The era of digitalization makes up new rules and promotes new approaches. Speaking about the construction sector, most of the changes have already touched on communication and reporting. Traditional solutions do not solve present-day challenges, so players of the construction market niche implement new technologies to cope with complications when
Many homes within the UK need major structural work carried out on them to make them safe. In a lot of cases, it is actually far better to knock the house down and start again. Not only can the home then benefit from a more modern design structure, but it
NATIONAL residential and commercial developer Godwin Developments today announces that it has submitted outline plans for the creation of up to 50 new family homes on land south of Ashby Road Central, in the Leicestershire town of Shepshed. The proposed scheme, which will be a mixture of house types, is
Works commence at the new £4 million speculative development Knight Property Group has appointed Clark Contracts as the main contractor on the second phase of speculative development at Langlands Commercial Park in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. Works have commenced at the brand new £4 million property, which will comprise a
A retrofit service that helps people in Greater Manchester to eco-refurbish their homes is planning to train 3,500 builders, joiners, electricians and plumbers in green skills over the next five years with money raised via a £550,000 community share offer. The not-for-profit ‘People Powered Retrofit’ service is seeking investment from
Carbon Numbers, a leading Building Management Systems supplier and energy reduction specialist, has been announced as the winner of the Smart Buildings Award at the 2021 BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Awards. The BCIA Awards claims to be ‘the biggest and best awards in the controls and BEMS industry’ and
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was
The construction consultants continue to support ISG on another world-leading project. The 1st phase of the £300m development scheme for University College London (UCL) saw ISG appointed as the main contractor for the circa £150m NEC3 Option A contract. Following an initial review of amendments to the contract, CCCL have been assisting
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH
Building work has begun at Worcester Six Business Park for a new unit for a global supplier of materials testing machines. Leading commercial developer Stoford is bringing forward the bespoke office unit for ZwickRoell, a world-leading supplier of static materials testing machines, which will move its UK headquarters to the
The era of digitalization makes up new rules and promotes new approaches. Speaking about the construction sector, most of the changes have already touched on communication and reporting. Traditional solutions do not solve present-day challenges, so players of the construction market niche implement new technologies to cope with complications when it comes to on-site and off-site works. Among the latest innovations that improve and simplify various processes in the context of the construction site are robotics, advanced building materials, construction bidding software, systems for labor and asset management, etc. One of the most demandable options today is mobile reporting. It is about the evolution of the report-driven procedures through the digitalization of most of them. Let’s take a closer look at mobile reporting and its advantages for the present-day construction sector. Paperwork is Significantly Reduced As reporting requires endless paperwork, this is a real challenge for all the participants of the construction process. Additionally, poorly organized paperwork causes problems with data access. It might happen that the report obtains some mistakes or unfilled lines. The absence of critically important information can become the main reason for other serious problems on the construction site. Today, any papered-based database should be digitized as soon as possible. This way you will avoid: Loss of essential information; Misplaced data in reporting; Mistakes in construction papers. Mobile technology improves not only the quality of the report but simplifies the search of the required papers, some specific information. Additionally, the automated process of data entry in the context of construction reporting saves time significantly. There is no need to spend minutes and hours to write down any details like technical parameters or some characteristics. Note that the special-purpose software with mobile reporting option also allows improved integration with any of the departments. For example, some updates entered into the e-form of the report will be available for accounting specialists with no risk of data loss or inaccuracy. Better Collaborations Become Possible With mobile reporting, representatives of the construction sector can count on the sped-up processes and flexibility. This way it is possible to save time for more projects and build better collaborations at once. For example, the management department gets a helpful tool that provides 24/7 access to the construction workers and other data. If you are interested in a clearer general picture of the performance on the construction site and fast reaction, e-reporting is an excellent solution to take into consideration. Together with high-level and immediate interconnections, you also get an essential tool for dispute solving. Sometimes managers require additional information and explanations from on-site builders. The mobile report will be sent at the request of management staff rather faster than a worker comes to the office. Mobile Reporting Is for Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness All the paper documentation needs to be stored somewhere. Additionally, all the copies done every day are not about eco-friendliness and cost-efficiency. Paper reports can be forgotten, damaged, or stolen. The cloud-based software for mobile reporting is a real thing because all the e-reports are stored in the virtual environment. They can be changed, updated, sent. A sustainable approach because of a paper-free one. Online reporting also saves your working space because folders with documents are replaced into cloud-based ones. This way you can reduce overheads and optimize your document flow together with your workflow. Sometimes the head office should provide some tasks and report-driven recommendations to workers. Mobile reporting improves the productivity of the departments because all the documents are sent and received faster. If you are searching for a more integrated approach for your construction site, take a closer look at modern software and digital options to be implemented like mobile reporting. You can transform not only on-site processes but off-site ones with digital solutions.
