While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges for many industries, it is also true that there has never been a higher demand for construction. New developments, properties, and commercial buildings are being scheduled for creation constantly, meaning that the construction industry needs an influx of skilled workers. The fact is
Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart
Following the introduction of the whole life cycle carbon (WLC) assessment in the new London Plan, UK-based energy and sustainability expert Sustain Quality is urging construction firms to closely consider the growing importance of life cycle assessment (LCA) across the wider construction industry. The new London Plan, the spatial development
Up to 40,000 new homes a year should be custom or self-built according to a government-commissioned review released on August 21st. MP Richard Bacon’s House: How putting customers in charge can change everything offers a route map on how the UK can increase the 13,000 new homes a year built
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are
On October 21 2021, Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, will be hosting a free-of-charge virtual event for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts. FINROCK21 will be a live, interactive virtual exhibition open to both existing customers and people that are new to Finning and
Upon completing his second-year NVQ Diploma in Carpentry at Leeds College of Building, 22-year-old Ronan Richardson from Rothwell in Leeds, has opted to pursue an additional year of studying his craft with Harron Homes and Leeds College of Building. After enjoying the practical subjects at school and college such as
Omega PLC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Batchelor as Head of Major Projects from 16th August 2021. Paul brings to Omega over 10 years of kitchen industry and main contractor experience in the contracts sector having worked with Moores Furniture Group, Lendlease and LOCOG who prepared the
As the hotel sector thrives amid the UK ‘staycation’ boom, a report has revealed opportunities for hotel design to include further wellbeing and comfort measures to meet changing expectations from prospective guests. This comes as research from a survey of 130 M&E contractors and architects working in hotel construction revealed
Record swathes of London home buyers are fleeing for the suburbs, even as the capital reopens and attempts to shrug off the pandemic. The city’s residents snapped up more than 60,000 homes elsewhere in the U.K. in the first six months of this year, according to Hamptons, the most since
While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused challenges for many industries, it is also true that there has never been a higher demand for construction. New developments, properties, and commercial buildings are being scheduled for creation constantly, meaning that the construction industry needs an influx of skilled workers. The fact is that many roles in construction are in huge demand. Some of this is down to a lack of qualified professionals, while for others it may simply be that the workforce generally is unaware of the need for more staff taking on these roles. Here we take a look at six construction careers that are in high demand. 1. Plumbers All buildings need plumbing systems and getting this work carried out effectively is a hugely important aspect of a successful construction. The average wage for a plumber in the UK is over £35,000 – well above the national average. And those who get a reputation for skilled work during construction projects can command far more. Of course it is important to note that you will need the right qualifications and experience. Indeed, many plumbers tend to prefer work in residential properties so this role might not be perfect for you, even if you are a fully qualified plumber. 2. Electricians Like plumbers, electricians are generally in high demand, so perhaps it is not a surprise that more are needed for construction projects too. Once again, becoming an electrician takes a great deal of training as well as working experience – understandably, there are also a large number of potential career paths for electricians. So many systems across a building rely on electricity that this is an absolutely enormous job and one that it is necessary to get exactly right. Due to this responsibility, electricians on construction sites demand high salaries. 3. HGV drivers It is worth remembering that not all construction careers mean that you have to work at a construction site. A great deal of key work relating to construction projects actually happens well away from the sites, while others like HGV drivers only spend a short amount of time there. Effective and efficient logistics are essential, and there have been falling numbers of skilled and qualified drivers. Recent years have seen a renewed focus on training HGV drivers taking into account the changing needs of the industry and the opportunities surrounding working with the construction sector. It is hoped that this will start to bring in those with the required skills and moving good to and from sites efficiently and effectively is a huge hurden on sites. 4. Construction managers Another great example of those who may not spend all of their time at a construction site, but play an absolutely vital role is that of construction project managers. Great project managers are needed for a huge range of responsibilities in the smooth running of a project, and experienced, skilled managers are in high demand. The skills required of construction managers are actually transferable from a range of other industries, which could indicate the demand could potentially be filled by those looking for a change of scenery. The work typically involves everything from the hiring of workers and securing of permits to resolving site issues and tracking productivity. 5. Carpenters Carpenters are essential workers on construction projects. Responsible for creating the frame work for much of the building they take a role in the construction of the most crucial elements of building infrastructure: floors, ceilings, windows, doors and more. Carpenters on construction sites need to have the ability to work closely with other members of the team when bringing the project together. Experienced and skilled carpenters earn well too with a possible salary of around £40,000 at the top end of the profession. 6. Civil engineers Sometimes overlooked for their importance in a construction project, civil engineers are tasked with some of the most laborious and challenging jobs on the site. Civil engineers are qualified professionals who take on the projects relating to civil works around the site – this might involve alterations to roads, bridges and anything else used by the general public. Final thoughts A number of roles across the construction sector need more professionals to fill vacancies. With changes to the employment market due to the pandemic it may be the case that many workers who didn’t realise that they could be a part of the industry could find their dream job.
Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart at 17-storeys high, is the final phase of developer MRP’s Bedford Square development, constructed by Design & Build Construction Partner McAleer & Rushe, which includes the Invest NI Headquarters. A £85m 210,000 sq. ft Grade A listed office project, The Ewart is set to accommodate 2,500 people when fully occupied. Construction began in January 2019 with 300 jobs created throughout the construction phase of The Ewart building. MRP are long term investors in the City and have completed a number of other large developments including the nearby Maldron Hotel and Queen’s University’s’ student accommodation Elms BT1 and Elms BT2, all constructed by McAleer & Rushe. While the original sandstone warehouse dates back to 1870, a two-storey link extension will connect to a new modern office tower creating highly efficient and flexible floorspace. The panoramic glazing offers spectacular views across the City and there is also an extensive landscaped plaza area to enrich the environment adjacent the double height reception entrance. The building will have a BREEAM Excellent rating and a Wired Score Platinum Certification making it one of the most environmentally friendly and digitally connected offices in the City. Set in the heart of the central business district, The Ewart is only a short walk from City Hall, main transport hubs, shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. The finished offices will be part occupied by Deloitte NI with a further 124,000 sq ft for tenants seeking high quality workspace in the prime office core of the City. Stephen Surphlis, Managing Director at MRP said: “Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the team and our project partners have worked to deliver a landmark development creating one of the most sophisticated and desirable office spaces in the City. The contemporary building will offer a flexible, dynamic and sustainable working environment and with many businesses currently reviewing their return-to-work strategies, we have begun to see an increase in the number of tenant enquiries over the last few months. “As Belfast continues to recover from the pandemic, we are confident that this very significant and important commercial project in the heart of the city will further support its regeneration, delivering a modern working environment for Northern Ireland’s workforce of the future.” Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said, “The Ewart is a vital part of Belfast’s historic Linen Quarter and we are proud to be restoring and conserving the building respectively and sustainably to bring it back to its former glory and once completed, the new build section to the rear will be the tallest commercial office project in Belfast city centre. We are thrilled to be a part of this significant development for the city and to have remained on programme following the difficulties of the past 18 months is a huge testament to the monumental efforts of all the teams, consultants and supply chain involved.” Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl spoke about the city centre development and said: “The city centre of Belfast is one of the most important places in Northern Ireland. A city centre which is attractive, safe, with high levels of employment and investment can provide the basis for a prosperous and successful city and surrounding region. The Bedford Square Development Project will contribute to the success of Belfast as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The dynamic, sophisticated and modern office building will inject a new lease of life into the city centre, aid recovery and in turn create jobs and prompt further investment and long-term economic growth. Our city centre vision- The Belfast Agenda outlines that we work every day to make Belfast the city of choice for investment opportunities and I am delighted that this project will deliver a world-class working environment for future generations.” Robert Ditty, Executive Director at CBRE NI, letting agent on the scheme said: “Belfast Offices has built a strong reputation for being a market leader in a number of sectors to include cybersecurity, fintech, professional Services and creative industries. The City also continues to benefit from having one of the lowest operational and occupational cost bases when benchmarked against other regional cities. The Ewart will offer some of the best quality office space in Belfast City Centre and this factor coupled with all the environmental, health and wellbeing credentials sought by new office occupiers makes the building a compelling proposition for tenants”
Following the introduction of the whole life cycle carbon (WLC) assessment in the new London Plan, UK-based energy and sustainability expert Sustain Quality is urging construction firms to closely consider the growing importance of life cycle assessment (LCA) across the wider construction industry. The new London Plan, the spatial development strategy for the capital, was rolled out across Greater London and the 32 London boroughs on 2nd March 2021. One of the most notable aspects within the strategy was the introduction of WLC assessments as a requirement for meeting building regulations. This has sparked a renewed focus on LCA in construction. LCA is considered to be a best practice approach for assessing energy requirements and the environmental impact of a new structure across all stages of the building’s life. It aims to help architects and developers to better optimise design and construction for improved efficiency and sustainability. LCA typically takes into