pump grants are England’s landlords, as all new tenancies will require an EPC rating of band C or higher by 2025. Proptech investment platform houzen is supporting landlords and owner-occupiers alike to reach band C or higher with its in-depth sustainability reports. The tech-driven reports provide owners with the means to see quickly and easily how their properties measure up in terms of their environmental impact, as well as how they can enhance their sustainability. They blend expert knowledge with AI and Computer Vision to consider how homes perform in respect of 27 measures that impact the climate. “We have not an opportunity but a responsibility to act faster when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of our homes. We have the knowledge and the tools to make huge leaps now, so that’s exactly what we need to do, today.” Saurabh Saxena, Founder, houzen To find out more, please visit www.houzen.co.uk.
M9 interchange provides access to Winchburgh development Approval unlocks delivery of 20-year masterplan Winchburgh is one of UK’s biggest place-making projects A new junction for the M9 has been given the green light, paving the way for new access to the major development at Winchburgh in West Lothian. The development has already delivered over 650 new homes, shops and business space, extensive parks and recreation space and a canal-side marina. Three new state-of-the art schools are also well advanced in a large school campus next to extensive parkland. The new junction will unlock the final delivery of the Winchburgh masterplan which, when complete, will see at least 3,800 new homes, improved transport links, and a minimum of 40-acres of employment land created. Now the government is processing the ‘Made Road Orders’ which is the final administrative step in allowing the motorway junction work to proceed. It marks a major milestone in the evolution of Winchburgh, with work to develop the historic mining village first taking off in 2012. The news comes as Winchburgh also announced a sixth homebuilder has begun work on site. Taylor Wimpey has joined Bellway, CALA, Barratt, Robertson and J Smart & Co to deliver a wide range of quality new homes. From one-bedroom canal-side apartments to six-bedroom family houses, the new properties in Winchburgh have already seen exceptional demand, appealing to a variety of different homebuyers. Construction on the M9 is expected to begin in February 2022 with the junction due to open at the end of 2022. The junction will be formed by constructing four new slip roads centred around the existing underpass below the motorway. Served by a fully upgraded core road, it will connect the town centre with the southern roundabout at the new M9 junction. John Hamilton, Chief Executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd commented: “The new junction has been a core element of the Winchburgh masterplan since its inception. Historically, transport connectivity has been heavily constrained by a motorway network that completely bypassed the village. This development will be transformational in improving journey times to and from Edinburgh and the Lothians for residents, businesses and visitors.” As part of the planning conditions, no more than 1,000 residential units could be occupied in Winchburgh until the new M9 junction was complete. Now that the junction has been given the go-ahead, the final phases of the masterplan can progress. Kirsty McGill, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “With the new M9 junction, the properties built in Winchburgh will be extremely well connected across the central belt. The demand we have already seen for new homes in Winchburgh is only expected to rise now that the junction has been approved.” Winchburgh residents, Keith and Andrea Fraser said: “In moving south from Aberdeenshire, we visited many housing developments across the Lothians in our search for a new home. We wanted to move to a growing community and the vision for the growth of Winchburgh really appealed to us, especially the range of community services and public spaces such as the marina and Auldcathie park which we look forward to exercising in and enjoying with family and friends. Although, we no longer have to face a daily commute, for those who do the new M9 junction will really improve Scottish transport links, and access to and from the village.” Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest and most exciting placemaking projects currently underway in the UK delivering new homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, state-of-the-art schools and stunning new outdoor spaces to the historic village. Any enquires should be directed to John Hamilton, CEO, Winchburgh Developments Ltd on 07534 500238 or john@winchburghdevelopments.com.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a new Energy technologies for net zero guide which gives a detailed look at the technologies available that can decarbonise the UK energy system and shift energy demand from fossil fuels to a low-carbon supply – vital to reach the Government’s Net Zero targets. The easy-to-follow guide, produced by energy system researchers at the University of Strathclyde on behalf of the IET, is intended to help the public, policy makers and anyone invested in transitioning to a low-carbon future, understand the options and technologies available. Simon Edwards, Director of Governance and External Engagement at the IET, said: “The transition to Net Zero will rely on people and technology. It is vital that everyone has a good understanding of how technology can make that happen, what the options are and how they work. “Technology enables us to dramatically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by changing where our energy comes from and how we use it. However, there is a wide range of technologies that might be used and big decisions on the energy transition from policy makers still to come. This guide is intended to give the key facts, so everyone can become more informed about the decisions they make, as well as the pathways the UK Government and industry may take, to reach a low carbon future.” The guide also gives a unique comparative analysis of a set of seven net zero pathways to uncover what our decarbonised energy system – both supply and demand – in 2050 is likely to look like. Dr James Dixon, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Strathclyde and lead author of the guide, said: “All paths to Net Zero rely on substantial changes in technology and the way we use energy. More optimism in what technology can achieve and how cheaply it can do it reduces – but never eliminates – the need to change how we do things. On the other hand, the more we can bring down our energy demand, the less we are dependent on technological innovation. In other words, it de-risks the transition.” The A-Z guide covers every main Net Zero energy technology from how energy can be produced from sustainable and renewable sources, how it can be used via low-carbon travel choices and how homes are heated. Keith Bell, Professor of energy systems at University of Strathclyde and co-author, added: “The fantastic reductions in the cost of energy from electricity produced from wind and solar and the efficiencies of things like electric vehicles and heat pumps mean that much greater reliance on renewables in future makes a huge amount of sense. However, it also raises challenges around the variability of wind and solar and the need for energy storage and flexibility of demand. “The Government’s Net Zero Strategy, launched this week, shows there is still a lot of work to do across many sectors. However, it’s a welcome statement of intent and it’s good to see acknowledgements of the importance of things like long-term energy storage and action on heating in buildings. “Whilst it is clear these technologies are fundamental, there is still an active part society at large needs to play in making low-carbon choices in our everyday lives. If people, policy makers and businesses understand the various options and why they’re needed, we will get greater support for a fast and fair transition to Net Zero.” The IET’s Energy technologies for net zero guide is available for download here.