Many homes within the UK need major structural work carried out on them to make them safe. In a lot of cases, it is actually far better to knock the house down and start again. Not only can the home then benefit from a more modern design structure, but it will be safe far longer into the future. This is clearly a huge potential revenue stream for construction companies. As well as rebuilding homes for people, in fact, many of these homeowners may be far interested in selling the house as it is to construction firms or any other potential property cash buyers and going elsewhere. This can save them a lot of stress. There is scope here for developers to make a lot of money if they get in on the act. Rebuilding Homes A construction company that takes on the job of rebuilding someone’s home will have many things to consider. First, the home has to be rebuilt according to the specification of the homeowner. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it limits the construction companies ability to create the ideal home as they see fit. But, you will be able to create something that the homeowner loves. Having happy customers is essential in this day and age, as this will mean that you will be provided with excellent feedback and your customer experience rating will go up, causing you to be more competitive. The average income you would receive for a complete rebuild project for the average three-bedroomed house is about £198,000. This is clearly dependant on many factors, including the location of the site. However, if done correctly, rebuilding projects could be a vital part of any construction firm’s revenue stream. Redevelopment of the Site If you purchase the old home, you can clearly make more profit as you could build four flats on the site as opposed to one construction project. You will not be limited to the specification of the homeowner either. In addition, a project like this can help solve the housing crisis which is blighting the country. New houses are desperately needed, and demolition and reconstruction jobs are vital in the battle against this crisis. Brownfield Redevelopment There is huge scope for construction companies to develop on brownfield sites across the UK. In some places, development has begun in earnest on these sites, and in many ways, it is a far superior option to building on the green belt. First of all, you won’t have any green activists fighting against you every step of the way, as who could really argue with a company cleaning previously developed land and making use of it again? Obviously, these projects will be full of their own issues, ensuring that the land is free from toxins being one of them. But these developments again can prove profitable if done correctly and with the right planning. With the rising cost of housing, perhaps this option needs to be reconsidered by construction companies if they had previously ruled it out.