account aspects including the potential for global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, and eutrophication, as well as tropospheric ozone formation, and depletion of non-renewable sources. The new London Plan has been launched to directly aid the Government’s mission to achieve its net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050. According to the Climate Change Committee, in order to have a chance of meeting this goal, UK emissions must fall 63% by 2035 from 2019 figures. Thiago Vieira Haberli MIEMA CEnv, Sustain Quality Managing Director said, “Not only do all developments pose carbon emissions and energy and sustainability challenges, but they do so across every stage of the life cycle, from product and construction stages to use and demolition. LCA considers the risks at every stage of a building’s life, and our mission at Sustain Quality is to develop strategic solutions to these challenges that help to transform the existing construction industry into a more sustainable, more responsible sector. It is becoming increasingly clear that construction must be a firm focal point as the UK edges closer towards its sustainability goal. According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment is currently responsible for 40% of the country’s total carbon footprint, with building energy usage contributing around 50% to that figure. While the majority comes from existing structures, it is estimated that new construction has added 48 MTCO2e. The experts at Sustain Quality believe that sustainability must be incorporated into the initial stages of the design processes, especially as early stakeholders such as designers and investors have the potential to play such a significant role in shaping the construction and usage of a building. It’s a cycle. This is a running theme throughout the LCA story, with decisions made at the resource stage affecting end of life impact, and decisions made at the construction stage helping to optimise energy efficiency during the usage stage. Construction is very much a never ending cycle of interconnected elements which all need to be considered holistically to drive change. Sustainability consultancy is anticipated to become a strategic necessity in the new normal as London firms strive to meet the update regulations, and as regional and international organisations take measures to prepare for the expected expansion of LCA requirements across further cities in the future. To find out more about Sustain Quality, visit www.sustainquality.co.uk or www.sustainquality.pt
Up to 40,000 new homes a year should be custom or self-built according to a government-commissioned review released on August 21st. MP Richard Bacon’s House: How putting customers in charge can change everything offers a route map on how the UK can increase the 13,000 new homes a year built this way to three times this figure. Prime minister Boris Johnson, who commissioned the analysis, said: “Self-build and custom housebuilding can play a crucial role in increasing choice for consumers and ensuring people can live in the homes that they want, and that are designed to meet their needs.” House recommends setting up a new custom and self-build housing delivery unit to support the creation of serviced plots on small and large sites and delivery at scale. It’s proposing making the planning process easier for custom and self-build developers by maximising opportunities for permissioned land across all tenures. The Federation of Master Builders chief executive Brian Berry said access to viable small plots was one of the biggest constraints his members faced. “I welcome the review’s focus on the supply of land and hope the government will recognise the support that local authorities need to help more SMEs to build.” The review recommends promoting custom and self-build pilot schemes with a show park to raise awareness and develop understanding among potential customers. National Custom and Self Build Association, NaCSBA, chief executive Andrew Baddeley-Chappell said: “We must also open the eyes of the public to the possibilities that are out there. Both these aspects require the leadership of the government to address the failures in our current market.” Mr Bacon has said that embarking on a custom or self-build house should be no more difficult than ordering a new car. “In practice, most customers have very little say. Indeed, for the very item on which customers spend the largest proportion of their incomes – their homes – they hold the least consumer power,” he said. “There is a solution. It involves creating the conditions in which customers are treated as if they matter the most, rather than – for the most part – scarcely mattering at all. And this is what happens when people themselves commission the houses they would like to see.” The review recommends “re-igniting” the community housing fund to provide homes at affordable local income levels. The government hopes its £150m funded equity loan scheme allowing people who want to design and build their own homes to borrow with lower deposits will be a game-changer. The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government and Homes England will be looking at the review over the next few months to see how the recommendations can be put into practice. Self-commissioned housing is more common overseas often accounting for a third of the total housing supply and in Germany, more than half of all new houses are delivered this way. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said property finance lenders were keen to offering construction loans to SMEs operating in this sector.