B&Q opens its new Colchester store at Stane Park Colchester is B&Q’s first purpose-built digital store as the brand commits to e-commerce growth The Mayor declares the store officially open with ribbon cutting ceremony B&Q’s new Colchester store was declared officially open today with a formal cutting of the ribbon by the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Robert Davidson. Relocated from B&Q Lightship Way to Stane Park’s brand-new retail park, B&Q is the first to open at the new development. This latest opening is one of the largest B&Q stores to open in the last decade. It combines instore shopping missions with digital fulfilment, fully representing B&Q’s commitment to grow e-commerce with stores at the centre. Caroline Voutsinas, B&Q Stane Park, Store Manager, said: “DIY has really captured the imagination of the nation over the past 18-months, so our new and improved B&Q in Colchester is very timely, giving Colchester DIY-ers and tradespeople a much improved store experience with plenty of exciting new features to make home improvement easier than ever. I cannot wait to welcome the local community into the store.” The new store offers a huge range of products for all home improvement needs, as well as: A purpose-built garden centre with a dedicated garden showroom A convenient and expert led tool hire option from Speedy Services, the UK’s leading tool & equipment hire company A brand-new showroom featuring the latest kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms in interactive, inspirational displays A dedicated load and go area for TradePoint customers to support bulk orders and easy access A brand new ‘shop in a shop’ for workwear, a first for B&Q A digital hub to support store to home delivery Services including paint mixing and Click + Collect via diy.com The new store is open 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday 7am-8pm, and on Sunday 11am-4pm. B&Q Lightship Way closed its doors on 21 October. B&Q is continuing to encourage customers to wear face coverings and has maintained social distancing measures to help customers shop safely. For more information, including inspirational ideas and practical advice on home improvement, visit DIY.com
The importance of responsible and sustainable growth took centre stage as the 2021 Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards were held at Knebworth Barns on 21 October. The Flint House development in Watton-at-Stone won Project of the Year – one of four main awards handed out on the night – at an event which celebrates sustainability, innovation and design excellence. An additional prize, the Special Landscape Design Award, was won by Oxhey Activity Park also in the Project of the Year category – this development being for Watford Borough Council. Flint House, which was also rated as Highly Commended in the Most Sustainable Construction category, was in the line-up of 10 nominees at the ceremony across all of the awards, for which Hertfordshire Growth Board was the headline sponsor. These developments included individual houses, public buildings and housing schemes. Led by Hertfordshire County Council, Building Futures is a partnership of nine of the county’s local authorities. There were also awards for Design Excellence and Design Excellence – Housing Development, with all of the finalists making the shortlist as they were considered exceptional buildings and sustainable projects. The awards ceremony was preceded by the inaugural Building Futures Conference, at which Richard Roberts – Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board – was among the speakers, and he said: “I would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists on their achievements. These schemes strongly symbolise and represent our ethos of delivering the high quality and sustainable developments needed for our growing population over the coming years. “In Hertfordshire, we’re showing how important and beneficial a close working relationship with the development and construction industry can be – the creation of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board is testament to that – as we also make sure we put the right infrastructure in place to achieve the cleaner, greener and healthier county that we are striving for.” Full list of awards winners and finalists: Most Sustainable Construction (award sponsored by Green Building Design Consultants) Bayford Grange, Bayford – Winner Flint House, Watton-at-Stone – Highly Commended Osborne Park, Little Heath Design Excellence (award sponsored by BCM B2B Cognitive Marketing agency) Osborne Park, Little Heath – Winner The Drive, Rickmansworth – Highly Commended Flint House, Watton-at-Stone Oxhey Activity Park, Watford The Grove, Chandler’s Cross Design Excellence – Housing Development (award sponsored by BCM B2B Cognitive Marketing agency) Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City – Winner Hemming Way, Watford – Highly Commended for Urban Design Landbeach, Welwyn Garden City Oak Tree Gardens, St Albans Project of the Year (award sponsored by Willmott Dixon) Flint House, Watton-at-Stone – Winner Oxhey Activity Park, Watford – Special Landscape Design Award Osborne Park, Little Heath The Drive, Rickmansworth
TODAY the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s largest membership organisation for private landlords, announces that it has agreed a new commercial partnership with leading online electricals retailer, AO. This new partnership means that AO is now a supplier of a range of Major Domestic Appliances (MDA), including fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and washing machines, to the NRLA’s membership. Following the launch, NRLA members will be able to access this service using a dedicated telephone line which is open during AO’s office opening hours. This service will be offered to NRLA members through a dedicated Account Manager at AO, who will ensure they can access selected appliances for their rental properties at highly competitive, trade member rates. With over 1.5 million square feet of warehousing and completing premier installations across the UK every week, AO can minimise supply chain disruption, by holding over three months’ worth of stock at any time, meaning the products are always available for next day delivery and installation, offering a fantastic service for members. Anthony Sant, MD of AO Business, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the NRLA to our growing B2B partnerships. Our aim with this national partnership is to bring AO’s exceptional customer service to the NRLA’s network, which will also include guaranteed market-leading appliance supply and installation. With over 20 years’ experience as an electricals retailer and strong relationships with global manufacturers, AO Business is able to offer NRLA members a unique, competitive proposition.” Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We are delighted to partner with AO, which will provide our members with a great range of modern domestic appliances at fantastic rates. “NRLA members will benefit from AO’s brilliant customer service as well as their market leading supply and installation – meaning appliances can be sourced and installed quickly, easily and cheaply.