NATIONAL residential and commercial developer Godwin Developments today announces that it has submitted outline plans for the creation of up to 50 new family homes on land south of Ashby Road Central, in the Leicestershire town of Shepshed. The proposed scheme, which will be a mixture of house types, is situated on a vacant site next to the established community on Crowson Close, and is allocated for housing in the emerging Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan. When built, the development will contribute toward the delivery of much needed, good quality family homes in the area, including affordable housing. It will provide parking for residents and cycle storage for every dwelling, as well as private gardens and attractive house frontages. The scheme will feature an extensively landscaped area facing onto Ashby Road Central, giving residents access to shared green space and adding to the appeal of the town. It will use native planting throughout and an attenuation pond to support sustainable drainage, while also retaining existing green boundaries for privacy and the promotion of biodiversity. As a part of the work to increase connections with the town of Shepshed, the proposals will improve footpaths, offering active forms of travel to new residents. The development is advantageously positioned along the main arterial route into Shepshed with a range of amenities – including local primary and secondary schools, shops, recreational facilities, a wide range of other services and local employment nearby. It lies just over half a mile from junction 23 of the M1 motorway and approximately three miles from Loughborough, the principal settlement in the Borough of Charnwood. Residents of the new development will benefit from access to local public transport routes, with bus stops a short distance away offering regular services to Shepshed, Loughborough and Leicester. Historic parks and gardens as well as Charnwood Forest and the National Forest are also within a short drive from the development. Ketan Patel, senior development manager at Godwin Developments, said: “Our proposals for a residential development at Ashby Road Central are a logical extension to the town of Shepshed that needs to build 2,331 new homes by 2037 to satisfy growing demand. This will be a high-quality scheme that we hope will not only meet the expectations of local residents and support the Council’s strategy for sustainable development but will also promote Shepshed further as a desirable place for people of all ages to settle in and become part of the local community.” Nick Harrison, planning director at Godwin Developments, added: “This application delivers on the emerging local plan allocation and successfully mitigates any potential adverse impacts of development consistent with the relevant provisions of the development plan. The planning balance weighs heavily in favour of this sustainable development which will assimilate well with the established neighbourhoods of Shepshed, facilitate the provision of new local infrastructure and support the continued vitality and viability of the town.”
Works commence at the new £4 million speculative development Knight Property Group has appointed Clark Contracts as the main contractor on the second phase of speculative development at Langlands Commercial Park in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. Works have commenced at the brand new £4 million property, which will comprise a flexible 23,980 sq ft high-quality industrial warehouse, with 1,980 sq ft of office space, 10m eaves height, air conditioning to the offices, two electrically operated roller shutter doors and electric car charging points. With a target EPC rating of ‘A’, the main frame of the building is a steel portal frame construction and features high performance wall and roof cladding. There will be 20 car parking spaces, along with an extensive yard extending to 35,585 sq ft. The construction process will take seven months and is due for completion in April 2022. Howard Crawshaw, Managing Director of Knight Property Group said: “It is fantastic to see Clark Contracts start works at this development and we look forward to seeing it all taking shape over the next seven months. This next phase will see an initial site start consisting of excavations and the formation of foundations for the steelwork structure plus commencement of external works for yard and parking. “The continued strength of the industrial and logistics market in the central belt of Scotland and the enquiries thus far, particularly in Lanarkshire gave us confidence to push ahead speculatively with the second phase of this development.” Michael Scanlan, Director of Clark Contracts added: “We have extensive experience of industrial developments and are very excited to be appointed on this contract. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the team from Knight Property Group and delivering a high quality end product.” Langlands Commercial Park is located within the well-established Kelvin South and Langlands industrial areas of East Kilbride, adjacent to Sainsbury’s logistics facility. The site is prominently situated with excellent frontage to the A726 Strathaven Road, linking to the town centre and Hurlawcrook Road and has excellent connectivity to Scotland’s main motorway network serving central Scotland and beyond. Alan Gilkison, Partner at letting agent Ryden said: “Langlands provides an excellent location for businesses involved in the industrial and logistics sector and we anticipate strong interest in this development from a range of occupiers.” Ryden and Gerald Eve are joint agents for Knight Property Group at Langlands Commercial Park. The architect is Space Solutions. Click HERE for further information or visit: https://knightpropertygroup.co.uk/development/langlands-commercial-park-phase-4/