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are still a key focus. Mental health in particular is absent from risk assessments and H&S forms. Chris Monk, managing director of The Input Group, considers how the industry can continue to work towards the highest standards of health and safety, in all senses. “From the pyramids to Boris Johnson’s commitment to ‘build, build, build’, construction has always been seen as a marker of progress, socially and economically. However, despite its obvious importance, working in construction runs the highest risk of any industry in the UK. A study by GoCompare Life found that construction accounts for 17% of workplace fatalities and separate research indicated that construction workers have some of the worst mental health in the country. “From a physical safety perfective, working with heavy machinery, potentially dangerous materials, and often at great heights will obviously come with risks – which is why we need stringent safety measures and a zero-tolerance approach to accidents and injuries. As an industry, we cannot accept anything less than watertight health and safety policies, with staff and public wellbeing woven through every decision. “While Network Rail’s LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) target sits at 0.0139 per 100,000 hours worked, we strongly believe in always striving for zero injuries, a zero LTIFR, and a zero AFR (Accident Frequency Rate). At The Input Group, we’ve developed our own CONCEPTZERO policy, which underpins everything we do and ensures we do all we can to avoid injuries and accidents. We’re passionate about paving the way for CONCEPTZERO to be the industry standard. “In turn, the reduction of physical health risks will help to alleviate the stress of working in a dangerous environment. This will inevitably improve employee wellbeing as mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand to increase all round job satisfaction. “Health and safety goes beyond risk assessments, high-vis jackets, and hard hats, but instead should be intrinsic to every project and process. Quality control must apply to everyone involved, from contractors to cleaners, and be integrated into the supply chain. From clear working areas and tidy walkways to meticulous signage and well-planned working sites, it’s crucial to reflect health and safety in everything you do to ensure zero accidents and injuries. “Through dedicated health and safety executives and the employment of management software like ProCore, a stricter approach to health and safety can and should be employed industry-wide to improve the wellbeing of everyone involved in a construction project. “Physical health and safety is, of course, only one side of the coin and mental health should always be a top priority for construction firms. The Chartered Institute of Building found that 70% of construction workers surveyed in 2019 had experienced feelings of depression and 87% had experienced anxiety. “The ideal situation would be to see dedicated mental health first aiders and comprehensive support systems as common practice in all companies. Nonetheless, positive steps towards improving mental health across the sector are already being made. “The Stop. Make a Change campaign combines a celebration of World Mental Health Day and the European Week for Safety and Health to focus on the health and wellbeing of construction professionals to build a healthier, safer industry. This year’s campaign focuses particularly on respiratory health, people / plant interface and workplace stress, as well as cancer, as key areas of concern for construction workers. “These kinds of initiatives are the type of proactive action we’re thrilled to see in the construction sector and no matter which area of the industry, we’re excited to see health and safety become an intrinsic focus.” To find out more about The Input Group, please visit www.inputgroup.co.uk or contact marketing@inputgroup.co.uk.
On October 21 2021, Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, will be hosting a free-of-charge virtual event for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts. FINROCK21 will be a live, interactive virtual exhibition open to both existing customers and people that are new to Finning and Caterpillar®, giving them exclusive access to networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and more. Located on the fictional Finning Island, visitors of FINROCK21 will be greeted with a virtual lobby where they can choose from a series of zones, each offering something unique. These include an equipment showroom, where attendees can get hands-on experience with different machinery and get a feel for how technologies can benefit their sites and businesses. Visitors can also consult Finning experts for machine, business and financial advice, ensuring that they have everything they need to get their projects on track. FINROCK21 will include a series of technology demonstrations throughout the day, as well as panel discussions on topics ranging from engine rebuilds to machine productivity. The Tech and Innovation zone will also include sneak peeks of products that Finning and Caterpillar are still developing. “By launching FINROCK21, we are breaking the mould and offering a brand-new interactive experience for operators, engineers and other heavy equipment enthusiasts who have been unable to attend events over the last 18 months,” explained Peter Seaman, Customer Experience and Marketing Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The new expo promises to be a memorable one, where we can meet attendees virtually, introduce them to new equipment and technology and inspire them in a way that we haven’t been able to over the last few months. “We will also be offering behind the scenes tours of our operations and regional sites, giving visitors an exclusive insight into how we operate as a business. Alongside the virtual expo, we will be broadcasting FINROCK TV live from our very own studio, with a range of presentations and entertainment throughout the day — another new step for us.” As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees. They can also benefit from a range of special “show only” deals and offers, including competitions with prizes such as a VIP trip to Malaga for two. Want to register your place at FINROCK21? Sign up for free here https://finrock.cventevents.com/event/39ada080-9e6d-42ab-b4df-fb45eca51965/summary
Upon completing his second-year NVQ Diploma in Carpentry at Leeds College of Building, 22-year-old Ronan Richardson from Rothwell in Leeds, has opted to pursue an additional year of studying his craft with Harron Homes and Leeds College of Building. After enjoying the practical subjects at school and college such as woodwork and benchwork, Ronan decided he wanted to pursue a career in housebuilding and joinery, and knew he wanted to get stuck into a role on site. The NVQ Diploma which Ronan has just completed involved one day at college, or learning from home, with the rest of the week spent working on site at Harron’s York Vale Gardens development. “After studying for three years full-time at college, I knew I wanted to be out on site and be a part of a team” said Ronan. “I initially really struggled to find somewhere that would be willing to take me on after having limited practical experience, so for Harron to take me on as an apprentice was amazing.” “I’ve really enjoyed the practical side to my course” Ronan said. “To be able to learn in a real-life environment and to work for and make a contribution with a respected housebuilder like Harron Homes has been a highlight.” Ronan has big hopes for his future and is hoping to move into the management side of things in the future: “I want to continue my apprenticeship to broaden my knowledge and skillset. A Level 3 qualification will hopefully lead to more opportunities in the future, and I’m so pleased that Harron is supporting my journey.” Tony Lee, Managing Director at Harron Homes Yorkshire said: “At Harron we are always looking at ways we can develop our team and provide opportunities, whether through apprenticeships or additional qualifications. I am thrilled that Ronan has decided to gain further experience whilst working on our developments.” For more information about Harron Homes and career opportunities, please visit https://www.harronhomes.com/careers/.
Omega PLC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Batchelor as Head of Major Projects from 16th August 2021. Paul brings to Omega over 10 years of kitchen industry and main contractor experience in the contracts sector having worked with Moores Furniture Group, Lendlease and LOCOG who prepared the Olympic Stadium for London 2012. In his new role at Omega Paul will lead the effective delivery of major projects across the UK, ensuring a first-class service to Omega’s customer base. As well as strengthening the team, Omega invested to double its stock holding and increase its warehouse and production capacity to support its ambitious growth plans. Paul said of his appointment; ‘I am delighted to be joining Omega at this exciting time and (I) am looking forward to working with the team and our clients to deliver Major Projects in accordance with Omega’s industry leading standards of safety and service.’ Katy Snow, National Head of Contract Operations at Omega said of Paul’s appointment; ‘We’re excited to welcome Paul to the Omega family at such an important time for the company. I’m certain his experience in the contracts industry will deliver our plans to increase major projects for 2021 and into the future.’