A retrofit service that helps people in Greater Manchester to eco-refurbish their homes is planning to train 3,500 builders, joiners, electricians and plumbers in green skills over the next five years with money raised via a £550,000 community share offer. The not-for-profit ‘People Powered Retrofit’ service is seeking investment from individual investors so it can scale up its specialist eco-renovation training and help the city region hit its 2038 net-zero carbon target. Although there is demand from householders to green their properties, there is a shortage of skilled, local contractors who can deliver the work. People Powered Retrofit is already a member of Mayor Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester Retrofitting Task Force which aims to tackle this problem. In addition to developing new green jobs and skills, People Powered Retrofit plans to use the money raised to make 1,150 homes in the region more energy efficient by 2026, saving 2,700 tonnes of carbon. From as little as £250, anyone can become a part-owner of People Powered Retrofit which already works with hundreds of householders in Greater Manchester, giving them independent advice on finding trusted ‘green’ contractors and choosing the right eco-upgrades: from wall, floor or roof insulation to high performance windows and doors or draught-proofing works. Funds raised through the community share offer will also help the not-for-profit service to recruit extra retrofit advisors, co-ordinators and assessors and reach thousands more householders, supporting them to improve the energy performance of their homes. Jonathan Atkinson, People Powered Retrofit programme manager said: “Our homes are responsible for about 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions but to make properties more energy efficient, at scale, we need thousands more builders, installers and tradespeople with specialist green skills. Money raised through the community share offer will go towards skilling up this ‘green’ workforce.” Floor insulation contractor, Boris Afinogenov said: “The training I got through People Powered Retrofit convinced me to turn my woodwork hobby into work. They gave me access to information and to people connected with floor insulation. I also learnt about whole house insulation. They helped me to realise my ambitions, so I didn’t have to go back to my sales job.” Ethex CEO, Lisa Ashford said: “We’re very pleased to welcome People Powered Retrofit to the Ethex platform. Our investors love to use their money to fund impactful organisations like this to scale and grow, and this organisation is a great example of grassroots action to tackle climate change.” The People Powered Retrofit community share offer is open for investment until 30 November 2021. Investments start at £250 and go up to £55,000. Investments in the share offer target a 5% return. Visit https://www.ethex.org.uk/invest/people-powered-retrofit for more details. Investors should read the Community Share Offer document carefully, including the Terms and Conditions section, before making a decision to invest.
Carbon Numbers, a leading Building Management Systems supplier and energy reduction specialist, has been announced as the winner of the Smart Buildings Award at the 2021 BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Awards. The BCIA Awards claims to be ‘the biggest and best awards in the controls and BEMS industry’ and aims to recognise ‘innovation, product development, project delivery and great training’ in the sector. The Smart Buildings Award is awarded to ‘a manufacturer, installer or team in recognition of a project which demonstrates how smart technology has been used to enhance the user experience in a building or building complex.’ Carbon Numbers was announced as the winner for its work on the iconic Blizard Building at Queen Mary’s University London, a BEMs lighting and controls installation project that has delivered £135,438 in energy savings. Other finalists included Aberdeen Standard investments, Ecopilot in partnership with E.ON Control Solutions, amBX UK, Kelvin Control Engineers Ltd., and Econowise Drives and Controls. Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Carbon Numbers Caroline Fright, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be announced as the winner of the BCIA Smart Buildings Award. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone associated with Carbon Numbers, not just on the Blizard Building project, but every project and client we work with. “The timing is perfect too as we celebrate Carbon Number’s ninth birthday this month. Since founding the company with my husband Neil in 2012, we have been on quite a journey to becoming the established, trusted brand that we are today. I would like to thank the BCIA for its recognition of our work; this award is for everyone that has helped us get to where we are today.” Founded in 2012, Carbon Numbers has offices based in Essex, London, Preston, and Aberdeen. The company offers clients an end-to-end solution in energy, BMS, lighting and metering services, helping a portfolio of high-profile clients including sports brands, educational facilities, car dealerships and legal firms achieve its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To find out more about Carbon Numbers, visit: https://carbonnumbers.co.uk/ To find out more about the BCIA, visit: https://bcia.co.uk/
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was described as a “giant of the UK flooring industry”. An audience of top industry executives heard that Peter had “ensured his company has survived the pandemic and thrived as well. He supports charities and he supports his own employees with mental health programmes during and after the pandemic. He is, everyone would recognise, a very decent man.” After first starting the business from his garage at home, Designer Contracts became an independent company 17 years ago and now employs more than 350 staff across 15 regions with an annual turnover in excess of £40m. Peter himself has some 45 years’ experience in the floorcoverings industry. The early part of his career was in multiple furnishing retailing, from store management to marketing director. In 1992 he started a contracts division for an international retail group. In 2004 the retail group went into administration and Peter bought the flooring division which had built into a £10m business. Designer Contracts has since quadrupled in size. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division. It works with all the UK’s key new homes developers as well as supplying the social housing and care home sectors, educational establishments and public sector buildings. A personal commitment to sustainability has seen the company named ‘Take Back Partner of the Year’ four times in the Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) annual awards. And Peter’s many charitable contributions – particularly to Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and the national children’s help line, ChildLine – have cemented his reputation as a philanthropic entrepreneur. Said Peter: “The award came as a total surprise – it was a secret that I simply wasn’t in on when I was asked by colleagues to attend the event! I’m incredibly proud of what the company has achieved but without the fantastic team that is Designer Contracts, we wouldn’t be where we are today – it really has been down to the hard work and dedication of a lot of people over many years.”