As the hotel sector thrives amid the UK ‘staycation’ boom, a report has revealed opportunities for hotel design to include further wellbeing and comfort measures to meet changing expectations from prospective guests. This comes as research from a survey of 130 M&E contractors and architects working in hotel construction revealed that over half (52%) of respondents believe wellbeing is ‘value engineered’ out of projects later on in the build. As research suggests occupant wellbeing may have to be compromised for cost saving during the project, Designing Healthy Hotels, the latest report from REHAU, has been released to demonstrate the role of designing guest wellbeing and comfort in attracting more custom. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical – Building Solutions at REHAU, explains: “Guest expectations of comfort, silence and premium finish arguably exceed that of their own home, so pressure falls on consultants and contractors to deliver building services meeting these requirements. Juggling the competing design priorities to deliver suitable hotels is a challenge that we aim to unpack with this report, while demonstrating the opportunities that healthy design can provide during the hospitality recovery.” With around 700 hotel projects currently in planning and bookings being up 300% this summer compared with 2019, it is clear there is high demand from consumers in the UK for hotels. However, according to hotel technology provider Avvio, inner city hotel books are down 30-40%, underlining the gaps where hospitality recovery in urban areas is still in progress. Therefore, attracting guests with high quality design represents an opportunity for professionals in the sector to harness this boom as tourism returns to cities. “Hotels being soundproofed and sealed to drown out the city noise while increasing energy efficiency makes acoustic performance of building services more of a priority than ever,” says Steve. “Hotel rooms being so close together in this environment means there is more potential for noise to travel and disturb guests, particularly from running water and flushing toilets. “Increasingly eco-conscious guests expect hotels to become more sustainable in line with society’s shifting attitudes on environmental issues, while tech-savvy customers will come to expect the latest smart technology for controlling temperature in their rooms. Hotel guests will also not appreciate the sound of running water, lack of adequate temperature control ability nor the lack of action when it comes to improving sustainability. With the risk of negative reviews worsening the already precarious situation hotels find themselves in, consultants and contractors could support in the delivery of positive guest experience right from the design stage. “To help hotels contractors and consultants meet these design challenges, our guide outlines potential solutions for new build and renovations hotel developments in all applications. As a supplier to many sectors, it is our responsibility to make sure we understand pain points in each one and demonstrate ways in which we can support construction professionals to overcome them.” For more information on designing wellbeing into hotels and to download the report, Designing Healthy Hotels, visit: www.rehau.uk/designinghealthy
Record swathes of London home buyers are fleeing for the suburbs, even as the capital reopens and attempts to shrug off the pandemic. The city’s residents snapped up more than 60,000 homes elsewhere in the U.K. in the first six months of this year, according to Hamptons, the most since the broker started tracking the data 15 years ago. Deals by Londoners accounted for 8.6% of all purchases outside the capital, even higher than the share last year when the Covid-driven wave of outward migration began. City dwellers’ small and expensive homes became less appealing last year as governments enforced lockdowns. Coupled with what looks increasingly likely to be a long-term shift to more flexible working, that’s seen many home owners leaving town for bigger and greener homes in the suburbs. “Pandemic-fueled city outmigration shows no sign of slowing,” said Hamptons Head of Research Aneisha Beveridge. “Despite lockdowns easing and offices and restaurants reopening, Londoners have continued to reevaluate where they want to live, with many bringing future-planned moves forward.” The average distance from London of homes bought by former residents was 34.6 miles (55.7 kilometers), also the longest since Hamptons’ records began. Top destinations include Tandridge in Surrey to the city’s south and the Three Rivers and Hertsmere districts in Hertfordshire on the northern border.