The construction consultants continue to support ISG on another world-leading project. The 1st phase of the £300m development scheme for University College London (UCL) saw ISG appointed as the main contractor for the circa £150m NEC3 Option A contract. Following an initial review of amendments to the contract, CCCL have been assisting ISG with various pre-construction services. A scheme for global change The new addition to the University will serve as a hub for the UK Dementia Research Institute, the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. As the new home for these 3 world-leading organisations, it will help tackle global challenges for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and vascular dementia, making it the leading translational neurology research centre in the world. From the first win, to the last touchpoint Being one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the use of NEC Contracts, Ctori Construction Consultants worked with ISG, initially providing support throughout the bidding cycle. The Ctori team has since been working closely with ISG on their contract with UCL, providing strategy and contract administration advice, as well as assisting in the procurement of the 40 plus sub-contracts for the development. Training the team A comprehensive NEC training programme has also been designed by CCCL for the wider project team at UCL. The bespoke training sessions have been providing the team with insight into the operation of the NEC contract across key elements of the form. Peter Ctori, commercial director at CCCL, said: “We have worked closely with ISG since their first NEC project at St Pancras Station in 2007. We are delighted to continue our assistance on yet another prestigious project for them.” With works having begun in 2020, the project is due for completion in Q2 2024 and to be followed by migration and occupation later in the year. The scheme is part of a £1.25bn, 10-year-long investment programme called ‘Transforming UCL’ which is set to upgrade the university’s estates and support its continuing growth.
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH Star’s first lease with GLP in the UK having previously leased space with the company in Spain. G-Park Bedford Wixams is being developed on a speculative basis by GLP and comprises three buildings of 125,000 sq ft., 160,000 sq ft. and 250,000 sq ft. It is the largest single development in Bedfordshire and is an ideal location for logistics with easy access to both the M1 and A1. MH Star UK, a London-based ecommerce company specialising in the home, outdoors and beyond, have been building their brand reputation since 2010; in particular seeing a significant uptake in customer demand since the beginning of last year. The new development will assist with the company’s continued progress, supporting them at this key moment in ecommerce where both customer and key chain demand increases at an exceedingly fast-paced rate. MH Star UK has experienced rapid growth over the last year, accelerated by the consumer shift to e-commerce following the Covid-19 pandemic. The development was undertaken in response to unprecedented demand stemming from the continued growth of ecommerce and a need for increased supply chain resilience. The construction of G-Park Bedford Wixams forms part of GLP’s ongoing expansion plan across the UK and Europe. In the UK, GLP recently announced the development of a further 2.3 million sq ft of space across a range of sites in addition to the 1 million sq ft of space announced in January. As with all GLP developments, industry-leading sustainability features are delivered as standard including 12% less embodied carbon than industry standard and 15% less operational carbon in day-to-day operations. The buildings have been developed to a BREEAM Excellent rating and are WELL ready. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP said: “This year is one of the busiest that GLP has had in its history. Over the course of this year, GLP will be on site developing over 3 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across the UK. This landmark letting of all three buildings at G-Park Bedford Wixams, ahead of practical completion, speaks to the continued strength of the logistics real estate market and the quality of the space that GLP produces. Our focus remains to deliver on our ambitious development programme to continue to support customers like MH star. We look forward to working with them as they occupy these three exceptional-quality buildings.” Arvind Panchmatia, General Manager, MH Star added: “As more consumers adapt their spending habits and shift to e-commerce, it has been increasingly important for us to source high-quality warehousing solutions so that we can effectively respond to ever-increasing demand. G-Park Wixams delivered on every aspect, from modern, flexible office spaces to renewable energy provisions and welfare facilities for employees. “It has been a pleasure working with GLP, and we are delighted to be leasing all the units at the scheme. This new site will put us in a strong position to drive forward MH Star UK’s expansion as the business continues to grow and evolve.” Knight Frank acted for MH Star whilst Cushman & Wakefield, Savills, Brown & Lee acted for GLP.
Building work has begun at Worcester Six Business Park for a new unit for a global supplier of materials testing machines. Leading commercial developer Stoford is bringing forward the bespoke office unit for ZwickRoell, a world-leading supplier of static materials testing machines, which will move its UK headquarters to the business park from Leominster, Herefordshire. Stoford has appointed Benniman to complete the build of a 19,849 sq ft office, from where ZwickRoell will base its office functions. Work is expected to be completed in Q3 2022. The manufacturer plans to build a 10,000 sq ft assembly unit at a later date, after which it hopes to provide further opportunities to create jobs and expand as a business. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said: “It’s always an exciting time when we begin construction works and it’s especially gratifying that it is for yet another globally renowned, high-tech business, which sees its future at Worcester Six. “Since we launched the business park in 2017, it has established itself as a first-class location for ambitious companies that recognise its strengths – not just quality units, but also its strategic location, excellent transport links and environmental infrastructure.” Benno Sadowski, Managing Director for ZwickRoell, said: “We are very happy moving to Worcester Six Business Park, with its excellent strategic location in the UK. Our customers are facing new challenges globally and locally every day, developing and improving all kinds of materials for the future requirements. “With our experience of more than 160 years in the material testing business, we offer our support and solutions at our new Customer Experience Centre here at Worcester Six Business Park. I’m looking forward to having many interesting discussions with our customers and working together on solutions to making this place a better world, step by step.” Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills said “It’s fantastic news that yet another leading business in their field, ZwickRoell has chosen Worcestershire, as the place to expand its facilities in the UK. This potential development would see a new headquarter and customer experience centre to Worcester Six Business Park. A global leader in materials testing, ZwickRoell is a real success story.” Shawn Riley, Head of Economic Development at Wychavon District Council, added: “ZwickRoell’s relocation to Worcester Six is another great example of an international company offering first class products and good quality employment choosing Wychavon for its UK base. We welcome and value this investment and look forward to a long and productive relationship with them. “As a result of ZwickRoell’s investments, the new state-of-the-art office building has an additional 8,000 sq ft capacity to accommodate other businesses seeking new office accommodation in a first-class location. Interested businesses can contact Wychavon District Council for information on this excellent opportunity.” In the past three years, Stoford has announced the arrival of Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS at Worcester Six. Once fully developed, Worcester Six, which is located just off junction six of the M5, will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation. For more details about Worcester Six, visit www.worcester6.co.uk. Photograph (left to right): Stephen Butterworth, inward investment manager, Worcestershire County Council; Shawn Riley, head of economic development, Wychavon District Council; Edward Peel, Stoford; Benno Sadowski, managing director, ZwickRoell; Bev Smith, director at ZwickRoell.